Chapter 5: Arisugawa, The Seat Next To Me
In the blink of an eye, classes flew by until fourth period, and the bell rang to signal lunch. The sound brought back memories. I had indeed attended this school. It was comforting to have that certainty, even if I didn't remember anyone. It seemed that my memories were gradually returning.
While immersed in the lingering sound of the bell, I took my smartphone out of my pocket. There were two notifications.
"From Hina: Senpai, did you make it to school okay today?"
"From Asuka: How are you feeling?"
They worry too much, don't they? To ease their worries, I started replying to both of them. First, I replied to Hina.
"From Yuki: Thanks, I came even though I was late!"
I waited for a while, but there was no read receipt. Although she had sent me 200 messages on LINE, she seemed surprisingly reserved. Next, I replied to Asuka.
"From Yuki: Class is over! I'm feeling good! It's time for lunch!"
Immediately, a read receipt appeared.
"From Asuka: Are you okay? Haha. You seem fine."
"From Yuki: I told you, I'm normal! What are you going to do for lunch?"
"From Asuka: What do you want to do?"
"From Yuki: I want to go home!
"From Asuka: That's not the only option, you know.
I couldn't help loosening my lips at her calm reply. It felt surreal to be teased through text messages. If we spent the lunch break together like this, it would be a pleasant time. But it seemed like Asuka had something else in mind.
"From Asuka: How about having lunch with our classmates today? It's your first day back since the class reshuffle, so even without considering your memory situation, it's important to get along with our classmates."
"From Yuki: Seriously? I'm really nervous. Isn't there a special privilege where Asuka can teach me everything on the first day?"
"From Yuki: Besides, I just found out today that Asuka is in the class next door!"
"From Asuka: Sorry about that."
"From Yuki: Also, I just found out today that Asuka is in the next class!"
"From Asuka: Sorry about that."
"From Asuka: It's fine to talk and have lunch together, but wasn't it your intention to confirm things with your own eyes?"
When I read this statement, I stopped my fingers that had been busily running across the screen. That's right. Instead of relying on Asuka to tell me, I should see for myself.
"From Yuki: I'll do that. Thanks, I'm going."
"From Asuka: Take care! Haha."
I put my smartphone back in my pocket and raised my head with determination. I would confirm the relationships between the people in the classroom with my own eyes. There was no other way.
"You shouldn't play with your phone."
"Whoa!"
Arisugawa leaned forward from the seat next to me, holding a lollipop stick in her right hand for some reason. The sweet smell came closer and I quickly moved backwards to avoid it. Arisugawa blinked her eyes at my reaction and then smiled slightly, her pale pink lips forming a gentle curve that made boys' hearts race. Memories of our kiss in the hospital flashed through my mind.
"Yuki-kun, why were you late today? Are you the type who likes to eat a proper breakfast?"
"N-No, not at all. It's completely different."
I shook my head vigorously and replied. Arisugawa tilted her head slightly.
"Are you afraid of something?"
"I'm not afraid! I told you, I just overslept!"
I returned to my seat as if I had been pushed away and put my textbook on the desk. Arisugawa casually stood up and approached me, coming closer to the point where it seemed she was interfering with my tidying up.
"Oh, really?"
"Too close, too close!"
"Hehe. You're curious, aren't you? I think I'll be late, too. By the way, there is a new drink at Starbucks today. Let's go get it together."
"That's impossible. I'm already in danger with my attendance points!"
I quickly declined the inappropriate invitation, which was unbecoming of a high school student, and looked around the area.
The reactions to Arisugawa's behavior varied among the people around us. There were boys who gave her intense looks and boys who smiled pleasantly.
There were girls chatting while eating their lunch and girls reading by themselves. The reactions of the boys in particular were too simple.
However, it seemed that spending a month together in the same class had gotten everyone used to it, as the boys who had initially looked at me quickly returned to their own conversations.
It seemed that everyone had made it a daily routine to enjoy some eye candy after class. For now, I was relieved that there were no boys coming at me with flames of jealousy.
Well, I should have been beaten before I lost my memory. That's what I thought as I looked forward from my surroundings. That's when my eyes met those of Yoko Yumemaki. It was just a coincidence that our gazes crossed, as it seemed that she had looked in my direction for a brief moment.
