Chapter Ⅲ | “No…Stains?”

♣♣♣

The day after the beach outing.

With a clunk and a shake, I woke up.

What’s with this? It feels oddly cramped. There’s also a small vibration. The ceiling is low.

The ceiling…?

Wait, this isn’t a room. I’m in a car.

Hmm. I was out on the ocean with Enomoto-san doing SUP surfing…no, we finished that. So maybe this is the ride back? Ugh, I must’ve fallen asleep from exhaustion.

Then, Hibari-san must be driving…no, wait.

The beach outing was yesterday. After that, I definitely rode back in Hibari-san’s car, had yakiniku for dinner, and he dropped me off at home. I took a bath and went to bed. My memory stops there.

Where am I?

Thinking that, I quickly sat up.

It’s the backseat of a small car. It looks familiar…actually, this is Saku-neesan’s car. The rearview mirror has a monkey keychain swaying from it, the kind they handed out at a local event.

“Foolish little brother. Awake, I see.”

In the driver’s seat sat Saku-neesan. In the rearview mirror where the smiling monkey swayed, I could see her cold gaze reflected.

“S-Saku-neesan. Why am I…”

“In my car, perhaps?”

“Yeah. I thought I was sleeping in my own room…”

“It was quite the hassle getting you in without waking you. You’re surprisingly heavy.”

Jeez, I’m a high school boy, so of course I’m heavier than Saku-neesan. I’m at an average weight…wait, that’s not the point! That was close, I almost got sidetracked by her usual nonsense!

“Yuu-chan♪~~ Don’t give your big sister too much trouble, okay?”

“Wait, Kureha-san. It’s not me causing trouble, it’s more like I’m the one being troubled…why are you even here like it’s natural!?”

Looking closely, Kureha-san was in the passenger seat. Today, she was wearing a white dress, radiating a dazzling celebrity aura.

Kureha-san puffed up her cheeks and, while looking displeased, swung her arms up and down, her ample chest bouncing with the motion.

“You don’t like me being here~? Yuu-chan. You’re so cold.”

“No, before that, I still don’t understand what’s going on here…”

I looked out the window.

There was nothing but ocean. For some reason, we were driving along a coastal road at dawn in Saku-neesan’s car. We were going at an insane speed, and there were no traffic lights in sight. Probably a highway.

Phoenix trees lined the roadside at regular intervals, and beyond them stood the towering Phoenix Sea Gaia Resort hotel.

Judging from this…

“Huh? Why are we heading toward the airport?”

“My, my. You’re quick on the uptake for once.”

“With this scenery, if it’s a highway, there’s only one place it could lead…”

“Even though you’ve never been on a plane before.”

Saku-neesan shrugged.

“We’re seeing Kureha off.”

“…Oh, is that it?”

It seems Kureha-san is returning to Tokyo.

Saku-neesan seems to have driven her car for the send-off. These two really do get along well, huh.

…Well, I understand the situation. But what I still don’t get is why I was dragged along.

“Why was I brought along to see her off?”

When I asked, Kureha-san turned around.

“Wrong♪~ Yuu-chan, you’re coming with me~☆”

“…………”

I stayed silent for a while, then tilted my head.

“Huh?”

“As an apology for before~, I thought I’d introduce you to a creator in Tokyo~♪”

We arrived at the airport.

Saku-neesan handed me a carry-on suitcase.

“Huh?”

“Well then, foolish little brother. Buy some nice souvenirs, okay?”

With Kureha-san leading me by the hand, we finished the boarding procedures. In the waiting room, Kureha-san bought some cheese buns from Kurumaya.

They were delicious. The fluffy, chewy steamed bread was filled with rich cream cheese.

“Huh?”

“I love the cheese buns here☆ They’re going for a unique, one-of-a-kind vibe, and I like it~♪”

We boarded the plane. On my first flight, I hit my head on the overhead locker. Then I was seated in a slightly fancy business class seat.

After an hour and a half in the air, we arrived at Haneda Airport. I looked out at the wide corridors. There were office workers, groups of tourists, and tons of people coming and going.

“…Huh?”

I was in Tokyo.

A straight-line distance of 800 kilometers, or 1200 kilometers by land.

Everything happened so quickly that I didn’t even have time to react. Why? Why am I in Tokyo? I don’t get it. What’s going on?

Kureha-san picked up her carry-on at the baggage claim. With a radiant smile that made it seem like she hadn’t just abducted me, she said:

“Yuu-chan. Well then, I’ll say bye-bye here~♪”

“Wha!? Wait a sec…ugh!”

When I tried to stop her, she grabbed my shoulder instead.

It wasn’t that strong of a grip, but I felt an oddly intense pressure. Pushed by that intensity, I fell silent. Behind her smiling face, there was an air of no questions allowed.

“Yuu-chan, I’m in a bit of a tight spot too~♪ If I don’t complete this mission, I’ll be in big trouble with work~♡”

Kureha-san leaned forward, emphasizing her chest, and whispered in my ear. I caught a sweet feminine scent, and her sultry voice sent shivers down my spine.

“I do feel bad about dragging you here~? But if Hibari-kun found out, he’d stop me~. Anyway, just enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo to the fullest, and everything will be A-OK~. You’ll be happy, I’ll be happy♡”

“Ha-Happy…happy…?”

Kureha-san made a peace sign with both hands and clicked them together like crab claws. I half-heartedly made the same sign. I wasn’t happy at all.

“Well then, I’ll contact you later~♪”

And with that, Kureha-san really left…

Left behind, I stood there dumbfounded, watching her go. It’s true what they say about freezing up in critical moments.

Anyway, I started to sort through the situation. First, I’m in Tokyo. At this stage, it’s absolutely baffling. The end! …No, no, don’t give up, me. Pull yourself together.

Why did Kureha-san bring me to Tokyo? And it seems Saku-neesan’s in on it too. Could this be related to Himari again? No, but she mentioned something about Hibari-san…?

Maybe I’ve been dragged into some lover’s spat between them? What a hassle…

Anyway, I should move from this baggage claim area. I grabbed my carry-on and headed toward the glass exit doors.

The moment I stepped outside, I dropped my carry-on. Something inside made an unpleasant clattering sound, but I didn’t have the mind to care.

“…………”

An incredibly cute girl was standing there with a smug expression.

