[Warning 15+]
Part Three"―Seriously, Your Vibe Hasn't Changed a Bit Since the Old Days!"Chapter 95Hey, Can I Ask You for a Quick Favor?
10 minutes later, four people were lined up in Room 617, all looking pretty d*mn awkward.
Amidst the silence, Hayato's Mom, Mayumi, finally cleared her throat and turned back to Haruki.
"I'm so sorry, Dear. Since things were how they were back then, I totally just assumed Haruki-chan was a boy."
"A-Ahaha. Honestly, it looks like Hime-chan thought the same thing..."
"I mean, can you blame me? The kid who used to be covered in mud and scrapes all the time turned into such a beauty... ...Hayato, you must've been floored, right?"
"...No comment."
Hayato's heart skipped a beat. He gave a vague answer to play it cool so they wouldn't catch on.
Hayato stole a glance at Haruki, who was staring at the floor with a face as red as a beet. Mayumi was busy airing out all her dirty laundry—like the time she proudly showed off a shiny acorn, or how she fought back tears after tripping over a grass trap she'd woven herself.
Relieved by the vibe, Hayato suddenly realized someone was repeatedly glancing his way.
"...Oh."
The second their eyes met, Mitake Minamo put on a guilty face and hesitantly asked, as if she needed to double-check something.
"So, Kirishima-san and Nikaidō-san are childhood buddies... ...huh."
"Yeah, pretty much. And that person you thought was a 'second girlfriend' is actually Haruki's other childhood buddy—and my little sis, Himeko."
"I-I'm so sorry! I totally jumped the gun on that one."
"Nah, it's fine. But seriously, where'd you even get that...?"
"A classmate's little sis took it..."
Hayato gave a tired sigh as he glanced at the screen of the smartphone Mitake Minamo was holding. It was the same shot of him getting cornered by Himeko in front of the theater that Iori had shown Hayato before.
"So that's your little sis? She's adorable. I'm kinda jelly."
"You think so? Himeko's a total slacker, complains about everything, and oversleeps constantly. I guess I can give her props for not being a picky eater, though."
"Hehe, that's exactly what makes it sweet. Oh, and Kirishima-san, you look way different than usual in this photo—you look really cool, y'know?"
"Wait! Th-That was just Himeko—my little sis—messing with my look, I mean, eh..."
Caught off guard by the compliment and feeling totally embarrassed, Hayato tried to play it cool by looking over at Haruki, who was still getting teased by Auntie Mayumi, and quickly changed the subject.
"As you can see, Haruki usually puts up a front at school, but... ...eh, did your image of her change?"
"I mean, yeah... ...oh, but I don't mean it in a bad way! If anything, I feel like Nikaidō-san is way easier to talk to as a friend when she's like that..."
"O-Oh, gotcha."
Mitake Minamo balled her fists in front of her chest and leaned in to make her point, causing a startled Hayato to look away.
Mitake Minamo's hair was perfectly styled today, just like the other day, and she looked totally adorable. When a girl like that gets right in your personal space, it's only natural for your heart to skip a beat.
But there was someone who wasn't vibing with that at all.
"Hmph. Must be nice."
Haruki, who'd been getting teased by Auntie Mayumi until a second ago, let out a grumpy snort with a deadpan look the moment Haruki saw what was happening.
"Wh-What's your problem, Haruki?"
"Nothing. I just noticed you're practically drooling. I mean, Mitake-san is super cute today, isn't she?"
"Shut up! I am not drooling! I mean, yeah, I'll admit Mitake-san's cute, but—"
"Hmph, whatever. I'm not cute, though. Unlike me—who gets mistaken for a boy—Mitake-san is all tiny and cute and has that 'total girl' vibe, right? ...Plus, she's got a bigger melon."
"The—wait, I didn't say that!"
"Whatever."
"Are you a brat or something!?"
Both of them were being stubborn as heck—Haruki pouting and Hayato scowling. They looked exactly like two kids having a petty fight.
Watching the two of them, both Mitake Minamo and Auntie Mayumi couldn't help but let out some muffled giggles at how adorable it was. When both Hayato and Haruki noticed, they exchanged an awkward look and quickly glanced away, which only made both Mitake Minamo and Auntie Mayumi grin even wider.
"You two are as close as ever, aren't you?"
"I mean, we get along okay, I guess..."
