Chapter 1 | December with a “Friend”

 

Umi and I have started hanging out as friends under the premise that we’ll eventually become lovers, but it’s not like anything major has changed from before.

The time we spend together has definitely increased compared to before. Like this morning, if Umi’s schedule allows, she occasionally comes to pick me up, and since we go partway home together after school, we walk back with Amami-san too.

The weekends we spend alone together haven’t changed at all either. Our conversations are still about trivial stuff—like how the new pizza is, or how the cola from that place has so many spices thrown in it ends up tasting bad—and when we’re playing games together,

“Huh? I won again. How many wins in a row is that for me now?”

“Ha? Just die already.”

We keep up our usual teasing banter, passing the time in total peace.

We watch movies while laughing together, roll around on the sofa or bed reading manga, fall asleep when we get drowsy, and then realize it’s almost time to head home and hurriedly take Umi back to her place.

Since we’re doing pretty much the same things as always, sometimes I catch myself wondering, “We’re supposed to like each other, right…?” and feel a little anxious.

(…Maybe we should at least kiss or something.)

I glance at Umi sitting next to me… no, at her plump lips.

“—The lips are for after we’re proper lovers, okay?”

What comes to mind is the time Umi first kissed me (on the cheek).

It was a bit of a sneak attack, but I clearly remember the sensation on my cheek, even if it was just for a moment.

The faint sweet scent of Umi up close, and those soft, marshmallow-like lips—yet firm and slightly moist.

Ever since then, whenever I see Umi’s face, my eyes can’t help but drift to her lips.

“? Maki, something wrong?”

“! N-No, not really…”

Umi notices me staring, and I reflexively look away.

She’s probably already figured everything out. I’m not great at hiding things, and Umi’s pretty sharp when it comes to noticing people’s gazes, so she likely sees right through my current feelings.

That said, she doesn’t exactly press me about it either.

“! Oh, Maki, by the way, did you put on lip balm today? Your lips look super chapped.”

“Ah… Now that you mention it, I ran out. I figured it’s not a big deal.”

“Ugh, seriously? Summer’s one thing, but in this dry winter season… that’s no good. Your lips are already prone to drying out, Maki. If you leave them like that, they’ll crack all over in no time.”

“R-Really? Then I’ll stop by the pharmacy on the way home and grab some lip balm. For now, I’ll just lick them or something…”

“Nope, that’s a big no-no too! Just so you know, if you keep doing that, one day your lips will split open and bleed. Come on, turn this way.”

“Huh? What?”

“What else? I’m obviously going to put lip balm on you. Look, I’ll let you use mine today.”

Saying that, Umi pulls a lip balm out of her uniform pocket and casually brings it toward my lips.

It seems she’s going to apply it for me… There’s no one around, so that’s fine, but isn’t there another issue here?

“Uh, Umi, isn’t that the lip balm you usually use?”

“Well, yeah. I don’t carry two or three of these to school… Oh, I see~ Are you, Maki-kun, perhaps worried about an indirect kiss~?”

“Urk… W-Well, yeah… I mean, we’re still—”

“There!”

“Mmph—”

Before I could finish saying we’re still just friends, Umi presses the lip balm onto my lips without hesitation.

She carefully rubs it in, making sure even the corners of my mouth don’t get missed.

My dry lips gradually regain their moisture.

“…There, all done. Oh, and I’ll recommend a good one later, so let’s go home together after school. No ditching me just because it’s not the weekend, got it?”

“G-Got it… But, was that okay?”

“Hm? What’s that~?”

Umi peers into my face with a mischievous grin.

Damn it, she’s totally planning to make me say it all out loud.

“Th-The indirect… thing. I mentioned it earlier.”

“Oh, that? I don’t mind at all. I mean…”

With that, Umi pulls another identical lip balm out of her pocket.

“The one I put on you was a brand-new one.”

“…Huh?”

Brand-new, meaning no one’s used it yet.

Naturally, that means no indirect kiss either.

“W-Wait… Didn’t you just say you don’t carry two or three to school?”

“I figured someone as sloppy as you might need it, so I brought it just in case. Hehe, did you get all flustered thinking it was the one I’ve been using?”

“N-No, I pretty much figured it was something like that anyway.”

“Oh~? Really~? Even though you were totally thinking, ‘So this is the taste of Umi’s lips…!’ right?”