Still, I couldn't look away. Wanting to thank her for what she had done that morning, I opened my mouth.
"Yumemaki-san, thank you for this morning."
"No response?"
"No. Just move."
Yumemaki stood up quickly, holding her lunch box in one hand, and left the classroom.
"Huh, so she hates me after all...?"
I feel like I haven't done anything yet. But depending on how you look at it, forcing a declaration of friendship in front of everyone could be a reason to be disliked.
To be suspected of being disliked by someone who would probably hold a leadership position in the class would be a big blow, and I was feeling depressed when someone tugged at my sleeve.
When I turned around, Arisugawa looked up at me.
"Well then, shall we go?"
"Huh? Where to?"
"Obviously, to lunch. Here, take your lunch box."
Arisugawa took a lunch box out of my bag and smiled. I looked at my own lunch box and thought.
--It is perfect.
I also have things I want to ask Arisugawa. Since there are probably various rumors circulating about her, now is the only chance I have to confirm them with my own eyes on my first day back.
I nodded sincerely and took the lunch box from Arisugawa. I refused the lollipop stick.
◇◆
We walked down the hall with the lunch box in our hands. The red indoor shoes were a symbol of being a sophomore. As we walked by, the sophomores would glance at us for a moment.
Gradually, the sneakers of the passing students changed to blue.
"What year are the blue indoor shoes for again?"
"Hmm, I think they're for freshmen. But I am not sure."
"How can you not know?"
It was unbelievable to hear such a statement from someone who was a sophomore.
But if it was Arisugawa who made that statement, it wouldn't be surprising.
She probably has no interest in her surroundings. With such a distinctive appearance, people must constantly approach her out of curiosity, using up her resources just to satisfy their own curiosity.
...Although there's also the possibility that she has no interest in anyone at all. Yes, it feels more like Arisugawa if she has no interest in anyone.
When I thought about it, it made a strange sense that she just accepted the situation of having three girlfriend without even having proper conversations with them. It might be an arbitrary interpretation, but that's what came to mind.
With these thoughts in mind, we crossed the covered walkway and walked from the east building to the south building. As we stepped outside and climbed the spiral staircase, the roof came into view.
The door was securely padlocked, so we couldn't go any further. However, there was a small space in front of the railing where two people could somehow sit.
Arisugawa sat down in that room and stretched her legs out on the stairs.
Prompted by her, I unintentionally opened my mouth.
"Hey, what if someone sees us in a place like this where no one comes?"
"It's okay. We were close friends from the beginning. Besides, Asuka-san won't come here either."
Arisugawa added, knowing that the "someone" referred to "her".
"But... can you be sure of that?"
"Yes After all, this is our nest."
"Stop using weird terms!" I replied, looking to the side.
From the fourth floor we had a view of the sports field, but we couldn't see anything beyond it.
We could catch a glimpse of the roofs of apartment buildings, but in terms of scenery, an apartment balcony would be better.
However, there was a sense of familiarity with this subtle view. I wasn't sure if I had been here with Arisugawa, but it seemed like I had been here before.
"So, are you getting used to school?"
"Isn't it too soon to ask? It's only been a few hours since I started attending again."
"Seems like you lack adaptability."
"Maybe your standards are just confused..."
"Oh, it's not like that," Arisugawa loosened her uniform ribbon and fanned her neck with her hand.
Her black underwear showed through from time to time, and I quickly averted my eyes. But that would seem unnatural, so I pretended to look for a place to sit.
There were only a few places to sit in this small room, and in the end, I sat down next to Arisugawa.
Arisugawa nudged my thigh and said, "Hehe, welcome." A sweet smell entered my nostrils and made me blink.
"Arisugawa, why did you invite me to lunch?"
"Huh, strange question. Isn't it because we're dating?"
"No, it's not. It's already a problem that you have three girlfriend."
"I see, I guess that's a problem." Arisugawa expressed her thoughts, seemingly not bothered by it. She tilted her head to the side.
"Then I'll be your caretaker, okay?"
"Caretaker?" I echoed her words, and Arisugawa said, "Gu!" while raising her thumb.
It was frustrating, but her gestures and every word she spoke was incredibly cute.
No, that's not it.
