Chapter 4 | The Two of Us at the Cultural Festival

The lingering heat of late summer had finally passed, and around mid-October, a slight chill was starting to settle in.

For me, it was the start of preparations for one of the school events I dreaded most—the cultural festival.

“Uh, so as you all know, next month’s holiday is when the cultural festival’s happening, and today we’re gonna decide on the planning committee.”

A collective “Ughhh” rose from the classroom.

Enjoying a festival is fine and all, but preparing for it is an absolute pain. For someone like me, a loner who can’t even enjoy the festival thanks to being a bocchi, it’s an even bigger ordeal.

“Each class needs one guy and one girl to step up and join the student council-led meetings… So, anyone who’s up for it—?”

Yagisawa-sensei scanned the room, but of course, not a single hand went up.

“Yeah, didn’t think so… Which is why I’ve already prepared lottery boxes. Boys draw from the right box, girls from the left. If you get a ‘winner,’ well… congrats, I guess? Just accept your fate and step up.”

Complaints aside, we had to decide somehow, so it’d come down to a test of luck.

Our class has 18 boys and 17 girls, making 35 total. So, all I had to do was avoid being the 1 out of 18. Simple enough.

“Alright, starting from the seats by the edge, come up and draw one by one. Oh, and if you get the ‘winner,’ don’t try to hide it—report it properly.”

My seat’s right at the edge, so I’d be drawing early. With more losing tickets still in the mix, that’s a pretty big advantage.

The last lottery draw—for self-introductions—was an unlucky fluke, but getting stuck with the short straw twice in a row? That’d be ridiculous—

“Winner ♡”

…This sucks.

“…Sensei, uh, I got it.”

“Huh? Oh, got it. Then the boys’ committee member is Maehara-kun, decided!”

And just like that, my name was scribbled onto the blackboard in no time.

The boys—especially the sports club guys—looked visibly relieved. Well, being on the committee means juggling club activities and prep work, so it makes sense they’d rather avoid it. For a go-home-club guy like me, it’s a fitting role, I suppose.

With me as the sacrificial lamb, the boys’ slot was settled. Now it was the girls’ turn.

“…Don’t come up, don’t come up…! Yes, a miss…!”

By the time the ninth girl drew, the “winner” ticket was still lurking in the box.

By the way, Amami-san had already drawn and got a miss. Asanagi-san was set to draw later, it seemed.

But the girls in the class were starting to look a bit more serious than before.

Especially after I drew the winning ticket, the vibe in the room shifted.

(I kinda saw this coming the moment I drew it, though…)

If it’d been any other guy, maybe it’d be fine, but since I—a loner—drew the ticket, it’s only natural things would get awkward. The committee leader has to manage everyone and deal with me, so it’s a double burden. In that sense, I feel genuinely bad for whoever gets stuck with it… I was prepared for this, but seeing it play out so obviously stings a little, even if just a tiny bit.

Personally, I’d be grateful if Asanagi-san ended up taking the fall, but… well, let’s see how it goes.

“Alright, guess it’s my turn… Yep, miss. Sensei, here’s proof.”

“Hm. Nitta-san’s safe.”

“Sorry, everyone. But if you need help, just let me know—I’ll pitch in.”

I’d half-expected Nitta-san to do a little victory pose, but surprisingly, her reaction was pretty dry. She even threw in a considerate word for the others.

For a moment, I figured it might be because she’s part of Amami-san’s group, which has always been proactive about school events.

But the real reason became clear right after.

“…Sensei, um.”

“? What’s up, Amami-san?”

“Yeah. I’ve got something I wanna say to everyone.”

Just as it was almost Asanagi-san’s turn and the winning ticket still hadn’t surfaced, Amami-san raised her hand and stood up.

Her profile wasn’t the usual bright smile—it was serious, etched into my vision.

“—Hey, does everyone here hate Maehara-kun or something?”

That one line from Amami-san made the classroom fall dead silent.

I’d sensed something off the moment she stood, but that confirmed it.

Amami-san, the girl who always spread cheer in the class, was now visibly angry at her classmates.

“I’ve been watching this whole time, and ever since Maehara-kun got picked, some of you—I won’t name names—were openly relieved or praying not to get the winning ticket… Why are you avoiding him so much? Why act like it’s such a hassle? Maehara-kun hasn’t done anything wrong. So why?”

In this class, “not doing anything” can translate to “a total unknown,” and for some, that’s reason enough to avoid me as much as possible. If I put myself in their shoes, it stings, sure, but I can kinda get it.

Still, Amami-san’s spent some time with me—short as it’s been—and we’re sorta friends.

Anyone would feel lousy seeing their friend treated like dirt for no reason.

That’s exactly why Amami-san got mad.

Nitta-san and a few others who hang out with Amami-san must’ve picked up on that vibe, which explains their relatively tame reactions.

I don’t exactly look down on people for reading the room like that. It’s sneaky, sure, but not contemptible.

“Sensei, I got a miss with my draw, but can I volunteer anyway? I wanna do this with Maehara-kun.”

“Huh? W-Well… we did start with volunteers, so it’s probably better if someone willing steps up… Maehara-kun, you okay with that?”

There’s no way I could say no here.

“If Amami-san’s fine with it, I don’t mind…”

Being alone with her might be a little nerve-wracking, but I could probably manage.

“Then since we’ve got a volunteer, the pair’s set as Maehara-kun and Amami-san—”

“Oh, Sensei. I got the winner.”

—Right then, Asanagi-san, who’d drawn the last winning ticket, crumpled it up and showed it to Sensei.

“Huh? But Asanagi-san—”

“The rule’s that whoever draws the winner does it, right? I’ve got free time anyway, so I’ll do it.”

“Umi… but I said I’d—” Ouch!?

With a swift chop to her hand, Asanagi-san cut in.

“Yuu, calm down a bit. I get you’re upset about Maehara-kun being treated badly, but you’re overdoing it right now… Look around.”

I agreed with Asanagi-san’s point.

Making Amami-san mad means getting on the bad side of her circle too. She probably didn’t think that far when she spoke, but the room-readers would decide it’s “safer” to steer clear of her.

That vibe would spread slowly, and eventually, she’d end up quietly isolated.

The proof? The girls who felt scolded by Amami-san had gone pale.

Thanks to Asanagi-san’s nudge, Amami-san finally seemed to catch on.

“Oh… S-Sorry, Umi. I—”

“Hey, hey, don’t apologize to me—apologize to everyone. Go on, it’s still fixable.”

“Ugh… Sorry, everyone, for saying weird stuff. And Maehara-kun, sorry for startling you too.”

“Nah, I don’t mind.”

I exchanged a glance and a nod with Asanagi-san, backing up the sulking Amami-san.

“Then, per the lottery, the committee’s me, Asanagi Umi, and Maehara Maki. So, everyone, let’s make it work. —Oh, and Nina.”

“…W-What?”

“You don’t have to join the meetings, but you’re helping out. I’ve got your word, so no backing out, got it?”

“Ugh… Y-Yes.”

That sly side of Asanagi-san—always so on point. Gotta respect it.

After the end-of-day homeroom wrapped up and everyone dispersed,

I called out to Asanagi-san, who’d stayed behind with me for committee work in the now-empty classroom.

“Asanagi.”

“What?”

“You’re seriously impressive, Asanagi.”

“Right? Feel free to praise me more. Hm?”

“Don’t get cocky… But yeah, this time, I’ve gotta give it to you.”

She smoothed over Amami-san’s anger and even handled the rattled classmates perfectly.

Compared to me, who could only flail around, she’s on a whole different level.

“Oh? Thanks. But I’m not that big a deal. All I did was patch up the mood… The really impressive one’s Yuu, you know.”

“…Asanagi?”

“I’m not amazing or anything. Just average. I’m not built for more than that.”

She said it with a self-deprecating tone before continuing.

“Being able to get mad like that—straightforward, not caring about the vibe, purely for someone else’s sake… Even you, Maehara, felt a little moved when Yuu stood up for you, right? …I could never do that. I’m too caught up in keeping the peace.”

“No, I didn’t really think—”

“Let’s head home too. Next week’s gonna get busy, so we’d better brace ourselves now.”

