break up

by vamer

ok

My Girlfriend Would Threaten to Break Up with Me
페레즈 미유지

Published: 2022
Source: https/

Chapter 1: I'm breaking up with you.

"Like I said, I have something I can't miss tomorrow. ..."

"Is it more important than me?"

"I didn't say that. It's just a concert I've always wanted to go to. I can go on a date anytime, but the concert is only tomorrow. ..."

"Oh, okay. Make a choice. You can either go on a date with me, or I will break up with you and you can go to the concert."

"W-Wait a minute. Why are you giving me an ultimatum?"

"Meet me at Shibuya station at ten in the morning. If you're late, it's over"

After she told me in a straightforward manner, she turned on her heel and headed home.

I couldn't muster the energy to go after her.

No matter what I said to her, she wouldn't listen to me.

I had already given up on her based on my previous experience.

--

I —- Hiroto Suginami – experienced my first love when I was in junior high school.

It was a girl sitting next to me. We gradually began to talk to each other during recess, our private interactions increased, and I gradually became aware of her as a member of the opposite sex.

Then, in the summer of my second year of junior high school.

I could no longer hold back my feelings and confessed to her.

She accepted my confesion with two words.

I was so happy that tears welled up in my eyes.

It was fresh, happy, and fun to be in an environment with a girlfriend. It was a sparkling time.

However, that pure happiness did not last long.

Two months had passed since we started dating.

Whenever it became inconvenient for her, she started using "breaking up" as a weapon.

If I couldn't arrange a date, she would break up with me.

If I befriended other girls, she would break up with me.

If I got bad test scores, she would break up with me.

If I forget our anniversary, she would break up with me.

If I don't finish first in the 50-meter run at the gymnastics festival, she'll break up with me.

By threatening me, she was able to make things go her way.

Now that we are in our first year of high school, she is always threatening to break up with me, and a clear hierarchical relationship has developed between us.

Can this situation be called a normal girlfriend?

I gently drop my gaze.

I noticed a watch on my right wrist.

It was half past ten.

It was already thirty minutes after the scheduled rendezvous.

[I'm already here. Where are you?]

The chat I had sent earlier remained unread.

Staring at my phone helplessly, the message was finally read.

[I just woke up. Too sleepy to go on a date today.]

"...Stop f*cking around."

What came out of my mouth was a violent comment.

It was surprisingly dusky and full of negative emotions that even I was surprised.

My patience was at its end.

I gave up on the concert I had been looking forward to for so long and prioritized a date with my girlfriend.

And yet...what the hell...this.

I've had many similar experiences in the past.

She doesn't tolerate me being late, but she is always late for dates and even cancels without a second thought.

It's all about what she wants to do at that moment in time, and not about me at all.

Why am I her boyfriend?

That's the question that came to me.

Do I love her?

When we first started dating, she was the person I loved most in the world.

But now, I wonder.

Do I love Asuka?

I found myself gripping my phone tightly and sending a chat to Asuka.

["Come here right now or I'll break up with you."]

A common phrase she usually uses.

I used it against her for the first time in my life.

Chapter 2: Be here by 11:00.

[If you don't come now, I'll break up with you.]

[I don't understand. Are you threatening me?]

[You have 30 minutes to get here]
[Ha?You can't do that. Unlike men, I have a lot of things to do, like putting on makeup. Besides, I told you no date today.]

[If you're not here by 11:00, I'm breaking up with you.]

[Like I said, it's impossible to do that.]

I put my phone in my pocket and lean my weight against the wall.

The vibration of the phone vibrates against my thigh.

Asuka is probably texting me on my phone.

But I have no intention of checking the message.

If she doesn't show up at this place by eleven o'clock, I will go home and break up with her.

I know it's a spontaneous thought process, but I don't know who I am anymore.

I don't see the value of being a convenient boyfriend for Asuka any more.

In the first place, I don't know if I even like Asuka.

I feel as if I'm going out with her out of a sense of obligation.

Let's just wait until eleven o'clock.

It is now 10:59.

There are less than 60 seconds left.

Was the 30-minute time limit really too tight?

No, don't be fooled.

Asuka has always been pushing me to do difficult tasks.

If she can' accomplish this much, it's better to cut ties with her.

"... Haa, haa, haa"

Less than 20 seconds remained.

She was breathing hard.

When she looked up, my eyes met Asuka's, who was breathing on my shoulder.

Her face was hidden by a mask and hat, as if she had not applied makeup in time.

Her chestnut-colored hair was tossed about in places, still in a sleeping habit.

Asuka stared at me with sharp, cat-like eyes.

"Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing!I said no date today!"

"I've given up on the concert to make time for you. How can I allow you to cancel a date without my permission?"

"B-But that doesn't mean we have to break up... I mean, I'm really on the edge. What would you have done if it was past 11 o'clock?I've been chatting with you, calling you, but you've been ignoring my effort!!"

"I was going to go straight home. That would have been the end of my relationship with Asuka."

"W-what's that. Hiroto likes ... me, doesn't he?"

" I don't know. ... do I like Asuka?"

"Eh?"

"First of all, it would be a nuisance to the people around us if we stayed here. Let's change the place."

I suggested this and we walked toward a nearby family restaurant.

As we arrived at the family restaurant, Asuka seemed to be upset.

She glanced at me and acted suspiciously like a kitten.

I didn't pay any attention to her, and I kept one step ahead of her.

We enter a family restaurant that serves Italian food and are shown to a corner table for four.

We sat down so that we were facing each other.

Asuka was flapping her hands like a fan and looking up at me.

"Oh, mou, this is the worst. Hiroto should buy me a drink since you let me go out with no makeup on. I haven't eaten anything since this morning."

"I'm fine. It's our last time anyway."

"What do you mean, our last time ..."

"It's because I'm breaking up with you."

"... Why!I kept my promise! I was here before eleven o'clock!"

Asuka slammed the table with a bang and brought her face close to mine with a devil-may-care look on her face.

I was speaking in an indifferent tone of voice.

"I told you earlier, I don't know if I like Asuka anymore. I don't see the need to continue our relationship."

"Hiroto confessed to me, ... And yet, yet"

"Yeah, I think maybe that was a drawback. I asked Asuka to go out with me. So I thought it was my duty as a boyfriend to listen to Asuka's selfishness. However, Asuka has been getting worse and worse, and now you treats me for you own convenience."

"... T-That's..."

"And besides, Asuka is always saying that. I think our relationship is already broken when you can easily say 'I'm breaking up with you."

I can't threaten to break up with someone I like, at least not in the way she does.

The reason is that I love her.

I don't want to break up with her because of that comment.

However, Asuka has often used that phrase as if it were a habit of hers.

I guess I was no longer her " sweetheart" in her mind.

Asuka is no longer "the one" I like, and I am no longer "the one" she likes.

It would be barren to continue our relationship.

"... Then just break up with me! And if you ask me to take me back later, it won't work!"

"Yeah. I'll leave you a 1,000 yen bill, so you can finish your dinner with this. I will be going"

I get up from my seat.

She immediately grabbed my right wrist.

"U-uhm ... it's a lie, right?You're kidding, right?"

"Let go of me."

"C-calm down. What are you being so stubborn?"

"I'm not being stubborn. I'm just finally waking up."

"Are you mad about the concert?"

"That's part of it, but I think it's a buildup. It's just that today I reached a critical point and I can't take it anymore."

"... H-hey, are we really breaking up?"

"Asuka said so from the beginning. Earlier, it came out from you mouth"

Is she sleeptalking?

Incoherence is a dangerous thing.

I shook Asuka's hand off and quickly left the family restaurant.

I didn't make eye contact with Asuka.

Chapter 3: Persistent

After Asuka and I broke up, I went straight home.

When I checked my phone, I found a large number of chats and incoming calls from Asuka.

I decided to ignore them all.

It seems that she has reached the end of her patience and has blown it.

It felt a little clearer to think that I would not be bound by Asuka from now on. I wonder if this is the kind of mental state I am in right after reporting our break up.

I lay on my bed and looked up at the white ceiling for no particular reason.

"The concert , I can make it..."

The show starts at 16:00, and if I prepare now, I can make it in time.

However, the energy to do so was strangely absent.

I had wanted to go to this concert for a long time.

I don't know why, but I just couldn't get into the mood. I didn't feel like I could get excited when I got there.

"Well, that's OK. I had already given up on it yesterday.

Anyway, I'm going to take a rest.

--

When I opened my eyelids, my vision was somewhat blurred.

The white ceiling.

The setting sun was shining through the window.

I must have slept for quite a long time.

"G-Good morning. How long have you been asleep?"

"Good mor—...Ha?"

My foggy thoughts are instantly cleared.

As I pulled the covers closer to me, my face turned blue.

"W-Why are you in my room ...Asuka."

My heart was pounding fast.

Asuka was sitting in a chair in front of my study desk, resting on her cheekbones.

"It's because Hiroto hasn't responded to my chats and phone calls, you know. I asked Hiroto's mom to let me in your room."

I hadn't told my mom that I had broken up with Asuka.

Because Mom has a good impression of Asuka. ... If Asuka asked my mom, it would be easy for her to enter my room.

"Will you please leave?"

"...I don't want to"

"We've already broken up. I don't want you coming into my room without permission."

"We're not broken up."

"We are"

"We're not broken up!"

Asuka tightened her lips and clenched her hands tightly.

I remain plain-faced.

"You're persistent..."

"..."

I raised a voice that was surprisingly chilling to me.

Asuka's shoulders jerked up and down, as if in front of an unfamiliar tone of voice.

"I don't want you to make me say the same thing over and over again. I've told you this many times before."

"...I-I know."

"For example, what would have happened if Asuka had shown up at the meeting place for our date today as planned and I had prioritized the concert?You said you would break up with me if I put the concert first, right?"

"I thought Hiroto would prioritize me first. ..."

"Are you saying that you had no intention of breaking up with me and you were using it as a good threat?"

Asuka lowered her head with a small bow.

I let out a sigh of exasperation.

"You'd better not do that from now on."

"Y-yesI understand!So..."

"Then will you get out of my room right now?"

"Eh?"

For a moment, there was a light in her eyes, but then she looked stunned, as if she had been tricked like a cat.

I continued to talk to Asuka like that.

"Like I said, get out. You're not my girlfriend anymore."

"I-I don't want to"

"Hey, seriously, you're persistent. I'll tell you in advance, we're not getting back together or anything."

"...I-It can't be! Hiroto!"

Asuka grabs both my shoulders forcefully.

Tears streaked her eyes and she pleaded with me in a gravelly voice.

"I want you to leave within thirty seconds. If not, I have an idea."

"An idea ...?"

"Have a discussion including the parents. To talk to an adult about the matter of Asuka still obsessing over the breakup and to get it resolved. If I tell the whole story of what led up to our breakup, I think I have the better part of the story."

"... I-I'm sorry. I'll change myself. That's why..."

"Twenty seconds left."

When I told Asuka how much time was left, she jerked her shoulders up and down.

She must have realized that my intention was firm.

She hesitated for a moment, then picked up her luggage and left my room.

Asuka was gone, and silence fell in my room.

"... Haa"

I don't know why this is happening to me at all.

I want to go back to that time when we first started dating. For some reason, such feelings were gently surging through me.

Chapter 4: Second thoughts

"I see. So that's why Asuka is not in our classroom today."

It was the first day of school after Asuka and I had parted ways.

In the back of the classroom by the window, my bad friend Takase had a distressed expression on his face.

It was because I had told him about my breakup with Asuka.

"But I didn't know that."

"About what?"

"That Asuka-chan had treated Hiroto conveniently by threatening to break up with you."

"Speaking of which, I never told you that."

"Hiroto always has that kind of thing."

"That kind of thing?"

"The part where you don't talk to anyone and you keep it to yourself."

"Well, now that you mention it."

"Asuka is to blame, but Hiroto could have relied on others a little more, no?"

Takase has a perfectly valid argument.

I had plenty of opportunities to ask for help from relatives and friends.

But I kept it to myself, and in this case, I had reached the limit of my patience and exploded. I don't know if I could have solved the problem by consulting with others, but I could have taken in the opinions of those around me.

"Well, whatever. Now that you're free, I'm going to throw you a blind date."

"B-Blind date...I'm not good at that kind of thing."

In Takase's hands, it is a piece of cake to organize a blind date party.

He might even be able to arrange a party for me and find a girl to my liking.

But unfortunately, I am not in the mood for another relationship.

I'm even thinking of staying free for a while.

"Is that so? Well, you can tell me when you're ready."

"Yeah, when I feel like it."

Takase celebrated with a smile and swept his hand in the air with a flutter.

He returned to his seat.

I rested my head on my cheekbone and idly looked at the clock on the blackboard.

There's still more than enough time left until morning HR.

As I was thinking about that.

I felt a gaze behind me.

I turned around to see a girl with chestnut-colored hair peeking out from the back door of the classroom.

SheAsuka Nomi jerked her shoulders up and down as she exchanged glances with me.

I immediately return my gaze to the blackboard.

"(Uhm..., Hmm, huh? She was looking at me, right?)"

I asked myself.

I must have firmly dumped Asuka yesterday.

Our dating relationship is over.

So, yeah, it's probably just my imagination. She just wanted to see someone in this classroom and happened to make eye contact with me. That must be it.

Just to be sure, I look back again.

"..."

"..."

This time our eyes met perfectly.

As for Asuka, her cheeks were slightly tinted.

I wonder what's going on.

I could continue to ignore her, but that would cause trouble for those around me.

After a bit of pondering, I decided to get up from my seat and head over to Asuka.

"What do you want?"

I asked her straightforwardly.

Asuka's eyes were darting about as she looked at me.

"Ah, y-you know...uhm ... Hiroto?Do you want something from me?"

Why are you asking me back...

If I had anything to do with Asuka, I would have gone to you myself.

"If you don't have anything special to do, please go back to your classroom. It's not polite for you to hang around like that, it bothers my classmates."

"... You haven't changed your mind since then?"

With fragile eyes like an abandoned kitten, Asuka turns her eyes upward.

There is no way I would change my mind yesterday today.

I didn't break up with Asuka on a mere whim.

"My feelings have not changed. Or rather, they will not change in the future."

"...Y-you know, I-I realized that I was wrong. I will never do anything bad to Hiroto again. I won't be selfish. That's why. ..."

"What Asuka is saying now is selfish."

"..."

"We've already broken up. Can you please recognize that?"

"Hiroto..."

Asuka's eyes run shaken.

Her voice, calling my name, was slightly trembling.

"I won't tell you not to come to my classroom, but I want you to stop coming here just to see me."

"I-I miss you, Hiroto."

"I don't want to see you."

"...!"

Asuka gasps for air.

As I turned on my heel, Asuka grabbed my right hand and held me back.

" Please reconsider,..., Hiroto."

With eyes moistened with tears, she pleads with me.

However, I shook off Asuka's hand heartlessly and returned to my seat without saying anything in particular.

Chapter 5: There's no way we can start from scratch.

"Sounds like things are pretty complicated."

"What do you mean, 'complicated'?"

Lunch break had arrived.

I was having lunch with my bad friend Takase in the cafeteria.

Takase told me in dismay as he chewed on a piece of fried chicken, today's daily menu item.

"About you and Asuka. Asuka seems to have a lot of unresolved feelings for you. Look, even now."

Takase turned his gaze diagonally to the right.

I followed his line of sight and turned around to see Asuka there.

As soon as her eyes meet mine, she jumps up and down on her shoulders, and begins to slurp her udon hurriedly.

"It's just a coincidence. The cafeteria is everyone's space."

"Well, If you say so"

Takase spills a gasp of resignation.

"You want to say something..."

"I guess so. You've known her since middle school. ...And you know, it's pretty amazing that a student couple can last more than two years. I thought you guys were going to end up getting married. That's why I'm even more disappointed than the couple themselves at the sudden breakup."

We started dating in the summer of our eighth grade year and are now in the fall of our freshman year of high school.

We have been dating for more than two years, although I wasn't really aware of it.

I don't know the average length of a relationship for a student couple.

"Two years, isn't that pretty normal?"

"No, not at all. It would have been a miracle if I had lasted six months."

"That's because you cheated on your girlfriend."

"That's one thing. Well, Hiroto and Asuka are rather rare. That's why I'm personally attached to both of you."

"Attached, huh?"

"Yes. I mean, doesn't Hiroto have some unfinished business with Asuka-chan."

"Of course not. I'm the one who dumped her."

I looked down at the tendon on the table and threw the squid tempura into my mouth.

"Funn...I see"

Takase mutters sadly.

I have no regrets. There is no way. If I had, I wouldn't have break up with her.

"Then what are you going to do?about Asuka."

"What will I do?"

"Because Asuka is still in love with Hiroto, right? Shouldn't you do something about it?"

"...That being said."

Takase has a good point.

It is not desirable to leave this situation as it is.

However, it's also strange that I'm the one who has to do the follow-up work,...

As I was pondering over this, Takase spoke up

"Asuka thinks that Hiroto will forgive her for anything. So, for some reason, she thinks you two can get back together."

"That might be the case. ..."

"Right?So I think the quickest way is to tell her the reality."

"Well, I'm trying to tell her the reality. ..."

"Words are not enough."

"...Then what should I do?"

Is he trying to say that it is taught physically?

Takase slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

It's simple. All you have to do is get a new girlfriend.

--

A new girlfriend, huh?

Takase has a point.

Or rather, it would be the best solution to break out of this situation.

If I get a new girlfriend, the possibility of getting back together will be completely closed.

If that happens, Asuka will have no choice but to come to terms with the situation.

But unfortunately, I am not in the mental state to move on to the next relationship. I don't know what to do.

"Hi-Hiroto ..."

It was after school and I was changing my shoes in the shoe box.

It was cleaning duty, and the elevator entrance has become completely unpopular.

I heard a voice calling me from among the sparsely scattered shadows.

I didn't have to look up to know who it was.

Asuka bit her lower lip softly when I gave her a sly look.

"Don't ... throw me away, Hiroto. Y-You're not going to have a girlfriend other than me, are you?"

The voice is so thin that it sounds like a mosquito's buzzing.

"What's going on? I don't understand."

"I don't want to be without you, Hiroto."

Asuka squeezes my arm tightly.

She was storing her tears as if they were about to spill over and appealed to me.

Did she eavesdrop on my conversation with Takase during lunch break?I don't think she was in a position to eavesdrop us.

"Don't touch me."

"..."

I shake off Asuka's hand.

As I was about to walk towards the main gate, Asuka followed half a step behind me.

"Y-you know,... I'm sorry,... I-I won't use threats of 'breaking up' anymore,..."

"..."

"I finally realized how bad I was doing! I finally realized how much I had done!"

"..."

"I won't do anything bad to Hiroto anymore. So, you know, we can start over..."

"We can't start over. We broke up."

"...I-I can't live without you, Hiroto."

Asuka's eyes, moistened with tears, turned to me.

I stopped and turned to Asuka.