She was wearing a more mature-looking summer shirt and skirt combo, and for a moment, I thought she might just be a lookalike. After all, this is Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. There’s no way she could be here.

But that unique reddish-black hair is unmistakable. And her large chest, boldly emphasized by her light clothing…

I called her name.

“Enomoto-san. Why are you here…?”

Ignoring my confusion, she gave her usual charming smile and giggled.

“I came~♪”

“You came, huh…”

Staring at her adorable, guilt-free smile, I felt like I’d figured everything out.

♣♣♣

From Haneda Airport, it took just under an hour by taxi──

We’ve arrived in Tokyo’s Shibuya!

As I watched the crowd of people filling the famous scramble crossing like a school of fish, I couldn’t help but murmur, “Whoa…” …Is there some kind of festival today? Surely this isn’t just normal city life, right?

Just as I was starting to feel overwhelmed by the crowd, Enomoto-san called out to me from across the street.

“Yuu-kun. Over here!”

“Ah. The Hachiko statue?”

One of Shibuya’s landmarks, the statue of the loyal dog Hachiko.

I’ve seen it on the morning news and stuff. Seeing the real thing in front of me gave me a strange feeling, like an anime character had stepped into real life.

Enomoto-san switched her phone to selfie mode, so I stood next to her.

“Yuu-kun. I’ll take it now.”

“Okay.”

Click, the sound of the shutter.

When we peered at the screen, there we were, posing stylishly with the Hachiko statue in the background.

Enomoto-san immediately drew dog ears and whiskers on our faces. Even with the dog ears, Enomoto-san looked cute. If I’m being honest, I’d like to see Himari with dog ears too when we get back.

“──Wait a minute!!”

“Kyaa!”

Enomoto-san almost dropped her phone. She caught it in a panic and glared at me.

“…Yuu-kun. Don’t shout in my ear like that.”

“Don’t drag me to Tokyo without warning and then lecture me about manners!”

Somehow, Enomoto-san puffed out her chest proudly. Honestly, with a pose like that, she could probably get scouted by an idol agency.

“Ah, it was Shii-kun who came up with the plan to bring you here.”

“That damn bastard…!”

As I cursed Makishima, who wasn’t even here, she handed me her phone.

(Huh? A video call?)

As I wondered, a familiar face appeared on the screen. The brown-haired, carefree guy──it was Makishima himself. He opened his fan as usual and laughed lightly.

“Na-ha-ha. Natsu, looks like the prank was a success, eh?”

“Shut up! Don’t make Enomoto-san do something so shady!”

“How rude. Rin-chan said she wanted to hang out with Natsu, so I just suggested a method. It was her choice to go through with it.”

“But not getting consent beforehand is just plain malicious…”

Makishima didn’t deny it, just shrugged.

“Knowing Natsu, you’d probably run away if I tried to get you on the plane from home. Combining it with a surprise and meeting in Tokyo was the right move.”

“Shii-kun. Perfect.”

Stop giving each other thumbs-up like this was some great achievement…

Anyway, I get it now. This was definitely malicious. If that’s the case, things are different. I may have been dragged along to Shibuya, but it’s not too late to turn back.

“If Himari finds out, it’ll be bad! I’m going back!”

“Himari-chan? She already knows.”

What!?

As I stood there dumbfounded, Makishima smirked. When he moved the camera away, I could see where he was.

…This fairytale-like interior design, could it be Enomoto-san’s family’s Western-style sweets shop? He seemed to be sitting in the eat-in corner, sipping a ginger ale.

Makishima suddenly called toward the kitchen.

“Himari-chan. It’s Natsu.”

As I was thinking, “What the heck!?”, Himari’s face appeared on the screen. She waved at me with a big smile.

“Ah, Yuu. You made it to Tokyo safely?”

“You know where I am…?”

Himari tilted her head.

“Eh? Weren’t you suddenly supposed to go visit relatives in Tokyo last night? I was pretty surprised when Saku-san told me this morning~”

“Relatives…?”

We have relatives in Tokyo? First I’m hearing of it! As I was at a loss for words, Himari looked puzzled.

“…Yuu. What’s wrong?”

“Ah, n-nothing! …That’s right! My uncle, uh, was hospitalized, so I had to go visit him… It’s not a serious injury, though… Haha…”

I accidentally made up an excuse and mentally kicked myself. Once I said it, it felt hard to correct myself. I mean, how could I tell her? That I ditched her during summer break to go to Tokyo with another girl…?

Himari nodded, saying, “I see. That’s tough~.”

“Since you’re there, check out some nice shops for me~. I wanted to go too, but I got caught up with something~”

“Something? By the way, why are you at Enomoto-san’s shop?”

Himari puffed out her chest as if she’d been waiting for the question.

“Well, it turns out Enocchi forgot about the brass band club’s training camp~. The shop was short on staff, so I got called in to help out~”

Saying that, she struck a pose with a “Ufu~♡.” Himari, wearing the shop’s apron and a stylish beret, looked so cute she could’ve been on the cover of a fashion magazine’s Valentine’s Day special. I’m looking forward to February 14th next year.

“I’m not really that free~? But when they ask so earnestly, I can’t say no~? Plus, I’m cute~? I’m pretty much the face of the shop~?”

She was clearly riding high. She must’ve been showered with compliments by Enomoto-san and the others. That simple-mindedness is just so endearing. Honesty really is the best policy!

“So, Yuu. When do you plan to come back?”

“Ah, well, I’m done with my errands, so I’ll be back soon…”

Suddenly, Makishima’s loud voice came from the other side of the phone.

“By the way, Natsu is staying over there for a week, right?”

“Huh? No, no, I’ll be back soon… Oh!”

Makishima smirked mischievously.

His expression said it all. It felt like, “If you don’t obey, I’ll spill the beans about you being with Rin-chan right now.”

Even Enomoto-san, while showing me her phone, was making a peace sign. According to her, she’s supposed to be at the brass band club’s training camp, so maybe this was a mirage… Yeah, right.

……Think about it. What if they found out I was alone with Enomoto-san in Tokyo? No, I don’t even need to think. Himari, who got jealous just because I was slightly friendly with Enomoto-san, would definitely… It’s easy to imagine the punishment waiting for me.

“……………………One week.”

I surrendered.

Then, Himari looked a bit disappointed… but she spoke with a loving smile, as if trying to reassure me.

