CH 5

Chp 5. [Welcome Back] and [See you later]

[Ah, pardon for the intrusion]

[I’m the only one here, so don’t be shy]

[... Really?]

When I greeted her with a bit of nervousness, what I got was Haruki’s words in such a matter-of-fact way

She looks like a completely innocent and pretty girl

But if she reacts like a bratty girl she used to be, then you’ll be in trouble

While I was thinking about that, Haruki suddenly shouted [Ah!], as if she had noticed something

[Hold on right there! Just wait!]

[Oi!]

Just as I thought, she was running up the stairs while holding her skirt in a panic, I heard a slamming, clattering, and some other noisy noise. She must be cleaning up her room

[... Honestly, what the hell are you doing?]

Being left in the doorway of a stranger’s house, I couldn’t help but sigh

Not only that, but because she was running up the stairs at such a high rate of sped, I accidentally caught a glimpse of a boxer-type panties with no-hint of sex appeal on it.

A strange feeling of guilt tormented me afterwards. 

[Thanks for the wait!]

[...Hm]

After waiting for a while, I was invited to her room by a breathless Haruki. At first glance, the room was tidy. Even though I’m pretty sure that she just slammed everything to the closet

The room is dominated by black and brown colored furniture. In the shelves, there were lots of manga, plastic models, and various game consoles. A typical room for a grown-up Haruki

If it weren’t for the mirror and cosmetic products that were placed on the desk, it wouldn’t be much different from my room

[I’ll just go see what I can find]

[Oh, ok. Hey, Haruki]

[Hm? Also, why don’t you take it off Hayato? Isn’t it hot wearing socks?]

[Well yeah, but...]

Haruki threw a cushion to me and started to take off her socks. Unlike in the past, her bare feet, which were white and plump, reminded me that she’s a girl. I was flustered even though I knew that it’s Haruki

And then, she sat down on the cushion vigorously, then sat down on her knees and leaned forward. I couldn’t help but think of the Haruki I knew back then. Her sex appeal had faded away for some reason, that made me laughed for a bit.

However, looking at me, Haruki has a condemning look in her eyes

[So, who was the one who said anything about a monkey monster?]

[Ah, no, it’s...]

It seems that Haruki is still angry about my words from this morning

Not only that she’s serious, I could definitely see that she’s sulking right now.

But when those pouting lips and piercing eyes sneered up on me, I felt a strange sweat running down my spine

[Well, I’m sorry. Just consider it as a “lend”. I owe you]

[Hmmm, “lend”... Okay, fine]

Satisfied with my reply, she pulled back her sulky face. Then she muttered the word “loan” as if to chew on it, and started grinning

“Lending” has a special meaning for both of us

The loan was to be given on one side, never “borrowed”, it is never “owed” and it is never offset, it just keeps piling up

[“Lending”, huh… I miss it. How many do you think you owe me now?]

[That’s my line, you owe me lots of things]

[Haha, no doubt]

[... Hehe]

[... Ahaha]

The two of us looked at each other and laughter broke out

In this atmosphere, I asked something that had been bothering me

[I mean, Haruki, that’s… illegal, right?]

[My face?]

Far from being the little brat that she used to be. She’s now a neat and pretty, Japanese woman

Unfortunately, her true nature has come out and she is sitting with her bare feet proudly exposed

[Well, I’ve been through a lot. That’s why I’m doing this mimicry

[Mimicry, huh… As expected, you are a monster...]

[Hayato!!!]

[Ahaha, I’m sorry. I owe you this]

[Honestly, what a troublesome person]

I’ve had many of these little tussles, complaints and fights over the years. Each time, I’ve lent them out and let it go as time passed. It was also an accumulation of memories

It was both funny and embarrassing to think that we’d be able to “lend” each other again

I felt a bit annoyed that my feelings were being noticed, so I looked around the room and found something nostalgic　

[Eh, I didn’t know that someone still has this game]

[There’s the software version too, I think I have it]

[How nostalgic]

[Ok then, how about playing a game after all these years. If you lose, you owe me one]

[That’s a cheap “lend”]

[Five wins in a row]

[Ok!]

It was a console game that we used to play back in the old days, and it was two generations old. It was a karting game with characters resembling mushrooms and turtles. Even I was really enjoying it back then

And that feeling’s still the same today

[Eh, that’s not fair! Why’d you draw that item at this time!]

[Is it because I’m good at this?]

[Bullshit]

[Haha!]

We hadn’t seen each other in a long time, but we were playing a game, shoulder to shoulder without talking. Whenever we opened our mouth, the only thing we talked was about the game in front of us

But that’s enough for now

I felt as if the distance between us was being filled

I noticed that the summer sunlight was beginning to set, letting me know that it was time to end this for today

[Well, I better get going]

[Ah… I see...]

It was a fun time. So when I was about to go home, I felt a sense of sadness

I understand about this feeling

The feeling when you thought something would last forever, but it suddenly ends.

Haruki looks at my back as I put on my shoes, looking like a spoiled child

I felt her gaze, and her feelings. It was because I felt the same way

So, in order to shake off such anxiety, I tried my best to make a cheerful voice

[See you]

[ah...]

It was the usual… Farewell

That’s where all the feelings were put. There aren’t just 2 people who understands it

She came back right beside me, just as we promised. So for Haruki, the greeting for the reunion was…

[Yep, I’ll see you around… And then, Welcome back!]

[Welcome back?]

[It’s Welcome back for me]

[Haha, what’s that?]

Haruki showed a big smile just like a large flower blooming

It was the best smile I’ve seen all day