"Teacher also asked me to take care of you. But honestly, I don't care whether I'm with you or not. If it weren't for you, I would have refused." Arisugawa lowered the corners of her eyes.
...This is already dangerous. What's dangerous is that my heart is stirred and that's dangerous. I struggled for an answer and managed to squeeze out a few words.
"Let's, let's eat, okay? Quickly. Like a bullet train."
"Huh, you're in a hurry. Seems like you're embarrassed?"
"I'm not embarrassed!"
"Heh, let's just say you are." Saying that, Arisugawa obediently clasped her hands together.
Even her casual "Itadakimaasu" before eating had a familiar tone that I had heard several times before... We were really close, Arisugawa and I. "Crack!" With a cheerful voice, Arisugawa opened the lunch box, revealing the luxurious contents inside.
Every student's lunch box is usually the same, but Arisugawa's was dazzling. What set it apart, however, was not the contents, but the lunchbox itself. The octagonal lunchbox was made of wood with four diamond-shaped wooden compartments inside.
My lunchbox was plastic. When placed next to the wooden one, it looked a bit cheap. And when Arisugawa opened the lid of her lunchbox, there were homemade dishes that clearly showed her amateurism. Frozen food was also mixed in, and I really didn't want to compare it to Arisugawa's lunch.
Asuka suggested, "Shall I make a bento box for you?"
But I was worried about the burnt omurice I made yesterday. While I was cooking, I felt a sense of accomplishment because I was able to do something new. But now I'm starting to regret it a little. Judging by the result, it might have been better to go for a store-bought bento box.
"Itadakki!"
"Whoa!?"
Suddenly, chopsticks extended from the side and grabbed a frozen dumpling.
Arisugawa didn't even give me a chance to stop her as she stuffed the dumpling into her mouth and started chewing.
"Hehe, it's cold. Is this a frozen food?"
"Y-yeah! I can't make dumplings myself. If I want to eat dumplings, frozen dumplings are the only choice!"
"I'll have that too."
Ignoring my feeble excuses, Arisugawa quickly grabbed the beef stir-fry. It was a dish made with discounted beef that I bought from the supermarket, stir-fried with yakiniku sauce.
"Mmm, delicious. It tastes like Yuuki-kun's cooking."
"Ugh... Stop with the flattery. How can someone who eats such a luxurious lunch appreciate half-priced beef?"
"Nekkure-chan meee!"
"Fugoaa!?"
Suddenly, my cheeks were grabbed tightly, and I almost slipped off the stairs. Managing to protect the bento box, I protested,
"W-what are you doing? What if the bento spills?"
"It's important to you, isn't it? This bento."
"Huh?"
"You made it yourself, right? It's the result of your own efforts... So it's precious, right? It's something important to you, and that's why it tastes so good. So it's not just flattery."
Saying that, Arisugawa took out a piece of fried chicken from the luxurious bento box.
"These few pieces have value. It's a fair exchange, so please accept them."
Oh, wait. I feel a little happy. I couldn't help but feel pleased by her words that confirmed my current self.
"Th-Thank you for your kindness. But it's only natural that a bento box is important. It's lunch, after all."
When I handed her the bento box, Arisugawa laughed and placed three pieces of fried chicken inside...
She even generously accepted my awkward response to cover up my embarrassment. Arisugawa has incredible composure.
Perhaps her way of accepting the situation with three girlfriends has an influence on this.
"Arisugawa, can I ask you something important?"
"What is it?"
"Do you really like me?"
At this question, Arisugawa blinked her eyes.
"Hmm, I do. How can I make you believe that 100%?"
"Well... I don't know..."
Unable to find a clear answer, I thought, and Arisugawa tilted her head.
"Want to do something naughty?"
"Idiot, stop with the jokes!"
"It's not a joke. We have a relationship, you know?"
Arisugawa lifted the corner of her mouth and continued to stare at me. Her ash-black hair swayed, exposing her ears. Her big eyes looked into mine, giving me the feeling of being pulled into her world.
"H-have you...done this before?"
"What does that mean to you?"
"Uh... well..."
Understanding the vague answer, Arisugawa formed an arc with her lips.
"Not yet. That's why I thought you would believe me."
So I didn't make a move before. Honestly, I felt a huge relief, but that doesn't mean that I'm not impatient now.