“Since it’s Yuu, you probably want to look around the accessories there, right? Onii-chan said that kind of experience is important. I’ll take this chance to study customer service too.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks…”

Damn it. Her sweet consideration is painfully touching…

As I was about to cry from self-reproach, the phone was handed back to Makishima. And as he saw Himari return to the kitchen, he gave me a lewd smile.

“Give Rin-chan a reward for working hard on the Kureha-san matter. Well, I’m going on a date with my girlfriend now. You two enjoy yourselves too.”

He unilaterally ended the video call.

I sighed and turned to Enomoto-san.

“…………”

“…………”

Enomoto-san stared at me with expectant eyes. Ugh, it’s blinding…! I even felt like the loyal Hachiko statue behind her was looking at me with puppy eyes!

(…Lying to Himari about a Tokyo trip is definitely a capital crime, I think.)

But Enomoto-san is also an important friend to me, and I absolutely shouldn’t disregard that. Even with the Kureha-san matter, Enomoto-san could’ve chosen someone else…

“Well, as a thank you for the other day…”

“Huh!?”

Enomoto-san’s face brightened. Along with the Hachiko statue behind her, I could almost see an invisible dog tail wagging furiously!

“Then, let’s go, Yuu-kun?”

Enomoto-san took my hand and started running. My stride is longer, so I leisurely followed her small steps.

As we crossed the scramble crossing together, Enomoto-san turned around and smiled, “Ehe.” Her expression, as if everything was going her way, was unfairly cute.

“I knew Yuu-kun would say that.”

“…I’m just an easy-to-read person.”

Looking up, the sky felt narrow.

The cluster of skyscrapers equipped with unimaginably huge displays seemed to stretch towards the clouds.

They say Tokyo’s air is dirty, but I think it’s just the strong smell of people. There were so many people everywhere that simply walking made me feel out of breath.

I’m really walking around Tokyo’s streets with Enomoto-san, huh.

Reflecting on this, I walked through the crowd.

♣♣♣

The place Enomoto-san and I entered was a tenant building near the scramble crossing.

As I looked around the floor, I let out a voice of joy.

“Whoa…! This is amazing…!”

It was a floor dedicated to women’s fashion.

As far as the eye could see, accessories! Accessories everywhere!

From affordable to high-end, all kinds of stylish accessories were lined up. It was astonishing how they continued all the way to the back of the floor.

The variety was overwhelming, and it made me realize just how many accessories for women there were. It felt like a dazzling treasure cave. A sight you’d never see back home.

I peeked into the first shop.

This place was for flashy styles, probably targeting teenage girls like Himari.

First of all, the sheer quantity was overwhelming. The necklaces hanging along the aisle were like a sparkling waterfall. Each one was different, making it hard to imagine just how broad the target demographic was. The accessory case I had in middle school felt like child’s play in comparison. I wanted to do something like this someday…

I moved to the next shop.

This one had more subdued… or rather, high-end accessories, targeting college students and working adults.

At a glance, they were stylish, and upon closer inspection, they were even more so. They didn’t rely on obvious materials like diamonds. Even the casual rings for everyday wear had refined designs. It felt so urban… Of course I’d want to buy these.

Inside the glass display case were necklaces with a calm, white luster. Each had a chic design, suitable for business settings.

The common point of these necklaces was…

“Platinum, so nice…!”

“Yuu-kun’s accessories are silver, even the expensive ones, right?”

“Yeah. The price difference is huge. My accessories are all one-of-a-kind, and the preserved flowers drive up the cost, so platinum is tough…”

Depending on the market and purity, platinum can cost dozens of times more than silver.

Going all out is an option, but that would make the accessory’s price skyrocket to tens of thousands of yen. It might work for custom orders, but for regular sales, it’d be counterproductive since clients couldn’t afford it.

(Ah, this is bad. I really like this one…)

A simple, understated design that would probably suit Himari. I think it’d pair well with her Nirinsou choker.

The price was… yikes.

Honestly, I could guess. It looked like something for everyday business use. Do working adults really wear stuff like this daily?

I took out my wallet and checked the contents.

……Whoa! It’s a bit thicker! Saki-nee, nice! Man, having a sister is the best. No matter how scary… no matter how bloodless and tearless a sister who helps abduct her own brother is! I’m still grateful for the travel funds… huh?

There’s a piece of paper stuck in it. Let’s see…

‘Deducted from next semester’s part-time earnings.’

You’re a demon!?

Handing me over to the scary big sister in Tokyo and then deducting it from my part-time earnings? Even black companies would pale in comparison!

But if it means I can buy a souvenir for Himari… wait. We still have a whole week left. Should I really spend it so soon…!

As I was groaning to myself, I suddenly noticed Enomoto-san was gone. She was intently looking at something on the other side of the display case.

I approached her and peeked in with her.

“Ah, this is cute.”

It was a necklace modeled after a cat. The motif was a playful scene of a cat desperately clinging to avoid falling. It was a charming accessory with a sense of fun amidst a calm atmosphere.

Enomoto-san, like I did earlier, was staring at her wallet. The price… well, of course. It’s platinum, not something a regular high school girl could casually buy.

As I was thinking this, a shop staff member approached us.

“Did you find something you like?”

“Huh!? Uh, well…”

Suddenly being spoken to by a beautiful lady, I froze. Tokyo really goes all out, huh!

As I was suffering from my fear of beautiful women, Enomoto-san confidently pointed at the cat necklace.

“How about this one?”

“Ah, that’s a popular one. We sold one yesterday, and it’s the last one in our store.”

“Uu…!”

The last one… At those words, Enomoto-san’s expression twisted in distress.

She’s such an animal lover… or rather, since real animals don’t seem to like her, this is probably her only outlet. It’s kind of sad.

Then, the lady playfully whispered to me.

“I think it’d suit your lovely girlfriend.”

Enomoto-san’s eyes sparkled.

“Ah, no, I have another girlfriend, so she’s…”

“Right now, we’re just friends, but we’ll be lovers someday!”

Hey, Enomoto-san! Don’t make weird claims like that out of nowhere!

Ah, geez. The lady made a face like, “Ugh, this is complicated…” and quickly left the shop awkwardly.

“Enomoto-san! That’s not okay!”

“Why?”

“Well, I don’t plan on breaking up with Himari.”

“It’s fine. I’ll have Hii-chan hand you over to me someday.”

She clenched her fist, burning with determination.

