Episode 2: Is It Okay?

At the highest point of the sky, the summer sun blazes relentlessly at noon.

 

Unlike the single-track Tsukino-se with its sparse foot traffic, the city station front is large and bustling, especially on weekends.

 

Instead of unmanned vegetable stalls, various shops line the streets, and Hayato is in one of them—a family restaurant—along with Kazuki and Mori.

 

“Ugh, I don’t get prepositions at all! On, in, at—what’s the difference?!”

 

“Haha, maybe people learning Japanese feel the same about particles like ‘te-ni-wo-ha,’” Kazuki says.

 

“I picture a glass,” Hayato adds. “Ice goes on top, so ‘on.’ A plum goes inside, so ‘in.’ Dilute with water, so ‘with.’ That’s how I remember.”

 

“Wow, visualizing it like that makes sense… wait, that’s…”

 

“Well, back in the countryside, I got dragged to lots of banquets, and alcohol was always involved,” Hayato explains.

 

“Very Hayato-like,” Kazuki chuckles.

 

Textbooks are spread out before the chatting trio—a study session.

 

It started with a message from Mori this morning.

 

Hayato initially hesitated about lingering in a family restaurant, but it wasn’t crowded, other students were studying there too, the air conditioning was perfect, and unlimited drinks sealed the deal.

 

“Phew, my shoulders are stiff! Time for a break?” Mori suggests.

 

“Sounds good, Iori-kun. Want to order something sweet?” Kazuki asks.

 

“Hmm, about an hour and a half, huh? Let’s see what I’ll get…” Hayato muses.

 

Hayato’s in high spirits. Discussing and teaching each other with friends is surprisingly fun.

 

Plus, the place is comfortable, and the prices are kind to a high schooler’s wallet.

 

(Maybe I should suggest this to Himeko. And Haruki, too…)

 

Thinking of his sister, who’s an exam student yet quick to watch TV or fiddle with her phone, Hayato chuckles. But when his thoughts drift to including Haruki, he recalls her embarrassed face from the other day when they bumped into each other while she was changing in his room, and his cheeks flush.

 

Lately, he’s been off.

 

Sometimes, like now, he thinks of Haruki out of nowhere, and his heart won’t settle.

 

“…What?” Hayato snaps.

 

“Nothing~,” Kazuki teases.

 

Hayato notices Kazuki and Mori staring, their smirking eyes telling him what kind of face he must’ve made. Embarrassed, he scratches his head and sips his iced tea.

 

“By that way, Hayato-kun, don’t you ever study with Nikaido-san or compete over test scores?” Kazuki asks.

 

“Pfft! Cough, cough… Kazuki!” Hayato chokes, glaring at him.

 

Kazuki just smiles, not teasing but watching fondly. Mori, observing, downs his cola with a sigh.

 

“Seriously, when did you two get so close?” Mori says.

 

“Mori, this is Kazuki’s—” Hayato starts.

 

“Hold up. I’m Kazuki. I’m Mori. Man, it’s been a while, and I’m still the odd one out,” Mori grumbles.

 

“Can’t help it,” Kazuki shrugs.

 

“So, from now on, it’s Iori, got it, Hayato?” Mori insists.

 

“Fine, Iori,” Hayato concedes.

 

Iori grins, and Kazuki’s smile widens. Hayato tries to shift his focus from the awkward situation, but Iori won’t let him.

 

“So, explain this to me. You’re looking pretty sharp lately, Hayato,” Iori says, showing his phone.

 

Hayato freezes at the screen—a photo of him at the movie theater, Himeko scolding him up close, looking very intimate.

 

Sure, they’re siblings, but to an outsider, what would it seem like?

 

Hayato doesn’t know how Iori got the photo, but with so many people around, it’s not surprising if Haruki or Himeko’s acquaintance snapped it.

 

Frowning, Hayato glances at Kazuki, who knows the situation, but he just nods with a smile, as if saying, “Why not?”

 

Hayato sighs, a bit resentful, remembering he owes Kazuki a favor.

 

Turning to Iori, who looks intrigued, Hayato says, “That’s Himeko, my sister.”

 

“Sister, huh… Wait, didn’t Nikaido call her your childhood friend?” Iori asks.

 

“Yeah, Haruki and I are childhood friends too,” Hayato admits.

