[Warning 15+]
Chapter 2Summer Vacation Chapter
Psst, click.
As the bus door opened, the stifling heat poured in.
I walked down the steps with a light step, then stepped onto the asphalt heated by the scorching summer sun.
Feeling the scorching heat immediately envelop my body, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
The sound of crickets chirping all around, "Crick-crick, crick." The gurgling of a nearby stream. The occasional rustling of leaves—.
Here it is—the sound of Summer Vacation.
Here is the world of Summer Vacation.
When I feel it with every fiber of my being, I can no longer hold back—
"We're here—!"
"Wow!" I shouted, raising my hands and letting out a cry of joy.
─The train ride from downtown takes just under an hour.
After transferring to a bus at the nearby small station, we finally arrived at Summer Park.
Looking up from the bus stop in front of the entrance, the building looked like a huge multipurpose gymnasium.
All around it was packed with people, people, and more people—a crowd about ten times larger than I had imagined. I'd heard rumors that this place was pretty busy, but I didn't expect it to be this crowded. By the way, can you actually swim in this Lazy River?
"Come on, hurry up and get in! Hurry, hurry!"
Then, Zomu-kun, who had already gotten off the bus, his face unable to hide his excitement, slowly approached the entrance.
"You sure can stay that excited, huh. You're such a kid, aren't you?"
As he threw out his usual teasing remark, Ōmori-kun cheerfully flicked his shirt. It seemed like he really couldn't stand the heat; His face looked even more listless than usual.
"Hey, try hiding your evil intentions a little? They're so obvious it's making me feel embarrassed for you."
"Huh? Eh, what are you talking about, Asahi-kun? It's not like that—it's just hot, so I want to get into the pool ASAP!"
Oh, come on.
I shot a cold look at Zomu-kun, who kept babbling on with all sorts of excuses, then turned around.
"Are you okay? Do you want me to help carry your stuff?"
"No, I'm fine. But I want to get inside quickly… ...my feet are burning up."
Saying that, Mi-chan ran to the shade nearby. Indeed, with the weather this hot, it felt like the heat could penetrate even thick-heeled sandals.
By the way, Mi-chan is wearing a white dress and a straw hat—a classic Summer Vacation look in the countryside. Also, since she's going in the water, she took off her usual glasses and put in contact lenses.
Mi-chan's long black hair is tied into two ponytails on either side, falling neatly over her slender shoulders. She really looked like a poor, beautiful girl who seemed like she'd appear in the middle of a sunflower field.
Yeah, of course, I dressed her up on purpose, you know? Because I knew it suited Mi-chan perfectly.
"…Mei, your gaze is a little creepy, y'know."
"Ahem, ahem."
"Oh my gosh, if this is how it is, I'm not much different from Zomu-kun...."
"Okay, okay, let's just go inside! I brought some discount coupons, so I'll pass them out!"
Saying that, as if to divert attention from Mi-chan's teary eyes, she gave everyone a hard shove in the back toward the entrance.
Come on, let's play to our hearts' content today!
◆
Summer Park is divided into three areas: Adventure Cave, an indoor pool area open year-round; Adventure Beach, an outdoor pool area open only during the summer; and Thrill Forest, an amusement park area equipped with a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel.
You can access all of these attractions with the same 1Day Free Pass, but swimsuit isn't allowed at Thrill Forest. So, the plan is to play in the pool first, then change clothes before exploring the other attractions.
"Wow, this is so cool! It really feels like being at the beach!"
After changing, Mi-chan and I headed straight to Adventure Cave.
Right in front of us was the Wave Pool, designed to mimic a beach. At first glance, it looked like a regular swimming pool, but it turns out this pool is designed to generate waves periodically.
Back when I was a kid, I could only float around in the Kids' Pool, so this is the first time I've really gotten to enjoy a pool like this. Oh, I can't wait to get in!
"Hey, hey, that's really weird, isn't it?"
Mi-chan, standing next to me, kept checking her appearance while speaking in a worried tone.
"Ugh, are we still talking about that? Didn’t the store clerk say it looked perfect on you?"
"But, compared to Mei..."
Mi-chan glanced at me briefly, then hunched over, hugging her shoulders.
Oh, come on, that's just too cute. Mi-chan really does always talk like a heroine from a romance novel, doesn't she?
"Besides, those aren't things you can compare. I'm me, and you, Mi-chan, have a style that suits you perfectly. If we can bring out our own unique charm to the fullest, that's already a win, isn't it?"
Mi-chan's bikini is a pristine white flare bikini with ruffles. With her slender figure and her simplicity, the contrast between her hair and her bikini looks absolutely stunning.
As for whether it suits Mi-chan or not, it's clearly a perfect fit—it's almost as if this design was crafted by the Gods specifically for her.
Besides, I'm the one who looks a bit out of place. Especially the fat on my stomach.
Oh, I'm not fat, though, right? I mean, I'm not fat, but it feels like there's a little soft fat there!
"Besides, I don't think Ōmori-kun cares about stuff like that, does he? He isn't like Zomu-kun to begin with."
"…"
Mi-chan's cheeks flushed as she shifted slightly.
Fine, there it is. Go ahead and show that to Ōmori-kun yourself.
After that long chat, the two of us walked toward the umbrella we'd agreed on as our meeting spot.
After walking for a short while, our bare feet thudding against the ground, Zomu-kun's tall figure soon came into view. It turned out the two boys had apparently arrived first.
Zomu-kun, visible from a distance, didn't seem to have noticed us yet. He kept looking around, reaching out his hands here and there, and making bowing motions while snorting, as if moving aimlessly.
…Yeah, that's Zomu-kun, the boy who's completely mesmerized by girls in swimsuits.
Seeing Zomu-kun, who'd been daydreaming nonstop since we set off, I was puzzled, then suddenly remembered something.
Fufun. I'm going to give Zomu-kun a little divine punishment.
"Hey, Mi-chan, be quiet, okay?"
"Huh?"
Putting my index finger to my lips and saying, "Shh," I crouched down and slowly moved behind Zomu-kun.
Then, muffling the sound of my footsteps, I crept closer, step by step.
