Chapter 6: Akiho Nimi

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Translator: Soafp

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“I’ve always liked Haruto. So, um, would you go out with me?” (Akiho)

In April, when she entered high school, Akiho confessed her long-held feelings for Haruto. They were childhood friends living next door, and Akiho's special feelings for Haruto had started to develop in fifth grade.

During a school event, a camping trip that involved climbing a mountain, Akiho had injured her foot after stepping wrong.

“Ouch.” (Akiho)

Since it was a group activity with no teachers nearby, and everyone was too tired to help, Akiho decided to stay behind in the mountains to avoid being a burden.

Though some of the groups passing by were concerned, they hurried off after Akiho asked them to call for help.

“Akiho?” (Haru)

When she looked up, she saw the familiar face of her childhood friend.

“Haruto.” (Akiho)

“What's wrong? Did you get hurt?” (Haru)

Haruto, peering at Akiho with concern, received the same explanation she had given to everyone else.

“Sorry, you all go ahead. I'll stay with Akiho and we'll go slowly.” (Haru)

“Haruto?” (Akiho)

Even though she had called for help, Haruto chose to stay with her.

“Honestly, you're such a worrywart. It's getting dark, so we should move even if it's hard.” (Haru)

Haruto adjusted his backpack from his back to the front and crouched down, encouraging Akiho to get on his back.

“It's too much. You're already tired and not very strong yourself.” (Akiho)

“Like I said, it's okay.” (Haru)

Haruto approached Akiho, forcing her onto his back.

The small, unsteady movements of his back proved he was straining himself.

Still, Haruto continued to walk steadily, step by step.

“Hey, Haruto, this is really too much. I'll wait here, so you go ahead.” (Akiho)

“It's already getting dark, so it's not an option. By the way, it's still not there.” (Haru)

“What isn't?” (Akiho)

“The chest. I was just thinking, but maybe expecting something from little Akiho was a mistake.” (Haru)

Akiho's face turned red immediately, and she shouted at Haruto.

“You idiot! Pervert! I can't believe you were thinking that!” (Akiho)

Despite their banter, Akiho held tightly to Haruto's back as he continued to advance toward the goal.

She knew well that Haruto, who had been with her since childhood, would never think such things in this situation.

“Eh? Akiho, didn't you see a light up ahead?” (Haru)

Looking over Haruto's shoulder, Akiho thought she saw a faint light moving.

“Yeah, I saw it.” (Akiho)

Soon, they were rescued by the arriving teachers.

In middle school, Akiho, embarrassed and unable to be honest, found herself unable to even talk to Haruto, and ended up spending three years with unrequited love.

Then came high school.

Determined to attend the same school as Haruto, Akiho studied hard and managed to pass the entrance exam.

“If I could work hard in my studies, then I could in love too.” (Akiho)

Her feelings came true.

“I also like you, Akiho. Let's be together.” (Haru)

Thus began their relationship as childhood friends.

“Good morning, Haruto.” (Akiho)

“Good morning, Akiho.” (Haru)

In the mornings, they started meeting in front of their houses to go to school together. Since their time together at school was limited by their different classes, Akiho made various excuses to visit Haruto.

“Hey, Haruto. I'm going to make a bento tomorrow, so let's eat it together?” (Akiho)

“Hey, Haruto. There's something I don't understand in my studies. Can you help me in the library?” (Akiho)

“Hey, Haruto. I'll buy you a juice, so can you help me carry these printouts?” (Akiho)

Haruto's response was always “Sure.” (Haru)

He never showed any displeasure and always went along with Akiho's whims.

Despite this, Akiho had a slight dissatisfaction.

[Am I really that unappealing?] (Akiho)

Even after six months of dating, it was always Akiho who reached out to hold hands. Even their first kiss was initiated by Akiho, somewhat forcefully.

“Hey, Haruto. I have a small complaint. Do you understand?” (Akiho)

Akiho puffed out her cheeks and questioned Haruto.

“Eh? Sorry, I don't get it. Did I upset you without realizing it?” (Haru)

“You really don't get it, do you? Fine. Until you figure it out, we'll hold hands every morning on the way to school.” (Akiho)

“That's pretty embarrassing, you know.” (Haru)

“I'm embarrassed too, so hurry up and figure it out.” (Akiho)

Akiho extended her right hand, prompting Haruto to hold it.

“Alright, alright. I'll do my best.” (Haru)

Haruto, resigned, firmly held Akiho's hand.

“Okay. We'll be late, so let's go.” (Akiho)

Akiho started walking with a satisfied look on her face.

“Heh, they're dating, huh? Akiho's looking cuter now.” (Toma)

Toma, who happened to see the scene from the window, became interested in Akiho, who looked different from what he had seen before. Toma, having entered a different high school from Haruto, was known for skipping school due to his dislike of studying.

“Akiho.” (Toma)

Akiho, who was in the home economics club, often ended up walking home alone. Even if she walked home with friends, they took different routes from the station, so she walked home alone from there.

One day, as usual, after passing through the ticket gate, she saw Toma waving at her.

“Toma-kun. It's been a while. Even though we live next door, I hardly see you. I heard you've been skipping school. Mom was lamenting about it.” (Akiho)

“Hmm? I don't know about that. Anyway, are you dating Haruto? You always look so lovey-dovey in the mornings.” (Toma)

“Hey, stop peeking, you pervert!” (Akiho)

“Oh, oh, you're blushing bright red. But I heard you have some complaints? I overheard it this morning. If you want, I can listen to you as a childhood friend.” (Toma)

“What?! You heard that? How embarrassing. It's Haruto's fault.” (Akiho)

“Well, it's not a big deal. Let's talk about it in the park on the way home. Let's go.” (Toma)

“Eh? I didn't say I wanted to consult with anyone. Oi, Toma-kun!” (Akiho)

Akiho called out, but Toma continued to lead the way.

“You're so pushy!” (Akiho)

Reluctantly following Toma, Akiho realized her lack of caution.