"...T-to say something like that... But..."
As I stumbled over my words, Arisugawa continued.
"When it actually happens, I think you'll know for sure. But I can't say for sure."
Arisugawa added, "I hope it happens," while watching my reaction. Her long eyelashes trembled with thought.
"Aren't you afraid to say that so easily?"
"No, love conquers all."
I closed my mouth. I knew it was wrong, but I noticed that I was blushing myself.
"Hehe, you're cute."
"Please don't look at me like that." I couldn't bear to meet Arisugawa's gaze any longer and shifted my focus to the bento box.
I don't know if I really like it at this point. But I had a clear awareness that I was being told something that made me happy.
"Hey, why did you like me in the first place?"
"Huh? I'm embarrassed. So you want to see me embarrassed, huh?"
Arisugawa chuckled and then shifted her gaze to the clear sky.
"I wonder if I don't seem interesting to you."
"...Do you like me because I don't seem interested?"
A while ago, I formed an impression that Arisugawa didn't seem interested in people.
I felt like her response was coming, so I listened attentively.
Arisugawa nodded lightly.
"Yeah, that's right. You see, I belong to one of the three major factions. I'm quite well-known in society. I'm surrounded by people who either like me or hold ill intentions towards me. There's hardly anyone who has no interest in me."
Arisugawa spoke without shame, weaving her words as if she were singing a song.
"People look at me oddly, but they treat me with respect. But you, you treat me quite differently. It feels pleasant."
"Huh, that's a strange reason... Is that how love works?"
"Hehe, that's how it works."
Arisugawa, for the first time, showed a slightly bashful smile and resumed eating her meal.
I followed suit and stuffed a piece of fried chicken into my mouth.
As the juice from the meat danced in my mouth and delighted my taste buds, I savored its luxurious flavor.
The sun was shining.
A gentle spring breeze blew in response to the warm feeling in my chest, and peaceful moments passed by.
It seemed that people were still flocking around Arisugawa.
I guess I used to be the complete opposite of that.
While reminiscing about my past self before losing my memory, I finished eating about half of the bento.
Looking up from the lonely lunchbox, I glanced sideways.
Arisugawa returned my gaze, and my body stiffened.
Trying to hide my nervousness, I asked about something that had been on my mind.
"Hey, speaking of which, you mentioned the three major factions. What's that all about?"
When I saw that phrase briefly in the hospital room, I didn't pay much attention to it, but according to Asuka, there are factions in the relationships among the people in this school.
Since she proclaimed herself as the queen and alluded to some sort of power struggle, I wanted to ask her about it.
"Oh, didn't Asuka-san explain it to you?"
"Well, I was thinking of asking someone about it spontaneously, but I decided not to ask. Honestly, it might not have made much sense to ask you, Arisugawa."
"If it doesn't make sense, I won't tell you."
"I'm sorry!"
I apologized for my slip of the tongue, and Arisugawa chuckled.
It felt like a joke, and I let out a sigh of relief.
"Well, you see, it's me, Yumesaki-san, and Asuka-san. The three of us are the leaders of each faction..."
"A-Asuka too!?"
Surprised, I almost dropped my lunchbox.
While Yumesaki Yoko was exactly as I imagined, I didn't think Asuka had anything to do with factions.
But if you think about it, Asuka's appearance is eye-catching, and her behavior is confident... It's not really surprising. If there had been an explanation from her beforehand, it would have been a relatively easy story to accept.
"Just because they're called factions doesn't necessarily mean there's conflict, so there's not much to explain, I guess."
"Oh, is that so? That's a relief. If it had been chaotic and all about fighting, I wouldn't know what to do!"
"It's not a delinquent school, you know."
Arisugawa loosened her cheeks and swiftly finished eating the shrimp.
While watching her, I decided to ask one more thing. It's not hard to imagine that Arisugawa is famous at school, but the phrase "well-known in society" from earlier caught my attention.
"Can I ask one more thing?"
"Go ahead."
"Arisugawa, are you a celebrity?"
Arisugawa, who didn't show any displeasure at the consecutive questions, widened her eyes. After swallowing what she was chewing, she let out a spontaneous scream.
"What? Did you just find out now? Didn't I tell you?"