Hmm. What she’s saying is really intense, but her confident demeanor keeps the atmosphere from getting dark…

As we rode the escalator down, I remembered Enomoto-san’s expression when she looked at the cat necklace. Her eyes sparkled like a child looking at a toy display. For Enomoto-san to show such an expression, she must’ve really liked it.

Earlier, in front of the Hachiko statue, Makishima had said…

‘Give Rin-chan a reward for working hard on the Kureha-san matter.’

That’s… well, yeah.

Actually, it’s not just the Kureha-san matter. Enomoto-san also helped me when I fought with Himari before. I haven’t properly thanked her for that either.

(But is a necklace really the right thing…?)

I haven’t even bought one for Himari yet.

Honestly, for someone I consider just a friend, it might be too much… or rather, it feels late to be worrying about that. But even so, it’s not something a high schooler should give… or is it too late to think that?

I chose Himari as my girlfriend.

But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t cherish Enomoto-san.

“…Enomoto-san, wait downstairs for a bit.”

“Huh? Okay, got it.”

Leaving her as she looked something up on her phone, I returned to the accessories floor.

Feeling embarrassed under the teasing gaze of the lady (“Oh my~♡”), I bought the cat necklace. I was offered a message card (for lovers), but I firmly refused that.

After it was wrapped, I hurried back to Enomoto-san. But when I reached the building’s exit, she wasn’t there.

(…Huh? Where’d she go?)

Panicking, I looked around and spotted her at a stylish ice cream shop across the street. She was happily coming back, holding two cup ice creams. The vanilla ice cream, stretched out like an elephant’s trunk, was topped with strawberry sauce.

“I just bought whatever they recommended for Yuu-kun. That’s okay, right?”

“Whoa, thanks!”

In this hot season, the cold, smooth ice cream was delicious.

Tokyo really is something. Even the cup ice cream is stylish and rich in flavor. We both went “Mmm~…♡” while enjoying the summer… or rather, I got completely distracted by the ice cream.

After finishing the ice cream, Enomoto-san enthusiastically said,

“Yuu-kun. Let’s go next!”

“Ah, yeah…”

I missed my timing… Thinking that, I put the wrapped necklace into my parka pocket.

♣♣♣

Following Google Maps’ directions, we arrived at a certain café.

The exterior had a somewhat retro vibe. Enomoto-san was unusually excited, so it must be serving some incredibly popular sweets in Tokyo.

“Yuu-kun. Let’s go.”

“Y-yeah. Let’s…”

Feeling thirsty, I followed her in. The door opened with a ching ching of the bell, and a cute staff member greeted us.

“Welcome. Party of two, right? This way, please.”

As we were led inside, I realized the truth.

There were a ton of cats!

The interior had a Showa-era atmosphere. Countless cat beds hung from the ceiling, with several cats lounging in them, staring at us.

I understood Enomoto-san’s true intention.

So, this was a cat café, huh. It’s a rare concept back home, where stray cats are everywhere…

(This trip is really all about dogs and cats…)

Nodding in understanding, I sat at the table with Enomoto-san. It was just past noon on a weekday, so the place was empty.

Enomoto-san looked at the cats in the air with sparkling eyes.

“Yuu-kun! There are so many!”

“Yeah…”

“Ah, that one! It’s looking at me!”

“They’re interested in anything that moves…”

She was so passionate. But as someone who has cats at home, I can’t relate. Sorry about that.

“Enomoto-san. Is this the place you were searching for earlier?”

“Yeah. I was absolutely determined to come here.”

Clenching her fist, she declared her resolve.

“Here, there’s bound to be a cat-chan who likes me!!”

Enomoto-san burned with a pitiful passion. ……So, was she really bummed out about being ignored by Daifuku at home?

Enomoto-san smiled with a melting expression as she observed the cats.

“Ah, amazing. You don’t see cats like this among strays. Ah, the Ragdoll’s aloof face is so cute. The Scottish Fold… I wanna pet those folded ears. The Munchkin’s round eyes look just like Yuu-kun’s… Persian, so cute, Persian…”

“Enomoto-san, Enomoto-san! The staff wants to take our order, so come back, Enomoto-san!!”

The staff member was clearly at a loss with Enomoto-san, who seemed completely lost in the cats. While Enomoto-san’s infatuation with the cats was adorable, we needed to prioritize ordering.

Opening the menu, I ordered the recommended drink and cake. Then, I suddenly noticed an item labeled ‘Treats.’

“What are these *‘Treats’?”

“They’re treats for the cats.”

So, it’s a tip system.

Enomoto-san was sending me an intense look of expectation, so I caved under the pressure and added it to our order. The staff member then presented us with a promotion.

“For couples, we recommend this ‘Become a Cat Course.’”

That’s something Enomoto-san would definitely be into… Ah, as expected, she latched onto it with sparkling eyes!

“We’ll take that.”

“Understood~♪”

Ah, she didn’t even ask about the details…!

Enomoto-san enthusiastically snapped photos of the cats above us with her phone, clearly pumped.

“I’m so excited.”

“Well, as long as Enomoto-san’s having fun…”

Soon, our cakes and drinks arrived. I had coffee, while Enomoto-san had tea. Along with the cat treats… we both exclaimed when we noticed something sitting at the corner of the tray.

“What’s this!?”

“Wow, cute.”

Without a doubt, it was a cat-ear headband. The kind of joke item you’d find at a 100-yen store before Halloween. The staff member smiled warmly as she pointed to it.

“Please wear this and appeal to the cats by saying, ‘I’m one of you~.’”

Casually, she bent her arms like a cat and gave us a demonstration, “Nyan nyan♪”

For a moment, I imagined myself doing it and immediately deflated. Who’d want to see a guy in cat ears?

There’s no way Enomoto-san wouldn’t be weirded out by this…

“Yuu-kun. Let’s do it.”

“Eh? You’re surprisingly into it…”

“We’ve already ordered, so causing trouble for the staff wouldn’t be right.”

Enomoto-san’s expressions are hard to read, but she’s oddly into this kind of thing, huh. She took the lead and wore the headband, then struck a pose just like the staff member, bending her wrists.

“Nyan nyan.”

The Gekkabijin bracelet on her left wrist glinted.

“…………”

For a moment, my brain froze.

As I stood there unable to react, Enomoto-san’s face quickly turned red. She looked down and reached for the headband.

“…I’ll take it off.”

