Chapter 7: A Rosy Life Walking with You

As August ended and September began, the heat showed no signs of waning, and the harsh late summer weather continued.

Since Ichika returned home, Nanase seemed a bit lonely. The other day, she said, “I ended up making dinner for Ichika-chan too…” and brought over mapo eggplant with a forlorn look.

However, they seemed to be in touch regularly, as she would tell me updates about Ichika that I wasn’t aware of, like, “She managed to finish her homework,” or “She went shopping with Mom.” Right now, Nanase probably knows more about my family’s current situation than I do.

In mid-September, with two weeks left of summer vacation, the first semester grades were announced.

Holding my smartphone tightly, I opened the WEB page, praying. Seeing the results, I couldn’t help but make a small fist pump.

Thanks to my hard work, I got results I was quite satisfied with. For once, I felt like patting myself on the back. Feeling elated, I stretched and stood tall.

…I wonder how Nanase did…

Before the first semester exams, she seemed out of sorts. She quickly bounced back and seemed to study desperately, but did she manage to catch up?

Feeling curious, I headed to Nanase’s room. Her face was bright when she answered the intercom.

“Oh, Souhei-kun. Did you check your grades?”

Before I could say anything, Nanase asked me. I nodded.

“Let’s show our screens on the count of three?”

I agreed to Nanase’s suggestion. We both counted, “One, two, three,” and showed each other our screens. Seeing her results, my jaw dropped.

“…Y-You got the highest marks in everything.”

Nanase grinned and flashed a peace sign. While I was relieved she didn’t lose any grades, I couldn’t hide a bit of frustration.

I thought I did pretty well this time, but I couldn’t beat Nanase. Though I knew it wasn’t about winning or losing.

…I need to work even harder…

Next time, I don’t want to lose to her. I want to stand confidently beside her. If I’m not worthy of Nanase now, I’ll just have to work harder. Because no matter what, I need Nanase.

Unaware of my resolve, Nanase smiled and said,

“By the way, Souhei-kun, you’re giving another seminar presentation at the cultural festival, right?”

“…Oh, yeah.”

After much consideration, I decided to do the presentation again. This time, I plan to prepare thoroughly and redeem myself.

“I’m tired of running away, thinking I’m not suited for it.”

Hearing my words, Nanase squinted as if dazzled.

“That’s amazing. I’m cheering for you.”

…You’re much more amazing than I am.

I thought that but couldn’t say it out loud.

◇◇◇

After chatting for a bit, Souhei-kun returned to his room. Left alone, I sat down in front of the makeup box on the table.

…Souhei-kun is amazing.

Balancing work and studying for certification exams, he still managed to get such great grades. He must have put in a lot of effort. Though he seemed a bit frustrated, I think he did an excellent job.

About the seminar presentation too. Souhei-kun is making positive efforts and constantly trying to improve. His determination is dazzling to me.

…While Souhei-kun is working so hard… is it okay for me to stay the same?

The forgotten anxiety about my future slowly crept back.

I’m not sure what I want to become. Living every day without any clear goals… can it really be called a rosy life?

I opened the large makeup box in front of me. Inside were two of my treasured lipsticks.

One was from Souhei-kun. The other… was from my cousin.

Though it’s almost used up, I still wear it for special occasions. This precious item pushed me forward.

──To me, you’re the same. Beautiful, kind, a wonderful big sister.

Recalling Ichika-chan’s words warmed my heart. She melted my firmly held belief that I couldn’t be like my cousin.

…Is it okay for me to want to be like her?

I took out my phone and made a call. After a few rings, a gentle voice answered, “Haruko, what’s up?”

“Oh, sis? Um… can I come see you?”

◇◇◇

A few days after the first semester grades were announced, I received a sudden LINE message from Hojo.

[Sagara, your birthday is soon, right? Let me treat you to dinner.]

Indeed, my birthday is a week away, on September 20th. It probably reached Hojo through Sudo via Nanase. With Hojo offering to treat me, there was no reason to refuse. Tempted by the free meal, I headed to a pub near Saiin Station.

Taking the elevator to the sixth floor of a multi-tenant building, I entered the yakitori restaurant. I was slightly taken aback by the loud “Welcome!” greeting. I hardly ever attend drinking parties, so I’m not used to places like this.

“Oh, Sagara. Over here.”

Hojo was seated at a table near the entrance. Opposite him was Kinami.

“…Oh. You’re here too.”

“I don’t care about Sagara’s birthday, but Hojo is treating, so thanks for the meal.”

“No way, you’re paying. In fact, you should cover Sagara’s share.”

After ordering through a tablet, drinks were quickly brought over. Since my birthday hadn’t arrived yet, I had oolong tea. Hojo raised his chilled beer mug.

“Well, it’s a bit early, but happy birthday, Sagara.”

“Thanks,” I replied, clinking my mug against his. That was the extent of the birthday wishes. We then drifted into casual, lazy conversation. The relaxed atmosphere was surprisingly comfortable.

…It’s been a while since friends celebrated my birthday.

Realizing I naturally considered Hojo and Kinami as friends surprised me. I drank my oolong tea to mask my slight unease.

“So, Yuusuke, did you pass your required courses?”

“I ditched a few. As long as I graduate, it’s fine.”

“If you keep that up, you might get a job but can’t graduate due to missing credits. Sagara, did you get all your credits again?”

“Of course.”

“Gross. Overachiever.”

Kinami made a face, looking disgusted.

Kinami, seemingly unconcerned about credits, munched on free refills of cabbage while recounting how he broke up with a girl he picked up at Lake Biwa and got back with his ex. It was the fourth time they got back together. His consistency was almost reassuring.

“I went to a hot spring with my girlfriend, but she refused to bathe together. What’s the point of going then?”

“Yeah, many girls don’t like bathing together.”

“So, how about you guys in the ‘haven’t done it with the girlfriend’ club?”

Kinami smirked, and Hojo, casually eating fries, replied, “What are you talking about?”

I was taken aback and looked at Hojo.

“…Y-You mean…?”

“Well, Sagara, do your best.”

Hojo said, patting my shoulder. His smug look irritated me. Though we weren’t really in an alliance, I felt betrayed.

“So, you still haven’t done it, Sagara? Will you die if you do? Are you a monk?”

“Shut up. I-I have my own pace…”

“You’re just scared. You’re overthinking something simple.”

Kinami’s blunt words left me speechless.

…He’s thoughtless but often hits the mark.

I realized I’ve been hesitating over trivial things, unable to take a step forward. But I’ve already made up my mind. Nanase is essential for my happiness, and I want to be with her forever.

If that’s the case… there’s no reason to hesitate anymore.

I downed the heavy mug of oolong tea and slammed it on the table.

“Alright. I’ve made up my mind.”

Kinami smirked and said, “Try not to get thrown by a tomoe-nage,” earning a glare from Hojo.