It was almost time for bed...
As I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes, the day’s events flooded back into my mind.
So much had happened today.
Takanashi-san and I had finally been able to say the things we’d both been holding back.
I had opened up about my feelings, and he had responded with equal honesty about his own past.
And yet, there was one thing I still didn't quite understand—something I couldn't bring myself to mention.
When I heard that he had already done for his Childhood Friend the same things he did for me... how should I put it? It felt like a small, persistent thorn.
It was a strange sensation.
They had known each other since they were children, so such closeness was only natural. Why, then, did it weigh on me so?
Then there were the other memories...
Having someone outside my family pat my head, being held in his arms, and even patting his head in return... all of it had been a first for me.
It had been so incredibly heart-warming.
If it’s only a head-pat, would he mind if I did it more often?
I’ll have to ask him the next time we're together... I want to pat his head again.
I had only done it because I couldn't bear to see him cry, but perhaps he had felt that same impulse when he comforted me.
I have to be up early tomorrow, so even though the hour is early, I should try to get some sleep.
After all, the time has finally come to show him the results of all my practice.
My list of reasons to thank him has grown, but first things first: the lunch box!
Oh... I just realized I forgot to confirm if Takanashi-san was actually coming to see me during the lunch break tomorrow.
Wait... we’re friends now. It should be perfectly fine to send him a message on RAIN, right?
We had exchanged contact info, but I hadn't used it a single time. I suppose the moment to use it has finally arrived.
I wonder if he’ll reply...?
I felt a flutter of nerves. What should I even say?
And so, I spent ten full minutes agonizing over a single sentence, just to ask him about tomorrow.