Then, when I was right behind Zomu-kun, within arm’s reach—
"Sor, ry, for, ma, king, you, guys, wai, ting!"
Smack!
"Ouch—!!"
—I slapped Zomu-kun as hard as I could.
I pointed at Zomu-kun, who was jumping while bending backward, shouting, "Ouch, holy moly guacamole! Ouch, holy moly guacamole!" and laughing.
"Hahaha, there are two beautiful red leaves!"
"Ouch, d*mn it, that really hurts! Mei, you're so bold—"
With his arms wrapped around his back, Zomu-kun turned his head backward.
Then, right then and there, Zomu-kun stopped moving.
"O-Oh my gosh, Mei, oh my gosh…!"
"Hey, hey, staring at me like that is rude, y'know."
Especially my stomach—don't look at my stomach. If you look at my stomach, I'll get mad, y'know.
"Hah, a floral-print bikini…! The silhouette does give off a mature vibe, but that cheerful orange ribbon actually makes you look cute…!? It suits you perfectly!"
"I feel like there's a lot of unnecessary explanation here… …Well, thanks."
Crossing my arms casually to cover my stomach, I thanked Zomu-kun.
Zomu-kun ran over to Ōmori-kun and hugged his shoulders tightly.
"Eh, eh, eh, wait a minute, seriously, that's crazy—there's no way a third-year middle school girl could have a size like that, right…!?"
"Don't talk to me like that, okay? I don't want to be lumped in with you."
Ōmori-kun angrily brushed Zomu-kun away as he whispered in Ōmori-kun's ear. Besides, Zomu-kun's voice was too loud, so there was no point in whispering.
"Um..."
Suddenly, a hesitant voice came from behind me.
I turned around and grumbled irritably.
"Hey, Mi-chan, don't just make fun of me!"
"That's not what I meant..."
Even though she said that, Mi-chan wouldn't budge at all.
I immediately spun around behind Mi-chan and grabbed both her shoulders tightly.
"Ouch, wait, wait a minute, Mei!"
"Come on, lift up!"
Then, I shoved Mi-chan forward hard.
Mi-chan staggered two or three steps, then stopped right in front of Ōmori-kun.
Then, hesitantly, Mi-chan lifted her face and muttered softly as she looked up.
"Um, that... ...what about my swimsuit?"
"Well, doesn't it suit you?"
Hearing those words, Mi-chan let out a sigh of relief and softened her expression, then clasped her hands together in front of her chest.
Oh, seriously, Mi-chan's so cute…
"Oh, Miharu-chan's swimsuit—it looks modest and elegant but also a little daring—is just so cute! Especially since it's white; That actually makes it even sexier! It's so cool!"
"…Mitaka-kun, you're being way too gross…"
"Zomu-kun, your popularity has been plummeting ever since. If you say anything stupid again, I'm going to gouge your eyes out."
"Whoa, what's wrong with your fingers? It's not just that you want to gouge my eyes out, but it looks like you want to rip them out—that's terrifying…!"
◆
─Wave Pool.
"Wow, wow, wow, this is so cool! The waves are huge!"
Just as the waves started rolling in, we jumped into the pool in front of us.
We did try to head to the area with the highest waves, but it turned out to be deeper than we thought—so deep that our feet couldn't touch the bottom. No wonder there's a warning that children under 9 are not allowed in.
"Hah, we should've jumped right when the wave came, hah, otherwise we would've been swept away!"
"Hey, I'm fine, really."
Zomu-kun stood tall, bracing against the waves. It was true—with his height, he still seemed to have plenty of room to move.
"This is getting pretty dangerous, man!"
Mi-chan, clinging to the life ring, couldn't fight off the approaching waves and kept getting pushed back toward the shore.
Suddenly, Ōmori-kun stood in front of Mi-chan like a wall and grabbed the life ring tightly.
"If you want, why don't you just hold onto my arm?"
"Th-Thanks!"
Wow, wow, that's wonderful. Such a youthful moment.
As I smiled to myself while watching the scene, suddenly a heavy weight pressed down on both my shoulders.
"Eh. W-Wait a minute, Zomu-kun?"
"Hehe, this is payback for your slap!"
"W-Wait, oh no!"
Since I was pressed against the bottom, I couldn't jump, so the wave hit me right in the face.
"Hah, s-stop! I'm drowning!"
"Wahaha, it's not over yet!"
─Next up is the outdoor sports zone.
"Wow, wow, this is wobbly—more than I imagined."
Holding onto the rope hanging above my head, I walked across the float bobbing on the water.
At first glance, it didn't seem too difficult, but when I tried it, it turned out to be quite hard to keep my balance. If I shifted my center of gravity the wrong way, I'd probably flip right over.
"Hah, hah, hah, um."
Zomu-kun, with his incredible balance, moved nimbly without needing to hold onto the rope. His motor skills are, after all, well-known.
"Hey, Mei, want to bet on who gets to the finish line first?"
Zomu-kun stopped and turned around, then looked at me with a big smile.
"The winner gets to treat the other to shaved ice, right?"
…Huh?
"I'm coming too. But I'm the one who's treating everyone, okay?"
"Wow, you're really brave, aren't you? Even though you can't move forward without a rope."
Hihihi, Zomu-kun laughed sarcastically.
Without saying a word, I staggered forward, then climbed down onto the inner tube right next to Zomu-kun.
"Mi-chan, wait for my signal, okay!"
Then I greeted Mi-chan, who was watching by the pool.
Well, when it comes to a fight… …I'll give it my all.
"Let's get started. Ready—go!"
As Mi-chan shouted, I kicked the inner tube hard, making a loud "thwack" sound.
"Huh?"
Next to me, Zomu-kun was screaming at the top of his lungs, but it was too late.
I ran across the inner tube in a steady rhythm, keeping my forward momentum.
"Hey, what was that all about!?"
"Ahahaha, that must've been a trap to catch us off guard, right!"
I've long since mastered the trick of walking on that inner tube. That was just me figuring out how to move faster by using the rope.
Besides, this is Zomu-kun, so I knew that if I showed him my weakness, he'd definitely challenge me like this.
