Section 3

◆◆◆

First, Nagi began by recounting the time we first met. How I saved her from a molester... and how I promised to stay by her side whenever we rode the train.

"After being molested, I became terrified of men—yet I had a reason why I absolutely had to overcome that fear. Because I believed that someday... in the not-so-distant future, I would have a fiancé."

Her eyes clouded over and wavered. Even so, she did not stop speaking.

"However, as I spent time with Souta-kun... I realized something. Souta-kun was so easy to talk to, and being by his side felt so comfortable. I recognized his charm, and I found myself drawn to him."

Nagi turned her palm upward and tightly gripped my hand.

"I should have told my father and mother right away. But... I couldn't muster the courage to speak up. As a result, that ended up hurting him terribly."

"...Just one thing. I'm sure she'll explain later, but there was a misunderstanding between Nagi and her parents. I just want to say beforehand that Nagi was in a very difficult position herself."

This was likely something hard for Nagi to bring up. But it was necessary context for this story. Otherwise, Nagi would just look like the villain.

"...That's true. But regardless of the process, the fact that I hurt Souta-kun in the end remains unchanged."

Saying that, Nagi offered a smile—but it was a self-deprecating one. Just looking at it made my chest ache as if it were being squeezed.

Nagi let the smile fade and turned her gaze toward my parents.

"I apologize; I haven't gotten to the specifics yet. Though you may have already guessed."

Nagi blinked slowly and took a breath. The strength gripping my hand grew tight enough to hurt.

"A fiancé was chosen for me. And then I told Souta-kun. That we would likely never be able to see each other again."

"..."

Neither Dad nor Mom said anything. They wore serious, rigid expressions I had never seen on them before.

"I was depending on Souta-kun's kindness from the very beginning. When my father told me about the fiancé, I should have told Souta-kun immediately. And yet, talking to him made the pain in my heart disappear... and what's more, after telling Souta-kun that we couldn't meet anymore, I even kissed him. I did something truly terrible."

"...Nagi."

"I don't think I've said anything, anything wrong at all, Souta-kun."

Nagi seemed to have lost even the energy to smile... Her face was simply stained with deep remorse.

"The day after I last met him, I was scheduled to have a formal marriage meeting with the fiancé. However, that very morning—Souta-kun came to my house."

Phew. Nagi let out a small breath there. Then, she continued speaking in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.

"He saved me. The fiancé was related to my father's business... but more than that, my father had proposed it thinking of my own well-being. Seeing through that, Souta-kun mediated between my father, my mother, and me."

"...I just tried to help Souichirou-san realize it, and even that was Eiji's idea, though."

"Of course, I am deeply grateful to Makisaka-san, as well as Hayama-san and Nishizawa-san. But the one who directly saved me... saved us, was Souta-kun."

Deep, sea-blue eyes captured me squarely. Then, both of her hands wrapped around mine... and she gave a small, polite cough.

"Excuse me. After that, we spoke with my father, and the marriage meeting and engagement were called off....That is the story up to this point. And on top of that, there is something I would like to ask of you two."

Nagi let go of my hands and took a step back.

"Nagi."

Guessing what she was about to do, I raised my voice to stop her, but she didn't halt.

"I betrayed Souta-kun and hurt him terribly....Even so, Souta-kun still loved someone like me. He reached out his hand to me."

Her voice wavered. But she never shed a tear.

"I swear that I will spend my entire life making Souta-kun happy. I will make him happy, so please... would you give us your blessing for my relationship with Souta-kun... no. Would you give us your blessing for our engagement?"

Saying that, Nagi placed her hands on the carpet—and bowed her head low. Having never imagined she would go that far, my parents panicked as well.

"N-Nagi-chan. Please raise your head."

"In truth, I don't even have the right to face you two. Today, seeing you with Souta-kun... seeing how you interact with him, I realized something. He was truly raised with so much love. And to think I hurt such a precious member of your family..."

"Nagi-chan..."

"...Nagi. Please lift your head. If Souichirou-san saw this, he'd blame himself terribly."

When I placed a hand on Nagi's shoulder and said that, her shoulders twitched. Then, she slowly raised her face.

"Forgive me."

"No, it's fine... is what I want to say, but I do think you went a bit too far. We were so startled because it was all so sudden."

Mom gave a strained smile—stood up, and approached us.

"No. Even setting that aside, I was surprised. I had heard a little about it, but to think... Souta did something so amazing."

"...I had no other choice. We were running out of time, too. I'm really sorry I couldn't contact you."

"There's no need for you to apologize, Souta. I understand the circumstances now. Even so... hehe. You really do love her, don't you? Nagi-chan, that is."

"...Yeah."

Feeling a little embarrassed, I nodded firmly.

"Nagi-chan."

Mom called Nagi's name, and she turned her blue eyes straight toward Mom.

"We treasure Souta more than anyone. Souta's happiness is our happiness, and Souta's sadness is our sadness. If possible, we don't want him to get hurt. That's how we feel."

"...Yes."

"I believe it's true that Souta got hurt. And that if things had gone just a little wrong, he might have broken. But you know, Nagi-chan. Looking at Souta right now, I've realized one thing."

Mom looked at me, and Nagi's eyes turned toward me as well.

"Seeing him today confirmed it. The Souta of today, you see... out of all the times I've watched over him, he looks the happiest he has ever been. Isn't that right?"

Mom's eyes sparkled with immense joy as she asked me.

"Yeah. I can say it with my head held high. Having Nagi by my side right now makes me the happiest I've ever been."

"Hehe, I knew it. In that case, there's only one thing a mother can say."

Mom and Nagi locked eyes steadily. Mom smiled warmly, just as she always did.

"Please take good care of Souta. Make sure the two of you become happier than anyone else."

"...! Yes! I will definitely make him happy!"

Mom reached out and patted Nagi's head. At the same time, she patted my head with her other hand.

"...It feels similar."

"What does?"

"It feels similar to when Souta-kun pats my head."

"Hehe, is that so? Souta has always done the things that made him happy when done to him, after all. How nostalgic. When Souta was little, he would always give me a big hug on my birthday, you know?"

"M-Mom. Th-that was when I was little, before I even started elementary school."

"You two were so close. That's very—that's a very wonderful thing, I think."

Nagi's smile was soft and warm. My face grew hot with embarrassment. Nagi looked at me, narrowing her eyes happily with a smile—then composed her expression and looked toward Dad. Mom followed her gaze toward Dad a moment later.

"Now then, shall we return to the topic? What do you think, dear?"

"Your father's going to be strict, you know. After all, I love Souta just as much as your mother does."

Though Dad crossed his muscular arms... his expression had softened considerably compared to earlier.

"I'm happy, Souta."

"...Which part are you happy about?"

"Of course I'm happy that you look so blissful. But more than that—I'm happy to see my son's growth."

This time Dad stepped forward—and pulled me into another tight hug.

"You really surprised me, Souta. To think you've grown into someone who can take that much action for the person he loves... Well, your dad always believed you'd do that if the time came. But hearing that you actually put it into action made me so proud."

"...Dad."

Dad's words made me feel a bit bashful. But being praised so straightforwardly made me truly happy.

"As for Nagi-chan... she went out of her way to explain everything herself like this. Without running from her past, she's facing it head-on. I think she's a sincere, wonderful girl."

"Yeah. She's a wonderful girl, truly."

Looking him in the eye, I nodded deeply and slowly, making sure my feelings got across.

"However, setting that aside... Nagi-chan, there's a little something on my mind."

"Yes. What is it?"

"Any day is fine, but I'd like an opportunity to speak with your father... Souichirou-san. I'm sure there are various matters to discuss, after all."

"Of course. My father also said he definitely wanted to speak with you two... He has an urgent matter right now that he simply cannot step away from, but he said he wants to finish it as quickly as possible to come greet you....However."

As Nagi continued, Dad tilted his head.

"If it is regarding the cancellation of the marriage meeting, neither Souta-kun nor you, his parents, need to worry about it in the slightest."

"...To think you'd consider that far. I appreciate the thought, but even so, I'd still like to talk with him."

"Yes. Once my father has some free time, he will contact us, so we can arrange it then."

"Thank you, Nagi-chan....I suppose I should say a few words to the two of you as well."

Dad gave a short cough to clear his throat and looked at Nagi and me once more.

"You two are serious about this, right?"

"Yes." "Of course."

Nagi and I replied in unison. Dad smiled happily.

"In that case, a father's only duty is to support you. I've grasped what happened between you two, and I fully understand your resolve. Nagi-chan."

A faint, gentle light sparked in Dad's eyes.

"Thank you for telling us. You must have been terrified, and I'm sure you were terribly nervous. How deeply you regretted it... and how much you care for Souta has reached me loud and clear."

Dad's hand reached out toward me—and ruffled my hair messily.

"You worked hard too, Souta. I'm proud of you for taking action for the person you love."

"...Yeah."

The words tickled, but I was genuinely happy.

"Regarding the engagement... have you spoken to your parents about it, Nagi-chan?"

"Yes. It was a proposal brought up by my father and mother....It also serves the purpose of preventing future marriage meeting offers from coming my way. However, an engagement requires permission from Souta-kun's parents as well. In order to become official fiancés, I came today to offer my greetings and explain the circumstances."

"I see. Sounds good to me. Considering Souta's personality... rather than dating and breaking up with several people down the road, he's the type to cherish one person dearly, after all."

Saying that, Dad finally took his hand off my head.

Then Dad returned to his seat, followed by Mom. Once again, we sat facing each other across the table.

"Well then, once again. Nagi-chan. Please look after Souta as his fiancée as well."

"Please take good care of Souta."

"...! Yes!"

Nagi nodded energetically with a bright smile and turned her blue eyes toward me.

"With this, we have finally become official fiancés. Though we had already been calling ourselves that."

"Yeah. From now on, I can say it with my head held high, too."

Up until now, whenever people asked about my relationship with Nagi, I had called her my 'girlfriend' instead of my 'fiancée.' That was because... somewhere in my heart, I felt I needed to get proper permission from Nagi first. But now that we were officially engaged, I could say it without hesitation. Even though it was already widely known at both my school and Nagi's school.

Nagi reached out her hand, and I took it.

"I will definitely make you happy....No matter what happens."

"You don't have to carry so much pressure. Just being with you makes me happy, Nagi."

Squeezing her tightly held hand in return, I said that... only to catch sight of something I didn't want to see in the corner of my vision.

"My goodness, to think Souta would get such an adorable bride. Mother is just so thrilled."

"I always thought Souta would eventually... but to think it would happen this soon. Dad feels like crying all over again."

The atmosphere around Dad and Mom suddenly flipped. I swallowed the sigh that almost escaped my lips.

"Nagi. There's something I need to tell you beforehand."

"What is it?"

"My parents are doting fools. Terribly so."

"Oh my? A mother who dislikes her son is in the minority, you know?"

"That's right, Souta. But your dad's love for his son is deeper than any average father out there!"

"...That's how it is."

"Hehe. You were raised with so much love from your parents, Souta-kun....I can truly feel how much they adore you."

"A bit excessively so, yeah."

Nagi laughed happily. Then, Mom stood up, saying, "Now then."

"I'd love to hear more stories about Souta and Nagi-chan, but let me go make dinner first."

"I'll help you."

"No, it's fine. Stay seated, Nagi-chan. I haven't had many chances to cook for Souta lately, after all."

"...If that is the case."

Nagi, who had started to rise, sat back down, and Mom headed toward the kitchen.

"Souta. Do you have a second?"

However, Mom came back immediately.

"By any chance, has Nagi-chan been cooking for you?"

"..."

A drop of cold sweat ran down my cheek, and a chill shot through my spine.

—I completely forgot to tell her.

"H-how did you know?"

"It's simple. The seasonings are arranged completely differently from how we do it at home. These things easily show family habits, you know. So, how about it? Am I right? Nagi-chan."

Mom's eyes turned toward Nagi, who looked at me with a slightly troubled expression. When I gave a small nod, Nagi nodded back faintly.

"Yes. But, um, it's something I'm doing on my own accord, so to speak... Souta-kun has helped me so much, so I'm doing it purely for my own satisfaction. Therefore, please don't blame Souta-kun too much."

Choosing her words even more carefully than before, Nagi was fiercely covering for me... but in reality, I was the one who deserved to be scolded.

"Nagi, thank you....But Nagi is also worried about my nutritional balance. I'm sorry for not telling you, Mom."

I had intended to tell her eventually, but it slipped my mind entirely. It was completely my fault, so as I meekly bowed my head... I heard Mom let out a sigh.

"Good grief, it can't be helped, I suppose. It's your first time living alone, so I understand that you can't cook for yourself. But I wish you had told me sooner."

"I have no excuses."

"Be careful next time. More importantly, thank you, Nagi-chan. It seems you've been looking after this boy."

"N-no. I'm the one who is being looked after countless times more."

Though Nagi said that... I was truly in a position where I could never hold my head up against her.

"...As an additional report, Nagi has also been taking care of my boxed lunches."

"...Nagi-chan, are you sure you're alright? If the burden is too heavy, make sure to say so, okay? This boy is straightforward, so he'll listen properly if you talk to him."

"No. I make the lunches and meals because I love doing it. He always tells me it's delicious, which makes it very rewarding to cook for him."

At Nagi's words, Mom's eyes widened slightly... and a bright smile bloomed across her face.

"Which means you're really good at cooking, Nagi-chan."

Nagi tilted her head slightly. I didn't quite understand either and pondered for a moment....It was true that Nagi was a great cook, though.

"This boy, you see. He's terribly honest. When the food is delicious, he says it's delicious, but when it's not, you can tell just by looking at him. His eating speed, his facial expression—everything changes."

