"…All right."
Perhaps sensing something from my demeanor, Haruka nodded quietly.
She turned back to Mukai-san and the others, whom she had been chatting with until a moment ago.
"Sorry, I’m going to head out now."
"Got it! Leave Karin to me. Haruka… and Yanagida-kun! Good luck!"
Mukai-san gave us a cheerful thumbs-up. It seemed she was going out of her way to be considerate.
…Hmm.
"…Am I really that easy to read? I’m usually told I look surly or expressionless."
"It’s true that your face doesn't change much, but… I don't know, it’s the vibe. You just seem different than usual."
"I see…"
Even Hashimoto had picked up on it. I might be worse at hiding things than I’d thought.
I couldn't help but ask Haruka as she walked beside me with a bright smile.
"In that case, do you have an idea of what I want to talk about?"
"Hmm…"
Haruka looked thoughtful for a moment, then gave a small, bashful smile.
"If it’s what I think it is… I wish I’d worn something a little cuter today."
"I think you’re cute in anything, Haruka."
"O-Oh… You’re getting better at saying things like that, Tatsumi-kun."
For some reason, her face turned scarlet, even though she was the one who had spent the last week coaxing those kinds of words out of me. At this point, my sense of shame had been completely neutralized.
"…By the way, do you have a preferred situation or something?"
"Hmm… I’m sure I had all sorts of ideas, but now that the moment’s actually here, they’ve all vanished. Being alone on the rooftop is a classic in manga, isn't it?"
"It definitely is. What else… after a summer festival, or at Christmas?"
Haruka giggled at my examples.
"You really do care about the mood, don't you, Tatsumi-kun? You’re surprisingly romantic."
"As you know, I’m not great with words. I thought… well, if the atmosphere did some of the work for me, it might be easier to say what I need to."
"Hehe, that’s so like you. But for me… I’d rather have the words you’ve put a lot of thought into than just be swept away by a mood."
"…That’s helpful to know."
As we moved through the idle conversation, Haruka’s hand brushed against mine while she was sidestepping a pedestrian.
Almost reflexively, I reached for her fingers. She didn't seem surprised; she simply squeezed back.
Walking like that was a bit awkward, though. After some silent trial and error, we eventually settled on pressing our palms together and interlocking our fingers—the "lover’s hold."
Neither of us mentioned it as we kept talking.
"Well, then… is my place okay?"
"Fufu… My, Tatsumi-kun, how bold. Inviting a girl to your room right after a date. If it were anyone but me, they’d think you had ulterior motives."
"I wouldn't say this to anyone but you, Haruka. …If you don’t like it, we can find somewhere else where we can be alone."
"It’s fine, let's go to your place. I trust you. And besides… no, it’s nothing."
"…I see."
I didn't press her on the words she’d trailed off on while blushing.
It was only a three-minute walk from the station to my apartment. As we chatted about everything that had happened at the karaoke session, the building came into view in no time.
Still holding hands, we walked through the entrance and into the elevator.
I stole a glance at Haruka while pressing the button for my floor. She looked remarkably relaxed, showing no signs of nervousness.
…Maybe I felt the same way, despite the fact that I was about to confess my feelings.
When we reached my floor and I reached for my keys, I spoke up.
"Ah, Haruka. Can I let go for a second?"
"…I guess it can’t be helped."
I thought she didn't need to look so crestfallen, yet I felt a pang of loneliness myself the second we parted.
Mocking myself for being so greedy, I unlocked the door and gestured for her to enter.
"After you."
"Excuse me."
Haruka gave a polite bow and followed me into the living room. I flipped on the light.
Since it was around 6:00 PM in mid-June, it was still bright outside. I thought for a moment that the sunset might have provided a nice backdrop, but I’d just finished saying I wouldn't rely on the atmosphere.
I had her sit on the sofa and brought her some barley tea.
"Thanks. I was getting a bit thirsty. It’s been so hot lately."
"The humidity is the worst part of the rainy season. Hashimoto was complaining that he can't play soccer because of the weather."
"Ahaha, outdoor sports are tough this time of year. I'm glad it stayed clear today, at least."
We sat side by side on the sofa, making small talk.
I remembered the beginning—right after those rumors started, that day we sat together for the first time on the bench behind the school building. Back then, we’d only just met, and I’d been completely baffled, unable to tell what she was thinking.
…So, what about now? Did I understand her any better?
"You seemed so tense this morning, but did you end up having fun, Tatsumi-kun?"
"A lot happened, but… yeah, I had a great time. I didn't realize karaoke with a big group could be like that."
"Fufu, I'm glad. I had a blast too! We even got to sing our duet, didn't we?"
"The duet, huh… I have zero confidence in my singing, so I was honestly relieved that people seemed to like it."
I let out a heavy sigh of relief. Haruka laughed brightly.
"See? I told you. It’s more about everyone having fun together than being a good singer. If you’re really that worried, you should just practice for next time. I’ll go with you, of course!"
"Next time… right. There’s going to be a next time."
