Oneshot: My Perfect Childhood Friend

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Translator: Soafp

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“Alright then… Sagara, can you solve this problem?”

The moment my name was called by the teacher, I, Itaru Sagara, was overwhelmed by a sense of gloom.

It happened during a math class. Ever since I entered high school, I had trouble keeping up with the lessons, and now that I was in my second year, it had become even more obvious. The problem presented today was also difficult, and even using all the time we were given, I just couldn't figure it out.

“…I don't know.” .

“I see… I gave you quite a bit of time, though. Anyone else manage to solve it?”

The teacher sounded disappointed. That was all the reaction I got before he seemed to lose interest in me entirely.

But I was used to that kind of response. No one had ever really expected much from me.

That was because there had always been someone exceptional by my side—

“Yes! I solved it!”

The one who cheerfully raised her hand was a beautiful girl sitting right behind me.

Her long black hair was stunning, and her refined features made the word “beautiful” fit far more than “cute.” Her straight posture radiated confidence, and she stood tall without a hint of hesitation.

“Oh, Atarashi! Come up and solve it, then?”

“Yes!”

She replied with casual ease to the teacher's expectant voice. Then, stepping up to the front, she smoothly solved the problem and presented the answer.

“Yep, that's correct. As expected of you, Atarashi.”

The teacher clapped in admiration, and the class echoed with impressed murmurs. Surrounded by praise from everyone, she didn't look the least bit smug—instead, she smiled modestly.

Beautiful, smart, and athletic—it’s no wonder she was often called perfect.

She was the very image of an ideal girl. That girl's name was Reika Atarashi—my childhood friend.

“It was nothing, really.”

“Don't be so modest! Alright, I'll explain the solution now—anyone who didn't get it, pay attention.”

The teacher glanced at me as he said that.

It felt like a jab, but I couldn't complain—I really didn't get it. I tried to focus on the explanation so I could understand properly, and just then, Reika, who had returned to her seat, leaned forward and whispered in my ear:

“I'll explain it to you later, so don't worry.”

Her comforting words brushed past my ear, and I simply nodded in response.

“See? That's why the answer is this. You’re amazing, Itaru—you understood it right away.”

“Yeah… I guess.”

During the break. As soon as class ended and the teacher left, Reika immediately began explaining the problem from earlier.

Her top-of-the-year academic prowess was no joke, and she was also good at teaching. Before I knew it, other classmates had gathered around, and now there was a small crowd surrounding us.

“Itaru, you’re amazing too for picking it up so fast—but Reika's way of teaching is just incredible!”

“Yeah, right? Even an idiot like me can understand stuff when she explains it.”

“Reika-chan is seriously amazing! I want her to tutor me sometime too!”

“Hey, no fair! I want Reika-chan to help me too!”

“Man, Itaru, you're so lucky to have Reika as your childhood friend!”

Surrounded by excited classmates, Reika and I sat in the middle of it all.

When her attention shifted elsewhere for a moment, I quietly stood up and slipped out of the circle.

“Huh? Where are you going, Itaru?”

Even while dealing with that many people, she still noticed me leaving. As Reika called out to me, the previously noisy group fell silent as if not wanting to interrupt.

“Just the bathroom. Don't make me say it—it's embarrassing.”

“Sorry, sorry. I'll go with you.”

“Nah, it's fine. You should keep helping everyone else with the math.”

I hurriedly stopped Reika as she started to stand. The other classmates also backed me up, and Reika sat back down, saying “If that's what everyone wants.”

After confirming Reika was still in the center of the group, I left the classroom alone.

I didn't actually go to the bathroom. I walked past it, down the stairs, across the walkway, and bought a drink from the vending machine outside.

Then I sat down next to the machine and passed the time.

Back in the classroom, I felt like I was suffocating—but being alone like this was a huge relief.

Honestly, I was glad Reika hadn't followed me.

I don't remember exactly when it started, but at some point, being around Reika became uncomfortable.

It wasn't that I disliked her. I just didn't want to be with her.

We used to always be together, and that used to feel normal. But it eventually became painful because I couldn't help but feel pathetic when I was around her.

I'm average in academics, and not great at sports. Meanwhile, Reika—always by my side—could do everything I couldn't, and she even helped me out.

No one paid attention to me. All eyes were on Reika. But I didn't mind that anymore. I mean, between a plain guy and a super high-spec girl, who wouldn't focus on the girl?

What I hated was me—the way I always compared myself to her.

The things I couldn't do, Reika could do with ease.

Whether it was academics or anything else in life, that never changed.

I can't do it. Reika can.

I can't do it. Reika can.

I can't do it. Reika can.

When you keep seeing that kind of difference right in front of you, you can't help but feel miserable.

You could say it's just because I'm not trying hard enough, and honestly, that's probably true.

After all, Reika, now a perfect girl admired by everyone, didn't start out that way.

We met before elementary school. Our families were close since we lived in the same neighborhood, and we became good friends.

Back then, Reika was nothing like she is now. She was overweight and clumsy.

When we first started elementary school, some dumb boys even bullied her. And she wasn't good at studying either. In fact, I used to be the one helping her with schoolwork.

Well, that only lasted through the lower grades. As Reika grew older, she became more and more beautiful.

I saw her working hard to lose weight, always exercising. I knew she studied late into the night. Back then, I cheered her on without any hesitation.

We went running together. We helped each other study at home. Those days when we worked hard together are still a precious memory in my heart.