"W-wait a minute. That's news to me."

Hearing this for the first time, I looked at Mom... and as for Dad, he had his eyes wide open at my words.

"Souta, did you really think we hadn't noticed?"

"D-Dad, you knew too?"

"Well, of course."

My cheek twitched involuntarily. Come to think of it, back when Nagi first started giving me bento, Eiji told me something similar. That I looked like I was eating something delicious.

"I-is that so? He always eats with such relish, so I assumed he didn't have any likes or dislikes."

"Having no particular dislikes is true, but he has a refined palate, or rather... this boy doesn't really eat prepared side dishes, frozen food, or instant meals, you know."

"Ugh."

She hit a sore spot. Come to think of it, I don't think I've eaten frozen food since I was little.

"Since we're eating, I want him to enjoy delicious meals. It's a place for family communication, after all. And since I love cooking, it was never a chore."

"Thank you as always for the delicious meals."

"You're very welcome."

"...!"

Nagi's eyes widened... and a smile brimming with joy spilled from the corner of her lips.

"Hehe. Those words were what connected me and Souta-kun, weren't they?"

Nagi murmured softly, then looked at Mom once more.

"I love cooking as well. And I love seeing Souta-kun eat and say it's delicious."

"My, my. Looks like Souta's stomach has already been completely captured."

"...To be honest, I'm well aware that things would turn disastrous if Nagi disappeared right now."

"I will definitely never leave your side again, Souta-kun. Please rest assured."

"I know."

Though setting that aside... my dietary life was in danger of becoming completely dependent on Nagi.

"Does that mean the recipes I left behind are being put to good use?"

"Ah, yes! They have been an immense help."

"I see. I'm glad I left them....If you'd like, would you like to cook dinner together?"

"I would love to!"

Nagi stood up and headed toward the kitchen alongside a delighted Mom. In the living room, the father and son who couldn't cook were left behind.

"I'm glad for you, Souta....You really worked hard."

"Yeah, I worked pretty hard. Though I was only able to do it because Eiji... because my friend was there for me."

"I heard you made a friend, too. Looking at the results, I think changing your environment was the right choice."

I nodded at Dad's words.

There were two reasons why I moved to Tokyo. One was that Dad couldn't let go of his son at all, and I was being terribly spoiled. In short, for my personal growth. But that reason was more of a bonus.

The second reason was—to change my environment. That was the primary objective. Back then, going to school had been painful, after all.

"There's one thing I want to tell you, Souta."

Dad looked straight at me. I could vaguely guess what he wanted to say.

"It's about the marriage meeting, right?"

"Yeah. From what I heard from Nagi-chan, thanks to that, everything seems to be heading in a good direction....However, an arranged marriage in this day and age means the other party must be someone of considerable standing."

"I heard the other party is the son of a representative from a certain company, too."

"Are you worried?"

At Dad's question, I couldn't immediately reply.

Slowly, I organized the emotions swirling inside me into words.

"I don't regret it, nor am I reflecting negatively on it. I believe that was the best choice for me....Setting that aside, it's not like I don't feel anxious."

Making Nagi happy. Without that resolve, I wouldn't have been able to pull off something like that. However—

"I'm well aware that I caused Souichirou-san and the others immense trouble....And to Nagi, of course."

Canceling an arranged marriage. Furthermore, from the way Nagi described it, exceptionally favorable conditions had been attached to that arrangement.

"I sometimes wonder if there was another way. Like—what if I hadn't given in the day before? Thoughts like that cross my mind."

"Your father thinks it was the best choice, though."

He replied instantly. Without a hint of teasing, his expression remained completely serious.

"After all, Nagi-chan looks so happy by your side, doesn't she? Besides, she explained everything to us so properly like this. She has treated us with utter sincerity from the very beginning. Your dad believes that's because she's deeply grateful to you, Souta."

"...I suppose so."

"Yeah. That's why you don't need to worry about anything, Souta. After all, your dad is here."

Dad approached me again and lightly placed a hand on my head.

"I'll speak with Souichirou-san. Leave it to your father."

Then, Dad smiled as he always did.

"Your dad will resolve all your worries."

"...Thank you, Dad."

"You're welcome."

The hand resting on my head was still very large.

◆◆◆

"Look, look! Isn't Souta super cute here?!"

"He's adorable...! Extremely, exceptionally cute!"

After finishing lunch, Nagi was looking through my photo album. Mom had apparently brought it along.

"Souta back then was terribly cute, too. He'd often cling to me saying, 'Daddy! Daddy! Play with me!'"

"Please don't fabricate memories, Dad. I've never called you anything other than Dad. Also, asking you to play with me was back before elementary school."

Sighing at Dad, who altered memories whenever he saw an opening, I peered at the photographs as well.

"Souta-kun, you're amazing. Looking at the sports day photos, it feels like you're always receiving a gold medal."

"Yeah. Running fast was the only thing I was good at. For class relay races and such, the anchor would usually receive a medal."

What Nagi was looking at were sports day photos. Every year, several gold medals made of paper hung from my neck.

"How nostalgic. Look, aren't kids who run fast really popular at that age? Souta was super active during sports days, so he was quite popular right after they ended."

"...Oh. Is that so?"

"I don't even know if you could call it popular, and it was only for a short period right after it ended."

Blue eyes turned toward me. The air in the room cooling down slightly... was probably not my imagination.

"The part about it being only for a short period right after it ended also bothers me a little."

"I was even more introverted back then than I am now. Even when the opportunity came, I just wasn't able to become friends with anyone."

"...I see."

Nagi knitted her brows in slight dissatisfaction. However, she didn't seem intent on pursuing it further, which made me sigh in relief.

Talking about that here—talking about it in front of Dad and Mom—was something I felt a bit hesitant to do.

"More importantly, the next photo—"

Chime. A smartphone rang. Nagi let out a small gasp.

"Excuse me for a moment....As expected, it's a message from my father. He finished his business and said he can head over anytime. What would you like to do?"

Nagi's gaze shifted from her smartphone to Dad and Mom.

"I'm going too, dear."

"Understood. Then the two of us will go. We'd like to meet up at a nearby café, but..."

"I understand. Excuse me for another moment. A phone call will be faster."

Saying that, Nagi placed a call to Souichirou-san. From what I could hear, there didn't seem to be any issues.

"It seems he will head over immediately. He will arrive at the nearest café from here in fifteen minutes."

"Got it. Let's get ready right away."

"Yes, understood. The nearby café... it's this one, right?"

"Yes, that's the one."

Mom showed the map on her smartphone, and Nagi nodded.

Dad and Mom quickly got ready and left the apartment.

◆◆◆

It was two hours later when Dad and the others returned.

And what's more... they brought Souichirou-san and Chie-san along with them.

"Souta-kun, Nagi. I apologize. We ended up talking for quite a while."

"Thank you for everything, Souichirou-san, Chie-san."

"You don't have to be so formal, Souta-kun. You're officially Nagi's fiancé now, after all."

Chie-san smiled at me. I'm pretty sure it wasn't just my imagination that I felt a certain pressure coming from her.

They had probably discussed that matter... about the fiancé arrangement, as well.

"Man, I had a truly meaningful conversation with Souichirou-san. It was great fun."

"...It feels weird for me to say this, but, um... Dad, were you able to talk properly?"

"Haha. Your dad's going to cry, you know. Believe it or not, I've spoken with high-ranking executives a few times through my work."

...He probably switches gears properly, but thinking about how he acts at home makes that pretty hard to believe.

"Yes. I had a very enjoyable conversation with Daigo-san. And Souta-kun, may I have a moment?"

"Yes, what is it?"

Called on by Souichirou-san, I switched my focus.

"I will say it as many times as needed. I am grateful to you. Even in a lifetime, I likely won't be able to repay this debt of gratitude."

"Is that... regarding that matter?"

"Regarding the marriage meeting."

My spine straightened reflexively—and Nagi took my hand.

"Souta-kun."

A warmth like sunlight illuminating the surface of water. The tension locked throughout my body eased, and I let out a small breath.

"...Thank you."

"You're very welcome, as always."

After relaxing my heart, I returned my gaze to Souichirou-san. His expression... had softened considerably compared to earlier. Next to him, Chie-san was smiling brightly, looking just like a certain someone.

"Canceling the marriage meeting on the day of. That was indeed a breach of etiquette....However, it is something that can be easily remedied."

"Hearing you say that helps a lot."

"You look rather worried for someone saying that."

"...I apologize."

"There is nothing for you to apologize for. I cannot say this too loudly, but let me share a little with you. As for how the whole affair turned out..."

Souichirou-san lowered the tone of his voice by a notch.

"In truth, no damages were incurred on my end."

"...Is that... true?"

"Yes. They were originally a competitor, not a client. In the first place, the purpose of this arranged marriage was to create a close male acquaintance for Nagi... the acquisition matter was secondary. The damages were negligible. Above all, considering Nagi's well-being, that damage is practically nonexistent."

Chie-san dropped her smile and nodded deeply and firmly beside him.

"No, there is no comparison to begin with. Between Nagi's happiness and everything else....Though that is not something I, who looked away from Nagi, have the right to preach. Let us set that aside for now."

"The Souichirou-san of today is different from the Souichirou-san back then."

"Yes....Indeed. The me of today is different from when I turned my eyes away from Nagi."

Souichirou-san offered a faint, somewhat awkward smile. He was probably not very accustomed to smiling like that.

"Let us return to the topic. Regarding the financial loss, it is virtually nonexistent....It seems the other party suffered some, but that too is trivial. From the moment the arranged marriage was brought up, trust in their representative had already fallen. Anyone could see he was mixing public and private affairs....I understand the sentiment, but he rushed the matter too much....He likely sensed that many suitors were requesting marriage meetings with Nagi. In fact, there were multiple marriage proposals from others aside from him."

"...That is news to me as well, Father."

"Back then, I was looking for a male close in age to Nagi. He merely happened to fit the criteria."

While Nagi nodded in understanding, she clamped her mouth shut upon seeing Souichirou-san wear an expression as if he had swallowed a bitter bug.

"In my assessment, whether you were involved or not, he would have disappeared eventually....The future of a leader who has lost the trust of his executives is short. If we speak of possibilities, there is no end to them, but the chance of him staging a comeback from here is exceedingly low. If he possessed true ambition, the story might have differed, but... this has dragged on a bit too long."

Clearing his throat once, Souichirou-san raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

"At any rate. There is not a single thing for you to worry about. Hold your head high."

His powerful voice struck my chest.

"Because you are the one who can make Nagi happier than anyone else."

"...Yes!"

Realizing that this was Souichirou-san's way of encouraging me, I raised my voice firmly.

"See? Didn't I tell you to leave it to your dad?"

Dad gave a thumbs-up.

Dad really is... far too dependable.

"Thank you, Dad."

"You're welcome."

Dad smiled warmly—and turned around.

"Well then. Now that I've shown off my dependable daddy side to my beloved son for the first time in a while, I suppose it's about time for us to head back."

"Eh, you're heading back already? I thought you were going to stay the night."

"That was the plan at first. But apparently, your father had piled up quite a bit of work. Since Souta will be coming home for the New Year holidays anyway, we decided to switch strategies and finish the work before then."

"...Dad, I used to think that was normal, but your company is pretty exploitative, isn't it?"

"The work environment and the salary aren't bad, you know! There's just a bit too much work... Whoops, we have our Shinkansen schedule to keep, too."

"...I am truly sorry for intruding on your precious family time."

"It's completely fine since it helped clear away one of my son's worries, Souichirou-san! Besides, during winter break, this father plans to enthusiastically dote on his son to no end! I'm already so excited I won't be able to sleep!"

"...Keep it in moderation, please."

Truly a quintessential Dad response. But going out with Dad a little bit during winter break might not be bad either.

"Well then, we're really cutting it close on time, so let's get going."

"Allow me to drive you. Souta-kun and Nagi should be able to have a little time to talk, as well."

"Thank you very much, Souichirou-san."

"I took up your time, so it's only natural... is what I would usually say, but between you two, this is the correct response, isn't it?"

Souichirou-san—unusually—smirked.

"You are very welcome."

Nagi's eyes widened into circles, and next to Souichirou-san, Dad wore a triumphant look as if saying, "Gotcha!" He probably heard about that from Dad.

...Dad really is incredible, I thought once more.

◆◆◆

Saturday, one week later. After Mom and Dad returned home, our daily routine resumed.

"~~♪"

Nagi hummed happily in a good mood as she chopped vegetables on the cutting board with rhythmic taps. I watched her from the side.

Clad in an apron, Nagi looked thoroughly domestic. Her hair was gathered into a single ponytail, swaying softly whenever she moved her body. As I stared absentmindedly, Nagi glanced over at me.

Our eyes met, and a gentle light filled her gaze. Nagi set down the kitchen knife, washed her hands, wiped them with a towel, and approached me.

"I felt like doing it. The first one, please."

Nagi's hand was softly placed on my chest. Just like that, she naturally stood on tiptoe—and pressed her soft lips against mine.

A sweet scent drifted gently, and her silky hair fluttered for a moment.

Her slightly cool hand captured my heartbeat, while her warmth transmitted through her lips.

Nagi's blue eyes stared intently into mine. Her eyes narrowed happily.

—However, that moment lasted only a few seconds. Reluctantly pulling her lips away, Nagi stepped down from her tiptoes.

"...Souta-kun, your heart is beating so fast."

"D-doing it out of nowhere is bad for my heart. Give me a little more time to prepare myself—"

Before I could finish, Nagi took my hand... and pressed it against the place where her own heartbeat could be felt. The soft shape yielded beneath my touch.

"N-Nagi... what are you—"

"My heart is beating fast too, you know?"