“Oh, uh, yeah…”

We walked partway home together after that, chatting about games and manga—nothing deep—but I couldn’t dig any further into what she’d said.

Something about Asanagi still felt off.

Though the committee selection had me sweating bullets, Asanagi-san’s quick fix pulled the class vibe back together, and we started pushing toward the cultural festival.

After the meeting, our class settled on making an exhibit.

Naturally, ideas like the classic haunted house or maid café popped up in class. We’d settled on a maid café at one point, but too many other classes had the same idea, and overlapping too much was a no-go, so we had to switch.

Hearing about the change, the classmates—especially the boys—were crushed. With lookers like Amami-san, Asanagi-san, and Nitta-san in our class, they’d been hyped to see them in something different (in cosplay…).

“Hey, you pervs over there. Stop moping and give us exhibit ideas. If you pitch in actively, I might consider cosplay on the day—Yuu and Nina, that is.”

“Huh!? Just me and Nina-chan? What about you, Umi!?”

“I’m backstage. As the producer, my job’s to use you two as bait to snag first place in the popularity vote. Right, Maehara-kun?”

“Don’t drag me into this…”

Our school’s cultural festival has a voting thing where visitors pick their favorite exhibit. Top three get a school commendation, but the prize is just a ballpoint pen or something, so I don’t see the point in going all out.

Anyway, cosplay talk got shelved for now. First up: deciding the exhibit.

“—Alright. So for the exhibit, we’ll go with Maehara-kun’s suggestion: a mosaic art using empty cans.”

Ideas like a TV-inspired contraption or a domino setup using the whole classroom came up, but factoring in budget and photo-worthiness, we settled on my plain-but-solid empty-can mosaic art.

The design—like what picture to use—is still TBD, but if I get my mom to help, we’ll have plenty of reference materials. For cardboard and cans, we can ask nearby supermarkets or diners to pitch in.

Asanagi-san and I would draft the design, and the class would work off our instructions. With that settled, today’s discussion wrapped up.

“Man, I’m beat…”

With everything done, I collapsed onto my desk, drained.

It’s a lottery pick, so I’ve got no choice but to do it, but getting this wiped out just from being in front of people? The meeting was mostly run by Asanagi-san, with me just assisting, but years of being a bocchi have clearly tanked my stamina more than I thought.

“Yo, good work.”

“Good work…”

“What, you’re this wiped from the first meeting? At this rate, your hair’ll be white by the time the festival’s over.”

“I’d say no way… but mood-wise, maybe.”

This mosaic art thing won’t cost much, but the workload’s gonna be hefty.

I’ll try to schedule it so things go smoothly, but from past experience, these things usually run late, and we’ll end up pulling an all-nighter the day before.

Getting thrown into leading the class for a cultural festival with zero experience? I’m guaranteed to burn out after.

“That’s why I’m seriously glad my partner’s Asanagi this time. If it’d been Amami-san or Nitta-san, I’d be totally screwed.”

Thanks to Asanagi-san stepping up as the girls’ rep, Amami-san and Nitta-san have been on board from the start. So far, I’m managing somehow.

“Right? You should be thanking my insane lottery luck… is what I’d like to say, but… here, a present for you, Maehara-kun.”

“?”

Asanagi-san handed me a crumpled white scrap of paper.

“What’s this?”

“…The ticket I drew earlier.”

Meaning the one she’d crushed during the committee pick.

“! But if this is the one you drew, then—”

A contradiction clicked into place.

“Asanagi, did you—”

Asanagi-san gave an awkward, sheepish look.

“Yeah, that’s right… Sorry, Maehara. My ticket was actually a miss.”

“Huh? But… Sensei too—”

“Sensei obviously noticed, but I bulldozed through it.”

The vibe had been so tense right before that Sensei probably just wanted to smooth things over quietly.

Asanagi-san took advantage of that.

“To pull that off in that atmosphere… Like I always say, Asanagi, you’ve got some serious guts—or something. You’re amazing, seriously.”

“…You’re not mad, Maehara? I technically cheated.”

“If it were a lottery jackpot, maybe, but this time it’s a total dud ticket everyone agrees sucks. No one’s gonna complain.”

For most of the girls in class, drawing the winner meant a ton of committee work plus partnering with me, so they’re probably relieved Asanagi-san took the hit.

That kind of cheating? I’m not gonna make a fuss. If anything, I feel bad for making Asanagi-san cover for me again.

“So, what I’ve got to say to you hasn’t changed, Asanagi… I’m glad you drew the winning ticket. That’s it.”

Strictly speaking, she drew a miss, but to me, that miss was a “winner”—and that’s good enough in my book.

It’s a different kind of shielding from Amami-san’s, but Asanagi-san’s way of looking out for me? I don’t hate it.

“…Got it.”

“Yeah. Got it.”

“Got it… Yeah, thanks, Maehara. That makes me feel a bit lighter.”

“Does it? Good then.”

“Yeah. Hehe.”

Saying that, Asanagi-san flashed a soft, relieved smile.

That smile looked so cute that I had to look away to hide my embarrassment.

If she showed this side of herself more, her charm would shine through way easier—but I was too shy to say that out loud.

“…Oh, but this time it worked out ’cause the winning ticket was still in play. What were you gonna do if someone else drew it first?”

“If that happened, it’d probably get changed later, so I’d volunteer then. I mean, Maehara, you’re kinda like a hazardous substance in this class. Most girls probably couldn’t handle you.”

“What am I, toxic gas? …Well, I’ve got a track record, I guess.”

After all, I’m the guy who flat-out told Amami-san’s group, “No way in hell I’d ever hang with you lot.”

No one knows when or how I might act up—so right now, the only one who can deal with me properly is Asanagi-san, my “friend.”

“Anyway, that aside. Time’s short, so let’s pick a theme already. Oh, Asanagi, got any ideas?”

“Not none… What about you, Maehara?”

“…I’ve got something too.”

Lately, we’ve been into the same stuff, so our answers might line up.

“Wanna say it on three?”

“Sure, why not.”

““…One, two, three—”“

And so began our cultural festival, just the two of us.

For the theme, we settled on the protagonist of a dark-hero shonen manga that’s blowing up lately thanks to its anime. With that, we dove into drafting the design.

“First, which image to use… Asanagi, what do you think?”

“Gotta be the cover of Volume 1, right? Blades, blood, guts everywhere—that’s the peak push point.”

“Then the palette’s mainly red and black… Well, that means we’ll mostly use the cola cans I always drink from, so gathering them shouldn’t be too tough.”

Depends on the size, but for something decently big, we’d need hundreds of cans at least. So, we’d start collecting the main colors now.

“I’ll trace the official art to set it up… Wonder if that’s okay. Maybe we should check just in case. What’d Masaki-san say?”

“Mom’s take was, ‘My job’s too damn busy to deal with inquiries, and it’s just a high school exhibit, so they probably won’t care—go for it.’”

“That’s so Masaki-san. Still, let’s at least shoot an email.”

“Yeah.”

We could go full fan-art mode and come up with everything ourselves, but sadly, neither Asanagi nor I have that kind of art skill. Drawing an original piece was an option, but it’d lack punch. Since the class agreed to aim high if we’re doing this, a licensed character’s got better recognition going for it.

“Then we just pick a good image, turn it into a design, and—”

—Well, well, I’ve heard everything, you two!

““Hm?”“

Just as things were rolling smoothly, a girl’s voice cut through.

She was hiding behind the door, trying not to be seen, but that cute voice gave her away instantly.

“Amami-san?”

“Yuu, what’re you up to?”

“Hehe, as expected of Umi and Maki-kun… Truly worthy of being my frien—Oof!?”

As Amami-san dashed over to us, Asanagi-san’s forehead flick landed square on her.

“O-Ow, Umi~!”

“What about your post? Yuu, didn’t I put you and Nina in charge of the can-collecting crew?”

“I was gonna do that at first, but… you know, seeing you and Maki-kun struggling so much, I thought I could help out here instead~ Oh, I got permission, of course.”

With exhibit prep and meetings, we’d been pretty slammed since morning, so Amami-san probably wanted to pitch in with us.

“Thanks for worrying, Amami-san. But we’ve got the plan set, so we don’t need extra hands right now.”