“No way, I’m not that weird…”

Truth be told, I did think it for a second like Umi said, but it’d be annoying to get teased more, so I play it tough.

“Really? Well, I’ll let it slide for today then. Oh, and this one’s for you, Maki. Use it to take care of your lips regularly for a while, okay?”

“Hmph… Fine, got it.”

“Hehe, good boy. Alright, let’s pick up the pace a bit. Yuu’s already at the meeting spot, apparently.”

“Oh, yeah.”

I’m happy that my bond with Umi’s gotten closer, but it feels like she’s got me even more wrapped around her finger now.

“Hey, Maki.”

“? What now?”

“Once we get a bit closer, how about we share the same lip balm together?”

“Uh… You mean—”

“…Yeah.”

Not just using the same brand separately, but actually sharing one between us.

“Would that kind of thing bother you, Maki?”

“No, I don’t mind… I mean, if you’re okay with it, Umi, then it’s fine. It feels kinda special, I guess.”

“R-Really? Good then… Ehehe.”

Umi gives a shy smile, then lets go of my hand in embarrassment and hurries toward Amami-san, who’s waving from a distance.

And just like that time with the cheek kiss, Umi’s face is bright red up to her ears.

“…Jeez.”

Clutching the lip balm Umi gave me, I think to myself again.

My “friend” is pretty sly—and also incredibly cute.

Ever since I got close to Umi, my boring daily life has slowly started to change, and that’s even affected things at school.

Specifically, my relationships with classmates besides Umi.

“Mornin’, Umi!”

“Yeah, yeah, morning, Yuu. This is already our second exchange today, huh?”

As soon as we get to the classroom, Amami-san, who came in with us, clings to Umi.

The two of them had a rocky patch around the cultural festival, but after opening up and apologizing to each other, they’re back to their usual close friendship.

Amami-san spoils Umi with a beaming, sun-like smile, while Umi lets her cling on with a slightly exasperated but not entirely displeased look.

Our class’s vibe pretty much depends on these two—if possible, I’d love for them to stay like this until class assignments split us up.

“Morning, Yuu-chin! Oh, and Asanagi too!”

“Oh, Nina-chi, morning~!”

“Morning, Nina.”

“And you too, Class Rep. Morning.”

“M-Morning…”

We exchange greetings with Nitta-san, who was apparently already in the classroom, but something catches my attention.

“Nitta-san, what’s with the ‘Class Rep’ thing? You mean me, right?”

“Huh? Yeah. You were on the cultural festival committee, so Class Rep. Makes sense, doesn’t it?”

“No, it doesn’t make sense. I didn’t even mean to be the leader or anything…”

The cultural festival wrapped up without a hitch, and our class’s exhibit got pretty good feedback from the students, even earning a special commendation at the post-festival assembly.

Proof of that is the certificate and trophy from the student council president displayed in the corner of the classroom, and because of it, the way my classmates look at me has started to shift a bit.

Still, ‘Class Rep’ as a nickname feels like a stretch.

I’d rather they just call me ‘Maehara’ like normal.

“Eh, details don’t matter. Point is, let’s hang out a bit more from now on, yeah? So, Class Rep, first off—how’s it been with Asanagi lately—”

“Ni-na~?”

“Eep… N-No, Asanagi-san, it’s just a little joke, a joke! So, uh, could you put the iron claw away…”

“…Jeez, seriously.”

I thought I’d get teased more after the hand-holding incident, but thanks to Umi keeping an eye on the class, I’ve been able to spend my days relatively peacefully despite the occasional stares.

“Th-Then, Maehara, we’re heading this way.”

“Y-Yeah. See you later, Asanagi.”

Our relationship’s pretty much public knowledge now, but the way we interact in class hasn’t changed much.

At school, we’re fairly casual, but when it’s just the two of us, we’re properly close.

That said, some people—like Nitta-san earlier—still actively tease us.

“…Hehe~”

“…Yuu, you look like you’ve got something to say.”

“Not really~”

Amami-san, who knows the ins and outs of our situation, watches us with a smug grin.

Even with Umi keeping watch, there’s no stopping Amami-san’s antics. Or rather, Umi’s given up trying.

With me and Umi growing closer and spending more time together, Amami-san’s chances to hang out with Umi have naturally decreased.

But recently, she seems to have found a new “hobby.”

“Umi, why’re you so formal with Maki-kun? Did something embarrassing happen or what?”