"Mei, go for it!"
"Mitaka, you little fish!"
Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun, who were watching, hurled taunts at me.
"Hey, anyone want to cheer me on? Screw it, I'm not going to lose!"
─Water Slide.
We got into a four-person rubber raft, then slid down while spinning around inside the water-filled tunnel.
"Ouch, Mei, don't spin me around!"
"Hahaha, it's not over yet!"
"Come on, tickle attack here! Just fall over, Asahi!"
"You're being so childish..."
"I'm going to speed up again!"
"That's scary! I told you it's scary!"
"I'm going to make sure you can't stay indifferent anymore!"
"Instead of that, why don't you just look behind you?"
Whoops!
Not long after, the rubber boat splashed down into the water with a huge splash, and both Zomu-kun and I, who were joking around, lost our balance and fell into the pool as if we'd been thrown in.
"Hah, water! I swallowed water!"
"Gah, my nose really stings!"
"…That's what you get for messing around, for heaven's sake."
"That's so old-fashioned."
◆
And so, after enjoying everything for a while, it was time for lunch.
We heard there was a restaurant nearby where we could eat in, so we decided to give it a try─.
"Wow, it's really crowded in here."
Zomu-kun exclaimed as soon as he looked inside the restaurant.
It's true—not only were the covered seats full, but even the outdoor tables were packed, so it seemed like there weren't any empty seats left.
"Oh, you're right. What should we do? Should we wait until something opens up?"
"But this line—isn't everyone just waiting in line…?"
Mi-chan muttered as she looked at the counter for ordering food to eat in.
The line of people stretched endlessly into the distance with no end in sight. There were a few other shops, but the situation was surely the same everywhere.
Hmm, this was a mistake. I should have planned things out better.
"Someone was eating in the free lounge earlier. Why don't we buy some takeout and go over there?"
Oomori-kun said, pointing toward the dome with his thumb.
That's true; Maybe that's better than waiting around under the scorching sun. If we take it back, the service will definitely be faster.
"But, if I'm not mistaken, that lounge area has a dirt floor, right? I think we'll need something to sit on or something like that."
"In that case, I'll bring a picnic mat. It's still in my locker right now, though..."
"Wow, just as I thought, Mi-chan, you're really well-prepared."
Hmm... ...well, I guess so.
Suddenly, I had a great idea, so I grabbed Zomu-kun's arm and pulled him toward me.
"Hm, hmm!?"
"Alright then, let's split it! Both Zomu-kun and I will buy the food, while both Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun look for a place and grab our stuff from the lockers!"
"Wait a minute, Mei—"
"Is that okay, Zomu-kun?"
I cut off Mi-chan's panicked words and smiled at Zomu-kun.
If I tried to get Mi-chan's approval here, she'd probably get anxious. If I can convince Zomu-kun, who's the easiest to persuade, everything will turn out fine.
"I-I don't mind at all!"
For some reason, Zomu-kun replied in a stuttered manner, then nodded vigorously in agreement.
Zomu-kun's behavior was a bit suspicious, though… …but, oh well.
"Okay, it's decided! Alright, I'll take your orders!"
Both Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun exchanged silent glances, and after a moment, they handed in their orders and walked toward the dome.
"Yeah, yeah, perfect! This way, I can leave both Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun alone together for a little while!"
Even though this idea just popped into my head, it was actually a pretty good plan, and I snorted in satisfaction, "Hmph."
"─Y-Yahaha, yahahahaha─"
When I turned my head to the side, Zomu-kun looked like a fish flopping on dry land.
"Ugh, what's been going on all this time─"
And, just as I turned to ask.
….
…, Oh. So that's it.
I immediately pulled away from Zomu-kun's arm, which had unconsciously wrapped around me.
"…Um. Sorry."
"Wow…!"
…D*mn.
Oh, I went way overboard.
◆
At the bring back only counter, we waited for the line to move.
The summer sun had dried our skin, which had just been soaking wet. Even though we were wearing sunscreen, the heat felt piercing, as if it were cutting right through it.
"I hope there aren't any sunburn marks," I thought to myself as I checked the shoulder straps, when Zomu-kun, who was sitting in front of me, suddenly muttered.
"...Hey, Mei,"
"Huh?"
"Why do we have to be the shopping group?"
Zomu-kun said that without turning to look at me, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead.
For now, I've decided to give another reason.
"Look, it's a shame for Mi-chan to have to wait in line under the scorching sun like this, isn't it? Exposing her smooth, fair skin to UV rays is a sin—a huge sin."
"In that case, I'll just go with Asahi, okay? Miharu-chan surely doesn't want Mei's skin to get sunburned either, right?"
"I'm used to it because of my club activity."
All the Tennis Club practices are held outdoors. I'm jealous of middle schools that have indoor practice courts.
Just as I was trying to brush it off, Zomu-kun suddenly spoke in a tone that rarely sounded so serious.
"Hey, Mei. You're a really good person, aren't you?"
─Huh?
"I don't know how to put it, you always put others before yourself. I mean, you're a very dedicated person."
"Hmm, really? I don't feel like I'm sacrificing myself at all, y'know."
I felt bad about responding to Zomu-kun with my usual jokes, so I answered seriously.
Actually, I've never felt like I was making a sacrifice. I just do whatever I want to do, within my own limits.
Zomu-kun grumbled, "Hmm," as if he were confused, then continued.
"But, in my opinion, wouldn't it be okay if you prioritized yourself a little more? Like, by being a bit selfish?"
"Eh, haven't I been doing that a lot already? Saying, 'Come on, do this, come on, do that,' right?"
Actually, going to Summer Park was my idea. Or rather, I'm usually the one who takes the lead in deciding what we'll do.
Hearing that, Zomu-kun looked confused and crossed his arms.
"I can't really explain it clearly, though. But for some reason, when it comes to Mei, your determination isn't like that of an ordinary person. Your true determination isn't like that, is it... ...I mean..."
Hmm?
What does it mean, I wonder. It's rare for me not to understand what Zomu-kun is trying to say....