“Exactly. We’ll take the sentiment, but leave this to the two of us and get back to the others.”

“Ugh… Maki-kun!”

“…Amami-san, staring at me won’t change anything.”

I wouldn’t mind her sticking around, but if I coddle her too much, Asanagi-san—the guardian—will get mad, so I’ve gotta play tough here.

“Fine, fine, I get it~ Stingy pair… Oh, is that manga over there the theme you picked?”

“Yeah, it’s reference material.”

“Huh. Kinda wild vibe, huh? But the character’s super cool.”

Amami-san picked up the volume and started flipping through it casually.

With all the intense battles and gore, I figured a girl like Amami-san wouldn’t get it.

“…Hey, mind if I try drawing this?”

“Huh?”

After skimming it, Amami-san said that out of nowhere.

“Amami-san, you can draw? Asanagi-san, did you know?”

“No… Yuu, you’ve never done that before, right?”

“Yeah. But before I got close to Umi, I used to draw alone sometimes… And after reading this, I kinda feel like I could do it.”

It’s been a while since she last drew, but is that really okay?

“Maki-kun, can I borrow a pen and paper?”

“Uh? Sure, I don’t mind.”

Taking a ballpoint pen and loose-leaf paper from me, Amami-san started sketching smoothly without even glancing at the reference.

“Hmm… Swinging a sword or saw all whoosh, zombies going ‘argh,’ blood gushing out everywhere, then striking a cool pose in the center…”

Muttering stuff like that, Amami-san kept filling in the drawing.

“Yuu, you—”

“Sorry, Umi. Just ten more minutes.”

She was already zoned in on the drawing, her vibe flipping to dead serious. Like a switch had flipped on.

“—Done. How’s this? I just went off the manga and drew it my way.”

“! This…”

Seeing the sketch she handed over, Asanagi-san and I were floored.

It was flawless. Not a straight copy, but the character’s details were spot-on, and the manga’s raw, dynamic style was perfectly captured.

And with just a single ballpoint pen.

“Amami-san, are you secretly a pro illustrator or something…?”

“No way~ But for something after so long, I’m pretty happy with it~”

Amami-san puffed out her chest proudly, but this is “after so long”?

“Asanagi-san, we’ve gotta get her help with this…”

“…”

“Asanagi-san…?”

“Huh!? Oh, y-yeah. Right. If she’s this good, Yuu should handle the art… Wait, why not color this one?”

I’d thought the same. The palette might get tricky, but the impact would be killer.

“Really? Then I can help you two out with this!”

Help? She’s practically stealing the show at this point.

Angelic looks and artistic talent? Her specs are way too stacked.

“So, let’s switch to the three of us handling the design from now on. I’ll calculate the can count, so Amami-san, focus on the art, okay?”

“Got it! Umi, Maki-kun, looking forward to working together! Alright, I’m heading home to start coloring. Umi, can you check if it’s okay?”

“Sure. I’ll shoot down anything off the mark as you go?”

“Umi, you demon… But it’s my first high school cultural festival, so I’m gonna go all out!”

“Oh? Nice. And your studies?”

“…Uh, well…”

“You little—”

“Ow!? Help, Maki-kun! Umi’s bullying me~!”

“Stop clinging to Maehara-kun when you’re in a pinch… Anyway, that’s it for today. Good work, Maehara-kun.”

“Good work, Maki-kun. See you tomorrow!”

Bickering as usual, Amami-san and Asanagi-san left the classroom.

With Amami-san’s unexpected genius talent coming into play, the cultural festival prep should go off without a hitch.

Still, one thing’s nagging at me.

I fired off a quick message.

(Maehara) Asanagi

(Asanagi) What? Something up?

(Maehara) Nah, not really. Just got a vibe you weren’t quite yourself.

(Asanagi) Oh… Yuu’s pretty good at drawing, huh.

(Asanagi) Just hit me that even with a best friend, there’s tons I don’t know. That’s all.

(Asanagi) So don’t worry about me, Maehara.

(Asanagi) I’m fine.

(Maehara) Sure?

(Asanagi) Yep.

(Maehara) Really sure?

(Asanagi) Really!

(Maehara) Alright then.

If Asanagi-san says so, I’ve got no choice but to trust her.

“…Then why’d you look so pained?”

Muttering to myself, I pictured Asanagi-san’s bitter profile as Amami-san dragged her off.

The next day, Amami-san’s streak kept going strong.

“What? For real? Yuu-chin drew this? That’s insane!”

“Ehehe, you think? I got kinda pumped since it’s the cultural festival, and I just went all out. Skipped sleep and powered through!”

Beaming shyly, Amami-san showed off the colored version she’d rushed to finish based on yesterday’s rough sketch.

I’d already checked the file Asanagi-san sent, and as the classmates raved, the colored piece was, of course, incredible.

Next, we’d turn this into the mosaic art, tweak it a bit, and prep materials to hand over to the class and committee.

“We did it, Umi! Staying up all night was worth it!”

“Seriously. I only stuck around ’cause I’m sorta in charge, but otherwise, I’d have crashed on your bed.”

She casually mentioned crashing at Amami-san’s place, but no one batted an eye. Just bestie stuff—totally normal for same-sex pals.

Why’s it such a big deal when it’s the opposite sex?

That’s why that morning-after thing made me weirdly conscious of Asanagi-san… Anyway, focus on my job now.

Lucky break—it’s Friday, end of the week. I don’t love bringing schoolwork home, but if I finish over the weekend, we can jump into production Monday.

(Guess there’s no plans with Asanagi today, huh.)

Between the all-nighter and today, Asanagi-san’s looking sleepy, and I don’t wanna push her too hard. It’s not like the festival’s tomorrow—there’s still plenty of time. She’d burn out before the big day otherwise.

(Maehara) Good work.

(Asanagi) Hm. Praise me more.

(Maehara) You’re amazing and hardworking.

(Asanagi) Oi, where’s your vocab?

(Maehara) Kidding. Helping Amami-san must’ve been rough, huh?

(Asanagi) You get it.

(Maehara) Well, after seeing that insane stuff yesterday…

(Maehara) Anyway, don’t overdo it today—just go home and sleep.

(Asanagi) Maybe I will. Yesterday was a bit much.

(Maehara) Cool. I’ll email the tweaked files at Sunday.

(Asanagi) Got it. I’ll tell Yuu too.

Her face is tired from lack of sleep, but her messaging vibe’s the usual. No weirdness like yesterday.

“! Oh, Maki-kun! Let’s rock this cultural festival prep together!”

“…Uh, yeah. Sure.”

Looking up, I caught Amami-san’s eye by chance, and she waved at me energetically.

Asanagi-san’s wiped from staying up with her, but the one who actually worked is as hyper as ever… Endless talent and stamina? Is she even human like me and Asanagi-san?

After school, I headed home and got to work right away.

But first, food.

“—Pizza Rocket here~”

“Uh, this is Maehara.”

“Hey~ Same as usual, right~?”

This time, I got the usual pizza, fries, and nuggets set, but swapped the drink for an energy drink. Not like it changes much, but it’s about the vibe.

While waiting, I figured I’d get a head start and sat at my PC.

“…Been a while since I’ve done this, huh.”

I muttered to myself without thinking.

A dim, quiet room.

Sitting alone with just the hum of my desktop PC’s fan, I mumbled again.

Thinking about it, this used to be my norm. Alone in a dim room, scarfing down junk food with cola, playing games. When I got bored, I’d read manga, watch movies on TV, or dig through videos online.

So why’d I feel like it’s “been a while”?

The reason, obviously, was one girl: Asanagi Umi.

Even if what we did didn’t change when Asanagi came over, her presence alone turned the dim room bright, the stale air fresh, and filled it with a sweet scent.

It hasn’t even been two months since I became friends with Asanagi.

“Am I… feeling lonely?”

Something’s missing.

I told Asanagi it’s fine to be alone today, thought I’d chill for once.

Yet here I am, already feeling lonely without someone next to me.

Alone in a living room that feels oddly dark.

“…Ugh, whatever.”

Unable to stand the gloom, I grabbed my phone half in a huff.