Now that she's become someone everyone admires—a brilliant, modest beauty—it's probably because of that kind of past. She never brags or acts arrogant. That personality of hers is part of what makes her perfect.

Step by step, Reika built up her confidence.

Back then, watching her grow made me genuinely happy.

And yet—

After our positions reversed, I could no longer feel that way.

Maybe thanks to her regular exercise, Reika had slimmed down and gotten taller, becoming more beautiful. Watching the boys who used to mock her now completely change their tune was incredibly satisfying. However, I, who was never that good at physical activity in the first place, started to fall behind in the workouts we used to do together.

The studying we always did together also became harder as we moved up in school, and by the time we were in middle school, there was nothing I could teach Reika anymore. In fact, I started learning more from her instead.

At first, I was genuinely happy about Reika’s growth. But now that we’re in high school, it’s clear that our positions have completely reversed. And ever since I became aware of that, I haven’t been able to truly celebrate Reika’s progress.

She kept moving forward, while I stayed exactly the same.

That contrast was stark, and there was no way to cover it up anymore.

As Reika continued to grow, I remained stagnant, left behind in a place she could no longer reach. I lost the position I used to have, and all I felt was misery.

But the times I felt the most miserable were when Reika praised me.

[You're amazing, Itaru.]

[Wow, Itaru, that's really cool!]

[I'm only able to be who I am because of you, Itaru.]

Even now, Reika says things like that all the time.

Even if it's not something worth mentioning, she'll praise me right away. For most of our classmates, being praised by Reika might be something to be happy about, but for me, it's different.

Whatever I'm being praised for is something Reika could do easily, and even if I manage it, it's nothing special. So when she compliments me like that, it only feels like she's going out of her way to lift me up.

Back in the day, Reika was someone others made fun of. So it made sense that she was hanging out with someone like me. But now, Reika is someone who naturally draws people to her. And yet, she's still by my side.

In contrast to Reika's growth, I haven't progressed at all. I have no redeeming qualities. Not in academics, not in sports, not in anything artistic either. There's nothing I'm better at than anyone else. Normally, someone like me would be buried among the average kids, unnoticed and unremarkable in class.

The only reason that hasn't happened is because Reika is always beside me.

Reika, the popular girl, never left my side and treated me as someone special.

If a guy who can't do anything is being treated specially by a popular girl, others would normally be envious. But maybe thanks to Reika's good nature, even I've come to be somewhat respected.

When Reika praises me, others join in, and people gather around me.

Of course, I know they're only trying to get on Reika's good side through me, but being constantly told things no one really means is more uncomfortable than I ever imagined. I'm tired of all the empty praise.

Still, maybe—just maybe—Reika is the only one who means what she says.

Knowing Reika's sincere personality, maybe she really is still grateful for the past, and is now trying to return the favor since our roles have reversed.

When we study, Reika immediately helps me with anything I don't understand. Thanks to her, I've never had trouble with homework.

During breaks, she always comes to talk to me, making me part of the center of the class. I've never had to face being alone.

Even in the tennis club I joined because I liked it, even though I'd been playing longer, Reika caught up after joining later and now shines in competitions. She always gives me advice, and following her suggestions always improves my game.

Reika always looks out for me, and that kindness of hers… I find it incredibly suffocating.

“Oh, there you are!”

Lost in thought, the last voice I wanted to hear reached my ears.

I looked up, and of course, there was Reika, casually sitting down next to me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Your skirt's going to get dirty.”

“I don't care. I was more worried because you weren't coming back! I thought you might be sick, so I asked a boy to check the bathroom for you!”

Apparently, she'd done something terrifyingly bold.

If I had actually been in the bathroom because of a stomachache, that boy would've come back and announced to everyone that I'd been having a bowel movement. The thought alone made a cold sweat run down my back.

Reika, acting like it was the most normal thing to do, spoke with such genuine concern in her voice that I couldn't doubt she truly was worried. Still, based on what just happened, it's no wonder I started to question whether she was trying to bully me.

“When he said you weren't there, I got really worried and came looking for you. Though honestly, I had a good idea where you'd be.”

Apparently, even my simple behavior patterns were obvious to her. Reika looked pleased with herself.

“Hey, Reika… You don't have to worry so much. I just went to the bathroom and bought a drink. You didn't have to come looking.”

“Don't worry about it. I wanted to come find you, so you don't need to feel bad.”

What do you mean “don't worry”? I'm saying I want to be alone—not that I'm holding back out of guilt.

But Reika didn't understand any of that. She just smiled brightly and scooted closer.

I almost told her she was mistaken—almost—but managed to stop myself.

That happened back when we were in our first year. I couldn't stand my own misery anymore and tried to distance myself from Reika. I didn't say anything mean or do anything hurtful. I just quietly tried to drift away.

When Reika spoke to me, I didn't ignore her, but I kept our exchanges brief and stopped approaching her on my own. I figured that over time, we'd naturally grow apart. That's how hard it had become for me to be around her.

And what happened as a result?

Reika cried her eyes out.

She showed up at my house, threw herself on the floor in front of my family, and sobbed, “Itaru hates me now. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me!”—completely shameless, with her face a mess from crying.

Our parents had always been on good terms. My mom would often say things like, “Reika-chan is such a good girl, unlike our son.”

So when Reika cried like that in front of them… Well, of course, I got absolutely chewed out by my parents.

It was such a defining moment in my life—so clear and unforgettable—that I don't think I'll ever forget what happened that day.