“H-Huh? N-No, nothing happened!”

Umi visibly panics.

Ever since we got closer, between the cheek kiss and the lip balm thing, our alone time has been full of moments that are hard to call just friendly—so she’s got plenty to feel guilty about.

“Oh? What’s wrong, Umi? Your face looks redder than usual~”

“W-Well… I-It’s probably just the AC, right?”

“Hehe, you’re so cute, Umi! ♪”

“Grr… Y-You little octopus…!”

She’s really picked up quite the refined taste.

As their playful tussle (or half-wrestling match) heats up, I step away to my seat, and just like always, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

(Asanagi) That wasn’t what it looked like.

(Maehara) You’re cute, Umi.

(Asanagi) Looks like you wanna die.

(Maehara) Sorry.

(Maehara) By the way, changing the subject—

(Asanagi) Hm? What?

(Maehara) Nah, it’s not a big deal or anything.

(Asanagi) Okay.

(Maehara) Uh… It’s about Christmas, actually.

I bring up something that’s been on my mind since December started.

As of now, my plan is to confess to Umi on Christmas Eve.

I’d put off giving her an answer, saying I wanted to stay friends a bit longer, but even so, the time I spend thinking about her keeps growing day by day.

…I want to properly tell her how I feel and become real lovers with Umi.

Confessing on Christmas might be super cliché, but doing it at some random time feels like I’d be missing the mood entirely.

Because of my parents, I don’t have many good Christmas memories, but I don’t want to keep dragging that baggage around and make Umi worry about me.

That’s exactly why I want to make a good memory at this timing.

As I wait for Umi’s reply, a single word comes back after a short pause.

(Asanagi) …Pervert.

(Maehara) How’d you get there?

(Asanagi) ’Cause it’s an invite for Christmas, right?

(Asanagi) To hang out at your place together.

(Maehara) Well, yeah, but—

(Maehara) My parents are busy with work and won’t be around, so I figured we could relax without worrying about anything.

(Asanagi) See?

(Maehara) …Okay, I get that some people might do that kind of thing.

I’ve heard somewhere that there’s actual data on that stuff.

A holy night spent by lovers… I don’t know if that applies to me and Umi yet, though.

(Asanagi) Well, kidding aside, are we doing something?

(Maehara) If you’re coming over, Umi, I was thinking of making a cake or something.

(Asanagi) For real? You can make a cake, Maki?

(Maehara) Well, I’ve got the ingredients and tools, so—

(Asanagi) Wait, are you an alien or something?

(Maehara) Nope, Earthling.

If you ask me, Asanagi—who once turned chocolate into something like charcoal (according to Amami-san)—is way more alien-like. I won’t say it, though, ’cause she’d get mad.

(Asanagi) Handmade by Maki, huh… I’d love to make time for that, but—

(Maehara) ‘But’ means your schedule’s already full or something?

(Asanagi) Yeah. It’s been planned for a while now.

(Asanagi) Wait, didn’t you know about the Christmas party, Maki?

…Party?

My reply stalls for a moment there.

About the Christmas party—

According to Umi, it’s been in the works since before summer break. They’ve rented out a room at the civic hall, and it’s a joint event with our high school and others nearby, meant as a friendly get-together.

The planning and proposal came from Joutou High—our school—and the idea came from the student council president. It’s for the third-years in the thick of entrance exam season to have a little breather and enjoy themselves.

By the way, the participation fee is 3,000 yen, and registration closed ages ago.

Now that I think about it, I vaguely recall the teacher mentioning something like that on the first day of the second term. But back then, before Umi found me, I was still in my loner phase, so—

“This has nothing to do with me.”

—I didn’t listen at all. Looking back, what an idiot I was.

So yeah, Umi’s Christmas plans have been locked in for a while now.

(Asanagi) That said, I’m really just tagging along with Yuu. And honestly, neither of us is all that excited about it anymore.

(Maehara) Amami-san too? I figured she’d love that kind of event.

(Asanagi) Yeah, she usually does, and she was looking forward to it. But—

(Asanagi) One of the participating schools this time—

(Maehara) Which one?

(Asanagi) Tachibana Girls

(Maehara) Oh…

I kinda get it from that.

That’s the school where both of them went until middle school, and it’s a place Umi has some deep history with.

If that school’s joining, it means those two might show up too.

