Part 8
★★★
"Good morning, Souta-kun."
"Good morning, Nagi."
I guess I can say that normal life has finally returned.
Although it might be a slightly different normal than before.
Nagi immediately comes to stand beside me. As usual, the distance is close... which is nothing unusual.
Nagi's slender fingers lightly poke at mine. When I glance at her, she seems a bit fidgety.
...I quietly extend my pinky finger, and it immediately gets tangled with hers. It seems I made the right move.
Even though it's just our pinky fingers, she holds onto it tightly, as if making a pinky promise, and doesn't let go.
Nagi gazes at me intently... her cheeks softening slightly. Then she stretches up and brings her mouth close to my ear.
"Just having our fingers touch like this, I can feel that you're here beside me, and it makes me happy."
Her voice, warm and pleasant, tickled my eardrums. Nagi pulled her face back slightly... and stared at me.
When our gazes met, she smiled sweetly. It was an incredibly close distance.
...Really, this is bad for my heart.
Who was it that said "beauty fades in three days"? It's been almost two months since we met, but I still get nervous seeing her in a new light.
Well, I originally rode this train for Nagi, so it’s too late to say anything now... it’s a bit nostalgic. Then, I was drawn in by her actions and started to feel more curious about her.
I almost reached out to pat Nagi’s head, but managed to hold myself back. It would be way too disruptive here.
At the same time, Nagi also moved her head forward, then stopped. I’m sure she had the same reason as me.
Then, she made a slight pouty face.
Compared to the beginning, I really think her expressions have become much more expressive.
"When we’re alone..."
"...Yes. For now, I’ll make do with this."
I applied just a little pressure with my pinky and gently brushed my arm against hers.
Even though it was such a simple thing, my heart was beating strangely fast.
After we got off the train, I suddenly remembered something, and at the same time, my phone rang.
"I’m sorry! I forgot to give you your lunch!"
"No, it's my fault. I completely forgot. Don’t apologize."
We always exchange lunch in the mornings, but today I had forgotten to pick it up.
Now, what should I do? ...I could go to the shop for lunch, but I wonder if I can keep the lunch for dinner. It’s gotten colder recently, so it might be risky. The classroom does have heating though.
"By the way, where are you, Nagi?"
"I just got to the classroom, and I realized when I started to unpack my things."
"I see."
I checked the time. Since I usually leave early, I had plenty of time to spare.
"Is it okay if I visit your school, Nagi?"
I asked out of a bit of curiosity, and a cheerful voice replied, "Yes! I'm looking forward to it!"
It felt a bit strange to be looked forward to, but I decided it was fine and turned back toward the station.
★★★
On my way to Nagi's school, I could feel the intense stares from high school students heading in the same direction.
The sense of being out of place was overwhelming. The difference in uniforms made me stand out a lot.
"Thinking about it, Nagi's really something..."
Because of her looks, she probably felt those gazes even more intensely than I did.
After walking for a while, I finally saw the school where the wind was blowing through.
"So this is it... ah."
I didn’t come around this area often, so it felt new. As I looked around, I could see the gym and what seemed to be the school building, when I noticed a familiar figure standing in front of the gate.
"Fuu."
I didn’t say it too loudly, thinking it might draw attention.
Still, Nagi noticed me.
"Souta-kun!"
Her tightly drawn expression softened just a little, and she looked at me with a bright, happy sparkle in her eyes.
"I'm glad you're here. Oh, here’s your lunch."
"Ah, thanks."
Nagi rushed over and handed me the lunch. I couldn’t help but smile awkwardly.
"...Are you sure it’s okay not to hide it?"
"It’s difficult to pretend when I’m in front of you, so I thought I’d relax a little. Normally, I keep my expression more serious... is that a problem?"
"...No, it’s fine. Thanks."
It was clear from yesterday that I had been feeling possessive. I must’ve made her uncomfortable.
But still, the stares around us were intense. There were even students who did double-takes and stared at us multiple times.
"Wait... is the [Ice Princess] smiling? She’s acting different than usual, huh?"
"Did she really get a boyfriend... no way. Could he be her brother or something?"
The girls were whispering excitedly, while the boys sent jealous and suspicious glares our way.
Just then, I saw another familiar figure appear by the school gate.
"Oh, Nagi. Is this the guy everyone’s been talking about?"
It was Hayama. She deliberately said it loud and winked at Nagi.
"Yes, this is him. He’s my boyfriend... no, my fiancé!"
With that, Nagi grabbed my hand and, with a serious expression, declared it loudly. The noise around us grew even louder.
"W-What?! Fiancé?!"
"That’s gotta be a lie... wait, but with her background, it’s totally possible, right?"
"So he’s some big heir or something?"
