CH 47

I knew it was coming, but as I expected. I was pursued like a demon by Karen since this morning. Especially about Hirose’s earrings yesterday.

Since she was seated behind me, there was nothing I could do to escape from her…

Of course, I can’t miss school. It is not an exaggeration to say that if I miss the class, I will surely be retained in school next year.

On the other hand, Kanna was absent today because she had a fever.

Indeed, Kanna’s behavior yesterday was strange in retrospect. I can understand that.

I just wonder if she’ll be okay. She rarely has a cold. I’m planning to visit her later.

And now, after all that’s happened, I’m back with her after school…

I had no choice.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape this time. So here we are.

I don’t know what it means, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen Karen coming on to me so strongly, even back then.

That’s how much I couldn’t escape.

”Hey, Sota. Tell me the solution to the problem here. Huh?”

Right. Anyway, Karen and I are at the Santa Monica cafe again.

Her bad mood at school is gone, and I see her looking so happy in front of me.

But I don’t know, even though it hasn’t been that long since I’ve been here.

I feel nostalgic…

It’s definitely not me but him, Todo, who used to come here with her every day. That’s obvious to everyone.

”Look me in the eye and tell me.”

”No, no, you’re too close. Please step away from me…”

”Why? I can’t see the notebook if I don’t get closer. So let’s get closer.”

”Hey.”

And yet, it’s the real me. I’m sure she’s smiling at Sota Kazama the same way she was smiling at ‘me’ back then…

”It’s been so long. It’s been a long time.”

And why did she smile at me so many times with such a happy expression?

”What’s that?… It’s the first time.”

When she makes that kind of face repeatedly, it makes me remember many things. I shouldn’t remember, but I remember many things about that short yet felt like a long time when I was with her as Todo.

”Gee, why are you so stubborn? Well, open your mouth, ahh~. This will remind you of it, right? fufu.”

”N-no, What do you mean? Uh, are you out of your mind?”

”Hmm, that look. I miss it. You used to do it all the time. Come on.”

”No, I didn’t.”

”Geezー”

I don’t know why, really? Why are you like this?

No, you don’t. You were the same way then. It’s unwavering. I can’t shake that.

No. Let’s just go home. It’s bad if the people at school see us like this… I think so and get out of my seat immediately.

It was the same on the school trip, and maybe it’s a little too late for today, but still, the sight of her and me together is just too strange for the others.

And if I stay here with her like we used to do, I’ll be…

I don’t know why I feel like I’m back in the old days, and I’m getting relaxed.

It’s crazy. Why was I so relaxed back then? Now I feel as if this is normal…

It’s not right. 一What the heck are you doing, my brain?

”Hey, Sota, are you ready to go home?”

”Huh? Yea, I’m going home today.”

And now I’m immediately interrupted by her.

What’s with that expression? 

Why is she suddenly so serious…

”You know what?”

”Uh, what?”

”Why don’t we study at my place now?　My parents won’t be home today… We can stay up all night…and study for the test…”