The rare call I’d make myself was, of course, to Asanagi.

As the ringtone sounded, my heartbeat picked up. Why am I so nervous?

“…What? Something wrong?”

“Oh, sorry, Asanagi… Were you asleep?”

“Yeah. Took a quick nap, about to eat dinner. Haven’t showered yet, though, so I’m not sleeping for real. I’m not a grandpa.”

“Oh, right. Yeah.”

“So, what’s up? You usually just message me, but a call? That’s rare. Trouble or something?”

“No, not like that… Well, maybe sorta. Felt weird tweaking stuff solo, so I thought that too.”

That’s not it. I just wanted to hear Asanagi’s voice.

Lately, she’s always been around, so I got a bit lonely out of nowhere. That’s why.

No way I could say something that embarrassing, though.

“…Yeah, and?”

“So, uh… I know you’re tired, and I feel bad, but—”

Why am I this nervous?

It’s just inviting a friend over with a “Wanna hang out?”

“If it’s not a problem, I mean—”

“…Yeah.”

“Come over to my place, work on the design, eat some food, mess around… or something.”

Messaging’s fine, but on a call, my bocchi habits kick in—I ramble and barely get half my point across.

“…Got it. So basically, Maehara’s lonely without me?”

“No, that’s not… Not really.”

“Nope, too late—it’s obvious. Come on, just say it already. ‘Maehara Maki can’t live without Asanagi Umi~’”

“Tch, that’s not it…”

“Hehe, Maehara’s so cute. Like a little bunny.”

“The bunny thing’s a myth.”

“I know. But you called me, didn’t you?”

“Ugh…”

“Come on~ Spill it all to me—it’ll feel good!”

“Guh… Ugh, I knew I shouldn’t have called. I was worried you’d be lonely by yourself today, that’s all.”

“Oh? Really now?”

I screwed up big-time calling her on a whim, and now she’s got me on the ropes.

My face—my cheeks—are burning. Embarrassing. Just rewind time a little, please.

“Ugh… Forget it, I’ll do it solo. Bye.”

“Huh? You sure? If you beg, I might consider it~”

“I’m sure!”

“Hehe, too bad~”

Saying stuff I don’t mean. She’s totally toying with me. Lame.

“Oh, and this call… You don’t have to forget it, but at least keep it a secret.”

“Sure. Then, can I ask one thing in return, Maehara?”

“If it’s doable… What?”

After a brief pause, Asanagi said one line.

“…Can I come over anyway? I was feeling a little lonely too.”

After all that teasing, this.

Like always, I can’t win against Asanagi.

“…That’s fine, I guess.”

“Hehe, thanks. I’ll head over now… Oh, and food’s on you, so don’t forget to add more orders!”

With that, Asanagi hung up fast.

It turned into our usual weekend hangout, but why’s my heart racing more than normal?

Not long after, Asanagi showed up in her usual casual jeans. Still, she’s normally in her uniform when we hang out here, so the casual look feels fresh.

“Yo.”

“Hey, welcome. I added the orders. Usual’s fine, right?”

“Yep, thanks. Oh, Masaki-san called earlier. Said I can kick you if you act weird.”

“Kick where? Geez, that woman…”

I’m not planning to mess up like last time, so it should be fine.

Since I dragged her over when she’s tired, she might crash, but I’ll wake her up properly when it’s time.

…And obviously, I won’t do anything weird.

“Hey, Maehara.”

“Hm? What?”

“Just felt like saying it~”

“What’s that about?”

“Hehe.”

From the moment I opened the door, Asanagi’s been grinning at me nonstop. She’s not doing anything extra, but it’s clear she’s teasing me about the call. At this rate, she might milk this for a while.

My cheeks are still kinda warm.

“~♪”

Oblivious to my mood, Asanagi hummed cheerfully while setting up her plate and glass.

We’re not doing anything special, but she looks super happy today.

“Wanna knock out the work quick first? You’ve already started the mosaic, right?”

“Yeah. Still need to tweak some color details, though.”

Grabbing chairs from the living room, we sat side by side to work.

“Maehara, scooting in a bit.”

“Hm? Oh, uh…”

The workspace is tight, so me and Asanagi end up pressed close together. Naturally, that means Asanagi’s face is right beside mine, but this time, it’s not just that.

“Hey, Asanagi?”

“Hm~?”

“Sticking close is one thing, but why’s your arm, uh, wrapped around mine?”

“Huh? Must be your imagination.”

“No way. Look at where your arm is right now.”

“Fine, fine. Geez, I’m doing you a favor here, and Maki-kun’s all shy about it~”

“I’m good, thanks.”

“Oh, shame. But that little hug just now? Three thousand yen.”

“Highway robbery.”

I can’t help her teasing, but Asanagi’s extra touchy today, it feels like.

It’s throwing me off, but I brushed her arm away gently and got back to work.

“Maehara, this part—red or black, what do you think?”

“Hmm… Red’s too bright, black’s off… Maybe something in between, like maroon or a dark purple, would work?”

“Then we’ll hunt for cans in that color. Dr. Pepper’s close, maybe? Not many stores stock it around here, though. Should we… ask Sensei for some as a ‘donation’?”

“Yeah, let’s mooch off him.”

“Hey, I corrected myself—give me some credit.”

“Kidding. We’ve got other options anyway, so begging for drinks is a last resort.”

“Options?”

—Ding-dong, the intercom buzzed.

“Pizza Rocket here~”

“! Oh, maybe—”

“Exactly… Sorry, got a quick non-order question for you.”

After some haggling, we scored a deal to nab a few dozen spare cans from the shop.

That pizza place we always hit up has a crazy drink selection, so I figured they’d have the colors we need—and I was right.

“Guess that sorts the materials, huh? Oh, dibs on this chicken!”

“Just the other supplies left to grab… Yoink, taking your hashbrowns.”

“Hey, didn’t your mom teach you not to steal food?”

“She taught me to hit back when I’m hit.”

Swiping each other’s sides, Asanagi and I dug into our usual junk feast. We know it’s bad manners, but it just tastes better this way.

“Thanks for the meal~… Alright, tummy’s full, so—”

“Back to work?”

“Nah, game time.”

“That way, huh? Fine, I’m in.”

There’s still work left, but I can handle it solo.

All in all, glad I invited Asanagi over. Call embarrassment aside, it balances out.

“…Take that, sucker!”

“! Crap—”

I was set to crush her as usual, but a slip-up let Asanagi snag the win.

“Yes~! Finally beat Maki-kun in serious mode—score!”

“Ugh, what a screw-up…”

Got lazy mid-game, fell right into her trap, and ate a bullet storm.

“Asanagi, rematch!”

“Oh? Heh, bring it on. I’ll take you down again.”

“Getting smug… I’m winning this time.”

“Pfft, I’ll crush you for a two-streak.”

I turned it around and smoked her next round to save face, but man, she’s gotten sharper since last time with Amami-san.

Probably been grinding on the sly.

No flash genius like Amami-san, but steady, hardworking, building skills bit by bit—that’s Asanagi Umi’s style, I think.

Games, studies, whatever else, probably.

“So, still got some time. What’s next? Another game, or maybe a movie for once?”

“Oh, uh… Yeah, sure~… Zzz…”

“Asanagi?”

She was clutching the controller, leaning on my shoulder, dozing off.

Looked like her focus tanked near the end—guess she’s hit her limit.

“Asanagi, sleepy?”

“Oh, yeah… Kinda out of juice… Yawn.”

“Then crash. I’ll wake you up proper this time.”

“Mm. Grab the blanket from your room then.”

“Demanding, huh? Fine.”

I snagged the blanket from my bed and draped it over Asanagi, sprawled on the sofa.

“Hehe… Yeah, this thing’s nice and warm.”

Wrapped up with just her face peeking out, she looked like a cocoon. It’s a cheap, old blanket, but if she likes it, cool.

“Alright, I’ll wake you in thirty. I’ll wrap up some work—”

“Maehara, hold up.”

I started to get off the sofa to finish stuff, but Asanagi tugged my shirt hem.

She’s dead tired but still gripping tight.

“What’s up?”

“Maehara, um…”

“Yeah?”

“Can we… hold hands?”