"Hehe, I'm actually jelly of how close you guys are."
"M-Mitake-san, not you too! We're just, eh, normal, or like, y'know..."
"Hmm, I get that both Hayato and Haruki-chan are tight, but hey, can we do something about that?"
Auntie Mayumi suddenly dropped that out of nowhere. After glancing at Hayato and Haruki, who were both tilting their heads in total confusion, she shifted her gaze over to Mitake Minamo.
"I mean Mitake-san."
"M-Me?"
"...Did something happen with Mitake-san?"
"Did I do something to Mitake-san?"
"I'm talking about Mitake-san. Aren't you guys friends with Minamo-chan? Isn't it a bit distant that you're the only ones not calling her by her first name?"
"Huh?"
"Wh—?"
"Whuaa—?"
As she spoke, Mayumi pointed her finger at both Hayato and Haruki, scolding them with a look that said, "Come on, do better."
Hayato was dazed for a second trying to process what his Mom meant, but as it finally clicked, his face started turning bright red. Calling a girl in his grade by her first name—for a boy Hayato's age, that was a pretty high hurdle to clear.
(I mean, Haruki is... ...well, Haruki...)
With that thought, Hayato glanced sideways only to find Haruki looking dead serious, mumble-grumbling something under her breath.
"U-Um, you don't really have to force yourself to call me that if you don't want to..."
As Mitake Minamo spoke up with a guilty look, clearly flustered by the whole situation, Haruki saw her chance and pounced. Haruki stepped right into her personal space with an intense look in her eyes.
"M-Minamo-chan!"
"Yesh!"
"Just call me Haruki! I mean, we're buddies! We're buddies, right!?"
"H-Haruki-san, then! Right! Buddies... ...yeah, we're definitely buddies!"
Mitake Minamo blinked in surprise for a second, but when she saw Haruki pushing the issue with a bright red face, her own expression lit up with pure joy.
Auntie Mayumi, who'd been watching the two of them with a grin, turned her gaze toward Hayato as if to say, "Alright, you're up next." Put on the spot like that, Hayato gave his head a rough scratch, then suddenly stood up and headed for the door.
"We're done with the introductions, so we're heading out now, Haruki... ...and, Minamo-... ...-san, too."
After blurting that out, Hayato slid the door open and bolted as if he were making a run for it. The three left behind just looked at each other and started giggling at his retreating back.
"Wait up, Hayato! Oh, I'll be back again, Auntie Hayato's Mom. Minamo-chan, you coming?"
"Oh, yeah! Thanks for having me over."
"My, my. See you girls later."
◇◇◇
The western sky was just starting to get a hint of red.
As they left the hospital and headed for the station, Hayato's face was just as red as the sunset.
"Sorry about my Mom being such a total busybody, eh, Minamo-... ...-san."
"Oh, no way! I don't mind at all."
"O-Oh, okay, then."
Minamo was clearly in a great mood.
Minamo's curly hair, perfectly done up in a half-up style, bounced happily as she walked.
Hayato wondered for a second why Minamo was so hyped, but he was too embarrassed to think straight and just shook it off.
Haruki, who'd been watching them closely, suddenly asked something that had been on her mind.
"Hey, Minamo-chan, that hairstyle is seriously cute. How come you don't do it like that every day?"
"Wait, what!?"
Minamo's shoulders gave a sharp jerk as she froze in her tracks. Her brows furrowed like she was in a real bind, and her face turned bright red.
"This look definitely suits you way better than usual. Don't you think so too, Hayato?"
"I mean, yeah, for sure."
"Augh."
Pinned down by Haruki's innocent gaze, she backed up a few steps before finally giving in and squeezing out an answer.
"U-Um, it's just that Kirishi... ...Hayato-san's Mom did this for me, so I can't really do it by myself..."
"....Got it. Auntie really is just like Hayato—a total busybody."
"Hey!"
Haruki gave a light clap as it all clicked for her. Meanwhile, Hayato, hearing Minamo call him by his first name, started scratching his head in pure embarrassment while barking back at Haruki's comment.
"Then hey, why don't we practice together? To be honest, I'm not really used to this kind of stuff either. I mean, look at me—Auntie Hayato's Mom even mistook me for a boy, right?"
"Wait, seriously!? Um, are you sure that's okay?"
"Yeah, of course. We're buddies, after all."
"Oh... ...hehe, I guess you're right!"