 

“Got it,” Iori says, still smirking, eyes back on his phone. “You should style your hair more, Hayato. This pic looks pretty cool.”

 

“No way. That day, my sister forced me to style it. She wouldn’t let me walk beside her otherwise,” Hayato grumbles.

 

“Such a waste,” Iori teases.

 

“Whatever,” Hayato brushes off.

 

As Hayato grabs his mechanical pencil to resume studying, Kazuki, who’d been quietly watching, drops a bomb.

 

“You should groom better. I bet Nikaido-san would be proud to have you as her boyfriend,” Kazuki says.

 

“She’s not my girlfriend!” Hayato slams the desk, standing, his pencil snapping with a sad crack.

 

Even with few customers, all eyes turn to him. He clears his throat, face red in every sense, and sits back down.

 

“Hayato, you’re not dating?” Iori asks.

 

“No way! Especially with Kazuki stirring things up by half-confessing to Haruki. She’s just my childhood friend,” Hayato insists.

 

“Oh, right, that happened. But, like, I’m dating my childhood friend, Ema,” Iori says.

 

“That’s…” Hayato falters, frowning.

 

How do others see him and Haruki?

 

Dating Haruki—he’s never even considered it.

 

Or rather, he’s never allowed himself to.

 

Being pointed out like this stirs an itchy, restless feeling in his chest, and he doesn’t know what to do with it.

 

Kazuki, noticing Hayato’s state, adds with a mischievous tone, “I know it’s rich coming from me, but Nikaido-san’s quite a beauty, right?”

 

“…As much as it pains me, I can’t deny that’s an objective fact,” Hayato admits.

 

“Once my rumors die down, someone might snatch her up,” Kazuki teases.

 

“No way…!” Hayato starts, catching himself.

 

“No way what?” Kazuki prompts.

 

“Nothing. Let’s get back to studying,” Hayato deflects, swallowing the bitter swirl in his chest with the last of his iced tea.

 

Kazuki shrugs, while Iori mutters, looking conflicted, “Hmm, that makes it harder to ask Hayato… or maybe it’s perfect.”

 

“What’s that?” Hayato asks.

 

“An invite to hit the pool with everyone after exams. I want you to ask Nikaido,” Iori says.

 

“The pool? Haruki?” Hayato repeats.

 

“Ema’s shy about going alone, and I’m worried about guys hitting on her. I want to see Ema in a swimsuit. Don’t you want to see Nikaido’s?” Iori asks.

 

“Wha—?! I don’t care about swimsuits. But, yeah, she’d probably come if I asked,” Hayato stammers.

 

“Cool, it’s settled,” Iori says, visibly relieved.

 

“Sounds fun. Mind if I join? Nikaido-san and Isami-san seem… safe,” Kazuki adds.

 

“Totally welcome. Safe, huh? Yeah, I get it,” Iori laughs.

 

“Being around desperate guys and girls is exhausting,” Kazuki sighs.

 

“Must be tough being too popular,” Iori teases.

 

Hayato agrees, but his heart’s a mess.

 

Haruki in a swimsuit—the thought brings back the memory of her half-naked in his room, and a possessive urge not to let others see her burns in his chest.

 

(Damn it!)

 

His face shifts from red to grim, but he doesn’t notice Kazuki’s amused smile or Iori’s smirk.

 

—

 

Later, with the sun still high in the early afternoon, the group disbands when Iori gets called by his girlfriend, Isami Ema, about her part-time job.

 

“I’m home,” Hayato announces.

 

“Hey, bro,” Himeko greets.

 

“Welcome back, Hayato,” Haruki adds.

 

In the living room, not only Himeko but Haruki is there, as if it’s the most natural thing, studying for exams with textbooks spread out.

 

While Himeko slumps, focus waning, Haruki notices Hayato and adjusts her dress skirt, sitting up straight.

 

With an “ehehe” smile, her unusually girly reaction makes Hayato’s heart skip, and he masks it with a grumpy tone. “If you’re worried about it, wear something you can relax in.”

 

Haruki’s outfit—a summery, open-neck dress with a tiered skirt—is simple yet cute, unlike Himeko’s camisole and shorts or Haruki’s tacky home clothes from before.

 

“Well, I’ve never been into girly stuff, right? So I’m trying to make an effort, taking after Saki-chan,” Haruki says, standing and twirling, her skirt and long hair fluttering, nearly exposing her thighs.