"Is he the son of the CEO, like Murata?"
There were all sorts of speculations flying around, but... well, whatever. It’s not a big deal if they misunderstand. Since we go to different schools, it’s not like it’ll cause any real trouble.
"…Nagi, aren’t you a little too close?"
"Well, we’re engaged, so it’s normal. Totally normal."
Nagi blushed and moved even closer to me. A sweet, soft fragrance wafted in the air, and I could feel her warmth and softness against my side.
"Heh, so you two are lovey-dovey."
"L-lovey-dovey…"
At Hayama's deliberately exaggerated words, Nagi’s face turned even redder. It seemed like she was happy, and judging by the reactions around us, it wasn’t just my imagination.
"That’s a lie!!!"
"Shinonome-chan... This is so different from her usual vibe."
"Kyaa! She’s so cute!"
There was a mix of annoyed and excited voices. It seemed like the teacher was about to arrive soon.
"Well then, Nagi, we should head out."
"Y-yeah. You're right. It's getting late."
If we didn’t leave soon, I’d probably end up being shot by the jealous glares of the boys.
Just then—
"Why is that scrawny idiot, with that dumb face, the boyfriend of [Ice Princess]?"
I heard a voice like that. It wasn’t just a rumor, it was a direct insult. Well, I was prepared for one or two comments like that, so it wasn’t a big deal. I could just ignore it.
That’s what I thought, but—
"Who said that?"
Nagi stepped forward. At that moment, it felt like the temperature around us dropped.
"...Nagi?"
"Now, who was the one that just insulted him?"
I could tell immediately—no, just hearing her voice, I knew. She was angry.
"Who is the one who judges others based on their own standards and speaks insults on purpose so that others can hear? I don’t think that’s a very good hobby."
Nagi took another step forward. The chatter of the students around us stopped as her words echoed.
This was bad.
"Nagi, I don’t mind."
"I mind. For someone who doesn’t know anything about Souta-kun… someone who doesn’t even try to know him, to just throw out jealous insults, I can’t allow that."
"Well, I get why it’s frustrating for you, Nagi. I agree with you on that part."
This time, it was Hayama who stepped in. She glared at the boys who were lingering nearby.
"Jealousy and resentment are personal feelings, so I won’t deny them. But to actually put it into words like that? It’s like you’re announcing, ‘I’m a nasty person.’ You should really think before you speak. Your voice carries, and if you’re saying that on purpose, then you should be even more careful."
Hayama shot a glare at the guy who had probably said those things to me. The guy scowled and walked away.
"Alright, that’s enough of that. Let’s get going, or we’ll be stuck with a warning from the teacher at morning assembly."
Taking advantage of the situation, Hayama waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. It seemed better to leave things to Hayama, as she was handling it well. Both the male and female students, curious, were sneaking glances at us, but gradually began walking toward the school building.
"…Thank you, Hayama-san. I was losing my composure for a moment there."
"Hm? Oh, no problem. I don’t like it when people talk badly about my friends either. Plus, there were some people around who might get along with you and Nagi-chan."
Back then, Nagi’s pressure was incredible. It had a certain resemblance to Souichiro, but I suppose that’s just how she was raised, looking up to him. If things had gone on like that, Nagi would have been feared by everyone around her again.
As for me, I liked Nagi’s cool and graceful vibe, which matched her "Ice Princess" nickname. But I didn’t want her to be known as a symbol of fear or something frightening. I wanted to avoid that as much as possible.
I think Hayama felt the same way and helped me out because of that.
"Thanks from me too, Hayama."
"Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome. But hurry up, Minori-kun, don’t you think you’re cutting it close with the time?"
At Hayama’s words, I checked the time. Considering the train, it was going to be really tight.
"Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry for causing a bit of confusion. I must have made things uncomfortable."
"Souta-kun, you didn’t do anything wrong, please don’t apologize."
"Yeah, exactly. Well, next time you should come pick up Nagi-chan when you’ve got some free time."
I laughed at their words, then started to walk away.
"Well then—"
"Souta-kun, may I ask you something?"
Nagi stopped me. I turned around, curious, and she asked me to listen closely. I lowered my body a little since I was taller than her.
Nagi cupped her hands into a tube and placed them over her ears—
"Take care, Souta-kun."
At the same time, something soft brushed against my cheek.
"?!"
"Whoa, that was bold."
"…Did you see that?"
"Well, with how close we were, of course I did.”
Nagi’s ears turned bright red, but she smiled at me.
"Well then, I’ll see you later on your way back. Take care, Souta-kun."
That smile was so beautiful—
"…Yeah, I’ll see you later. Take care, Nagi."
In that moment, I realized I could never win against Nagi.