From deep beneath that soft texture, I could distinctly feel a rhythmic pulsing. However, I ended up feeling another aspect of it far too acutely...

"Nagi. This is, um. Not really a good idea..."

A place where a heartbeat could be felt. Naturally, that meant a spot close to her heart... Agonizing over the soft sensation transmitting to my hand, I looked at Nagi, only to find her smiling even as her face turned bright red.

"I-I... um, like feeling Souta-kun's heartbeat too. So we're even."

"E-even if you say we're even..."

"Or perhaps—"

Nagi subtly averted her gaze.

"—did you... dislike it?"

I involuntarily closed my eyes.

If I didn't, my head felt like it was going to burst.

I shook my head trying to banish worldly thoughts, but they refused to clear away easily.

"I-it's not that I dislike it....It's just that I won't be able to hold back."

When I managed to squeeze that out, Nagi finally released my hand. Then, with a slightly sulky face, she turned her head away.

"...You don't have to... hold back, though."

She murmured softly.

A slip of her usual polite tone—a line that sounded like her true inner thoughts leaking out.

My heart gave a massive thump, louder than anything I had ever felt before.

"What did you just—"

I started to ask, but hurriedly clamped my mouth shut. Nagi wore a blank, innocent look, seemingly unaware of what she had muttered.

—She didn't realize it. In that case, it was better not to mention it.

No, but, that just now was a little... no, extremely... Calm down. Calm down, me.

I placed a hand on my own chest. It was the same hand that had touched Nagi just moments ago... and I ended up overlapping the heartbeat I had felt from her with my own. My heart hammered like a rapid alarm bell.

Driven wild by the contrast, my roaring heart—showed no signs of settling down anytime soon.

◆◆◆

By the time we ate dinner, things had returned to normal. Nagi hadn't dropped her polite tone again, nor had there been any excessive physical contact.

I suppose returning to our usual rhythm without even realizing it was a good thing... probably. Though my face grew hot whenever I randomly remembered it.

"How is it?"

"Yeah, it's delicious. Truly."

Tonight's dinner consisted of simmered yellowtail with daikon radish, miso soup, and blanched spinach.

Everything was delicious. When I conveyed that clearly to Nagi, she smiled with immense joy.

"I'm so glad!"

And so, eating dinner together, we chatted about various things.

From conversations with friends to casual occurrences during classes. It was ordinary small talk, but we never ran out of topics.

We kept talking... and even after finishing our meal and clearing the dishes, our conversation continued. Probably for over an hour.

It was a gentle, heart-warming time.

Nagi checked the time, a slightly lonely expression crossing her face.

"Well then... I really want to stay the night today as well, but I also want to talk plenty with Papa and Mama, so I should be heading home soon."

"Yeah, got it....Nagi. May I ask two things before you go?"

"Yes? What is it?"

Stopping Nagi as she stood up... after a brief pause, I gazed into her deep, blue eyes that seemed to draw me in.

"What are you doing for Christmas, Nagi?...What do you want to do?"

"I will be with you, Souta-kun."

Without a moment's hesitation, Nagi replied. Smiling gently, she directed a tender gaze toward me.

"I want to be with you, Souta-kun."

"...I-I see."

Hit with such a direct response, I froze for a second.

Then, Nagi looked at me with a steady, serious expression.

"We haven't decided yet, but I would love to go somewhere."

"Yeah. It's Christmas, after all... Let's think about it. If there's anywhere you want to go, please let me know, Nagi."

"Understood."

There would probably be illuminations and events held in various places. I could look it up later... or asking Eiji might be a good idea. There was still plenty of time, so it should be fine.

"What was the other question?"

"Ah... what are you doing with the spare key I gave you the other day?"

When I asked, Nagi's ears twitched slightly.

"...Well, um. How should I put this..."

A bit awkwardly, Nagi continued explaining.

"Thinking that I mustn't lose it, I have been keeping it carefully stored inside a small box."

It was an unexpected answer. Understanding the full meaning behind those words, I ended up chuckling.

"I see... That's so like you, Nagi."

"I-I do understand, you know? That a key is meant to be used, not gazed at like a treasure... B-but, the thought of losing it terrified me."

Not just storing it, but gazing at it too, huh... No, that wasn't the point.

"In that case, you haven't bought a key case yet, right?"

"Ah... Come to think of it, you're right. I haven't bought one yet."

Probably because she had kept it at home the whole time. Relieved by her words, I opened my mouth.

"It's a little ahead of time, but... for a Christmas present, I was thinking of giving you a key case."

I had considered making it a surprise, but thinking that she might already have one... or that it might end up being something she wouldn't enjoy, I decided asking was better.

"Is that really alright?!"

"Y-yeah....That's the only thing that immediately came to mind, though. Is there anything else you'd like?"

Nagi leaned her face in close. Her interest was beyond what I had imagined. Wondering if she had any other requests, I asked, but she shook her head vigorously.

"N-no. Just receiving something from you makes me exceedingly happy, Souta-kun. Besides, I was just thinking that I wanted one. I'm so, so very happy..."

"I-is that so?"

Every single word tugged at my heartstrings. My rapidly pounding heartbeat... was probably obvious to Nagi by now.

As I thought that, Nagi lightly tugged at my clothes.

"Souta-kun... um, is there anything you want?"

"Me? As long as it's from you, Nagi, anything would make me happy, but..."

Was it better to name something specific at times like this? While I hesitated, Nagi let out a small breath of relief.

"I-I see. I had been thinking of various things just in case, so I will go with that. I hope you will look forward to it."

A bit surprised by her words... it turned out saying nothing had been the right choice. Well, the fact that I'd be happy with anything from her was my genuine feeling, though.

"I'll look forward to it."

"Yes!"

I was looking forward to a month from now.

After nodding firmly, Nagi stood up from the sofa.

"Well then. Honestly, I want to stay longer, but since I already contacted the driver, I should head home now."

"Yeah. Sorry for taking up your time."

"Not at all. I was eager to hear about Christmas soon as well."

Nagi smiled gently and began packing up to leave. That said, she hadn't taken out much luggage, so it was done in an instant.

"That should be everything. I haven't left anything behind either."

"Yeah, looks like you're good. If there's anything, I'll bring it over at the start of next week."

"Yes, thank you very much."

Holding her bag, Nagi squeezed my hand tightly.

"...Thinking that we have to part ways soon made me feel a little lonely."

"We'll see each other again soon. I understand how you feel, though."

Whenever Nagi left, this room felt remarkably lonely....I've changed too, being with Nagi. When I was alone, I never thought about things like this.

Just like that, I slowly walked to the entryway with Nagi.

After she put on her shoes and opened the door, a cold wind blew inside. Nagi squeezed my hand even tighter. Her warmth flowed through our joined hands into my body, and into my heart.

"You'll catch a cold, so seeing me off here is plenty."

"Alright."

Her warm hand gently slipped away. Looking at me, Nagi smiled brightly.

"Souta-kun."

Nagi called my name. Then, she looked up slightly and leaned her face forward.

"The second one, please... from you, Souta-kun."

—The second one. I wasn't so dense that I didn't understand what that meant.

"...Alright."

Gently, I tucked her bangs behind her ear. Tickled, Nagi let the corners of her mouth relax slightly.

Nagi was exceedingly beautiful.

Her pure white skin, and her hair that was as white as snow, held an ethereal quality.

Though her eyes were closed right now, her blue irises possessed a quiet, captivating charm like the depths of the ocean.

Each of her features held a beauty that looked hand-crafted by God... and when combined, they formed a mysterious, enchanting allure.

...Of course, that wasn't Nagi's only charm.

"Mmh."

When I gently placed my palm against her cheek, a small sound leaked from her lips. As I stroked her cheek tenderly, she smiled comfortably.

However, I couldn't keep stalling forever. Swallowing the dry saliva brought on by tension, I took a deep breath in my heart.

Then, I moved my hand and brought my face close. A sweet scent gently tickled my nose.

She was always by my side, and yet... I couldn't get used to it. I felt like I never would. Would the day ever come when I got used to this?...As feelings of wanting to get used to it and being slightly afraid of what would happen when I did swirled together, I forgot all about them in an instant.

Because my lips touched those soft, fresh lips of hers.

The sweet aroma pierced my mind, numbing me as if struck by lightning. The tension from moments ago vanished completely.

Nagi's arms wrapped around my back, holding me tightly.

It wasn't a long time by any means. Not knowing if it was okay to breathe, and with it not being a deep kiss... the kiss broke in less than ten seconds.

"..."

Her eyes held a molten sweetness as she stared at me. I didn't want to look away. I felt like I wanted to keep gazing at her forever.

However, deep within those eyes—I caught a glimpse of something faintly dark.

"I really do love kissing. I love the feeling of all our emotions being communicated to each other. But I wondered how you felt, Souta-kun, and became just a little anxious."

"I feel the same way, Nagi."

Placing my hand on her head as gently as possible, I stroked her hair. So that I could brush away that anxiety.

"I also... well. I love everything I do with you, Nagi. Holding hands, stroking your head like this... Touching you makes my heart race, but it also puts me at ease. The same goes for kissing."

Ah, jeez, my face was burning up. But I hated the thought of Nagi feeling anxious... so I had to tell her.

"My heart pounds, yet I feel so safe. I keep wondering if I'll ever get used to it, but that doesn't happen at all. On the contrary, every time we do it, my feelings swell even more... and my love for you feels like it's about to overflow."

Laying my feelings bare caused Nagi to step back gently—and press a hand to her own chest.

"...Just how much..."

Words spilled from those eye-catching lips.

"Just how much more do you intend to make me fall in love with you, Souta-kun?"

A soft murmur. It seemed she hadn't intended to say it out loud—a few seconds later, Nagi wore a startled expression and covered her face with her hands.

"Th-thank you very much, Souta-kun. But if we go any further, various things will... reach their limit, so I will really head home this time."

"A-ah, yeah."

Nagi spun around and began walking briskly away. In the meantime, I caught my breath.

"See you the day after tomorrow, Nagi."

When I said that, Nagi stopped in front of the elevator and looked back.

"I will be looking forward to the day after tomorrow, Souta-kun."

At the same time as those words, the elevator doors opened, and Nagi stepped inside while giving a small wave.

I waved back... and upon confirming that Nagi had entered, let out a long breath. Then, I leaned my back against the door.

"...That last part was a bit unfair, I think."

Remembering the words she had murmured, heat rose to my face.

"I hope Christmas comes quickly."

The cold wind brushing against my cheeks felt rather pleasant right now.

◆◆◆

"Yo, that's rare. Are you reading a book?"

"Ah, Eiji. Lately, even though tests are coming up, I haven't been able to focus much on studying. I borrowed this from Nagi to read as a break."

"Huh? That's even rarer... Hm? What happened to your hand?"

"Ah, this? I'm clumsy, you know. Got a little injured."

Prompted by Eiji, I rubbed the hand covered with bandages....As expected of Eiji, very sharp.

"Did you take up sewing or something?"

"Not quite, but somewhat related."

"Somewhat related, huh. Is that a break too?"

"Pretty much."

Smiling wryly at Eiji's words, I slipped in a bookmark and closed the book.

"...Somehow, I just haven't been able to concentrate lately."

"Oho? Does that have something to do with your girlfriend?"

Eiji asked back with a smirk. I considered punching him once, but felt like he'd just enjoy it, so I refrained.

"...Eiji."

"Hm?"

At this point, I had no choice but to ask. Even though it was insanely embarrassing.

Steeling my resolve, I continued.

"Well, how should I put it... Do you ever have times when someone just won't leave your head?"

"Oho? Your beloved girlfriend won't leave your head, is it?"

"Don't rephrase it."

Hit right on the mark, my face grew hotter and hotter, and I hung my head to hide it.

"Sigh..."

"My bad, my bad. But of course I've experienced that too, you know?"

"You have?"

"What do you take me for? For about a month after we started dating, I didn't hear a single word during class."

"That much?"

"Hell yeah. Maybe it was because Kirika and I were in the same classroom, though. I lost count of how many times the teachers scolded me."

Eiji laughed heartily. It was very typical of him, but...

"By the way, is there a solution?"

"Nope."

"There isn't...?"

"Yeah. Just give up."

A clean, decisive cut....I knew it wasn't something that could be fixed immediately, though.

"Well, don't worry too much about it. Eventually, humans get used to it... Ah, probably."

"...I wish you had at least sounded certain."

"You'll probably stay like that for a while longer. Hang in there."

While my cheek twitched as Eiji slapped my shoulder repeatedly, I vented the heat accumulated in my face with a sigh.

"And also—"

"Hm, what is it?"

"—No, never mind."

There was one more thing that bothered me about Nagi... but this wasn't something I should consult Eiji about.

"If anything comes up, let me know."

"Yeah. But I'll be fine....This time, it's something I have to handle myself."

Reflecting on Nagi's actions up until now, I pondered.

As I thought—that method was the only way.

◆◇◆

"What's up? I always had the impression you were prepping and reviewing whenever you came to school."

"Hayama-san... No, well, you see."

While reading a book at school, I was approached by Hayama-san, who arrived after me.

"Hm? Don't tell me... you're so overflowing with happiness that you can't focus on studying for tests?"

"Y-you catch on fast... No. Well, I know it's not a good thing, but..."

Hearing my words, Hayama-san made a puzzled face.

"Not good? Isn't it a great thing? Being happy, I mean."

"N-no, well. But when it prevents me from focusing on other things..."

"But right now, you're happy, right?"

Hayama-san gave a bright, sunny grin....I meekly nodded.

It was a little embarrassing, but the fact that I was happy remained true.

"Then it's totally fine! Life seems long, but it's actually short, so you've gotta enjoy the present first and foremost."