Nitori-san and Houjou-san, who came to our cultural festival.

The other two childhood friends of Amami-san and Umi.

I didn’t ask what happened with them after the festival, but from Umi’s tone, they’ve probably grown distant since then.

The cultural festival brought me and Umi a lot closer, but of course, that came with a cost. And the one who paid that price wasn’t Umi, who already had a rift with them, but Amami-san, who didn’t know anything.

It couldn’t be helped, but both Umi and I feel bad about it.

(Asanagi) Anyway, we already paid the fee, and they asked us to avoid canceling if possible, so we’re planning to just eat a ton of food and head out.

(Asanagi) So that’s how it’ll be from evening to night.

(Maehara) Got it. Can’t be helped then.

It’s a bummer her schedule’s full, but canceling would inconvenience the student council organizers, so there’s no helping it.

(Asanagi) Oh, but—

(Maehara) What?

(Asanagi) The party ends around 8 or 9 p.m., at the latest.

(Asanagi) So, you know?

The party ending at that time—

Meaning her schedule’s free after that.

(Maehara) Got it.

(Maehara) Then I’ll prepare something light, just in case.

(Maehara) Oh, and I’ll let my mom know I might be out a bit late.

(Asanagi) Cool.

(Asanagi) I’ll let my mom know too.

(Asanagi) Maybe, uh—

(Maehara) …Maybe?

(Asanagi) Uh—

The moment I see Umi’s next message, my heart skips a beat.

(Asanagi) I might end up coming back pretty late, just saying.

Christmas.

A day to spend with family, friends, or maybe lovers—people you care about… or so I think.

And that night—

I look up and catch Umi’s eyes from across the room, almost like it was timed perfectly.

“…!”

In that instant, my cheeks flare up, and I instinctively bury my face in my desk.

Peeking at Umi, she’s showing the exact same reaction.

(Maehara) Uh… Pervert?

(Asanagi) Ugh.

(Asanagi) Shut up, idiot.

(Asanagi) Jerk.

(Asanagi) It’s your fault to begin with.

(Asanagi) Inviting me out of nowhere for Christmas like that.

(Maehara) Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about that stuff at all.

I’ve got my own secret thoughts, of course. And honestly, I’ve spent some restless moments imagining things I probably shouldn’t.

What are we even doing, texting like this first thing in the morning?

The thought of someone seeing this makes me instantly embarrassed.

(Asanagi) Anyway, let’s drop the Christmas talk for now.

(Maehara) Yeah.

(Maehara) But that kinda leaves Amami-san in a tough spot, huh?

(Asanagi) Yeah, I was thinking that too.

(Asanagi) So I might bring Yuu along.

Actually, that might be better. Neither Umi nor I want Amami-san to feel left out while Umi comes to my place.

(Maehara) We really owe Amami-san a lot, huh?

(Asanagi) Totally.

(Asanagi) Yuu’s got a heart of an angel, even more than her looks.

(Asanagi) Even with all the hassle lately.

(Maehara) Hassle?

(Maehara) Did something happen since the cultural festival?

(Asanagi) Yup.

(Asanagi) Hint: Christmas.

(Maehara) ??

(Asanagi) You’ll figure it out soon enough.

(Asanagi) Lend me your face at lunch today. Let’s eat together?

(Maehara) Sure, sounds good.

We cut the conversation there, and both Umi and I tuck our phones back into our pockets.

“Umi, what’s up? Your face is kinda red, isn’t it?”

“Just a little. By the way, wanna hang out after school? I’ve got something to talk about.”

“Of course! Ehehe, wonder what it’s about? I’m excited~”

Amami-san’s behavior in the classroom doesn’t seem off at all.

If there’s anything I can help with, I’ll pitch in subtly.

And so, lunchtime rolls around.

“Oh, Asanagi.”

“Yeah. Give me a sec to put my textbooks away.”

As promised, I head to Umi’s desk and call out to her.

We’re friends, and it’s pretty much an unspoken rule in class by now, so it shouldn’t be an issue—but talking to her in front of everyone still makes me a little nervous.

“Sorry for the wait. Let’s head outside then. …Nina, you’re coming too, right?”

“Obviously.”

Nitta-san, called out by Umi, grins slyly.

Today’s lunch is me, Umi, Amami-san, and—for some reason—Nitta-san, making four of us. Honestly, Nitta-san’s not really my type, but with Umi and Amami-san around, I’ve gotten better at talking to her without overthinking it.