"Of course there is! Oh, maybe you should be the one to invite everyone next time? Me and Miki will definitely come, and I’m sure Hashimoto-kun and his friends would be happy to join too!"
I was surprised by Haruka’s suggestion—and even more surprised that I found myself thinking it wasn't a bad idea.
It was a staggering change from the person I had been just a few weeks ago.
If the "me" from back then could see me now, what would he think? Would he be envious… or would he simply refuse to believe we were the same person?
And the trigger for this transformation—one so profound I could hardly believe it myself—was—
"—Thank you, Haruka."
Haruka blinked, surprised by the sudden word of gratitude.
"Did I do something?"
"You’ve done so much for me… so much that I’ve lost track of how to even begin paying you back. But this 'thank you' is… well."
I couldn't help but chuckle at how "cheesy" the line in my head sounded, but I said it anyway.
"—Thank you for meeting me."
I’d wanted to say that for a long time.
"In the two weeks since I met you… a lot has happened. It hasn't all been good, but even so… I think I’ve changed for the better in ways I never could have imagined before."
It had only been two weeks. Yet I could say with absolute certainty that this was the most meaningful fortnight of my life.
From the day I met Haruka, my youth had truly begun again.
"…I didn't really do anything. You’re the way you are now because you were the one who took those steps forward, Tatsumi-kun."
"You were the one who gave me the courage to take them. If you hadn't been there… I’d still be my old self. Just moping around, playing the tragic protagonist, unable to do a single thing…"
The only reason I’d managed to move from where I’d been standing still was—
"Because you were there, Haruka. Seeing you walk forward with a smile despite the pain you’ve carried… I thought you were so cool. I admired you."
Because I wanted to be like her.
The fact that I’d studied for the midterms.
The fact that I’d tried my best to participate in PE.
The fact that I’d stood up to Makabe and the others.
The fact that I’d tried to join in the fun at the karaoke box.
…And the fact that I’d finally wanted to tell her about my shameful past.
It was all because I wanted to feel like I was worthy of standing beside her.
"Because you allowed someone like me to be near you—I wanted to become someone I wouldn't be ashamed of when I was with you…"
It would have been easy to give up, to tell myself that I’d never be a match for "Akase-san."
But I hadn't wanted to do that.
Why? Because I wanted to stay by her side.
And why did I want that?
The answer was simple. I, Tatsumi Yanagida, felt this way about Haruka Akise—
"I love you."
…Ah, I finally said it.
After all that worrying and suffering.
But once the words were out, once the seal on my heart was broken… I couldn't stop.
"I love you, Haruka. I really do. I think I’ve loved you since the moment we met. Every moment we spent together, every new thing I learned about you… it just made me fall harder. And I’m sure… I’m only going to love you more from here on out."
The word "love"—a word I had been so resistant to—now flowed out of me alongside my emotions.
I felt incredibly light. My lips curved into a smile of their own accord.
I had only just finished pouring my heart out, yet I already felt a strange sense of accomplishment, as if everything were already resolved. But since I’d confessed, I needed an answer.
Now, how was Haruka—wait, where did she go? Where—gh!?
"Guh—H-Haruka!?"
Before I knew it, Haruka had lunged at me, tackling me around the waist and pinning me back against the sofa.
She kept me pinned down, rubbing her head vigorously against my chest.
It looked like she was protesting something, but the gesture was so adorable that I felt myself softening. I wondered if it would be okay to pat her head.
Just as I reached out, Haruka suddenly looked up.
Her face was flushed deep red all the way to her ears, and she looked thoroughly pouted.
"…No fair."
"No fair? W-What is?"
"Only you get to say 'I love you' over and over like that! I’ve been holding it in this whole time!"
…She was saying something quite incredible, but she didn't seem to realize it. She looked like she was in a complete state of panic.
Not that I was any better internally.
"…Well, then, why don't you just say it?"
"Do you want me to say it, Tatsumi-kun?"
"Yeah. I want to hear it."
"…I love you. I love you, Tatsumi-kun. I love you too. I’ve loved you for so long…!"
…This was bad. I felt like I was going to cry.
Every time she said those words, it felt like a thousand colors were exploding in my head. Like a field of flowers in full bloom, or a spray of brilliant sparks.
A shock that shook me to my core vibrated through my body, leaving me unable to move.
Even in my state of total confusion, my arms moved on their own to pull her close, and my voice found the words of its own accord.
"I love you more. I really do. I love you so much I don't know what to do with myself."
"I love you more! Just being near you makes my heart race so fast I can't even pretend to be a 'model student' anymore! The part of me that loves you so much just pushes everything else aside—I can't control it, it’s a total disaster!"
"It’s the same for me. When you’re around, I can’t take my eyes off you. I don't want to miss a single smile or a single word… My heart is just completely full of you."
"But I—"
"No, I—"
We clung to each other, arguing over who loved whom more at point-blank range. Not even the most obnoxious "idiot couple" would have produced a scene quite this bizarre.
