Chapter 26

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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First period was art class. We had to move to a different classroom.

I used to go together with Ryosuke, but lately I've been moving around on my own.

There's been a bit of distance growing between us. Mostly because I've been avoiding him.

Honestly… I've even thought about just cutting ties with him altogether.

He's probably noticed the change in me.

I don't know if he's realized that I've regained my memories, but he's definitely aware that I'm trying to distance myself.

But the fact that he hasn't said anything about it is what makes it unsettling. I can't make any careless moves because of that.

If possible, I don't want to make him my enemy.

He might seem calm now, but back in middle school, Ryosuke was seriously dangerous.

The kind of guy who would force things to go his way if he didn't like something. Once he flipped the switch, there was no stopping him.

If I can just quietly create some distance like this, that would be ideal… but I'm not sure things will go that smoothly.

With that concern in mind, I was walking down the hallway toward the art room when—

I suddenly noticed someone peeking out from behind the corner, gesturing for me to come over.

It was Maaya.

Seriously… I told her not to do stuff like this in public.

As usual, she's a bit oblivious to her surroundings.

Ever since we made up, she's been sneaking glances at me in class and trying to make eye contact, and it's been making me nervous every single day.

I want to tell her to stop, but she looks so happy doing it that I just can't bring myself to say anything…

It's fine as long as no one notices, but I really wish she had a better sense of caution.

I'm starting to understand how Rin feels.

Anyway, I couldn't just ignore her, so I made my way over while keeping an eye on who might be watching.

“What's up?”

“Um… nothing in particular.”

“You called me over for no reason…?”

In a situation where getting caught would definitely cause trouble…

“Sorry… I just couldn't help myself.”

“If someone sees us, it'll just make it harder for us to even look at each other.”

“I know, but…”

“At least pick a safer place next time.”

“Okay, I will.”

…Does she really understand?

“But doesn't this kind of thing make your heart race a little?”

“Hey now…”

Yeah… she definitely doesn't get it.

Maybe I should be a bit stricter with her.

But we just made up, so…

Lately, I've been constantly struggling with how to handle my distance with Maaya.

Well… I can't deny that I kind of understand the thrill.

Being alone with her this close, while other students' voices echo nearby…

It feels almost like we're doing something we shouldn't be, and even I can't help but feel a little nervous.

That said, it's not worth taking more risks.

If we get caught, it won't just be brushed off as a joke.

It's my job to manage this situation.

I can't let things end up like they did before. I have to keep it together.

“…Alright. Then let's do this.”

An idea suddenly came to me, and I pulled out my phone.

“Hm? What's that?”

“Let's exchange contact info. If you want to talk, just message me instead.”

“—! Reita-kun's… contact info…!!”

Maaya's eyes sparkled like she was staring at a precious gem as she looked at my phone screen.

“Just so you know, I'm not really into long messaging back and forth, so keep it reasonable.”

“Okay, got it. I'll keep it to at least three hours a day.”

“You really don't get it at all…”

What are we even supposed to talk about for three hours every day…? My wrists would give out.

I couldn't even tell if she was joking or serious, and that made it worse.

“…By the way, Maaya. Changing the subject a bit.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“About Shizuno acting strange lately—do you know anything else?”

Since I had the chance to talk to her, I figured I'd ask before leaving.

“Shizuno-chan? Hmm… not really—oh, but there might be one thing.”

“Something?”

“It might not be related, but… she's been going to the student council room every day after school lately.”

“Every day?”

“Yeah. I'm pretty sure I heard before that student council work is usually just once a week…”

If it were Shizuno, it wouldn't be strange for her to take on extra work… but every single day does feel off.

So is it really true—what they were saying about her and the student council president, Daiki Yokomizo?

Yamada and the others were talking about it too. It's starting to sound pretty likely.

If that's really the case, then it would mean that Shizuno—of all people—has fallen in love.

Of course, there's nothing strange about falling in love. Even if she wasn't interested before, people change. And high school is the prime time for that kind of thing.

But still… the idea of Shizuno getting so absorbed in romance that it affects her behavior just doesn't sit right with me.

Even if she did fall in love, I never thought she'd be the type to neglect everything else because of it.

Well… I guess it's not uncommon for serious people to get completely hooked once they finally taste something fun.

They do say love is blind.

“Reita-kun, did you figure anything out?”

“Hmm…”

For now, I'll try talking to Shizuno and see what's going on.

If it really is just love, then it's not really our place to interfere.

“I don't really know what to do, so… can I leave it to you, Reita-kun?”

“Yeah. Leave it to me.”

I don't actually have that much confidence, but I nodded anyway so Maya wouldn't worry.

“Hehe. As expected of you, Reita-kun. You're so reliable.”

“Don't expect too much.”

Maya really trusts me now…

Even though I'm still pretending I haven't regained my memories.

Well… maybe she never doubted me in the first place.

“Alright, if you find out anything else, message me.”

“Okay! I'll Lean you every day♡” [TL: Lean = Line, like whatsapp]

“No, that's not what I meant…”

I wanted to tell her to keep it reasonable, but seeing her smile like that, I just couldn't bring myself to say it.