“Reika-chan is staying with you out of the kindness of her heart! Don't you feel even a little grateful?”

“To make Reika-chan cry… Where did we go so wrong with you?”

“Apologize! Right now! Apologize to Reika-chan and never do something like this again! Do you understand!!”

With my father pressing my head down and forcing my face to the floor, I bowed in apology to Reika.

He didn't hesitate to use force. I couldn’t resist. My head was slammed hard into the floor, and my consciousness began to fade. The one who saved me from that dangerous situation was none other than Reika.

When Reika stepped in and I was released, she said, “We won't fight anymore.” As if all the fury from my parents had been an illusion, they suddenly calmed down. Even though Reika was the one who apologized first, somehow I ended up being painted as the villain. I remember being so stunned by that.

I never want to go through something like that again.

Letting Reika lead me by the hand, I quietly returned to the classroom.

At school and at home, I was just an accessory to Reika.

Even when surrounded by people, they only saw me as a path to Reika. No one ever truly looked at me. Friends, parents—whenever they spoke, it was always about Reika. It felt like I only existed for her, and that thought made me unbearably sad.

But there was one person—just one—who actually saw me.

That person was Reika.

Reika always watched over me.

When I was alone, she would stay by my side. If I was struggling, she would help me. If I didn't understand something, she would teach me. Reika always tried to stay close to me.

But her kindness only made me feel even more pathetic.

Reika could easily do things I never could.

Even when I started something first, Reika would quickly surpass me with better results.

Maybe people would say, “Just don't think about it,” but that's impossible.

Reika was the one who approached me. Without being asked, she'd solve all my problems. She did it so perfectly that it made me question why I even existed.

Eventually, I stopped trying to talk to anyone at school. No matter how the conversation started, it always ended up being about Reika.

I used to enjoy tennis club, but I barely went anymore. After Reika joined, it felt no different from being in class.

At home and at school, it was always Reika, Reika, Reika.

I knew Reika didn't mean any harm, and she was always just following me around. But it started to feel like her presence existed solely to make me feel worthless.

No matter where I went, Reika’s presence made me feel like I was nothing. But even so, I had one place where I could find peace.

As soon as the final bell rang after school, I ran out of the classroom, heading to that one place.

I got on a train going in the opposite direction from home, and after leaving the residential areas behind and getting off at a major urban station, I arrived at my destination.

A learning center inside a large building.

This was the one place where I could relax. It was my favorite place in the world.

For a high schooler, going to a cram school isn't that unusual, but not many of my classmates were enrolled.

Some even said, “Can't believe you actually go study on purpose,” but to me, this place was amazing.

My grades had always been average at best. By second year, the classes had gotten harder and my scores had dropped. When my parents casually suggested cram school, I immediately jumped at the chance.

I knew something had to change. When I said I wanted to study more, my parents didn't hesitate to support me.

We chose a school far away because of its good reputation, and thanks to that, there was no Reika, and no classmates either.

No one brought up Reika. I didn't compare myself to her. I could just be me.

They posted rankings by test scores, but Reika’s name was never there. I was still at the bottom, but studying felt fresh and new, just because her name wasn't on the list.

I only came here twice a week.

But that was the highlight of my week.

Maybe that's why—even if I wasn't aware of it myself—I must've looked genuinely happy to the people around me.

“You always seem to be enjoying yourself.”

That's what someone said to me while I was taking a break in the lounge.

The tone of her voice didn't feel like casual small talk at all. She wasn't trying to hide the sharp edge in her words. In fact, she almost sounded like she was mocking me.

The girl who spoke was small and slender.

There was no one else in the room, so there was no mistaking who she was talking to.

Her eyes narrowed in displeasure as she looked at me, and behind those narrowed eyes I could sense a strong, unwavering will.

Her brown, shoulder-length semi-long hair stood out—it was a color no one else at the cram school had, and I remembered it clearly.

She was probably around my age. I often saw her name at the top of the posted rankings as one of the top students.

I didn't know anyone at cram school. Naturally, I'd never spoken to this girl before either.

Even so, for her to approach me with this kind of hostility meant I must've done something to upset her. Not wanting to lose my safe place, I thought I'd apologize quickly to keep things peaceful. But I had no idea what I'd done, so I couldn't apologize blindly. I decided to wait and hear what she had to say.

“You're always smiling. Do you really like studying that much?”

“Uh, I guess I do.”

“For someone who likes studying so much, your grades don't seem very good. I've never seen your name posted even once.”

Her voice was clearly mocking.

I couldn't think of any reason why a girl I had no connection with would talk to me like that.

Maybe she was just looking down on someone below her academically? If that's all it was, then at least it made sense…

“I mean, I am trying my best…”

“If you ask me, anyone who's grinning all the time clearly isn't taking things seriously. It's honestly disgusting to watch. Every time I see you, I get annoyed.”

Her words were laced with scorn. But more than that, I sensed some kind of deep resentment in her voice—something beyond mere contempt.

Maybe she has an extraordinary passion for studying. I thought she got annoyed because someone was goofing off where she was seriously trying her best. So, thinking about the future, I decided to apologize quietly.

“I’m sorry. It's not that I particularly like studying. I just like coming here.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Um, there’s someone who’s always by my side. She is really smart—my classmates, even my parents, everyone praises them. At school or at home, I always end up comparing myself to her and feel miserable. But she doesn't come here, so I don't get compared to her, and I don’t compare myself either. That’s why I like coming here.”