I’d be fine with Umi as my only close friend, but since I’m part of this class, I should probably interact with others besides Umi and Amami-san, even if it’s not super proactively.

Not just with girls, but guys too, of course.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yeah. We’re meeting up with Amami-san later, right?”

“Yup. We’re about to go get her.”

Where there’s Umi, there’s usually Amami-san, but right now, she’s not in the classroom.

After morning classes ended, she said something to Umi and went off somewhere alone.

Normally, every break she’d be all over Umi like an affectionate puppy, going, “Umi~!”

The reason… I can pretty much guess.

Amami-san’s at the bike parking area, a spot empty of students during the day, tucked away in an out-of-sight corner.

It’s the famous “confession spot” among us. The usual place.

“I’ve been peeking at people’s confessions a lot lately…”

Hiding behind something with Umi and Nitta-san, I watch Amami-san and what looks like an upperclassman guy from a distance.

“Peeking doesn’t feel great, but… does Amami-san know about this?”

“Yeah. Yuu asked us to show up at just the right time.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yup. You didn’t know, Class Rep?”

Nitta-san answers, holding her phone up as usual.

I’d been wondering why Umi was joining in on something as tacky as peeking, but it seems this was all agreed upon between the three of them.

“If a bunch of friends show up, it’s harder for someone to keep pushing after a rejection or cause other trouble. It’s like we’re helping each other out with the replies… or, well, we’ve got our reasons.”

“Nina, you just wanna snoop, don’t you?”

“That’s harsh. If something happens to Yuu-chin, I need evidence to snitch to the teachers, right? I’ve got some sense of responsibility here.”

“…Then delete that pic of me and Maki holding hands. That’s got nothing to do with it.”

“If you beg that much, I’ll delete it, but tons of other people probably took it too, so it’s kinda pointless? I won’t use it for anything bad, so cut me some slack.”

I figured as much, but yeah, that hand-holding moment’s definitely made the rounds.

It’s embarrassing to think about, but since then, no one’s confessed to Umi, so personally, I’d say it’s not a bad outcome.

Knowing someone I like is getting confessed to by a stranger—even if I know Umi wouldn’t go for it—still makes me a little uneasy.

Well, the confessions that stopped coming to Umi seem to have shifted to Amami-san instead, which I feel kinda bad about.

“…Um, if it’s okay, would you go to the Christmas party with me…?”

“—Sorry. I’m going to the party with friends, and, uh… I-I have someone I like.”

Tough luck for the senpai, but it’s a clear rejection.

Only me and Umi know the details, so he couldn’t have guessed, but Amami-san’s currently focused on repairing her bond with Umi and isn’t showing any signs of making close guy friends. Naturally, the “someone I like” part is a lie.

For Amami-san, her best friend Umi is number one by a mile, and everyone else—including me—is way down at second or third place. If someone seriously wants to date her, they’d have to wait it out for now.

But even then, I can’t imagine Amami-san ever saying yes to anyone.

“Look, time to move, you two lovebird committee members. Or do you wanna flirt a bit more over there?”

“As if! …Come on, Maki, don’t just stand there. Let’s go.”

“Oh, yeah.”

Ignoring Nitta-san’s “You’re so whipped~” comment, Umi and I walk side by side, pretending it’s a coincidence as we head toward Amami-san.

“Yuu, what’re you doing over there? Wanna eat lunch with us if you haven’t yet?”

“Umi! Oh, yeah. I just finished up here.”

Seeing us, Amami-san lights up with a bright, flower-like smile and comes over.

(Thanks, Umi. And Nina-chi and Maki-kun too.)

With a quick exchange of glances, we slip away as a group of four while the senpai lingers awkwardly, leaving the quiet bike area for the lively courtyard benches, where Amami-san’s tense face finally relaxes as she sits.

“Phew, that’s one thing down.”

“Good work… That looks tough, Amami-san.”

“Nah, it’s no big deal. It’s a little annoying, sure, but I’m used to this stuff. Plus, it’s only busy right now.”

According to Amami-san, this has been happening on and off since the cultural festival—getting called out for similar situations.

Back then, while Umi was busy leading the class, Nitta-san apparently stepped in as the interrupter instead.

Nitta-san might’ve dragged the team down during festival prep, but behind the scenes, she was pulling her weight for her friends.