 

“—! It’s… not bad, I guess?” Hayato blurts, turning away, face red.

 

Haruki beams, and Hayato feels outdone, frowning.

 

“Listen, bro, Haru-chan’s totally weird,” Himeko pipes up.

 

“Hime-chan!” Haruki protests.

 

“What’s weird?” Hayato asks, voice pitching up in panic.

 

Himeko continues, oblivious to his reaction. “When she was teaching me math, there was no ‘2’ anywhere, but she said, ‘Substitute 2 for n here.’ It came out of nowhere, made no sense, but the answer was right, which made it even more confusing!”

 

“Oh, I get it. Don’t need to say more. She’s like that at school too,” Hayato says.

 

“Hayato!” Haruki whines.

 

Haruki has a unique knack for studying, almost like intuition, especially in math and science, skipping steps to reach answers.

 

Hayato recalls recent after-school study sessions with Minamo and Isami Ema, where Haruki struggles to explain, but others break it down clearly, making the sessions oddly productive.

 

Haruki looks sheepish, but her peers don’t mind. Himeko, a junior, seems less impressed, pouting.

 

As Hayato chuckles, he seizes the moment to bring up Iori and Kazuki’s request. “So, any plans after exams? There’s an invite to go to the pool with everyone.”

 

“P-Pool?! Like, the swimming pool?” Haruki stammers.

 

“Yes! I want to try the water slide! The one you go down with a float or boat!” Himeko exclaims.

 

Haruki’s hesitant, while Himeko’s oddly specific, as if she’s researched it.

 

“Uh, Himeko, I’m just passing on the invite. It’s my school friends. I’m fine with it, and they’d probably welcome you, but… you sure?” Hayato asks.

 

“Ugh, I’ll… think about it,” Himeko mumbles.

 

“And Haruki, if you don’t want to or can’t make it, no pressure. I’ll let them know,” Hayato adds.

 

“It’s not that I don’t want to or have plans…” Haruki trails off, face red, glancing at Hayato.

 

“Haruki?” Hayato prompts.

 

Her hesitant, blushing demeanor screams shy maiden.

 

(“I want to see Ema in a swimsuit. Don’t you want to see Nikaido’s?”)

 

Recalling Iori’s words, Hayato realizes he didn’t mention Ema’s shyness or other girls joining, which Haruki might’ve misinterpreted.

 

He turns to clarify, meeting Haruki’s determined gaze. “I… can’t swim!”

 

“H-Haruki… huh?” Hayato blinks.

 

“I’m a total hammer!” Haruki declares.

 

“Oh, really?” Hayato says, remembering.

 

Back in Tsukino-se, they played in rivers—climbing rocks, catching crabs, chasing fish—but never swam. The rivers weren’t deep enough.

 

Haruki pouts, as if daring him to judge, but Hayato finds it funny and ruffles her hair. “The pool’s not just for swimming. You can float with a ring, dive, or try the slides.”

 

“That’s easy for swimmers to say… Being a hammer’s embarrassing,” Haruki grumbles.

 

“Want me to teach you?” Hayato offers.

 

“You’re on! I’ll prove humans aren’t built to float!” Haruki retorts.

 

“Idiot!” Hayato laughs.

 

Himeko, watching their playful banter, sulks with a groan, intimidated by joining her brother’s friends.

 

“You two are getting all excited, ugh!” Himeko huffs.

 

“Sorry, sorry,” Hayato says.

 

“But there’s the swimsuit issue. I don’t have a proper one,” Himeko adds.

 

“Oh, me neither,” Haruki says.

 

“I only have the school one from Tsukino-se,” Hayato admits.

 

He wouldn’t wear that, but he’s fine with anything that doesn’t stand out. Worst case, he’ll buy one at the pool, but the girls seem more particular.

 

Himeko and Haruki frown, searching on their phones. Hayato, watching fondly, turns to his room when Haruki tugs his shirt.

 

“Hey, Hayato, what kind of swimsuit do you like?”

 

“—Wha?!” Hayato nearly shouts, swallowing his shock, cheeks burning.

 

“Like, a cute pink one or a mature black one—what’s your type?” Haruki presses.

 

“How would I know?! Tsukino-se only had the school pool!” Hayato sputters.

 

“Haha, alright, look forward to it then,” Haruki teases.