I must have come off as creepy, suddenly talking about myself like that. But I just wanted to explain that I wasn't being unserious—it was simply because of that reason that I had laughed.

If I stayed quiet and out of sight, maybe this girl wouldn't talk to me again.

That's what I thought as I spoke. But contrary to my expectations, she leaned in and listened to me intently.

“When you say she is always with you… is she your sibling?”

“Ah, no, just a childhood friend. We’ve gone to the same school since elementary, and our houses are close, so our parents know each other too.”

“…Even if she is not family, your parents still compare you, huh?”

“Um, well, mine do, at least.”

She suddenly fell silent, for reasons I couldn't quite grasp. I waited a bit, but she didn't say anything more, so I decided to leave the break room quietly so as not to upset her again.

“Um, I'll be careful not to make you uncomfortable again. Well then—”

“…Wait!”

She suddenly grabbed my sleeve, which startled me. When I turned around, she seemed surprised by her own action, quickly let go, and bowed her head.

“About earlier, I'm sorry! I was irritated, and I took it out on you even though you had nothing to do with it. I was really rude—I’m sorry.”

The sharp air she had at first was completely gone from her apology. She truly seemed remorseful, and the contrast left me a little confused.

“Um, don't worry about it.”

That was all I could say. But seeing her demeanor, it didn't seem like she was going to pick another fight, and I felt relieved as I headed for the door—only to have her grab my sleeve again.

“Uh, is there still something bothering you?”

“N-no! Um, actually, m-me too!”

She shouted as if steeling herself. Her voice was so loud, I was sure it echoed outside the break room. I got nervous, wondering if we'd get scolded.

“Please calm down for now. Your voice is a bit loud.”

“S-sorry!”

Her response didn't really show whether she was listening or not, and I wasn't sure what to do. Before I could say more, she started talking again, so I quietly sat back down.

“I have an older sister… She’s really smart and goes to a great university now. My parents always compare me to her, and I'm forced to go to cram school because of that. I was frustrated today too, and I ended up taking it out on you… But when I heard your story, I really related to it. Ugh, I'm not putting this well, but… I'm really sorry!”

Hearing those heartfelt words, I felt like I understood her situation.

A perfect, capable person always nearby.

You can't help but be compared, and you end up comparing yourself.

She must have felt just as miserable as I did.

Knowing that, I no longer cared about her unfair anger toward me. I didn't feel the need to pry into the details—talking about it would probably hurt her, and just listening might hurt me too.

“Um, don't worry about it anymore. We're both going through a lot, huh?”

“…Hehe, yeah. Thank you.”

I gave her a slightly awkward smile, and maybe it looked really weird, because she smiled back a little too.

Her frown turned into an incredibly cute smile.

“My name is Kyoko Hayami.”

“Ah, sorry. I'm Itaru Sagara.”

“Um, if it's okay… can I talk to you again?”

“Huh? Well, I don't mind.”

“Sorry if that was sudden. I just felt like… we're in similar situations.”

“No, I don't really have anyone to talk to about this kind of thing either.”

When I said that, Hayami looked really happy.

Two people brought together by similar struggles.

My encounter with Hayami, though it started off terribly, became something irreplaceable to me.

After that, Hayami and I started talking often at cram school, and we quickly grew close.

The break room became our little haven. We hadn't really agreed on anything, but we always seemed to meet at the same time there, and it became something I looked forward to.

Maybe because we had already shared our deepest concerns in our very first conversation, we no longer felt shy around each other.

Naturally, we started talking about personal things. I even found myself wanting to vent about things I didn't want to remember—like that person I was always compared to.

“Huh? So this person named Reika just walks into your house like it's normal?”

“Yeah. She's been coming over since we were little, and my parents basically treat her like their own kid. She even gets let into my room when I'm not there.”

“Wow, that sounds rough. And crying in front of your parents? That's… my condolences.”

“That was awful. I think that's the angriest my parents have ever been at me. I really don't get why Reika is so obsessed with me.”

“Maybe she likes you?”

“No way… Well, I don't get Reika, and I don't want to either.”

“You said you don't hate her, though. That means you really don't hate her. I'm kind of the same.”

“With your sister? Must've been hard with her around all the time.”

“Seriously. She finally moved out after getting into college, but a year ago it was way worse. I didn't have anyone to talk to like this either… I really wish I'd met you sooner.”

Those casual words made my heart leap.

She blushed slightly afterward, maybe embarrassed by what she'd said. Seeing that made my own feelings overflow.

“I wish I'd met you sooner too, Hayami.”

“O-oh, really?”

“Yeah. Since I started talking to you, things have been so much more fun. Even if Reika brings me down, I know I'll see you at cram school, and that helps me stay motivated.”

“Um… thank you.”

“No, really. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to every day.”

“I enjoy talking to you too, Sagara-kun.”

Someone I could finally open up to about things I'd never told anyone else. Hayami quickly became a big part of my life. I think she felt the same about me.

Cram school, once just a place to escape Reika, became something I genuinely looked forward to.

I used to attend twice a week, but I asked my parents to let me go four times a week.

I had quit club activities, and my grades had improved, so they didn't object.

Hayami's parents were strict about studying, so she came five times a week. We started seeing each other nearly every weekday. More time away from Reika meant more time with Hayami.

We chatted more each day, and she even helped me with studying. I was happy with just the time we spent together, but apparently, Hayami wasn't satisfied with just cram school.

“Hey, give me your contact info.”