“Huh?”

My heart skipped a beat.

“W-Why?”

“Dunno. Just feel like it… Is that okay?”

“Well…”

When Asanagi asks like that, I can’t say no.

“Sure, I guess.”

“Ehehe.”

She smiled shyly like before and gently squeezed my hand.

Her warmth seeped through, slow and soft.

“Thanks. You’re really nice, Maehara.”

“Three thousand yen.”

“Hey!”

“Just paying you back.”

“Ugh, you’re the worst, Maehara.”

Even as she griped, our grip tightened.

Why are we even doing this? ’Cause we’re lonely? Craving someone’s warmth? I don’t get it myself.

Friends don’t usually do this, I bet.

Still, looking at Asanagi, I feel warm and just go with it.

“Hey, Maehara.”

“…What?”

“I think, maybe—”

—Ding-dong.

Asanagi started to say something, but the intercom cut her off with a visitor.

“…Maehara, sounds like someone’s here.”

“Yeah. But who at this hour… Not delivery, right?”

Living in an apartment, sometimes it’s a wrong buzzer, a salesman, or just some creep, so I ignore unknowns.

“—Evening, Maki-kun. Sorry for dropping by so late.”

“Oh…”

Seeing who it was on the monitor, my mind blanked out.

Why her, now, at this exact moment?

“Amami-san…?”

“Hey, Maki-kun… Umi’s there, right?”

“…Sorry, can you wait a sec?”

I stalled her and bolted back to Asanagi.

This is bad, no matter how you slice it.

“…Yuu’s out there?”

“Still at the entrance… Did she spot you leaving your place or something?”

“I was careful, so I don’t think so… Hopefully.”

Amami-san and Asanagi-san live kinda far apart, so unless she was staking out, it’s unlikely she caught Asanagi leaving by chance.

Meaning Amami-san was half-sure Asanagi’d be at my place today.

“Asanagi, about us—did you tell Amami-san…?”

“Uh… Well…”

“You still haven’t told her?”

Asanagi nods with an apologetic look, but I’m not in the mood to blame her for it now.

If Asanagi hasn’t said anything, that means Amami-san must’ve figured out at some point that me and Asanagi are close friends.

Even if I play dumb and try to shoo her away, it’d probably be pointless in this situation.

“Maehara, sorry. I…”

“No, it’s my fault for bringing it up in the first place. You didn’t do anything wrong, Asanagi.”

Might as well own up to it cleanly. Asanagi didn’t choose to do this because she wanted to, after all.

I had Asanagi sit by the table, then let Amami-san into the house.

Silence settles between the three of us.

“…Umi.”

“Yuu…”

Under Amami-san’s unwavering gaze, Asanagi can only look away.

A timid Asanagi and an Amami-san watching her with pitying eyes… It’s the complete opposite of the dynamic they usually show at school.

“Amami-san, do you want a drink or—”

“I’m fine. I’ll head home soon anyway. Wouldn’t want to interrupt you two’s precious time, right?”

“Yuu, I didn’t mean it like—”

“Asanagi, let me handle this.”

Letting them talk it out alone would be bad. I’ve got to step in and manage this somehow.

“…Amami-san, how long have you known about me and Asanagi?”

“I started getting suspicious… probably around the ‘family stuff’ excuse. It was just too frequent, you know?”

Neither me nor Asanagi should’ve done anything too obvious, but I guess it was still too much to hide from her.

“I don’t think the rest of the class has caught on… but sorry, Umi. Just like how everyone in class looks at me, I’ve always been watching my best friend too.”

Turning down Amami-san’s invitations with “family stuff” as an excuse, only to secretly hang out with a guy she’d just met in April—how must Amami-san have felt, left out in the cold by her best friend, watching it all unfold?

“Hey, Umi, why didn’t you tell me you were hanging out with Maki-kun? I kept waiting, thinking you’d definitely tell me eventually because it’s you, but you never did.”

“That’s…”

“Amami-san, I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I didn’t want the class to start talking, so I asked Asanagi to keep it a secret… Right, Asanagi?”

“…”

It’s true I asked Asanagi to keep quiet, but she neither confirms nor denies it—just stares at the floor.

It’s my fault, so why does Asanagi look like she’s the one who messed up?

“Hey, Umi, is what Maki-kun just said true?”

“…”

It’s not a lie.

It shouldn’t be a lie, yet Asanagi still doesn’t say anything.

“Umi, why won’t you say anything? Is it because you don’t trust me? Or am I the only one who thinks we’re best friends, and to you, I’m not?”

“N-No, that’s… Yuu, you’re still—”

“Then why didn’t you tell me about Maki-kun? If you’d just said you didn’t want the class to know and wanted to keep it low-key, I would’ve kept it a secret for you.”

That was the whole point—why me and Asanagi decided that sleepover night to come clean to Amami-san.

But in the end, Asanagi never told her, and here we are now.

“…Maybe you’re right, Yuu. If it were you, you’d probably keep it a secret if I told you, and you’d meddle in all sorts of ways for me and Maehara.”

“Then why…”

“Because…”

After a pause, Asanagi murmurs to her best friend in a strained voice.

“…Sorry. I can’t say it. …I don’t want to say it.”

Asanagi grips the hem of my shirt tightly as she sits beside me.

I’d wondered why Asanagi kept our friendship from Amami-san, but maybe she has her own reasons—reasons enough to hide it from her too.

I’ve never seen Asanagi like this before.

“…Sorry, Maehara. It’s late, and my mom’ll worry, so I’ll head out for today.”

“Oh, if Umi’s leaving, I’ll go with—”

“Wait.”

Asanagi stops Amami-san from following with a raised hand.

“Yuu, you just got here, so rest a bit before you go. …And honestly, let me head back alone. Being alone with you in this mood… sorry, it’s a little tough for me.”

“Umi…”

It’s an unmistakable rejection.

For the first time, a crack forms between these two best friends, who I’ve never seen fight before.

“…Sorry, Yuu. I’m awful, aren’t I?”

“Oh, Umi—”

“Maehara, see you later. Thanks for the call today. …It really made me happy.”

With a lonely smile, Asanagi slips out of the room, almost fleeing from me and Amami-san.

“Maki-kun… what do I do? I…”

“…Yeah.”

Should I chase after her right now, or give it some time for us all to cool off?

I can’t find an answer to that just yet.

Dragging the weekend’s aftermath behind me, I spend Saturday and Sunday at home before the new week begins.

I leave for school a bit earlier than usual that Monday.

I finished the design plans over the weekend break. Now it’s just a matter of copying them for the whole class and starting on the mosaic art exhibit.

I’m not in the mood, but work is work, and everything else is separate.

After what happened over the weekend, I briefly wonder if she might skip school, but Asanagi’s properly seated at her desk. Naturally, Amami-san’s with her.

“Oh, it’s Maki-kun. Morning~!”

“Morning, Amami-san. …And you too, Asanagi-san.”

“Mm. Hey.”

I’m nervous after last week, but Asanagi responds to my greeting in her usual tone.

“Oh, right. Here’s the design plan. I worked out the number of cans by color and all that. I double-checked, but if something’s off or bothers you, let me know.”

“Got it. Whoa, amazing! Seeing it like this, it really feels like art. I wonder what it’ll look like finished. Right, Umi?”

“Well, the original drawing’s crazy good, so unless we royally screw up, it’ll be fine. Oh, I’ll hand out the copies, so give them to me.”

“Sorry, can I leave that to you?”

“Of course.”

Smiling as she says it, Asanagi looks—shockingly—every bit like the usual Asanagi Umi from any angle.

Even how she interacts with Amami-san feels like Friday never happened.

Did they maybe make up over the weekend? I want to ask, but there’s no way I can bring it up with the whole class around.

For now, I figure I’ll shoot her a message… As I sit at my desk, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Assuming it’s Asanagi, I check the screen—only to see a different icon than usual.

A cute rabbit character icon with the name “Amami.”

Glancing up, I catch Amami-san sneaking a peek at me.

(Amami) Maki-kun, sorry for messaging out of nowhere.

(Maehara) Amami-san, don’t look over here—it’ll tip everyone off.

(Amami) Oh, sorry! I’m not used to this.