Both Haruki and Minamo looked at each other and shared a laugh.
They were still a little awkward, but you could tell they were starting to click.
(Close girl buddies, huh...)
Hayato watched what should've been a sweet moment, but for some reason, seeing Haruki smile like that gave him a sharp pang in his chest. He scratched his head again to try and shake it off. Before he knew it, the station was right there.
"I'm taking the bus from here. Haruki-san, Haya-to... ...-san, see you guys at school tomorrow."
"...Hold up a sec."
When Minamo hesitantly called Hayato's name one more time, Hayato finally spoke up, looking a bit awkward.
"So, eh, do you think I should keep calling you Mitake-san at school? I mean, it was the same way with Haruki, and, well, I don't want people getting the wrong idea..."
"Oh... ...yeah, I guess you're right... ...but..."
Minamo's eyes went wide like the thought had just hit her, and her face fell just a little bit. She put a hand over her mouth, looking totally conflicted.
Haruki had a pretty unreadable look on her face as she glanced back and forth between Minamo and Hayato.
"I actually like being called by my nickname. It makes me feel like, you know, we've gotten as close as family."
"Gotcha, I hear you. Then, eh, Minamo-san."
"Yeah!"
Minamo beamed. Hayato just scratched his head in pure embarrassment.
But without either of them noticing, Haruki knit her brows, clearly lost in thought about something.
"Well then, I'll be―"
"Wait!"
"—Wh-What!?"
"Haruki?"
Haruki grabbed Minamo's hand just as she was headed for the bus stop and pulled her back.
When Haruki turned around to face Hayato, her expression and the tone of her voice were dead serious.
"Hey Hayato, can I ask you for a quick favor?"
Hayato felt like his focus was getting sucked right into Haruki's eyes.
Hayato had no idea what Haruki was about to say. He just found himself nodding and letting out a mindless "Yeah."
Author's Notes:
Meow.
∧,,∧ ∧,,∧ ∧,,▲
(,,・∀・) ミ,,・∀・ミ (;;・∀・)
～(_ｕ,ｕノ ＠ミ_ｕ,,ｕミ ＠(;;;;ｕｕノ
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
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10 minutes later, four people were lined up in Room 617, all looking pretty d*mn awkward.
Amidst the silence, Hayato's Mom, Mayumi, finally cleared her throat and turned back to Haruki.
"I'm so sorry, Dear. Since things were how they were back then, I totally just assumed Haruki-chan was a boy."
"A-Ahaha. Honestly, it looks like Hime-chan thought the same thing..."
"I mean, can you blame me? The kid who used to be covered in mud and scrapes all the time turned into such a beauty... ...Hayato, you must've been floored, right?"
"...No comment."
Hayato's heart skipped a beat. He gave a vague answer to play it cool so they wouldn't catch on.
Hayato stole a glance at Haruki, who was staring at the floor with a face as red as a beet. Mayumi was busy airing out all her dirty laundry—like the time she proudly showed off a shiny acorn, or how she fought back tears after tripping over a grass trap she'd woven herself.
Relieved by the vibe, Hayato suddenly realized someone was repeatedly glancing his way.
"...Oh."
The second their eyes met, Mitake Minamo put on a guilty face and hesitantly asked, as if she needed to double-check something.
"So, Kirishima-san and Nikaidō-san are childhood buddies... ...huh."
"Yeah, pretty much. And that person you thought was a 'second girlfriend' is actually Haruki's other childhood buddy—and my little sis, Himeko."
"I-I'm so sorry! I totally jumped the gun on that one."
"Nah, it's fine. But seriously, where'd you even get that...?"
"A classmate's little sis took it..."
Hayato gave a tired sigh as he glanced at the screen of the smartphone Mitake Minamo was holding. It was the same shot of him getting cornered by Himeko in front of the theater that Iori had shown Hayato before.
"So that's your little sis? She's adorable. I'm kinda jelly."
"You think so? Himeko's a total slacker, complains about everything, and oversleeps constantly. I guess I can give her props for not being a picky eater, though."
"Hehe, that's exactly what makes it sweet. Oh, and Kirishima-san, you look way different than usual in this photo—you look really cool, y'know?"
"Wait! Th-That was just Himeko—my little sis—messing with my look, I mean, eh..."