I took a breath and squeezed it out from the back of my throat.

"We broke up, we broke up, we broke up, we broke up...I hope you can understand the feelings of the person who has told you so many times. I cherished my relationship with Asuka. I wanted to cherish it for a long time. I wanted to keep it!"

I said in an unusually strong tone of voice.

Asuka's eyes widened and she rubbed her hands together meaninglessly.

"But when Asuka threatens to break up with me over trivial things, I'm getting more and more confused. I like Asuka, but you don't like me. I'm just being treated as a convenient existence. ...But I want to cherish this relationship, so I've been doing my best in my own way. But I've reached my limit."

And looking back again, I was no longer sure if I 'liked' Asuka.

That's why I decided to break up with her.

"... I-I'm sorry."

"It's no use apologizing."

"I-I didn't know I w-was pushing Hiroto that hard."

"I don't want you to cry."

Asuka burst into tears without stopping.

But now it is different.

It would have been counterproductive to be so gentle with her.

I turned on my heel and headed home.

Chapter 6: Sister's advice

"Aah damn, damn it"

On the way home.

I was roughly scratching my head.

Asuka's crying face was burned into my mind and I couldn't get rid of it.

Asuka is a bit of a crybaby.

She cries at every emotional movie, and if she falls down for a second, she bursts into tears.

However, this was the first time I had ever seen her break down in tears like that.

I wondered if she was at least a little sorry for what she had done.

"What's the point of being remorseful?"

I muttered to no one in particular.

It is good to reflect.

If Asuka has really changed her mind, she will not use "breakup" as a threat in the future.

But that's something she should be aware of when she gets a new boyfriend.

My relationship with her is already over.

I don't want to get back together with her just because she feels sorry—-

"Oh, brother!"

I was walking with my head down.

A familiar voice came from behind me.

"... Reina."

Reina Suginami.

She has shiny black hair with a short cut. She wears her bangs up in a catsuit.

She looks like my mother, who is a beautiful woman, and nothing like me, her older brother.

She attends a private junior high school and is well known as an honor student.

"Huh? You are alone today. Did something happen to Asuka-san?"

"Didn't Mom tell you?"

"Eh?About what?"

"From the looks of it, you don't seem to know."

I reported to Mom that I broke up with Asuka.

It would be troublesome if she came to my room via my mother like the last time.

But I didn't tell Rena.

It's not that I didn't tell her intentionally. She was busy with club activities and socializing with her friends, and our life rhythms didn't match. That's why I missed the opportunity to tell her directly.

"I broke up with Asuka."

"Ha?"

"Like I said, we've broken up."

"Eh, uhm, you're joking, right?"

Rena made a smile awkwardly and shook her cheeks jerkily.

"Isn't that too tawdry to be a joke?"

"... Right"

Rena and Asuka are very close.

They were almost like sisters.

They even went hanging out together without me.

For Reina, it must have been a shock that Asuka and I broke up.

"Did Asuka tell you that she wanted to break up with you?"

"I broke up with her"

To be precise, she used to threaten to break up with me many times.

But the deciding factor was me.

"What's wrong with Asuka-san, ... brother?"

Reina asks me as if in a whisper, pushing through her complicated heart.

I could tell her how we ended up breaking up, but I'm sure that's not what Reina wants to hear. ...

"It's none of Reina's business."

"... I see."

Reina bit down hard on her lower lip and her voice sounded as if it was about to fade away.

She remains silent for a while, then heads for home with sparse steps.

Just when I was beginning to see the top of my house.

Suddenly, Rena stood in front of me and stuck her bishy index finger in front of me.

"U-uhm, brother!"

"Hmm?"

"Can I be selfish?"

"Eh?ah, ou"

I was a little confused by the outlandish cut.

Rena's eyes swam as she scanned the place, and then she seriously looked me in the eye.

"Please keep being friend with Asuka-san!"

A question mark floats above my head.

I stood there rigidly for about three seconds, and then I raised my eyebrows to the center of my head.

"Wait, I mean, I don't really understand what you mean."

"It's just as I said. Since it's brother, I think you're trying to form a near-insulated relationship with Asuka, aren't you?"

She questioned me one after another.

I was surprised that my sister pointed this out to me, but it made me unsettled.

"I don't understand why brother and Asuka broke up. I will not ask you to get back together. I will not ask you to get back together. ...But please at least keep being friends. Otherwise, how am I supposed to treat you, Asuka-san?"

"That being said...You've got to let that part of it go."

"I can't have that!Because I love Asuka-san."

"..."

"This is your sister's once-a-year wish. Brother will make it happen, right?"

Reina gripped the sleeve of my uniform tightly, staring into my eyes and pleading with me.

I let out a small sigh.

"What is impossible is impossible. For once, just give up."

"...Does brother have nothing but bad feelings toward Asuka?"

"Ha?"

" I don't think so. Since you have broken up with her, I think you are seeing only the bad parts of Asuka-san now. Asuka has a lot of good points. That's why you fell in love with her, didn't you brother?"

She speaks softly to me in a manner as if she is admonishing me.

...

...Even I know that much.

I'm not trying to make Asuka a bad person.

She is the first girl in my life that I fell in love with. I know the best things about Asuka.

But until Reina told me, I had completely pushed them out of my memory.

Asuka is a selfish girl who treats me in a convenient way, and always makes it a point to "break up" with me. That was my perception.

But that's not it. It was more than that.

Asuka is the cutest girl in the world when she smiles, she is a good cook and makes me lunch when she has time. She makes me handmade scarves for my birthday and other things that require a lot of time and effort, and she's a very sweet person even though she's usually very bossy. She always takes the lead when I'm shy, and when I'm sick, she spends every waking moment nursing me back to health.

If I were to list Asuka's good qualities, the day would be over.

"But I don't know if I like Asuka anymore."

That is why I am not asking you to get back together with her. I want you to be her friend. I'm your younger sister, and in order to avoid any awkwardness with Asuka, I ask that you take a stab at it."

Rena smiles softly and takes both my hands in hers as if to wrap them around her.

I looked away and shook off Reina's hands without saying a word.

As we head for home one step ahead of her, Reina mumbles.

"If brother really wants to distance himself from Asuka, I will give up. ... However, brother has a habit of becoming stubborn when his feelings grow strong. Please be careful about that. By the time it's too late, it's already done."

Reina told me about a habit that I wasn't even aware of.

It's none of your business.

In fact, it's already too late, I've already broken up with her.

I started to walk with a larger-than-usual step, keeping a blurry feeling in my heart.

Chapter 7: Male tsundere are not in demand.

The next day.

Yesterday, my sister asked me to be friends with Asuka.

Become friends with someone you have broken up with.

What a demanding request. No matter how much she asked me to be her friend, I don't think I can fulfill her request this time.

However, I may have been a little too cold to her.

The next time Asuka shows her face, I'll try a different approach.

"..."

But despite my thoughts to the contrary.

During morning break, lunch break, and after school, Asuka did not show up.

Yesterday, I had seen her for some reason,...

Today only, I have not seen Asuka even once in my sight.

"(...Nothing wrong with that, isn't it a good thing? Asuka quit obsessing about me. I guess my words must have gotten through to her. I didn't have to go to the trouble of making a new girlfriend. It's a development that I hope will come true.)"

And yet, I wonder why.

A mysterious sense of frustration was overtaking me.

"Yo, Hiroto."

"... Takase."

When I arrived at the entrance after cleaning the classroom, I found my bad friend Takase leaning his weight against the wall.

He was waiting for me.

"Let's go home together."

"Yeah, sure."

Takase with a light-hearted look on his face.

When I responded, Takase peeked his white teeth.

"That's good, Hiroto."

"Good? About what?"

"Asuka didn't show her face in front of Hiroto even once today. I thought she was still in love with Hiroto, but she was able to let go of her attachment to you surprisingly quickly."

"...Yeah, it looks like that."

In contrast to Takase's cheerful tone, my voice had lost its high spirits.

I changed my shoes into sneakers and left the entrance. Takase glanced at me.

"... Miss her?"

"Ha?O-Of course not. Don't be ridiculous."

"Is that so?Then that's good"

"..."

I bite my lower lip hard.

What am I trying to be tough, I wonder.

I don't know what I mean anymore.

Yesterday, I felt that Asuka's attempts to get in touch with me were alien to me.

I thought that since we had broken up, she should be aware of that.

But when I didn't see or hear from Asuka for a whole day like this, a strange feeling of emptiness came over me. Really, I don't know why. ...

"I heard from a girl in the fourth class that Asuka is absent from school today because of a cold."

"Is that so?"

I didn't know that.

But, as I am not her boyfriend, there is no way for me to know about Asuka's condition.

"Why don't you go visit her?There's no rule that says you have to be her boyfriend to visit her."

"... I'm not going to visit her. It doesn't make any sense to me, the ex-boyfriend going to visit her."

I turned away with a pout and said as if to throw up.

Takase let out an exhale of exasperation.

"I don't know. If my ex-girlfriend caught a cold, I would go to visit her in a heartbeat."

"That's just because you're special."

"Well, I guess that's true. But I have a date. I'm sorry, I will go ahead"

"Eh, yeah, okay."

Takase looked down at his phone once and walked quickly through the main gate.

I stopped dead in my tracks and looked up at the sky, where the sun was hidden by clouds.

"There's no way I'm going to visit her ..."

--

There's no way I'm going to visit her...

I had declared so just a few minutes ago, but I was in front of Asuka's house.

But that's just it. The direction of our houses are the same.

If I was heading for my house, I would naturally pass by Asuka's house.

I happened to be in the mood for spuds, jelly, sweets, and ice cream, so I bought them at a convenience store.

Of course, I had no other intention.

"..., Am I a tsundere?"

I have my own twisted thought process. Men's tsundere are the least in demand in this world.

Haa, stupid ... I'm going home after all.

"Ara, Hiroto?"

"...H-Hello"

I was about to give up on visiting her and go home.

My eyes met those of an adult woman who looked to be in her late twenties.

She looked a lot like Asuka, but the atmosphere was very different. She has a calm and gentle tone of voice.

I don't think I need to bother to explain, but she is Asuka's mother.

"Did you come to visit Asuka by any chance?"

"Oh, no, I had no intention!"

"I'm so glad. I think Asuka would be happy too!"

"U-uhm, like I said, I didn't come here to visit her."

"Come in, come in. Don't be shy."

"Wait, p-please don't pull me"

Asuka's mother took me to the house and halfway forced me to go inside.

I'm going to go visit my ex-girlfriend, though it's completely my own fault.

What should I do?

I'm not prepared for this...!

Chapter 8: Visiting the ill person

"..."

What in the world am I doing?

I am currently in Asuka's room.

I was sitting on my knees with my back straight.

This is not the first time I've been in Asuka's room. Although it was a familiar place, I felt more nervous than ever before.

I was even more nervous than I had been when I first came to Asuka's room.

Not that I doubted it, but Asuka was in bed with a fever.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Asuka was asleep when I arrived, so I tried not to disturb her sleep.

("Really, what am I doing? I should have just given her a get-well present and left quickly. ... But Asuka's mother told me to take it easy, and I couldn't turn back ...").

I couldn't help making excuses to myself.

I should go home now, after all...

Yes, let's do that.

I made up my mind and stood up.

"Hi-Hiroto...⁉︎ W-Why are you in my room?"

Asuka woke up at the precise moment that I had planned.

It was the reverse pattern of the other day. At that time, I was shocked to see Asuka in my room.

"Ah, no, I'm, uhm, I-I'm sorry! I will go home now!"

"W-Wait!Hiroto."

As I was about to pack up and leave the room, Asuka immediately stopped me.

"...D-Did you come to visit me by any chance?"

"N-no, it's not like that. I-I just happened to pass by Asuka's house, and your mother found me, and I just went along with it."

"I see... I-I'm sorry. I haven't told my mom that I broke up with Hiroto yet, and I'll make sure to tell her later."

"...Yeah."

Asuka puts a shadow on her face and gives a small bow.

The cold combined with the fever seemed to be fainter than ever.

"Is your fever alright?

Yes. I slept and I feel much better."

"I see."

"U-uhm, I'm sorry I did so many terrible things to Hiroto. I'll make sure I don't show up in front of you anymore. That's all I can do for you. ... G-goodbye"

Asuka tells me in a weak voice.

My chest tightens up.

This is exactly what I was hoping for.

If I leave this room, Asuka will never come near me again.

We can part ways without a hitch.

But my feet refuse to leave this room. I really am lost in my emotions these days.

"Here, in case you're feeling up to it. If you have the energy to eat and drink, that is."

I was filled with nervousness, but I summoned up all my courage to speak up. I took out a convenience store bag from my bag and held it out to Asuka.

Asuka took the bag with trepidation, checked the contents,

"... Did you buy it for me?"

"N-no. It was a coincidence. I bought it for myself."

"...Then I can't accept it. Hiroto should eat it."

"I don't care. Just take it."

"I don't like it. I'm not so greedy that I eat other people's food."

"You know, sick people don't need to worry about what other people eat."

"I don't care. It's Hiroto's."

"... Alright. I will take it home"

As I took the bag and was about to leave again, Asuka grabbed me by the sleeve of my uniform.

"D-don't. I want it. ..."

"W-W-What's the matter with you? Don't change your mind so much."

"Because Hiroto is lying..."

"I'm not lying."

"You bought that for me, didn't you ...?"

"No, it was just a coincidence."

"There are all the ones I like. In addition, Hiroto, you do not like chocolate, right?

I quickly averted my gaze to the other side.

I was careless to bring sweets with a lot of chocolate.

There was no way I could get away with it.

I hand the bag from the convenience store to Asuka again.

"Thanks, Hiroto."

"You're welcome..."

Asuka smiled happily and expressed her gratitude.

I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"I'm going to go home now."

"...Ah yes. ...Understood"

I don't stay for a long time to visit someone.

I gave her exactly what I wanted to give her, and it would be a good time to leave.

But when I put my hand on the doorknob, I stopped moving again. ... I can't just leave like this. I haven't said what I want to say yet.

I guess I should really look her in the eye and talk to her, but that seems a bit of a hurdle.

I kept my back to Asuka.

"I didn't say don't get involved with me for the rest of your life,"

" ..."

"We just broke up. I mean, we're back to where we were before we started going out. I don't want you to misunderstand me there. ... Uhm ... that's all. I hope you get over your cold soon."

After saying this in a mumbled voice, I opened the door.

I wonder if I've caught a fever too. My face is hot. I need to get out of this room as soon as possible.

"...Thank you"

As I was leaving, Asuka's trembling voice snatched my ear.

I don't know what kind of expression she had on her face because I didn't see it. There is no reason for her to be thanking me...

I left Asuka's room with a slightly lighter step.

Chapter 9: After visiting the ill person

The day after I went to visit Asuka.

I left home at the same time as usual and was walking along the way to school as usual.

I was just passing by Asuka's house.

Then a familiar figure appeared from the shadow of a telephone pole.

"G-good morning. Hiroto."

Chestnut-colored hair that reached down to her waist and was tied back in a bun.

Slightly cat-like eyes and a face as small as a celebrity's.

Asuka glanced at me, her cheeks tinted with nervousness.

"I thought you were going to stop showing up in front of me?"

"...I, We only broke up. There's no need for us to go that far. I mean, Hiroto said it himself yesterday!"

"Right"

"You can't play dumb."

Asuka muffles and puffs air into her cheeks.

She comes trotting up next to me.

We continue on our way to school, taking up more space next to each other than we did when we were dating.

"... Hey, is Hiroto thinking about getting a new girlfriend or something?"

"What the heck, out of the blue?"

Well, she asked me something similar the other day.

"I heard it from Takase-kun."

"Ha?"

"Hiroto is trying to find a girlfriend to move on to a new relationship."

"..."

The purpose is a mystery, but it seems that my bad friend has been telling lies to Asuka. Damn, what a waste of time.

"W-Well, not that I care!I'm not Hiroto's girlfriend anymore. Whoever Hiroto goes out with, he's free to do so. ... I'm just curious..j-just chatting..."

"Takase is saying nonsense, that's what it is."

Asuka is flustered, but I simply explain the truth to her.

"Eh? Nonsense?"

"yeah, I have no intention of getting a girlfriend at the moment."

"Is that so...I see"

"Well, Reina was blabbering something about wanting to go clothes shopping with Asuka. When you have time, could you go with her?"

"Got it! I'll call her later!"

"Aah, thanks."

When we were dating, I went to school with Asuka almost every day.

Only recently. I've been going to school alone.

But I can't help but feel nostalgic about this situation.

Just because we've broken up doesn't mean we have to completely cut ties.

I now understand something that anyone would understand.

--

"Osuu, Hiroto."

As soon as I arrived at my seat, Takase, a bad friend of mine, came in with a smile on his face that was almost hateful.

"..."

"Hmm?What, are you in a bad mood?"

"Takase, you said something unnecessary to Asuka, didn't you? About me making an effort to get a girlfriend or something."

"Teheh."

"Can I hit you?"

"I-I'm against violence. I mean, do you feel like maybe the two of you are going back together?"

Takase asked me that question.

"No, we're not back together, and I don't plan to be."

"Did anything happen?"

"Nothing."

"I see, I see"

"No, I'm sorry, ... There is something."

"Oh?Let me hear it, let me hear it."

Takase sits down in the seat in front of me and smiles, using the backrest as an elbow rest.

"Yesterday, I went to visit Asuka. I told her that, well, I'm not going to cut ties with her."

"Heh, you're a little cooler now, you know. It would be sad if it was the end of the relationship."

"I'm okay to begin with. But my sister is very fond of Asuka. I just thought it would be better if things didn't get too tense."

"I see I see. So, you're back to being friends?"

"I don't know. Perhaps Acquaintance?"

"Acquaintance, huh"

Takase ruminates over my words with a bitter smile on his face.

As I leaned forward slightly, Takase stared into my eyes.

"Asuka-chan is quite, or rather, popular with the boys, you know."

"W-what the hell, out of the blue?"

"Now that she is free after breaking up with Hiroto, I think there will be a lot of guys who will be after Asuka."

"That's none of my business."

I avert my gaze diagonally.

"Well, I see. You and Asuka are acquaintances, then."

"Yeah, and she's already free to go out with whomever she wants."

"Yes. But I'm glad. If Hiroto had just let Asuka go, I had a feeling that she would have fallen for some strange guy. Even if she does decide to get a boyfriend in the future, I'm sure Asuka will choose a good one."

"..."

Takase blurts out in an easygoing tone.

... what's going on, I'm feeling a little fuzzy in my chest.

Whoever Asuka is in love with is no longer an issue to me.

It's her freedom, and I don't have the right to condemn her for it.

But I don't want to imagine Asuka holding hands with or kissing a man I don't know.

It's no good.

Incoherent, me ...

"Hey, Takase,... What should I do?"

"..."

"What?Look at me."

"Oh, no, it's just that this is the first time that Hiroto has asked me for advice."

Takase looks uncharacteristically taken aback when I start to blurt it out.