"...You sound remarkably philosophical."

"Ahaha. Setting myself aside, I've listened to a lot of people's life consultations, you know?...That's why when I see a girl who consulted me looking so happy, it makes me happy too."

Saying that, Hayama-san smiled with genuine delight.

"Not thinking about the consequences at all is bad, I agree. But thinking too far ahead and suffocating yourself is just as bad."

"That's why," Hayama-san said as she reached out—and squished my cheeks playfully.

"Nagi-chan, you just need to savor your current happiness and give a big, wide grin!"

"I-I'm sh-shmiling..."

"Yup, smiling... Wait, does your boyfriend get jealous if you smile at others? Still, that's way better than making such a brooding face. If you do that, you'll definitely get better at switching gears, too."

Hayama-san beamed brightly as an example. Involuntarily, a smile spilled from my lips.

"Thank you very much, Hayama-san."

"You're very welcome... is what I should say, right?"

"Yes! Hehe."

Thanks to Hayama-san, I felt a little lighter.

As we exchanged those words, a question suddenly popped into my head.

"Come to think of it, do you have a boyfriend, Hayama-san?"

"Me? Nope, I don't."

That response was very surprising.

Hayama-san was very pretty. She took great care of her skin and hair, and her hair was a beautiful golden color. Her skin had not a single blemish or dullness. Her skincare was flawless. Her figure was well-developed, standing a cut above the other students.

Unintentionally, I found myself staring at her face and body, and noticing this, Hayama-san gave a wry smile.

"I-I'm sorry."

"Nah, it's fine, you know? We're both girls. There are various reasons why I don't get a boyfriend, though."

I was a little curious about those reasons. While I hesitated over whether it was alright to ask, Hayama-san continued for me.

"It's not like there's any grandiose reason. I just haven't found a good guy, is all. Well, I admit my standards are high, though."

"...I see. Has there never been anyone you thought was nice up until now?"

"Well, there are a few, you know? For example—"

Hayama-san looked at me and gave a mischievous grin.

"—Minori-kun, maybe?"

"...!"

At the unexpected name, I gasped. Before I knew it, I had stood up.

"Y-you can't...! S-Souta-kun is off-limits!"

Even though I knew it was a joke, I ended up saying that.

"Ahaha, I know, so relax. I don't know anyone as devoted to Nagi-chan as he is. He's just a good guy, it's not like I have feelings for him."

I thought I was being teased... but she also looked somewhat serious. Noticing my gaze, Hayama-san smirked.

"It's my honest opinion, though. Someone that mature... or rather, among our peers, there's no one who can care for others that much while still considering themselves. Most people swing entirely to one extreme or the other. To be honest, it's a mystery to me why he didn't already have a girlfriend."

"That is... true. I've wondered about that myself."

However, I had heard the answer to that when looking at his photo album.

"Souta-kun treats everyone with utter sincerity....However, it seems there were no opportunities for him to showcase that in the past."

"I see... Come to think of it, his social circle is pretty small, right?"

"Yes. I was shown his photo album, and he had always been on his own since long ago... No. Apparently, he was fast on his feet, so he mentioned being popular right after sports days. Though it seems that never led to making friends."

It was a bit puzzling. If people had the chance to talk with Souta-kun, it shouldn't have been strange for them to realize his charm.

"Ah. Individual differences aside, elementary schoolers tend to flock to people who tell funny stories, after all. Not that Minori-kun's conversations are boring or anything, of course."

"...I can't quite imagine it."

"Well, isn't it fine? The one who noticed Minori-kun's charm the earliest was you, Nagi-chan."

...Indeed, that was true.

At the same time as I nodded, my cheeks relaxed slightly.

Because I had reaffirmed that such a—such a wonderful boy was my boyfriend, and my fiancé.

"...Hehe."

"Oho? Thinking about your beloved boyfriend again, are we?"

"Yes....I am truly glad."

To have met him. To have met Souta-kun.

To have become close.

That the one who saved me was him.

From the bottom of my heart, I felt blessed.

That is why... this time, it was my turn.

"I will definitely make him happy. No matter what happens."

Softly... I murmured so that no one could hear.

"Hm? What did you say?"

"No, it was nothing."

Shaking my head, I smiled back at Hayama-san.

"Hayama-san. If you ever find a boy you're interested in and have worries, please come consult me, okay?"

"Oh, look at you talking big! When that happens, I'll consult you a whole bunch!"

"Yes!"

And so, Hayama-san laughed.

...Ah. I'm so glad Hayama-san is my friend.

I thought that from the bottom of my heart.

◆◆◆

The final exams ended, and the results were returned.

To show each other our results just like before, Nagi had come over to my apartment that day.

Nagi and I sat side by side on the sofa, just like that other time.

"...Shall we show each other on the count of three, then?"

"Alright."

A faint sense of tension drifted in the air. I heard the sound of dry saliva being swallowed, but couldn't tell if it came from me or Nagi.

"Here we go, then."

Nagi took out a sheet of paper from a clear file.

"One, two, three!"

The papers shown to each other read—

8th / out of 280 students

5th / out of 320 students

—High. However, considering we had both taken 1st place last time, our ranks had dropped slightly. In particular, my rank and score had dropped more than Nagi's.

"...Your score dropped a bit too, Souta-kun."

"It's supposed to be high, though. I'd like to say I just got lucky last time... but it's rare for you to drop rank, Nagi."

"...That is true."

A faint shadow crossed her blue eyes. Soon, ripples formed within them, and she abruptly looked away.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing."

"...Is it something you can't tell me?"

"Phrasing it like that is unfair, Souta-kun."

Nagi puffed her cheeks slightly. It was true that asking it that way was unfair.

"...What do you think of this result, Souta-kun?"

"Let's see. It's not bad, and I think it's on the good side....However, if asked whether it was my best, I couldn't honestly say yes."

"I feel the same....No. In my case, compared to my past results, it could be considered poor. Whether looking at my rank or my score."

Her blue eyes turned toward me for a split second, only to look away immediately. Like a child who had done something bad.

"One more question. What do you think was the cause of your drop this time?"

"...Well."

Prompted by Nagi, I pondered. No, I pretended to ponder. I already knew the cause.

"My mind was wandering. I tried to brace myself... but I couldn't."

"...I see."

"Nagi?"

Her voice grew quiet, and her expression twisted pained for a moment. Worried, I called out to her, but she shook her head.

"It is nothing."

"If that's your true feeling, I won't press further....But if that's a lie, I'll be terribly sad."

"...You really are unfair, Souta-kun."

"Sorry for being an unfair guy."

"I love that part of you, Souta-kun....And because I love you so much, it's painful."

Nagi gave a feeble smile and clenched her fists tightly.

"Nagi."

Gently taking her hand, I used my other hand to slowly open her fingers. Then, I squeezed tightly, intertwining our fingers.

"If there's something painful, I want you to let me share the burden."

"...You haven't done anything wrong at all, Souta-kun."

Prefacing with that, she began to speak.

"I have dreams."

Her eyes were hollow, staring into the distance. She was likely recalling those moments.

"Dreams of that day. The day I betrayed you, Souta-kun. Dreams of a shameless woman who, despite betraying you, stole your lips just to linger in your memories."

Nagi closed her eyes. The grip on my hand was tight, turning her already pale skin completely white.

"The more I think about it, the more terrible I was back then. Even though there was a misunderstanding, I weighed my parents against you, Souta-kun, and chose my parents. Without telling you, I prioritized myself. And immediately after betraying you, I kissed you....I am a despicable woman."

"That's not—"

"I am merely listing the facts, Souta-kun. Regardless of the reason, killing someone is wrong. It is the exact same thing."

"...I think that's far too extreme."

"Perhaps so. But it is certain that there were other ways to handle it. If only I had told my parents about you sooner. If only I had refused the marriage meeting. If only I had spoken to you... or even if not you, to Hayama-san earlier, the worst... no, the step just before the worst could have been prevented."

A laugh spilled from the corner of Nagi's lips. It was a self-derisive laugh.

"Even so, I decided that I would become a woman worthy of you, Souta-kun....Yet despite making that resolve, I have done nothing but cause you trouble. After all, the reason you fell ill afterward was entirely because of what happened then."

I wanted to deny it. However, just as the doctor had said that day, mental fatigue had indeed been a factor.

"I mentioned having dreams earlier. But I don't have them every day. On days when a certain condition is met, I don't see them."

"...What is that condition?"

"When I sleep together with you, Souta-kun."

Finally, her eyes turned toward me. They held a murky color, like an ocean stirred up by rain.

"In the end, I haven't changed at all since that day."

"Let me say one thing. That's not true."

I had intended to listen until the end, but unable to hold back, I cut in.

"You've changed, Nagi. The fact that you're telling me right now is proof of that."

The old Nagi might not have shared this with me. And above all...

"If that keeps the bad dreams away, you can come over to my place whenever you want. Or I can go to yours."

"...That is... not okay. I would only be troubling you even more than I already am, Souta-kun."

"Troubling me?"

When I tilted my head in confusion, Nagi blinked slowly as if hesitating to speak. But she didn't choose to remain silent.

"Because of me, you fell ill, Souta-kun. Neither of us could focus on our studies... we grew lax, and failed to do what needed to be done."

Her hand reached out softly, gently stroking my cheek.

"To Papa and Mama. To your father and mother, Souta-kun. Despite promising that I would make you happy... this is the result. It has manifested as concrete numbers, after all..."

"Nagi."

When I called her name, her shoulders twitched. A hint of fear mingled in her eyes. But I knew she wasn't afraid of me.

When I held out both hands, confusion mixed into those blue irises, jumbling their beautiful colors.

I took her pure white cheeks into both of my hands, cupping them gently.

"Nmph."

"Nagi. I'm a little bit angry. In the first place, what you give family isn't trouble, it's worry, right?"

The texture against my palms was soft and warm.

"And yet... I ended up making you shoulder everything all over again, didn't I?"

"N-no! You haven't done anything wrong, Souta-kun—"

"In that case, you haven't done anything wrong either, Nagi."

Nagi placed both of her hands over mine. But she didn't pull them away.

"Then let's just say both of us were a little bit at fault. I didn't consult you at all this time either. Compared to the midterms, I hardly studied at all, after all."

"...Still."

"If there's something you want to say, I want you to say it all. If you blame yourself unnecessarily, I have my own thoughts on the matter, but otherwise, I'll listen properly."

"You're being mean, Souta-kun."

"Yeah. I think I'm being mean too. That's just how much I love you, Nagi."

"...Good grief. Just how cool do you plan on becoming, Souta-kun?"

Nagi's hands left mine, and just as I had done, she cupped my cheeks with her hands.

Then—her face drew close all at once.

"If you say things like that... I won't be able to suppress how much I love you."

Before I could even breathe, our lips met.

It was only for an instant. And yet... my mind instantly boiled over, flooded with bliss.

The remnants of that soft texture lingered on my lips. Just as I thought I could finally breathe, my lungs filled with her sweet scent.

"That was... my payback."

Saying that—Nagi wrapped her arms around my back and hugged me tightly.

"I'm sorr... No. Thank you very much, Souta-kun. Let's do our best on the third term finals, okay? I'll teach you plenty of study material again."

"You're welcome. Starting regular study sessions after the New Year sounds like a good idea too."

I wrapped my arms around her back and patted her gently.

Her anxiety seemed to have vanished, but...

Dreams, huh.

I thought time would resolve it eventually. But until then, Nagi would continue to suffer.

"..."

Nagi was still trapped by that day. Glimpses of it showed from time to time....What could set Nagi free?

There was one thing I had been considering for a while. But doing this... might be cruel to Nagi. Was it alright to use this method?

While I was deliberating, Nagi poked my back repeatedly.

"Souta-kun, may I ask one thing?"

"What is it?"

"Actually, there is something I've been thinking about....I originally intended to ask for it as a reward if my test results were good, but..."

"Sure. Anything is fine."

Come to think of it, we talked about this during the midterms too. Although our ranks dropped this time, they were still definitely high.

"I will say this beforehand. If you don't like the idea, please tell me you don't like it."

"Got it."

Since she was hugging me, I couldn't see her face. However, just hearing her voice told me it was a serious topic.

"With me..."

Her words caught, stopping right there. Her embrace tightened even further.

The heavy thumping of her heart beat directly against my body. After several dozen seconds, Nagi swallowed hard.

"Would you go to that amusement park with me once more?"

"...!"

"I know. That for you, Souta-kun... it remains as an unpleasant memory. But, um... I'm sorry, let me calm down for a moment."

Nagi paused, catching her shallow breath. I loosened my embrace slightly, letting our heartbeats align. So that she could feel at ease.

"Take your time, Nagi. Besides... I was hesitating over whether to suggest that myself."

"Is that... true?"

"Yeah. For the record, my thought was that we could overwrite your memories that way."

When I said that, Nagi let out a trembling breath.

"We were thinking the same thing. I wanted to overwrite your memories as well, Souta-kun."

"Mine?"

"Yes."

I had assumed it was to overcome Nagi's trauma. Being told it was for my memories... didn't quite click, so I quietly waited for her to continue.

"I was worried that at this rate, you would continue to harbor unpleasant memories of the amusement park, Souta-kun."

A voice like the soft ringing of a bell brushed past my ear. Neither denying nor affirming it, I simply listened.

"I want to go to the amusement park with you again, Souta-kun. In the future... when we, um, have children, we will likely go there as well. A-at that time, I don't want you to be unable to smile, Souta-kun."

"Th-that feels like a topic for the far distant future, though."

"Still, I thought there was no harm in taking care of these things early."

"...I suppose you're right. Yeah."

I didn't know for sure myself.

I wanted to say I was fine... but I could still vividly recall what happened that day.

