It’s always mid-October when it finally hits me that autumn is here. Back in my first year of middle school, before I understood this, I hadn't made the Seasonal Clothing Change yet. I remember walking to school with the hair on my arms bristling, brushing against the air as the goosebumps set in. Even that "dodgeball boy" from my elementary school days—the one who wore a T-shirt and shorts every single day in the dead of winter—had probably figured it out by now.
"Yo, Sajou. You’re empty-handed?"
"I don't really need to bring anything, do I?"
"Must be nice, being in the Going-home Club."
"Shut it."
A complete reversal from the warmer seasons, I entered the classroom surrounded by the sight of dark-colored uniforms, immediately taking a greeting like a light jab. In the midst of the festival's chaos, leaving your stuff at school was no big deal.
Looking at the clock, it seemed I’d been a bit too relaxed; I’d arrived at school later than usual. Well, it was the Cultural Festival, so as long as I made it before things kicked off, there wasn't a problem. Walking in the cool morning air without any luggage had actually been quite pleasant.
"Morning, morning."
"Ah, it’s Sajocchi. What’s up?"
"I'm just coming to school?"
"Right, right."
"?"
I’d arrived at school and headed to my own classroom. Why was she acting like there was something strange about that natural progression of events?
Even as I looked back at her with that thought, Ashida simply nodded as if satisfied and looked away. It felt as though I was being poked and prodded by her words and gaze. What was with this girl? Had she finally learned how to pull off social butterfly moves remotely? It felt like she still had another stage of evolution left in her.
"……M-Morning."
"Yeah. Oh, morning..."
Turning my head toward Natsukawa, who was standing in front of Ashida as per the usual order of things, I was greeted with an air of supreme awkwardness. My own voice trailed off in response. Was this that? Was this her way of saying, "Don't think you can just face me and talk normally after everything"? I felt like I could fly right out of that window right now.
—Just kidding. There was no way the kind Natsukawa would think something like that. Most likely, it was something delicate—maybe she wasn't feeling well, was sleep-deprived, or had some "girl stuff" going on. The correct move here was to pretend not to notice and interact with her like usual. As expected of me, I’ve got great delicacy today too!
"............"
"............Hm?"
W-Wait? Is that not it?
To anyone else, the current Natsukawa would probably look restless and fidgety. However, to my eyes, she looked elegant and composed. With her movements full of such dignity, the moment she started walking, the classroom would surely transform into a high-class stage. Could it be that I’m the one acting strange here...?
"Where should we go first?"
"Food stalls! Sweets!"
"Right from the morning?"
"From the morning!"
When I asked while pulling the Cultural Festival pamphlet from my back pocket, Ashida raised her hand and hopped up and down as she stated her request. Apparently, the Volleyball Club’s rising star had no fear of gaining weight. Despite being the same age, the thought "Ah, to be young" crossed my mind. Even I, a guy, was careful about that sort of thing. Well, mostly because I was in the Going-home Club.
"Is that okay with you, Natsukawa?"
"Y-Yeah..."
"Did you cut your hair?"
"Eh? I didn't cut it, though..."
"You just said that randomly, didn't you?"
For the record, there was no way my sensors would miss a change in Natsukawa. I knew from the start that she hadn't cut her hair. But what if my sensors had dulled? I’d hate to miss a new charm of Natsukawa’s, right? Just checking, you know? Well, not that they’ve actually dulled in the first place.
"I-Is something wrong?"
"Let’s see..."
"Wait, why are you looking for something now?"
This was a legal chance to stare at Natsukawa. There was no way I was letting this slip.
Lately, perhaps because our seats were right in front of and behind each other, I hadn't been able to get my daily fix of beauty. Not that I wasn't happy about getting used to being near Natsukawa, mind you. It was just an old habit... I’m being way too creepy, even for me.
When I met the eyes of the ever-elegant Natsukawa, she averted her gaze as if trying to escape. Apparently, my eyes had the unintended effect of dealing damage over time just by peering into them. I should stop; I feel like crying.
"…………Hm?"
"Eh?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing."
"Wait, what? Now I’m curious..."
"No, really, it’s nothing."
I suddenly noticed a bit of a sheen on Natsukawa's mouth. Looking closely, her lips were more moist than usual. She must have started using lip cream. It was creepy enough that I’d even noticed, so how could I possibly say, "Oh, you're wearing lip cream starting today?"
She’d probably say something like "Eek...!?"
"I-It’s not weird, right?"
"Hmm? Nothing's weird at all~"
"..."
"Wait, sorry. It’s fine, you’re cute today too."
"...Hmph... whatever..."
After finishing a double-check with both a folding hand mirror and Ashida’s visual confirmation, Natsukawa looked up at me with reproachful eyes. Maybe trying to brush it off had been the wrong move.
I praised her with that in mind, but she just muttered a complaint and turned away. I ended up sounding like some sort of pick-up artist... even though I wasn't lying.
