Japan is a country that has distinctive seasons. While I was relaxingly and also quietly walking in the corridor, wind blew onto my body softly, making me not cold or freezing, but comfortable. The temperature is getting warmer and warmer as well.
Spring is coming.
From observing small changes like this, I can easily tell the current season without intentionally thinking about it.
Last year, I was most looking forward to the arrival of summer. But I wonder if there is a possibility of me liking spring.
This season is often used in books to indicate the return of new hope and opportunities. I thought, maybe I subconsciously put the symbol of this season into my own mind.
I took my smartphone out of my pants pocket, entered a phone number, and dialed it.
It was answered in seconds, literally not more than one second.
I can't help to still be a little surprised by this, but considering the person who answered, I thought it was surprisingly reasonable.
"Good morning, Ayanokoji-kun."
"Sorry to call you at this time. If your not convenient about it, just send me messages instead.''
I'm sure it would cause quite a lot of trouble for disturbing her at this moment.
"It's okay. I'm very happy that Ayanokoji-kun took the initiative to call me. I have ordered my classmates to keep a sufficient distance, so please don't worry."
Generally, students were supposed to be in the classroom, having lessons right now. And talking in there was no doubt violating the rules.
When school started last year in April, Class D was kept in the dark because of the lack of information. Most of the school rules were largely hidden.
With no reasonable control over the students, most of the students in Class D gradually chose to live their lives as they pleased. The school authorities did not do anything to stop this.
At that time, the trios led by Sudo did most of the behaviors that the school had deemed illegal. The chaotic classroom environment, including loud noises, throwing erasers, and extending the class, is still fresh in my mind.
On the other hand, there was a difference in the level of indulgence between the girls and the trio. However, it did not mean that they were strict with themselves.
The girls in the class formed several groups and often talked to each other in the classroom. Many of them used smartphones to socialize in the network, including talking on the phone.
Talking on the phone is very similar to talking loudly. You need to make sure that the opposite person can receive the message clearly, so the volume must be sufficient.
However, I had no choice but to talk at this time. I had my own difficulties.
"I am grateful to you for preparing in advance to protect the privacy of our relationship. But to ask you an unsuited question, the speed at which you answer the phone makes me think you've been waiting along for me to get in touch. May I take it that way?
I thanked Sakayanagi frankly. She had been very thoughtful about contacting me in advance.
"Of course. I'm looking forward to the moment when Ayanokoji calls me, because this phone call is proof of trust. I would like to cherish it well."
I honestly didn't think that the phone call was really worth anything. However, The statement of me trusting her was not wrong.
In a sense, calling Sakayanagi was a way of trusting her to be prepared before I contacted her. If the other party is in a situation where the volume is wide open, there is a possibility of some information being leaked.
However, I would not allow any uncertainty to be left in the hands of someone other than myself.
Even if the information was leaked, it was perfectly acceptable to me. Also, until the results are announced, there is little chance of information leaking outside the class.
No one in Year 2 Class A will choose to use a cell phone during class, to leak out the herd information.
The voice that was silent for a while suddenly pulled me out of my mind and brought me back to reality.
"For a while I am having a couple questions. Can I know why Ayanokoji-kun made this decision?"
Even though things are going to be a foregone conclusion, so far Sakayanagi has never asked me the reason for doing so.
The fact is that Sakayanagi always had the absolute right to know about this.
I have no way of knowing the reason, but I believe she has her own reasons for asking me now.
I can easily understand that Sakayanagi is having questions about aspects of my inner self as I never really shared my core intentions to her.
"From the beginning of the school year until the end of last year, I have been pursuing a life of peace and quiet. However, I decided to change the direction I had been following."
To me it is going to be a bold decision, but I have decided to share part of the truth to this maiden.
I paused for a moment before continuing again.
"For some reason, I was able to clear up parts of myself that I didn't fully realize. I had been expecting the growth that I would get from studying here, and I had planned for this from the beginning, but I didn't have a clear understanding of it."
This is what he said to me before he graduated from school.
Let the name 'Ayanokoji Kiyotaka' be an existence of someone's deep heart.
The meaning of coming to this school.
"From now on, perhaps I will be active on the stage, or under the stage. But I am willing to give more motivation to find the answer. As a result, I chose to do this for a better environment to achieve this goal. As a promise of the deal, I will make sure that all exams in the future meet the minimum requirements."
In reality, I have not yet mastered the direction I want to go most.
However, one thing is certain. I look forward to the growth of the students.
The other side of the phone was speechless for a long time.
'"Although it seems the crucial factor that changed Ayanokoji-kun did not come from me, I feel glad. I am very proud of our school if any of your inner self has changed because of this school."
I couldn't see the look on Sakayanagi's face.
It seems that to Sakayanagi, the value of the change in my state of mind is much higher than I can imagine.
I seek a weak happiness just from her voice, it is quite invisible, but I found it appeared to be strong.
"It is also my fortune for me to join this school. I enjoyed my school life and believe it would bring me much more."
It's quite special, considering her identity.
The crucial reason that gave me the entitlement to step one step on here was because of Sakayanagi's father.
"Ayanokoji-kun, it's the same as me. It might have felt like a lucky situation for you, but I never felt less thankful for you meeting with me, in this place."
This reminded me of those parts of her personality that are unforgettable for me.
She said she believed one day we will 'reunion' each other, and on the other hand never attempted to hide that she also cherished our meeting.
I never felt worthy of her being like this for me, but I can say my gratitude to her is not lesser than her towards me.
"Yet this emotion might be even increasing later on ~ "
She cheerfully told me this thought of hers, very straightforwardly I would say.
Sometimes, she surely can be like this. But to me, she only does this when it is for praising me or something like that. It never had an insulting or harmful purpose, possibly making her sweeter than anyone could imagine.
