Epilogue

“Yuuta-kun, how was the week of the trial relationship?”

After university lectures, I was walking home with Reina.

Bathing in the sunset at my back, I recalled the events of last week.

“It ended in a day, so things are back to normal now.”

When I answered, Reina let out a surprised “Eh?”

It seemed like an unexpected response for her.

“It’s already over?”

“Yeah, it was short.”

“…I thought it’d take about a week. Did you and Mayu-chan have a fight or something?”

“Nah, nothing like that. She just got everything she needed in one day.”

At my words, Reina tilted her head, as if puzzled.

The trial relationship ended in a day because Shinohara’s goal was achieved in that time. She entered the trial to confirm something on her mind and wrapped it up that same day.

That day was a whirlwind, embodying Shinohara’s characteristic decisiveness.

“Satisfied… huh. I see.”

“Just to clear things up, we didn’t do anything.”

At that, Reina’s walking pace slowed drastically.

Matching her pace, I noticed her glance at me before quickly looking away.

“That’s not what I was worried about.”

“Alright, good then.”

If Natsuki got the wrong idea, I’d be in for another barrage of sharp words. Her comments are usually constructive, and I appreciate them sometimes, but honestly, I’d rather avoid that situation. Nobody wants to be scolded at this age.

“Sorry for making you go through with the trial relationship because of my selfishness.”

“It’s fine. It wasn’t much different from usual.”

“And one more sorry. I told Ayaka-san about it.”

For a moment, I didn’t grasp what Reina meant, and my steps halted.

As I slowly set my foot back on the ground, realization caught up.

“Not just about the trial, but you met with Ayaka?”

“Yeah… She apologized. Said she acted high-handedly when we met before.”

“I see. That’s like her.”

Around the time the cherry blossoms began to fall, Ayaka mentioned on the phone that she needed to apologize. I’d planned to go with her, but it seems she chose to meet Reina alone.

“Ayaka-san feels more responsible than you might think. She might act normal around you, though.”

“Huh?”

“…I’m not saying it again. I don’t want to rub salt in the wound.”

“No, sorry, I heard everything.”

“Then why’d you make me repeat it?”

Reina looked up at me with a half-lidded glare.

It was an expression hard to imagine from her usual composed demeanor, but I knew it well. Seeing it after so long felt nostalgic.

“It’s my fault, just to be clear. She didn’t like going out with me alone back then.”

Reina blinked and looked down.

Then, she nudged a pebble to the side of the road with her toe.

“…I see. So that’s how it was.”

Behind her gentle tone, another emotion seemed to lurk.

But my instincts told me not to dwell on it.

“Well, I’ve got a part-time job now, so I’m off.”

“Alright. Good luck.”

“Thanks!”

Reina flashed a bright smile and crossed the street. When she reached the sidewalk, she turned back and gave a small wave.

I raised my hand in return, and she headed toward the station.

Watching her back, dyed orange by the sunset, I glanced around.

Come to think of it, this was the same path where I saw Reina walking with another guy.

Just a few weeks ago, I thought I’d never talk to her again. In such a short time, my close relationships had shifted again.

Even without class changes, relationships keep evolving like this. Maybe that’s just how it is with the opposite sex.

Surprised at my own thoughts, I lightly kicked a pebble. Shinohara’s love talk must’ve gotten to me.

Seeing my apartment, I couldn’t help but smile. The constant change in relationships is both their challenge and their charm.

And the things that stay unchanged are just as charming.

From the second-floor hallway of the old apartment, my mischievous kouhai was waving at me.

“Senpai! You forgot to give me the key, so I’ve been waiting here for five minutes!”

“You barely waited! And stop talking like I always give you a spare key!”

Taking out my keychain from my pocket, I climbed the creaky stairs one step at a time.

Grabbing the snow leopard keychain, I unlocked the door as usual.

The heat of the sunset on my back showed no signs of fading.

Wondering if the rainy season was really coming soon, I stepped over the threshold into my home.

As always, with Mayu in tow.

The scent of cherry blossoms was long gone.

Afterword

Thank you so much for picking up this book as well. I’m Yuu Omiya.

It’s truly a joy to be able to greet all you readers like this again.

The Kano-uwa series has finally reached its fourth volume, and I’m steadily working through the vision I had since writing the first volume. As of writing this afterword, this series has gone through five reprints and has even been approved for a manga adaptation. I’m deeply grateful for your warm support every day.

So, how was the fourth volume? By this point, do you have a favorite heroine or supporting character? With three main heroines in this work, it’s natural that people would have their top pick, but from the feedback I’ve received, it feels almost like a three-way tie. I prepared plenty of episodes for each heroine, and I was finally able to deliver some of Mayu’s past episodes. I hope you all enjoyed them.

If I get the chance to publish a fifth volume, I’d love to write a big episode I’ve been warming up to.

Now, onto my acknowledgments.

To my editor, K-sama: Once again, I was able to write freely. Discussing the content with you sparked new ideas for scenes, and I’ve come to realize the importance of communication with my editor. I look forward to working with you moving forward.

To the illustrator, Eru-sensei: Every time your beautiful illustrations arrive, I’m thrilled beyond words. It’s one of those moments that makes me glad I’m writing light novels. The readers love them too.

To the proofreaders: This is the fourth volume of the series, and your help is invaluable every time. Each piece of feedback is truly appreciated.

To the sales team: Thank you for always brainstorming ways to boost this series. I feel so supported. I heard you lived in Nishinomiya for a while. It’s my hometown, so I can’t help but feel a personal connection.

Lastly, to all you readers: The reprints, manga adaptation, and more are all thanks to your support. Your countless reviews and word-of-mouth have pushed Kano-uwa to new heights.

For the sake of a fifth volume, please continue to support us. Your reviews, tweets, and other feedback will help make this series even bigger!

The fourth volume also comes with limited-edition bonus short stories at certain stores, so please check them out if you’re interested.

That’s all for now. My utmost gratitude for being able to write this fourth afterword.

Yuu Omiya