As I furrowed my brow, Zomu-kun roughly scratched his head.
"Oh, I still don't get it! Anyway, don't force it, that's all."
Then Zomu-kun suddenly turned his face away and cleared his throat.
"I... ...eh. I won't hate you. No matter how spoiled Mei is."
─In the blink of an eye.
Intuitively sensing the hidden meaning behind those words, I suddenly tensed up.
"…Ahaha, I see—."
Zomu-kun said those words because he cares about me. He isn't the type to beat around the bush, so I could tell he'd really put some thought into it.
Of course, I was happy about Zomu-kun's feelings.
I was happy, but—.
If, behind all that...
If there really are feelings like that...
"Thanks, Zomu-kun. That gentle side of yours—as your friend, I really like it."
—I mustn't let those feelings grow into love.
When I made that clear, Zomu-kun's body trembled for a moment.
…Yeah, that's good.
I guess my message got across clearly.
"…Huh, what? Really!? Say that again! Say it again!"
Then, not long after, Zomu-kun immediately replied with his usual playful banter.
Taking that as a sign of agreement, I responded to Zomu-kun in the same tone.
"No way, I won't say that twice."
"Oh, what's the harm! It's not like it'll make a difference!"
"It does make a difference—it really does. It makes me feel so much less grateful."
And as usual, we both burst out laughing.
─I'm truly lucky to have such amazing friends.
Making people like that laugh brings me joy.
Yeah—that's exactly it.
I can't return their feelings.
◆
—When I was in fifth-year of elementary school.
Back then, there was a boy who was really close to me who once confessed his feelings to me.
That boy is cheerful, great at all kinds of sports, and popular in class. On top of that, he's also known for being handsome; He's just like Zomu-kun. Since we're both in the same Tennis Club, I often spend time with him, both at school and outside of school.
From the very beginning, I felt like we were a good match, and I also admired how the boy always tried harder than everyone else and had the courage to face stronger opponents without giving up.
And, most importantly.
The boy's the kind of boy who always makes me laugh when I'm with him.
So, when the boy confessed his feelings to me, I was truly happy. I thought that if I accepted him, I'd surely be able to smile happily every day. That's what I thought, at least.
But I—
I already knew there were other girls who liked the boy.
In fact, it wasn't just one.
My female classmate, my childhood friend, the girl who'd been playing tennis with me since before I—
And they were all my friends.
They're all so sincere about their feelings of love.
…My feelings of love, compared to theirs, are definitely much weaker.
Because I've never felt the kind of heartache they talk about—like feeling anxious just from being near the boy, or my heart racing just because our hands touched.
I've also never felt that piercing heartache when I see the boy laughing happily with other girls.
Someone like me, ignoring their feelings, and accepting the boy's confession—.
That's for sure.
It's like laughing alone while sacrificing their smiles.
That's why I turned down the boy's confession.
Because that's not what I should've done.
What I should do is make everyone around me smile, and in the midst of them, I'll smile too.
It should've been the happiest thing for me, but why did I do the exact opposite?
It's just that… …after I rejected the boy's confession.
The boy stopped smiling at me like he used to.
In fact, it wasn't just me—even when the boy was with other people, his face often looked gloomy.
The fact that I'm the one who made him like that is truly painful and awful.
─I can't choose an option that would make so many people lose their smiles.
But knowing that someone would lose their smile because of that choice is also unbearable for me.
So, basically, this is a situation where I have to make a choice—.
The fact that I let the boy confess his feelings to me is, in itself, my fault.
To protect everyone's smiles, I should've stopped the boy before he confessed his feelings to me.
And that means—.
It's the same as preventing the boy from falling in love with me.
Ever since I decided that, I've always acted the way I did just now with Zomu-kun.
If I sense even the slightest sign, I immediately stop him and won’t let him take it any further. I want him to realize right away that this relationship won't develop into love, so he gives up before he gets hurt.
And as a result, I've never found myself in the same situation again. Not a single boy has been able to stop laughing after the same confession.
So, this is the best choice—that's what I thought.
◆
After successfully finishing our shopping, we walked toward Adventure Cave.
Zomu-kun ordered tako rice, gapao rice, then a kebab and a hot dog. I was holding tropical fruit juice for everyone and oolong tea for myself in both hands.
But this food selection really feels like we're at the beach. Everything looks delicious, and later I can ask for a little bit of each… …no, I mustn't. Remember why I'm holding back from drinking the juice, Me.
I quieted the rumbling in my stomach with determination, then returned to the open-air gathering area.
So, how are those two doing?
"…Hm, what's that?"
Then, we saw the two of them sitting by the wave pool, right in front of the open-air stage, and at the same time realized there was a crowd of people gathered around there.
"Hmm? Are there other people there?"
Zomu-kun seemed to notice it too, and he observed the situation there with his eyes closed.
From a distance, we could see a group of seven or eight people—a mix of boys and girls—chatting with the two of them. Ōmori-kun responded with his usual brusque manner, while Mi-chan hugged her knees, looking awkward.
Could there be a problem...?
"Let's hurry over there."
"Hmm, yeah, you're right."
We hurried over to where the two of them were.
When we reached a spot where my voice could be heard, I greeted them in a slightly loud voice.
"Guys, sorry for making you two wait!"
Mi-chan, who noticed me, looked my way with a surprised expression.
At the same time, the people around us turned to look at us─.
─Hm.
"Huh? …Ririko?"
Zomu-kun muttered, looking surprised.
Then, the girl in the middle of the group—Ōtemachi Ririko-chan from Class 3-B—immediately lit up.
"Oh! Zomu-kun, I can't believe you're here!"
Flicking her hair, which was braided into two plaits, Ririko-chan ran over to us. I couldn't tell if it was the scent of sunscreen or a sweet, milky fragrance—both were faintly detectable.
When I looked around, I saw that I was surrounded by the students of Class 3-B. They were a circle of friends led by Ririko-chan.
─Wow, what should I do?
On one hand, I was relieved that it wasn't a serious problem, but on the other hand, deep down I thought, "This is going to be a problem," as I scratched my head.