"Yes!"
With a soft smile, Nagi waved until I was out of sight.
★★★
"Hey, hey. What kind of conversation do you have with that 'Ice Princess'?"
"Oh, I'm curious too."
It seemed like it would still take a little more time for everyday life to return to normal. The number of people had decreased compared to yesterday, and even if more showed up, Eiji would always back me up, saying, "You don’t want to make the 'Ice Princess' angry," so it wasn't a problem.
Then, at lunch.
"…When I think about it again, you’re pretty amazing. You’re going to confront her today, after everything that happened yesterday."
"I can’t settle down unless it’s Nagi’s bento for lunch."
"You’ve definitely been caught by her, huh… Well, I can’t really say much about that."
Eiji pulled out a blue lunchbox. I noticed it was one I hadn’t seen before.
"Eiji, you’re getting a bento made for you too?"
"Yeah. Apparently, seeing you two got my girlfriend inspired. So, I told, 'If you're going to make it, I’ll gladly take it.'"
"Hey, that’s great. Glad to hear it."
Still, I needed to remember to show my gratitude. Maybe I should do something for her regularly. I’ll think about it.
"By the way, are you two planning to go anywhere for Christmas next month?"
"Christmas, huh. I haven’t heard anything about plans yet, but… I’d like to spend it together if possible."
There was still some time left. I’d have to ask later, but if Nagi turned me down, I’d end up spending Christmas alone. I felt like my mom and dad would probably come if I asked, though.
"…I’m not sure if Nagi will spend it with her family or with me, though. Depending on the situation, I might end up going to her place, but we’ll need to discuss that first."
"I see. It doesn’t sound like you’d be alone, but if by some chance… the very rare chance that happens, let me know. You can spend it with me and my friend."
"Yeah, thanks. If that happens, I’ll let you know."
I gave Eiji a wry smile, surprising him.
But Christmas, huh… That means I need to—
"I need to think about Christmas presents."
"Yeah, you should prepare early."
"Right. I need to figure out what she’d like… I’d like to ask you for advice, Eiji, but I guess I can’t really do that."
"Everyone’s different about what they like. But honestly, whatever you give her, she’ll probably be happy, right?"
"…That may be true, but I can’t just pick something randomly. Well, I’ll figure it out. It’ll be fine."
I quickly came up with some ideas. I should probably ask Nagi if there’s anything she specifically wants.
While thinking about that, I took a bite of the egg roll in my bento.
As usual, the lunch was very delicious.
★◇★◇★
There I was, in front of me.
At first, I thought I was looking in the mirror. But the me in front of me… her eyes were clouded, her expression dark.
The moment I realized this was a dream, the world began to color.
I was—on the Ferris wheel. A view I recognized all too well. It was an aerial perspective, but I knew exactly where it was—and which time it was.
"Today is the last day I get to see Souta-kun."
That day—the memory of the day I betrayed Souta-kun.
A pain like a needle piercing my chest overwhelms me. But I can't escape from this pain. I must not try to escape.
This is a memory I must never forget. That’s why it’s appearing in my dreams like this.
"I’m sorry. I got you involved—"
Watching her, I feel strong regret… and anger.
What is she saying?
She is only thinking about protecting her own heart. This apology will only hurt Souta-kun.
I bite my lip tightly. There is no pain.
Then the scene changes. It’s the memory of when we parted.
"I’ll take this last memory."
In such a base way, I—kissed Souta-kun. At that moment, everything went dark, and both I and another version of myself were left behind.
"Are you happy?"
She asks me this question.
"You must be happy. After all, you’ve finally been united with the person you love."
I couldn’t respond. Yet, she is like a mirror reflecting myself. She must see everything I’m thinking.
"Do you really think you can make him happy?"
The words "I can" don’t come out. Only a hoarse voice passes through my throat.
"You have given him nothing in return. You’ve repaid his kindness with betrayal, and yet you’re still trying to just absorb his happiness."
Her blue, murky eyes stare at me intently. The eyes reflecting me in those eyes are also—clouded.
"You might betray him again."
Those words had always been stuck deep in my heart.
"Even so, he won’t leave you. You believe he will always help you again, don’t you?"
He probably will. After all, it’s him.
"That’s why you can’t rely on him."
I can’t tell if those words were hers or my own.
"I’ll make him happy. I, and no one else, will."
The memories of that day flow intermittently.
A memory I must never forget. A memory I must never forget until the day I am laid to rest.
No matter how much nausea or headache I feel, it’s nothing compared to the suffering he endured.
The black, sticky, swirling emotions in my heart. To wipe them away, I pressed my clenched fist firmly against my chest.
And at that moment—my eyes opened.
★◇★◇★