He opened his mouth with a pout and showed his dumb face.

"I wasn't consulting that much ...?"

"Yes. Most of the time, everything is reported after the incident. Or rather, if I don't ask you, you almost never tell me about yourself."

Takase clearly and mercilessly tells me.

"I-Is that so ... I didn't mean it that way."

I can only take a subjective view of myself.

Sometimes an objective point of view can notice things that I don't.

Takase put on his usual frivolous expression and giggled and leaned forward.

"Why don't you and Asuka try again?"

"Try again?"

"Yes. Because you're back to being acquaintances again, right? Also, you should get to know Asuka from the ground up. ...Ah, that was just a mean thing I said earlier. There's no doubt Asuka is popular, but I don't think she'll be dating anyone for a while. So you have plenty of time."

"... But what's the point of knowing from the ground up?"

"That's up to Hiroto, isn't it?You can become friends, get back together, or remain acquaintances."

"...I wonder if that's okay to do. I dumped Asuka after all."

"As long as Asuka-chan doesn't mind, that's all that matters. If you are worried, you can ask her directly. Hiroto, you assume too much about everything yourself."

Indeed, he is right.

I can't even think about it.

Don't make assumptions.

If I don't know, if I'm worried, I should just ask the person directly.

It's that simple.

"Hiroto said that Asuka-chan was selfish from the very beginning, threatening to break up with you, right?"

"Yes."

"But if you had talked about it earlier, I think the problem would have been solved right away. So, next time, you should be more open with yourself. That's my advice."

"...Takase is a pretty good guy, huh?"

"What, you just noticed that now?"

"If it weren't for your womanizing, you'd be faultless."

"One word extra..."

Takase looks displeased.

I naturally loosen the corners of my mouth and smile.

I have to make sure that the advice I received from Takase is not wasted.

Chapter 10: My ex-girlfriend's sister

"... A-awkward."

I had been muttering to no one in particular.

The past few days.

The relationship with Asuka was somewhat awkward.

Asuka has been trying to get in touch with me for some reason or another, but our conversations have not been very lively, and the atmosphere has been very subtle.

This is a problem that I did not have when we were dating.

Especially, Asuka is paying attention to me in a strange way, which makes me feel uncomfortable.

This is not the time to start over from scratch.

This is a negative start.

In the first place, what do I want to do with Asuka?

Do I want to completely cut ties with her?

No, I don't think so.

If I wanted to cut ties with Asuka, I would not have gone out with her for two years.

As soon as Asuka said, "We're breaking up," I would have broken up with her immediately.

So do I want to get back together with her?

I don't know about that either. I really don't know.

"Hey, Hiro-kun. What a coincidence!Back from school?"

"... Chinami-san."

I was walking at a slow pace with mixed feelings when a voice called out to me from ahead.

Called from the front.

When I looked up from my downward gaze, I saw a woman who looked a lot like Asuka.

She was Asuka's older sister — Chinami Nomi , who was in her first year of college this year.

Her chestnut-colored hair is cut just below her shoulders.

She put her hand on my right shoulder.

"I heard. You broke up with Asuka, right?"

"A-ah, well, yes."

I nodded a little reservedly.

"Why did you break up?Asuka didn't seem to want to tell me herself, so I couldn't ask her."

"You're going to ask me that ..."

"Oh, it's okay if you don't want to tell me."

"No, I mean, I don't think that's what Chinami wants to —-"

I was about to say that much when my voice trailed off.

Why am I assuming that this is not what Chinami-san wants to hear?

Takase just pointed out to me that I'm assuming too much. It's a bad habit. ...

"Hmm?Something wrong?"

"Oh, no, I think we should go to the park over there and have a little chat."

"Okay."

I pointed to a nearby park.

It was a small park with only a slide and benches.

There are no other people using the park, so using the benches would not be a problem.

"—-I can't take it any more. Then I ran out of patience."

After moving to the bench, I told her the story of how we had broken up without hiding the details.

After Chinami listened to the story, she scratched her temples with her fingers, a bitter look on her face.

"That's ... disgusting, even for my sister."

"Right?"

Chinami is always cheerful, but her voice was more subdued this time.

"If it were me, I'd break up with her immediately. ..."

"I think it was because I liked her. I hated it when she threatened to break up with me, but I was pretty besotted with Asuka."

"I see. So you don't like her anymore?"

"I'm not sure. Mou, I don't know how I feel anymore. What do I want to do in the future?"

It was a true intention from the bottom of my heart.

"Are you saying that you also want to get back together with Asuka?"

"I don't know. The only thing is that I think it is possible to try to start all over again. I got some advice from a friend of mine ..."

"Yes...Asuka is going to hate me for saying this, but that is awfully personal, isn't it?"

"Oh, yes."

"Hiro-kun is very kind. Or rather, sweet. In this case, you have already lowered your reservations by revealing your heart once, even though you had already reached the limit of your patience and exploded. So when Asuka shows her remorse, you feel lost. I think it makes you feel bad that you are the only one who is angry at her. The feelings of wanting to forgive her, but also the feelings that you have been holding back, get mixed up ... so you don't really know how you feel anymore."

...That may be the case.

At the sharp point of view from Chinami, I gulp.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I know you don't want me to tell you this."

"No, not at all."

"Hiro-kun, have you ever been with a girl other than Asuka?"

"N-no I have not. Why all of the sudden?"

"I thought you should try going out with other girls. Don't be too tied down by Asuka."

"That being said,...,I don't think I can get a new girlfriend."

I don't think I have the energy at the moment to be actively looking for a girlfriend.

"So, how about I become your new girlfriend?"

"P-please stop teasing me."

"It's a waste. This is a great chance for you to feel the receptiveness of an older woman."

"... Are you sure?I'm going to take you seriously, you know?"

"Sure, but only if you can kiss me."

"K-kiss?"

"Ah I'm sorry. I know it's difficult for you, Hiro-kun, who is a chicken."

"...I'm the type of guy who takes fights when they're offered."

"O-ou. Surprisingly a predator."

"It's too late for regrets."

I gently place my hand on Chinami's shoulder.

Of course, I don't mean to be serious. I am used to being joked with by Chinami.

So we both know what I'm talking about.

I wonder if I can really do it.

"It's you, Chinami-san, I'll forgive you now, okay?"

Chinami-san smiles softly and gently drops her eyelids.

If I keep my face close to hers like this, I can kiss her in a kissable situation.

But, of course, I would not do such a thing. In the end, I am in Chinami's hands again.

If I could kiss her here, I might be able to give her a blow, but it might hinder our relationship in the future.

And that was when I was about to remove my hand from Chinami's shoulder.

—BAM

I heard the bag hit the ground.

Chinami's eyes snapped open and I immediately turned around.

"Eh...,l-lies...what is this"

Then, there was the figure of Asuka, with her face distorted and her eyes swimming with suspicion

When her eyes met mine, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and ran away as if to escape..

Instantly, silence filled the place deeply

While sitting on the bench, both Chinami and I stiffened like a stone statues

Once Asuka disappeared completely, we started to move almost at the same time.

"...W-w-w-what should we do, Hiro-kun!I-It was like I was cheating on my sister's boyfriend!?"

"I-It was!No, we've already broken up, so there's that!"

Asuka and I are not lovers.

If something happened with Chinami, there is no reason to blame her.

I think this may have gotten complicated in a very troublesome way. ...

Chapter 11: Unexpected date?

[I'm sorry, I tried to clear up the misunderstanding, but Asuka didn't listen to me at all.]

Asuka witnessed me trying to kiss Chinami.

Of course, I was just getting into a joke with Chinami and had no intention of doing it for real.

However, the timing of when Asuka witnessed it was the worst.

Though Chinami had boldly told me that she would clear up the misunderstanding when she returned home.

So far, it seems that no result has been obtained.

Well, even if I were to go out with Chinami, I would not be doing anything wrong.

But what is this guilt?

Anyway, there is no use in worrying too much about it. I should be studying.

I turn off my phone and face my study desk.

It was while I was busy studying that I heard a light knock at my door.

Knocking lightly, Reina , my younger sister, came in to see me.

"Brother, may I have a moment?"

"Hmm?What?"

I rolled my pencil onto the desk and turned my chair around to face Reina.

"Are you free this Saturday?"

"Yes, I'm free."

Reina smiled and clasped her hands together.

"I see. Then, can you spare some time for me tomorrow?"

"Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes, I have a lot of things I want to buy."

"Do you want me to carry your baggage?"

"That's my brother. You've got a good answer."

"Why don't you ask father to do it? After all, he's always free."

"That's not a good idea. Physiologically, I can't accept it."

Reina is not joking, but she is very clear about it. Poor father.

If my father heard this, he would cry.

"Well then, please keep your schedule open tomorrow. We will leave around ten o'clock."

"No right of veto?"

"I'm counting on you, brother."

"Hey, hey."

Reina smiles softly and leaves my room with light steps. Well, it's okay. I have nothing to do anyway.

And the next day.

"—-So, let's go shopping!"

"W-Wait a minute!Why is Asuka here?"

"R-Reina⁉︎ I didn't hear about this?!"

A junior high school student with a vibrant smile and a bewildered former couple were in front of a department store.

"Huh, didn't I tell you?"

""You didn't!""

Asuka and I complain in unison to my sister who shrugs.

Reina put her index finger on her cheek and smiled mockingly.

"You are perfectly in sync with each other."

"Y-you got...it wrong"

"Stop teasing me ..., Reina. I've already broken up with her. I don't think Hiroto would feel good if you ... said that to him. Besides, Hiroto already has a ..."

Asuka turned her head down and mumbled something.

I couldn't make out what she was saying at the end.

I'm not offended at all by being told I'm syncing perfectly. ...

—It's my fault that I accumulate things like this without talking directly to others.

"I don't really care about it"

"U-You don't?"

"Yeah."

"I see."

"..."

"..."

The two of them become silent.

Then, Rena, who couldn't bear to look at us, awkwardly mended with a smile.

"Well, let's just get going. Because brother is here today, I don't have to worry about buying a lot of things!"

"There are limits, you know. Keep it in moderation."

"Yes, I will. Come on, let's go, Asuka-san."

"Ah, y-yes."

Reina takes Asuka's hand in hers and heads into the department store.

I wonder if everything will be all right.

I didn't expect Asuka to be here.

After yesterday's incident, I was worried about getting through today without incident.

Chapter 12: Quarrel

I am not a fashionista.

I have only bought a few clothes of my own volition in my life.

Most of the time I had my mother or sister pick out clothes for me, and when I was dating Asuka, I relied almost entirely on their sense of style.

So, instead of joining my sister and my ex-girlfriend in the frenzy of choosing clothes, I was resting on a bench nearby.

It was the proper way to be a baggage handler.

"—Brother, brother..."

As I stood there in a daze, Reina came hurrying over to me.

"Come here for a minute."

"Are you done shopping?"

"Forget about me, in any case."

"Y-yeah"

I walked along with Reina pulling me along.

As a result, I was brought to the front of the fitting room.

"What do you think, Brother!"

Asuka had changed into a very revealing outfit.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should not be afraid to use the right tools.

Damaged shorts and a short white top that peeked out at the belly button.

"W-W-W-Why are you bringing Hiroto⁉︎ Reina!"

"I wanted him to see the lovely Asuka!"

"I-I don't need him to see me!I mean, don't you think Hiroto should be spending more time on someone else than me?

Asuka leaks out from her head and glances at me.

As I thought, she misunderstood that I and Chinami had started dating.

I guess I'd better go ahead and clear up the misunderstanding here, right from my own mouth.

"There's been a misunderstanding. Me and Chinami are not—-"

"Y-you don't have to hide it!I don't care at all!And I don't have the right to tell you what to do!"

"No, hear me out. That thing yesterday was just a little bit of a joke from Chinami."

"Joke... Heh, Hiroto takes a joke and does ... that kind of thing ..."

Asuka says in a mumble.

What the hell ... that way thinking.

Indeed, it may have been a thoughtless move.

Even though I understood that Chinami was in a naughty mood, there was no need to get on there.

But one thing I can say for sure is that I wasn't doing anything wrong.

Asuka and I have already broken up.

—-Yet

I'm also in the habit of hoarding.

Let's make it clear that my thoughts and feelings are clear to tell her how I feel now.

"It's not like I was cheating on you, so why do you have to talk to me like that?"

"...You really weren't cheating on me?I mean, maybe you and my sister were having an affair behind my back, and I got in the way."

"What are you talking about?You're paranoid. You don't think I'm capable of that kind of dexterity in the first place."

"I don't think so, but... but ... I can only imagine the bad things I'd do if I saw something like that. It can't be helped!"

"... I've already broken up with you. Even if I had something to do with Chinami, you have no right to complain."

"...I never complained about anything!Hiroto is the one who's paranoid⁉︎"

"Then would you please stop that strange attitude? Why don't you just act as you normally do?"

"What do you mean by "normally"!? I don't understand it anymore!What kind of attitude should I have with Hiroto?!"

"If you are being so cautious, it's hard for me to talk to you. Last time I told you I was just going back to the way things were before we started going out!"

"Ha?Of course I'm being cautious!I don't want Hiroto to hate me any more!I'm nervous that I'll say something weird again and this time Hiroto will distance himself from me!"

"Ha?If you get sensitive that easily, you should have cared a long time ago!"

"I don't get it!Then, Hiroto, you should have warned me earlier!Don't keep it all to yourself. If you suddenly break up with me, I won't even have a chance to fix what's wrong with me!"

""... If you love me in the first place, don't say you're going to break up with me so easily!First of all, there's something fundamentally wrong with it!"

"Then don't befriend other girls on your own!I'm worried that Hiroto will be taken away from me!I wanted to be reassured that Hiroto likes me!"

"But that doesn't mean you're doing it right!"

"Then tell me it's wrong!You should have scolded me properly!Like you're doing now!"

"Then I'll tell you what's wrong with you. You're always late for dates and canceling them!I can't believe someone who loves me would do that!"

"It doesn't matter if you're scolding me now!We've already broken up!It's because Hiroto is so sweet to me, even when I'm late or have urgent plans, he doesn't get mad at me even for a second and says it's totally fine and forgives me!That's why my standards are getting out of control."

"What is that, is that my fault?Your basic premise is that spoiling that part is wrong!"

"Then why aren't you angry with me!"

"I was afraid that if I got angry with you, it might affect our relationship!"

"Don't make assumptions!You don't know that!"

Asuka and I started to argue with each other, not caring where we were.

Gradually, our vision narrowed and we could only see each other. Every time we exchanged words, things got hotter and hotter, and that's when the blood started to rise to my head.

"Stop for a second!Stop!Brother and Asuka as well!"

Reina intervened between us and started to intercede.

When I came back to myself, I realized that I was attracting a lot of attention from people around me.

"U-uhm,... uh, I-I just wanted brother and Asuka to get along,...uhm, I-I didn't mean any harm. I'm ... sorry."

Reina bows her head deeply with a battered expression on her face.

Reina is only in junior high school. She was in elementary school until a little while ago.

She must have been thinking in her own way about how to repair the relationship between Asuka and I. That's why she brought us here today in secret.

That is why she brought us together here today without telling us.

"No, I'm sorry too. I'm not trying to be a jerk to Asuka.

"M-Me too ... I'm sorry, Reina."

"...W-Why did you break up?"

Now on the verge of tears, Reina potters off.

"Asuka, you always seemed to enjoy talking about brother. Brother isn't one to talk about himself much either, but he does talk about Asuka. I think ... you're a great match, um, so I don't expect ... to break up with you, I'm just happy that I have an older sister, and, um, I-I don't know. ..., Anyway, that's what I want to say!"

Reina is a little confused, but she confides her feelings in a very frank manner.

I didn't think that breaking up with Asuka would put a burden on my sister. I had not thought that far ahead.

A moment of silence passes.

Asuka bends down a little and makes eye contact with Reina, as if talking to her.

"Y-you know, Reina. I was so selfish with Hiroto, and I was always doing things for my own convenience. I was a terrible girlfriend and a horrible person. I was so spoiled that Hiroto would forgive me anything. So it was only natural that Hiroto would be disgusted by me. ... The reason why we broke up was all my fault..."

"That's not true. It's not all Asuka's fault."

I cut Asuka's words off.

Asuka and Reina's gazes were drawn to me.

"–F-For now, can we change places?I don't think this is the place to talk about it."

I start off with a slightly brighter tone of voice to get rid of this heavy atmosphere. Starting with that, Asuka and Reina also reformed their consciousness.

"Right. ... Indeed."

"Y-Yes."

Asuka hurriedly changed her clothes in the fitting room. She had purchased the clothes she was wearing in the fitting room, perhaps as a nuisance fee she had spent on the store.

Chapter 13: A relationship without care?

Currently, we moved to a new location, a family restaurant.

We were led to a table by the window, and the air was filled with a strange atmosphere.

Seating arrangement was me and Asuka sitting next to each other, with Reina in front of me.

"...I understood why brother and Asuka had broken up. So that's what it was about. I didn't know anything about it. ... I'm sorry I went the extra mile."

Rena apologizes with a deep bow of her head.

Asuka and I were overwhelmed with a feeling that we couldn't bear to be there. I just hid it from her. It was not Reina's fault.

"No, you don't have to apologize."

"That's right. Don't apologize."

"B-But, I'm incredibly selfish, egotistical, and bothersome. ..."

Reina was about to start crying and let out a potty mouth.

Seeing Reina in such a state, Asuka started to speak in a tone brighter than usual.

"I-It's okay!I mean, it's great that I realized it myself and was able to properly reflect on it. I didn't even notice it until Hiroto dumped me!"

I poked Asuka's left arm with my elbow, in a voice only she could hear.

"Oi, what's with the self-deprecation now?"

"Then what should I do? I don't know how to comfort her in this situation."

"T-that's ... look, there it is.

"Hiroto doesn't know either"

"If Asuka hadn't misunderstood me, none of this would have happened in the first place."

"Why are you digging?I still have my doubts."

"You are still doubting... Generally speaking, I can't get Chinami interested in me. That woman is so beautiful."

"If it's just the face, she's not that different from me, is she? Are you implying that I'm beautiful, too?"

"I-I didn't say that."

"Then what do you think of me?"

"That question is unfair. ..."

As we were whispering to each other, a gentle laugh interrupted us.

I turn my attention to Reina.

"Ah, I-I'm sorry. I know it's my fault."

"No, did something funny happen?"

"No, I'm just happy to see brother and Asuka as usual."

"As usual ..."

Speaking of which, the awkward atmosphere of the recent past has been removed.

I'm able to converse with her without being overawed.

I turn my head to the right when I feel a strong gaze.

Asuka was looking up at me with a cat-like appearance.

"W-what?"

"N-Nothing."

Asuka turned away from me with a pout.

I followed suit and turned my head back to the original position.

"U-uhm, uhm so what do you want to do after this ...?"

"Eh, aah"

Reina mumbled absentmindedly.

In the current situation, the plan is probably very far from what Reina had envisioned.

