CH 35

Today, because I have an appointment with Yua’s brother tomorrow, I went out by myself after breakfast for the first time in a while.

After our conversation the other day, Ishimizu san must’ve thought I had no plans on my days off.

–I’m not free. I have plans……!

Yes, I do have plans. It’s just that I don’t have any urgent schedule, so I don’t feel like going out, and as a result, my days off often end while I’m slacking off at home.

Today I’m fully prepared to go through the long-awaited plan.

First of all, let’s see….., um…….

— That’s right, a bookstore. I’ve always wanted to go to a bookstore.

I walked to the nearest bookstore with full spirit.

A few hours later, I walked out of the second-hand bookstore. The sun was setting, and the evening was beginning to set in.

I thought back to today’s activities. I went to the bookstore, browsed through magazines, ate a hamburger at a fast-food restaurant, and browsed through paperbacks at the second-hand bookstore.

And now, here I am.

I fell to my knees.

— no, it’s a completely leisurely day off for those who have free time……!

This is not a “plan”. It’s “killing time”.

I stood up with my hands on the wall and walked aimlessly.

In the past, I would’ve never thought of this and would’ve hurried home with the new book I had bought. I had nothing to devote myself to but my hobbies, so I was satisfied with that.

What about now? Of course, it’s not like I don’t like reading or playing games anymore. It’s just that the weight of “other things” has increased.

‘Other things’ are, needless to say.

–……?

I stopped. For a moment, I thought it was a hallucination or something that my devastated brain showed me, but I was wrong.

It was Yua. She’s standing there in the parking lot of the outlet mall next to the second-hand bookstore. She seems to be waiting for someone.

She’s wearing a blouse, cardigan, and long skirt. Yua’s outfit reminds me of the other day’s “Refined girlfriend” outfits.

Is she usually dressed like that? Or–

–Is it for someone that she’s waiting for?

Yua looked at my direction with a curious expression on her face, as if she senses my eyes on her.

I reflexively crouched down and hid behind the car.

I was feeling envious. I wanted to find out who she was waiting for. I didn’t want to get caught, so I moved my body.

I had to be sure. Because the person she waits for might be the source of that neat and clean fashion.

After a short pause, I glanced at her.

Yua’s gaze was diverted toward the mall entrance. She smiled and waved her hand.

My heart beats fast and loud.

Who? What kind of guy is he?

Someone approached Yua.

–……Eh?

That person was different from what I expected.

It was a woman. She was around 40. She had chestnut-colored hair and a slender figure. She was wearing a black shirt and skirt with a beige jacket.

I know it’s a bit exaggerated, but I felt like she’s a model. The way she walked, her posture, her style, and her appearance were all beautiful. It was as if the parking lot of an outlet mall had become a runway for a fashion show.

I mean , I know that person.

–If I’m not wrong…., –Oh right. Miyazawa. Miyazawa Azuki.

I read about her on the Internet and Makabe told me about her. She is a former idol and a manager of an apparel company. Well, it makes sense that she is both beautiful and stylish.

But why is this Miyazawa Azuki with Yua?

After exchanging friendly words, the two of them got into a hybrid car, which even I, who was not familiar with cars, knew, and left the parking lot.

I stepped out from behind the car and looked in the direction where the car they were in disappeared.

–…… I see, that’s it !

It’s about modeling. Yua must’ve started modeling for Miyazawa Azuki’s brand. That girlish fashion must be from that brand. The reason why she was acting a little strange was probably because she was tired from the hard work she wasn’t used to. It makes sense.

This is just a guess, but if it’s true, it would be truly amazing. I thought she was cute, but I didn’t expect someone in the industry to take notice of her.

I’m very proud. At the same time, I felt a little restless. Because Yua’s cuteness would be discovered by many people.

There must be many cool guys in the industry. I have a fear that Yua might have a normal reaction to be attracted to a handsome man rather than me, who has somehow managed to say with a normal face.

Fear? No, that’s not the right way to put it. If Yua takes a step on a new path and meets someone wonderful there, I have to support her in that. That was my intention from the beginning.

I know that in my head. But this feeling of frustration won’t go away.