“Huh? What brought that on?”

“Well, if there's something you don't get at home, I could help. And it's better to have a way to vent stress even on days we don't have class, right?”

She twirled her hair around her finger as she explained, giving a plausible reason—but her slightly anxious expression stirred something protective in me.

“…If you don't understand something, feel free to contact me anytime.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

My face felt hot—I was definitely blushing. But her cheeks were slightly red too, and knowing that made me more happy than embarrassed.

After that, we started messaging every day, even on days when we saw each other at cram school.

We weren't dating or anything. We still called each other by our last names, and we only met at cram school. But saying I wasn't thinking about her would've been a lie—Hayami was becoming a bigger and bigger part of my life.

And then, one day…

“Actually, there’s somewhere I want to go.”

“Would you like to go out with me this Sunday?”

My heart began to race the moment I read the message from Hayami-san.

My pulse pounded right by my ears, and my body started to heat up.

Of course, my answer was yes.

As soon as I sent my reply, a message from Hayami-san came back right away.

“Thank you. I'm really looking forward to it.”

Even in such a short message, it felt like her feelings were condensed into those few words, and I couldn't stop my heart from fluttering.

But maybe I'm just destined to always be interrupted.

The next day at school, I was forced to make a decision.

“It turns out we're all going out to hang out on Sunday. You're coming too, right, Itaru?”

The one who said that with a smile was none other than Reika.

Her innocent smile looked like she was genuinely looking forward to spending time together.
The kind of expression that would make most guys fall for her in a heartbeat, it was so captivating—

—And yet, I felt a surge of irritation.

“I planned it myself! You've been going to cram school more often lately, so I was kind of lonely… Let's have fun together, okay?”

Normally, those words would sound sweet, but to me, they sounded overbearing and inconsiderate.

Why didn't she even think that I might say no?

Did she think I was just some guy with no plans?

The more I thought about it, the more irritated I became.

“You've got it good, huh, Itaru? Someone like Atarashi-san cares so much about you.”

“Totally jealous.”

“She even thinks about you, Sagara-kun. Reika-chan is seriously so kind!”

I could hear those kinds of comments from around us.

To everyone else, it was already a given that I would be joining Reika and the others on Sunday.

Why did they get to decide my plans for me?

I'm not Reika's possession.

“…I can't.”

“Huh? What's wrong, Itaru?”

“Ah—sorry, Reika. I already have plans for Sunday, so I can't go.”

I still tried to be considerate in how I told her.

Even though I wanted to shout, “No way I'm going!”, I held that back with reason, and conveyed it calmly, in my usual tone and rhythm.

Why? Because I didn't know how Reika would react if I let my emotions show.

I remembered the time she cried in front of my parents.

If that happened again here, in this situation, there's no doubt I'd feel awkward being in class.

So I tried to keep things peaceful.

That's what I thought, but the moment I said I couldn't go, I felt a chill of fear run through me.

Reika's expression went blank.

That charming smile that captivated everyone vanished, and those pitch-black eyes stared into me like they were going to bore a hole through my soul.

I couldn't move. Reika didn't move either.

Only her dark eyes moved restlessly, as if scanning over every inch of me.

She didn't cry like I imagined, didn't get angry—just stared at me. I had never seen this expression from her before.

“…What do you mean?”

“Eh? W-What?”

Her lips barely moved, letting out a low murmur.
When I asked her again, her eyes fixed on mine, and I looked away—afraid of those pitch-dark eyes.

“What plans?”

“I mean, even I have plans to hang out with friends sometimes.”

“There shouldn't be any friends at school who'd make plans with you.”

She said that so matter-of-factly, I nearly trembled.

She hadn't checked with anyone—so how could she say something like that so confidently?

I couldn't understand it.

But what was clear was that she wasn't convinced.

“They're friends from cram school. Nothing to do with people at school.”

“…Cram school friends, huh.”

She muttered, almost chewing over the words. Maybe she hadn't considered that possibility.

“Even if it's an invite from you, Reika, it'd be rude to break a prior promise. So this time, I think it can't be helped.”

I reinforced my point with logic and fairness.

Canceling on someone just because someone else invited you—that would be way too harsh.
Even Reika couldn't argue with that.

“…”

“…”

Still, she kept staring at me, emotionless. I had no idea what she was thinking.

Just as I started to brace myself—thinking maybe she still wasn't satisfied despite everything I said—

“Oh, I see! If that's the case, then it can't be helped. Too bad, but let's hang out next time, okay, Itaru!”

—Reika's previous, emotionless expression vanished as if it had never existed, replaced by her usual smile.

“Eh? Ah, yeah, sorry, Reika.”

“No worries, don't stress about it! But I'd be happy if you join us next time.”

“Y-yeah, if I don't have anything planned, I'd love to.”

“It's a promise, okay? Alright everyone, Itaru can't come, but let's go have fun as planned!”

I felt like the tension left me in a rush.

That eerie air around Reika was gone.

She didn't cry like before and accepted my explanation right away.

I had felt something ominous for a moment, but I told myself I was overthinking it.

Normally, if someone has plans, that's the end of it.

This was normal.

Maybe Reika had grown up a bit.

Thinking that made me feel silly for being on edge.

Seeing Reika happily chatting with our classmates, I finally let out a sigh of relief.

 “Ugh… I didn't know it was going to be a horror movie…”

“Sorry! I didn't think you were that bad with scary stuff.”

“You're okay with them, Hayami-san?”

“I watch them pretty often… Ah, d-does that freak you out?”

“No, not at all! I think it's really cool.”

“R-Really? That's good to hear…”

It was Sunday afternoon—the day I had been so looking forward to—and I was spending it just as planned with Hayami-san.

Reika, who I had been a little cautious about, hadn't made a fuss after that, and I was sure she was out having fun with our classmates today.

Now, with no worries on my mind, I could enjoy my time with Hayami-san to the fullest.

It was the first time we met up outside of cram school.

When I got to our meeting spot early, she was already there ahead of me.

It flustered me a bit—but also made me happy.

Seeing Hayami-san in a different setting made her look even cuter.

Since we usually only saw each other in school uniforms, her casual clothes felt refreshing.

And just being together in a place that wasn't cram school made my heart race.

We strolled around while chatting, watched the movie she had wanted to see, then had an early dinner at a stylish restaurant.

Hayami-san's parents were strict, so even having this much freedom for the afternoon had been a big deal for her.
Knowing she made that effort for me made my chest feel warm.

“If my grades drop, I might be in trouble…”

“Ehh?! Are you going to be okay?”

“It's fine, really. Lately, I've been more focused when studying—like, I'm doing better somehow. Even though I've been taking more breaks since I started talking to you. It's weird, right?”

“I've been doing really well too! Thanks to your help, I think my grades are going up!”

“Maybe we should aim for a university far away together?”

“H-Hayami-san's kind of school would be way out of my league unless I go all out…”

“Ahaha, I'll always help you study!”

“That's so reassuring.”

Even after eating, we kept chatting.
Then my phone buzzed with a random chat, and the time showed on the screen.

Hayami-san's happy expression suddenly clouded over when she saw it.

It seemed like our time was up.

Reluctantly, we forced our unmoving bodies to get up and leave the restaurant.

“Aww… it's already time, huh… I wish we could've spent the whole day together.”

It might be fair to say that it slipped out unintentionally.

There was no one around. On the quiet, dark way home, Hayami-san muttered those words softly.

The moment she said it, her face turned bright red and she covered her mouth. I probably looked just as red in response.

A silence settled between us.

But it wasn't an unpleasant one.

It felt like I was floating in a fever, my heart pounding—nervous but warm and pleasant.

“Let's meet again, just the two of us. I want to spend more time with you, Hayami-san.”

“…It's a promise, okay? I'll make time again somehow, so you better spend it with me.”

“Yes, it's a promise! Just say the word—I’ll keep my schedule open for you, Hayami-san.”

I spoke from the heart, letting my emotions guide my words.

She looked at me with eyes filled with warmth.

I couldn't look away from those eyes. And then, as if expecting something, Hayami-san slowly closed her eyelids.

I found myself captivated by her face with her eyes closed.

She was beautiful.

As if being drawn in, I leaned in closer—so close our lips were almost touching.

But…

That was as far as I could go.

Maybe I was just a coward. But more than that, I wanted to treasure her.

I couldn't kiss her, but instead, I gently intertwined my fingers with hers. Surprised, she opened her eyes slightly.

“…You're not going to kiss me?”

“It's just… I want to cherish you more, Hayami-san. So if it's okay, next time, I want to bring a proper gift… and the words I really want to say.”

I thought maybe she'd be disappointed, but I realized right away that it was just my fear talking.

She squeezed my hand tightly and leaned her weight on my shoulder. I found everything about her so precious.

“If you break your promise, I won't forgive you. I'm really looking forward to it, okay?”

“Yeah. I'm looking forward to it too.”

Not wanting to part too soon, we walked slowly home, side by side.

The next day, after what had been my very first date, Monday arrived like always.

Still basking in the afterglow of the wonderful time I'd spent with Hayami-san the day before, I was caught off guard by an unexpected situation at school.

Reika, who was usually at school before me, was nowhere to be found.

It wasn't like I felt lonely or that I wanted her there. Honestly, I figured I'd get to enjoy a quieter morning and didn't bother looking for her or sending a message.

“There was a message earlier—Atarashi is out sick today,” the teacher announced at the start of homeroom.

The classroom immediately filled with disappointment. Everyone seemed sad that Reika wasn't there.

As for me, I was just surprised.

Whenever something happened, Reika always contacted me directly—even when she was absent from school, I'd usually get a message from her before I even arrived.

But today, nothing.

At that moment, I was just surprised. Maybe she was feeling too bad to message anyone, I thought.

“I hope Reika-chan's okay.”

“Yeah, I'm worried.”

“She said something came up yesterday, so she couldn't hang out either.”

That was when something started to bother me.

While I was out with Hayami-san yesterday, Reika was supposed to be hanging out with some of our classmates. She had agreed I couldn't make it and seemed totally fine with that—so I assumed she had fun without me. But from the conversations around me, it turned out Reika hadn't shown up.

I didn't have any proof, just a strange feeling. But I had a bad premonition.

Still, school passed without any real incident, as if to deny my unease.

In fact, without Reika there, I wasn't in a bad mood like usual. It was a peaceful, pleasant day.

I couldn't see Hayami-san today because I didn't have cram school, and that was my only regret—but a quiet day without Reika wasn't bad at all.

“Yesterday was fun, right?”

On my way home, Hayami-san sent me that message, and I couldn't help but smile.

“Thank you for yesterday. Heading to cram school now?”

“Yeah. You're not coming today, right?”

“Yeah. I'll be back from tomorrow.”

“I see… That's sad.”

