Side story 2: Childhood friend from those days

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Translator: Soafp

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[Akiho Pov]

On a certain holiday.

While I was looking at a magazine in the living room of Onee-chan's house, I noticed my niece, Haruka, making noises while holding her hair with both hands in the corner of my vision.

“What are you doing in front of the mirror?” (Akiho)

I looked up from the magazine and asked Haruka.

“Well, you see. Now that I’m in middle school, I thought maybe twin-tails look a bit childish, so I've been considering different hairstyles.” (Haruka)

“I see. Could it be that you’re in love? Have you fallen for someone?” (Akiho)

“Ugh! Aki-chan, you always jump to romance so quickly. It’s not like that. I was just thinking of changing my look.” (Haruka)

I’m not particularly focused on romance. In fact, I'd say I've completely distanced myself from it.

Still, it’s surprising that she's already in middle school. Time flies so quickly.

Even though she says it's not about romance, she's at an age where falling in love for real wouldn't be unusual.

“I think twin-tails will still be popular until high school.” (Akiho)

“What do you mean by ‘popular’?” (Haruka)

Was she dissatisfied with the way I put it?

“How about aiming for a ‘cute little sister’ or ‘tsundere’ character look?” (Akiho)

“I'm not aiming for that.” (Haruka)

She's surprisingly mature, just like Onee-chan.

“Hey, what hairstyle do you think suits me? What kind of hairstyle did you have in middle school?” (Haruka)

“Middle school, huh?” (Akiho)

Back when I was longing for love, there was someone I was interested in.

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“Hey, Haruto. Since we’re about to start high school, I'm thinking of changing my hairstyle. What kind of hairstyle do you think would suit me?” (Akiho)

Having successfully passed my high school entrance exams, I was excited about the upcoming school life.

“Eh? I think anything would suit you, Akiho.” (Haru)

Haruto answered seriously while staring at my face.

“Oh, really? Thank you.” (Akiho)

“Why are you blushing so much?” (Haru)

“It's because you're staring at me… you idiot.” (Akiho)

“Is that so? Sorry.” (Haru)

It was a time when even just being stared at could make us blush. We were both so inexperienced.

Is that how middle school is?

“But ‘anything,' huh? It's nice to hear, but it's also a bit of a troubling answer.” (Akiho)

While twirling the ends of my hair with my fingers, I gave Haruto a sidelong glance. Of course, it was obvious that I was more pleased than troubled.

“But, you know, I actually like your current hairstyle… it suits you. It has a calm vibe.” (Haru)

In middle school, I had plain long black hair.

I only ever tied it up in a single ponytail for gym class.

“But, you see—” (Akiho)

The reason I wanted to change my hairstyle was because of Onee-chan.

I wanted to have a different hairstyle from my sister, who attended a well-known school nearby and was often said to look like me.

“What is it?” (Haru)

“Nothing.” (Akiho)

Even if I said it openly about my inferiority complex toward Onee-chan, Haruto would probably just tell me, “Don't worry about it.”

After all, Haruto was my only understanding friend.

“Hmm, how about semi-long hair? Doesn't it look brighter than long hair?” (Haru)

“Well, semi-long hair might not be a big change, but since Haruto thought of it, I'll go with it. I'll visit the hairdresser tomorrow.” (Akiho)

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“Aki-chan? Hey, are you awake?” (Haruka)

When I opened my eyes in response to the voice, I saw a girl with long black hair peeking at me.

“Huh? Was I asleep?” (Akiho)

“Eh? You didn't realize? You've been asleep for about 30 minutes.” (Haruka)

It seems that lost time can be recreated in dreams.

“Hey, Haruka. How about trimming it to shoulder length?” (Akiho)

“Huh? About semi-long?” (Haruka)

“Yes. I think it would look good on you too. What do you think?” (Akiho)

“If Aki-chan says so, it must be right. Then, please do it.” (Haruka)

“Okay. I'll get ready.” (Akiho)

As I put on my shoes at the entrance to return home, the door creaked open.

“Oh? Are you leaving?” (Haruka)

“No, I'm just going to get what I need to cut Haruka's hair. I'll come back.” (Akiho)

You’re just as kind as you were back then, and I slipped past you and headed to my house.