Do I just leave like this?

No, but ... hmmm.

As I was pondering this, Asuka muttered something.

"Is Hiroto okay with me?...Afterall, you'd rather be with my sister."

"You still say that?"

"I'm not saying it because I want to."

"Then maybe you shouldn't say it."

"Then you shouldn't have done that, even as a joke."

"... I'm sorry... but I don't think there's any reason to blame me."

"It is!Hiroto, you said you weren't going to make a girlfriend for a while!That makes it a lie...!"

"Now that you mention it, ..."

In fact, I still feel the same way.

Although Chinami suggested to me that I should try to make a new girlfriend.

But I haven't been able to muster up the energy to do so at this point.

"So, what do you think?Which will you choose, me or your sister?"

"Isn't there something weird with your question?"

"I don't think it's weird. Just answer the question!"

"No, we were talking about what we're going to do after this, right?"

The question is going in a strange direction.

It seems to make sense depending on the answer.

"... I'm very, very troublesome. I get jealous easily. ... You already know that, don't you Hiroto?But Hiroto told me. Don't worry about being weird."

She tells me with a little hesitation, but with a firm will.

Right

I was the one who told her not to worry.

I took a breath and decided to answer Asuka's question.

"It's not in my nature to abandon my role in the middle of the day, so I'll go along with her today as a baggage handler."

Reina's eyes lit up at my answer and she became cheerful.

Asuka's cheeks filled with air and she poked me in the stomach with her elbow.

"You didn't answer my question."

...Still not over yet.

"I'm pretty twisted. Asuka would know, right?"

"What do you mean, I don't know?"
Asuka huffed and relaxed the corners of her mouth and smiled. I don't think this is a good time to laugh, but ...

Anyway, I felt as if I had not seen Asuka's smiling face in a long time.

Chapter 14: What's different about it?

[Asuka is in a very good mood!Yesterday she didn't take me up on it at all, but today she was very open to listening to me.]

It was after 10:00 p.m.

I received a chat from Chinami on my phone.

After leaving the family restaurant, we did some shopping, hung out and split up.

It was not like a date, just like going out for fun on a holiday. As for me, I was just doing my best to be a baggage handler.

But as a result, the awkwardness with Asuka tended to dissipate.

[I think it's because the misunderstanding was cleared up. I was out with Asuka today with my sister.]

[Oh, are you guys back together already?]

[No, it's not like that at all.]

[I see. Well, I'm glad that misunderstanding is cleared up.]

[Yes. If Chinami hadn't been so wicked in the first place, none of this would have happened.]

[It was Hiro who got on the bandwagon. I was serious.]

[I won't play that game anymore.]

[Buu. Boring.]

I receive stamps of unfaithful-looking cartoon characters.

Also, it's not worth the trouble if I'm misunderstood. ...

No, I don't have a problem with being misunderstood.

And now, another person sends me a chat.

[Thanks for today. Carrying my baggage, it helped me a lot.]

What's this Katakato-style text from ...

The sender was Asuka.

[You're welcome.]

I replied simply, and the message was immediately marked as read.

A little while later, I received a message from Asuka.

[Ah, that was a typo, or rather, I was thinking about something else and couldn't understand what I was writing.]

[The content is well put together.]

[I think it's good that the content is clear and coherent. But]

[Hmm?]

[Can I treat Hiroto the same way I treated you today?]

[I don't want you to worry about me.]

I send a reply, and a little later I receive a stamp of a character imitating a cat making a circle with both arms.

Incidentally, the chat was sent again.

[Can I call you now?]

"Eh"

I let out an unintentional sound.

A phone call, huh?

I had not expected that request.

However, there was no reason why we couldn't make a call.

I operated my phone and called Asuka.

"Ah ... h-hello?"

What I hear is a tone of voice filled with anxiety.

Until recently, I had only heard "nn," "aiai," "hoe," and other such distracting things, so it was refreshing to hear " Hello hello"

"Oh, um, what can I do for you?"

"Oh, um, there's something I need to talk to Hiroto about."

"You want to talk to me about it?"

"Yeah."

She could have asked for advice when we were making the rounds of the department store.

Was it something difficult to discuss face to face?

"Well, I mean, I'm looking for advice about my love life."

"O-ou"

L-love advice? Well, it's already been a week since we broke up.

But I don't know if it's a good idea to talk to your ex-boyfriend about it.

"I was actually confessed to by a boy in my class yesterday."

"Is that so."

Well, in a closed space like a school, the word about a relationship or a breakup spreads quickly.

As Takase said, Asuka seems to be very popular with boys.

No wonder there are guys who confess their feelings for her.

" W-What should I do?"

"You're asking me that?"

I'm your ex-boyfriend.

I don't think I'm the right person to ask for advice.

"I'm just asking for your information. What do you think about me going out with someone?"

"I'm in no position to say anything about it."

"...I see"

"..."

I am sure this is not what Asuka wants to hear.

Not in terms of physical appearance, but in terms of feelings.

Asuka is going out with someone, right? After all, I don't really want to imagine it.

I wonder if I am quite possessive ...

"However"

"Y-yes!"

"We just broke up, and I don't think it's right to get a new boyfriend so soon."

"So when is it okay?"

"After a month or so?"

"One month?... Then, Hiroto will get his next girlfriend in a month."

"Eh?What?I can't hear what you're saying."

"N-Nothing!"

Asuka says with a stronger tone.

It was so loud that it hurt my ears.

"What about Asuka?How long do you think it would take before you're ready to start another relationship?"

Since I was so curious, I asked Asuka's opinion as well.

Asuka groaned a little and then said, "Hmmm."

"Thirty years, maybe?"

"Then you will be forty-six. On the verge of dying alone. ..."

"A person who can't drag out her first love can't protect anything, right?"

"First of all, there's nothing to protect."

"Protect your ex-girlfriend."

"I wonder if that's a pre-crime suspect. That would be a stalker, wouldn't it?"

"I'm just kidding."

"I'd be in trouble if it wasn't. ..."

I'd be surprised if she was serious.

"..., but that's how I feel about it. I don't want to see Hiroto on a date, holding hands, or kissing someone."

A melancholy, lonely voice came from my phone.

I looked into his eyes slightly and mumbled.

"I don't want to see that either."

"Eh?"

"Oh, no, forget that."

"I-I can't forget it. N-Not fair"

"And you're the one saying that."

"...Yes, but. When you say something like that, I get my hopes up."

Because it was over the phone, I could not see Asuka's expression.

But I could imagine that she was somewhat downcast.

"I'm hoping..."

"Don't you get it if I don't tell you?"

My heart skips a beat.

I know how Asuka feels.

I could easily imagine what she was expecting.

"I'm sorry, I was careless."

"Yeah. ..."

If I were to say, "Well, let's get back together," then we could get back to being lovers again.

But is that really what I want?

I still haven't sorted out my feelings.

As Chinami said, my feelings are mixed up.

"We're going through quite a messy time, huh?"

"Yeah. ... for real."

"Well, love is messy, no?"

"Uwah, you only know me, but you talk like you know others..."

" What the hell. Sorry"

"Don't worry about it."

"I'm going to bed. Good night."

"Waa, that! That's not fair!I mean, even elementary school kids don't go to bed at this hour!"

I say sulkily, and Asuka hurriedly stops me.

Can't be helped.

I'll just have to stay up with her for a little while longer.

"—-Well, Mami is terrible. When I told her that Hiroto and I had broken up, she said we were divorced at a ripe old age. If you use that analogy, we are still newlyweds, right? Hiroto thinks so, too, right?"

"Hey, do you know what time it is?"

"Oh, haha, the date has already changed."

"Asuka should be more careful."

"You told me not to be so cautious earlier!"

We just broke up, and we're already a mess, talking on the phone this late at night. ...

At any rate, I'm almost at the limit of my sleepiness.

"I'm going to bed, good night."

"Oh, wait. Just one last thing."

"Hmm?"

"Really love you ... That's all. Good night, Hiroto."

The call is cut off with a pause.

"..."

I stared at the screen of my phone for a while.

The sleepiness is completely gone, and I feel a strong sense of discomfort in my chest.

I dived into my bed.

...It's okay, right?We're just back to a relationship where we don't care. So ... yeah.

I buried my face in the pillow and let the fuzziness in my chest swell.

Chapter 15: Everything alright?

"Uisssuuu."

"Uy."

Monday arrived.

As I was lying on my desk, Takase, a bad friend of mine, tapped me on the shoulder.

He sat down in the seat in front of me.

"You didn't get enough sleep?"

"Yes."

"You should keep yourself up late."

"It's more like a sleep disorder."

"I don't remember Hiroto being a bad sleeper."

"No, I've never had a bad night's sleep."

Had

Past tense.

"What's wrong again?"

"It's a long story..."

I started and told Takase about Saturday.

"—Heh, that made it less awkward as a result, but I guess that's why Asuka is so besotted with Hiroto. Long calls with ex-girlfriends, I see."

Takase smiled happily.

As for Sunday, I had a regular part-time job, and it was a very busy weekend.

"It's no laughing matter."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I mean, why don't you just get back together? If that's how it's going to be."

Takase suggested in a frivolous tone.

I assured him firmly.

"That is not the right thing to do."

I asked Asuka if she was half-heartedly prepared to get back together with me.

No, wrong—-I was sure I wasn't.

"I see. But there's no point in thinking too much about it. It's not like anyone is blaming you, so I think it's fine if you get back together right after the breakup."

"... By the way, Takase, what do you think about me getting a new girlfriend?"

"Ha? Eh?"

Takase's mouth dropped open and his eyelids fluttered.

"Uhm, you mean you're going out with another girl, not Asuka?"

"Yes."

Takase put his hand over his mouth and made a thoughtful face.

"If Hiroto wants to keep his distance from Asuka, that's fine."

He told me in a straightforward manner.

In the past, Takase had made a proposal to make a girlfriend.

However, that time, too, it was in the name of cutting off Asuka's unfulfilled love.

"It's not that I want to keep my distance from her"

"If that's the case, I don't think there's any need to force you to make one."

That's a different opinion from Chinami's.

Well, it would be strange if they all had the same opinion.

--

After school that day.

As I exited the classroom after the homeward HR, Asuka was waiting for me, leaning her weight against the wall nearby.

When she saw me, she ran up to me.

"Let's go home together, Hiroto."

"O-ou."

Asuka smiled at me from a distance so close that our shoulders almost collided.

I was a little confused.

Asuka was strangely unconcerned about me.

That's what I wanted, and it's easier to talk to her that way.

But what is the difference between this situation and when we were dating?

Is it okay? This situation?

I broke up with Asuka, right?

"So... I was thinking about making lunch tomorrow, so I can make one for Hiroto while I'm at it, but..."

As Asuka makes such a suggestion as we approach the entrance to the school.

Tsun Tsun, she looked at me while attaching and detaching the index fingers of both hands.

"Don't worry about it. We've already broken up."

"What does that matter?Why don't you let your ex-girlfriend make lunch for you?"

"I think that's a rare occurrence."

"I'll ask if there's anything you'd like."

Well, it's no wonder I'm so weirdly concerned about it.

Asuka has said that she will make you a lunch box.

" Then, a hamburger steak."

"Roger"

Asuka made a quick salute and smiled lightly.

Time passed a little and it was around the time I got out of the bath.

I looked at my phone and saw a message.

I operated my phone while drying my hair.

[Hiro-kun, did you and Asuka get back together after all?]

It was from Chinami.

I operated the phone.

[No, we didn't.]"

The message was immediately read and a reply was sent.

[Asuka, she's in a really good mood. She was talking about her bento.]

[Aah, Asuka is supposed to make me a lunch box tomorrow.]

[Is that okay?]

[What do you mean with 'okay'?"]

[There is no need to cut ties or anything like that, but if you're broken up with, I think there's a certain moderation that comes with being broken up with.]

...A moderate relationship, huh?

[If you don't want to get back together with Asuka, you shouldn't be too concerned about her.]

"..."

I think she's right.

The only thing is, I still haven't sorted out how I feel about it. I don't know what I want to do with Asuka.

[Ah, I'm sorry if I sounded preachy. If Hiro-kun wants to get back together with Asuka, I'll totally support you. That's all.]

[No, thank you.]

Jizo sends a stamp with a bowed head.

I was a little troubled and then chatted with Chinami again.

[Can I ask you for some advice now?]

[Heh, sure. Want to call?]

[If possible.]

[Okay.]

I start talking to Chinami.

Thanks to Chinami, I was able to face my feelings.

However, there is no use in keeping this to myself.

This is the time to talk things over with Asuka—-

Chapter 16: For real

[Asuka Nomi PoV]

" "

I was in a good mood that day, to the point of humming a song.

I woke up early today and made lunch for Hiroto. Fufu, I'm very happy that it turned out so well.

Hiroto will be happy with it.

I seasoned it to his liking and packed his favorite foods in addition to the hamburger steak.

Imagining Hiroto's happy face made my spirits soar.

I had reserved a table for two in the cafeteria space and was waiting for Hiroto to arrive.

After about seven minutes of watching the people coming in and out of the cafeteria, I spotted Hiroto.

He was tall and thin, with slightly curly hair. Oh, he has a sleeping habit. So cute.

I smile lazily at him.

I can't let him see my dumb face like this. I checked my face on my phone once and got up from my seat.

"Hiroto, over here!"

I shouted, and Hiroto immediately noticed me.

He came to me through the crowd of people.

"I'm sorry I made you wait."

"No, I just got here a few minutes ago."

—-What a cliché thing to say.

Suddenly I came back to myself and my cheeks almost turned red, but even this exchange was fun.

As for Hiroto, he had fourth period P.E., so it took him a while to get here.

"You got us a good seat for just now."

"...You know that, don't you?

I puff out my cheeks in a miff and give him a scowling look. ... Rude. As soon as it was lunch time, he saw that I had taken a seat.

But even this exchange makes my spirits soar. I didn't notice it when we were dating. I guess it's true what they say about noticing something until you've lost it.

Hiroto takes the seat opposite me and stares into my eyes. He stares at me so intently that my heart skips a beat.

"U-uhm, let's have lunch. I made hamburgers just like you wanted."

"Thanks."

I handed Hiroto one of my lunch boxes.

The only thing I can hear is my heart pounding noisily in the midst of the bustle.

I turned away from him to hide my red face.

"Y-You don't have to worry about it. It's my way of making lunch."

I made my lunch while I was making Hiroto's lunch.

Hiroto gives a bitter look and quickly checks the contents of his lunch box.

"Uwa, isn't this really elaborate?"

"T-This is pretty normal, right?"

Everything was homemade and took a lot of time and effort. It was hard work, but it wasn't difficult at all.

It was fun.

Hiroto picked up his chopsticks.

"Then, let's eat."

"Go ahead"

Hiroto started eating the hamburger steak.

I watched him eat.

"...A-and? Is it good?"

"Yes. It's really good."

"I-I see. Well, of course it is, since I'm the one who made it."

"As expected of you, Asuka."

Hiroto cheered me up as I was getting into a good mood.

I relaxed the corners of my mouth and decided to start eating my lunch.

Uh, you know, if you want, I can make you another one tomorrow."

I made such a suggestion as I was enjoying my lunch.

If I make Hiroto's lunch, we can spend the lunch break together. Besides, I would be able to kill two birds with one stone, and even get a hold of Hiroto's stomach. I really am a genius!

I glanced at Hiroto's face.

Then he put his chopsticks on top of his lunch box with a more serious expression than ever before.

"I have something I want to discuss with Asuka."

"What do you want to discuss?"

What is it?

I couldn't figure it out.

"Yes. I don't really understand our relationship anymore. "

"Ex-boyfriend and an ex-girlfriend?"

"Is that so? I don't know what's different from when we were together."

"U-uhm, but Hiroto told me not to worry about it."

That is true. I don't mean to be like this ... anyway, I just don't think it's good to be in an iffy relationship like we are. If this keeps up, I don't know why we broke up."

Hiroto gently dropped his gaze and scratched his neck in annoyance.

I squeeze my hands so hard that my skirt wrinkles.

If I had to say it, this is the only place to say it.

That's what I thought.

"T-then... ... can't we go back to the way we were?I mean, we got back together... l-look, we had an argument the other day, right?I've complained about it in the past, but I've never had anything like that from Hiroto,... and to be honest, part of me was happy. From now on, let's say what we want to say to each other. If there's something wrong, we can fix it right away,..., and Hiroto won't have to keep it bottled up, right?T-that's why, you and I—-"

"Yes, I think that's an option."

Hiroto agrees with me in a calm voice and with a smile on his face.

I smiled and raised my voice higher than usual.

"R-Right!Then, from now on—"

" I think we should break up, you and I."

Hiroto interrupted me with the same voice as usual, in a matter-of-fact tone.

U-uhm, ... eh?

I twisted my cheeks awkwardly.

"W-We've already broken up, haven't we?"

"Yes, but I think it was a bad breakup. It was a one-sided breakup on my part, and I forced it on Asuka."

"That's true, but..."

So, why don't we break up after having a proper common understanding?Of course, Asuka doesn't have to pay attention to me in a strange way in the future. ... But I think we should keep the distance as we break up. Otherwise there's no point in breaking up."

My mind went blank.

I don't understand what Hiroto is saying. I don't want to understand.

"Why ... are you saying that?"

"I don't think the current situation is good. I've been given a lot of opinions, and I've thought it over myself."

"I don't understand ... I don't understand. What's wrong?"

"We're broke up, you know. I don't think it's good for either of us right now."

"Then why don't you get back together?Make me your girlfriend again."

I hit the table with a bang.

Hiroto asked in a calm and collected tone.

"I will say what I don't like in the future, because this time around, I've realized some of my not-so-good habits."

"...Yes."

"But you know, every time I do that, I think Asuka listens to what I say. On the contrary, I think you would be sensitive to even my trivial remarks and listen to what I say. Am I wrong?"

"I will listen"

Because I don't want Hiroto to hate me.

I was able to build a relationship with Hiroto again. I don't want to make him feel bad about it.

If I could stay with Hiroto just by listening to him...

"But I don't want that. It will be the same thing again. This time, I think Asuka will reach the limit of her patience."

"...That won't happen"

"Of course, it is better to fix what is wrong. However, it's not the same as being at the mercy of others."

"Yes, maybe, but ..."

I say, biting my lower lip hard and trying to squeeze it out.

I don't know why, but tears were welling up in my eyes.

I was simply overwhelmed, and Hiroto gave me a serious look as if he was giving me an ultimatum.

"Let's break up, for real this time"

That's what he told me.

Chapter 17: Break up

[Asuka Nomi PoV]

"Now let's really break up for real this time."

"What do you mean, "for real"?I-I don't understand. ... I don't understand!"

I was so excited that I screamed out loud.

The person in the vicinity looked at me with surprise. But it didn't matter. It doesn't matter what other people think.

"If possible, I would like to break up with you in a mutually satisfactory way. I don't want to interfere with that. I want to have proper moderation."