“Sorry, sorry! It’s just that it’s so different from your usual image, and you looked so cute that I was at a loss for words! It really suits you!”

I hurriedly stopped her, and Enomoto-san looked up with pleading eyes, “Really…?” I nodded vigorously in response.

Then, Enomoto-san smiled shyly, “Ehe.” Enomoto-san, hyped up from the trip, was adorably mischievous. ……And the staff member’s reaction of “How innocent~♡” was so embarrassing, please stop.

“Would you like me to take a photo for you?”

“Ah, yes. Please…”

It’s not like there are many people here, and not doing it would be too awkward… I also put on the headband, and we took a photo with Enomoto-san’s phone, striking the “nyan nyan” pose.

Then, I checked the photo…… Ugh, the two of us doing the “nyan nyan” pose is way too embarrassing. Enomoto-san happily decorated the photo and said,

“I’ll send it to your Line too.”

“Uh, thanks…”

Well, I’m one thing, but Enomoto-san looks cute, so it’s fine. …I absolutely can’t let Himari see this photo, though.

Now then. That aside, I can’t forget the main event.

I was kind of looking forward to it too. After all, Daifuku at home never warms up to me. Holding the cat treats, I tried appealing to the lounging cats above.

“Here, some treats.”

“Kitty~, come here~♪”

At that moment, the cats’ eyes seemed to gleam…… or so I thought. Then, the cats stood up and glided down from above!

Before I could even let out a scream, the treats in my hand were snatched away. The cat that got them swiftly dashed across the floor and hid in a corner.

“…………”

Where’s the floofy!?

Isn’t this supposed to be a trade where you get to pet them in exchange for treats!? I was dumbfounded as I turned to Enomoto-san.

“Eh, Enomoto-san. Are the cats here kinda aggressive…… Whoa!?”

This time, I screamed.

A bunch of cats had swarmed Enomoto-san, licking her all over! They were so packed around her that I couldn’t even see her face. It wasn’t Enomoto-san anymore; it was a furball in the shape of Enomoto-san.

As I stood there stunned, the cats eventually finished the treats and left, skillfully climbing back up to their beds.

After being thoroughly licked, Enomoto-san was completely white. Yet, her expression was somehow refreshed. Like she had no regrets, she turned to me and smiled softly.

“Yuu-kun. I’m moving in here…”

“No way!?”

After repeating the ultimate treat time about three times, we left the café.

♣♣♣

The last place we visited was a super high-rise building directly above Shibuya Station. A famous new landmark in Shibuya, it boasted the largest number of tenants in the area.

Following the guide map, Enomoto-san and I took the elevator up. Our destination was the observation deck on the rooftop.

Stepping into the glass-enclosed rooftop area, we could see the entire Tokyo skyline.

The view from the tallest building in the area was spectacular, making it feel like we were walking in the sky.

“Whoa—!”

“Amazing—!”

We both shouted through the glass barriers. I almost said “Yahoo,” but my rationality won out. That would’ve been way too country…

Depending on the season, events like music performances and yoga are held in this open area. Honestly, I really want to participate. Next time I’m in Tokyo, I’ll check the schedules for that.

The scramble crossing we passed earlier looked like a miniature model. Staring too hard could be dangerous, so I enjoyed the view moderately.

“Yuu-kun. Taking selfies here is apparently popular.”

“Ah, I see. I definitely want to do that.”

So, Enomoto-san set up her phone.

How many times have we taken photos together just today? I’ve lost most of my resistance and just let it happen. I’m used to her leaning her cheek against mine……

With the city sky as the backdrop, the photo session went smoothly. Looking around, many other visitors were also busy taking photos.

“Next, over there.”

“Eh, more?”

“We’ll take photos while circling the observation deck.”

I see. That does sound fun.

Walking along the promenade, we took photos one after another. The different backdrops aside, I’ve gotten so used to selfies that I even started striking bold poses.

Then, Enomoto-san switched to video and threw me a curveball.

“Yuu-kun. Say a message to Hii-chan back home.”

“Eh? What’s that?”

“Come on. With this backdrop, saying ‘I love you’ would make Hii-chan happy.”

How suspicious. It’s rare for Enomoto-san to suggest something like that. There’s definitely something behind it……

……But, well?

There’s some truth to what Enomoto-san said. A romantic backdrop like this for “I love you” does sound kinda fun. I’m sure Himari would love that kinda thing.

Ahem. Under the Tokyo sky and feeling a bit high, I stared into Enomoto-san’s phone camera and spoke.

“Uh, sorry for leaving you back home? This is the observation deck of a building in Shibuya. The view’s amazing, and it feels great. I hope we can come here together someday. I’ll come see you as soon as I’m back. Even when we’re apart, Hima—”

“Rion.”

“—I love you.”

Click. The recording ended.

“…………”

“…………”

We stared at each other expressionlessly for a while.

After a deep breath, I broke the silence.

“Hey—! Enomoto-san! Don’t casually swap names like that—!”

“Yuu-kun. Let your guard down, and you’ll lose.”

Enomoto-san gave a triumphant thumbs-up. Stop playing the video where I said “Even when we’re apart, I love Rion”!?

A bit calmer now, I buried my face in my hands, freshly embarrassed by my own blunder.

“Enomoto-san’s turned into a bad girl……”

“I wasn’t a good girl to begin with~.”

Damn it, the mischievous Enomoto-san is cute too……

We each got into the outdoor hammocks provided by the facility. The sun was close, so it was a bit hot, but the breeze felt nice.

I absentmindedly reached into my parka pocket and my fingers bumped against the wrapped box. ……That’s right, I missed the opportunity earlier.

I took it out and handed it to Enomoto-san in the neighboring hammock.

“Enomoto-san. Here…”

“Huh?”

The gift box from the accessory shop. Opening the beautifully wrapped box, Enomoto-san’s eyes sparkled.

“Kitty-chan!”

Enomoto-san stared at me with a “Why!?” look. Her invisible tail was wagging furiously, and I ended up feeling embarrassed instead.

“Well, uh, I haven’t properly thanked you for the Kureha-san matter. Just saying that traveling together is the thanks didn’t click for me. So, since we’re here… thank you for being my important friend.”

Saying something so embarrassing in broad daylight, my face was burning……

Enomoto-san suddenly moved into my hammock. Her face was close, and I froze. She took the cat necklace out of the box and happily held it out to me.