 

“Y-Yeah…” Hayato mumbles, scratching his head, agreeing.

 

He wants to see Haruki in a swimsuit but doesn’t want others to, a conflicting swirl in his chest. Yet, the flutter feels oddly pleasant.

 

Haruki, still holding his shirt, looks troubled, glancing between him and Himeko.

 

“Haruki…?” Hayato asks, puzzled.

 

She tightens her eyes, nods, and whispers in his ear, “Can I… come with you to visit your mom?”

 

“—! That’s…” Hayato stammers, caught off guard.

 

He stares, trying to read her, but Haruki’s face clouds, and she murmurs, “Sorry, sometimes it’s family-only, right?”

 

“No, it’s not that! I was just surprised. Visiting’s fine—it’s not contagious or anything,” Hayato rushes.

 

“So I can come?” Haruki leans in, eyes piercing.

 

Her clear, beautiful gaze makes his heart race. He looks away, spotting Himeko slumped on the table, and sighs. “I want to know more about you and Himeko.”

 

There’s only one answer. “…Alright.”

 

—

 

Soon after, they make an excuse to Himeko and leave the apartment.

 

Two train stops from the nearest station.

 

The sun’s still strong, so they stick to the shade of street trees, heading to the hospital.

 

“It’s closer than I thought, though a bit far to walk. A bike would work,” Haruki says.

 

“I’m thinking of getting a moped license next month for my birthday. Probably secondhand, but I’ll need a job first,” Hayato replies.

 

“Oh, right, we’re first-years, so we can work and get licenses—wait, your birthday’s next month?!” Haruki exclaims.

 

“Yeah, August 25th,” Hayato says.

 

“You should’ve told me sooner…” Haruki trails off.

 

“Sorry… Haruki?” Hayato notices her stop.

 

She gives a wry smile. “I didn’t even know that.”

 

“I don’t know your birthday either,” Hayato admits.

 

“March 14th. Pretty far off,” Haruki says.

 

“Same as Himeko’s early birthday. Hers is January 7th,” Hayato adds.

 

“So Himeko’s early-born too,” Haruki muses.

 

They resume walking, but the air feels heavy. The hospital looms over them.

 

Cars and buses pass, heading into the hospital. Near the gate, Hayato stops, scratching his head.

 

“I didn’t know your birthday, but I know you love ramune even though you suck at opening it,” Hayato says.

 

“…Hayato?” Haruki blinks.

 

“I know you’re competitive, moving your whole body when you’re into a game, chasing bugs or animals, and recently, stepping only on the white parts of crosswalks,” he continues.

 

“M-M-Mya?!” Haruki’s face reddens.

 

Hayato, frowning but serious, lists more of her childish quirks, making her blush harder.

 

“And at Grandpa Gen’s sheep shed—” he starts.

 

“Stop! Enough, I get it!” Haruki interrupts. “I know you slipped jumping on river rocks, overinflated gum until it burst on your face, and lately check supermarket sales on your phone at school!”

 

“Whoa, Haruki?!” Hayato panics.

 

Their eyes meet, and they burst into laughter.

 

“As kids, we cared more about playing than birthdays,” Hayato says.

 

“Yeah, we can fill in the gaps from now on,” Haruki agrees.

 

“Right, we’ll be together forever,” Hayato says.

 

“…” Haruki pauses.

 

“Haruki?” Hayato asks.

 

“You drop bombs like that out of nowhere,” she grumbles, turning away and jogging through the hospital gate.

 

Puzzled, Hayato wonders what he said, but her face is back to normal when she turns. “Let’s go?”

 

“Yeah,” he nods.

 

—

 

The hospital lobby is overly spacious, bright, and clean, making Hayato scowl.

 

On weekends, it’s full of healthy-looking visitors.

 

“This way,” Hayato says.

 

“Okay,” Haruki replies, looking around curiously.

 

Hayato handles the reception swiftly, grabbing a visitor strap, but stops when he notices Haruki hesitating, glancing between him and the desk.

 

“My bad, write your name in the visitor log and get a strap—” he starts.

 

“You always come alone, don’t you?” Haruki says.

 

“…” Hayato scratches his head.

 

It’s true, and with Himeko’s situation, he doesn’t know what to say.

 

Haruki returns with her strap, looking straight at him, then smiles softly. “If talking about it would lighten your load, lean on me. I can share the burden.”