"N-No, you didn't. But being a famous person, it gives off the impression of being well-known by society, right?"
When I asked, Arisugawa pointed to her own pocket. Unsure of her intention, she bluntly said, "Take out my smartphone."
"No, you can do it yourself."
"My hands are full. Look, I have chopsticks and the bento."
Arisugawa demonstrated with both hands.
I wanted to tell her to just put them on her thigh, but I feel like there's a prepared response for that as well.
Reluctantly, I reached out my hand. I said reluctantly, okay?
"Ex-Excuse me..."
"Kyaa, how naughty."
"What a Showa-era response."
"Even with such clear skin?"
"Don't say that about yourself!"
Indeed, her skin seemed to reflect all the sunlight. Not a single blemish could be seen on her exposed skin, and I can guess that she has always taken good care of it.
Well, that doesn't really matter right now.
"Do you want to see more?"
"I don't want to see!"
As Arisugawa grabbed my collar with the hand holding the chopsticks, I reflexively lowered my head. Then, I rummaged through her pocket and finally managed to retrieve her smartphone. The phone case had a flashy brand logo engraved on it. My hand trembled, and I felt like it would shatter if I dropped it on the stairs.
"The passcode is 3154," she said nonchalantly.
"Even though you're a celebrity, you say it so casually..."
"Well, you're my girlfriend, so it's fine. Come on, hurry up and look. Open Instagram and check my profile."
"Hold on a second, Instagram..."
『Saki Arisugawa』
『Following 205, Followers 245,605』
"...Huh!? 245,000!? Th-This can't be... This can't be!?"
"It's amazing, right? As expected of a famous model."
"This is unbelievable. What's with the number of followers!? You're incredibly famous!"
I finally realized the magnitude of the person sitting next to me and trembled from the depths of my heart. Arisugawa loosened her cheeks, seemingly satisfied with my reaction.
"Yeah, isn't it? It's quite surprising that someone like you, who didn't succumb to me."
"It's certainly surprising... But, didn't we start dating because I did succumb to you?"
"No, I forced you to be my boyfriend."
"T-That's such a crazy thing to say... But well, if that's the case, you're truly an iron person."
Is it possible for a guy of my age to not succumb to Arisugawa? Even though I'm currently amazed and in awe.
"Is it because Asuka was there that things turned out this way?"
When I honestly expressed my thoughts, Arisugawa puffed her cheeks.
"Ahh, you mentioned another girl's name. How tactless of you, you insensitive man."
"No, but..."
--Wait, isn't it Arisugawa who stopped me from breaking up in the first place?
I was about to say that but stopped myself. If we're talking about "from the start," then all the responsibility falls on my past self.
"I'm sorry, I'll be more careful."
"Can you guess what I was thinking?"
"Huh?"
「You're the one who stopped us from breaking up. But well, if my past self hadn't been involved with multiple people... Well, forget it. Let's just apologize and maintain a good relationship with all three of us. And let's enjoy the good parts until my memory returns, or rather, let's indulge in everything! ...That's what you thought, right?」
"The second half is different, completely different!"
"Which means the first half is correct!"
"Darn it, I'm such an idiot!"
I slapped my own forehead.
I felt like I wanted to hit my foolish head with Arisugawa's smartphone, but I stopped myself from doing so in a moment of judgment. Arisugawa laughed again at my actions and continued speaking.
"Actually, I think the second half is fine too. Since you don't remember anything right now, I don't think you're responsible for anything. Just enjoy yourself to the fullest."
"No, I still have responsibilities, even if I don't have memories. Regardless of what I personally think, from the perspective of those around me..."
"Wow, that's amazing. It sounds like something Kamen Rider would say."
"Don't make fun of me!"
It was certainly a speech that a hero would say, but it was my true feelings, so I couldn't help it.
I took a deep breath and told Arisugawa.
"The reason we're continuing this relationship right now is to regain my memories, right? Asuka and Hina... They probably understand that."
If it was the result prioritizing the recovery of my memories, it would be one thing, but they were the girlfriends created by my past self.
After averting her gaze outside for a moment, Arisugawa returned her attention to me.
"What does the doctor say about recovering your memories? The method or something like that."
As she asked in her pleasant voice, memories resurfaced within me. During the counseling sessions I had multiple times until my discharge, I was repeatedly explained about it.