"I'm sure Zomu-kun's here! It seems like Zomu-kun's been really close to Asahi-kun lately!"
With a soft tone of voice, like the fringe on her swimsuit, Ririko-chan said that while leaning forward slightly and peeking at Zomu-kun.
Ririko-chan is the Manager of the Soccer Club, and she's an old friend of Zomu-kun's who's been in the same class with him several times since elementary school.
Ririko-chan has a cute face, with big, round eyes and heart-shaped lips, as well as long, soft, wavy brown hair. Although petite, she has a well-proportioned figure; She's a fashionable girl who loves wearing accessories, nail polish, and makeup—without looking tacky.
Ririko-chan has a calm and innocent personality, like a princess, and she's loved by all her classmates and the center of attention in Class 3-B.
However, even though Ririko-chan's demeanor seems laid-back and goes at her own pace, her academic performance in middle school is so excellent that she can compete with Mi-chan, and Ririko-chan is also great at sports, making her the type who excels in both academics and athletics.
Unfortunately, I've never actually been in the same class as Ririko-chan, but since our classrooms are often next to each other, we already know each other.
We had actually met before─.
"Hi, Ririko-chan."
"…Huh? So Kiyosato-san is here too? I didn't even notice."
And just like that, shooting me a sharp look, Ririko-chan replied like that.
…Well, that's about it.
That "natural" side that's Ririko-chan's trademark, combined with a bit of an artificial vibe, makes her a bit of a dangerous girl, actually.
"Ahaha, it's been a while. Are all of you from Class 3-B here to hang out today, too?"
"Hey, hey, Zomu-kun, listen to me!"
But Ririko-chan completely ignored my question and went back to talking to Zomu-kun.
Hmm, it's kind of annoying… …though I kind of get why Ririko-chan's doing it….
While we were figuring out what to do, I took a look around.
"Asahi-kun hasn't answered a single one of my questions this whole time, has he? That's pretty mean, don't you think?"
"Hmm," Ririko-chan pouted as she pointed at Ōmori-kun.
Come to think of it, the two of them were in the same class last year—specifically, Class 2-C. I'd never heard that they were close, and it didn't seem like they really got along either...
Zomu-kun let out a sigh with an expression that seemed to say he was surprised.
"Well, the sun's up, so it's only natural. By the way, why is Ririko here? Isn't there a Joint Managers' Meeting today?"
"Huh? Of course! I came to play!"
Ririko-chan giggled softly, placing her hand over her mouth, as if admitting, "I skipped the Meeting."
"I came with the intention of 'Let's just go to the pool,' but I didn't expect to run into Zomu-kun by chance! I'm so happy!"
…Hmm, that's a lie, though.
I could intuitively tell that from every word Ririko-chan said.
I did intentionally keep today's schedule under wraps to avoid problems like this, but maybe the word got out.
In any case, if this ends with someone saying, "What a coincidence," then it's no big deal.
But, it's possible.
"Oh, hey-hey! Since it's come to this, let's play together! I want to go down the water slide!"
With a beaming smile, as if it were a brilliant idea, Ririko-chan patted Zomu-kun's chest with her hand.
See? That's exactly how it turned out…
"Oh…"
Zomu-kun looked at us with an awkward expression, then glanced around.
Mi-chan hugged her knees with her head down, while Ōmori-kun looked extremely uncomfortable. It was clear that this atmosphere didn't indicate they agreed with the suggestion.
─As you can see, Ririko-chan is totally smitten with Zomu-kun.
Rumor has it that Ririko-chan just broke up with an older boyfriend, and since then she's been aggressively pursuing Zomu-kun. Her rude attitude toward me might be because I'm the girl closest to him.
Of course, I have absolutely no intention of standing in the way of Ririko-chan's love. Even though I sometimes feel the situation is a bit dangerous, I don't personally hate her.
So, if we want to hang out together, I'm totally fine with it… …but seeing Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun's reactions, I'm not sure if it's a good idea for us to just accept Ririko-chan's invitation right away.
But if I'm the one to refuse on everyone's behalf, that could make things awkward too. Ririko-chan would definitely be really persistent.
If only there were an excuse that could be easily accepted right away....
I glanced briefly at the students in Class 9-B, checking their swimsuits, then I asked Ririko-chan a question.
"Hey, Ririko-chan and co, you guys just got here, right?"
"Oh, I want to try that sports arena thing too! Zomu-kun seems really good at it!"
"Hey..."
Hmm, isn't Ririko-chan being a little too extreme in ignoring me? I don't think acting that way will make a good impression on others, y'know…?
Just as I was thinking about that—
"Actually, that group activity is way too boring, so I'm not joining."
—That's when Ōmori-kun, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up.
Everyone's gaze immediately turned to Ōmori-kun.
His words were just like usual, but his expression and tone of voice at that moment felt so cold that I got a bad feeling.
"Huh? Asahi-kun, you're being so cold. It's okay, let's just play together!"
Ririko-chan carried on without seeming to care about Ōmori-kun's attitude.
Then, Ōmori-kun—
"To put it more simply, what I mean is, don't just act as if we're friends and meddle in our group's affairs."
That constant hostility made the atmosphere grow silent.
─Wow, this isn't good, is it?
"…Eh, what's that supposed to mean? I don't get it. Aren't we friends?"
Ririko-chan did fall silent for a moment, but she still replied in a voice that sounded frightened.
Ōmori-kun snorted.
"Oh, right, you should really stop talking like that. It just makes you look so shallow."
"…Huh?"
The atmosphere immediately turned tense.
"Hey, Ōmori, that's going too far." "That's not true." "Besides, why are you suddenly getting into fights like this?"
…Turns out Ōmori-kun really shouldn't have said that.
If this keeps up, the mood is going to get so serious that no one will be able to laugh.
When I realized that, I immediately slipped in between the two of them.
"Hey, hey! Okay, let's do this!"
I clapped my hands loudly, grabbing everyone's attention.
Then I gave Ririko-chan a sweet smile.
"Our group has already agreed to ride the rides starting this afternoon. After lunch, we'll be done playing in the pool. Ririko-chan and co, are you just about to start playing now?"