“Yuu-kun, put it on me?”

“Ah, sure.”

I wrapped my arm around the back of Enomoto-san’s neck. Uh, how does this clasp work…? Just as I was thinking that, I felt Enomoto-san’s warm breath and froze.

……This position might be bad.

Glancing down slightly, I met Enomoto-san’s shy gaze. Flustered, I looked away…… Wait, the clasp isn’t going in. My hands are trembling from nervousness.

Calm down. Uh, her chest is so close it’s dangerous. But I can’t put the necklace on if I’m leaning back… Ah, got it. It’s in!

“Enomoto-san, it’s on…… Huh?”

For some reason, her arm was wrapped around my back. Her hand pressed against my shoulder blades as Enomoto-san quietly leaned her lips closer. Her eyes were moist.

“I’m so happy……”

“……!?”

This is bad.

The rooftop observation deck. A slightly special gift. So romantic. That ominous premonition was spot on as Enomoto-san, as if in a feverish daze, whispered.

“A summer memory.”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“It’s a best friend kiss.”

“What culture is that from? This is Japan, you know.”

“I’ll keep it a secret.”

“That just makes it worse!?”

Enomoto-san, losing patience, leaned her face closer. Sh-she’s really serious!?

I stared at her beautiful face. Seeing it up close, she’s truly stunning. Even with all the cute girls I’ve seen in Shibuya, I’ve never thought anyone was more “I want her as my accessory model” than Enomoto-san. The Gekkabijin bracelet on her left hand seemed to be watching from behind…… or so I felt.

“Yuu-kun……”

“……!?”

Hearing my name, I snapped back to reality. Flustered, I shoved my free left hand in front of my face. Enomoto-san’s lips pressed softly against my palm. ……It was super soft.

I turned away, my face hot, and mumbled a denial.

“Th-that’s not what best friends do…”

“……Muu~”

No, Enomoto-san, puffing your cheeks and going “Che~” doesn’t make it okay……

“For the duration of this trip, we’re strictly best friends. Otherwise, I’m seriously going back home.”

“Got it. I’ll settle for being best friends.”

I wonder if she really will……

If it’s like this the whole week, my sanity might be in danger, I thought, as if it were someone else’s problem.

♣♣♣

Around six in the evening, we arrived at Suidobashi Station.

“Tokyo Dome…”

“It’s huge…”

The home stadium of the Yomiuri Giants. I’ve seen it on TV, but the real thing’s impact is on another level. It really feels like a fortress or a spaceship from an SF movie appearing in the sky. Naturally, Enomoto-san and I took a commemorative selfie.

Walking along the castle wall-like outer perimeter of Tokyo Dome City, we headed toward our supposed destination nearby.

“The hotel Kureha-san booked for us is close by, right?”

“Yeah. It’s over there.”

Enomoto-san pointed to a towering, massive hotel.

Wow, seriously… I just assumed it’d be a regular business hotel like the ones back home, so I was already baffled at that point.

The dazzling lobby reception led us to a clean, fragrant elevator that smoothly ascended to the upper floors.

Enomoto-san and I whispered to each other.

“This hotel looks expensive. Do we need to tip or something?”

“I’m not sure. I just told my sister to book a nice place…”

The hotelier, overhearing us, smiled gently.

“It’s already included in the accommodation fee, so no worries.”

“Ah, sorry…”

That was a bit embarrassing.

As country-living high schoolers, we were nervous in such a high-class place. Soon, the elevator arrived, and we stepped out onto the floor.

“(……!?)”

The view of Tokyo from the window left me frozen.

Looking around, I saw gentlemen and office workers in expensive suits relaxing calmly. The sparkling decorations, plush carpets, clean private lounges, and drink counters… This was definitely not a hotel for ordinary people.

While being led to our room, I finally confronted the hotelier.

“We weren’t told anything about this. Are you sure it’s okay for us to be here!?”

“Yes. We received the reservation and message from Enomoto-sama.”

Calmly, the hotelier relayed the message.

“‘To my little sister’s best friend Yuu~chan, this is my biggest service to you~ ~. As your big sister, it’s only natural to spoil my sister’s best friend~. Don’t worry about the money~, make lots of wonderful memories with Rion~☆’ …That’s what she said.”

“Ah, I see…”

The repeated emphasis on “best friend” was suspicious, but it felt very much like Kureha-san. Also, the hotelier’s imitation was so spot-on, it was almost like Kureha-san herself was there.

Then, we were shown to our room.

“This is your suite. Please enjoy your stay.”

“Whoa—!”

It’s huge!

The living room was possibly larger than my family’s convenience store, complete with stylish tables and sofas. There was even a kitchen. It felt more like a mansion than a hotel.

The view of Tokyo’s prime area from the window was spectacular, like being above the clouds. There was even a grand piano in the corner. This was definitely a hotel recommended by a popular model.

My high schooler vocabulary couldn’t describe it any further. In short, the luxurious room sent my and Enomoto-san’s excitement through the roof.

“Best friend is amazing!”

“Best friends are awesome!”

The bathroom’s huge too!

The space covered in smooth, white stone felt like a palace. Being able to stay in a place like this makes coming to Tokyo totally worth it.

Enomoto-san and I exchanged a mysterious high-five. Our energy was weird, but no one was watching, so it’s fine!

“Amazing! Best friends are amazing!”

“Best friends are awesome!”

This is just incredible.

I’m glad I’m best friends with Enomoto-san… I mean, it might sound like I’m after money, but this is a trip an ordinary high schooler would never experience. I swear I’ll never forget this!

“Hmm? What’s this door?”

“Isn’t it the bedroom?”

Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen the bedroom.

As expected of a suite. There are so many rooms; it feels like a family could live here. In high spirits, we opened the door.

A huge double bed sat in the center.

“This is not a best friends thing!!”

Enomoto-san and I both screamed in unison.

Wait, if you think about it, this clearly means we’re staying in the same room! I was so dazzled by the luxurious hotel that I didn’t notice the big issue!

My mind went completely blank as Enomoto-san frantically took out her phone.

Kureha-san picked up the video call immediately. She seemed to be getting a massage at some fancy spa. She was lying naked on the bed, face down, and waved at us. It was very eye-popping, so I averted my gaze.

“Sis! What’s with this hotel!?”

‘Hmm? Didn’t you tell me to book a nice hotel for Rion~?’