"No, no. I don't want to do that!Did someone tell you something strange?Don't say crazy things all of a sudden!"

I was staring at Hiroto with tears in my eyes.

Hiroto did not look away from me, and his tone was clear.

"I don't expect you to be convinced right away. That's why I want to talk about it."

"This is not a discussion ..."

There is no way we can discuss this.

Hiroto gently drops his gaze and is a little reserved.

"I had an explosion of pent up emotions, and I broke up with Asuka in a fit of rage."

" ...then we could start ov—"

"But I didn't have half-hearted feelings. I didn't break up with you on the assumption that we would get back together."

"..."

I was silent.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I may have still been spoiled. No, I was definitely spoiled.

I thought Hiroto would forgive me.

I thought that somehow we would get back together, and we would be able to be lovers again.

I was the only one who was unaware that Hiroto and I had broken up.

It was just an extension of our fight, and now we are in the process of making up.

I had such a sweet thought that it made my stomach churn. ...

Yes, I know.

I was tormenting Hiroto for a long time.

There was no way this could be resolved in just a few days.

—Because Hiroto didn't break up with me because he wanted me to fix what's wrong with me.

–He broke up with me because he didn't like me anymore.

Yet, I conveniently forgot about it.

"There's no need to come to a decision right now. I've had a lot of opinions recently, and I've had time to think things over calmly. So I wanted Asuka to reconsider."

"... it's fine."

"Eh?"

"If that's what you want, that's fine. It doesn't matter if it's an one sided love, Hirito."

"Eh, no, we haven't talked about this, right?"

"So, do you like me?"

"That's ..."

Hiroto was at a loss for words.

I have been gradually distancing myself from Hiroto's feelings over the past two years.

Hiroto was puzzled by a question that I would have answered immediately.

He confessed his feelings to me. He told me he liked me.

I disrespected his feelings. ...

It's not something that can be recovered easily.

This current relationship is only making Hiroto suffer. ...

"We can talk every once in a while, okay?Just because we're broken up doesn't mean we have to cut ties, right?"

"It does. That was my intention at first, but now I don't want to break it off."

I closed my lunch box and got up from my seat.

"I understand. Then let's really break up."

"Eh, but is that okay?"

"Hiroto said so. I also thought it was not a good idea for us to stay together."

I am sure that Hiroto did not intend to build a relationship with the expectation of getting back together with me.

But all I could think about was getting back together with Hiroto.

This difference will definitely become noise from now on.

I really don't know what a breakup is. I don't think Hiroto really understands it either.

We only have the same experience in relationships.

But I think Hiroto is trying to say that I should admit that we have broken up, not hold on to our feelings forever, and go our separate ways.

"I'm sorry for being so selfish. Thank you..."

Crap. I'm starting to cry.

I wiped under my eyes with the back of my hand and quickly left the place.

"Haaaaeeaaaaaaaa..."

After school.

I was lying on my desk with my face down, screaming out of my mind.

If I were to describe it in a cartoonish way, it would be as if my soul was floating in the air out of my mouth.

If a stranger were to see me now, they would be horrified. If it were a part-time job at a haunted house, there is no one better qualified than me.

"Ooi, oi, oi. Come back to life!"

While I was in a shell of a state, a girl shook my shoulder in a tone of exasperation.

I looked up and saw my friend Mami.

She had a blonde ponytail and skin whitened with makeup. She was a bit more on the girly side, and sat down in the seat in front of me.

"...I don't want to come back to life."

"This is serious. If you are so depressed, don't you wish you had never listened to Hiroto?'Not unless I'm with Hiroto!''I want you to get back together with me!''I'll do anything!I'll do anything!'"

Mami does an impersonation of me that looks nothing like me.

Normally I would complain, "I'm not like that!" but I couldn't even muster up the energy to complain right now.

"Hiroto doesn't like me anymore. I'm just making things difficult for him."

"Uwa what a pain in the *ss."

"aren't you awful?"

"Because you are really bothering me. Ah but, you know, this means Hiroto-kun is now completely free, right?"

Mami giggles and leans forward, bringing her face closer.

"T-that's right but..."

"Then, I'll go for him."

"Ha? G-going after him...?"

"What are you blabbermouths? In this vein, who else but Hiroto-kun could it be?"

"But, why Hiroto?"

"Because, isn't Hiroto just plain good?He has a handsome face, and he is tall and slender. Also, he knows how to be a good boyfriend.He has basic specs like walking on the side of the road. He can study, he's athletic, he's a gentleman, and to be honest, I want to sleep with him!"

"Buha! Goho, goho!What are you saying...y-you idiot⁉︎"

I coughed unintentionally.

Naturally, heat naturally accumulated in my face and I became agitated with a bright red face.

"You're too upset. Stupid people are always upset."

"No, I'm not!If one of my friends had a crush on an ex-boyfriend, anyone would be upset!And you want to sleep with him ..."

"It's a joke, a joke. It's pretty bad that you can't even see that, you know?"

"You're the one who said that."

There are things you can say and things you can't say in jest.

Well, I forgive her because she's my friend.

I turned away from her with my cheekbones.

"...I mean, Hiroto is not what he seems. If you're not careful, you can get caught off guard."

"What's that!"

"W-Why are you being so stubborn?"

"Asuka doesn't talk like that. I thought it was just a kiss!"

"I-I'm not going to tell you. You idiot!"

"Buu buu"

Mami's lips pout forward in a muffled manner, and then she turns her thumbs upside down and complains. We've been together for over two years, and it would be weird if we didn't have anything. ...

"Well, it doesn't help if you're still in love with Hiroto-kun, does it?Go and change your mind!"

"It's not that easy to change my mind."

"Uwa, you're a real pain in the a*s, you know that? What's more, Hiroto-kun is just thinking too much and getting stubborn. I'm sure he'll change his mind in a month anyway."

Mami said in an optimistic tone.

I shook my head.

"...Hiroto won't change his mind."

Hiroto is straightforward once he makes up his mind.

When he has serious eyes, he is suitably determined in his feelings.

He won't change his mind in a month or so.

Mami slings her bag over her shoulder and sighs.

"You never know if things won't change. You just have to make Hiroto think that he wants to go out with Asuka again, right?"

"There's no way to do that. In the first place, Hiroto is not looking for a relationship..."

"You're saying he doesn't want to go out with Asuka?"

"Eh?"

"Only Hiroto-kun knows how Hiroto-kun feels, and Asuka should do what Asuka wants to do. Asuka wants to get back together with Hiroto.In love, the more calculating person will win. Pretend to be satisfied with the breakup, and then take advantage of the opportunity to grab Hiroto's heart again!Shouldn't you have that kind of mindset?"

"...No, I can't do that. I'm done with that. ...Yes, that's right. We broke up for real this time and I think that's the way to end it."

"Ah I see. Then why do you keep messing around with it?See ya."

"Wait, aren't you going to comfort me?"

Mami leaves the classroom with light steps.

I rush to get up from my seat, but Mami makes a face like she's biting a bitter bug.

"Sorry about that. If you're going to give up on Hiroto-kun, you'd better quickly change your mind. There's no point in dwelling on it."

Mami leaves the classroom.

"It's not I like to complain about it..."

I sat back down in my chair and talked to myself in the empty classroom.

Chapter 18: Consultation and bluntness

[Hiroto Suginami PoV]

" Yes. Aaaan!"

"What, are you kidding me?"

The location is a certain coffee shop.

It is a private store run by a master with a white beard.

Calming background music is playing in the store, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

In the midst of all this, I was staring at Chinami, Asuka's older sister, with a disturbed look in my eyes.

She was bringing a spoonful of omelette rice to my mouth, paying no attention to the tranquil atmosphere.

" Eh?Don't you want to make out with an active JD?And you're even in high school?"

"What kind of prejudice is that?"

"I heard that high school students are more attracted to college students than to people their own age. After all, everyone is a spoiled brat."

"I've never heard such a source. ... This is not what I'm here to talk about."

I'm trying to get back on track with the conversation that has gone completely off track.

I'm meeting with Chinami face to face for a specific purpose. But it was just to ask for advice.

"Was I wrong?I thought about it a lot in my own way, and after getting advice from Chinami, I decided to properly break up with Asuka. But in the end, I felt like I pushed my feelings onto Asuka again."

The relationship had become ambiguous, not knowing whether they were in a relationship or broken up.

"If I say 'it's right' or 'it's wrong,' will you be satisfied, Hiro-kun?"

"No, I'm sorry. That was not a good way to ask."

"I don't blame you. Well, I don't think you should force your feelings on someone."

"Force your feelings on someone?"

"Yes. Because, at first, Asuka thought that Hiro-kun was nothing more than a classmate, right?"

"Yes, that's right. I don't think she had any interest in me."

The first person to fall in love was definitely me.

I would research what Asuka liked and buy her movie tickets with my meager allowance.

I increased our private interactions and gradually pushed my feelings toward Asuka, and she accepted it.

If I had not taken action, we would have ended up as classmates.

"So, if Hiro-kun told Asuka to wanted to break up and she accepted it, then I don't think you need to worry about it."

Unlike the first time, this time Asuka agreed.

I think this is a big difference.

I gently drop my gaze, and Chinami lowers her posture and peeks in.

"Are you still not convinced about something?"

"Oh, no, it's not that. ...I guess you could call it a sense of emptiness. I know I broke up with her, but I felt like I had to do something about it."

A feeling of emptiness, a hole in my chest.

I don't know why, but it has hit me now.

I don't think I will ever not be involved with Asuka in my life.

However, we are no longer boyfriend and girlfriend. I wonder if she has finally come to that realization.

"I see. I have to make up for that in other ways."

"Other?"

"Yes ...Honestly, this is just too much for you. Come on, jump into my chest."

"You're making fun of me too much, aren't you?"

Chinami's smile blooms as bright as the sun, and she spreads her hands out to either side. I don't know what I would do if I really went to dive in ...

But still, Chinami-san...no, what am I thinking?

"Oh, you just now thought, unlike Asuka, I don't have br*asts, didn't you?"

"No, I didn't. What are you talking about?"

"Really?"

"Well, I thought you were wearing clothes that showed your body line more than usual."

"You're the worst ... enemy of women ..."

"You're the one who started it?!"

Chinami's cheeks twitched as she squinted.

She turned her cheek and began to look out the window.

"Haa... Why is it that we resemble each other except for the br*asts? Other than that, I'm relatively the same as Asuka."

"Is that so? I don't think Chinami and Asuka have much in common."

To begin with, the basic premise is that they have different personalities.

Chinami is cheerful to everyone, but Asuka takes time to open up.

They are sisters, so while their appearance is similar in some ways, they still make others feel as if they are different people.

"Hiro-kun, you're really insensitive, you know that?"

"Eh, I'm insensitive?Me."

I thought I was rather sensitive.

I raise my eyebrows to the center of my head and a question mark appears above my head.

To my bewilderment, Chinami smiled softly.

"When you feel at ease, you should get a new girlfriend. If no one looks at you, I'll become your girlfriend."

With these words, she began to eat the rest of her omu-rice.

Chapter 19: love-letter

Three weeks have passed since I said goodbye to Asuka for the second time.

It's been peaceful, and little by little, I've gotten used to not having Asuka around.

My sister —- Reina has never said anything to me about Asuka since then.

She seems to be in regular contact with Asuka, and I guess she is aware of the situation. I think she has changed her mind that it is not my problem to interfere.

Well, I don't like it when she asks me about Asuka.

Even though we go to the same school, we are in different classes and have much less contact with each other.

We see each other once in a while in the classroom and have a brief conversation. Whether or not Asuka has a new boyfriend is also out of my jurisdiction.

"—–Hiroto!Here you go"

It's break time before morning HR starts.

As I was sitting in my seat, spending my time in a daze, my bad friend, Takase, appeared with an uncanny smile on his face.

Takase sits down in the seat in front of me.

"What's this?"

"Happy Birthday."

"It's long overdue."

"Well, take a look."

I take the envelope Takase gave me.

It had a sticker in the shape of a heart on it.

At first glance, it looked like a love letter.

My heart beats faster as I carefully inspect the contents.

[I'm sorry for the sudden letter.

I've always liked you, Suginami-kun, and I was wondering if you would be willing to go on a date with me sometime.

I'll be staying in the fourth class room after school, so I'd be glad if you could come over!Miharu Sakura]

It was written in cute, girlish handwriting.

All I could do was blink my eyelids and crack my knuckles.

"Uhm this is ..."

"Yes, a love letter. She asked me to give it to Hiroto."

"But this Sakura-san?I don't know much about her."

"You know. I don't know much about it either. But she seems to be pretty popular. She's pretty cute."

Takase doesn't know either?

No, it's not surprising that he hardly recognizes anyone from another class.

I never thought that the day would come when a total stranger would ask me out on a date. ...

It's hard to believe at first glance, but the fact that my sense of pain is functioning well suggests that I'm not dreaming.

"W-What should I do? Should I go?"

"You should decide for yourself. Hiroto thought about it on his own and decided to break up with Asuka, right? Hiroto has to make the right decision this time, too."

"Right. ... This matter is for me to decide."

"Yes yes. Then, I will leave it in your hands."

Takase flutters his hands in the air.

I looked down at the love letter again and was tormented by agony.

After school, I made my way to my fourth class.

Class 4 is Asuka's class.

A month ago, I used to visit there frequently, but now it had been a long time since I had been there. I felt nostalgic.

As I was walking down the hallway with a robot-like gait, a voice called out to me from the front.

"Are you okay?"

"Eh, aah, ... Asuka?"

Asuka looked at me suspiciously.

She was probably on her way home. She was carrying a bag on her shoulder.

"You don't look so good?I mean, what are even you doing here?"

"No, I'm just walking."

"I see. I hope you're all right. See you."

"Hmm. See you."

I lightly looked Asuka in the eye as she passed by, and I walked to the fourth classroom.

As it turned out, we ended up going out.

On the next day off after receiving the love letter, we went out on a date.

We went on several more dates after that, and she confessed her feelings for me, and we ended up going out.

The time I spent with her was a delicate point, if I had to say whether it was enjoyable or not.

We didn't have much face to face contact with each other. It was almost like we were meeting for the first time.

Naturally, it was awkward and uncomfortable.

I decided to take the first step in making a new girlfriend.

I thought it was possible to fall in love with someone while dating.

I thought that could happen.

Chapter 20: Stealing?

[Asuka Noumi PoV]

"Big problem, big problem!"

"W-what's up, you're making so much noise in the morning."

Before morning HR started.

When she entered the classroom, there was a girl who came to me at once.

Her blonde ponytail wagged like a tail, and she talked like an Edo-kko. I'd like to say I don't know this girl, but she was my friend.

Mami sits down in her own seat, looking at me with a look of dismay.

"I've got some big news."

"Big news?"

She followed my lead and sat down in the seat in front of me, her voice hushed.

"I heard that Hiroto has found a girlfriend"

"...tsu ...Heh, is that so?"

"You're not surprised?"

"I-I'm not his girlfriend anymore. I'm not surprised by all that."

I'm surprised inside.

With my cheekbones on the table, I'm shaking it so hard that it shakes the desk, but I'm sure I'm doing fine.

"Your body is so honest, it's hilarious."

"... This is just a bout of a chronic illness. It doesn't matter. So, ..., you know, ...,about that?"

"What?"

"About Hiroto. Who's his new girlfriend?"

Mami loosened her cheeks in a hateful way and leaned forward.

"Asuka, you are very interested in your ex-boyfriend, aren't you?"

"... You brought it up, didn't you? You are responsible for telling me everything you know about it!"

"Uwa, you're really not being honest."

"Just hurry up!"

"Aah yes. You see"

Mami looks diagonally behind me.

When I check the point of her gaze, my eyes meet those of a certain person.

Sakura-san.

I don't have much contact with her, but she is a bright and innocent girl who is cheerful to everyone.

Her shoulders jumped and her body shrunk as she looked down at the book she was holding in both hands.

"Is Hiroto's new girlfriend Sakura-san ...?"

"It seems so. I can't be sure, but there was a witness who said they were on a date."

If it's been ruled a date by the side of the road, they must have been going somewhere at a reasonable distance. ...

As for me, my chest tightens up.

Sakura-san, huh?

She's a totally different type from me.

She is caring, kind to everyone, always smiling, cheerful, and never overlooks those in need.

On the other hand, I'm strong-willed, selfish, always trying to get Hiroto in trouble, not at all honest, and too easy on myself and too demanding of others—

Huh?

Objectively speaking, what's so attractive about me?

I don't have anything that would make him to like me.

If I were a guy, I definitely wouldn't want me as my girlfriend. ...

And yet, Hiroto confessed his feelings for me, which is really weird. ... Well, I've already broken up with him. uuugh. Crap, I think I'm going to cry again.

"It's because Asuka's being so stubborn. Hiroto-kun now has been taken."

"Taken... ... I broke up with Hiroto, and our relationship is over."

So it's okay for Hiroto-kun to hold hands with, kiss, and have s*x with Sakura-san?"

"...No."

I mutter in a small voice like a mosquito.

I know this kind of thinking is not good for an ex-girlfriend.

But it's no use lying in front of your friends.

"Then, the only thing left to do is to steal him?"

"S-Stealing is ...!"

"Y-You're talking too loud!Quiet!"

"I-I'm sorry."

When I raised my voice, Mami immediately admonished me.

She covered my mouth with both hands and shook her head.

"Is Hiroto-kun one of those quick to make a move?"

"Gohoho, koho!What are you talking about⁉︎?

No, it's important. The time limit is determined by that. If they start raising the relationship, there's nothing we can do about it."

"Ugh..., well, that's true."

"So, anything?"

"I don't know what the criteria are."

I have only dated Hiroto.

I don't know how fast student couples generally climb the stairs.

"Then how long after you started dating did you have your first kiss?"

"Before we started dating..."

"Eh, really?Hiroto-kun is like that. ..."

"Oh, no, that's not it!That was more like an accident, we just did it in an unexpected way. I was really surprised when ... that time. ..."

"A romantic comedy?"

"What's with that comment ..."

Mami's voice is uncharacteristically low, and she rushes in, stunned.

"Well, never mind. When did you have s*x?"

"...I-Is that a normal question?

"This is an important information. How long have you been together?"

"... about two months."

"Two months? That's sooner than I thought."

It's so early. ...

It was just the time of day when no one was at home, and I felt like I was in the mood for something like that, and then I realized it was happening.

I remember it on my own and my cheeks turn red.

"Ushiaa. Then, you'll have to do something about it within the next two months."

"...Why is Mami so eager?I've already given up."

"You've been in low spirits for a long time, Asuka. You may think you're acting normal, but you're not."

Ugh. ...

I thought I was able to reproduce my normal routine,...

It seems my friend saw right through me.

"Moreover, I am on Asuka's side. I can understand Hiroto's feelings, but it would be nice if he would give Asuka a little chance."

"Mami ..."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

Mami's hands went behind my back and we hugged tightly and powerfully.