I glanced at their swimsuits again.
From what I could see, there were no signs that their swimsuits had ever gotten wet. That meant they had just arrived.
I followed my instincts and continued right away.
"You can't enter the ride area while wearing swimsuits, right? So, how about you guys enjoy the pool over there first, and then we'll meet up again this afternoon?"
Because of what Ōmori-kun said, the situation no longer allowed us to simply refuse outright.
So, the only way was to take a middle ground to calm things down.
As a result, everyone had to compromise a little… …but overall, this should be the solution that everyone finds most acceptable.
Ririko-chan stared into my eyes with a blank expression.
I wasn't quite sure if the emotion hidden behind Ririko-chan's eyes was anger or frustration.
─Then, a few moments later.
"…Let's go, guys. Zomu-kun, we'll text you later on RINE, okay!"
Ririko-chan snorted softly, just loud enough for me to hear, then her face immediately broke into a smile again.
"Well, if that's what Ririko wants…" "Anyway, let's go swimming. I can't wait any longer!" "You really are such a laid-back person, aren't you…"
Then, Ririko-chan gathered her friends in the group and left the place.
…I guess Ririko-chan accepted it, huh.
Just as I let out a sigh of relief, Zomu-kun, who was sitting next to me and had also let out a sigh of relief, opened his mouth with an expression as if he'd just swallowed a bitter pill.
"Hey, Asahi, you… …you really need to watch what you say."
"Then what's the point?"
"Ugh, you j*rk, that's just how people who are hard to get along with are…!"
Hahaha, Ōmori-kun really is consistent, isn't he… ...But sorry, this time I have to agree with Zomu-kun.
To lighten the mood, I tried to act cheerful.
"Okay, let's eat! Here it is, the tropical juice you ordered! Zomu-kun's portion is a little smaller, but I'm sorry about that."
"Huh? Wait, when did you drink it!?"
"I didn't drink it—I was just evaporating."
"Hey, you—if you drink, won't you end up getting fat—"
"It's just evaporating, okay?"
Zomu-kun responded to my joke perfectly, and the atmosphere went back to normal.
But—.
Mi-chan, who had been quiet the whole time, looked really sulky, and that bothered me a little.
◆
That afternoon, after we'd regained our energy.
After changing clothes, we headed to the ride area.
We started with the rides that made us scream, like the roller coaster, then went to the haunted house—which had become a favorite—and occasionally took breaks on calmer rides like the carousel, as we made our way around the park one by one.
At first, Mi-chan did seem a bit sluggish, but by the end she was back to her usual self, just like in the morning, and we were all able to enjoy the rides to our hearts' content.
And after we'd almost finished riding all the rides, we ran into Ririko-chan and her friends.
"Hey, hey, let's go on the roller coaster first!"
"Oh, I just went on it twice... ...Besides, I want to do something more laid-back first─"
"After that, let's go on the boat ride! Oh, and of course, the haunted house too!"
Completely ignoring Zomu-kun's tired-looking wishes (By the way, I won easily and got treated to ice cream), Ririko-chan gripped his arm tightly and wouldn't let go. It was obvious that she intended to drag him all over the place.
Wow, being able to show affection so openly like this is pretty amazing, isn't it? But that means being true to her own feelings, and maybe that's Ririko-chan's strength.
I smiled slightly as I watched the reactions of the other students in Class 3-B.
Everyone cheered excitedly, "Wow, Ririko Daily!" "Hey, video, video! Let's record it and share it!" They shouted enthusiastic things like that. At first, the atmosphere had felt a little tense, but now it seemed like no one was upset anymore.
Seeing them like this, it seems like they're all easy to get along with. They're people I wasn't particularly close to before, so maybe I'll try to interact with them from now on.
But, for me, that's enough─.
"Mi-chan, are you okay?"
"…Oh, right. It's nothing, really."
I turned around and greeted Mi-chan, who was lost in thought.
Now that we're with the Class 3-B students, the atmosphere has turned like this again. Maybe it really is stressful being together… …Especially Ririko-chan—she's not the type who gets along with Mi-chan.
After thinking about that, it suddenly occurred to me.
Eh… …But wasn't Mi-chan in Class 2-C last year?
But come to think of it, the way they reacted… ...Maybe they aren't actually that close, are they?
But if their relationship really were that bad, it would've been the talk of the town for ages, so I don't think it's that bad─.
Just as I was about to open my mouth to ask, Ōmori-kun, who was sitting next to me, suddenly started walking in an unexpected direction.
"Eh, Ōmori-kun…?"
"I'm tired, so I'm going to take a nap in the break room."
After saying that, Ōmori-kun immediately headed back toward the dome without waiting for my reply.
Ahaha… …Well, I did expect Ōmori-kun to say something like that.
Maybe Ōmori-kun really isn't feeling well, so I hesitated to stop him; Besides, if I forced him to stay and the atmosphere got tense like it did earlier, that would be a problem too. It's better for me to just stay quiet and let him go.
…Hm. That's true.
This might be the right moment.
"Mi-chan, do you want to take a break with Ōmori-kun?"
"Huh?"
Mi-chan looked at me, confused.
Mi-chan can keep Ōmori-kun company, and that also gives them some alone time, so it's like killing two or three birds with one stone. Eh, if you add in giving Mi-chan a chance to relax, maybe this is killing three or four birds with one stone?
"Sorry for tiring you out. I'll pick you up later, so let's just ride the Ferris wheel to wrap things up, okay?"
I added an excuse that didn't seem like it would cause any trouble, then said it loud enough for the rest of my friends to hear.
Mi-chan pursed her lips as if she were thinking about something, then looked down—a few moments later, she nodded slowly without saying a word.
—Yeah, I guess this problem is solved for now.
I took my eyes off Mi-chan as she walked away, then patted my waist and muttered, "Okay."
Well… …okay, round two, let's enjoy it!
◆
Then, time just flew by.
It turned out that the kids in Class 3-B were really fun to be around, so even though things were a little awkward at first, we were able to enjoy the rides together. I also exchanged RINE with a few of them, and I think we've gotten close enough to call each other friends.