It kinda makes sense why Amami-san and Umi keep hanging out with her despite everything.

“Oh, by the way, Umi, you said you had something to talk about after school. What’s that about? Is it something you can’t say unless it’s just the two of you?”

“Huh? No, I can talk with Nina here, but—”

“What? Don’t blatantly exclude me! Hey, Class Rep, say something to her!”

“Haha… I don’t mind, so go ahead and tell us.”

“Really? If Maki says so…”

While one of us perks up her ears blatantly, Umi tells Amami-san about our plans after the Christmas party.

Naturally, there’s no way Amami-san would turn down our suggestion.

“Mmm… Our class’s top two beauties going to the gloomy Class Rep’s house on Christmas… Damn, that sounds so juicy… Grr… But…”

“Huh? Weird. Nina not jumping on this is rare. That’s why I didn’t wanna say it.”

“Oh… Yeah, actually, that day, I’ve got plans with my boyfriend.”

“““Huh?”””

Boyfriend.

Nitta-san’s cute, sure, but she’s got someone like that?

“What? Didn’t I tell you? I got confessed to by a senpai during the cultural festival.”

Umi and Amami-san shake their heads vigorously. Of course, I wouldn’t know either.

So, the rest of lunch break gets eaten up by Nitta-san’s mostly trivial bragging.

With Christmas plans set, I figured I’d just take it easy and prep while waiting for the day to come—but…

Right after lunch with Umi and the others ended—literally right after—trouble came knocking from an unexpected source.

“H-Hey, got a sec?”

“Huh?”

I was heading out with my textbooks for fifth period’s class change, but someone from my class stops me right after.

Turning around, I see a big guy standing there, probably a whole head taller than me.

“Maehara… Just to check, you know my name, right?”

“Well, yeah… We’re in the same class. Seki-kun.”

His name’s Seki Nozomu. He’s in the baseball club, a pitcher… I think. This is my first time talking to him, but his group of guy friends is loud, so stuff like that just filters into my ears.

“So, what’s up with me? It’s not about borrowing a textbook or something, right?”

“N-No, I keep all my textbooks in my locker, so it’s not that… Uh, no, it’s not about that—it’s something else, more like…”

“? Uh-huh.”

I thought he was the type to speak clearly, but now he’s nervous or something—stumbling over words, avoiding my eyes, mumbling like he’s talking to himself in a mirror.

I was startled when he called out to me, but seeing him this flustered up close makes me more worried about him than anything.

As I’m wondering what to do, Nitta-san—who must’ve been watching from afar—walks over.

“Hm~? Hey, Seki, what’re you doing with Class Rep? Bullying’s not cool in high school, y’know~”

“Geh, Nitta… N-No, that’s not it! I just need to talk to Maehara, no funny business—Maehara, since you got tangled up with this nuisance, let’s move this to after school… If you can, come to the back of the baseball club’s clubhouse?”

“Clubhouse~? Back~? Sounds shadier by the second~”

“I said it’s not like that! Look, Maehara, please. I’ll treat you to a drink if you come.”

“Uh, um…”

A guy from class I’ve never talked to before. And a sudden request.

Normally, like Nitta-san said, I probably shouldn’t agree to this.

But it’s hard to believe Seki-kun’s trying to trick me into something either.

What to do… I think about asking Umi, but she’s on class duty with Amami-san today, so she’s not in the classroom right now prepping for the next period.

“…Okay, got it. After school at the clubhouse then. The back’s near the baseball gear storage, right?”

“! Y-Yeah! I’m on ball-polishing and equipment duty today, so it’d be great if you could hear me out while I’m at it. Oh, and no, I’m not asking you to help or anything, so don’t worry.”

“Huh? Wait, Class Rep, you sure? You’re just gonna trust this guy? What if a bunch of club members jump out from the shadows and strip you naked the moment you get there?”

“No, that’s a bit much… Right?”

“…Hey, what do you guys even think I am?”

I got a little carried away riding Nitta-san’s wave, but seeing this, I might be able to trust Seki-kun.

“By the way, Seki-kun, about this ‘talk’—I’ll hear the details later, but it’s gotta be something big if you’re asking me, right?”

“Y-Yeah… But first, let’s get away from that loudmouth over there.”

“Yeah. Sorry, Nitta-san, that’s how it is…”

“…”

“Uh~ Could you at least say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or something?”