"Ugh, what the hell. You're a pain in the a*s."

"Then don't be nice all of a sudden, idiot."

"Yes, yes. For now, I'm going to Asuka's house after school today. We'll think about everything there."

"...Hmm"

I nodded my head in a hushed voice.

Chapter 21: Strategy meeting

After school.

As I had announced this morning, Mami had come to my room.

Mami and I were facing each other across an assembled table.

"So, how are you going to steal back Hiroto-kun?"

"Wait, are you really going to loot Hiroto?

Mami was even more enthusiastic than I was.

I was reluctant to confirm my understanding of the situation.

"Of course not. Is it okay if Hiroto-kun gets a girlfriend and that's the end of it?"

"I don't know. A-Anyway, I don't think it's up for me to decide anymore. ..."

"That doesn't sound like Asuka. Asuka is more selfish, self-indulgent, and only wants what's best for herself, right?"

"Wait, I'm not that selfish!"

Her perception of me is too much ...

However, it's also true that I can't confidently deny it. Uugh I'm too much of a b*tch.

"I mean, I'm pretty pissed off, even though despite my appearance"

"Pissed off about what?"

"Hiroto."

"Eh, w-why?"

I think it's wrong for Mami to be irritated with Hiroto. ...

I think it's a little bit of a stretch to say that Hiroto and Mami have an indescribable, delicate relationship to begin with.

"He just broke up with Asuka and is making it easy for himself to get a girlfriend. And Asuka refuses other advances"

"That's not true. We broke up, so I have no right to blame Hiroto."

It is true that after Hiroto and I broke up, I received several confessions of love.

I have turned down all of them.

But it was not because of what happened with Hiroto.

It was because it was impossible for me to imagine going out with Hiroto for even a moment.

Hiroto is the only one I've allowed myself to be with. I am not interested in any other guy.

Fundamentally, I think I don't like men.

"Really?I don't think it's normal for someone to go out with another girl within a month of breaking up with someone."

"But there are different standards out there for each individual,..."

"Even if that's the case! I mean, Hiroto-kun is still in love with Asuka, no matter how you look at it. He was definitely ready to get back together with Asuka!"

"...Hiroto is not in love with me. Even when I suggested that we get back together, he didn't accept it."

"He's either stubborn or someone told him something strange. My gut says so!"

"Guts is..."

"Oh, you're underestimating me, aren't you?My intuition is really accurate."

Mami says confidently.

It is true that Hiroto's behavior has been inconsistent since we broke up.

He is a straight character once he decides to do something.

However, his rejection of me and his visits to visit me were all out of order.

It was not like Hiroto.

Maybe Hiroto's mental state was unstable after he broke up with me?

If that's why he was easily moved by other people's words, it would explain his inconsistent behavior.

Besides, I think Hiroto often used the word "I don't know".

I feel lost, I want an answer, and if there is someone who can show it to me, I might be tempted to follow that person.

—–Maybe I'm overthinking it.

"In the first place, Hiroto-kun is such a weirdo that he would fall for Asuka, isn't he?"

"I can't help but feel maliciousness in the way you say it."

"No, if he knew Asuka's inner self, he'd normally avoid you."

"Ugh, that's true."

I want to deny it, but I'm honest enough to admit it.

The boys who confessed their feelings to me were almost 100% of the time either someone I had never met before or someone I had barely spoken to before.

Yet, Hiroto confessed his feelings for me after knowing more than enough about me.

I think Hiroto is crazy.

"It really doesn't make sense that this weirdo would go out with a cute girl like Sakura. Unless someone told him to get a girlfriend, it doesn't make sense to me. I mean, she's not really Hiroto's type, is she?"

"I-I don't know about that. Maybe he likes a girl like Sakura-san, who is cute both inside and outside. ... I mean, if you had normal sensibilities, you would definitely go out with her."

" Surely Hiroto doesn't have normal sensibilities, does he?"

"No, there's no need to be so definitive, is there?"

To be told that your ex-boyfriend is not a normal person is a bit complicated.

It seems that it is said that even I, the ex-girlfriend, it's unusual.

Mami sniffed and leaned forward as she put her hands on the table.

"I'll leave the final decision to Asuka, but I still think that Asuka and Hiroto-kun are..."

"—-What are you talking about?"

Suddenly, the door to the room opens. At the same time, a familiar voice came down.

I looked up and there she was, my sister.

"D-Don't come in here so suddenly!Sis!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was getting excited, so I got curious."

The girl smiled and put her hands together as if she was troubled.

"Oh, Chinami!Nice timing!Now we're talking about looting Hiroto."

Mami's smile blossoms and she explains the current situation to her sister in a simplified manner.

"Stealing... Asuka, are you still in love with Hiro-kun?"

"...Tsu. N-not really. As for the stealing, it's just something Mami says on her own."

When my sister questioned me, I turned away.

"I see. Mami, I don't think it's a good idea for outsiders to talk too much about it. I'm sad that Asuka and Hiro broke up, but I don't like the idea of forcing them to get back together. I don't think it's right to steal someone else. It's between the two of them, so let's leave it alone."

She spoke to Mami in a calm tone of voice.

"But isn't it strange that Hiroto-kun is acting so strangely right now?It seems like he's forcibly trying to keep his feelings away from Asuka."

"Is that so? For me, he seems to have gotten over his breakup with Asuka."

"I disagree with you."

"Right. I mean, Mami-chan seems to be watching Hiro a lot. I never had the image that you had much contact with him."

"Asuka talks about Hiroto in her spare time. And he also came to our classroom quite often."

"I see. Well, Hiro-kun has moved on to a new relationship, so I don't think it's a good idea to get in his way."

"... But then, Asuka..."

She almost says that much, but then she holds her tongue.

Mami is thinking about me. So, it seems that she is thinking about this case with my feelings as the top priority.

The reason I'm not doing well is because I broke up with Hiroto.

I guess that's why she wants me to get back together with Hiroto and cheer up.

My sister took one look at Mami, who had an itchy expression on her face, and then turned her attention to me.

"If you still love Hiro-kun so much that you have lingering feelings for him, why did you threaten to break up with him?Didn't you think he would really break up with you?I don't think Asuka is that stupid."

A straightforward question.

There's no ostracism. Straight and simple.

That's why my heart jumped and my eyes were shaken.

Then I remembered.

I remember the first time I threatened to break up with him.

Chapter 22: The Day I Threatened Him Part 1

Eighth grade. Autumn.

It had been two months since I started dating Hiroto.

Ever since we started dating, I have grown more and more fond of Hiroto each day.

If I had to describe my current feelings simply, I would probably say, "I'm ready to marry him."

That's how much I was growing fond of Hiroto.

"Hey, Hiroto."

"Hmm?What is it?"

Ehehe, it's nothing."

"What's up with that?"

I poke Hiroto's shoulder.

I'm just happy that he cares about me.

I've heard that falling in love makes you stupid, but I guess it's true. Lately, all I can think about is Hiroto.

"Oh, right. Where do you want to go this Saturday?"

I ask Hiroto with a high level of excitement.

We are going on a date this Saturday.

We haven't decided on the details yet.

I don't think we're going to have a sleepover ...

We are still in junior high school, and it would be troublesome if the police find out, right?

But I would like to lie to my parents and do something like that at least once.

Huh?

Am I not a bit too pink in the head?

As for Sunday, both Hiroto and I have other plans.

"Oh, by the way, is it okay if we cancel our date on Saturday?"

"Eh, why?"

"A friend of mine who transferred to another school is coming back here, and I haven't seen my friend in a while."

"Is that so. Sure, I understand."

I lower my tone of voice a little, but without expressing it so as not to burden him.

It's just the way things are, and I can't help it this time.

I don't have any friends after transferring schools, so I have no idea what to expect from it.

I can easily imagine how much he misses his friend after a long time.

Besides, I can always go on a date with him.

For once, I'll pass it on to that friend who transferred to another school.

It was Saturday.

For the past two months, I had been seeing Hiroto at least on one of the weekends, so these two days without seeing him were hard for me.

But still.

"—I'm bored."

I lay on my back on the bed and looked up at the white ceiling in a daze.

...Boring, boring.

Too lazy.

Since I'm here, I might as well go for a walk outside.

Just walking is good exercise, and I have to be careful to maintain my style.

With the spirit of "good day when I think of it," I got up from my bed and immediately started preparing to go out.

I was happy to get out of bed, but I couldn't think of anywhere to go.

As for clothes, I was planning to go shopping with my friends tomorrow.

There are so many places I would like to go with Hiroto, but by myself, I can't find the energy to go anywhere.

"Oh, right."

Let's buy a reference book for the high school entrance exam!

I know it's a little early, but I want to go to high school with Hiroto.

For that, I need Hiroto to improve his academic skills!

Fufu...

With the corners of my mouth naturally loosening, I decided to head to the bookstore in the department store.

I take the escalator up to the floor where the bookstore is located.

But when I reached the fourth floor, I stopped dead in my tracks.

Because there was my beloved person there.

"—Hiroto?"

Hiroto was in the bookstore.

What a coincidence.

I wondered what was going on between me and Hiroto. Like God made us meet each other.

While I was having such an upbeat thought, there was a question mark over my head.

Maybe he's not with his friend who transferred to another school?

What should I do?

Should I talk to him?

But if they were temporarily separated, like in the restroom, it would be annoying.

Meanwhile, there was someone approaching Hiroto.

She, with a bright smile on her face, taps Hiroto on the shoulder.

"What is she?"

I feel a bad emotion welling up inside me.

The friend who transfererd here?

Is the friend a girl?

I had assumed it was a guy.

From this distance, I can't hear what they are talking about.

But they both seem to be having fun ...

After a while, she grabbed Hiroto's arm and started skin-to-skin with him as if they were lovers.

Hiroto was flustered and backed away, but they were still clearly close.

"..."

A dark feeling ran through my mind.

Hiroto has many friends of the opposite sex.

I'm a woman, too, and I understand how it feels. Hiroto doesn't have any ulterior motives like other boys do.

But even though ...

I couldn't accept it.

Hiroto already has a girlfriend, me.

I want him to keep his distance from other members of the opposite sex. Skinship is out of the question.

I don't care if the girl is the one making contact with him.

If a girl has a small personal space, it's even more reasonable to keep your distance.

I want to believe in Hiroto.

I don't think he is the kind of person who would cheat on his girlfriend.

But seeing him like that makes me worry.

Even if Hiroto doesn't want to, what if he comes on to me?

Don't...Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.

Thoughts that I did not want to think kept falling one after another.

I couldn't take it anymore and left the department store as if to escape.

That night.

I called Hiroto.

"Asuka?What's wrong sud—-"

"—Hey, who were you playing with today?"

I cut right to the chase.

"Eh, I think I told you before, I was playing with a friend who transferred to another school.What's wrong with that?"

Hiroto looked puzzled.

Even through my phone, I could feel it.

"That friend of yours is a guy, right?"

A moment of silence.

I guess he did not expect this question.

"No, it's a girl."

"A girl, huh? Why didn't you tell me first?"

I was a little relieved that he had not hidden anything from me.

But if he was going to play with girls, I wanted him to say something.

More importantly, I don't want him to casually play with the opposite sex. If he does, I feel uneasy if he doesn't take me along.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think I needed to say anything, since you didn't ask."

"Ha?Of course you should!"

"Ah, is that so? I'm sorry. I'll tell you next time, okay?

"Next time ... There's going to be another one next time. Aah, yeah."

Bad feelings come up one after another.

The hand that holds the cell phone is getting stronger and stronger.

The depths of my eyes are gradually becoming dark and stagnant.

"A-Asuka?"

"Don't be friends with any other girl but me."

I found that my true feelings, my selfish and selfish true feelings, had been laid bare.

"U-uhm, you must have misunderstood me.I didn't mean to cheat on you or anything..."

"I'm just saying I don't want you to be friends with her."

"Eh, w-what's wrong?"

"I can't have Hiroto being touched by another girl. Hiroto is in a relationship with me. You should be aware of that!"

"Touched... Oh, maybe you saw me somewhere?She's always had the distance problem. But she's like that with everyone, so don't worry about it."

"That's not the point!"

The shout was close to an angry yell.

Even through my phone, I could tell that Hiroto was scared.

And I found myself letting the momentum get to me.

"If you continue to be friends with girls other than me, I will break up with you."

Yes, I had threatened him.

Chapter 23: The Day I Threatened Him Part 2

"If you continue to be friends with girls other than me, I will break up with you."

The moment I said this, I was overcome with a strong sense of frustration.

I let my momentum get the better of me and said something outrageous.

I love Hiroto and I don't want to break up with him.

I immediately lowered the blood that had risen to my head.

"N-no..., that was...!"

"I understand."

"Eh??

"I'm not going to be friends with other girls. I didn't think about Asuka's feelings at all. I'm really sorry.""

Hiroto's sincere apology.

I was in no condition to back down.

I don't think I was right to threaten him like that.

But Hiroto said he would not be friends with other girls.

The negative feelings that had been swirling around inside me were slowly being dispelled.

"Hmph, there won't be a next time."

"... I understand."

Besides, I could feel that Hiroto was in love with me.

This is definitely not a good thing, but it made me happy.

Fufu. I see.

Hiroto doesn't want to break up with me.

Looking back, I think I made a big mistake at that time.

After that, I often used this lousy threat against him.

"With test scores like these, we won't get into the same high school!"

"Even if you say so. I'm not as smart as Asuka."

"I'll teach you all you need to know.I mean, your test scores are getting worse because you're slacking off on your studies. If you don't make the top 20 again, I'll break up with you."

"...I understand. I'll do my best."

I threatened to break up with him if he didn't get good test scores.

"Hey, today is our eight month anniversary since we started dating. How could you forget?"

"Do anniversaries have to be celebrated monthly?"

"No good!If you forget again, I'll break up with you."

"...I understand. I'll try not to forget."

I threatened to break up with him if he forgot our anniversary.

"Hirito, what are you doing?"

"About what?"

You always cut corners. It's the gymnastics festival, so you should get a dress and show everyone how cool you are."

"I'm not trying to cut corners."

"No, you're lying. I'm watching you very carefully. There's no point in hiding it."

"...I don't want to stand out too much. Besides, you know, when I run, the captain runs, too, and I don't think anyone is looking for me to take first place."

"I'm the one asking for it, so it's okay. If you don't win first place, I'll break up with you."

"Isn't that messed up?"

"Then run for real."

"...I understand"

I threatened to 'break up' with him if he didn't take first place in the 50m run at the gymnastics festival.

"... Heh, Live music is a pretty good way to meet people. ..."

"Is something wrong?"

"No, I'm just doing some research. I was wondering if you want to go on a date tomorrow?"

"Huh, didn't I tell you?I have something I can't miss tomorrow."

"A date, so... You promised."

"I have something I can't miss tomorrow. ..."

"Is it more important than me?"

"I-I didn't say that. It's just that I've always wanted to go to this show. I can go on a date anytime, but the concert is only tomorrow. ..."

"Ah, I see. Then you have a choice. You can go on a date with me or you can break up with me and go to the concert."

"W-Wait a minute. Why are you giving me an ultimatum?"

"Meet me at Shibuya station at ten in the morning. If you are late, I will break up with you."

I threatened to break up with him if he didn't give priority to the concert.

Besides that, I selfishly threatened Hiroto many times to 'break up' with him.

I was no longer aware that I was doing anything wrong, and it had become a habit.

I had sublimated it into a magic word to get Hiroto to listen to me.

I never thought that Hiroto would actually break up with me.

" I see. I guess I can only feel sorry for Hiro-kun."

"No, I think the problem is on Hiroto's side. Asuka is now in this situation because he wasn't aware enough of what a boyfriend should be like."

When I finished talking, my sister and Mami were arguing with each other.

Once again, thinking back on it, I really am the worst ...

No wonder Hiroto is so disgusted with me.

"No, I think Asuka's possessiveness is the problem. Hiro-kun is not the type of guy who would cheat on his girlfriend, but you're making it hard for him to breathe by restraining him."

"Is that so?If Asuka didn't remind him, he would have cheated on her."

"I don't think Hiro is that type of boy."

"You're really buying Hiroto-kun, aren't you?"

I'm glad she's defending me, but I don't want to blame Hiroto for this.

"Ah, uhm, I'm fine, Mami. I'm glad you defend me, but it's wrong to blame Hiroto for this."

Mami's lips pout forward in a muffled manner.

My sister smiles at her.

"I see your point, Mami-chan, but I think that's a little arrogant."

"Arrogant?"

Yes. The standard of cheating differs from person to person. It is arrogant to impose one's own values on others. It's simply that Hiro and Asuka did not have the same sense of values. In that sense, I'm glad they broke up."

"You're glad they broke up..."

Mami potters and ruminates on my sister's words.

Once she had a thoughtful look on her face, Mami turned to face her sister.

"Uhm... is it possible that you like Hiroto-kun, Chinami-san?"

She then asked a question that was straightforward and inappropriate for the atmosphere.

Chapter 24: Complication

"Is it possible that you like Hiroto-kun, Chinami-san?"

Mami's direct question made my sister's face slightly crumple.

I was also puzzled, not expecting such a question to come out of Mami's mouth.

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Because it doesn't sound like Chinami. I have an image of the Chinami I know as a sissy-conscientist who is in love with Asuka."

"I'll affirm where I can, but I think it's normal to side with Hiro-kun on this one. Mami-chan, you are the one who is too much on Asuka's side, aren't you?"

"Please don't change the subject. If Chinami-san likes Hiroto-kun, I'd say it makes sense."

While listening to my sister and Mami's conversation, I was thinking a little.

I wondered what my sister thought about Hiroto.

At least, I don't think she hates him.

She often made fun of him and treated him like a younger brother.

But what about as a member of the opposite sex—-

She smiled softly and scratched her neck in annoyance.

"Mami, I think you're the one who needs to cool down. I'm going to make this clear. Hiro and Asuka broke up because of her. If you heard what she said earlier, you know that, don't you?Hiro-kun and Asuka had a clear hierarchical relationship. No, Asuka created that kind of relationship. In such a situation, there is no way Hiro-kun can defy her, right? Just like no soldier would defy the king. Therefore, Hiro-kun had no choice but to accumulate until he exploded. Hiro-kun and Asuka's relationship was built entirely on his patience. People don't really understand that. For Hiro-kun, Asuka is nothing but a burden. ...Will you stop tormenting Hiro-kun now? Okay?So don't try to steal him."

My heart tightened strongly at my sister's words.

Being told by one of my own relatives made me even more aware of how low I had fallen.

There was no way that Hiroto and I could ever get back together. Such an evil woman.

"...I think you're right. I was a little too much on Asuka's side."

Mami also showed her willingness to agree with my sister's words.

My sister breathed a sigh of relief and said.

"Yes. I'll see you later. I have something to do later."

Mami's hands flapped in the air.

But Mami didn't let my sister leave.

"Ya, may I have a word?"

"Hmm?"

"I want to check it after all, but Chinami-san likes Hiroto-kun, right? "

"...Why are we talking about that?"