Ririko-chan also responded more naturally than before, so the atmosphere didn't stay awkward the whole time. Even so, she never initiated a convo….
Then, as the sun began to set, I went to call both Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun, who were resting in the dome lounge, and we headed to the entrance of today's final ride—the Ferris wheel.
"Wow, that looks so much fun!"
I exclaimed as I gazed at the Ferris wheel turning slowly.
Even though this Ferris wheel doesn't have any particular features—like being the tallest in Japan or having transparent gondolas—the view from here is said to be absolutely stunning. The setting sun,'s rays illuminating the gondolas make them look red, shimmering as if lit by lights.
Yeah, yeah, this is the perfect atmosphere for the finale.
"Of course, riding the Ferris wheel has to be a boy-and-girl pair, right! I want to ride with Zomu-kun!"
From my perspective, Ririko-chan, still full of energy, was hugging Zomu-kun's arm tightly.
"Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute. Calm down, will you?"
But Zomu-kun, who looked exhausted, roughly broke free from the embrace and let out a sigh.
"I've been stuck with you the whole time—I'm bored... ...Come on, let me interact with other people too."
"Hey, that's so mean!"
I gave a wry smile and shrugged.
Well, the atmosphere has been like that from the start, so it's only natural that Zomu-kun would think that.
But Ririko-chan—I don't think she'll give up. Riding the Ferris wheel alone together, a boy and a girl—that's a dream scenario for a girl, and if it's okay, I actually intended to let both Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun be alone together too.
I thought for a moment, then clapped my hands together.
"In that case, here's what we'll do! Since this is a 1-Day Free Pass, let's ride it a few times!"
Time-wise, we still had enough left for a few more rides. That way, we could enjoy different atmospheres—like the first time with a group of friends, and then the next time as a mixed-gender pair.
"Well, it's okay, right? Ririko won't complain either, will she?"
Zomu-kun, though his tone was a bit indifferent, agreed right away.
Ririko-chan did look a little unhappy for a moment, but she probably realized that complaining wouldn't do any good, so she immediately said, "Okay, see you later! Don't forget!" and boarded the gondola with her friends. In the end, I felt her displeased gaze, but yeah, the result was fine.
I nodded, "Okay," and looked around at the others.
"Okay, we're coming too—"
"I was actually planning to ride with Mitaka-kun."
"─Huh?" "Huh?"
Yeah, just like that, out of the blue.
Hearing those unexpected words come out of Mi-chan's mouth, both Zomu-kun and I couldn't help but let out a genuinely surprised gasp.
"Eh, wait, Miharu-chan?"
"Never mind. Come with me."
Saying that, Mi-chan—in a way she rarely does—forcefully grabbed Zomu-kun's hand and walked toward the gondola boarding area.
Huh? What's going on, Mi-chan? Even I, her best friend, was confused. This is really mysterious, isn't it?
I just stood there staring at the two of them until they got on the gondola, and only snapped out of it when the door slammed shut.
"…What do you think Mi-chan meant?"
"I don't know."
Still feeling a bit confused, I asked Ōmori-kun, but the only answer I got was a short, curt reply.
◆
─Click.
The door was locked by a male staff member.
The four-person gondola, now completely sealed shut, slowly ascended to a height at a pace slower than walking.
"Wow, the view's pretty nice, isn't it?"
I muttered as I pressed my face against the window, then glanced at the gondola in front of us.
─No matter how many times I think about it, what Mi-chan did earlier remains a mystery.
First of all, the pairing of those two is rare in itself. Of course, they aren't exactly enemies, but usually when we chat or play, it's the four of us, or at least the three of us including me.
But if they're deliberately hanging out alone, the only thing that comes to mind is that maybe there's something they want to discuss in secret from me or Ōmori-kun, or there's a reason why they're uncomfortable being together.
It's possible… …that while they were taking a break, something happened between Mi-chan and Ōmori-kun.
Ōmori-kun is a boy who's a bit hard to figure out, and he's not the type to wear his heart on his sleeve like Zomu-kun. So, even though we were just chatting casually, I probably couldn't guess what was going through Ōmori-kun's mind.
That's why─.
To ask Ōmori-kun directly, I hopped on the gondola with him.
I glanced over at Ōmori-kun, who was leaning on the table with his elbows while gazing at the scenery outside, sitting in the front left seat.
Ōmori-kun's face looked blank and expressionless, so I still couldn't guess what he was thinking.
I've only just gotten to know Ōmori-kun. Actually, this is the first time the two of us have ever talked alone like this.
This is a good opportunity, so I'm going to ask Ōmori-kun more in-depth questions—not just about what happened earlier, but also about how he views Mi-chan herself. He is a sharp boy, so I have to be careful not to give him the wrong impression.
I exhaled slowly, almost silently, then began to speak, feeling a bit tense.
"Wow, I'm really enjoying the summer today. How about you, Ōmori-kun?"
I immediately started the convo as if it were just a casual intro.
Then, Ōmori-kun replied, just glancing in my direction.
"I've been feeling sluggish all the time. Besides, it's hot out."
"Wow, you're so honest."
"Besides, making a lot of noise and having fun in silly ways isn't really my style."
Oh...
Just as I was scratching my cheek, trying to figure out how to respond, Ōmori-kun snorted.
"But yeah, I do have a principle about not doing things I really don't like."
"...Ahaha, I see, I see."
That means, "I came to play like this because I don't hate it, right?"
Turns out, you really are honest, but you don't open up easily, do you, Ōmori-kun? That side of you is actually a lot like Mi-chan's, y'know.
I gave Ōmori-kun a sweet smile and continued.
"Well, that's good to hear. Ōmori-kun, you rarely smile, so I was a little worried. Oh, not that your gruff attitude is a bad thing, mind you."
Without a doubt, that mature side is definitely one of Ōmori-kun's charms. Mi-chan is drawn to that, too.
"But… …depending on the person, it might come across as aloof or even lead to misunderstandings, so I'm worried. Just look at Ririko-chan and the others earlier—"
"Hey, by the way..."
Out of the blue.
