Chapter 166: Breaking away

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

7:45 PM.

The overcast sky let only a little light through, dim and hazy.

This was it. The time had come, and somehow, my steps felt lighter as I approached the destination. It's strange—once you reach this point, things feel different.

“This might be the last time, huh?”

Without the need for hair care anymore, I could go back to cutting my own hair, just like in middle school. It wasn't fancy, but it worked.

I chuckled at the thought. I'd started cutting my own hair because I was too awkward to communicate with the barber back then.

“……”

It's funny how people get used to things. What used to be terrifying—like going to a salon—had become something I now did monthly without a second thought.

And now, here I am, frozen in front of the salon door, even though I've done this countless times.

“……Well, let's go.”

I couldn't stay like this forever, so I made up my mind and opened the door.

The familiar stylish background music played, and the warm orange lighting welcomed me inside.

“Ah, Toumachi-san! We’ve been expecting you.”

“Hey, thanks.”

As usual.

“We've received your request to return to black today. Is that correct?”

“Yeah.”

“Understood.”

I remembered the stylist once enthusiastically proclaiming, ‘Toumachi-san, dyeing your hair this way is the greatest masterpiece of my career!'

That passion of hers wasn't there today. She was keeping things calm, probably out of respect for me. I wondered if it was that obvious, how I felt.

“Your hair looks well-maintained, as always. Impressive.”

“Ah, thanks.”

“Just so you're aware, once we dye it black, it will be harder to color again in the future.”

“I see.”

“Yes. So if you’re only planning to have black temporarily, I recommend using a hair gloss or similar option, which fades quicker and won't affect future color treatments. But if you plan to keep it long-term, then we'll use hair dye, which—like I mentioned—will have a more lasting impact.”

I didn't know much about hair dye until I got into this.

“Let's go with the hair dye. I don't plan to color it again.”

“…Understood.”

There was a slight pause, but the stylist handled it smoothly, as if it was no big deal.

I appreciated that. She knew I wasn't great at talking, so she always kept things quiet. She was truly a wonderful person.

But… once my hair was back to black, I probably wouldn't be coming here anymore.

“Alright, then. Oh… um.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Oh, uh, never mind.”

I almost said, ‘Thank you for everything.'

But I stopped myself. There would be time for that at the register. For now, I just needed to focus on getting my hair back to black.

“Okay, if you're ready, I'll start preparing the dye—”

Riiiiing!

Of course. The phone rang, just when we were about to begin.

“I'm terribly sorry, would you mind if I stepped out to take this call?”

“Ah… sure, go ahead.”

The stylist walked away, leaving me there, feeling a little lost.

What should I do while I wait?

“……”

I ended up reaching for my phone, opening the photo app.

The memories were all saved here, after all.

No regrets. That's why I took the pictures—to hold onto those moments. I scrolled through, gazing at the bright, shining faces in each photo.

[――”Uh, like this?”――]

Both Shiori and I looked a bit awkward in our smiles—probably because neither of us was used to taking photos.

[――”Here, Kanon.”――]

[――”Peace!”――]

Surprisingly, Kisaragi seemed used to it, even more than I'd expected. And Kanon—she was a natural, even more comfortable than Kisaragi.

Seeing the two of them looking so flawless next to me, I couldn't help but feel a bit insecure. Why was I, of all people, in the picture with them?

That’s why I want to cherish this.

Because it might never happen again.

[――”Toumachi is in the middle!”――]

[――”This will make your face look smaller!”――]

If I think about it, I feel the same way.

I'm sandwiched between Hiiragi and Yumesaki.

In the purikura, I placed my fingers in a peace sign under my face.

They both had outstanding styles and looks.

There might never be a situation where I'm surrounded by them like this again.

That's why I want to treasure it forever.

[――”Icchi”――]

If there's one regret, it's that I don't have a photo with Hatsune.

“……”

As I swiped through the pictures, those memories flooded back.

Then I looked at the mirror in front of me.

“Really. Nothing has changed.”

Just my hair.

That's all. My facial features wouldn't have changed.

I wouldn't suddenly become as polished as they are.

I hadn't grown up.

That's why… it's fine.

I'm just going back to how I was.

I thought so, but—

“…Why?”

Why is the person in the mirror crying?

What's so sad?

Wasn't I supposed to revert to my old self someday?

“What was the point of taking those pictures… I took them to make up my mind…!”

A weak voice escaped my lips.

After coming this far, what was I hesitating for?

If I had those memories, they would remain forever.

If I had those memories, then surely—

I thought that way, but it only had the opposite effect.

“…Ah, damn it… why is this happening?!”

If I just sit here, it will all end.

I could dye my hair back to black and tell my family I'd return to being serious.

[――”Hajime-Nii!”――]

Voices from the past.

I should be able to go back to being with my sister and my family.

[――”Ha? Are you serious, Toumachi?”――]

[――”‘I heard Toumachi is a funny guy’, they said”――]

[――”I think you're beautiful.”――]

I could repaint that with the “now.”

It's all a mess.

I wish I hadn't taken those pictures—

“T-Toumachi-sama, I'm sorry to keep you waiting…”

Before I knew it, the confused stylist had returned.

I felt pathetic.

Crying like a child inside the shop.

“Um… what would you like to do…?”

Her voice came through.

The stylist looked troubled.

I should just say it.

“Please.”

If I just said that, it would all be over!

“…I'm sorry.”

So why was I getting up from my seat?

“Are you canceling, then?”

“…Yes.”

Why was I saying something like that?

“Understood. You don't need to pay.”

“…I'm sorry.”

“No, please take care on your way home.”

I—!