“Yeah.”

This girl… She’s dead-set on eavesdropping. How nosy can you get?

“…Fine. I’ll message Asanagi then.”

“Ugh… Okay, fine, I’ll leave! Geez, Class Rep, you stingy jerk.”

She knows how scary Umi gets when I’m involved, so she grumbles but quickly scurries off.

I know Nitta-san’s not a bad person, but… she’s kind of a mess in a lot of ways.

“…So, about the thing.”

“Oh, yeah. What’s up?”

After making sure no one’s around, I listen to Seki-kun.

“It’s… about Amami-san. I need some advice.”

“…Oh.”

Why Seki-kun went out of his way to talk to me of all people—the reason’s crystal clear now.

After that, the day’s classes wrap up, and it’s after school.

As promised, I head alone to the clubhouse at the edge of the school grounds.

It’s my first time coming to a place like this, and it’s quieter than I expected. According to Seki-kun, around this time, the sports clubs are usually warming up by running laps around the school’s perimeter, so it’s actually a decent spot for a private talk.

“Yo, you came. Here, as promised.”

“Oh, thanks.”

I catch the yogurt drink pack Seki-kun tosses me and sit on a nearby pipe chair.

“Sorry, Maehara. Calling you out here all of a sudden like this. You were gonna walk home with Asanagi, right?”

“Well… Yeah, but I got her permission, so it’s fine. Oh, and I kept the details secret, so don’t worry about that.”

Before coming here, I quietly explained the situation to Umi and got her okay, asking her to head home with Amami-san first today.

We’d originally planned to go buy new lip balm together after school, but in exchange for me properly using the one she gave me this morning, she agreed to push it back a day. She promised to “pretend she didn’t hear” about what I’d be discussing too.

Though, like with the confession thing, she might be hiding somewhere nearby with Nitta-san and the others watching… If that happens, we’ll just walk home together then.

“So, Seki-kun. You said it’s about Amami-san, but—”

“You already figured it out, huh?”

“Pretty much. It’s like a love advice thing, right?”

“…Yeah.”

Bullseye, apparently. Seki-kun shrinks down shyly—unfitting for his size and face—and nods slightly.

…Looks like he’s more serious about this than I thought.

Well, that’s probably why he bothered talking to me in the first place.

“…On the day of the entrance ceremony, when I first saw Amami-san, my mind went blank for a while. Back in middle school, I thought some girls were cute, but I never really thought about dating them. I’m kind of a baseball nut—always thinking about how to throw faster, stuff like that, instead of romance…”

But at the high school entrance ceremony, even a baseball-obsessed guy like him got captivated by an angel-like girl.

According to Umi, Amami-san’s presence spread among the guys at school right after the ceremony, so plenty of people probably fell for her at first sight like Seki-kun did.

And so far, not a single one of those crushes has worked out.

“At first, just watching her from afar was enough… But it’s December now, y’know? Four months from now, we’ll be second-years, and I might not end up in the same class as Amami-san… So I at least wanna tell her how I feel before that.”

“…If it’s just confessing, you could do it right now, couldn’t you?”

“Yeah, sure. That’s true, but…”

“You’re mean, y’know,” Seki-kun says, then continues.

“But just confessing out of nowhere? No way Amami-san would say yes to that. You get it, right, Maehara?”

“…Yeah. I think you’re right about that.”

Confessing to someone you’ve got no history with—or even if you do, if you’re not that close—almost always ends in failure.

I’ve heard people say confessing is just a formality. You start as friends, gradually find common ground, enjoy and relax in each other’s company, and once you hit that “this is good enough” point, that’s when a confession works out.

That’s kinda what Umi and I are doing with our friendship, I think. Walking to and from school together, holding hands sometimes… Some of it already feels like stuff couples do, but whatever.

“Maehara, I hate beating around the bush, so I’ll just ask straight up. You probably guessed it the moment I talked to you anyway.”

“Yeah. But I’ll ask anyway, just to be sure.”

“Got it. Then… Maehara, be my friend. And please ask Asanagi to help me get closer to Amami-san too. Specifically, I want you to invite me to the Christmas party on Eve as your friend.”

Just as I thought.

I used to be “that loner in the corner,” but after the cultural festival, once my bond with Umi got out, I turned into “the guy friends with the class idol’s bestie.”