"I agree with the idea. I thought that if we redid it... you might stop having those dreams, Nagi."

"I see. Now that you mention it, that possibility seems very high."

Nagi relaxed her grip, so I eased mine as well, releasing the hug.

Her blue eyes stared straight at me. While looking like her usual eyes, a slight trace of bewilderment still lingered.

"Then, let us go to the amusement park... in the near future."

"Yeah. Nagi, I have a request too."

"What is it?"

"Why don't we go on Christmas?"

Nagi's eyes widened—and she smiled brightly, just as she always did.

"Let's definitely go. On Christmas."

"Thank you. Then let's make this our mutual reward."

"Shall we?"

Yeah. That was her usual smile. For now, she should be fine.

"It's about that time, so I'll go prepare dinner. Tonight's plan is simmered fish."

"Oh, simmered fish. I'm looking forward to it."

"Please look forward to it. And also..."

Heading toward the kitchen, Nagi turned around once.

"I want to stay over tonight. Please be prepared for that."

"...Understood."

I nodded at Nagi's words. Having heard about the dreams, that was probably for the best right now.

And that night, as expected, Nagi apparently didn't dream of that day.

◆◇◆

"Hm, me? I'm planning to flirt around with Eiji all day long, though. Huh? Eiji said he heard from Minorin that you guys already decided on a place, though?"

After school, behind the gymnasium where hardly anyone passed by, I was on a phone call with Nishizawa-san.

When I asked, "What are you doing for Christmas?" Nishizawa-san answered like that.

"Ah, no. I wasn't asking for advice about the location, you see... um. If it's alright, I wanted to ask about presents to give to a boyfriend."

The previous question was merely an introduction. This was what I truly wanted to ask.

"Hm? Presents? For now, I'm thinking of earrings and a piercing gun, maybe."

"Earrings... is it?"

"Yup. That Eiji guy has been saying he wants to wear earrings for a while now, but he's scared of piercing the hole himself, you know? Since we're doing this, I want him to wear ones I gave him, right? So I thought it'd be just right."

"I see."

Placing a hand on my chin, I casually gazed up at the sky. A few pure white clouds floated in the blue expanse.

"Is Nagirin agonizing over it?"

"No, I have decided on what to give... but thinking about it now, um. I wondered if it might be a bit too heavy, perhaps."

"Oho? What are you giving him?"

Hesitating slightly, I realized nothing would start unless I spoke up.

I told Nishizawa-san what I intended to give him.

"Huh? Isn't that great? There's nothing to worry about at all, right?"

"I-is that so? When I asked Hayama-san earlier, she said the same thing, but..."

"Yeah, I think there's zero problem. I mean, he'll be super thrilled, won't he? Honestly, even if you gave him a ring, wouldn't he be happy?"

"A-a ring?!"

I ended up shouting in surprise. Quickly covering my mouth with my hand, I gave a small cough.

"E-excuse me."

"It's fine, it's fine....Still, though. Isn't that totally an option? There are engagement rings and all, after all."

"That is... th-there isn't enough time. The money issue... Mother would likely resolve, but that's not the point. Besides, I would need to measure Souta-kun's finger size as well."

"Whoa... Realistically speaking, that really wouldn't work out yet."

However... it wasn't a bad idea at all. It was impossible right now, but I'd like to give him one someday.

"Even if I were to give him something else, I don't know if Souta-kun wants accessories to begin with."

"Hmm. I feel like he'd be happy with that too, though. But isn't your original idea totally fine? He'll definitely be happier with that, for sure."

"I... see....I will do that. Besides, there is one more thing that just came to mind. I will prepare that as well."

"Oh, nice, nice! Enjoy the worrying part too, okay? In things like this, the one who enjoys everything is the ultimate winner!"

Remembering that Hayama-san had said something similar just recently, a smile spilled from my lips.

I was glad I spoke with Nishizawa-san. Rather than thinking alone, talking to someone brought good ideas to mind.

...Yes, it should be a good idea.

"Thank you very much. With this, I feel I can present it to Souta-kun properly."

"Yeah, you're welcome, you're welcome. We're gonna have a blast too, so you guys have fun as well, Nagirin."

"Yes! Well then..."

Just as I was about to hang up—my finger froze right before tapping the screen at Nishizawa-san's words.

"Yup....Ah, can I ask just one more thing?"

"What is it?"

"Sorry, sorry. There was one thing I was curious about. Where are you going for your Christmas date?"

"...The amusement park."

"The amusement park?! That's... wait, oh, I see. Is that how it is?"

"...Yes. I'm dragging it along a little."

"Makes sense."

Even though she couldn't see me on the other end, I nodded out of habit. I was... dragging along the memory of that day.

I had to drag it along. I mustn't forget that day. That was what I had thought, and yet—

"Well then, have fun on your redo date."

"Yes. I will go redo it."

On this date, I will absolutely not make Souta-kun sad. We have to become able to look forward together.

Engraving that in my heart, I ended my call with Nishizawa-san.

◆◇◆

"Hair... looks fine. Clothes are good too."

I carefully checked the mirror for bedhead. While I still didn't understand fashion very well, I shouldn't be dressed strangely.

"The time should be plenty fine too. Naturally."

The meeting was set for nine o'clock at the usual spot. The current time was seven. There was still plenty of leeway—or so it should be.

"...Usually, she'd probably be there even if I went right now. But we made a promise yesterday, after all."

'Tomorrow... or rather, from now on, let's meet up strictly on time. It is winter now. If one of us arrives early and the other waits, getting cold and catching a cold would be terrible, after all.'

—She had said. Completely reasonable.

However, having extra time was convenient. Since my heart was restless, I decided to look up things to avoid on a date using my phone.

"...Though even looking at it, most of it is just common sense."

I didn't want Nagi to dislike me. That's why, whenever we met, I naturally became attentive to whether my words or actions caused her discomfort. I usually took care not to hurt others, but with Nagi, I was even more thorough.

Within reason without straining myself, of course. If it resulted in me being unable to show my true self, it would be completely pointless.

If I was thinking about the future, staying as natural as possible was definitely better.

Putting on a facade was easy. Never showing my uncool sides to Nagi... would require extreme care, but I could probably do it.

However—eventually, a limit would come.

Small cracks eventually destroy a vessel. And a broken vessel is difficult to repair. It would take time as well.

The longer one endures, the greater the damage when it breaks.

"...In the beginning, did I tell Nagi something similar?"

Constantly deceiving oneself... running endlessly leads to exhaustion. If too much fatigue accumulates and you can no longer run, it takes a long time before you can start running again... was it?

Recalling those nostalgic memories, my cheeks naturally relaxed.

Back then, Nagi felt like she kept a step back compared to now. Though once we started getting along, her sense of personal distance began to go haywire.

That's just how significant—the presence of her first friend was to her.

"...I'm glad it was me."

If someone other than me had been by Nagi's side.

Just imagining that made a dark emotion swell from within, so I exhaled to suppress it.

"It felt long, but it could also be seen as short, huh."

Three months since then. For a boy and a girl dating, it could be called a short period or a long period. In the end, it varied from person to person.

"Immersing myself too deeply in thoughts isn't good either."

Concluding that even close friends require courtesy, but one shouldn't overexert themselves, I reset my train of thought.

Regardless, I had time.

Rechecking today's schedule, looking around the room lightly to confirm no cleaning was needed.

I left the apartment to arrive at the meeting spot at exactly nine o'clock.

◆◆◆

Rumbling and swaying inside the train. I gazed outside.

It was cloudy outside. The forecast said it might snow.

When I sent, 'I'll arrive soon,' Nagi replied with, 'I will arrive soon as well.'

The moment the train arrived at the station—a figure approaching the platform caught my eye.

The train stopped, and the doors opened.

"Good morning, Souta-kun."

"Yeah. Good morning, Nagi."

Nagi boarded the train. Moving slightly away from the entrance, I looked at Nagi once more.

A white sweatshirt beneath a down coat. And she wore a thick blue skirt.

Inside the train was significantly warmer than outside. Nagi took off her fluffy earmuffs.

"Phew. It's chilly today."

"Yeah. The forecast said it might snow tonight."

When our eyes met, a gentle light dwelled within her blue irises.

"You've started checking the weather forecast, haven't you?"

"I learned my lesson, after all."

"Hehe."

Shinonome laughed delightfully. Her gaze shifted downward from my eyes to my clothes.

"It suits you very well. You look wonderful."

"You too, Nagi... um, look cute. An outfit that brings out your cuteness, I mean."

"Thank you very much."

At the same time Nagi offered a warm smile, our surroundings grew slightly noisy.

Wondering what was going on, I glanced over... only to see men crying out in pain as their presumed girlfriends pulled their cheeks or pinched their arms.

"...? What could be the matter?"

"I don't think you need to worry about it."

They had probably been captivated by Nagi's cuteness. Even without bias, Nagi was undeniably cute and beautiful, so it couldn't be helped in a way.

Setting that aside, I had my own feelings on the matter.

To reduce the gazes directed at Nagi, I moved to act as a wall for her.

◆◆◆

"The train was warm, so it feels even colder now....Are you alright, Nagi?"

"Yes. I brought hand warmers, after all."

Stepping off the train and exiting the station, I asked, and Nagi took a hand warmer out of her pocket to show me.

Thinking we were good to go, I started walking, only for my sleeve to be tugged lightly.

"S-Souta-kun. Your hands are cold, aren't they?"

"Hm? Ah... well, yeah."

"I-in that case. Let's hold hands!"

Nagi's cheeks were dyed faintly red, and she subtly looked away.

"...M-more than anything, it makes me happy. What do you think?"

Saying that with downcast eyes, Nagi kneaded the hand warmer with both hands.

Before I knew it, I had taken that hand. Nagi showed a slightly surprised face, letting out a soft chuckle.

Putting the hand warmer into her pocket, Nagi wrapped both of her hands around mine. It was very warm.

"...Once it gets this warm, the heat shouldn't escape easily even after we hold hands, after all."

Saying that, Nagi let go with one hand and layered the other over mine.

"Souta-kun, has the injury on your hand not healed yet? I heard you pricked yourself with a needle during home economics class."

"A-ah, yeah. It's fine. It's almost healed. There's no pain either. I could have taken the bandage off, honestly."

"I'm glad to hear that. But bacteria might enter, so keeping the bandage on is the right choice, I think."

When Nagi adjusted the position of our palms, our hands met flush against each other. Even as we did... I felt relieved that she hadn't found out.

"Your hands really are large, Souta-kun."

"...It's pretty average among guys, I think."

"Is that so?"

Nagi asked... and smiled gently.

"But that doesn't matter much to me....The only men's hands I need to know are Father's and yours, Souta-kun."

Nagi's fingers slid, slipping between mine.

"Now, shall we go, Souta-kun?...Souta-kun?"

Just like that, Nagi tried to start walking while holding hands—what people called intertwining fingers.

However, I couldn't move.

"...That just now was unfair, I think."

My face grew hot, and when I involuntarily looked away from Nagi, she squeezed my hand tightly as if understanding.

Even though the winter wind was freezing, my cheeks were burning hot enough to rival the hand warmers.

◆◆◆

"...! Souta-kun, it seems the maze has been renovated!"

"Isn't that great? Looks like various other things have Christmas themes too."

While waiting in line at the entrance gate, the two of us looked through the pamphlet together.

Since Nagi seemed to have particularly liked the maze, hearing that it was updated made me happy as well.

However, Nagi looked at me as if suddenly realizing something.

"...Ah. Th-this time, I won't think alone, I'll properly challenge it together with you, Souta-kun!"

"You don't need to worry about that. I never get tired of watching your serious expression, Nagi."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. Your serious expression is cool... and the gap from your usual self is amazing, after all."

When I explained that to Nagi, who had question marks floating above her head, she said, "In that case," and brought her face close.

"That makes it even more impossible for me to clear it alone, doesn't it?...Because I want to see your cool side too, Souta-kun."

Right in front of me was Nagi's beautiful face, smiling slightly mischievously.

"Hehe. I'll be looking forward to it, okay?"

"...I can't say I'm good at it, but I'll try my best."

"Yes!"

Brimming with excitement, Nagi looked thoroughly delighted.

—It was distinctly different from when we came before. A pure desire to enjoy herself radiated from her.

I had been a little anxious. But that anxiety seemed to have been unfounded. If she still held any lingering dread, I had intended to head over there first, but...

Watching Nagi made me smile as well. First, the maze. I wonder which attraction we should enjoy next.

◆◆◆

Without delay, we challenged the maze.

"This one was a dud, wasn't it?"

"Compared to before, the difficulty has gone up considerably."

In addition to the maze, quiz and riddle-solving elements were mixed in. It didn't require much trivia, but demanded flexible thinking... While I wasn't very familiar with them, it felt close to an escape game.

Looking at the sheet containing the map and questions, Nagi hummed in thought. Since both hands were occupied, her usual habit of resting a hand on her chin wasn't visible, but her expression was utter seriousness itself.

Nagi's mouth opened slightly, and her eyes went wide.

"...Ah! I figured it out! It's at the ♠ location!"

Saying that, Nagi took my hand and began walking.

Nagi, purely enjoying herself like a child, was delightful to watch.

While my heart hammered rapidly at the soft touch of her hand, I ignored it and followed Nagi.

Returning to the original room, Nagi peered into the ♠ room.

"Presumably this shelf. At the very bottom, second from the right... there it is."

Crouching down, Nagi peeled something off with a snap. It was a small key.

"We did it, we did it, Souta-kun!"

"Yeah. You're amazing, Nagi."

I couldn't help but smile too.

Reaching out toward her hair that was as smooth as pure white snow, I stroked it gently, and she narrowed her eyes happily.