(Maehara) So, what’s up?

(Amami) Um… it’s about Umi. Did you talk to her or anything after that?

(Maehara) Nope, nothing special. What about you?

(Amami) Actually, me neither. It was too awkward to reach out over the weekend.

(Amami) But this morning, she came to pick me up like nothing happened.

(Amami) I thought maybe you’d talked to her, Maki-kun.

(Maehara) Did Asanagi say anything?

(Amami) Just “Sorry about Friday, forget it,” and that’s it.

So they’re just pretending on the surface—meaning they haven’t properly made up yet.

Asanagi’s words to Amami-san from that night flash through my mind.

Once words are spoken, you can’t take them back.

Even if Asanagi asks her to forget it and Amami-san tries to, as long as the memory lingers, it’ll creep back up in quiet moments.

The good and the bad alike. And sometimes, that leaves lingering resentment.

Things might never fully go back to how they were between them. But I can’t just leave it like this either.

They’ve been best friends forever, and as Asanagi Umi’s “friend,” I can’t let my involvement ruin that—I absolutely have to prevent it.

(Maehara) Amami-san, can you leave it to me for now?

(Amami) Sure. Me saying something might backfire anyway… Okay, I’ll leave it to you.

(Maehara) Thanks, Amami-san. Let’s talk again after school or something.

After wrapping up with Amami-san, I immediately fire off a message to Asanagi.

(Maehara) Hey, Asanagi.

(Maehara) Asanagi, c’mon.

(Maehara) Why’re you ignoring me?

She has to know the messages are coming, but no matter how long I wait, Asanagi leaves them on read.

To anyone else, Asanagi might seem perfectly normal, but to me and Amami-san—who know what’s up—it’s nothing but weird.

With the design plan done, cultural festival prep officially kicks off today.

Making the mosaic art isn’t that complicated. Punch holes in the cans with an awl, thread them onto string in the order from the plan, then hang them from the rooftop railing.

The bottleneck’s the work time. If we fall behind, we’ll have to pull an all-nighter, but that’s only allowed the night before the festival, so we need to get most of it done beforehand.

Submitting the work schedule to the student council and giving instructions to the class falls under the class committee’s authority, meaning I need to coordinate smoothly with my partner, Asanagi.

(Maehara) Asanagi.

(Asanagi) What?

(Maehara) Let’s talk.

(Asanagi) No.

She’s responding now, but it’s just flat-out rejection like this.

She chats normally with Amami-san or Nitta-san, laughing over trivial stuff, but with me, she won’t even meet my eyes.

Why? The awkward vibe was supposed to be between Asanagi and Amami-san, so why, after the weekend, is it me and Asanagi stuck in this weird air instead?

(Amami) Maki-kun, is Umi kinda ignoring you?

(Maehara) Kinda, yeah.

(Amami) Oh no.

(Amami) Should I try asking her instead?

(Maehara) Nah, I’ll keep at it a bit longer.

(Amami) You sure? Let me know if it’s too much, okay?

(Maehara) Got it.

If she won’t reply to messages, I’ll have to catch her in person and talk directly.

Stand up, go to Asanagi, and say, “We need to talk.”

Sounds simple, but for a guy like me—who usually just polishes the chair with his butt in class—it takes a bit of guts.

Still, I don’t want to drag this vibe out forever.

I want to talk to Asanagi and make up properly.

“…Uh, Asanagi-san, got a sec?”

After fifth period, with one class left before dismissal, I weave through the relaxed classroom vibe toward Asanagi’s desk.

Naturally, Asanagi’s surprised, and the eyes of Amami-san and the rest of the class turn to me, but that doesn’t matter right now.

“…What?”

“Um… I wanted to talk. With you, Asanagi-san.”

My words stir a murmur among the classmates, but—

“Oh, is it about the design plan? There were a couple of mix-ups in the specs, huh.”

Asanagi jumps in to douse the fire, and a “Oh, that’s all?” vibe drifts through the room.

“No, not that. There’s work stuff, sure, but… something else too. Something personal.”

“Huh? W-What…?”

I’m not letting it slide this time. Once this clueless otaku starts talking, he doesn’t stop.

Asanagi’s eyes are clearly darting around.

“There’s some work I’d like us to do together in the storage room, so after school… you free?”

“Oh, uh, no, I’ve got to give instructions and stuff… Everyone’d probably prefer—”

“—Nah, we’re fine with it.”

The one who pulls the rug out is Amami-san.

“Y-Yuu… But if both of us step out, it’ll be kinda bad, right…?”

“I’m practically a committee member too, so I’ll handle the easy stuff. No problem at all.”

With a subtle wink, Amami-san flicks her eyes toward me.

I forgot to clue her in amid my nerves, but she picked up on it perfectly.

“I’ll grab the key, so Asanagi-san, head to the storage room first, okay?”

“No, wait, we’re not done—”

“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to come… but I’d, uh, be glad if you did…”

“Uh…”

Muttering “I’m glad” under my breath so only Asanagi catches it, I bolt back to my seat and focus solely on the wood grain of my desk.

Man, what an embarrassing stunt I just pulled.

Curious stares prick at me from all over, but after going this far, even Asanagi can’t ignore me now.

(Asanagi) You idiot, Maehara. I hate you.

Mid-sixth period, that message pings my phone.

After school, I grab the key from the staff room and head to the storage room, where a sulky-faced Asanagi greets me.

“Idiot, total idiot. Our thing’s supposed to be a secret… When you say stuff like that in front of everyone, I had to show up. Plus, you were sneaking messages with Yuu behind my back.”

“That’s ’cause you were ignoring me… Why’d you start ghosting me after the weekend?”

“T-That’s, well, because… uh…”

She came along since everyone was watching, but it seems she’s not ready to explain why yet.

“…Anyway, let’s knock out the work first. Amami-san said about half the cans should be gathered by now.”

“…That’s okay?”

“Okay or not, I called you here for that in the first place… Unless you wanna confess and clear the air first—I’d listen.”

“…Work it is. Idiot.”

She grumbles, but it’s just sulking—she doesn’t actually hate me. I figured Asanagi wouldn’t, and knowing that possibility’s off the table is a relief for now.

Using the borrowed key, I unlock the storage room door and step inside.

In manga or anime, this is where you’d get locked in a dim storage room till morning—just the two of you—but in reality, the door opens from the inside too, and there’s fluorescent lighting, so that’s not happening.

“Checking the cans everyone collected and cleaning them out, right? Did she say where they are?”

“Yeah. Amami-san said there’d be black trash bags right inside… This, maybe?”

Looking around, I spot a huge pile of black trash bags on the right. They’re sorted by color, so counting shouldn’t be hard, though it might take a bit.

“Wanna split up? Asanagi, you start counting from that side. When we’re done, we’ll wash the ones we need today and take them to the classroom.”

“…Okay.”

Setting aside everything I want to talk about, we focus on the task at hand.

“This one’s black, I guess… Ugh, there’s a cigarette butt inside… Looks like cleaning’s gonna be a pain. How’s yours, Asanagi?”

“Mine’s fine. Probably depends on the group—some washed them, some didn’t. Let’s set aside the dirty ones and rinse them together later. Also, I’ll tell Yuu to warn everyone about future batches.”

“Got it, thanks.”

“Mm.”

Working together like this, it really hits me how in sync me and Asanagi are. She picks up on almost everything I’m about to do, making every step smooth.

The work’s going fine, but…

“…”

“…”

Once we run out of stuff to say, the storage room falls into dead silence.

Only the clink, clink of me and Asanagi working wordlessly echoes around.

…This is super awkward.

Normally, when it’s just me and Asanagi, we barely talk while watching manga or movies—sometimes even dozing off—so a silence like this wouldn’t faze us.

But that’s when there’s no tension between us. This is different.

“Ah…”

“Uh…”

Every now and then, our eyes meet mid-work, only to flick away again.

What do we usually talk about? New Pizza Rocket items, B-movies, favorite manga characters, new games, sometimes school stuff… That’s the usual with Asanagi, but in this situation, that’s not what I want to discuss.

“…Hey, Maehara.”

“What?”

“You’re not gonna ask?”

“Ask what?”