To me, Amami-san’s just “my friend’s friend,” and to her, I’m probably just “my best friend’s friend.” But even so, to people desperate to get close to Amami-san, my sudden appearance must’ve seemed like a lifeline.

If they get on my good side, they could connect to Amami-san as “a friend of a friend”—that’s why Seki-kun approached me.

Which is exactly why there’s only one thing I can do about his request.

“…Sorry. If that’s what it’s about, I’ve gotta say no.”

I flat-out reject Seki-kun’s plea as he bows his head to me.

I mean, it’s the obvious choice.

In class, Amami-san seems like her usual self, but in reality, there’s still some lingering tension from her fallout with Umi around the festival, and she’s working hard to fix it.

If I brought in an outsider like Seki-kun as a “friend” right now, what would happen? Kind as she is, Amami-san might say it’s fine, but deep down, she’d probably feel troubled.

And it’s not just Amami-san. Umi, who’s also trying to mend that rift with her best friend, would feel the same.

The person I care about most right now is, obviously, Umi.

My first-ever “friend,” and now a girl I’ve got even deeper feelings for.

That’s why I can’t agree to this.

“So, I’m heading out now… Anything else?”

“Uh… Nah, nothing. Got it… Yeah, no way, huh? If I’d been looking out for her all along, maybe, but this is outta nowhere. What a jerk I am, right? If I were in your shoes, I’d think the same.”

“Not that far… But sorry about this one.”

“No, I’m the one who dragged you out here. Thanks for at least hearing me out.”

I thought he might push harder, but he backs off pretty cleanly, which is a relief.

“By the way, Maehara, you seem kinda timid usually, but you can shut stuff down firmly when it counts. I kinda respect that.”

“Really? Nah, compared to a certain someone, I’ve still got a long way to go.”

I mean Umi. Someday, I wanna build up the guts to state my thoughts clearly in front of people like she does.

Asanagi Umi’s not just my precious friend—she’s a close-by goal too.

“…Oh, crap, the senpai are probably showing up soon. Sorry, Maehara, for taking up your time.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can’t help out, but I’ll root for you from the sidelines.”

“I don’t need rooting… I need help, help…”

“Haha… Sorry, that’s a bit impossible.”

“Ughhh…”

Charging at Amami-san now would just get him shot down for sure, but I’ll at least pray for him.

I’m sure someone’ll fall for Seki-kun eventually. He’s easy to talk to, and even from a guy’s perspective, he’s got a good face.

If the timing had been a little earlier, we might’ve actually become friends, but no point dwelling on that now.

After a quick goodbye to Seki-kun, I loop around the edge of the grounds toward the school gate.

It’s only 4 p.m., but the strong wind makes it feel chillier than usual.

Time to retreat to the kotatsu at home… With that in mind, I jog out past the gate—

“…Huh? Umi?”

“Yo.”

Right outside, I spot Umi giving me a small wave.

“Wait, have you been waiting here since I left the classroom?”

“W-Well… I mean, do I look like I already went home once or something?”

“No, you don’t.”

“Exactly.”

Umi’s got her school bag slung over her shoulder and her favorite checkered scarf around her neck, puffing out her cheeks as she answers.

Obviously, she’s been waiting for me out here in the cold this whole time.

“Sorry, Maki. I was gonna head straight home, but… y’know, I got a little worried.”

“I see. But if you were worried, you could’ve just hidden nearby and watched.”

“Ugh, no way. That’d break my promise with you, wouldn’t it? I said I’d pretend I didn’t hear anything, but honestly, I was dying to know.”

Pouting, Umi looks away from me as she speaks.

“I really wanted to know what you and… well, what you and Seki were talking about. But eavesdropping on you guys in secret felt wrong too… So I ended up in this super awkward spot, just waiting for you to come back.”

The part of her that told me she’d head home right away, and the part that was worried and wanted to stay by my side—

Those two sides clashed in her head, so she settled on not listening but still walking home together. That’s why she waited at the gate.

…Umi, what a hassle you are.

But that kinda thing’s cute in its own way, I guess.

“…Anyway, it’s cold, so let’s head home.”

“Yeah. …Hey, Maki.”

“What?”

“It’s chilly, so I wanna warm up at your place for a bit. That okay?”

“…Sure, fine by me.”

It’s not the weekend, so we can’t stay too long, but I figure it’s alright.

Taking advantage of no one being around, we sneakily hold hands again and head home together like usual.