episode_0027

Knowing they had started dating, I kept more distance than necessary. If I hadn’t learned the truth from Watashima-san, I wonder how presumptuous I would have become. Just thinking about it scares me.

Even as we went from our first year to our second year of high school, I continued to keep my distance from the two of them. No, I was probably the only one consciously keeping my distance; they likely didn’t feel any change. I probably wasn’t even an option for them; that’s likely the reality.

“Where should we go on the school trip?”

“…The usual places are fine.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

It was a group of only boys, lacking enthusiasm and spirit, but it was incredibly comfortable. Our relationship with Tomoe was never questioned, and since Takeo’s karate club often came near, it was the kind of group that would flee, saying, “The rough guys are coming,” so it was to be expected.

The first day of the school trip felt like an extension of the bus tour; we acted as a class, then rested at the lodging. The boys who were close with the girls seemed to try to go to the girls’ floor, but the teachers stopped them every time.

But I know.

Really close boys and girls sneak out of the lodging and meet alone.

Tomoe was nowhere to be seen either, so that’s probably what was happening.

She was surely somewhere with Takeo right now.

――――Yako Tomoe

“…Takeo-kun.”

“Yo, Tomoe, did you sneak out too?”

“No, I had a promise with a friend, but it’s strange, she said in front of the vending machine on the first floor.”

“It’s tough not being able to contact anyone when phones are forbidden.”

Instead of the girl friend I was supposed to meet, Takeo-kun came to the meeting spot.

Lately, it feels like this happens a lot. Takeo-kun suddenly appears at unexpected times.

Of course, I’m happy to see Takeo-kun, but I would have been even happier if it were Kyotaro-kun.

“Where are you planning to go tomorrow?”

“My course starts at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. What about you, Takeo-kun?”

“My group says they’re going to Arashiyama. I keep telling them Kiyomizu-dera Temple is definitely the better choice, but no one listens to me.”

“Hehe, you’re surprisingly adaptable to others.”

“Well, of course. But, if you’d like, maybe you and I could explore together—”

“Oh, the teacher is coming to check on us. We have to go back to our rooms.”

“—Ugh, it’s Mada, the disciplinary teacher. If he catches us, it’ll be a long talk… Tomoe, I’ll go first and get caught, so you can go when he’s distracted.”

“Huh? Why? I’m coming back with you, it’s fine.”

“No, no, he’ll find some fault and drag out the lecture, you know?”

“Even so, I can’t just push it all onto you, Takeo-kun.”

We’re childhood friends, so when we get scolded, we should be together.

I thought that and prepared myself, but… Mada-sensei seemed to have found other students.

“Hey! You guys!” he shouted, and then went somewhere else.

“…Lucky us. Let’s head back to our rooms while we can.”

Lucky, huh? When I looked closely at who Mada-sensei was scolding, it turned out to be the girl I had promised to meet.

Next to her was a boy… they weren’t just friends, I’m sure.

Since we’re second-year high school students, there’s nothing strange about relationships starting.

…Kyotaro-kun.

“—As students of Harushima High School, strive to act with respect. Now, dismissed!”

The long talk was over, and the free activity time for each group finally began. I thought we’d all stay together, but as soon as it started, several girls said “Sorry” and left the group, heading off with boys they had surely arranged to meet somewhere.

I was surprised they so casually ignored the rules, but honestly, I was envious.

I want to go somewhere with Kyotaro-kun, just the two of us. Even walking in the same place, I feel like the scenery would look different with Kyotaro-kun.

(I hope we can be together somewhere.)

It’s probably wrong to make such a wish at a Shinto shrine.

But unless I pray to the gods, I feel like we’ll never be together.

It was such an improper wish, but the gods of Kyoto seem surprisingly kind.

“Are you buying a wooden sword?”

“It looks cool, and it’ll be good for self-defense.”

At an open-air souvenir shop, among a group of boys, not a single one missing, there he was.

It hadn’t even been thirty minutes since I made my wish to the gods, and my wish was already coming true.

I thought about calling out to him, but he looked like he was having fun… and I have friends too, so maybe I’d be a bother.

“…Huh? Everyone?”

In the bustling streets of Kyoto, I suddenly realized I was alone.

Perhaps because I was mesmerized by Kyotaro-kun, I seemed to have stopped moving while everyone else flowed past.

What should I do? My phone rings but no one answers… Besides, there were only a few of us in our group.

Being alone in such a large crowd feels incredibly scary.

What if I can’t reunite with anyone?

If I get caught alone by a teacher or chaperone, I’ll cause trouble for everyone.

“…Tomoe? Why are you alone?”

“Kyotaro-kun.”

“Where are the other girls? …The flow of people is so fast; everyone disappears in an instant, don’t they?”

“…Yeah.”

“Where are you planning to go next? Our group is heading to Yasaka Shrine.”

“The same place.”

“Oh, in that case, maybe it’s better if we stick together… if you don’t mind, Tomoe.”

I definitely want to stick together. He’s been so distant lately, so very distant.

If we walked hand in hand, I feel like all the surrounding scenery would change.

…Maybe I should take his hand.

In the past, when we walked together, he always held my hand.

I’m sure he wouldn’t get angry if I held his hand now…

“There you are! Tomoe, where did you go by yourself?!”

“…Ah, sorry, I zoned out for a bit.”

I quickly pulled back the hand I was about to reach out.

“Himikage-kun and the others, I’m sorry Tomoe caused trouble.”

“…It’s fine, it’s okay. We’re childhood friends.”

Childhood friends… I suppose if I’m in trouble, Kyotaro-kun will surely help me, no matter the situation.

But I don’t want that kind of relationship; I want to be in a higher relationship than that.

I wish I could tell him that his picture is still in the pendant on my chest.

“Come on, let’s go, we’ll run out of time.”

“…Okay.”

Kyotaro-kun gradually became more distant… If I had confessed now, what would have happened?

…No, there’s no need to rush.

Kyotaro-kun is always by my side, smiling.

I believe that our bond as childhood friends is absolutely strong.