"—Anyway, let's grab some Insta-worthy sweets and take a photo first."
"Ehh, is Sajocchi going to be in it too?"
"You can black out my eyes with a bar if you want."
"Then you’d just look like a criminal."
Among our group, Ashida was the one most immersed in social media. Apparently, I was banned from the timeline of someone who was followed by ninety percent of our class. Honestly, I also think it’s best if there’s no shadow of a man in those kinds of posts. Sorry about that, just leave the photography to me. You take it from waist-height, right? I know the drill.
Yesterday I ate crepes with Ichinose-san and Sasaki-san, so I should try a different sweet today. Yuki-chan? What kind of concept was she supposed to be exactly?
For some reason, the flour-based foods had paper packaging, so I’d prefer something I could hold in a cup. Actually, I’d be fine with just some fried chicken or something. Since I’m banned from Ashida’s timeline anyway.
As I let my eyes wander over the list of stalls in the pamphlet, I realized Ashida was staring intently at me. What was with the meaningful looks she gave me from time to time?
"...What?"
"Nothing, I just thought you looked like you were having quite a lot of fun. I mean, you already enjoyed yourself with Ichinose-chan and the others yesterday, didn't you?"
"Huh? What's wrong with having fun today too?"
"Ah, yeah... true."
"Wait, Kei..."
"...?"
What was it...? It wasn't just Ashida; Natsukawa also seemed to be watching my reaction for some reason... Was there something wrong with my face? My nose hair should be fine. I actually check it every morning when I wash my face. Was it just the way my face was built then? Oh, shut up.
"Hehe... it's nothing."
"Eh?"
When I looked up at the sound of her voice, Natsukawa was smiling with her hand over her mouth. It seemed she found the way I was poking and prodding my own face quite amusing. Was she getting back at me? Thinking about it calmly, I was doing something pretty stupid... It’s not like this was going to make anything better. It’s not like I’d suddenly become handsome. I was starting to feel embarrassed...
"——S-Saito-san."
"!"
My body reflexively stiffened at the sound of a voice coming from somewhere in the bustling classroom. Usually, it was a voice I found so annoying I didn't even want to hear it, but now I found myself focusing my ears to catch every sound. If this were a manga, my ears would have grown a size larger. Sasaki would surely mind me paying attention to his business with Saito-san. He’d probably complain later if he found out, so I should try not to look too much.
"Sasaki-kun..."
"Um... do you have some time today...?"
The window glass, reflecting the bright scenery outside, didn't show the interior very well. However, my eyes were displaying a power equal to when I stared at Natsukawa. I would reconstruct the faintly visible scene inside the classroom in my mind—Damn it...! Natsukawa’s side profile reflecting in the foreground is too dazzling! My eyes keep drifting to her!
"Yes, it’s okay... I have all the time in the world."
"Eh...?"
"Anytime is fine..."
"S-Saito-san..."
I felt like I couldn't turn around for a different reason now.
If I looked directly at those two now, I felt like my eyes and my heart would burn up. If I were holding a piece of chocolate, it would have melted instantly.
That said, from Saito-san's perspective, she might not have that kind of leeway. To everyone else, the atmosphere was just sickly sweet, but since she hadn't received a clear answer to her confession, it was easy to imagine that her heart was in a state of constant anxiety. It was likely as bittersweet as a charred sweet potato. What a terrible metaphor... I must be hungry...
That being said, it would be a lie to say I wasn't curious about how things would turn out for them. Ordinarily, I’d think Sasaki's romantic affairs were his own business, but I had gotten involved, even if it was involuntary... Why did I blather on about such embarrassing things anyway?
Whether I tried to get in the way of Saito-san's love or support it, the only outcomes were getting kicked by a horse or getting kicked by Yuki-chan. How strange... It felt as if their romance was putting me in a pinch...
The culprit was definitely Sasaki for dragging me into this. In that case, I’d eavesdrop on everything and tease the life out of him later. Even at this late stage, I wouldn't be satisfied until Sasaki had tasted embarrassment at least once. Now, show this Love Master the prime of your youth...!
"—Then—"
"Sorry, let me through—Wait, why are you guys just standing there in silence?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Eh... what? Why are you glaring at me!? Why are you sighing!? Even Natsukawa-san!?"
I directed a scornful look at the bewildered Matsuda. Unfortunately, this was the area where a lot of luggage was kept... Matsuda hadn't done anything wrong. Rather, the fault lay with us for loitering here. The look on Ashida’s face as she took a step back was one of utter disillusionment. Matsuda... Natsukawa's scornful gaze is precious (time to spread the gospel).
...Hm, wait? Did those two know about Sasaki and Saito-san as well? I suppose Natsukawa might have caught a glimpse yesterday before going home...
Girls are fast with information... Even if Sasaki kept quiet to everyone but me, there was a chance word would spread from Saito-san's side. She didn't look like a gossip, though... Heaven help us.