"...To recover my memories, it's important to be in the environment where I originally was. And they also said something about running away being important."
"I see. If you run away from me, who knows what might happen. Being in the environment where you originally were and being free from stress. It's the best, right? Let's be together forever."
"I don't want forever! I can see a future where you control me!"
When I turned away, Arisugawa gave my ear a little tug.
"Hehehe."
"W-What is it?"
"No, it's just that... Even if your memories are gone, I still think it's you."
"What makes you think that...?"
"Is it because you don't seem interested in me? You're embarrassed because you're being tempted by someone as incredibly cute as me. I honestly don't have much interest in you either."
Her nonchalant tone made me blink my eyes involuntarily.
「No, that's not true.」
"It's fine with me. I approached you like this before, so it's just going back a few steps."
"Huh?"
I raised a bewildered voice, and Arisugawa brushed her hair, fluttering in the spring breeze, behind her ear.
"For me, it doesn't matter whether you have your memories or not. If I can continue this relationship with you, that's enough for me."
Arisugawa smiled slightly.
"We can build it up from here. Moreover, you see, it's advantageous, right? I used to be the second one. I was aware that I was losing to Asuka."
"It's just... It's strange that we ended up in a relationship based on being the second one or things like that. And we agreed to it."
"Yeah. I think maybe you found it troublesome to reject me? I don't know how you convinced Asuka."
Without waiting for a response, Arisugawa started devouring her bento.
It seems Arisugawa isn't particularly seeking a response from me.
I should have said something in response, but I'm concentrating on finishing my own bento.
I am aware of it.
Not responding with any words right now is an act of escaping from stress. It's nothing more than fleeing.
However, Arisugawa doesn't show any signs of reproaching me for it.
She involves me in her own pace, but she also respects my pace.
...If this isn't an act, then I must have misunderstood Arisugawa.
Though she seems self-centered, Arisugawa probably cares about others.
"I forgot to mention."
Arisugawa casually murmured.
"I'll listen to anything you have to say."
Anything. Normally, that range would be within the bounds of common sense, but with Arisugawa, she seems willing to listen even if it deviates greatly.
In that case, there's one thing that is indispensable for my future life.
I gathered my courage and spoke up.
"Well, then, can I ask for one thing?"
"What is it? You want to climb the stairs of adulthood after all?"
"No, it's... Can you treat me as a friend at school?"
"Kiss me?"
"What kind of ears do you have?!"
"...Sigh. Well, that's boring."
Arisugawa pouted with dissatisfaction and closed the lid of her bento box.
"If you're with me, I think there will be various opportunities. Whether to use them or waste them is up to you."
Lunch break came to an end.
Leaving behind ambiguous words for me, who has lost my memories.
◇◆
I love the atmosphere after school. The hallway, with its open windows, feels refreshing. It's more comfortable than the classroom of Class 2-3. Maybe it's because there's a sense of openness here. I can hear the cheers of the sports club and the melodies played by the brass band from the schoolyard. Bathed in the orange light, I gaze at my serene heart.
"How was your day today?"
Asuka, who joined me, asked me that. Even though we didn't meet during lunch break, my childhood friend contacted me right away after school. We gathered in the hallway in front of the staff room to greet our homeroom teacher.
"Hey, are you listening?"
"I'm listening. It's a shame the teacher wasn't there."
"I wasn't talking about that!"
Asuka said with a dissatisfied expression. I chuckled softly and apologized, saying, "Sorry, sorry."
"Well, it's fine. We were originally planning to greet the teacher in the morning, but we got delayed, so our schedule got messed up."
"It's just unfortunate timing with the teacher's business trip."
"You'll have enough time tomorrow. Anyway, can we get back to the topic? How was your day?"
"It was fun!"
As soon as I arrived at my shoe locker, I energetically replied. Asuka smiled with relief.
"Good to hear that as your answer."
As she said that, Asuka walked towards her own shoe locker. It seems her outdoor shoes are stored a few meters away in the same.
I changed from my indoor shoes to black sneakers. I looked down at the sneakers, which didn't show dirt easily, and let my thoughts wander.
