[Warning 15+]
Part Five
―Even If, I Can't Treat You with That Same Energy Anymore
Chapter 169
Things That Still Don't Change
(TL Note: We still don't know where to put this illustration in the Web Novel, so temporarily put it here.)
―Even If, I Can't Treat You with That Same Energy Anymore
Chapter 169
Things That Still Don't Change
The sky was a piercin' blue.
In the distance, several buildin's stretched up as if reachin' for the heavens.
Unlike Tsukinose, the city had no mountains to block the view, making the world seem much wider than it did back in the countryside.
The leaves on the roadside trees along the path to school were starting to turn color.
The air this mornin' felt just a little bit cooler than usual.
By the time the Fall Festival ended, the school uniforms would surely start transitioning from summer uniform to fall uniform.
But even so, it was still hot enough that walking around made them break into a light sweat.
"Come to think of it, Saki-chan, your room is pretty sparse—or I guess you could say you don't have much stuff in there yet?"
"Well, the move was really rushed... ...and the layout is actually pretty spacious, so it feels kind of empty~"
"I didn't really get my stuff organized for about half a month when I moved, either."
Haruki, Saki, and Himeko were havin' this conversation.
Hayato was walkin' a little behind them.
It had been about two weeks since Saki moved in.
Hayato was gettin' used to commutin' together like this.
By the way, Saki's room was a 1SLDK (1 Bedroom, Livin' Room, Dinin' Room, Kitchen) apartment for singles located not far from the Kirishima Residence.
The only time Hayato had seen it was on the movin' day when he went over as cheap labor for carryin' boxes.
It seemed like Haruki was visitin' Saki's room quite often.
Hearin' that made Hayato's chest feel a bit tight.
It was quite spacious for a middle school girl livin' alone, but apparently, Saki's Mom or Grandma visited regularly and stayed over.
Hayato remembered Saki complainin', "They're more excited about sightseein' in the city than I am."
While Hayato was thinkin' about that, the girls continued to convo away lively.
"Oh, right. While we're out checkin' for yukatas, let's pick up some other stuff too. If we hit up a big 💯-yen shop, they've got everythin'."
"A 💯-yen shop!? There's a 💯-yen shop, here!? Wow, the city is something else..."
"Saki-chan, that reaction makes you look like a total countryside bumpkin, just like Big Bro..."
"Ahaha, now that you mention it, Hayato reacted pretty much the same way."
"Eh!?"
They started talkin' about what kind of cups to get at the 💯-yen shop, furniture and remake sheets, cosmetics, and little knick-knacks.
Everythin' they were talkin' about since a while ago was hard for Hayato to jump into, so he felt a bit like an outsider.
Haruki laughed with a friendly look, Saki giggled elegantly, and Himeko was bein' her usual noisy self.
It was just a typical group of girls, the kind you’d see anywhere.
Hayato's brow furrowed. He had a lot on his mind.
Especially after hearin' about Haruki's past back in Tsukinose, it hit Hayato even harder.
Glancin' at Haruki's profile, she was givin' Saki the same somewhat mischievous smile she always gave. A sharp pain stabbed at Hayato's chest.
It was a childish feelin', borderin' on possessiveness, and Hayato, fully aware of it, let out a sigh as if to exhale the frustration in his chest. Then, he scratched his head.
"—You listenin', Hayato?"
"Huh!? E-Eh...?"
"Seriously, Big Bro! Sunday at 10 AM, we're headin' to the city, so meet us in front of the station!"
"This is the first time I've had a real outin' since comin' here!"
Just then, Haruki suddenly peeked up at Hayato's face with a skeptical look.
Hayato was startled and reflexively leaned back.
Seein' Himeko standin' there with her hands on her hips lookin' peeved, and Saki actin' all restless, Hayato gave a wry smile and muttered reflexively, "Yeah, got it."
Then, they arrived at the fork in the road where they had to split up.
"Alright, Big Bro, we're goin' this way."
"I'll bother you guys again at dinner time."
"See ya later, Hime-chan, Saki-chan."
"Yeah, take care."
Hayato parted ways with both Himeko and Saki, walkin' the path to the high school alone with Haruki.
Occasionally, they passed people takin' out their trash, and the sound of flappin' wings could be heard.
A crow perched on the power line near the collection site, seemingly ponderin' how to bypass the bird-nettin'.
Other than that, it was quiet; There weren't many students commutin' around, and the only sound echoin' was their footsteps hittin' the asphalt.
A far cry from the noisy atmosphere just a moment ago, there was no conversation, and for some reason, Hayato felt unsatisfied.
"―Haruki."
"Hm? What's up?"
That thought just slipped out of Hayato's mouth.
But the face Haruki made when she turned toward Hayato was unusually cheerful.
Haruki's eyes were filled with anticipation, as if to say, 'Eh, what, what? What is it? Want to talk about playin' and hangin' out?'
Suddenly, whatever had been on Hayato's mind didn't matter anymore, and his mouth relaxed naturally.
"The Fall Festival's gonna be fun."
That's why those words just slipped out naturally.
Suddenly, Haruki's eyes started sparkling.
"Yeah! I mean, the food stalls are great and all, but I'm actually more interested in the shootin' games, goldfish scoopin', and candy moldin'!"
"Oh, wanna bet? Loser buys takoyaki or cotton candy, deal?"
"You said it! You haven't forgotten that you've never beaten me at bug catchin' or fishin', right?"
"Yeah, I remember how bad you were at shoe tossin' and rubber band guns."
"Hey, that's ancient history!"
"Fine, let's settle it at the Festival."
"You're on!"
They stared each other down like children.
Their gazes locked for a moment.
"…Pfft."
"…Ahaha!"
They both burst out laughin' at the same time.
The atmosphere had completely returned to normal. It's a funny thing.
And so, with voices full of excitement about the Festival, they headed to school.
Author's Notes:
Meow.
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
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