CH 9

After finishing off the last of a late-night snack, I wrapped up a brief review of today's lesson that I did on my desk, and stretched out on the spot. Suddenly, my phone rang, so I picked it up. I wonder who it was?

When I took a look at the screen, I saw it was a message from Tasuku.

"Sorry I wasn't able to go home with everyone today."

"Don't worry about it."

"Well, good night then."

"...Fuu. Good night, huh."

As if to answer back to my words, a stamp of a cat bearing a good night's message was sent.

And with that, I turned off the screen as well and placed it back on the desk.

――― I'm worn out by a lot of things today...

I rubbed my eyebrows, closed my eyelids, and reflected back on today's events. Both Takagaki and Ayane had shaken my heart.

One was because of what my recent friend had said, and the other was because of what my best friend did.

I was quite smart myself, but I wouldn't have any experience in these kinds of things. I wonder if my surroundings had drastically changed when I became a high school student.

――― No point in worrying about it. I should switch over to tomorrow.

A sigh was let out unconsciously. Perhaps because I had closed my eyes, I gradually became sleepy, and so I moved over to my bed.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

Still drowsy, I ate breakfast that my mother left for me as usual, brushed my teeth, and changed into my school uniform. Although it was spring, the mornings were still chilly, so I slipped into my new navy-blue blazer, put on a red tie, and slinged my school bag over my shoulder.

"I'm off~."

It was an ordinary, familiar morning.

After walking for a while, I saw the two of them like usual. And as I would normally do, I ran up to Tasuku.

"Good morning! Both of you!"

"Ugh, aren't you a bit too strong today? Morning. Hmm?"

"Good morning, Hiro-kun, your bed hair is standing out more today huh?"

Tasuku looked a bit pained, and when Ayane pointed out my hair, they let out a wry laugh. I wonder if my hair really looked that strange. It was a hassle to set my hair up every morning, so even if it looked awful, I just left it alone.

"My hair isn't important! Other than that, Tasuku, you were working hard late yesterday, huh."

"We have a practice match in the future, so we're all doing our best to practice."

"Should I go over and cheer? Along with Ayane."

"You'd stand out, so don't. Besides, it's embarrassing."

"Eh, I was refused before I could even agree..."

Ayane was stunned by Tasuku's slight refusal. Seeing the two of them, I naturally laughed as well.

This was also just the usual day. The unchanging scenery filled my heart early in the morning.

――― But there was something missing in this daily life of ours.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

And so, today as well, at school after a full day of classes. For the third day in a row, Takagaki and I were together in a deserted classroom after school.

"So, did my advice work?"

As expected, Takagaki went straight to the point. Although this had only been ongoing for a short while, I could say it was already somewhat of a familiar sight. When I thought about that, I laughed a little.

"Don't laugh so suddenly. It's gross."

"Hey, that might be true, but my heart is made of glass. Handle it delicately."

"You'll be fine with this."

As venomous of a tongue from Takagaki as ever. My heart might have cracked a bit, but for some reason, she was guaranteed of its toughness. I wonder if I was wrong to think that this method of her lowering and then raising your feelings seemed somewhat gentle of her.

Now then, about yesterday's advice.

"I didn't understand."

"Hm~m? And then? You must have called me here because you had something to say."

"Ooh, so Takagaki is starting to understand me, too."

"No, anyone could tell. Don't get carried away."

This time, she scolded me. Well, I was sure she didn't mean it.

So, I did think about it, but in the end, I still wasn't able to understand. That's why...

"In order to find the answer to that, this time, I'm going to make a move to get those two together."

No matter what Takagaki said, I was prepared to not get shaken.

Seeing those two smiles from my two most precious friends yesterday, I took the liberty of interpreting what those meant.

"...Well, if that's okay with you, then why not?"

"...Eh? Huh? I thought you were going to say something else."

"I did. And there’s a lot."

As opposed to what I was preparing for, I was taken aback by Takagaki's blunt reply.

It became even more difficult to find out what Takagaki was thinking.

"Well, I'll help you out. I hope you find it, that answer."

"Eh...y-yeah!! All right, let's make it succeed this time."

My suspicions were quickly put to the side, and I was so ecstatic that I involuntarily reached out to shake hands.

"Happy to be working with you tomorrow, Takagaki."

"Same as well, Shindou."

I thought Takagaki would reach out to shake my hand.

――― My hand was slapped away.