“It’s nice, but this is a double room!”

‘Hehe. Getting flustered over something like that shows how innocent you are, Rion~☆’

Enomoto-san puffed out her cheeks, trembling in anger. But since Kureha-san was out of reach, she looked completely at ease.

“Um, Kureha-san…”

‘What’s up, Yuuchan?’

“Isn’t it a bit much for a guy and girl to share a room…”

‘But you two are best friends, right? Then it’s no problem~. If you share a room, you wouldn’t think anything inappropriate, right~?’

“Ugh…”

Given my relationship with Enomoto-san, it was hard to outright deny that.

No matter what, I’d naturally be a bit conscious of it. She’s definitely still holding a grudge over failing to scout Himari back then.

‘I was so moved by the shining bond between you two when you kept Himari-chan with us☆ So, think of this as my thanks to you♡’

Then, she flashed an unbelievably mischievous smile, as if to say, “Did you think I’d just take this lying down?” Resting her cheek on her hand by the spa bed, she provocatively added.

‘I wonder if you’ll still be just best friends with Rion by the end of summer break~♪’

“Ah, wait…!?”

She unilaterally ended the call.

No matter how many times I tried calling back, she didn’t pick up. Finally, the call rejection message played.

“…………”

“…………”

The earlier high energy was replaced with an awkward atmosphere. Enomoto-san sat on the sofa and slumped over.

“I’m sorry about my sister…”

“No, my Saki-nee seems to be in on it too…”

There’s no way we could’ve seen through the schemes of those two. Even Makishima probably didn’t anticipate this.

Trembling with frustration, Enomoto-san forced out her words.

“Next time I see her, I’m definitely making her gain five kilos with a whole cake…”

“Please stop saying such ruthless things…”

As I wondered what to do, Enomoto-san stood up with a look of determination. Clenching her fist, she shouted in desperation.

“Yuu-kun! Let’s go blow off some steam!”

“Blow off steam? Where?”

She casually picked up her carry-on case, entered the bedroom, and closed the door. Is she changing? I was getting nervous from the rustling sounds when the door suddenly swung open!

“Let’s go!”

I was stunned by Enomoto-san’s outfit.

She was wearing an extremely casual T-shirt and jeans, with a large towel draped over her shoulder. The everyday look suited her, but the real issue was what she was holding.

A penlight. The glowing stick you wave at concerts.

“Enomoto-san. What’s that for?”

“Ah, here’s yours.”

She handed me a penlight. It fit perfectly in my hand, and the grip felt great.

But what are we using these for? As I tilted my head in confusion, Enomoto-san excitedly said.

“We’re going to my sacred place.”

“…Huh?”

The answer soon became clear.

♣♣♣

Korakuen Hall.

It’s an event venue within Tokyo Dome City, located on the fifth floor of the Korakuen Hall building. With a capacity of 2,000, this massive event hall features a square ring in the center and attracts fans of pro wrestling and boxing from all over Japan.

In short, it’s a famous venue for martial arts. A pro wrestling event was being held that night.

Sitting right in front of the ring, Enomoto-san and I stood out like sore thumbs. Two high schoolers waving penlights in the front row was apparently rare. The staff had been glancing at us since we arrived.

“Enomoto-san. I didn’t know you liked pro wrestling…”

“Yeah. I’ve been watching since elementary school.”

Is that so? A bit unexpected… or maybe not. I always thought the Iron Claw she uses on Himari was too polished to be self-taught.

In the ring, a wrestler wearing a flashy mask was attacking a long-haired, intimidating wrestler.

The move involved bending the arm into an L-shape and hitting the opponent with the elbow. Even as an amateur, I knew it was called an elbow strike.

The long-haired wrestler staggered back but quickly countered with lightning speed. Reaching from outside the masked wrestler’s line of sight, he grabbed their neck and pulled them close. I’ve seen that move before… What was it called?

“Enomoto-san. What’s that move called?”

“That’s a headlock. It’s one of pro wrestling’s basic moves. Once it’s locked in, it’s hard to escape, but there are also many counters… Oh!”

Just as Enomoto-san said, the masked wrestler wrapped one arm around the long-haired wrestler’s torso and grabbed their leg with the other. In an instant, the long-haired wrestler was lifted off the ring and slammed onto the mat!

The audience erupted with an “Ooh!”

Enomoto-san, visibly excited, waved her penlight. Notably, no one else had one!

Still wearing her usual cool expression, Enomoto-san began to explain passionately.

“That was a one-handed backbreaker. It’s a derivative of the back drop and a famous counter to the headlock. While it can be used on its own, it’s a delicate move requiring precise timing and technique, despite its flashy appearance. Lifting the opponent makes it especially hard to execute against heavier wrestlers. Oh, and it’s said Bill Robinson invented this move, and other wrestlers have used it under names like Pedro Special and Dragon Backbreaker—”

“Got it! I get it, so please wait a second!”

I was overwhelmed by the information overload.

Enomoto-san’s expression was as calm as ever, but she must be really excited, huh?

Meanwhile, the ring saw even more intense exchanges. Moves I thought I recognized had subtle variations, and Enomoto-san expertly explained each one. It was like a movie commentary system…

“(Whoa…)”

It’s amazing. Powerful.

I’ve seen pro wrestling on TV news, but the real thing is on a whole other level. The sweat flying and the dull thuds from the impacts were chilling.

It’s hard to believe these are human bodies colliding. The moves from the muscular wrestlers, whose arms were as thick as my torso, and the opponents taking them head-on were equally awe-inspiring…

“That looks really painful…”

“Pro wrestling is a gentleman’s sport, so it’s fine. They train their bodies well, and the flashy moves are just for the audience.”

“Ah, I see. But it still hurts, right…?”

“…………”

Enomoto-san remained silent for a moment… then smiled like a blooming flower.

“Ehe.”

Hey. Why’d you dodge that?

Oh, you must’ve thought I’d call you out for doing the same to Himari, huh? I’ve been on the receiving end too, so it’s pointless, though?

Soon, the match ended. The masked wrestler, who had dominated throughout, won.

During the break before the next match, we bought hot dogs and drinks from the concession stand. The next match started quickly. There were several matches, and they progressed at a brisk pace.

……Once the night’s event ended, we left the hall. The slightly cooler breeze felt just right on our heated skin.

Still buzzing with excitement, I boldly shouted.

“They were so cool!”