Caught off guard by the compliment and feeling totally embarrassed, Hayato tried to play it cool by looking over at Haruki, who was still getting teased by Auntie Mayumi, and quickly changed the subject.
"As you can see, Haruki usually puts up a front at school, but... ...eh, did your image of her change?"
"I mean, yeah... ...oh, but I don't mean it in a bad way! If anything, I feel like Nikaidō-san is way easier to talk to as a friend when she's like that..."
"O-Oh, gotcha."
Mitake Minamo balled her fists in front of her chest and leaned in to make her point, causing a startled Hayato to look away.
Mitake Minamo's hair was perfectly styled today, just like the other day, and she looked totally adorable. When a girl like that gets right in your personal space, it's only natural for your heart to skip a beat.
But there was someone who wasn't vibing with that at all.
"Hmph. Must be nice."
Haruki, who'd been getting teased by Auntie Mayumi until a second ago, let out a grumpy snort with a deadpan look the moment Haruki saw what was happening.
"Wh-What's your problem, Haruki?"
"Nothing. I just noticed you're practically drooling. I mean, Mitake-san is super cute today, isn't she?"
"Shut up! I am not drooling! I mean, yeah, I'll admit Mitake-san's cute, but—"
"Hmph, whatever. I'm not cute, though. Unlike me—who gets mistaken for a boy—Mitake-san is all tiny and cute and has that 'total girl' vibe, right? ...Plus, she's got a bigger melon."
"The—wait, I didn't say that!"
"Whatever."
"Are you a brat or something!?"
Both of them were being stubborn as heck—Haruki pouting and Hayato scowling. They looked exactly like two kids having a petty fight.
Watching the two of them, both Mitake Minamo and Auntie Mayumi couldn't help but let out some muffled giggles at how adorable it was. When both Hayato and Haruki noticed, they exchanged an awkward look and quickly glanced away, which only made both Mitake Minamo and Auntie Mayumi grin even wider.
"You two are as close as ever, aren't you?"
"I mean, we get along okay, I guess..."
"Hehe, I'm actually jelly of how close you guys are."
"M-Mitake-san, not you too! We're just, eh, normal, or like, y'know..."
"Hmm, I get that both Hayato and Haruki-chan are tight, but hey, can we do something about that?"
Auntie Mayumi suddenly dropped that out of nowhere. After glancing at Hayato and Haruki, who were both tilting their heads in total confusion, she shifted her gaze over to Mitake Minamo.
"I mean Mitake-san."
"M-Me?"
"...Did something happen with Mitake-san?"
"Did I do something to Mitake-san?"
"I'm talking about Mitake-san. Aren't you guys friends with Minamo-chan? Isn't it a bit distant that you're the only ones not calling her by her first name?"
"Huh?"
"Wh—?"
"Whuaa—?"
As she spoke, Mayumi pointed her finger at both Hayato and Haruki, scolding them with a look that said, "Come on, do better."
Hayato was dazed for a second trying to process what his Mom meant, but as it finally clicked, his face started turning bright red. Calling a girl in his grade by her first name—for a boy Hayato's age, that was a pretty high hurdle to clear.
(I mean, Haruki is... ...well, Haruki...)
With that thought, Hayato glanced sideways only to find Haruki looking dead serious, mumble-grumbling something under her breath.
"U-Um, you don't really have to force yourself to call me that if you don't want to..."
As Mitake Minamo spoke up with a guilty look, clearly flustered by the whole situation, Haruki saw her chance and pounced. Haruki stepped right into her personal space with an intense look in her eyes.
"M-Minamo-chan!"
"Yesh!"
"Just call me Haruki! I mean, we're buddies! We're buddies, right!?"
"H-Haruki-san, then! Right! Buddies... ...yeah, we're definitely buddies!"
Mitake Minamo blinked in surprise for a second, but when she saw Haruki pushing the issue with a bright red face, her own expression lit up with pure joy.
Auntie Mayumi, who'd been watching the two of them with a grin, turned her gaze toward Hayato as if to say, "Alright, you're up next." Put on the spot like that, Hayato gave his head a rough scratch, then suddenly stood up and headed for the door.
"We're done with the introductions, so we're heading out now, Haruki... ...and, Minamo-... ...-san, too."
After blurting that out, Hayato slid the door open and bolted as if he were making a run for it. The three left behind just looked at each other and started giggling at his retreating back.