Maybe because we spent time together yesterday, Hayami-san had started expressing her feelings more openly. Even in such a short message, my heart skipped a beat.

“I miss you too.”

“I'll be waiting tomorrow.”

“Yeah. Let's talk a lot.”

After the exchange, I slipped my phone into my pocket and walked off with a bright, cheerful feeling.

Since meeting Hayami-san, I'd been able to share my worries and feel a lot lighter. I still sometimes got that tangled, uneasy feeling around Reika, but the more I grew close to Hayami-san, the less I cared.

Just thinking about Hayami-san made me feel warm and happy inside.

Of course, I already knew what these feelings were.

I've never been popular, so maybe I'm not the best judge—but I was sure that the feelings Hayami-san had for me were the same. Just thinking about how she closed her eyes yesterday, I knew it wasn't wishful thinking.

A fragile and precious feeling—something that couldn't stay hidden forever.

I'd thought about saying it yesterday, but I didn't want it to come off as something light, so I held back.

We had plans to meet again. I intended to tell her how I felt then.

But even though I thought that, I soon came to regret not confessing yesterday.

When I got home, Reika—who was supposedly out sick from school—was there.

I opened my mouth to ask “Why?”, but no sound came out.

I could tell right away that my parents, sitting with her, were angry.

“Itsuki, sit down.”

My father spoke in a low, restrained voice. There was no room for jokes or arguments.

I sat on the opposite side of the table, as prompted.

On the other side were my father with sharp, accusing eyes, my mother looking disappointed, and Reika, staring straight at me. It felt like she was the one who belonged in this house, and I was the outsider.

“Itsuki, I'm disappointed in you. Your mother is too. I'm sure you know what this is about, right?”

Even though I was suddenly asked that, I didn't have a clue. But I did know better than to say that I didn't.

I remembered the time Reika had cried in front of them—and how furious they'd been, almost to the point of hitting me.

This atmosphere was exactly the same.

When I stayed silent, this time it was my mother who let out a sigh.

“You know, Itaru. Your father and I aren’t paying expensive tuition for cram school just so you can go hang out with friends.”

She said something so obvious, I momentarily couldn't keep up with what she meant. What was she trying to say? Ever since I started going to cram school, my grades had gone up—Mom was happy about that… wasn’t she?

Perhaps sensing my confusion, Reika, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up.

“You know, Itaru, I saw something by chance.”

As she said that, Reika took out her phone.

On the screen was an image of me and Hayami-san walking close together.

I knew right away when it was taken. It was that time on the way home.

Reika slid the screen to the next image, revealing one where Hayami-san and I were leaning in close. The way it was shot, it looked like we were kissing.

“You said you were hanging out with your cram school friends, so I was a little worried. But of course… this is what it turned out to be. Lately, you've been spending more time at cram school not for studying, but to meet up with this girl, right?”

“T-That's not true!”

“Don't be stubborn. There's proof, right here. At this rate, even going to cram school is meaningless. Your grades will fall and it won't be good for your future. So I told your parents.”

What is this girl talking about?

Is she a paparazzi? Or does she think she's my producer or something? Why does my childhood friend think it's her job to report this to my parents? I couldn’t understand Reika's attitude at all—like she was just fulfilling some obvious duty.

“Y-You've gotta be kidding me, Reika! Taking pictures like that without me knowing—what do you think you're doing!?”

“Enough!!”

As I leaned forward, trying to confront Reika, my father shouted back twice as loud, grabbing me by the collar.

“Reika-chan came to us out of concern, so you wouldn’t go down the wrong path. Your mother and I were moved. She's always looked out for you, and even now, she's thinking seriously about your future! Why can't you understand that? You should be grateful to Reika-chan!”

There's no way I can understand.

After being secretly photographed and reported to my parents—why should I be grateful for that?

“It's clear now that you were going to cram school with impure motives. Hanging out with some shady, improper girl like that is no good for your future. I've already contacted the cram school to cancel your enrollment. From tomorrow on, you'll come straight home.”

“What? W-Wait! What are you talking about?”

My mind almost went completely blank.

What did my dad just say? That he already canceled the cram school? Without even talking to me, just based on what Reika said—he went that far?

“There's nothing to talk about. If you're only going to meet girls, there's no need for you to go to cram school anymore.”

“T-That's not true, Dad! I just happened to become friends with her, that's all! I'm still studying properly. My grades even went up a little, didn't they?”

“You were probably just trying to impress that girl. And once you start dating, your studies will obviously fall apart. She's probably just some girl going to cram school to flirt with boys—she's no good.”

“Don't you dare insult Hayami-san!!”

I shouted. I didn't care if my voice broke—as long as I could at least correct that one thing.

Hayami-san is the most amazing person I've ever met. She never let her difficult circumstances defeat her, and she always stays true to her beliefs. If I hadn't met her, I would've stayed rotten.

I couldn't stand having someone like her insulted—and as I shouted, I was immediately slammed into the desk.

“Is that how you talk to your parents, Itaru!? Don't be ridiculous!! Apologize! Apologize to your father and mother!!”

My father, yelling louder than me, forced my head down against the desk. I couldn't move at all. Just from that, I lost all words. When he saw I wasn't resisting anymore, he finally let go.

“You see, Itaru. Your mother and I are doing this because we're worried about you. And anyway, it's too late—you can't go back to cram school now.”

“…Then what about my studies?”

“Don't worry about that. Reika-chan offered to tutor you herself. With her helping, we'll feel secure—and you should be thankful for that too.”