"Because, you know, it's just a normal question. I understand Hiroto-kun's feelings so well, but he just let them accumulate until he exploded."

"I didn't know about it until he told me. I didn't realize he was using such a terrible threat as 'I'm breaking up with you."

"Well, that's okay."

"What are you trying to say?"

"In short, I want to make Hiroto-kun my own, so I've been waiting for the right moment. I want Asuka to give up Hiroto-kun as soon as possible. Otherwise, I can't attack Hiroto-kun myself."

"..."

My sister who is pushing me to shut up.

I felt upset, though only slightly.

I think I may have never seen my sister like this before.

"I-It can't believe it, sis"

"You got it wrong. How could I possibly like my sister's boyfriend?"

"But you almost kissed Hiroto."

"That was just to make fun of Hiro-kun. I'm sorry I went a little overboard."

She smiled softly and turned on her heel this time.

"Oh, I'm going to go now. Bye-bye."

She left my room.

Once again, it was just me and Mami.

Mami looked somewhat unconvinced and had a puddle of air on her cheek.

"Something is wrong with Chinami-san."

"I don't know. I think my sister was right."

I was a really terrible girlfriend.

And yet, it is beyond absurd to try to get back together with Hiroto again.

I've got to get rid of the old feelings—-

"I'm sorry for everything. But I have to stop thinking about Hiroto."

I declared clearly as I made up my mind.

Mami scratched her temples.

"If that's okay with Asuka, I'm fine with it."

"Yes ... ah, I kinda feel a little better now that I've decided to go with that."

I reach my hands toward the ceiling.

I don't think I can cut off my feelings for Hiroto right now. But I have to move forward little by little.

That's the only way I have left.

"So, do you want to go out for karaoke?"

"Sure, let's go."

Mami suggested that we go to karaoke.

--

[Hiroto Suginami PoV].

The evening sun was shining and the sky was tinged with orange.

"Uhm, may I ask you to say it one more time?"

"I think I like Asuka after all."

At a coffee shop run by a master with a white beard.

I was revealing my feelings to Chinami.

Chapter 25: Shaken heart and determination

"Uhm, can you say that one more time?"

"I think I like Asuka after all."

In a coffee shop run by a master with a white beard.

I was revealing my feelings to Chinami.

Chinami looked puzzled from the bottom of her heart.

"U-uhm Hiro-kun, you got a girlfriend, right?"

"... yes. But the more time I spend with her, the more Asuka flickers. ... I feel nothing but sorry for her."

"For confirmation, why did you go out with that girl?Why did you get a new girlfriend?"

"Well, she confessed to me after we went out a few times, and at first I thought about turning her down."

She was cute, girlish, upstanding, caring, and exactly the stuff of ideals.

But I couldn't turn my feelings toward her.

So, I wanted to reject her confession.

But.

" I was told that it was okay if I didn't like her right now, and she even cried a little, so..."

"So your feelings were shaken?"

I nodded my head.

I hate myself.

I bit my lower lip tightly.

"By the way, how did that girl come to like you, Hiro-kun?"

"Oh, she's in the same class as Asuka. When I was dating Asuka, I was in her class quite often, and that's how she caught my eye."

It was love at first sight.

"It seems that when she found out that Asuka and I had broken up, she mustered up the courage to ask me out on a date with me."

"... I see. People's things look even better when they belong to someone else."

"Eh?What is it?"

"No, I'm sorry, it's nothing."

"I see."

Chinami's voice was like a mosquito's, and she sputtered out a few words.

The background music in the store drowned out her voice so I couldn't hear her very well.

"Going back to the subject, what do you mean you like Asuka?"

"I haven't been able to figure out how I feel about Asuka for a long time. I don't know whether I like her or not."

The more I thought about it, the more I was getting swamped.

But after I started dating her, I was able to face the girl, Asuka Nomi, anew.

Asuka is selfish and egotistical. But I didn't mind her being selfish.

Sometimes she was so honest that it was embarrassing for me, and I liked her because she was so healthy that she would grow her long hair just because I told her I liked it.

"Asuka is a perfect match for me. For me. And I realize it now."

It was only because I went out with a different girl that I realized how much I liked Asuka. I was finally able to get out of the feeling of being lost.

Chinami paused to support her chin with both hands, and then jiggled her gaze at me as if peeking out from below.

"I guess a little time has passed and you forgot about it. Asuka did some pretty terrible things to Hiro-kun, you know?I don't think it's wise to still have romantic feelings for a girl like that, like a wife who can't stay away from her domestic violence husband."

At first glance, Chinami's analogy seems to be spot on.

But it's not.

I lowered my gaze slightly.

"I ... think I've made a lot of mistakes."

In a calm voice, as if repenting, I began to speak.

"When Asuka first told me she was going to break up with me, I didn't say anything back and just listened to what she said. I thought to myself, "If only we had discussed this properly at the time". I didn't want Asuka to hate me, so I listened to everything she said."

I don't want her to say we're splitting up or anything casual like that.

I feel that one word would have made a huge preoblem.

I was the one who made the choice to be quiet and do as I was told. As a result, I aggravated Asuka.

We didn't have enough time to talk.

"I didn't have enough awareness of myself as a boyfriend. I usually go out with girls. If I were in the opposite situation, I wouldn't like it at all."

Asuka has no friends of the opposite sex.

The reason being, I never had to worry about it.

But it's something I could understand if I imagined it.

I don't feel good about Asuka going out with her male friends.

Even if she says she has nothing to do with it, I don't like what I don't like.

I didn't have enough imagination. I was more selfish than her.

"So it's not all Asuka's fault. It's rather my fault."

"I see. There were times when she was late for a date or cancelled it, right?What about that?"

"I think that's Asuka's fault. But I did spoil her too much. I could have been a little angry."

"... Asuka is such a selfish, self-centered who always annoys Hiro-kun, you know?"

"But I like Asuka like that."

After we decided to break up, all I could see were Asuka's bad qualities.

She is selfish and egotistical—

But I had already taken that into consideration when I confessed my feelings to Asuka.

I don't mind Asuka being selfish.

I don't hate being caught up in Asuka's selfishness.

I only hated being threatened that she would break up with me.

"... So what are you going to do about it?Do you dump your current girlfriend because you still like your ex-girlfriend?"

"... ... I'm the worst, aren't I?"

I felt my chest tighten at the relentless question from Chinami..

The reason for dumping her is too selfish.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I embarrassed you. But it's not good to keep going out with someone if you don't have feelings for them."

"... Yes."

That's exactly what is insincere.

"I agree that Hiro should break up with your current girlfriend, but I think it's a lost cause to try to get back together with Asuka."

"A lost cause, huh?"

"Yes. you are bound by your first love."

"I'm bound by my first love. ..."

"Haa ...mou, I can't help it. I'll give my sister a hand here."

"What do you mean?"

Chinami smiles gently and leans forward to take my hand in hers.

"I'll go out with you."

"Ha?"

I let out a gut-wrenching cry as the words I had not expected came out.

"Look, Asuka and I are sisters and we have similar faces. I thought I could take Asuka's place."

"What are you... saying? What are you talking about?"

"Am I not good enough?"

"...?"

"Nyahaha, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. You take it too seriously. Well, if you insist, I'll think about it."

"I'm sorry, but that's a bad joke. ..."

I turn my cheeks to twitch and give Chinami a suspicious look.

"I mean, I'm not thinking of getting back together with Asuka."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. After I broke up with her twice, I can't say that I still want to get back together with her."

"..."

"But since I've consulted with you so many times, I thought I should let you know what I've come to."

"...I see."

I am not meeting with Chinami today for the purpose of consultation. It is to express my will.

"What about your current girlfriend?Are you going to continue your relationship?"

"No. I will confide my feelings to her without hiding them, and apologize."

As a result, I could not respond to her feelings. If this was going to happen, I should never have started going out with her in the first place.

I should have been strong in my heart and refused her confession.

This was my mistake.

It is not something that can be easily forgiven.

It's no wonder I was vilified. But it would have been worse to continue the relationship.

That's why I'm breaking up with her.

"Are your feelings set in stone?"

"Yes."

Until a little while ago, my feelings were dizzy.

Talking to someone is important.

But I tended to take the advice of others for granted.

I guess I was not used to asking for advice.

Now, however, I am able to think properly on my own.

"Can I ask you about one thing that's been bothering me ...?"

"Yes. What is it?"

"What do you like about Asuka?"

When Chinami put her cheekbones on the table, she looked me in the eye.

What I like about Asuka huh—-

There are many things, but the most important is.

"I like her smile. At first, Asuka didn't open up to me at all, her expression was cold, and I thought it was impossible to get along with her. But when I saw Asuka smiling innocently while talking with her friends, I was instantly attracted to her."

I laugh to myself and scratch my neck.

I wanted Asuka to show me the same smile she shows her friends.

In the course of repeated trial and error, I realized that I was liking Asuka as a person of the opposite sex.

"Really simple, isn't it?"

"That's right. ..."

Chinami laughed in dismay and pointed her index finger at me.

"I guess ... I'm not good enough for you."

"Eh? What did you say?"

Chinami-san mumbled in a voice that sounded as if she was about to disappear.

The background music in the store drowned out the sound again, so I couldn't hear her.

"Nothing. I don't want you to think too much about it, but can I ask you one more question?"

"...?Yes."

"If it's me and Asuka, which would you choose, Hiro?"

"Ha?W-What do you mean?"

"Just answer the question. Don't think about what it means."

"U-Uhm"

Questions that made me want to think about the meaning.

A lot of question marks were floating above my head.

Come to think of it, Asuka had asked me a similar question before.

The answer was given then.

I can't fully grasp the intent of Chinami's question, but there can only be one answer for me.

"—It's Asuka."

"I see. Thanks for answering."

Chinami-san finished the rest of her coffee and got up from her seat with her belongings.

"Aaah. I feel kind of silly now."

She stretched out her hands across the ceiling and laughed bitterly.

Holding up her index finger with a pin, she brings her face close to mine with a smile on her face.

"Finally, this sister has one last piece of advice for you."

"Advice?"

"Yes. Take a hit and crush it."

"What do you mean?"

"Hiro-kun, you're not so blind that you can't see what I'm trying to say, are you?"

Chinami smiled softly and put her shoulder bag back on her back.

Take a hit and crush—-

No matter if I don't succeed or not, I'm going to give it my best shot.

I clenched my fists and turned my head down.

"But ... I can't continue to swing around Asuka any more."

"Is that so? I think Hiro's good point is that unlike appearances, you are brazen. With that brazenness, you wooed Asuka, right?"

"Ugh... ..., that's a harsh way of putting it."

"Nyahaha, I'm not a good-natured girl."

"You think so? I have a feeling that Chinami is a good-natured girl."

She consulted with me and even gave me advice.

But Chinami shook her head and tapped me on the shoulder.

"I'm just as selfish as Asuka because I have the same blood as her"

"...?"

Without much of an explanation, Chinami leaves the coffee shop.

Me thinking once again when I'm alone.

Right

It doesn't boil down to this.

I don't know what the outcome will be, but I'll do what I can.

I raised my face and drank the rest of my tea.

Chapter 26: Determination

"You seem more depressed than ever today."

"... Oh, Takase."

In the classroom.

The purple aura of the classroom was overshadowed by the voice of Takase, a bad friend of mine.

Takase settles into the one seat in front of me and gives me a frivolous look.

"Well, you told her that you didn't like her, and that's why you started going out with her, right?There's no need to be so anxious about it."

"But I could have chosen not to go out with her, and in the end, I was selfish."

I told her how I felt and broke up with her.

The relationship lasted less than a month.

For that reason alone, she asked me for more time, but I realized my feelings for Asuka.

So I couldn't make the choice to continue dating Sakura-san.

"I see. But she agreed to it, right?"

"Yes, I think so"

She was a really good girl.

That's why I felt like my heart was being torn out of my chest.

Takase brought his body close to mine and looked at me.

"Hiroto, you must be thinking about purification, right?"

"No, I'm not thinking about purification."

"Really?"

"I'm thinking about not getting involved with girls for a while."

"Oh, I knew it. Is that okay?"

"Eh?"

Takase let out a loud sigh and scratched the back of his head roughly.

"You found out that I like Asuka-chan, didn't you? And you decided to tell her how you feel, right?But you said you're going to stay put for a while. Then Asuka-chan might get a boyfriend."

That's a good possibility.

Asuka tends to be hostile toward men, but she is not completely a man-hater. If she hated men, she wouldn't be going out with me.

"I know, but..."

"You'll get caught flat-footed if you keep thinking about unnecessary things."

Takase advises me.

That's right.

What's the point of stepping on toes here and now?

It is already December. The year is almost over.

I thought it would start next year at the earliest, but that's not right.

After a moment of silent contemplation, I looked up and declared.

"I've made up my mind. On Christmas Eve, I will ask Asuka out on a date."

Takase's eyes widened and he looked perplexed.

"O-ou. On Christmas Eve, you're pretty aggressive, huh? I mean, Hiroto seems to be giving more importance to the event than I thought."

"Is that so?"

"Was it during the fireworks at the summer festival when you confessed your feelings to her?"

"Yeah. Well, it didn't go as planned."

Even with careful preparation, mistakes are bound to occur.

Especially when Asuka is next to me, things don't go the way I want them to.

But I liked that kind of routine.

"Christmas Eve, huh? ... Oh, wait a minute."

"Hmm?"

Takase returned to his seat and began to fish around in his bag.

Holding two pieces of paper, he came back to me again.

"Here, this is for you, Hiroto."

"What's this?"

"Tickets for the illumination."

"You were planning to go with someone."

"I was going to invite someone, but I didn't have any plans. You can have it."

"But"

"Is alright"

"...Thank you"

I held the ticket tightly in my hand and decided to accept it.

"You have a good friend, right? Hiroto."

"I think you're ruining it if you say it yourself."

Takase smiles frivolously, and for some reason, I feel foolish and even the corners of my mouth relax.

Now.

Let's try to hit it and crush it.

--

December 24. Christmas Eve.

No snow is falling, but the cold weather is covering the metropolitan area, which is no wonder that it is snowing.

Equipped with the handmade scarf Asuka had given me, I tried to calm my quickening heart tone.

"Brother. Are you going somewhere?"

As I'm getting ready to go outside, my sister Reina calls out to me.

I'm going to go out.

I'll make sure to let Reina know.

"Yes. I was going to confess my feelings to Asuka."

"Eh?Confessing? ... Are you serious, brother?"

"Yeah. Well, I'm going to go."

"You're going to Asuka's place, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, Asuka-san, she said something about having a Christmas party with her friends today."

"Ha?"

"Did you not make any plans for Asuka-san?"

"...I didn't."

What am I doing?

I didn't make any promises.

When we were dating, I reported any plans I had to her and we shared a calendar.

So I knew what Asuka's plans were without having to ask her.

But now we are broken up.

I needed to confirm in advance whether Asuka had any plans on Christmas Eve.

"What shall I do?"

It was completely my mistake.

I had forgotten something important.

"Did she say whose house she was going to?"

"Oh, yes. She said she was going to Mami's house."

It's a friend of Asuka's.

I have only interacted with her through Asuka, but I am acquainted with her.

But as far as the location of the house...

"Jeez, you are really careless, brother."

"Eh?"

"I just got in touch with Mami. I think the address is here."

Reina forwarded the address to my phone.

I wonder what is going on with Reena's exchange relationship.

If it's related to Asuka's friends, she seems to be more intimate with them than I am.

"No, ..., but I can't interrupt a Christmas party. I'll call it a new day."

Although there is the matter of illumination, I should give up today and change the date to another day.

It's because of my lack of confirmation.

And then my phone starts shaking.

It's an unknown number.

"Please pick up."

"Eh, yes."

Reina urged me to pick up the phone and I did.

Then a familiar voice comes over the phone.

"Yaho, this is our first time calling, isn't it, Hiroto-kun?

"Shinozaki-san?"

On the other end of the line through the phone was Asuka's friend – Shinozaki Mami.

Reina and I make eye contact.

But her eyes were immediately averted.

It seems she gave my phone number to Shinozaki-san.

"So. So, what do you want?Asuka is at my house right now, but..."

It was possible to tell a lie here.

Shinozaki-san probably doesn't think well of me.

If she knew that I was going to tell Asuka how I felt, she might say something negative about me.

But still.

"I want to invite Asuka to the illumination."

'Hmmm. Asuka might not be interested in you anymore, Hiroto?"

"Even if that's the case, I don't want it to end like this."

"Haa... I'm really tired of all this trouble, both Hiroto-kun and Asuka."

Shinozaki-san says, with a slight chuckle, as if she's taken aback.

"Fine. Come to my house. I'll make it easy for you."

"... Really?"

"Yeah. but you better come early. The house is in a strange place, so it'll be hard to find."

"Okay."

"I'll see you later."

The call was cut off with a pause.

I put my phone in my pocket and turned to Reina.

"Thank you, Reina. I appreciate it."

"No, I wish you good luck."

"Yes, I'm off."

"See you later, brother."

When I put on my shoes, Reina waved at me with a flutter of her hand.

Blessed to be surrounded by people, me.

Grateful for the environment in which I was placed, I raced off.

Chapter 27: Go on a date with me please.

I arrived at Shinozaki-san's house.

It was in an intricate area and I got a little lost, but I had been running, so I did not lose much time.

"Phew."

I lightly adjusted my breathing and brought my finger to the intercom.

Soon after, a voice came over the intercom.

"Yes?"

"My name is Hiroto Suginami. Uhm is Shinozaki-san

"No, it's me. Wait here for a minute."

"Ah, yes."

Visiting a girl's house —- it is not often that I get a chance to visit the house of a girl with whom I have a complicated relationship.

That's why I was strangely nervous.

I should be nervous now, though.

I waited in front of the intercom as Shinozaki-san told me to, while adjusting my breathing.

After a while, the door opened.

"What's going on?If it's a delivery service, you should pick it up yourself."

"That's fine, that's fine. It's for Asuka."

"Ha?What do you mean it's for—-, Hiroto?"

"Y-yo."

Shinozaki-san pushes her back, and Asuka appears on the scene.

As soon as Asuka's eyes met mine, she stopped dead in her tracks and stared at me in amazement.

After a few seconds of silence, Asuka gripped the sleeve of Shinozaki's dress.

"W-What is the meaning of this?!Why is Hiroto here⁉︎"

"Hiroto-kun, he has something to say to Asuka."

"What's that? Mami, didn't you say something ...?"

"No. I didn't do anything. It's up to Asuka now."

"Eh, wait"

"Bye bye"

Shinozaki-san pushed hard on Asuka's back.

After making us close the distance between us at once, she went back inside the house, closing the door behind her.

Asuka and I are left alone.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come so suddenly."

"No, it's nothing. ... What do you want from me?"

"Hey, do you have any free time today?"

"I'm having a Christmas party with my friends ..."

N-Not good

The way I started this was a mistake.