"Wait up, Hayato! Oh, I'll be back again, Auntie Hayato's Mom. Minamo-chan, you coming?"
"Oh, yeah! Thanks for having me over."
"My, my. See you girls later."
◇◇◇
The western sky was just starting to get a hint of red.
As they left the hospital and headed for the station, Hayato's face was just as red as the sunset.
"Sorry about my Mom being such a total busybody, eh, Minamo-... ...-san."
"Oh, no way! I don't mind at all."
"O-Oh, okay, then."
Minamo was clearly in a great mood.
Minamo's curly hair, perfectly done up in a half-up style, bounced happily as she walked.
Hayato wondered for a second why Minamo was so hyped, but he was too embarrassed to think straight and just shook it off.
Haruki, who'd been watching them closely, suddenly asked something that had been on her mind.
"Hey, Minamo-chan, that hairstyle is seriously cute. How come you don't do it like that every day?"
"Wait, what!?"
Minamo's shoulders gave a sharp jerk as she froze in her tracks. Her brows furrowed like she was in a real bind, and her face turned bright red.
"This look definitely suits you way better than usual. Don't you think so too, Hayato?"
"I mean, yeah, for sure."
"Augh."
Pinned down by Haruki's innocent gaze, she backed up a few steps before finally giving in and squeezing out an answer.
"U-Um, it's just that Kirishi... ...Hayato-san's Mom did this for me, so I can't really do it by myself..."
"....Got it. Auntie really is just like Hayato—a total busybody."
"Hey!"
Haruki gave a light clap as it all clicked for her. Meanwhile, Hayato, hearing Minamo call him by his first name, started scratching his head in pure embarrassment while barking back at Haruki's comment.
"Then hey, why don't we practice together? To be honest, I'm not really used to this kind of stuff either. I mean, look at me—Auntie Hayato's Mom even mistook me for a boy, right?"
"Wait, seriously!? Um, are you sure that's okay?"
"Yeah, of course. We're buddies, after all."
"Oh... ...hehe, I guess you're right!"
Both Haruki and Minamo looked at each other and shared a laugh.
They were still a little awkward, but you could tell they were starting to click.
(Close girl buddies, huh...)
Hayato watched what should've been a sweet moment, but for some reason, seeing Haruki smile like that gave him a sharp pang in his chest. He scratched his head again to try and shake it off. Before he knew it, the station was right there.
"I'm taking the bus from here. Haruki-san, Haya-to... ...-san, see you guys at school tomorrow."
"...Hold up a sec."
When Minamo hesitantly called Hayato's name one more time, Hayato finally spoke up, looking a bit awkward.
"So, eh, do you think I should keep calling you Mitake-san at school? I mean, it was the same way with Haruki, and, well, I don't want people getting the wrong idea..."
"Oh... ...yeah, I guess you're right... ...but..."
Minamo's eyes went wide like the thought had just hit her, and her face fell just a little bit. She put a hand over her mouth, looking totally conflicted.
Haruki had a pretty unreadable look on her face as she glanced back and forth between Minamo and Hayato.
"I actually like being called by my nickname. It makes me feel like, you know, we've gotten as close as family."
"Gotcha, I hear you. Then, eh, Minamo-san."
"Yeah!"
Minamo beamed. Hayato just scratched his head in pure embarrassment.
But without either of them noticing, Haruki knit her brows, clearly lost in thought about something.
"Well then, I'll be―"
"Wait!"
"—Wh-What!?"
"Haruki?"
Haruki grabbed Minamo's hand just as she was headed for the bus stop and pulled her back.
When Haruki turned around to face Hayato, her expression and the tone of her voice were dead serious.
"Hey Hayato, can I ask you for a quick favor?"
Hayato felt like his focus was getting sucked right into Haruki's eyes.
Hayato had no idea what Haruki was about to say. He just found himself nodding and letting out a mindless "Yeah."
Author's Notes:
Meow.
∧,,∧ ∧,,∧ ∧,,▲
(,,・∀・) ミ,,・∀・ミ (;;・∀・)
～(_ｕ,ｕノ ＠ミ_ｕ,,ｕミ ＠(;;;;ｕｕノ
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
If you like our work, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi. 🙏
Support Us: https://ko-fi.com/ninjacross
Donations are very much appreciated.
Your donations really support us to finish this novel from here until the end, so please consider to support us.
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Read in other languages: