Chapter 6 - Hina's Pushing Activities
Upon waking up, a few seconds later, I directed my gaze to the smartphone lying next to my pillow. It was an unconscious action, but it felt like a movement I had repeated hundreds of times before. Since it's not a memory related to human relationships, this thought is probably correct. Once again, there were multiple Line notifications on my phone. I opened the Line messages that were likely received last night.
-- The first one was from Arisugawa, the self-centered girlfriend.
"SA: I want to go on a weekend date."
Just like yesterday, the content was unrelated. The icon showed Arisugawa's silhouette, as expected of a famous model. Even from the back, her excellent proportions were clearly conveyed.
-- The second one was from Hina, my underclassman girlfriend.
"Hina: We couldn't meet yesterday after all... I want to die... I hope we can meet today for sure."
The content was slightly heavier compared to yesterday. The icon was an image of a dog, simply adorable.
-- The third one was from Asuka, my childhood friend girlfriend.
"Asuka: Goodnight, you worked hard today! Make sure you're not late tomorrow!"
The content showed concern for me. I sincerely appreciate the words that take care of me. The icon was a front-facing image of herself, happily flashing a double peace sign.
When my memories return, what will I think about these notifications?
Will I truly appreciate them?
Will I think about fixing this relationship properly?.
.. But right now, there is something more important than these thoughts.
A Line message from Asuka appeared on the smartphone screen.
It was the only message sent this morning.
"Asuka: Are you awake?"
As Asuka cares about me even on the second day, she must have been concerned about me throughout yesterday.
The neighboring class may be physically close, but the time spent interacting significantly decreases with just a single wall separating us.
I should share today's events with Asuka. As I pondered my thoughts, I let my fingers race across the smartphone screen.
"Thank you for yesterday and I'm sorry."
The reason for apologizing becomes apparent when looking outside.
With one eye closed against the sunlight leaking through the gap in the curtains, I muttered once again, "It's over."
◇◆
There was no way Asuka wouldn't be angry about my two consecutive tardiness incidents.
As I spoke on the phone, Asuka's thunder struck.
"You! Didn't I tell you yesterday?! Saki is in charge of taking care of things inside the school, but everything else is my responsibility! If you cause a problem like being late, I'm the one who will get scolded!"
"I'm truly, sincerely sorry! I had set an alarm, but something happened, and I woke up at the same time as yesterday!"
"You're not making any excuses at all! This isn't just a normal oversleeping situation, is it!?"
Ten minutes before the start of class. I was still about thirty minutes away from school. I shivered as the loud voice echoed in my ear, and I lowered the volume by two levels.
"I don't mean to threaten you, but if you're late again, I'll give you a buzz cut as compensation!"
"That's nothing but a threat! The choice of words like 'compensation' is way too delinquent!"
I raised my voice alone. It was a punishment too wicked for a teenage boy. If I were doing it voluntarily, it wouldn't be a problem, but it was among the hairstyles I wanted to avoid the most when forced by others.
Asuka seemed to have been waiting at the school gate and was quite unhappy from the morning.
"Since the teacher doesn't have a business trip today, we can greet each other even if it's not in the morning. So, your mission for today is to come to school properly. Can you do that?"
"I can, I can! I'm already on my way!"
As I replied, Asuka answered with a clear tone.
"That's good. Well then, I'll go ahead and head to school. Make sure you come to school properly, okay? Absolutely no slacking off!"
"You're being overly thorough. Don't you trust me that much?"
"I don't!"
"Understood, I'll go as soon as possible!"
Pushed by Asuka's momentum, I struck a salute pose.
"Enough with that, just don't oversleep tomorrow!"
*Click!* The call ended.
Did she sense my behavior from the other end of the phone?
......I should apologize once again later.
I put my smartphone in my pocket and fanned my neck with my collar.
Perhaps I was sweating in response to Asuka's anger, but it felt like my body was heating up.
"...It's hot."
I murmured and glanced around. Familiar with my commuting route, I walked briskly.
It takes about twenty minutes to walk along the river from my home to Yukizaki High School, and then another ten minutes at the foot of the mountain.
During this time of the day, there are many people running or walking their dogs along the riverside, but I couldn't spot anyone who seemed to be a fellow high school student.
It's only natural since I'm running late, but it still feels a bit uncomfortable being outside.
However, as I walked for a few minutes, the tension gradually eased.
This commuting route has the scent of the river, making the walk enjoyable.
Initially, when entering the riverbank, the path was wide enough for five people to walk side by side, but now three people seem to be the limit.
As the width narrows, the number of people decreases, and now I'm the only one walking.
Eventually, it became difficult to pass by others, and at some point, I came across a staircase.
After climbing about ten steps, a path with a similar width to the previous riverside stretched out.
It seemed that the riverside had become a gentle slope, and the distance from the river was farther than I had expected.
Nevertheless, the sound of the flowing river was soothing to the ears, and combined with the warmth of the morning sun, it gave a drowsy feeling.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, my gaze was drawn. About ten meters ahead. A girl with chestnut-brown bobbed hair was fiddling with something while absentmindedly gazing at the sky on a bench.
It wouldn't be worth noting on its own, but she was wearing a school uniform. From what I could see, it was the design of our school.
Moreover, she had taken off her shoes and was sitting cross-legged on the bench. Due to the angle, I couldn't see her entire face. After hesitating, I decided to pass by without saying anything.
If she's idling on a bench at this critical time when I'm running late, there must be some reason for it.
If she's a delinquent, it could be dangerous.
"Hey... um, excuse me!"
Just after I passed by the girl, a voice called out from behind me. Contrary to my will, my feet stopped abruptly, as if my body reacted on its own.
I turned around fearfully, and the girl with chestnut-brown hair was looking straight at me. From a distance, I couldn't tell, but it was someone I recognized.
Or rather, it's her. The thing she was fiddling with was just a character keychain.
"Wh-why did you ignore me? Are you suffering from amnesia again, senpai?"
Hina Fuegano looked at me with large, watery eyes. If this wasn't specifically calculated...
Well, it's impressive.
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't recognize you from a distance. Good morning, Hina."
"Such a plain greeting! Put more heart into it! Otaku need a daily supply of enthusiasm from their favorite person in the morning!"
"No, there hasn't been any supply for a while, right? I mean, I was hospitalized."
"That's why I've been waiting today!"
"You were waiting for me and ended up being late!?"
As I was taken aback, Hina strangely puffed up her chest with a proud expression.
"Of course. I've been patiently waiting all this time!"
...It's terrifying how Hina doesn't seem to be lying.
She exhaled through her nose and widened her hazel eyes.
With her level of dedication, a question arose in my mind.
Despite that, I haven't been messaging Hina much.
Maybe just one exchange on LINE per day, if that. Considering her personality, it wouldn't be strange to receive consecutive notifications every day.
After all, she was a junior who apparently sent 200 messages in a day.
"Despite talking about patience, our messaging frequency was pretty normal. Even when I replied yesterday, it took you a while to read it."
Upon hearing my words, Hina blinked her eyes.
"W-Well..."
For some reason, Asuka face flashed through my mind.
If she took a pause before speaking, I couldn't help but anticipate something outrageous coming out.
"...Because it would burden you, Senpai. Contacting you means expecting a reply... I feel sorry for causing you the trouble of replying on my behalf."
"What's with the excessive modesty!? Why are you like that?"
Her unexpected response made me instinctively retort.
It made me feel sorry for being cautious about receiving strange comments.
...Come to think of it, even during the few minutes I spent in the hospital room, it was the same.
She certainly had some peculiarities, being willing to tolerate a love triangle, and she might like her girlfriend a bit too much.
However, Hina never imposed herself on others.
She just wanted to be by my side, no more than that.
I'm not sure if I have any romantic feelings for her right now.
But as a senior, our interactions were more than enough to find her endearing as a junior.
"Well then, what about this time?"
"Hehe, well, let me tell you. Oh, by the way!"
Hina bounced up from the bench, put on her shoes, and put the keychain in her pocket.
Then, she raised her index finger with both hands and curled her lips upwards.
"Regardless of anything, Senpai will be going to school anyway, so that time remains unchanged. In other words, if we go to school together, we can spend time together without burdening Senpai!"
"I see."
Indeed, if we don't stop, there's no need for extra time.
As Hina excitedly walked alongside me, a mischievous idea came to mind as her senior.
"You know, there's something I need to do on the way to school."
Hina came to a sudden stop.
And while trembling, she looked up at me.
"U-Um... Th-Then, I'll wait a bit more on the bench..."
Saying that, Hina quickly returned to the bench without waiting for my response.
I was waiting to immediately clarify that it was a joke, so I hastily reached out and touched Hina's arm to stop her.
"S-Sorry, sorry, I lied! Let's go to school together!"
Hina turned around and blinked her eyes.
With every blink, her downcast face seemed to regain vitality.
"Yes! I'll go to school with you, Senpai!"
Without particularly condemning the joke, Hina stood next to me again.
An obedient junior.
Did I really fall for such a place in the past? Although it overlaps with my questions to Arisugawa, I decided to ask Hina as well.
"Hey, Hina."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Why did you end up liking someone like me? Why can you tolerate me being involved with multiple people?"
At that moment, Hina wore a dissatisfied expression for the first time.
"It's not that I... Well, it's not like I have any particular reason. Um... I guess it's because I admire seniors who have confidence in themselves and can stand out even when they act alone. Instead of tolerating multiple relationships, it's more like being honored to be mentioned alongside the three major factions..."
"...I don't really understand. So how did we end up together, you and me?"
"That's simple. I expressed my love to my favorite person every day, and then one day, they just said, 'Okay!' It might feel like a hassle for a senior to handle such matters, but well, the result is fine."
...It feels like she just wanted to settle the situation for now.
Ideally, I could have declined and that would be the end of it, but my past self would have had trouble making such a judgment. After all, I was someone who had multiple girlfriends.
I temporarily abandoned my thoughts and looked around at the scenery.
Rustling trees. Babbling river.
With the scent of spring, I could sense the presence of the school in the air.
...This feeling is undoubtedly something from my past.
Even if I have a memory of that feeling... it's not ingrained in my personality. It's a strange sensation that no one would understand.
If I were alone, this subtle discrepancy would be terrifying, and I would perceive the world around me as heavy.
The relationship with these three girls is twisted, but I am undoubtedly saved.
However, the only thing bothering me now is the relationship formed by a personality I don't remember.
The wind blows.
Hina turned her gaze toward me as I contemplated.
"...Senpai? Uh, uh, um..."
"What's wrong? Calm down."
Hina suddenly became like a malfunctioning robot and took deep breaths two or three times. Then, she opened her mouth with determination.
"Like, with Asuka-san and Arisugawa-senpai... There are many people around you who are more reliable than me."
Hina placed her hand firmly on her chest and continued speaking.
"But, even so, I'm the one who supports you the most... So even if there are times when you can't rely on anyone else, I'll always be on your side unconditionally."
It was a weak yet determined voice.
Perhaps she was revealing the emotions she had held in her heart for a long time on this occasion.
"...Why do you go to such lengths? I don't remember anything now."
"Oh... It's for supporting my oshi activities. It's natural that I want to be a force for my favorite person."
Unconditional love. Hina declared that it was part of her oshi activities.
She said it wouldn't solve anything.
But having someone there when you're pushed to the edge can save you.
When I woke up in the hospital room, during my stay there, and when I spent time at home.
If all of those times were filled with loneliness, I'm not confident I could have held myself together.
I clearly understand that now.
Did my past self express gratitude to this underclassman every day?
...Probably not.
It can be inferred from conversations with Asuka and Arisugawa.
So now, at least, I'll express my heartfelt gratitude.
"...Thank you. Just having you around saves me."
"Hehe
"After that, Senpai, I couldn't say it all this time," Hina hesitated for a few seconds before speaking up.
"Um... your zipper has been open the whole time."
"You could have told me earlier, couldn't you??"
I hurriedly closed the fully open zipper. On the second day of my return, whether it was a good omen or a bad one, I looked at Hina bouncing energetically beside me and gazed up at the cloudless sky.
◇◆
"Late again, huh?"
As soon as the class ended, Arisugawa, the person sitting next to me, grinned. Unable to properly attend the first period since my return, I couldn't find the right words to respond.
"There were unavoidable circumstances..."
I muttered, struggling to come up with an excuse. Arisugawa chuckled as they put their textbook back in the desk.
"Oh, what kind of circumstances?"
"My alarm didn't go off!"
"Oh, really? Well, I guess it can't be helped then."
In response to a completely different reply from Asuka, I blinked.
However, Takaoka, who was sitting in front of me, interjected.
"Hey, hey, it's not like there's no reason, right? If Sanada's excuse flies, then I want to be late too!"
"Is that so? Maybe there are some situations like that."
Arisugawa smiled towards Takaoka. While Takaoka tilted their face back with a necessary textbook for the next class, they spoke up.
"Arisugawa, you're too easy on Sanada. I think he just overslept like a normal person."