The plan was not proceeding as I had envisioned. Improvise, me!

"R-right"

"Y-yes"

"..."

"...,Uhm you coming, Hiroto?"

"N-no. That's not a good idea."

"Yeah, I guess so. There are only girls. Well, I'm sure Hiroto will fit in."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah."

The flow is not good.

To begin with, I am not having a good conversation with Asuka.

It is probably because I am extremely nervous.

Asuka was feeling the same way, and the awkward atmosphere was clinging to her.

Suddenly, Asuka looked behind her to see if she sensed something.

I looked behind her as well.

The door was slightly open.

Through the gap, Asuka's friends were all looking at me.

"C-Can we change the place?"

Asuka's face turns red regardless of the cold, and she suggests moving to a different location.

I don't like to be in the presence of an audience.

"Yes, let's change it."

I decided to take Asuka's suggestion and move to a nearby park.

A small park. It was after seventeen o'clock and not a single child was there.

We sit next to each other on benches, keeping a little distance between us.

It was so cold that our breath turned white. Asuka was rubbing her hands and puffing away.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't notice. "

"Eh?"

"Use this."

"I-it's okay. I can handle the cold."

"I don't think that's going to cut it."

"Ugh."

We have been together for more than two years.

I handed her the coat, and Asuka, puzzled, put the top on.

"...Aren't you cold, Hiroto?"

"I'm a bit of a cold weather guy."

"Hiroto, do you think such a lie will work?"

"Ugh."

Naturally, Asuka seemed to know that much as well.

I showed her the scarf I had wrapped around my neck with a bitter expression on my face.

"Look, I have this."

"...You're using it"

Asuka's eyes widened slightly and she blurted out.

I took a small breath and looked into her eyes.

"Do you have some time for me after this?I have a place I want to go with Asuka."

Asuka's eyes flashed with excitement.

"D-do you even know what today is?Why are you coming to see me?Hiroto, you have a girlfriend—-"

"I already broke up with her."

"Is that so... I'm sorry, I lied. I knew Hiroto broke up with her."

Asuka sputters out in a mumble.

In a closed space like a school, it is easy for information to spread about colorful love affairs.

The matter with Sakura-san was hidden from everyone around me, but even so, it was spreading without my knowledge.

And looking at Sakura-san, it would have been easy to imagine that we broke up.

"Hiroto, I don't know what you're thinking."

" I'm sorry. I know I'm bothering you by coming out of nowhere."

"Really, I'm in trouble. But I'm the one who doesn't understand the most."

"Eh?"

"I thought I wouldn't see Hiroto today. But when Hiroto came, I didn't know what to expect. I was so happy, even though I should have thrown away these feelings because they weren't good for me. I'm really no good at all. ..."

Asuka muttered to herself as she looked up at the sky in self-mockery.

Exhaling in exasperation, Asuka looked at me sadly.

"I don't want to bother Hiroto anymore. That's why I don't want to be with Hiroto—"

"You're not bothering me."

"Eh?"

"I want you to spend today with me."

"U-uhm"

"I know it's a bit much to ask for when you're having a Christmas party with your friends, but I want to be with Asuka. So come with me."

"Ha? Eh?What are you saying?"

I can't back out of this.

If Asuka refuses, I should give up.

But I don't want to give up, so I'm going to tell her how I feel. I will not be weak.

Asuka's face turned so red that it looked like steam was coming out of it.

"...Do you know what you are saying is messed up?... Hiroto doesn't like me anymore, right?"

"I did say that?I don't remember saying I didn't like you."

I was not sure how I felt.

But I don't remember saying I disliked her.

Well, I think I acted in a way that made people think that.

"But what I said and what I did were messed up. But I finally got my feelings straightened out. So I don't think I'll blink anymore from here on out."

"Hiroto ..."

I touch Asuka's left hand.

It is cold. My body temperature seems to be higher than Asuka's because I had been running earlier.

"So please go on a date with me now."

I begged, earnestly, straightforwardly.

I was more nervous than when I first asked her out on a date.

Asking for a date in a straightforward manner is suitably nerve-wracking.

Asuka's brownish eyes swam suspiciously and she bit her lower lip gently.

"... that's not fair."

"Eh?"

I also wanted to ask you out. But I couldn't do it because I had to give up, I had to look forward. But it's not fair!How can Hiroto ask me out⁉︎"

"T-That being said. ..."

Asuka reveals her frustration with tears in the corners of her eyes.

I scratch my neck and reveal my bewilderment.

Asuka stares at me from below with a cat-like appearance and a grudging look on her face.

After a few moments of silence, she turned away.

"...You have to entertain me. You have to escort me properly."

Asuka squeezes my hand back.

I swallowed the spit in my mouth as my heart beat faster.

"Got it. I promise"

"yes"

Asuka broke her swollen expression and smiled softly.

It has been a long time since I looked directly at Asuka's smile. I knew she was the cutest girl in the world. Damn, my face is getting hot.

I was so nervous that I noticed footsteps approaching me.

"Are you guys not making out too fast?"

"Eh, Mami?Wait, why are you here⁉︎"

Shinozaki-san appeared, looking at us with a dazed look on her face.

"Here you go, your stuff."

"... Thanks."

It seems that she came to deliver Asuka's stuff to her.

I wonder if she had anticipated this outcome.

"I'll tell everyone that Asuka has been taken home, so don't worry."

"... I-it's not what it looks like!I mean, that doesn't reassure me of anything!"

"If you don't like it, come back."

".Uug... I won't go back."

Asuka swallows hard and looks bitter.

Seeing Asuka like that, Mr. Shinozaki was smiling happily.

"See you later. Ah, Hiroto-kun, don't take Asuka around until late, okay?Don't play games with her, okay?

"I-I know. I had no intention of doing that."

"Really?Well, it's okay."

Shinozaki-san left the place with a fluttering, swimming hand.

Because of the strange things she said, an awkward atmosphere enveloped us.

I had to make sure I conveyed the message clearly so as not to give the wrong impression.

"Just for the record, I don't intend it to be that way. It's just a date."

"...Ah, of course!I'm not prepared for anything."

"Eh?"

"Nothing!Come on, let's go. I don't know where you're going."

Asuka's face turned bright red as she pulled my hand and we walked.

It has only been a few months, but I miss this feeling.

As I thought, I like Asuka.

Chapter 28: Final Chapter

Although the event was ticketed, today was Christmas Eve.

I looked to my right and to my left, and the place was packed with people.

"I don't want you to get sidetracked,"

"Y-yes."

I clasped Asuka's right hand tightly.

The night is completely over after eighteen o'clock.

The stars were hardly visible, but the area was filled with decorations as beautiful as the starry sky.

Electric curtains covered the streets.

Looking around, there were only families or couples.

We were probably the only ex-couple in the area.

"... Did you want to come here?"

Asuka asked anxiously as she looked around.

"Yes. Ah, you don't like it?"

"No, not really. Ah, right. The ticket price."

Asuka starts to look for her wallet in her bag.

"No, it's okay."

"No, it's not. These things have to be done right."

"No, I got this from a friend as a gift."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. So don't worry about it."

"...I see. You brought your ex-girlfriend because there was no one else to go with you?"

Asuka tilted her head slightly.

Long hair danced softly in the air.

"You got it wrong. I wanted to invite you, Asuka.

"...I don't know what you're thinking, Hiroto."

Asuka's cheeks were stained with vermilion, and she looked away and muttered a potty-mouthed, "Let's go.

"Shall we go?"

" Y-yes"

I reasserted my hold on Asuka's hand and began to walk slowly.

The air is almost overwhelming, but I try my best to keep my composure. What should I do. I can't think of anything to talk about. ...

"T-this is the first time for me to see the illumination with Hiroto, isn't it?"

I was at a loss for a topic when Asuka spoke up first.

"Have you ever seen the decorations in the neighborhood before?"

"I have, but this is the first time I've seen such a proper illumination."

"Ah, now that you mention it."

"I didn't think there was any place that Hiroto and I had never been."

Asuka muttered to herself.

I also agreed with her words.

Asuka and I went to many places.

Although we were limited by our financial resources as students, our parents gave us extra allowance, and we even went away on family-related trips.

Looking back, I really had a lot of experiences.

"...There are many places We've never been to, like skiing for example."

"Oh, indeed. There are no winter sports around here. Have you ever been skiing, Hiroto?"

"Only once, I think. I was still in elementary school, and I skied on mostly flat terrain."

"Hmmm. But Hiroto is very athletic, so I'm sure you will be able to handle it."

"Don't pressurize me. ..."

"When I was with you, you were my coach... I'm sorry. It was nothing."

Asuka's voice trailed off and she hurriedly shook her head.

We've already broken up.

If things continue as they are now, there is almost no chance that we will go skiing together.

Walking down the street decorated with lights, I slowly begin to speak.

"—-I think I'm probably very timid."

"Timid?"

"Yes. I have low self-esteem and never thought I could go out with Asuka."

"What's that? You approached me persistently, didn't you?"

"Is that so. I was just talking to you."

"That's enough. Hiroto was the only guy who talked to me. You really are an eccentric."

Thinking back to the past, I smile and laugh.

"I think it's other people who are strange. It would be crazy to leave an interesting girl like Asuka alone."

"You're not making fun of me?"

"I'm not. I'm complimenting you."

"I don't feel like I'm being praised."

Asuka said in an unfaithful manner.

But, it doesn't mean that she is really angry. The edges of her mouth are slightly loose.

"Because of my shyness, I would make elaborate plans and ask Asuka out on dates, but Asuka would always mess up, or be late, or even come in crazy early, so it was always difficult for me. Things never went the way I wanted them to."

"Ugh... sorry."

"No. But it was fun, and I couldn't contain my feelings, so I confessed them to you. Well, things didn't go as planned that time either. I was just worried for a long time. I didn't know if Asuka would accept me. I was afraid that Asuka would reject me. That's why."

When she accepted my confession, I was so happy that I almost died.

When Asuka and I became lovers, I felt like everything was rewarded.

At the same time, I was afraid that this relationship would end.

That's why

"When you told me that you were breaking up with me, I think I was so afraid of being dumped that I listened to what you said."

Asuka gently drops her gaze and squeezes her pants.

"... Y-ou know, Hiroto."

"Hmmm?"

"I love Hiroto, I love you, I can't help it, I was so scared!I was afraid that someone would take Hiroto away from me. Unlike me, Hiroto has many friends and acquaintances of the opposite sex. I was afraid that Hiroto would easily dump me."

Asuka spoke her mind as if she was trying to squeeze the words out of her mouth.

Asuka is the only person I have ever liked as a member of the opposite sex.

But she didn't understand that.

"That is why I didn't want Hiroto to be friends with other girls."

"... You should have talked to me about it."

"Yes... As a result, I was binding Hiroto. Because of my restraints, I gradually lost my standards and made Hiroto listen to me by saying, 'I'm breaking up with you. I'm really sorry. I thought Hiroto would understand if I talked to you properly."

"No, I was the one who couldn't say what I hated because I didn't want Asuka to hate me. I'm sorry for keeping it bottled up by myself.

I think it's a trivial problem, like a misplaced button.

A little discussion would have solved it.

However, if I may make one excuse, both Asuka and I were too inexperienced.

We were each other's first lovers, immature children who did not even know the society.

Our world was too small, and we were at an age where our values could easily change.

However, I feel that we have grown up a little since we broke up.

We arrive in front of the huge Christmas tree.

This is the main stage of this illumination site.

You have to lift your head right up to see the top.

People around us were taking pictures, chatting, flirting, and so on.

But they all seemed to be having a good time.

This place seems to be okay.

No one cares about us.

They only care about their families and partners.

I let go of Asuka's hand and looked into her eyes seriously.

"This place is supposed to be a good matchmaking place."

"... I-is that so"

"Well, I think they just made it to attract customers."

"R-right. It's not a shrine, and I'd rather you didn't take the liberty of telling me what to do."

Asuka is acting suspiciously and flustered, saying one after the other.

"Uhm I—"

"..."

As she scratched her neck, sweat oozed from her entire body.

The temperature has dropped so low, but my body is still hot and flabby.

Even though it's my second time, I'm surprisingly nervous.

Okay, I'll tell her.

I'll tell her what I think—.

"So...you like sukiyaki, right?Asuka."

"Heh, yeah. I usually like it."

"I see. Yes."

I'm acting suspicious.

What a tongue-in-cheek thing I'm doing.

What if I don't confess now ...

The main illumination is here.

There is no other place to confess except here.

I've been through a lot, but I've come this far and I'm ready.

I can't stumble at the crucial moment!

"... Fufu."

"W-What?

"No, it's nothing. "

"It doesn't look like "nothing" to me"

Asuka smiled softly and took a step closer to me.

"I don't think I have a good personality."

Looking me up and down, she looks at me.

"I am selfish, egotistical, I say everything out loud, and I think I am very possessive. That's my personality. Even if I wanted to fix it, it's not easy."

Asuka lowers her gaze and tightens her lips.

When she looks up again,

"But you know what, I don't think I'll ever make the same mistake again."

She declared, as if expressing her determination.

I let my hardened expression relax.

Asuka looked at me anxiously.

"Are you sure you're okay with me?Won't you regret it?"

We had been together for over two years, and she seemed to know exactly what I was going to say. Well, I think it was obvious to everyone.

"I—- love Asuka. I fell in love with Asuka with all of Asuka's personality factored in. I became unsure of my feelings and broke up with Asuka on the spur of the moment, but I've never disliked Asuka. It took me a long time to realize that I really like Asuka."

"Hiroto,..."

"Please go out with me again."

"..."

I told her how I was feeling right now, without hiding it, and I conveyed it to her head on.

Asuka gasped and fell silent for a while.

Time feels slower than ever before in my life.

One second feels like an hour, and my breath catches in my throat.

I tightened my lips and waited for Asuka's response.

Then, with a thud, Asuka hugged me.

"A-Asuka?

"I gave up. I thought I had to look forward, and I was trying my best to break off my feelings for Hiroto!"

"..."

"But if you say that to me, I can't give up on you!I also love Hiroto!I love you so much!"

Asuka, not paying attention to the eyes of those around her, is pouring her heart out.

I gently put my hand on her back.

We went through a lot of trouble, mistakes, and detours to get to this point.

From the outside, it seems so simple, so trivial, so trivial that there must have been a shortcut.

But I feel that I was able to grow one thing through this relationship.

In the future, I am sure we will clash again.

But at least we can respect each other. I think we have become that kind of relationship.

"A-are you sure you're okay with me?"

"Yes, I am. I want Asuka."

"...Eheheh. You can't take it back now, you know."

"O-ou. But, as expected, it's time to move on."

The people around us are paying attention to us.

Asuka's voice is so clear. Even though there are many couples, they are indeed conspicuous.

"No, don't let go of me. "

"Release me"

"No."

"Damn it"

She was in the mode of wanting to be spoiled.

Asuka doesn't listen to me at times like this.

Well, it's okay. At least for today.

"Can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"How far did you go with Sakura-san?Oh, no, I don't mean to blame you for what happened during the breakup, but I'm still curious."

"—-We kissed once."

"... Hiroto really does things that aren't what they appear to be."

"Gohohokoho!No, it was done by surprise. And I don't really have an excuse."

When I said goodbye to Sakura, she kissed me by surprise, saying, "Because I want to have memories at the end."

I was able to hide this matter from Asuka.

But I don't want to be in a relationship where I have to hide things.

Asuka looked at me reproachfully with an unfaithful expression on her face.

"I'm just a little pissed off, so let me slap you once."

"No, I thought you weren't going to blame me for what happened during the breakup ..."

"But some things piss me off!Therefore, let me clear my head once and for all!""

"R-Really?"

Well, if I were in the opposite position, I can imagine how Asuka would feel.

Although I don't think I'd want to slap her, though.

I closed my eyelids tightly and forcefully.

Asuka moves away from me and slaps me on the cheek forcefully.

She touches my cheeks as if she is wrapping her hands around my cheeks.

The next moment, I felt a familiar sensation on my lips.

We kissed for about five seconds, and Asuka looked embarrassed.

"Overwritten."

"..."

Damn, my girlfriend is too cute!

"L-let's go. It's almost time."

"Wait.""

Asuka turned bright red, but she acted tough and tried to walk away.

I grabbed Asuka's left hand and held her back.

"Eh?"

"One more."

I can't end up being beaten.

I'm already conspicuous enough to the people around me.

I was not going to let her get away with it.

I grabbed the back of Asuka's head as she turned around to face me, and fixed her in position. This time, I took her lips from mine.

Asuka's eyes widened in confusion, but she soon relaxed and leaned into me.

When we finished kissing, Asuka leaned forward.

"...It's so unfair that you did it so suddenly!"

"Asuka did it first, no?"

Asuka stared at me in annoyance.

Defeated, she hit me with her gaze. I felt funny, and the corners of my mouth naturally relaxed.

The area around the house became noisy and crowded.

It wasn't because of us.

I look up and see that snow is falling from the sky.

"Snow ... Did you expect this much?Hiroto."

"I didn't. I mean, it's long gone from my assumptions."

From the beginning, things haven't been going according to my plan.

But the surprise of snow falling was a nice betrayal.

Just in time.

I'll give it to her at this time.

I went through my bag and pointed a palm-sized box at Asuka.

"Will you accept this?"

"What, a present?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, I didn't prepare it. Can I have it?"

"I want Asuka to receive it."

For Asuka, spending the same time with me today must have been unexpected.

It's no wonder she didn't have a Christmas present ready.

Asuka received the box from me and checked the contents with trepidation.

"...A ring?"

"It might be a little heavy, but I wanted to give it to you, Asuka."

"I'm so happy,... Thanks, Hiroto!"

"O-ou"

Asuka's smile bloomed the best smile of the year.

The destructive power was outstanding. This was enough to get me in return.

Asuka looked at me with an ecstatic expression.

"Hiroto put it on."

"Can't you put it on yourself?"

"You don't know what you're talking about?I mean, don't be shy now after you gave me something like this."

"Ugh. Well, I guess so."

Asuka holds out her left hand.

"Do you know where you're going to put it?"

"Thumb, I guess."

"Not funny with that joke."

"Yes, I'm sorry."

A straight point is made.

I know which finger Asuka wants me to put it in.

I put the ring through the ring finger of her left hand.

"Eheh, thanks."

"You're welcome."

I can no longer look directly at Asuka's face.

I turned my head to the day after tomorrow and tried to maintain my composure.

Asuka happily leaned closer, looking at the ring on her left hand.

"I'm ...I'm sure I'll continue to annoy Hiroto with my selfishness."

I know that.

I've factored that in, and I'm attracted to Asuka.

"I'll be fine. I'll scold you if you go too far."

"Yes, I will be in your care ... Then, I want to make one more request."

When Asuka started out that way, she closed the distance between us.

She put her hands on my shoulders and whispered in my ear.

"Stay with me forever."

This is another ... selfish request.

I don't know if I can fulfill it or not.

—Right, I hope I can.

[End]