It's funny, isn't it? Even though I'm aware that I have three girlfriends, it's quite audacious of me. I have a weak sense of awareness of the consequences of my own actions, and the fact that the individuals involved have given their consent is a factor, I suppose.
Given that I have no memories, it's somewhat natural that my emotions can't keep up. But this kind of relationship can't continue indefinitely.
However, the choice feels too heavy for me at the moment, so I temporarily abandoned thinking about it. After this week at school ends, I have a counseling session scheduled for the weekend. I'll consult with the counselor a bit then.
"Sorry for the wait!"
"Hey. Shall we go home, then?"
I put my bag over my shoulder and turned my back to the shoe lockers. When I left the school building, the sports club was running along the perimeter. Among the male students in tracksuits, there was a familiar face.
"Oh, Takao."
He was a male student who sat in the seat in front of me. He was running with a group of sturdy boys, shouting loudly.
"You remembered my name already. Good job, good job."
Asuka said amusingly, and Takao noticed our gaze. He broke away from the group and ran towards us.
"Hey, Sanada! Still flaunting your couple routine with Asuka, I see."
"Still?"
I asked in response, and Takao laughed lightly.
"That's right. It's blinding for someone like me!"
"No, Takao seems to get along well with Yumesaki, doesn't he?"
"I wonder if you can say they get along well."
Takao scratched his head and smiled wryly. Although it was a wry smile, it seemed forced. He probably wasn't completely indifferent about it. As I was about to respond, Asuka spoke up first.
"Takao-kun, it's not like that between us."
"Hahaha, that's why it's even more blinding. It must be nice, the youth. If you feel like it, let me join in too."
"No way, even though we're not close."
"Ugh, harsh! Be a little kinder!"
Takao laughed amiably and turned his gaze back to me.
"Sanada, going back to school after such a long time and dealing with the ups and downs of your mental state, it must be tough with Yumesaki and Arisugawa having their quirks. If something happens, you can rely on me too. Well, everyone will probably lend you a hand, but it's fate that we're close in proximity."
"Oh... Takao, you're really a great guy after all?"
I asked with a touch of emotion, and Takao put his hands on his hips and proudly puffed out his chest.
"Yeah, I'm a super great guy! So, spread the word to all the girls that I want to be popular! If it's a message from Sanada, I'll definitely be popular!"
"You're too honest. Keep the true meaning behind that hidden!"
In response to my retort, Takao showed his white teeth as he laughed.
...I guess I had a pretty good reputation despite not having any friends. I wonder what kind of magic I used in the past to turn three people into my girlfriends without making any friends and navigate through life. Can those two things coexist?
With that thought lingering in the back of my mind, I enjoyed the conversation between guys. But then Asuka said in a somewhat exasperated tone.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation, but everyone's gone."
Takao turned around, saying, "Oops." The members who were running together had long since disappeared from sight.
"I gotta go, sorry! See you tomorrow, Sanada!"
Takao hurriedly ran off and disappeared at an incredible speed. As expected of someone in the sports club.
And my impression of Takao can be summed up in one word.
"He's a really great guy..."
"That's right. He's a strange person, but if he's close to that girl, it gives me some peace of mind too."
Asuka relaxed her cheeks and continued walking. If she had shown that gentle smile to Takao earlier, he would have been even more delighted. But even so, I couldn't help but feel happy seeing that smile that she only showed to me.
Like Arisugawa, Asuka is also a striking presence. With her dazzling light gold hair and azure eyes, she has a remarkable appearance that can rival Arisugawa's presence. She's said to be the leader of the three major factions and is treated on par with famous models.
I still can't believe that someone like her is calling herself my girlfriend.
"...Miss Leader of the Three Major Factions."
Asuka frowned as she called out jokingly, looking exasperated.
"Ugh, the worst. You already know!?"
"Please explain, Miss Leader. It's amazing, Miss Leader!"
"Shut up and stop teasing me! It's embarrassing to get involved in such nonsense. If you say that to me again, I'll punch you until you lose your memory!"
"What's the compensation!? Sorry, I won't say it again!"
Unlike Arisugawa, it seems that Asuka doesn't have any attachment to the Three Major Factions. ...In a way, that's typical of Asuka. It's actually surprising that Arisugawa seems interested in it.
While thinking about that, I left through a different school gate than this morning, and a school building about one size smaller than Yuzaki High School came into view.