"I've heard the exact same thing from our childhood friend..." I replied, and Takaoka showed a light-hearted smile.
"Well, maybe. It seems like Minato is reliable but also has some gaps."
Recalling the completely black omelet rice, I gave a subtle reaction.
However, Takaoka casually said, "Childhood friends are great, aren't they?"
Yamato Takaoka. With dark brown hair in a two-block style, he exuded an athletic atmosphere while giving off a refreshing impression.
In the previous class, we had a time to share our impressions of the story in the textbook with the four people in nearby seats, and Takaoka actively asked for my opinion even though I was mostly silent.
My impression from yesterday was not mistaken. In other words, he's a really friendly guy. Takaoka averted his gaze and asked Arisugawa,
"By the way, Arisugawa, have you ever been late?"
"Oh, really?"
It was quite surprising since they had slept through yesterday's class. I don't know how busy they are with their work as a famous model.
As I was surprised by Takaoka's statement, Arisugawa silently combed their ash-black hair.
When Takaoka tilted his head in confusion, Arisugawa finally spoke up.
"I don't care about being late or anything."
"Haha. You're still indifferent to topics that don't interest you."
"...That's just how I am," Arisugawa replied.
I heard a voice from next to Takaoka, and I turned my gaze to the side. It was Yumesaki, with her flowing crimson hair, turning towards us.
They seem to have a familiar exchange as she smiled as if exasperated.
Arisugawa informed me earlier that they were in the same class last year.
Yeah, the atmosphere isn't bad. As I mentioned before, it seems there are no feuds or conflicts between the three major factions. The fact that.
My movements momentarily stopped.
I thought I was doing well, but did it show so much that even someone I just met noticed?
"So you're saying my name doesn't stick in Sanada's memory? Hey, Sanada. We talked only once last year during the sports festival, you know."
While saying that, Takao doesn't seem angry at all; he jokingly puts his hand around my shoulder.
I'm perplexed, but I manage to make a smile and say,
"Oh, haha."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just about the only one who remembers your name, barely,"
Azusagawa comes to my rescue. If that's the case, I want to say, don't set me up from the beginning.
"Barely known as a famous model, huh? Then it's natural that neither I nor Yumesaki are recognized, ahaha."
"Shut up! Don't compare me to that guy!"
"It's too cruel, I could cry."
When Yumesaki replies, Takao droops his head dejectedly, and another guy calls out to them.
"Today's hall monitor, erase the blackboard! It's Sawa-sensei for the next class, and you'll get scolded if you don't do it!"
Takao says, "Oops," with a single word and fades away from this place. He's someone who often leaves midway.
Yumesaki also doesn't seem intent on continuing the conversation with the two of us and starts fiddling with things in her desk, saying,
"I have to prepare too."
The atmosphere in the classroom is bustling even during break time.
...It's nostalgic after all. I didn't remember Takao, but the atmosphere during break time is pleasant.
As I immerse myself in an indescribable sensation, Azusagawa moves closer to me and says,
"Here we go," in a whisper.
A deep fragrance invades my nostrils, and scenes flash through my mind.
--- Soft lips.
A sudden kiss executed in the hospital room. I involuntarily tense up, but thankfully, the same situation doesn't occur.
Instead, Azusagawa whispers softly to me.
"See? No one believes in amnesia and such. But... please don't do it again; it's bad for my heart."
"Bad for your heart?"
"It's a metaphor!"
Azusagawa chuckles heartily. Just as I try to continue speaking, it happens. A familiar figure appears in the hallway. A female student with golden hair.
She is Asuka, my childhood friend and girlfriend. Some of the boys who were chatting in the classroom interrupt their conversation and stare at Asuka intently.
One of the boys notices Asuka and exclaims, "Huh?! Rare!"
The boy next to him mutters,
"Impressive." The reason is clear.
--- The leaders of the three major factions have gathered in the classroom of Class 2-3.
As Asuka approaches us with a firm stride, she looks at me and Azusagawa alternately.
"Sorry, can I talk to you guys for a moment?"
Asuka throws these words at the two of us. Azusagawa blinks slowly at her voice and then turns his gaze to Asuka.
My heart beats heavily. I'm suddenly tense.
The issue of factions has become a trivial matter. After all, these two are...
"Hey, Asuka-san. What's the matter?"
It feels like her tone is slightly colder than usual. Secretly praying for tranquility in my heart, I shift my gaze between the two of them.