 

“…I’ll let you know,” Hayato says.

 

“Promise?” Haruki holds out her pinky.

 

Her serious eyes contrast her light tone, overwhelming him. He links pinkies, and her giggle captivates him.

 

His heart’s a mess—Himeko avoiding visits, the pinky link feeling insufficient—swirling thoughts.

 

They realize they’re blocking the way.

 

“Let’s go,” Hayato says, hiding his expressive face.

 

“Yeah… I’m getting nervous,” Haruki admits.

 

As he turns, a voice cuts through. “Why are you here?!”

 

“Ow…” Haruki winces.

 

“Haruki?” Hayato turns.

 

A stranger is gripping Haruki’s arm aggressively.

 

Who? What’s happening?

 

Hayato reacts before thinking. “Hey, what’re you doing to Haruki?!”

 

“Hayato!” Haruki gasps.

 

A sharp slap echoes as Hayato forcefully knocks the man’s hand away, pulling Haruki close, shielding her. His low, menacing growl surprises even her.

 

The man is unfamiliar—handsome, tall, in his 30s or older, clearly not their age. His connection to Haruki is unclear.

 

Haruki, beside Hayato, frowns and tilts her head.

 

“I…” the man stammers, realizing his impulsiveness under Hayato’s glare.

 

“Haruki, you know him?” Hayato asks.

 

“Nope, total stranger,” Haruki says, shaking her head.

 

The man’s eyes widen, and he bows apologetically but earnestly. “I’m sorry, I mistook you for someone else. You reminded me of… Please forgive me for grabbing your arm.”

 

“It’s fine, I’m okay… Please, lift your head!” Haruki urges.

 

He does, studying her briefly, muttering something, then says, “Right… Thank you,” before hurrying off.

 

(What was that?) Hayato watches him go, inexplicably irritated.

 

His grip on Haruki tightens. “…Hayato?” she says, concerned.

 

“Sorry!” He realizes they’re pressed close, her small frame, soft skin, and sweet scent overwhelming him. He pulls away, flustered.

 

“It’s… fine if nothing’s wrong,” Haruki says, her voice tinged with sadness—or is it his imagination?

 

He scratches his head, urging, “Let’s go. Sixth floor.”

 

“Okay,” she nods.

 

—

 

In the elevator to the sixth floor, Hayato feels tense with Haruki beside him. She’s nervous too, hunching and glancing around.

 

At Room 617, he knocks.

 

“Come in, it’s open—oh, Hayato!” Mayumi calls.

 

“…Mom,” Hayato sighs, sliding the door open.

 

The sight makes him clutch his head—embroidered fabrics, intricate lace, and Mayumi drafting patterns on her bed. The hospital room looks like a fashion designer’s studio.

 

“What’re you doing?” Hayato asks.

 

“I started embroidery for rehab and got hooked. Then I tried hand-knitted lace and thought, why not make clothes?” Mayumi explains.

 

“Seriously…” Hayato mutters, tidying up.

 

The embroidery and lace are store-quality, proof her hands are recovering, easing his mind.

 

“Sorry about the mess. Should’ve asked you to bring the sewing kit,” Mayumi says.

 

“I’ll bring it next time. What clothes are you making?” Hayato asks.

 

“Hospitals are boring. Maybe a fancy dress? Could be fun,” she muses.

 

“What for? Who’s wearing that?” Hayato questions.

 

“True… Maybe cosplay outfits? For cultural festivals or something. Yeah, let’s do that!” Mayumi decides.

 

Hayato sighs, pitying Himeko, then notices the silence beside him.

 

“Huh?” he says, looking around.

 

“What’s up?” Mayumi asks.

 

Haruki’s gone, but a hesitant presence lingers behind the frosted glass door.

 

(She brought it up herself…)

 

Amused, Hayato slides the door open, finding Haruki twirling her hair nervously. He gives her a deadpan look, scratching his head.

 

“…Oh,” Haruki mumbles, looking embarrassed.

 

“Come on,” Hayato says, grabbing her arm and pulling her in.

 

“Mom, I brought someone to meet you,” he says, pushing Haruki forward.

 

“I-I’m not ready… Um, long time no see!” Haruki stammers.

 

“Oh… Oh my!” Mayumi’s eyes sparkle, leaping from bed to grab Haruki’s hands.