"Ehehe."

I usually wouldn't do this outside, but since there were no eyes on us here, it should be fine.

...Wait. Could we be watched on camera right now?

Inside a building, it was necessary for security reasons, after all.

When I reflexively stopped my hand, Nagi looked at me with slight reluctance. However, she obediently stepped back.

"I'll do my best on the next one too!...Ah, let's solve it together next time. Because I want to pat your head too, Souta-kun!"

"N-no, well. I'm fine, really."

"...Do you dislike it?"

"It's not that I dislike it, but... well."

I hesitated over whether to tell her. However, those sparkling eyes were staring intently at me.

I let out a tiny, truly tiny sigh.

"Alright. When that time comes... I'll count on you."

"Yes! Of course!"

Today, I wanted to make plenty of fun memories with Nagi.

Watching Nagi nod with a bright smile, we moved on to the next area....Hoping that nobody was watching us on the cameras.

◆◆◆

"I-is this... alright? I feel like I'm receiving more stares than usual."

Pure white cat ears popped out from the top of Nagi's head. I almost reached out toward them instinctively, but held back.

Apparently, the maze had a clear reward. We only realized after clearing it, but thinking we might as well take what was offered, we accepted it....Cat ear headbands.

"Quite a few people are wearing them, so it's fine. Um, they're cute, too."

"...! I-is that so?"

Even calling it a clear reward, they were the same type of headbands sold at the souvenir shop. While the color variation differed from the store items, looking at it alone, it wasn't overly conspicuous.

Perhaps because it was Christmas, not a few people around us were wearing them. Couples, of course, and even friendly parents and children wore them.

When Nagi wore it, it stood out, but she stood out originally, so I felt it fell within the margin of error.

"E-ehehe. I'm glad then. Now, you too, Souta-kun."

"I'm fine without it, really."

The only problem was...

There were two of these headbands.

"W-why?"

"What do you mean why... It wouldn't suit me."

Nagi asked in confusion, but I shook my head.

If it were someone beautiful like Nagi who also possessed cuteness, that would be one thing. In the first place, the demand for a guy in a cat ear headband was far too low.

"Th-that's not true! It will suit you! Absolutely!"

Nagi said that while thrusting the headband forward with both hands. Her face was faintly red, looking somewhat desperate.

"N-no. But..."

"I will be the judge of whether it suits you or not! For now, please try putting it on just once!"

Saying that, Nagi handed over the headband. I hesitated—but there was no way I could refuse Nagi's plea.

"I-is this fine?"

In the end, I put on the headband.

Nagi stared intently at me. And showed a wonderful, beaming smile.

"Yes! It suits you wonderfully!"

Her hand reached out toward my head—no, toward the cat ears, touching them.

Even though she wasn't touching me directly, I felt a strange ticklish sensation.

"Hehe. Cute."

"If you say so, Nagi, then I guess it's fine, but..."

Perhaps the texture felt good, as Nagi continued petting the cat ears. Her blue eyes stared intently at my head—

"You look super cute, Souta-kun."

"...Eh?"

Saying that, Nagi took her phone out of her pocket.

"W-would you like to take a photo? As a keepsake!"

"A-ah, yeah. That's fine."

Nagi was a bit more pushy than usual. Swept along by her pace, we took a photo.

"W-well then. I'm taking it, okay?...Say cheese!"

Her operation was a bit clumsy, but we finished taking the photo without issue.

I was slightly worried whether I had smiled properly, but Nagi was already beaming while looking at the photo, so it must have been fine.

Relieved by that, Nagi turned that smile toward me.

"Thank you very much, Souta-kun....I will treasure it."

"I wanted to take at least one photo too, after all. Could you send it to me later?"

"Of course! Ah, may I set it as my wallpaper?"

"Yeah, of course."

"...Yay!"

Murmuring softly, Nagi operated her phone happily. Watching her, my own cheeks naturally softened as well.

"...Alright, all done. Where shall we go next?"

"Let's see. The roller coaster... we'd have to take these off again. Shall we decide while walking around?"

"Let's do that. There are attractions we couldn't ride last time, after all."

Nagi took my hand. Our fingers intertwined, transmitting Nagi's body temperature directly.

"Hehe. Let's go, Souta-kun."

"Yeah."

Nagi walked forward with remarkably light steps.

Feeling that she was enjoying herself from the bottom of her heart made me happy all over again.

◆◆◆

"Whoa."

"Are you alright?"

Wrapping an arm around Nagi's back as she almost lost her balance, I returned her posture to its original position. Nagi smiled a little embarrassedly.

"E-ehehe. Thank you very much."

Saying that, Nagi gripped my hand tightly.

Right now, we were about to board the carousel. It was one of the attractions we couldn't ride last time.

The carousel was beautifully decorated, and those riding it were almost entirely couples or parents with children.

...Last time, there were many children, so feeling a bit embarrassed, we couldn't ride it.

However, this time there seemed to be many people around our age, so when I invited her, Nagi showed great enthusiasm, directing sparkling eyes toward me.

"...Actually, I wanted to try riding it last time too."

"Is that so?"

Nagi scratched her cheek with her other hand, nodding as her cheeks flushed crimson.

"Yes. But, well. Last time there were many children, and I was wondering what to do if you refused, Souta-kun."

"I basically don't refuse, you know. If you ask me, Nagi."

"However, that might result in you enduring time that isn't enjoyable, Souta-kun."

Nagi murmured anxiously. Hearing that, I chuckled.

"Just being able to be with you is fun for me, Nagi. If you look like you're having fun, I have even more fun. So you don't need to overthink it."

Nagi smiled. A soft, warm smile.

"...Hehe. We were the same, weren't we?"

The strength gripping my hand grew even firmer. From her expression, from her words, from her palm. Nagi's warmth transmitted over.

"In that case, don't hold back either, Souta-kun; if there's an attraction you want to ride or something you want to do, please tell me, okay?"

"Yeah, of course."

At the same time as I nodded, the carousel began to move.

"Whoa. It moves quite a bit, doesn't it?"

"Yes!...Ah, if you're about to fall, I'll support you this time!"

"Yeah, thanks."

The horses Nagi and I rode moved at the same speed. Though we swayed up and down slightly, it wasn't enough to separate our hands. To prevent losing balance and falling, an easy-to-grip pole was attached to the horse's head.

However—I didn't have much experience riding things like this. Naturally, it was completely different from a roller coaster, a bus, or a train.

That felt a little fresh and fun.

"Hehe. This is fun, Souta-kun."

"Yeah. It's fun."

Our gazes met, a soft light perpetually glowing within her blue eyes.

Nagi seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed this attraction as well.

Incidentally, while we were riding the carousel, the staff had apparently taken a photo of us. Hearing that we could purchase it upon request, I bought two copies for Nagi and myself.

◆◆◆

Just like last time, I ate lunch together with Nagi in the designated area.

Afterward, we rode several attractions and enjoyed ourselves.

Naturally, our gazes met. As if knowing mutually what to ride next... before we knew it, we had arrived there.

"—The line is longer than last time."

"Yeah. Looks like it."

Coming a little early was the right call.

"Souta-kun."

"What is it?"

Nagi leaned her body against mine softly. The grip on my hand tightened firmly.

"—I love you. Up until now, and from now on. I will never, ever leave your side again."

Her voice was quiet. Even so, Nagi's feelings reached me clearly enough to ache.

"I love you too, Nagi."

Squeezing her hand tightly in return, we lined up to ride the Ferris wheel. This time, we wouldn't repeat the same mistake.

Looking at Nagi's expression, I exchanged light small talk. As we did, our turn arrived in no time.

"It was quite narrow inside, wasn't it?"

"Sitting across from each other would give us a bit more room, but... what do you want to do?"

"No, let us stay like this....Being close to you is more fun and makes me happier, Souta-kun."

The faint tension drifting between us... was probably not my imagination.

"C-come to think of it, winter break is starting soon, isn't it? We'll be taking the Shinkansen to your hometown, Souta-kun."

"Yeah. It's a few stations away by Shinkansen and local train."

While answering Nagi, I closed my eyes once.

Nagi was continuing to speak as if averting her eyes from something.

"A Shinkansen... It will be my first time riding one. Come to think of it, Souta-kun—"

"Nagi."

Interrupting her words, I called her name. Nagi's shoulders twitched.

"Thank you. But before that, there's one thing I want you to tell me."

Nagi was trying to entertain me while keeping my feelings in mind....Trying to prevent my trauma from being triggered.

Those feelings made me very happy.

However, at this rate, I felt Nagi would spin her wheels again....Because Nagi, who was trying so hard to entertain me, looked like she was pushing herself a little.

"Something you want to ask...?"

"Yeah. It's probably something I can only ask here... and unless I ask, I felt neither I nor you could move forward, Nagi."

Nagi gave a small nod.

Taking a deep breath, I faced Nagi properly.

"Could you tell me everything you're feeling anxious about?"

Her blue eyes rippled and wavered. From deep within them, a strong hue of anxiety surfaced.

Time would likely resolve this anxiety eventually. That might indeed be true.

However—I hated the thought of Nagi continuing to suffer.

"The day before I went to your house, Eiji told me something."

"...Makisaka-san did?"

"Yeah. It was a concern regarding what might happen if things went well between you and me."

Even if everything went well, that didn't mean everything vanished. Especially considering Nagi's state of mind, switching gears would be difficult.

'In the end, things will probably go well, and time should solve it. But if things go wrong, she might become completely dependent on you, Souta. You don't want that, right?'

That's why he told me it was best to keep a close eye on Nagi.

As a result—there were signs. Signs that Nagi was on the verge of depending on me excessively.

First was that day. When her family matters were settled and she came to stay at my place.

Her action of offering even her own body—felt like she was pleading with me not to abandon her.

The next time I felt it was the following day. When I caught a cold.

Because I fell ill, Nagi blamed herself. And so, she devoted herself to taking care of me until the next day....As if atoning for that day.

And when meeting my parents, she—apologized to an extent that felt excessive.

What made it decisive was what she shared when the final exam results came out.

Nagi was having dreams. Dreams of 'betraying' me.

Almost like an act of self-harm. Hurting her own heart over and over again. Traced back to its root—it was so she wouldn't betray me. So that she wouldn't be abandoned by me.

"At random moments, I find myself thinking."

Pushed out after hesitation, her voice trembled.

"Whether I can truly make you happy, Souta-kun."

Saying that, however, Nagi shook her head vigorously.

"No. Just as I said back then, I will definitely make you happy, Souta-kun. Absolutely, no matter what happens. I will make you happy."

"However," Nagi said, casting her eyes down. She gave a self-derisive smile.

"I have a prior offense, after all. A prior offense of betraying and deeply hurting someone precious to me—hurting you, Souta-kun. Even if forgiven by you, even if forgiven by your parents, this past will never disappear. That is why, at times, I become unable to trust myself."

Nagi softly placed a hand on her chest.

...Her expression was agonizing to look at.

"What if I hurt you again, Souta-kun? Just thinking that makes my chest tighten, making it painful to breathe. Falling into self-hatred....Even though I swore to myself that I would never do such a thing....I can't trust myself."

Nagi closed her eyes. She clenched her fist tightly.

"What if I betray you and hurt you again, Souta-kun? If that's going to happen, I'd rather—"

"Nagi."

I took that hand. It had grown terribly cold.

Just as she had done for me after stepping off the train, I wrapped both of my hands around it.

"Thank you for telling me. You don't need to say the rest."

Bringing one hand to Nagi's back, I pulled her body into a hug.

"It was painful, wasn't it, Nagi?"

"N-no. Compared to someone like me, you were hurt far more, Souta-kun..."

"Even so. The fact that it was painful for you doesn't change."

Especially thinking about such things when alone... it must have been excruciating.

"It's alright, Nagi. That future won't come. I'm not saying this just to comfort you; I have solid reasons."

Nagi raised her face slightly. Finally, her eyes looked at me.

Not the suffering me in her imagination—but the happy me of the present.

"First is because you're worrying like this, Nagi. If you're feeling this anxious about it, there's no way such a future could ever happen."

"B-but I am truly... truly an idiot. Without even discussing it with my parents, I-I arbitrarily weighed you and my parents against each other—"

As her fist tried to clench again, I wrapped it gently yet firmly with both hands.

"My prior offense won't disappear. Someday, I might do the same thing again....I cannot trust myself."

"Not a chance. You betraying me, Nagi, is an absolute impossibility."

Denying Nagi's words, I smiled at her.

"You are thoughtful, Nagi. What happened before only occurred because you overthought things. You were spinning your wheels back then. But that won't happen anymore."

Moving the hand on her back upward, I stroked Nagi's head.

"That brings me to the second reason. Your parents are here, after all."

"...Papa and Mama?"

"Yeah. Souichirou-san and Chie-san. Because the two of them... and Susaka-san are here."

Nodding once, I ran my fingers through her silky hair. Astonishingly snag-free, it felt smooth and pleasant like silk.

"This is just my assessment, but... those three. Especially Souichirou-san and Chie-san, deeply regret what happened up until now. Just like you, Nagi."

"...Yes."

"That's why they won't repeat the same mistake. Everyone has resolved in their hearts never to repeat the same thing, after all. If someone... just as an example. Even if by some remote chance you were to spin your wheels again, Nagi, Souichirou-san, Chie-san, and Susaka-san would stop it beforehand. The same goes if any of those three spun their wheels. Someone else would stop them."

Besides, Nagi was different from the Nagi of the past.

She had begun expressing her emotions, and was trying to meet Souichirou-san and the others halfway. That is why the future Nagi feared was impossible.

"Well, I don't expect my words to completely erase your anxiety either, though."