“I’m glad I got to see them in person!”

We exchanged a mysterious high-five, shouting “Yeah!”

Man, it was amazing. The second-to-last match was especially intense. According to Enomoto-san, there was a significant gap in experience between the wrestlers. I guess the stronger one was giving the other a chance, but things turned out differently. After taking a beating, the underdog landed a sharp counter and got a one-hit KO. Even to an amateur like me, it was incredibly cool.

“Giant killing!”

“Giant killing!”

We exchanged another high-five.

The excitement from the matches and the fatigue from the trip made our energy a bit strange, but I didn’t care. After all, we’re in Tokyo, far from home. No one here knows us.

Enomoto-san peeked up at me from below.

“Yuu-kun.”

“What’s up?”

Then she grabbed my arm and pulled herself closer.

I stopped myself from saying anything. This was something I did with Himari too. And dampening the mood right now wouldn’t be good.

Enomoto-san happily said to me.

“Let’s have lots of fun tomorrow too, okay?”

“…Yeah.”

The city sky feels narrow.

No stars are visible.

We’re in Tokyo, far from home.

I wonder what Himari’s doing right now. Thinking that, I reached into my pocket… Oh, right, my phone’s not here, I sighed.

Then, I clasped my hands together as if praying.

……Please don’t let Himari find out about sharing a room with Enomoto-san.

♡♡♡

I returned to the hotel and took a shower.

The hot water bounced off my skin, washing away the sweat and heat along with it. As I reflected on the day, it had been a truly satisfying one.

Thanks to Shii-kun’s scheming, I got to go on a trip to Tokyo with Yuu-kun as planned. Yuu-kun is kind, so I knew he’d agree to my request. Having Yuu-kun all to myself, away from Hii-chan’s reach…

“Ehehehe…”

I covered my mouth with both hands to hide my grin.

It was so much fun. This might be the first time I’ve spent so much time alone with Yuu-kun. The fact that this will continue for six more days feels like a dream. I wish summer vacation would never end.

Just today, we made so many memories together.

He gifted me a cute necklace, we played with Kitty-chan, and took lots of photos. So far, it’s a perfect 100 out of 100.

(……Except for my sister’s unnecessary meddling.)

Remembering the video call with my sister earlier, I let out a sigh. ……That’s not what I intended. I’d hate for Yuu-kun to misunderstand me.

I looked around the spacious, clean bathroom. The bubbly jacuzzi was so stylish; it felt like I’d become a princess.

The hotel room my sister booked was really nice… and while it’s frustrating, it made me realize how hard she works. Someone who just slacks off wouldn’t be in a position to book such a luxurious room on a whim.

As I soaked in the large bathtub, I looked out at the view below.

The endless, dark horizon was dotted with countless lights.

It was like someone had scattered jewels across the ground… or maybe the feeling of looking down at a star-filled sky. Perhaps this is how it feels to be a god looking down from above.

I had no idea nights could be this bright.

That feeling was similar to…

The day I looked up at the bright red hibiscus stars for the first time.

(……Would Yuu-kun think the same if he saw this?)

I hope so.

Thinking that, I got out of the bath. I dried off at the sink and put on the fluffy bathrobe. While drying my hair with a towel, I peeked into the living room.

Yuu-kun was lying on the sofa, seemingly watching TV. The late-night news was on, and he seemed glued to it.

Still hyped from watching the wrestling match earlier, I decided to play a little prank. I sneaked up behind him and leaned over the back of the sofa.

“Yuu-kun. I’m out of the bath!”

……Huh?

When there was no reaction, I realized Yuu-kun had fallen asleep. ……If I listened closely, I could hear his soft breathing.

(Muu. It’s only a little past ten…)

I even brought cards so we could play at night.

Pouting at the unexpected turn of events, I pinched Yuu-kun’s nose in frustration. He started breathing through his mouth. When I let go, his mouth closed again. It was kinda funny……

The sofa Yuu-kun was sleeping on was spacious. Actually, it’s bigger than my bed. Resting my body near his head, I absentmindedly stared at his face. Though he looked a bit unfriendly, his sleeping face seemed happy somehow.

(……Is he dreaming of Hii-chan?)

Thinking that, I brushed his bangs aside and gently poked his forehead. He mumbled, “S-stop it! Don’t scatter the seeds!” in his sleep. ……Seems like he was dreaming about flowers, not Hii-chan.

I flipped through the TV channels until I found a late-night variety show. I watched for a while, but it got boring alone, so I turned it off.

Yuu-kun was sleeping soundly, completely lost in slumber. I lightly tapped his cheek, but there was barely any reaction.

“Mou—. Yuu-kun. Let’s play—…”

While I pouted a little, it made sense he’d be tired. Yesterday was the beach, and today we had an early start for the Tokyo trip.

As I stared at his defenseless face, I was suddenly overcome with an impulse.

“……It’s okay, right? Since it’s just a best friend kiss.”

I looked down at his sleeping face.

Completely unguarded. Yuu-kun trusts me, so he’s okay with sharing the same room.

I toyed with that trust like a naughty child.

Imagining it sent a slight shiver through me.

……It’s fine.

Yuu-kun will forgive me. Because we’re special to each other. First loves who reunited like a miracle. Even if Yuu-kun doesn’t realize it yet, he really does like me, right?

My heart pounded loudly.

Gripping the front of my bathrobe and brushing back the hair near my ear, I slowly leaned closer to Yuu-kun’s sleeping face.

I pressed my lips gently against his forehead.

“…………”

I let out the breath I’d been holding.

Fanning my heated face with the collar of my bathrobe, I suddenly felt embarrassed by what I’d almost done. Ugh—, I covered my face with my hands.

(……That would’ve been wrong.)

It’s against the rules.

I won’t become like Hii-chan. I decided I’d win Yuu-kun over fairly and openly.

I thought there might be a reaction, but Yuu-kun remained asleep. Feeling a little disappointed, I grabbed a blanket from the bedroom and draped it over him.

I turned off the TV and the lights. The room, illuminated by the lights outside, looked dreamy.

I wrapped myself in the large double-sized blanket and closed my eyes.

“Goodnight, Yuu-kun.”

Tomorrow will surely be fun too.

Days like this should last forever.

It’s fine if you like Hii-chan for now.

It’s fine if I’m just your best friend for now.

So, just for this trip, be my Yuu-kun alone, okay?