I expressed my surprise at leaving the school just now, and Asuka informed me, "That's the middle school."
"Hina-chan must have come from there too."
"Oh, Hina too. So that's how you knew each other."
Their relationship lasted for six months, so I had my doubts, but it made sense. In my past, I must have met Hina through some kind of connection with that middle school.
Asuka spoke to me.
"But more importantly, Yuuki..."
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Do you think Saki will work properly?"
"Huh? Work...?"
Before I could reply, Asuka laughed and asked, "Are you same?"
"Arisugawa-san. We had lunch together today, remember?"
"Eat...!?"
In response to that question, I unintentionally fell silent. Asuka, walking beside me, glanced at me for a moment.
As we turned a corner onto a main street, the scenery changed from a residential area to a neighborhood with a different atmosphere. As we walked further, the ambiance of the neighborhood also changed.
The scenery, which had mostly tiled roofs, transitioned to a row of Western-style houses.
"...Hey, why are you being quiet? I'm asking you."
"Eat...eat..."
"Why are you trying to hide it? Well, I'm asking because I heard it from the person herself..."
"Huh?"
I couldn't understand Arisugawa's intentions at all and let out a wildered voice.
As we walked, I involuntarily clasped my hands together.
"I'm sorry! It's not like I was possessed by something, but talking to another girl at school doesn't feel right, does it? I mean, not for the sake of temptation... more like for the sake of my memory...?"
"Why are you arbitrarily getting anxious? If you're concerned about that, then having multiple relationships is unacceptable, right?"
"Oh, that's a really strange line..."
"Shut up!"
Asuka furrowed her brows and pinched my upper arm. When I reacted with "Ow ow ow!" she slightly loosened her expression.
She's quite the sadistic girlfriend.
"Saki is the class caretaker, so there's even less reason to worry. Besides, whether it's Hina-chan or any other girl, I wouldn't mind."
"I-I see, you knew about that. Well, good to know. Guess I'll head home now."
"You're changing your attitude so suddenly!"
Asuka grabbed the back of my neck as I tried to distance myself and pulled me back.
"I'm the only one who knows that Saki is the caretaker, so if she's slacking off, let me know."
"Got it."
I managed to escape from Asuka's grip and continued speaking.
"But, do you really not feel anything? We're supposed to be in a relationship, after all."
I can't even count how many times I've searched for the words "girlfriend" and "multiple relationships" on my smartphone since becoming aware of their existence. Whenever I looked up articles related to romantic relationships, the word "jealousy" always seemed to appear subtly.
"Jealousy" would be the appropriate term for the situation just now, but is it different for Asuka?
"I don't feel anything. Well, there are times when it annoys me when I see it happening right in front of me, but if I were to say something like that, it would only cause trouble for you now."
Asuka chuckled easily and shifted her gaze back ahead.
"But speaking of other people's opinions... Come to think of it, Takao doesn't know, does he?"
"Yeah. Of course, it hasn't been revealed to anyone around us, our relationship. So, just like with the head issue, let's not mention it unnecessarily."
Asuka responded and came to a stop. It was only natural not to talk about it. It was for the sake of protecting herself and also for the sake of protecting those girls.
With that in mind, Asuka took a step forward and blocked my path. Just as she turned around, she pressed her index finger against her lips. I felt the soft touch of her fingertip.
"Understood?"
"...Unde...rstood."
"Ahaha, good."
Asuka loosened her cheek and released her finger. She began walking again, but I stood frozen in place for a few seconds before hurriedly catching up.
"By the way, I forgot to mention this earlier. It was dangerous."
Asuka placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath. It seemed she had originally planned to tell me before the school day began.
"Whether it's the Three Factions or other important things, make sure you tell me."
"But you've forgotten so much that you don't even know what's important anymore."
Asuka said with a soft tone, her lips loosening.
...Well, it's no wonder I forgot about having three girlfriends completely. I don't even remember how our relationship started, let alone the reason I decided to enter into it.
It's been a while since I became the person I am now, but there are many thoughts and memories that I can't comprehend, even though they are my own.
"I really did forget, didn't I?"
"There's no point in saying it yourself."
Asuka laughed.
In the sky dyed by the evening glow, three crows flew together.
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