"Saki..."
"What is it? Ah, did you finally decide to become a me"
"...Yuki, can you lend me a hand? I need to introduce Yuki to Yukawa-sensei,"
Asuka says. It takes me a few seconds to understand that Asuka is referring to Azusagawa and that Yukawa-sensei is the homeroom teacher mentioned by Yagawa-sensei before.
I should have arrived at school earlier to greet Yukawa-sensei, but my oversleeping prevented that.
I'll have to apologize to Asuka and Yukawa-sensei later, but right now, there's something more important. I can only anxiously watch how their interaction unfolds, hoping that Azusagawa doesn't say anything strange.
Surprisingly, Azusagawa speaks in a cheerful voice.
"Then I'll accompany you, alright? We're in the same class anyway."
"No, it's okay. We're in the same class, and Saeki, please take notes for Yuki. It might take a while until we come back."
*Click*
Huh, it seems like a crack has formed between the two.
"Um... hello?"
I cautiously try to speak, but they completely ignore me.
Azusagawa blinks slowly and a smile forms on his lips. Then he shows a gesture of pondering.
...The next words that come out of his mouth are definitely not going to be pleasant.
Having a strong sense of foreboding, I clear my throat loudly.
Azusagawa glances at me briefly from the corner of his eye and lets out a small sigh.
"...Phew, alright then. Take care, Asuka."
"...Thanks. Yuki, come with me then."
"Y-Yeah."
I come to a conclusion in the tense atmosphere. It's better to avoid letting these two meet on campus. Especially right in front of me.
◇◆
"So, Asuka, you've been invited by Azusagawa to become a model. That's amazing!" "..."
Once again, they completely ignore me, as if I don't exist.
"Asuka-san...?"
As I nervously call her name again, Asuka's eyes narrow. I flinch and instinctively shout,
"Y-You said you wouldn't mind if I talked to other people!"
"I never said that!"
"You did say it!"
I try to remind her of our conversation yesterday, but Asuka smoothly feigns ignorance with full confidence.
However, it seems that Asuka has her own intentions behind this.
"I don't mind, but it still pisses me off."
"Isn't that the extreme result of minding...?"
Asuka stops abruptly, leans against the wall, and pushes up her bangs. I can tell she's trying to calm herself with slightly disheveled gestures.
"If I prioritize you, I wouldn't mind, but sometimes it's annoying when I actually witness it. I think it's healthy as a girlfriend, though. Is that bad?"
"Not at all, boss. Roger that!"
"Enoughtalking. Let's go, follow me!"
Asuka moves away from the wall and walks briskly down the corridor. It's hard to tell if she's in a good mood or still angry.
Her hair sways, emitting a pleasant scent, but it's not the time to mention it.
As a result, I decide to change the subject.
"By the way, what kind of teacher is my homeroom teacher? We had a phone conversation, but..."
Asuka pauses for a moment, but this time she gives me a proper answer.
"Well, I don't think sbe's a bad teacher. She even consulted me about who should take care of you. It's evidence that she's paying attention to us."
"I see... she sounds like a good teacher, then."
"Try to give more enthusiastic responses. Do you want me to continue the previous topic?"
"I don't want you to continue!"
"You're so stubborn!"
Asuka retorts as she climbs the stairs. I feel like I'm about to see her absolute territory, so I divert my gaze to the side.
Then, I speak to Asuka.
"But, honestly, having someone take care of me is really helpful. It was the same when I was hospitalized, and two days ago, you even cleaned for me. There were areas with accumulated dust that I couldn't even notice."
"See? I cooked for you before cleaning, too."
"But you burned it."
"Forget about that!"
Asuka pouts slightly and turns around. Perhaps she wanted to erase that image from her mind as she quickly changes the subject.
"Oh, right, the teacher. The only thing that's certain is that he's also the advisor for your club."
"Club advisor? I was in a club?"
There are too many things I'm hearing about myself for the first time. Asuka casually nods.
"Yes, you were in the soccer club. So, he might have a strict side to him."
"Ugh, that sounds tough."
I let out a frustrated voice reflexively, and Asuka blinks before bursting into laughter.
"Ahaha, what's with that weird voice? Don't worry, it's more directed towards me. I was the one catching his attention."
"Huh... Asuka? But you're the leader of the faction, right?"
"You just want to say 'faction,' don't you? The whole faction thing spread around as a joke after the OG incident. There's really no such thing. Ah, I get it now, everyone's saying it in a fun way. I really hate it."