'Anxiety' was that sort of thing. All I could do was talk like this, or enjoy something together enough to make her forget the 'anxiety.'

Having said that much—I remembered one thing.

"Ah, right. Nagi, there's one thing I want to tell you."

"Something you want to tell me?"

"Yeah. Lately, you've been saying it often, right? 'I will make you happy, Souta-kun.'"

"...Yes. I promise that. No matter what happens, I—"

"I think that part is slightly off. I realized it recently too. I will make Nagi happy. That was slightly off as well. To be accurate—"

When I cut in, Nagi tilted her head.

"I want to become happy with you, Nagi."

Her blue eyes widened in astonishment.

"I don't want a future where you aren't smiling by my side, Nagi. A future where only I am smiling is something I absolutely reject."

"I-I am happy as long as you are smiling, Souta-kun."

"In the first place, if you aren't smiling, I can't smile either."

Nagi's eyes darted around....As expected, she hadn't factored herself into the equation.

Thoughts of 'Did she really think that far?' and 'Given what happened, it's only natural' clashed within me.

In that case, I needed to make my own resolve.

"Let me make a declaration to you, Nagi."

Nagi wore a blank, stunned expression. Even that expression looked remarkably picturesque.

"...What... is it?"

I moved my hand from Nagi's head to her cheek. When I stroked her cheek, Nagi looked slightly tickled... but also a little pleased.

Watching that made my own cheeks soften naturally. Looking straight into Nagi's eyes, I declared.

"One year from now. Five years, ten years... even fifty years from now, I will be by your side, Nagi. From now on, forever."

With my other hand, I squeezed Nagi's hand tightly.

"At that time, we will laugh together. I'll make you say, 'That future never came, did it?' We'll laugh together, realizing it was all an unfounded worry. —I will definitely make you laugh."

A single droplet traced down from Nagi's eye, landing on my hand.

"...Nagi?"

"Why..."

Nagi's face crumpled. Overflowing tears spilled from her eyes.

"U-uu..."

"Nagi?! U-um, what's wrong?!"

My mind went blank for an instant. Calmly reflecting on what I had just said...

—However, being calm was a mistake. In the next moment, my face burned hot enough to breathe fire.

...What an embarrassingly cheesy line I just delivered.

It was my genuine feeling... no, precisely because it was genuine, my face grew hotter and hotter. I said I needed to make my resolve, but were there other words... No, I couldn't think of any other words anyway.

S-setting that aside, crying over that felt unexpected, so I looked at Nagi once more.

As if discerning what I wanted to say, Nagi shook her head side to side vigorously.

"N-no, that's... not it. I-it's not that I disliked it. Um..."

"A-alright. I get it, so let's calm down first before talking, okay?"

Hugging Nagi as she tried to force out words, I gently patted her back.

It was what Mom and Dad used to do for me when I cried uncontrollably over unpleasant things in the past. It seemed to have worked effectively... within a few minutes, Nagi stopped crying.

"Th-thank you very much."

"...You're welcome."

I tried to pull back from Nagi, but... her hands did not leave my back.

"Nagi?"

"I-it's a little embarrassing, so please allow me to say it like this. The reason... why I cried just now."

"...Yeah. Understood."

Nodding, I embraced Nagi once more.

"W-well, you see. Just as I said earlier, it wasn't that I disliked your words, Souta-kun. Rather, the complete opposite, so to speak."

Hesitating slightly, Nagi continued.

"...I was so, so very happy. And, you see... I love you so much, Souta-kun."

"O-oh...? Th-thank you."

While bewildered by the sudden confession, I listened to Nagi's following words.

"I already loved you so much that I thought there couldn't be anything more. I wanted to make you happy no matter what. I believed there couldn't be any greater feeling than that. And yet—"

Nagi's hands gripped my clothes tightly, and she raised her face.

Right before my eyes were Nagi's refined features. Her face was as red as an apple.

"I ended up loving you even more, Souta-kun."

Her face drew closer. At the same time her sweet scent grew stronger—something soft touched my lips.

"My 'love' turned into an 'even greater love.'"

Saying only that, Nagi buried her face into the crook of my neck.

"Even though I thought there was no greater love than this... And then, the feeling of love and the feeling of happiness exploded inside me... and that's how I ended up like that."

"I-is that so?"

Nagi's words and breath tickled. To mask the shiver running through me, I embraced Nagi even tighter.

"Earlier, you said, 'I don't expect my words to completely erase your anxiety either,' Souta-kun."

"...? Yeah, I did."

Nagi raised her face. Her eyes, right before mine, locked straight onto mine.

"It disappeared, you know."

At the same time as those words, a faint, warm light sparkled in Nagi's eyes.

"It all disappeared. Riding the Ferris wheel, I ended up remembering. All the anxiety in my heart is completely gone."

Nagi smiled softly. Her expression was—inconceivable from the days when she was called the 'Ice Princess'—

Beautiful, cute, and warm. It was that kind of smile.

"Souta-kun."

A clear, melodic voice like the ringing of a bell called my name.

Her slender, pale fingers reached out, taking my hand and gripping it firmly.

"I love you."

They were words devoid of hesitation.

From the warmth transmitting from her hand, to her gaze directed straight at me, to her voice—I knew they were words free of falsehood.

My heart began hammering powerfully.

"I love you more than anyone. Enough to rival even your parents... I love you more than anyone else in the world."

Overlapping with my own heartbeat, the sound of Nagi's heart reached my ears as well.

Nagi's face drew closer, her sweet fragrance growing even more distinct.

"Allow me to say it once more. I want to become happy together with you."

Along with those words, our lips met. Soft lips pressed against mine, gently squeezing my hand.

—It was long. Usually, it would end in a few seconds at most.

Five seconds. Ten seconds. Twenty seconds, the time continued.

I tried desperately not to be conscious of it, but as it dragged on, I couldn't help but notice. The soft sensation pressing against my chest.

Nagi's feminine softness and warmth transmitted over. That made my heartbeat roar even louder. But Nagi's heart was beating just as fiercely as mine...

After a bit longer, breathing began to grow difficult. Nagi seemed to be the same. A faint, translucent film coated her blue eyes.

When I tapped her shoulder lightly, Nagi pulled away.

Looking remarkably reluctant.

Her vivid lips, like a blooming rose, were moist and glistening. Seeing that caused blood to rush to my face, and Nagi flushed just as crimson.

Nagi placed a hand on her cheek, taking deep breaths in and out to steady herself.

And then, she looked straight at me again.

"Souta-kun."

"...What is it?"

"You might wonder why I'm bringing this up now. But once more, there is something I want to say from my own mouth. Back then, it was decided in the heat of the moment, so I wanted to say it properly one-on-one with you, Souta-kun."

I nodded, waiting for Nagi's next words.

"—Souta-kun. Please become my fiancé."

Her blue eyes were no longer rippling; they were completely calm.

While slightly surprised by her words, a feeling of understanding took precedence.

The fact that Nagi and I were engaged was decided after being suggested by Nagi's mother... Chie-san. She must have had her own thoughts on it.

Coming to pick me up at high school, or delivering forgotten items... let's set those aside, since both of us were acting a bit out of control back then. We got permission from Dad and Mom too, but... we hadn't discussed it while being alone together like this.

I squeezed Nagi's hand back. Nagi opened her mouth once more.

"It is not out of anxiety or any negative reason. It is because I want us to become happy together."

I knew. Because I could no longer see any anxiety in Nagi's expression.

That is why—I answered.

"Yeah. Of course. Let's get engaged... and become happy together."

Nagi's face brightened radiantly, and she leaned her body against mine.

"Once we graduate high school—no. Let's hold off on saying that for now."

"...Yes!"

The Ferris wheel was finally reaching the very top.

"...Souta-kun."

Leaning close, Nagi squeezed my hand tightly. Her hair was like pure white snow, silky and wonderful to the touch.

Her skin was pure white as well, but her cheeks were faintly flushed. In contrast, her eyes held a deep blue like the ocean depths.

Her features were exceptionally well-proportioned, possessing a beauty and cuteness I could gaze at forever.

"What is it?"

When I squeezed her hand back, the corners of her raised lips lifted just a bit more. Making no effort to hide her joy, it made me smile naturally as well.

"I love you."

A straightforward expression of affection. My heart swayed violently, and I caught my breath.

I still wasn't used to it. Far from getting used to it, this feeling grew larger by the day.

"I love you so much. Your voice, Souta-kun. Your warmth. Your heart. Your appearance....I love everything about you."

For a moment, my throat caught, cutting off my air supply. But that lasted only a few seconds. Soon, air rushed into my lungs along with Nagi's sweet, floral fragrance.

"I love you so much... that I'm overflowing with happiness. To the point where I wonder if it's really alright for me to be this happy."

"...It's completely fine for you to be happy."

Nagi released my hand and softly touched my cheek. Her fingertips were slightly cool, while her palm was warm.

"As long as I am with you, Souta-kun, I feel like I can overcome anything."

"Me too, Nagi."

I wrapped my palm around those fingertips so they would warm up to the core.

"Hehe."

Nagi smiled gently and placed her other hand over mine, sandwiching it.

Her eyes gazed tenderly at me. Slowly, she leaned closer...

And her soft lips gently brushed against my cheek.

"Come to think of it, the first time we kissed like this... was inside the train, wasn't it, Souta-kun?"

"...Yeah. Though that was an accident."

When the train swayed and I pinned Nagi against the wall. Not the first accident, but the second one.

"Thank you for everything back then as well."

"You're welcome....Well, it fell within the scope of our promise, after all."

"Even so. You protected me at your own expense, Souta-kun. If not for you... I might have been crushed."

"In the end, you got crushed by me, though."

When I said that, Nagi let out a soft laugh.

"If it's being crushed by you, Souta-kun, I welcome it anytime....You smell nice, Souta-kun, and I can feel you with my whole body."

Having said that much, Nagi suddenly realized what she had said... and turned bright red.

"N-no! U-um, it's not that I'm a pervert who likes being crushed or anything like that...!"

"Yeah, I know."

Seeing Nagi get so flustered was slightly amusing and adorable... making my cheeks relax.

Trying to change the subject, Nagi's eyes spun around as she pondered frantically.

Watching her like this seemed fun too, but I didn't want to be disliked. Just as I thought about offering a topic, Nagi let out a small gasp.

"That's right! There is something I want to give you, Souta-kun!"

Saying that, Nagi searched inside her bag. I wasn't so dense that I didn't understand what that meant.

"...Me too."

I took a box out of my bag. Looking over, Nagi had taken out a pouch as well.

"Merry Christmas, Souta-kun."

The red pouch was tied with a green ribbon and printed with a large Christmas tree.

"Thank you, Nagi."

Accepting the present, I handed my box to Nagi in turn.

This one was similarly red, wrapped in a green ribbon.

"Merry Christmas. Here's a present from me too."

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Nagi accepted it respectfully with both hands.

"First, please open yours, Souta-kun."

"Alright."

Having received Nagi's permission, I untied the ribbon and took out the contents.

"...A scarf!"

It was blue, matching the color of Nagi's eyes.

"Yes! There is one more item further inside, so please check."

Just as Nagi said, there seemed to be something else deeper inside. Taking it out...

"...! Gloves too?!"

"Yes! I couldn't spend as much time on these, but I managed to finish them safely last night."

"Does that mean... they're handmade? Both of them?"

"Of course!"

I stared at the nodding Nagi in surprise...

Looking back at the scarf and gloves, my face broke into a smile.

"I made them filled with my gratitude and love."

"Thank you. I'll treasure them."

Those feelings made me so... so very happy.

"Hehe. It gets cold at night, so please try wearing them as soon as we get off."

"Yeah....You open yours too, Nagi."

"Yes!"

At my cue, Nagi carefully opened the wrapping.

What appeared was a pure white box. When Nagi opened it—there were two smaller boxes inside. One was about the size of a palm, and the other was even smaller.

"This is...! The key case we talked about before, isn't it?! Thank you very much!"

The larger one was a key case. After much deliberation, I chose a sky-blue color that seemed to suit Nagi, with a small bird illustrated in the corner.

"It is exceedingly cute!"

Nagi's voice bounced with excitement, her eyes narrowing in delight. I was truly glad she liked it.

Then, Nagi turned her eyes toward the other box.

"Which means this one is...?"

"I don't know if you'll like it, but... open it for now."

With a puzzled face, Nagi opened the box.

Inside was a small keychain.

Attached was an accessory shaped like the silhouette of a black cat.

"Ah, well. I thought having only the key in the case might be a bit lonely....It's the one that turned out best among the ones I tried making, but if you don't like it, you don't have to attach it."

"Is it... handmade?"

Nagi showed a surprised face. I nodded with a chuckle.

"The cat part is. I looked up various things while trying to make it. Since I'm clumsy, I had quite a bit of trouble, but I managed to finish it in time somehow."

I wasn't used to doing this sort of thing, so it was completed right at the wire. I even injured my finger a bit. But it took shape in the end.

"...! I am... so happy! Truly, exceedingly happy! I will treasure it!"

Nagi hugged the key case and keychain to her chest, showing an overwhelmingly joyful smile.

"And it's super cute!"

"I-is that so? I'm glad then."

I felt relieved at those words. After finishing it, I was scared of what I'd do if Nagi didn't like it... but seeing her this happy made all the effort worthwhile.

Nagi smiled delightfully, and I smiled while looking at the scarf and gloves.

Glancing outside, the Ferris wheel was beginning its descent.

"...We forgot about the scenery, didn't we?"

"Ah... that's true."

The outside scenery must have been quite nice. But we had completely missed it.

"Shall we line up again for another round?"

"...That sounds nice too, but..."

Nagi looked at me and smiled gently.