“…Like, why I’ve been avoiding you or something.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“No, I don’t want to… but I know we can’t keep going like this forever. And there’s Yuu too.”

Me, Asanagi, and Amami-san all want to fix the rift that formed when our friendship got exposed.

To Asanagi, Amami-san’s her longtime “best friend,” and that hasn’t changed.

Making up is definitely better than drifting apart like this.

But if we’re gonna do that, I have to ask.

Why did Asanagi keep our friendship hidden from Amami-san, even though there were chances to tell her?

“To be honest…”

“…Yeah?”

“I really want to ask about you, Asanagi, and know what’s up. Sure, a lot happened last week, but… then Monday rolls around, and you’re suddenly dodging me. That’s just confusing.”

“…Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Friends or best friends, everyone’s got stuff they don’t wanna talk about. I haven’t spilled everything either—like my parents’ divorce and all that.”

Outsiders might think, “That’s it?” but to the person, it’s a real struggle.

“If it’d make you feel even a little better, I’d listen. …But if you’re still unsure what to do, I don’t think it’s right to pry with a bunch of excuses before you’re ready.”

I could’ve just asked straight-up when I got curious, but my urge to know clashed with wanting to respect Asanagi, and it ended up like this.

Indecisive and spineless, that’s me. Overthinking every little talk is why I’ve always been alone.

“I’ve got a ton I wanna grill you about… but if you say you don’t wanna talk, I won’t ask anymore. Not until you feel like telling me, at least.”

“…Maehara, you sure? I might stay quiet forever, you know.”

“I’m fine with that.”

It’s a little lonely as a friend, sure. But I’ll deal when the time comes.

“So, that’s that. Let’s get back to work and wrap this up quick. If we’re late, the class’ll start guessing weird stuff—”

“…Okay.”

“Huh?”

“I’m fine… with it…”

“…Asanagi?”

The moment I turn toward her, a sweet scent and soft sensation envelop me.

It takes a few seconds after Asanagi wraps her arms around me from behind to realize she’s hugging me.

“Wha—? Huh?”

“…Maehara, you idiot.”

Thinking about it, this might be the closest I’ve ever been to Asanagi.

We’ve had light stuff before—head pats, hand-holding—but this might be over the line.

Her warm body heat against my back, and even through the uniform, I can feel Asanagi’s girly parts.

My heart starts pounding faster despite my confusion.

“Idiot, idiot. Why’re you so nice, Maehara? Being kind’s your good point, but too much and you’re just a dumb pushover. Someone bad’s gonna take advantage of you someday… like me right now, being all sneaky.”

“Uh, um…”

“No. Don’t turn around right now. If you do, it won’t just be a forehead flick, seriously.”

“I didn’t even do anything… Fine, whatever.”

She’s not crying, but she’s sniffling a lot—maybe her eyes are misty at least.

“Hey, Maehara.”

“Yeah?”

“Sorry about today. I freaked you out, huh?”

“For real. I spent all day worried I did something wrong.”

“You mad?”

“I wanna say no… but c’mon, of course I am.”

“Haha… Yeah, fair. You didn’t do anything, and I just sprang it on you. Really sorry.”

The hug tightens a bit, or at least it feels like it.

Thump, thump—Asanagi’s heartbeat pulses through my back to me.

“Asanagi… Can I ask now?”

“Sure. Whether I spill honestly is another question, though.”

“You’re not gonna tell me? This is the part where you’re supposed to!”

“I know. But I’m, y’know, not your average girl—I’m tricky.”

“Don’t say that yourself.”

“Hehe, sorry for being a twisted girl.”

“Geez, seriously…”

But for now, I think this is fine.

The awkward tension from before starts to melt away slowly.

“…Hey, Maehara.”

“What now?”

“If I said I’d come clean about everything, would you listen properly?”

“Yeah. That’s why I called you out here, swallowing my embarrassment.”

“…It’s gonna take a while, y’know.”

“How long we talking?”

“If I’m doing it right, probably back to middle school… or maybe even earlier.”

I’d wondered “maybe” when I heard she transferred from a fancy girls’ school to a regular co-ed one, and it seems that’s where it all started.

But if she’s willing to talk, I want to hear it properly.

What I’m about to touch on is probably the uglier side of Asanagi as a person. And Amami-san’s bound to be a big part of it.

The real Asanagi Umi, likely hidden from her best friend Amami-san all this time.

Still, me and Asanagi are friends. Not besties like her and Amami-san, but enough that she trusts me to open up about her struggles.

If Asanagi trusts me, I want to live up to that properly.

This is probably what they call being a dumb pushover.

“Hey, would it be okay if we held off on this until the cultural festival?”

“I’ll leave that to you, Asanagi. That timing works better for you, right?”

“Yeah, probably.”

I don’t get it, but if that’s what Asanagi wants, I’ve got no complaints.

“Got it. Then let’s focus on work, and I’ll wait patiently for that.”

“…Thanks, Maehara. I’ll tell you properly, so just wait a little longer.”

“Alright, back to work then?”

“Yup.”

We dive back into the task. It’s taking a bit longer than planned, but we can make excuses to the class—cleaning cans, more than expected, whatever works.

“…So.”

“Hm? What’s up? C’mon, we gotta hustle or it’ll get dark.”

“No, I get that, but…”

Counting cans silently, I speak up to Asanagi.

“Why’re you working right next to me on the same bag? Let’s split up.”

“Splitting or sticking together, the work time’s the same either way. And if I had to pick, I’d rather be here… for now.”

She’d let go of the hug, but instead of going back to her spot, Asanagi’s glued to my side, shoulder-to-shoulder, working away.

Feels like it’s less efficient this way… but saying that now, she’d probably ignore me anyway. Geez, talk about clingy, selfish, or whatever you’d call it.

“…Fine. Let’s just blitz through it together then.”

“Heh, finally getting it, huh? Such a handful, you are.”

“I’m the one compromising here.”

“Don’t sweat the small stuff~”

“Shut up, idiot.”

“Huh? You’re the idiot. Moron.”

“Oh, shut it, shut it. Idiot, idiot, idiot.”

Kindergarten-level bickering, but this is the usual me and Asanagi.

The stuff with Amami-san’s still hanging, but for now, I’ll call it good with just me and Asanagi making up.

It’ll be fine. The Asanagi right now can definitely patch things up with Amami-san too.

After that, me, Asanagi, and Amami-san spend the days so busy with prep that we barely have time to dwell on the earlier mess.

Scrambling for extra work time, restocking materials that ran short midway, and the all-nighter push the day before—it all flies by in a blur.

And finally, cultural festival day arrives.

“…So.”

“It’s done…!”

Despite all the hurdles, we somehow pull it off and get it finished.

We tie the strings to the rooftop railing in order, double-checking as we hang them. It matches the plan, but since it’s handmade, some warping’s inevitable.

Still, hopefully it turns out okay.

“…Yuu, how’s it look?”

After hanging it, Asanagi calls Amami-san, who’s standing at a distance. Mosaic art shines from afar, so this is the quality check.

Amami-san and a few others from another group use their whole bodies to signal—

“O, K—”

The moment they do, all the tension drains from me.

It’s just past 8 a.m. The festival opens at 9, so we barely made it.

“We pulled it off somehow…”

“Yeah…”

Me and Asanagi took turns napping, but it’s our first all-nighter for work, and the pressure kept us from sleeping well.

The cloudless autumn sunlight stings my eyes.

“Maehara… how’re you feeling right now?”

“Screw the festival, I just wanna go home and sleep.”

“Same… I know we can’t yet, though.”

As committee members, we’ve got one last push. There’s patrol duty during the festival, and cleanup afterward too.

Plus, that promise we made.

“…When’re we talking?”

“Dunno. Maybe around noon, I think.”

So the morning’s free, then.

Unlike the classes running cafés, our exhibit’s off-limits to non-staff, so we don’t need a guard posted.

My first high school cultural festival… Part of me wants to check it out, but sleepiness is winning by a landslide.

“Maehara, you look dead tired.”

“Yeah. I’m confident I’d pass out in seconds if I closed my eyes.”

“That bad, huh… But you worked hard, Maehara.”

“Yeah. I really did.”