We came to our senses at almost the exact same moment. Looking at each other, the sheer absurdity of it hit us, and we both burst out laughing.
"Ha… what are we even doing?"
"Ahaha, seriously! …But I never thought I could love someone this much. It’s only been two weeks since we met. Am I just easy?"
"Then I guess I am too. …But I'm really glad the first person I fell for was you, Haruka."
"I’m… so happy that my first love was you, Tatsumi-kun…"
Haruka pressed her cheek against my chest, looking blissfully happy. She was so incredibly endearing that I figured one more time wouldn't hurt.
"I love you, Haruka."
"Hey… I love you too, Tatsumi-kun."
"…Let’s stop there for now, or we’ll never get anywhere."
"True… Haaaa! That felt so good! I’ve been holding that back for forever!"
"Sorry… I was caught up in my own head about things."
"I’ll forgive you since you gave me a real confession! Hehe."
Haruka looked up at me with a shy, devastatingly cute smile.
"So this means you and I are officially a couple now, right?"
"Yeah. Looking forward to being with you, Haruka."
"Me too, Tatsumi-kun! Fufu… Tatsumi-kun is my boyfriend. My boyfriend, huh?"
She giggled as she savored the word, looking so genuinely happy that I thought my brain might actually melt.
…I was done for. My mind had been glitching for the last ten minutes.
I couldn't think of anything except how cute she was. But then again, maybe that was the most normal state possible. Haruka was the cutest person in the world, after all.
But seriously, this was too much. A girl this cute was my partner? My girlfriend? Whose? …Mine!?
"Tatsumi-kun? Tatsumi-kun? …Geez."
Haruka, getting impatient with my lack of response, leaned in and—mwah.
A soft sensation brushed against the corner of my lips. Her face was right there, flushed scarlet. The soft sound of our lips parting lingered in my ears.
…………Wait, was that?
"…We’re a couple now, so think of that as… a little revenge for that failed kiss the other time♪"
Haruka smiled mischievously, her face bright red. I knew that expression.
It was the same smile she’d used when she told our classmates, "…It’s a secret♪" and threw them all into chaos.
I see. So that was how they felt back then. My brain was struggling to process what had just happened, and I sat there, stunned. For the first time, I felt a genuine sense of sympathy for them.
After a few long seconds of silence, my brain finally rebooted.
"…C-Can I do it again? But this time, can I be the one to do it?"
It had happened so fast and so unexpectedly that I hadn't even had time to process the sensation.
I wanted to do it again, but on my terms, so I could enjoy it properly. This was my first kiss with Haruka—a once-in-a-lifetime event. If I didn't savor it with everything I had, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.
Haruka laughed softly at my desperate plea.
"Mm, go ahead…♪"
She closed her eyes and puckered her lips slightly, waiting for me.
…This was dangerous. The sheer power of that expression was enough to knock me out.
Calm down, Tatsumi. I didn't have to get it all out of my system right now. This might be the first kiss, but there would be plenty of opportunities for more.
…Wait, plenty of opportunities!? I was the luckiest man alive.
Okay, seriously, calm down.
I clenched and unclenched my fists a few times, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
I slowly leaned in. I had to tilt my head a bit so our noses wouldn't bump.
Slowly. Gently.
"…Nn."
…………………….
"…Nn, haa."
…Wait. What had I just…?
"H-How was it?"
Haruka’s question brought my drifting consciousness back to reality. Her eyes were glazed and dreamy, an expression so alluring I almost lost it again.
How was it? I didn't even know where to start.
"It was soft, and warm… sorry, it was just so intense that I didn't really process it…"
"What? What kind of answer is that…?"
Haruka gave me a soft, melting smile.
"Fine, then let’s keep going until you get it♪ I want to do it again, anyway—"
"Yeah… me too—"
People often compare the taste of a first kiss to lemons or strawberries. After actually experiencing it, I realized what they really meant.
It wasn't about a literal flavor. They used fruit as a metaphor for something that was so sweet it made your mind go blank—something intensely sugary and stimulating all at once.
The taste of her kiss was far sweeter and more intoxicating than any fruit could ever be. I was completely under its spell.
We kissed again and again. Every time we pulled apart to catch our breath, we leaned back in immediately, as if even a second apart was a waste of time.
We lost ourselves in each other, kissing until the boundaries between us felt blurred and our bodies felt like they were melting together. By the time we finally came to our senses, the world outside the window was pitch black.
"…We should probably show some restraint."
"…Yeah. We have to be good… be good…"
"Haruka…?"
"I’ll be good starting tomorrow! Just one more, okay?"
"…Yeah. Too much restraint isn't good for the health, either…"
Whether we actually possessed any self-restraint was something only God could know.
And so, Haruka and I confirmed our feelings and became a couple.
But our youth isn't at the finish line—if anything, we’ve only just reached the starting blocks.
High school life still holds sports festivals, school festivals, and school trips. There will be plenty of fun, but surely many trials as well.
Even so, just as I once vowed—I’ll keep moving forward, little by little, alongside Haruka. Together.