"Let's enjoy the scenery the next time we come."

—The next time. The next time we come, huh.

"Yeah. Let's do that."

Right. This wasn't the last time.

In our long lives... there would surely be another opportunity to come here.

Perhaps next time, it wouldn't be just the two of us, but three...

Looking at Nagi, she was smiling as she gazed at the keychain and key case.

As we chatted, the Ferris wheel reached the bottom. Stepping off first, I took Nagi's hand so she wouldn't stumble.

Walking for a bit... we arrived at a deserted spot where various things had happened before. Not intentional, but by coincidence.

There, I put on the gloves and scarf.

"How is it...? Does it suit me?"

"Yes! It suits you wonderfully!"

In turn, Nagi took out a single key from her bag... the spare key to my apartment, attached the keychain, and fastened it into the key case.

"Hehe..."

Nagi smiled and put it back in her bag. Suddenly struck with an idea, I called out to Nagi.

"Nagi, come stand next to me for a second."

"...? Yes, alright."

Tilting her head, Nagi stepped beside me. As expected, Nagi had a great figure and was slightly tall. Standing just a bit shorter than me, it was just right.

I took off the scarf wound around my neck, wrapped a portion around my neck, and handed the other end to Nagi.

"Since we're at it, let's keep warm together."

"...! Yes!"

Just like that, we shared the scarf. Naturally, our distance shrank.

"...Mmh. Somehow, my heart is pounding a little. But I'm super happy."

"Yeah... me too."

It was a slightly different feeling from holding hands. Although our movements were restricted, there was no discomfort whatsoever.

Feeling as though I had connected even deeper with Nagi made me happy.

"Well then... shall we head back soon?"

"...Yeah. By the time we get back, it'll probably be a good hour."

Heading back didn't mean to our respective homes. Today, she would be staying at my place.

"Ah, that's right. Susaka-san mentioned he would deliver dinner to your home."

"Is that so? That helps....Right. Want to go buy some souvenirs too?"

"Yes! Let's go buy some!"

Holding hands with Nagi, we began walking.

I had thought I would be spending Christmas alone this year.

...No, not just Christmas.

This year, and surely next year too. Although I had made a friend in Eiji, I thought I would remain single forever.

I thought an unchanging daily life would continue. Even up until that moment, I thought that wouldn't be bad.

—My gray daily life had suddenly become vibrant. To the point where I never wanted to return to how things were before. It had become something fun and happy.

"Nagi."

Calling her name and turning my face, our eyes met. With those jewel-like, beautiful eyes.

Next, I looked intently at her face.

It was truly a beautiful visage.

I had been watching her for a long time. However, I thought we would never speak.

Because I was awkward and terrible at talking to others.

"Thank you."

Those words spilled out naturally.

For being with me.

For speaking to me back then.

For cooking meals for me.

For making boxed lunches for me.

For choosing me.

Saying everything would take too long, so I condensed it into a single phrase.

"...I should be the one thanking you."

I didn't know if everything got across... but I felt it surely did.

The next time we opened our mouths was at the exact same moment.

You're welcome.

Our words overlapped; Nagi laughed, and I laughed too.

Seeing that smile, I became certain.

Nagi is completely fine now.

◆◆◆

"I'm glad Susaka-san looked well."

"Hehe. Susaka-san was also looking forward to talking with you, Souta-kun, you know?"

Susaka-san had handed us a massive amount of treats. Cake, chicken, pies, and other Christmas-like items.

Susaka-san offered to carry them upstairs, but we couldn't trouble him that much, so I decided to carry them myself. Though he did accompany us upstairs.

"I'll heat up the food, so please leave it right there in the kitchen."

"Got it. What should I help with?"

Watching Nagi act as if it were her own home brought a natural smile to my face as I asked.

Nagi pondered for a moment with a 'hmmm'... and smiled.

"Since we're just reheating it, would you like to chat while we wait?"

"...Understood."

In short, just like usual.

This kitchen was practically Nagi's main battlefield, so there was almost no room for me to step in.

It wasn't that I couldn't cook at all....It was just troublesome to cook three times a day, or twice even excluding school. And whether it tasted good was another matter entirely.

Being able to eat delicious food right now was all thanks to Nagi. I had nothing but gratitude.

However, setting that aside.

"Someday, I'd like to try cooking together with you, Nagi."

When I said that out loud, Nagi looked at me with a blank face.

Then, she smiled gently.

"Yes! Let's definitely cook together in the near future!"

Making that promise, we began chatting while reheating the food.

Casual, ordinary talk. What happened at home, what books were interesting, finding a cute cat video.

Spending time talking about such things had become one of my daily joys.

◆◆◆

Christmas songs were playing from the TV.

When listening with my family, I never paid much attention to the lyrics. I had just listened because I vaguely liked the rhythm.

But... listening to them now made me reflect once more.

"...Surprisingly, there are quite a few heartbreak songs, aren't there?"

"Yeah."

Those songs weren't all happy ones. The reason they were popular... I could vaguely understand.

Because if things had gone slightly wrong, I might have been listening to these songs all alone.

"Souta-kun."

Hearing Nagi call my name, I scattered those foolish thoughts.

When Nagi had finally moved past things, it wouldn't do for me to act like this.

My thoughts were completely wiped clean by an intensely sweet kiss.

"Every time you make a face like that, I'll make you forget....I'll make you forget everything."

Pulling her mouth away slightly, Nagi murmured that... and pressed her lips against mine once more.

It wasn't a deep kiss. And yet, it felt terribly sweet.

Nagi's hand slid down, intertwining our fingers as she gripped my hand. As if declaring that she would never let go.

How many times did that kissing continue? Taking a few seconds of rest whenever breathing grew difficult, her lips were pressed against mine before they could dry.

After several bitter Christmas songs played and transitioned into brighter tunes, Nagi's face finally pulled away.

However, her face rested against the crook of my neck... her arms wrapped around my back, hugging me tight enough to make a sound.

"I love you."

Those words were quiet. Yet they reached my ears. They reached my heart.

"I love you too."

A sweet floral scent, different from cake. Along with that scent, her warm body enveloped me.

That time continued for a while.

◆◆◆

Whoosh. The loud sound of rushing wind echoed through the room. In that breeze, Nagi's damp hair swayed.

Running my fingers through her damp hair, I blew away the moisture. Tickled, Nagi leaned happily into my touch.

After taking a bath. Since Nagi asked me to dry her hair, I was blow-drying it for her.

To be completely honest, Nagi fresh out of the bath was exceptionally beautiful.

Right after a bath, her atmosphere shifted slightly. Becoming more mature.

"Hehe."

When my hand touched her neck, Nagi shivered and giggled, feeling ticklish. However, every single gesture of hers held a certain allure... causing my heart to beat with an uncomfortable thud.

Somehow enduring those feelings, I finished drying her hair. Sighing in relief, I set down the hairdryer.

By that time, Nagi had moved from the carpet to the sofa. When I sat beside her, Nagi leaned her body against mine. Her fluffy, plush pajamas felt pleasant to the touch.

"Hehe. Thank you very much, Souta-kun."

"You're welcome."

Nagi wrapped both of her hands around mine, kneading my hand as if giving it a massage.

"...Is that fun?"

"Yes!"

Answered with a bright smile, I looked back at our hands, thinking it was fine then.

Nagi's slender, beautiful fingers kneaded my palm. Her index finger stroked from the base up to the tip of my nail. It felt a little ticklish.

Then, she intertwined our fingers and held my hand. Nagi's cheeks softened completely into a smile she would never show outside.

"...Your hands, Souta-kun. They're big and gentle, and I love them."

As if verifying that warmth, she pressed it against her cheek. It was smooth and felt wonderful.

"Ehehe."

When our eyes met, she looked slightly embarrassed... but smiled with even greater joy.

I let out a long exhale. If I didn't, all my emotions felt like they would overflow.

"—You don't have to... hold back, you know?"

Nagi's face was right before my eyes.

A distance where even our breaths mingled. My gaze drifted to those captivating blue eyes. Next, my attention was stolen by her lips, their corners slightly lifted.

Before I knew it, I had embraced her... and our lips met.

Even though we did it almost daily, I never got used to it....Would the day ever come when I did?

My thoughts were stretched thin by the brain-scorching sweetness, rendering such concerns irrelevant.

Right now, I simply found Nagi overwhelmingly precious.

However, I couldn't throw away my reason. Pulling away once to take in oxygen and recover my rational mind, Nagi's lips moved slightly.

"I love kissing you, Souta-kun....It feels like the feeling of love is being poured directly into me."

Every single one of those words, every gesture, chipped away at my reason.

...Presumably. From her actions so far, I knew she was completely fine now.

There were feelings of not wanting to be disliked, of course....And even more than that, the desire to cherish her.

However, there was one more thing. Something that felt caught. Something not even amounting to a minor discrepancy. Calling it mere intuition would sum it up, but... I felt I probably wouldn't do such things with Nagi until that lingering something disappeared.

I stared quietly at Nagi's face. Still looking languid, Nagi gave a small, wry chuckle.

"...Did you see through me?"

"It's not that I saw through you, but... there's something lingering on my mind."

Not knowing what it was myself, Nagi began speaking cheerfully to me.

"Today, I was able to move past everything. I won't brood or worry anymore. I can state that definitively."

Returning to a serious expression... yet without pulling back her distance, Nagi spoke.

"I see. I'm glad then."

"However... there is a little something on my mind."

"On your mind?"

"Yes. If possible, I would like to finish that first."

Maintaining her serious expression, Nagi nodded....She didn't seem inclined to elaborate.

"Understood."

Still, the current Nagi should be fine. If there was something beyond her control or something troubling her, she would consult me.

Even if not me, there was Souichirou-san, Chie-san, and Susaka-san. It would never turn into a major issue.

However, Nagi suddenly flushed crimson.

"B-but, um... you don't have to... hold back, you know?"

"—Eh?"

"I-I am... prepared... anytime, so."

At those words, I froze completely.

"H-holding back isn't good....I-I've kept you waiting plenty, and I understand that couples do such things."

Her continuing words brought me back to my senses... and for a moment, I ended up pondering.

My cheeks burned hot, making it impossible to look into Nagi's eyes.

"I-I'm still... fine. It's not that I dislike it, but... well."

My head wasn't working properly. Even so, I managed to voice my thoughts.

"...I have those feelings too. And I've made my resolve."

That we were only sixteen, or that mental preparation wasn't complete. If I looked for reasons not to, there were plenty.

However—I was a guy too, a healthy high school boy. Setting that aside, I intended to prioritize her feelings above all else.

Touching Nagi's cheek, her warmth transmitted to me.

"Just being able to touch you like this is completely satisfying for me, Nagi. You don't need to worry."

"...Thank you very much."

Nagi smiled softly.

I wondered if refusing here was the right choice. But... she seemed fine.

"Then, once that matter is settled... I will let you know."

"A-ah, yeah."

Nagi giggled softly, leaning her mouth close to my ear.

"Perhaps I might be the one unable to hold back, though."

Creak. The sound of my reason straining echoed in my head.

"Well then, I will go clean up the kitchen."

"A-ah, yeah. No, I'll do it."

"No, no. I simply want to do it myself. It will be done shortly, so please wait."

Saying that, Nagi pulled away from me and stood up. Just as I felt relieved that no follow-up attacks were coming, Nagi let out an 'Ah' and stopped in her tracks.

"Once I clean the kitchen... let's go to the bedroom together, okay?"

She probably meant nothing by it. It was simply Nagi's bedtime.

"...Got it."

Even as I said that, I covered my face with one hand. To drop that right when I let my guard down...

Through the gaps between my fingers, Nagi's face was dyed bright red.

◆◇◆

"Yaaawn..."

Opening my eyes, Souta-kun's face was right before me, giving me a slight surprise. I vaguely recalled that I had stayed the night yesterday.

"...That was so fun."

Chatting with Souta-kun before going to sleep. Hugging, and kissing too.

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.

Amid my fading consciousness, I still remembered Souta-kun's voice saying 'Good night.'

Just in case... just in case, I checked my clothing.

"...H-he didn't touch me, did he?"

My clothes weren't disheveled in the slightest. I knew Souta-kun wouldn't do anything, but I felt just a tiny bit disappointed.

"...N-no. I-it's not like I was expecting anything."

Thinking that made me seem like a pervert. Cooling my burning cheeks with the back of my hand, I looked at my body once more.

"Mmh. But touching a little bit would have been fine, though."

Until recently, I thought these were just large and unnecessary. Back then, I even resented them.

...However, after meeting Souta-kun, that mindset changed.

While Souta-kun didn't look often, it was certain that he was conscious of them.

Thinking up to that point, I shook my head side to side.

"Only after I learn a little more about Souta-kun."

During the New Year holidays, we would be heading to the town where Souta-kun was born and raised. When Souta-kun's parents came here, I heard various stories, but... there was still far more I didn't know about Souta-kun.

I want to see. The scenery of the town where Souta-kun grew up.

I want to hear. What kind of environment Souta-kun was raised in.

Just how—Souta-kun became the Souta-kun of today. I want to know.

I want to know more about Souta-kun than I do now.

Knowing everything would likely take time. Even so, the current me knew far too little about Souta-kun.

"Just a little longer. Please wait for me, okay?"

At the very least—I wanted to know the past of you, my first friend.

Looking at Souta-kun, he was still sleeping peacefully. When I touched his hair with my fingers, he squirmed ticklishly.

"I love you, Souta-kun."

Murmuring softly, I placed a kiss upon his forehead.

So that Souta-kun and I can become happy together.

"I love you more than anyone else."

I am happy right now. But we should be able to become even happier.

As long as I am with you, Souta-kun—my special person. Without a doubt.