It’s weird to say it myself, but I’m impressed I made it this far. Asanagi and Amami-san supported me the whole way, but still—coming up with the exhibit idea, attending meetings, rounding up opinions, giving directions, negotiating with the school, etc. Even just collecting cans and turning them into an exhibit took a ton of behind-the-scenes effort.

I used to be totally uncooperative with this stuff, and now here I am, running around inside and outside school. Even I’m shocked.

“Asanagi.”

“…Yeah?”

“Even a guy like me managed to pull this off.”

“Yeah.”

If a shy guy like me can grit his teeth and do it, there’s no way Asanagi Umi can’t.

“Just be your usual confident self. Like when you forced that losing ticket through with sheer guts—face Amami-san head-on like that.”

“Yeah, I know. I get it, but… what if it all falls apart?”

Looking down, Asanagi lets her anxiety spill out.

Over time, I’ve started to see it—Asanagi acts unflappable, but sometimes, she shows a delicate, timid side.

She desperately reads the room, bottles herself up for everyone else’s sake, and ends up agonizing alone.

She’s not perfect. She’s a girl with that side to her too.

“…What do I do, Maehara? I’m freaking out. What if I tell everything and then Yuu—and you—end up hating me?”

Her hands tremble slightly, and it’s not just the chilly breeze.

There’s no way I’d hate Asanagi after all this. She should know that, but she’s still stuck on “what if.”

One’s a social butterfly, the other’s a loner. But maybe, deep down, me and Asanagi are kinda alike, beyond just who’s around us.

Why’d it take so long for two similar people to become friends?

No—maybe it’s because it took so long that we got this close in such a short time.

“…Asanagi, I’ve got one request.”

“Huh?”

“Only if you’re okay with it, though.”

I stretch out my hand toward Asanagi and say it.

“…Mind if we hold hands?”

“Wha—? H-Hands?”

Caught off guard, Asanagi blinks rapidly, glancing between her hand and mine.

“Oh, uh… Your hands looked kinda cold, Asanagi. Thought I’d warm them up.”

“…Are you trying to cheer me up or something? Pretty bold of you.”

“The bold part’s unnecessary. If you don’t want to, I won’t, though.”

“…I never said I didn’t want to, did I?”

With that, Asanagi grabs my outstretched hand right away.

And just as I thought, her hand’s freezing.

“…Heh.”

“What’s that for?”

“Your hand’s warm, Maehara.”

“Thanks, I guess. Yours is just too cold. You’re too nervous.”

“Maybe. Guess I need to relax.”

Still holding hands, Asanagi lifts her face and takes deep breaths.

“Haa… Okay, thanks. I’m a little calmer now.”

“Good. You’re fine now, right?”

“Yeah.”

Her trembling’s stopped, so it’s probably time to let go, but…

“Asanagi, you can let go now.”

“W-Well, you can let go too, Maehara.”

““…””

Feeling the contrast in our hand temperatures, we fall silent for a bit.

“Hey, Asanagi.”

“W-What?”

“It’s kinda chilly here. Wanna keep this up a little longer?”

“Y-Yeah… It’s cold, and it’s just us right now.”

Making excuses, we stay like that until it’s time to regroup.

The school chime rings under a crisp autumn sky, signaling the start of the cultural festival.

Our high school’s festival happens every other year, so it’s a pretty big deal. Posters made by the committee are plastered around nearby stations and shopping streets, and it’s hyped up on SNS too.

It’s just begun, but the grounds are already buzzing.

“Maehara, you sure you don’t need to sleep? Sensei said you could use the infirmary if you’re tired.”

“If I sleep now, I won’t wake up. Plus, I’ve got patrol soon, so I’ll tough it out. It’s the festival—might as well enjoy it.”

Me, Asanagi, and the other committee members wear green armbands for patrol duty. Not much trouble usually happens, so it’s mostly just wandering around the school, apparently.

And, of course, me and Asanagi’s pair is no exception.

“Hey, Maehara. Look, let’s check that out!”

“Ugh, a maze haunted house… I’m honestly bad with that stuff.”

“You love zombies and horror movies, and you’re saying that? C’mon, patrol, patrol!”

“Argh, fine, fine—just stop shoving me…!”

So, taking the morning shift, we dive in as the first ones to “check” the exhibits—aka, just play around.

I feel a tiny bit guilty cutting ahead of other visitors, but let’s call it a reward for all the prep work.

“Haha, it was kinda underwhelming, but still pretty fun, huh?”

“Y-Yeah. It’s just a classroom setup, after all.”

“…Even so, didn’t you cling to my arm partway through?”

“Huh? W-What’re you talking about? Must’ve been a ghost.”

“Oh really? So the ‘Asanagi, don’t go ahead…!’ was a ghost too? Pretty timid ghost, huh?”

“Guh…”

“Heh, Maehara’s so cute.”

To anyone watching, we’re totally acting like a high school couple, but the green armbands give us an excuse for anything.

This is just patrol duty. Checking the school, not a date or anything shady—nothing like that.

…Well, I won’t deny it’s kinda fun.

“Maehara, good work. Here, juice.”

“Mm, thanks.”

After finishing “work,” we take a break at the rest area, doubling it as a late breakfast.

Patrol’s about an hour, but we still managed to have some fun… I mean, do our job.

“Where’s Amami-san?”

“Food duty. It’s crowded, so it’ll take a bit. For now, drink this and wait.”

Sitting on pipe chairs set up outside, I take a sip of the drink Asanagi bought.

It’s fizzy, but not my usual cola—artificial sweetness and a unique flavor hit my nose.

“Oh, this is melon soda.”

“Yup. I don’t usually get it, but for some reason, it’s the pick for times like this, right?”

“Totally. It’s not overwhelmingly better than others, but that fake green just draws you in.”

“Especially at movie theaters.”

“So true.”

Melon soda over cola. Asanagi gets it, as always.

“Hey, speaking of, do you go to movie theaters, Maehara?”

“Hmm… Unless it’s something I have to see in theaters, I wait for the rental.”

I like theaters, but going alone makes me hesitate a bit.

Sure, some people go solo, but most are with friends or couples, and it makes me feel out of place.

“So… you’ve never gone with someone, huh? Definitely not.”

“Don’t say it like it’s a fact… Even if it is.”

“Huh, really… Well then, how about…”

Asanagi sneaks a glance at me and says it.

“H-How about this weekend or something…?”

“Huh? W-What do you mean?”

“I mean, like… c’mon, pick up on it, idiot.”

“S-Sorry…”

I get that she’s inviting me out. Since we’re on the topic, it’s like, “Wanna see a movie together?” We usually watch on my TV, so a big screen’s a nice change.

But “weekend” and “just us” makes it feel kinda… different.

“Asanagi, you mean, uh…”

“Y-Yeah… uh…”

Why is this happening?

Ever since we made up, being alone with her sometimes feels weird.

Hanging out and getting hyped over dumb stuff is fun, but in quiet moments, I start seeing Asanagi as a girl and get all flustered.

And probably Asanagi feels it too.

“So, what do you think…?”

“Oh, uh… If you’re cool with it, Asanagi, I’m free anytime…”

“—Sorry, Umi, Maki-kun! Stuff came up, and I’m super late!”

““…””

Just as we’re about to lock in a date, Amami-san’s voice cuts between us.

Perfect timing—or terrible, as usual. Me and Asanagi sigh in sync.

“Yuu, you’re late.”

“Sorry, Umi. I got caught up chatting with some friends… Hey, you two, over here~!”

Waving us over, Amami-san beckons, and two girls in different school uniforms peek out.

Both look like refined, well-bred young ladies… Wait, could they be—

“Oh, gotta introduce them to Maki-kun. These two are me and Umi’s friends from elementary school—”

“—No, Yuu.”

Seeing the two old friends, Asanagi shakes her head faintly.

“They might be that to you, Yuu, but not to me anymore—because neither of them really thinks of me as a ‘friend’… right?”

“Huh? Oh—”

From those words and the way the two stiffen at the sight of Asanagi, Amami-san seems to catch on.

“Asanagi, you sure?”

“Yeah. It’s a bit earlier than planned, but… listen, Maehara. Here’s my little inferiority complex story.”