"Haha, that theory sounds plausible and cool. But being singled out... what did you do exactly?"
When I ask, Asuka pouts.
"How rude. I didn't do anything. It's just because my hair is a bit lighter or because I unbuttoned the second button."
"Ah, I see. It's for disciplinary reasons."
The wind enters through the newly opened window, causing Asuka's hair to sway dramatically.
In the hospital room or the outside world, Asuka's light gold hair was only slightly noticeable.
However, in a high school setting, depending on the atmosphere of the class, it could be an outrageously standout hair color.
Simply put, it perfectly matches the "gal" aesthetic, which would likely prompt teachers to nag.
As if understanding what I was thinking, Asuka twirls her light gold hair with her finger.
"I wonder if I should dye it back to black... I'm not completely against the idea, though."
"No, it's fine as it is. It suits you."
I can understand the teachers' argument about disrupting discipline. But personally, I feel that the current hair color suits Asuka better than black.
It's a simple thought process of supporting the hair color that suits her.
In response to my answer, Asuka widens her eyes. Although it was a reflexive remark, it seems to have had a positive effect on Asuka.
"Oh... thank you."
"Hey, why are you suddenly acting humble?"
"...It's nothing. I was just a little happy."
"That doesn't seem like 'nothing'! Stop being shy like that!"
"Ahaha, sorry. Yeah, I'll admit that I wasn't very mature about the previous matter. I'll be more careful."
Asuka swayed her shoulders and smiled carefreely with a cheerful demeanor. Her expression was bright, as if she truly didn't mind. I felt relieved for a moment and continued walking. Although I had a reason to regain my memories, continuing my relationships with everyone made me feel a bit guilty. But if regaining my memories meant Asuka would forgive me, then it should be fine.
Since she had already given her consent, maybe she wasn't really angry to begin with. If I were to be punished before regaining my memories, what kind of punishment would be suitable?
Engaging in somewhat eccentric thoughts from the perspective of those around me, I walked silently.
After a while, I arrived at the hallway of the West Building. The corridor, somewhat more deserted than the East Building, had a peculiar atmosphere. I walked for about ten seconds and then stopped. Asuka raised her gaze, and when I followed suit, I saw a sign that read "Staff Room."
"We've arrived!" Asuka said, her lips curling up as she pointed at the sign with precision.
"Oh, wait. By the way, I'm sorry for being late today," I apologized, and Asuka chuckled, saying, "Are you saying that now?"
"It's not like I'm apologizing as soon as we arrived at the staff room," she replied.
In response to her remark, I pondered what kind of apology could be more sincere. Unfortunately, I was at a loss for a quick retort and just opened and closed my mouth.
"Hahaha, what a face. Well then, shall we see if that expression works on Yukawa-senseu as well?"
"Wait, let me think of a better excuse!"
With a turn, we walked ahead. Suddenly, we reached the hallway of the West Building. The narrow passage between the long desks gave off a cramped feeling, and Asuka raised her gaze. I followed suit and saw a plate that said "Staff Room."
"Oh, hold on. I forgot to apologize for being late today," I said, and Asuka chuckled, "Are you saying it now?"
"Even if you apologize as soon as we arrive at the staff room, it's fine," she replied.
Slightly surprised, I followed Asuka as she confidently walked forward. A female teacher, the young teacher who taught the first class yesterday, noticed us and beckoned us over. She must be Yukawa-sensei.
We maneuvered through the narrow passage squeezed between the long desks and finally reached Yukawa-sensei. Her wavy hair reached her shoulders, and she seemed to be in her late twenties or early thirties. With her eye corners slightly lifted by makeup, she gave the impression of a mature woman.
"Oh, Sanada-kun, it's been a while! You've been through a lot," she said, giving me a shoulder blow when I had expected to be scolded for being late.
"Not really...," I replied.
"You're pretending like it wasn't a big deal. It must have been tough," Asuka interjected.
While memory loss was indeed challenging, it was just an impulsive remark that slipped out. It felt as if she had scolded me many times before. Yukawa-sensei smiled faintly and then returned to a serious expression.
"I've heard about the situation from your father. I think there will be some difficult times ahead, so I'll try to be flexible with your attendance and such. And if you feel unwell, make sure to go to the infirmary as needed," she said.
"Okay. Thank you," I replied.
...My father, huh? Our relationship
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