 

“You look so healthy, I’m glad… Uh…” Haruki fumbles.

 

“My, my, such a cute girl! I’m Hayato’s mom! That boy’s hopeless with grooming, but he’s not bad, just a bit meddlesome,” Mayumi gushes.

 

“C-Cute… I’m just relieved Hayato’s still a busybody,” Haruki says.

 

“Oh! Calling each other by name already? So close! Could it be…?” Mayumi teases.

 

“Wait, Mom, you’re misunderstanding,” Hayato interrupts.

 

Something’s off. Haruki’s flustered, overwhelmed by Mayumi’s energy.

 

(Wasn’t it like this when she met Himeko?) Hayato recalls, stepping in.

 

“Mom, it’s Haruki. The Haruki we played with as kids,” he clarifies.

 

“…Haruki-chan?” Mayumi freezes, realization dawning.

 

“Um, long time no see, Auntie. I’m Haruki Nikaido…” Haruki says.

 

Mayumi stares, eyes widening, then explodes, “EHHHH?!”

 

Her scream startles Hayato and Haruki. Haruki looks to him, but he just shrugs.

 

Mayumi’s grip on Haruki tightens, trembling. “Haruki-chan, you were a boy, but you’re this cute now?!”

 

“Mya?!” Haruki yelps.

 

“Mom!” Hayato exclaims.

 

“Is something wrong, Kirishima-san’s mom?!” a small girl—Minamo—rushes in, her curly hair styled beautifully, unrecognizable from school.

 

Haruki’s eyes spin at Minamo’s transformed look.

 

“What’s going on with Kirishima—You?!” Minamo’s grandfather storms in, hurling a water bottle at Hayato.

 

“Dangerous!” Hayato dodges.

 

“Grandpa?!” Minamo cries.

 

“Don’t stop me, Minamo! That guy’s after you and now other girls!” the grandfather roars.

 

The chaos escalates until the head nurse storms in, scolding them to quiet down.

 

—

 

Ten minutes later, five sheepish faces line up in Room 617.

 

Mayumi clears her throat, facing Haruki. “Sorry, I totally thought you were a boy back then.”

 

“Haha, Hime-chan thought so too…” Haruki says.

 

“You were always muddy with scrapes! Who’d guess you’d become such a beauty? Hayato was shocked, right?” Mayumi says.

 

“…No comment,” Hayato mumbles, heart racing, masking it vaguely.

 

Glancing at Haruki, he sees her blushing as Mayumi recounts her childhood—showing off acorns, tripping in grass traps, holding back tears.

 

Relieved, Hayato notices Minamo’s glances. Their eyes meet, and she apologizes.

 

“Sorry about Grandpa,” Minamo says.

 

“Nah, Miyatake-san didn’t mean harm,” Hayato replies.

 

“Hmph! Still surrounded by pretty girls! Be careful, Minamo!” her grandfather grumbles.

 

“Grandpa!” Minamo scolds.

 

Understanding his protectiveness, they smile wryly. Haruki steps forward nervously, clearing her throat, her aura shifting.

 

“Nice to meet you, I’m Haruki Nikaido. I’m close with Minamo-chan, especially with gardening. Please look after us,” she says, bowing gracefully, a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko.

 

Minamo’s grandfather blinks, blushes, scratches his cheek, and mutters, “Uh, take care of my granddaughter!” before rushing out.

 

“…Haruki-chan was so ladylike,” Mayumi says.

 

“Pfft!” Hayato bursts out.

 

“Auntie?! Hayato!” Haruki protests.

 

“Haha…” Minamo smiles wryly.

 

Haruki pouts, then sighs, studying Minamo. “Wow, Minamo-chan, you transformed so cutely.”

 

“Uh, well…” Minamo stammers.

 

“Right? And you and Haruki-chan are friends? Small world,” Mayumi says.

 

“Haruki-san helps with gardening, like Kirishima-san,” Minamo adds.

 

“I’m shocked Mom kept teasing Miyatake-san’s hair,” Hayato says.

 

“Ohohoho! It’s great you three are close, but… hmm…” Mayumi hums, frowning.

 

“Uh, what?” Minamo asks, flustered.

 

“Mom?” Hayato prompts.

 

“Auntie?” Haruki adds.

 

Mayumi waves it off, turning to Hayato. “Kirishima-san, huh?”