Ōmori-kun cut me off—
"Kiyosato, why do you always worry so much about other people? Especially people who don't really matter."
—Out of the blue, Ōmori-kun lashed out with those harsh words.
"Eh, well... ...ahaha, why did you suddenly say that?"
Feeling a little flustered by Ōmori-kun's attitude—which, for some reason, seemed annoyed—I asked him that.
However, perhaps because Ōmori-kun didn’t like my reaction, he frowned with an unhappy expression.
"Besides, you always try to brush it off by just laughing, don't you?"
"Eh─"
"When Ōtemachi teased you, you were laughing just like that too, weren't you? What's the point of paying attention to the expressions of outsiders who are just being annoying like that?"
"W-Wait, Ōmori-kun!"
I cried out in panic, looking straight into Ōmori-kun's eyes.
I think I made Ōmori-kun angry. I have to explain clearly.
"Eh, if I upset you, I'm sorry. But I wasn't laughing to avoid the issue or read your facial expressions—that's not what I meant."
"…"
"Besides, rather than getting angry or looking down on others, wouldn’t it be happier to just keep smiling? It's not just me—everyone must feel that way."
Ōmori-kun stared intently into my eyes, as if trying to read my mind.
In response, I decided to express my feelings as honestly as possible.
"If everyone could smile, that would definitely be the best, right? That's why I try to smile, and I also want the people around me to smile. So, I'm just doing my best to make that happen."
As for the feelings hidden behind Ōmori-kun's eyes when he heard those words─.
"…It's really annoying."
─That was definitely anger.
"Eh, that─"
"That's the problem. From the start, what was the point of doing it in a setting like that?"
Just as I was about to continue my explanation, I was abruptly interrupted.
"Setting? …What do you mean by setting?"
"I mean, what's the point of going out of your way for people who aren't important?"
That… …probably means that people who cause trouble can just be excluded, right?
In response to a phrase I've heard many times before, I replied with the words I always say.
"Ririko-chan said the same thing—she didn't mean any harm… …well, maybe a little, but there's no way she's 💯% evil."
"…"
"Now, how should I put this? There's a bit of a clash of interests, so all we see is Ririko-chan's bad side. If it weren't for that, I'm sure we could laugh together just like everyone else. …eh, if we could laugh together, wouldn't it be pointless to exclude others?"
Thanks to the attitude I maintained, I gained an irreplaceable true friend named Mi-chan. I also made friends like both Zomu-kun and Ōmori-kun, who shared an unforgettable summer with me. In the class with the strongest bond, we managed to lead our team to victory in the sports tournament.
Yeah, I lived through brilliant days, just like in a young adult novel.
There's no way that's a mistake.
With that conviction, I declared.
"So, I feel like what I'm doing must have some meaning."
But—.
"…Why do you have to go there, though?"
Furrowing his eyebrows with a displeased expression, Ōmori-kun said that in a sarcastic tone.
"Wh-What do you mean? Am I saying something weird…?"
I started to wonder, what's wrong?
Then.
"You're not saying anything wrong. Everything's right—that's a valid point."
"In that case─"
"So that what you mean?"
─Eh.
So…?
"If you're really serious about making that dream come true, that's no small feat, y'know."
─Hearing those words, for some reason my heart felt uneasy.
Isn't that just normal…?
No… …I don't think so.
Besides, wanting everyone around me to smile isn't strange. It's probably something pretty much everyone thinks about.
I just thought about doing it for as many people as possible, for anyone I could reach. It's just that, since I can do a bit more than other people, and the scope of what I can reach seems wider, it looks like something extraordinary.
"…No."
As I fell silent, Ōmori-kun looked awkward and brushed his hair aside.
"Sorry. Maybe I overreacted."
Ōmori-kun, muttering those words, seemed—for once—as if he were regretting his mistake.
I regretted making Ōmori-kun show that kind of expression.
…It's my fault.
Because of my inappropriate response, I made Ōmori-kun feel uncomfortable.
We had just been laughing happily together, but if this keeps up, these memories will be tarnished at the very end.
So—at the very least.
"Oh, no, I don't mind it at all. Rather than that… ...thank you, Ōmori-kun!"
"…"
"You're worried that I'm pushing myself too hard, aren't you?"
I think Ōmori-kun brought this up because he cares about me. It must be because he can't say things like that directly, so he ended up saying it with a slightly sarcastic tone.
So, at the very least.
I have to understand what Ōmori-kun really means and respond appropriately.
"But I'm fine. Because, I've always been like this, and I've never felt overwhelmed or wanted to quit. Being able to spend my days with you guys, laughing like this, makes me really happy."
"…"
"So, don't worry. Okay?"
Then, Ōmori-kun wiped all expression from his face and looked away from me.
Then, calmly, Ōmori-kun opened his mouth.
"─Mitaka is always annoying. But since he is so stupid it's actually refreshing, there's no harm in being friends with him."
"Huh…?"
"Shinagawa isn't as high-strung as the other girls, so hanging out with her isn't a hassle."
That—.
An honest opinion Ōmori-kun had never voiced before.
"Kiyosato… …the first time I met you, I thought, 'You're someone I can rely on.'"
"Hmm…"
"So, other than that, I really don't care."
─….
"If you keep worrying about people who don't matter, one day you're going to get hurt. Because, honestly, none of the people around you are worth saving."
From that moment on, Ōmori-kun fell silent.
I really wanted to say something, but I felt that whatever I said wouldn't be accepted by Ōmori-kun, so in the end I just kept quiet.
Of course, the atmosphere at that moment wasn't conducive to talking about Mi-chan, and time passed in silence between us.
—Before I realized it, our gondola had reached the highest point.
The skyscrapers visible in the distance, illuminated by the setting sun, appeared to be glowing red.
As I gazed at the scenery—which should have been so beautiful it left me spellbound, yet felt hazy, like another world—I pondered Ōmori-kun's words.
"—That's no small feat."
…It never has been.
"Amazing," or "a genius."
I've heard words like that many times before.
But—that's.
That phrase, "Not a small feat."
For some reason, it keeps ringing in my ears.
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
RP: Angga Kun
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