"Uh…"
For a short period of time, after I didn't bring up anything new, she quickly knew I'm waiting for her and brought up a topic then.
Trust me that I am not doing this to hide my embarrassment.
"Ayanokoji-kun, now I understand your thoughts by your frank sharing to me, then according to your words, can I take that you choose us as your guidance of your goal?"
Because of what I asked for Sakayanagi, and when that operation is related to my goal, she is willing to question why I chose to do this.
"You can say this. "
I speculate that this is actually what she wanted to ask originally, but I just gave her my honest words instead. I guess she didn't hate it, but that doesn't stop her asking this current question in the end.
Positively thinking, I guess she doesn't hate the decision I made. If it's not the case, I know she won't accept helping me at all.
"Actually, this might not be what you really wanted to hear, but I made this choice mainly because of you."
"O-Oh?"
I didn't miss the fact that she stopped for less than a second.
What I just said was quite surprising I guess.
But I found it a bit dramatic, if this happened to Sakayanagi.
"I do expect that Ayanokoji-kun. As I'm the leader of class A."
She turnt back to her usual confidence, but also a bit of a gentle and girlish tone. I found that too formal though, for a reason.
"You've been a great help, both psychologically and intellectually, and in this case, Sakayanagi."
In fact, there were many problems that were solved because of Sakayanagi.
I was puzzled by her unfailing support as a beneficiary.
"Although you once invited me to get involved in a battle with you in a somewhat coercive way, I actually took that as a valuable experience in my life."
A year ago, I was on my way back to the dormitory after the backgammon duel was decided.
I figured out why I was glad that Sakayanagi had a disease at that time.
"Ayanokoji-kun, you really, really changed a lot."
I'm not sure if I'm overly concerned, but my instincts tell me that Sakayanagi's gentle voice is mixed with a hint of despondency.
"I would like to apologize if this is a sign that Sakayanagi was disappointed in me for being overly honest by any chance."
For the good or for curiosity, I wanted to try to dig in deeper about my question that I can't clarify myself personally .
What responded on the other side of the phone is a short-lengthed laughter with a stunningly cute and feminie tune.
"Is Ayanokoji-kun worried about me?"
"...uh, not really."
Sometimes, whenever I communicate with her, I do feel Sakayanagi can instantly understand something without me ever showing it.
"I find that as well as the other changes, Ayanokoji-kun is also more sensitive than before."
"That so? I might take it as a reference."
I suppose currently she is the one who can feel my change the most.
"Different from what Ayanokoji-kun concerned, I won't be upset just because I'm not the one who changed Ayanokoji-kun. I wish you the best on anything."
After this sentence, I can confirm that she does know why I started this topic at the beginning.
Although the slight anger is actually increasing, let me try to ignore it.
"That seems to be something very important to you."
"It is, Ayanokoji-kun."
To be honest, it is impossible to not feel anything after knowing Sakayanagi's kindness to me, which was evidenced many times.
This is what I aim for, what I beg for.
And when it comes to this aspect, she came to be as serious as me, or even more serious than myself.
"Well, I'm joyful under my heart for Ayanokoji-kun's change of personality. Every one of them is meaningful and memorable for me."
Sakayanagi said that sincerely. I began to carefully listen to her.
Again, she is showing an attitude filled with respect and true seriousness.
"But…"
Sakayanagi stopped with many meanings involved. I sense she prepares to frank her feelings even more herself.
I gave up on continuing this thing, but she decided to reveal it herself…?
"Honestly, I guess I do care 'that' a bit~"
"You mean…?"
"..."
Dead silence. I have no idea why but I feel an aura coming out from nowhere. It can't travel between electronic devices, can it?
Still not knowing anything, Sakayanagi continued without further explanation.
"Nothing really important, Ayanokoji-kun."
She said that does matter , but her tone still doesn't seem to be it at all.
I guess she intends to keep it a secret.
"...Sure then."
"I hope, and guarantee that Ayanokoji-kun will find more and more beautiful things after your new start. For this honor, please allow me to do it for you."
The purpose of telling a part of my plan is to keep my refusal open, so to speak.
Sakayanagi's style is that he never needs to inform his opponent of any action that he thinks he must take. Unless the notification will bring about the desired effect on the opponent.
I think it's possible that I was simply made aware of it in advance. The words of Sakayanagi were very firm, and there was no intention of backing down in the lines.
"Thank you for your kindness, Sakayanagi."
However after hearing her extremely formal spoken request, I am slightly able to relate her questionable silence before.
She actually minded about it, or am I overthinking?
I really won't expect more than this from this maiden.
But I have not a single reason ever to reject her.
"I am looking forward to any further changes on me to happen."
" ~ Can I solely consider that as Ayanokoji-kun just indirectly accepting my offer?"
Unlike before, the joy she showed in her voice was no longer uncertain. It is obvious, or I should call it excitement instead.
"Do as you please."
"Sure."
"Uh… then, I'm not sure if you've been able to finish communicating with Mashima about my plan."
An awkward atmosphere forced me to change the topic even if I know it will turn out to be unsmooth.
And in fact it sure is very awkward.
"Yes, Mashima-sensei are very welcoming for Ayanokoji-kun to join us."
I don't think Sakayanagi didn't notice the atmosphere, but she did not speak a single word. I guess I appreciate her awareness once again.
Putting that aside, information on both sides have matched. Everything is ready.
"That's right. Then, after things are completed, I will remit the money to you according to the contract."
"Ayanokoji-kun, I will be waiting for your arrival."
She understood well that I meant to end the call, so she said this to match me.
"Same here, Sakayanagi. See you again."
I pressed the button which ended the phone call, put my smartphone back in my pants pocket and walked out in the direction of the school gate.