 

“Huh?” Hayato blinks.

 

“There’s me, Kirishima, and you, Hayato Kirishima… confusing, no? And two Miyatake-sans with the old man,” Mayumi says.

 

“Mom, seriously?!” Hayato exclaims.

 

She points at him, scolding playfully. His face reddens, realizing calling a female classmate by name is a big hurdle.

 

(Haruki’s an exception, but…)

 

He glances at Minamo, muttering seriously, then clenching her fist. “Hayato-san!”

 

“Uh, yes, Minamo… san,” he replies, looking away, embarrassed.

 

Minamo’s neatly styled hair makes her extra cute, and her closeness makes his heart race.

 

“Hmmph,” Haruki huffs.

 

“What, Haruki?” Hayato asks.

 

“Nothing! Your face is all goofy. Minamo-chan’s super cute today, right?” Haruki teases.

 

“Tch, I’m not! Yeah, she’s cute, but—” Hayato stammers.

 

“Unlike me, huh? I get mistaken for a boy, but Minamo-chan’s small, adorable, and girly. Plus, she’s… well-endowed,” Haruki says.

 

“I didn’t say that!” Hayato protests.

 

“Pfft,” Haruki scoffs.

 

“Act your age!” Hayato snaps.

 

Haruki pouts, Hayato glares—childish bickering. Minamo and Mayumi giggle, and when Hayato and Haruki notice, they exchange awkward glances, earning warmer smiles.

 

Embarrassed, Hayato stands. “We’ve shown our faces, so I’m heading home, Haruki… and Minamo-san.”

 

He rushes out. The three exchange looks, chuckling.

 

“Wait, Hayato! I’ll be back, Hayato’s mom. Minamo-chan, let’s go!” Haruki calls.

 

“Yes! Thanks for having us!” Minamo says.

 

“Bye, come again!” Mayumi replies.

 

—

 

The western sky tinges red.

 

Leaving the hospital, Hayato’s face is flushed, heading to the station.

 

“Sorry about my mom, uh, Minamo… san,” he says.

 

“No worries, I don’t mind,” Minamo replies, in high spirits, her curly hair bouncing happily.

 

Hayato wonders why but is too embarrassed to dwell, shaking his head.

 

Haruki, watching, asks, “Minamo-chan, your hairstyle’s so cute. Why not always do it?”

 

“Fweh?!” Minamo freezes, frowning, face red.

 

“It’s way better than usual. Right, Hayato?” Haruki presses.

 

“Yeah, definitely,” Hayato agrees.

 

“Auugh,” Minamo groans, then admits, “Hayato-san’s mom did it. I can’t…”

 

“Oh, got it. Auntie’s meddlesome, like Hayato,” Haruki says.

 

“Hey,” Hayato protests.

 

Haruki claps, satisfied. “Want to practice with me? I’m new to this too. I mean, Hayato’s mom thought I was a boy.”

 

“Fweh?! Uh, is that okay?” Minamo asks.

 

“Yeah, we’re friends,” Haruki says.

 

“Hehe, right!” Minamo smiles.

 

They laugh together, a bit awkward but clearly close, often chatting by the flowerbeds.

 

(Close female friends…)

Hayato feels a pang in his chest at the heartwarming sight, scratching his head to mask it.

 

The station’s near.

 

“I’ll take the bus. Haruki-san, Haya… to-san, see you at school tomorrow,” Minamo says.

 

“Wait,” Hayato says hesitantly. “Should I stick to Miyatake-san at school? Like with Haruki, to avoid weird misunderstandings…”

 

“Oh…” Minamo blinks, touching her chin.

 

Haruki frowns, looking between them.

 

Minamo, blushing, says, “I like being called by my name. Only Haruki-san does, besides family.”

 

“Got it, Minamo-san,” Hayato says.

 

“Yes!” Minamo beams.

 

Hayato scratches his head, embarrassed. Haruki frowns unnoticed, lost in thought.

 

“I’ll go—” Minamo starts.

 

“Wait!” Haruki grabs her hand.

 

“Fweh?!” Minamo yelps.

 

“Haruki?” Hayato asks.

 

“Can I stay over at your place tonight, Minamo-chan?” Haruki asks, her eyes intense.

 

“…Haruki-san?” Minamo blinks.

 

Haruki’s gaze is unwavering, captivating Hayato, who can only watch their exchange.