Seeing my father nod in satisfaction, I realized that no matter what I said, it wouldn't change anything.

It was as if they saw Reika like their own daughter—everything she said became law. None of my words reached them.

“Don't worry, Itaru. I'll help you study properly, and I'll protect you from bad girls too.”

After all this, how could she say something so absurd?

But Reika's eyes were dead serious—she probably truly believed it, from the bottom of her heart.

She had skipped school just for this. To make me quit cram school. She even convinced my parents in advance. And if she turned down the chance to hang out with classmates, that meant… she might've been following me all along.

I was terrified of Reika.

Instinctively, I reached for the phone in my pocket. I just wanted to hear Hayami-san's voice.

“That’s it! Itaru, hand over your phone!”

“Huh? W–why?”

“So you can’t contact that disgusting girl who’s seducing you, of course! It’s revolting. Don't you agree, Reika-chan?”

“Yes. If we're thinking about Itaru's future, this is for the best.”

I thought Mom had been quiet up until now, but suddenly she blurted that out.

I couldn't even begin to imagine what someone had told her to make her say something like that, but it seemed both she and Reika were serious.

“Of course I don't want to!”

“Itaru!! Who do you think pays for your phone bill? Quit being ridiculous and hand it over!”

Dad grabbed me by the collar and yanked me toward him.

I realized then—there was no one left on my side in this house.

I couldn't move, pinned in place by my father’s grip, and Reika snatched my phone right out of my pocket.

Even though I had a lock on it, Reika unlocked it without a moment's hesitation. I never told her the code—how did she know?

“Yep, they’re messaging all the time. Looks like they were texting just a little while ago too.”

“Look at this—she wrote that she wants to see him. So he lied about going to cram school just to meet this girl.”

I was speechless.

Even if they're family, there should still be a boundary when it comes to privacy. And Reika isn't even family.

“I’m confiscating this. You'll be fine without it. This is your punishment for lying to your parents. And let me tell you—it's only thanks to Reika-chan that this didn't turn into something worse. You should be grateful.”

“Don't worry, Itaru. If you need to contact anyone, just go through me. From now on, we'll go home together every day and have study sessions at your house! If I teach you, your grades will improve way faster than at any cram school!”

Reika puffed out her chest and smiled. Maybe other people would think she looked beautiful—charming, even. But that's not how she looked to me.

She had followed me like a stalker, somehow found out my phone code, and now she acted like it was perfectly normal. It was creepy. I wanted to report her for being a criminal.

But Reika had played everything perfectly. She won over my parents—more than I ever could. She made her position completely unshakable.

I had lost to her.

I'm just a nobody, a high school student with no power. I can't even pay for my own cram school tuition or my phone bill.

Once Reika had my parents on her side, I had no way to fight back.

I lowered my head, unable to say anything.

“Cheer up, Itaru! I'll always be right here with you.”

Reika whispered into my ear, her voice sounding almost ecstatic. There was no way I could still think of her as just a childhood friend anymore.

After that, Reika took complete control of my life.

From when I woke up to when I went to sleep, every second of my schedule was dictated by her.

She came to pick me up in the morning, never left my side at school, and made sure we walked home together every day. Then, we had our “study sessions” at home—just the two of us.

Even at night, she wouldn't leave me alone for a second.

And I couldn't resist. With my parents on her side, Reika's control over me was practically sanctioned by my family.

If I even hinted at disliking something, she'd immediately report it and another “family meeting” would begin.

But those meetings weren't discussions—they were just my parents believing everything Reika said and yelling at me.

No one listened to me. No matter what I did, it was useless.

Each day, Reika decided everything for me. And slowly, I felt like I was losing my will.

One day after school, Reika was pulling me along as usual when we saw someone standing by the school entrance.

It wasn't our school's uniform, but I recognized it.

I instinctively tried to run to her, but Reika's grip was too tight. She started pulling me back.

“Sagara-kun!”

But she saw me—Hayami-san. She called out and ran over to us.

I wanted to run to her too, but Reika wouldn't let go. She leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“…Remember what I said.”

I thought about the meaning behind her words.

“Wait, Sagara-kun!”

Hayami-san's voice reached me, but I couldn't respond.

“Don't come any closer.”

Reika stepped in front of me, shielding me from her like a wall. The air between them was tense—almost dangerous.

“You must be Atarashi-san. Sagara-kun told me about you.”

“And you're the girl who seduced him at cram school, right? What are you doing here, showing up at his school?”

“Seduced?! That's so rude! We just… really enjoy spending time together.”

“What, are you pretending to be his girlfriend now?”

“W–we're not… not yet, but…”

“Not even his girlfriend, and yet you show up at another school without telling him and wait around like this? Are you a stalker?”

“I'm not! I was just worried when he suddenly stopped coming to cram school. Hey, Sagara-kun, say something!”

Reika pulled me away again as Hayami-san tried to step closer.

“Don't come any closer. You're scaring him.”

“That's not true! You—you did something to him, didn't you? He told me being with you was unbearable. He'd never stay with someone like you by choice!”

“Oh? He said that? Funny, because I don't remember Itaru saying any such thing.”

“I'm not lying!”

“If you don't back off, I'll report you to the teachers and have you removed.”

“What!?”

“If you go quietly, I'll let you off this time.”

Reika smirked triumphantly. Hayami-san looked shocked, but maybe she realized Reika wasn't just bluffing. Her eyes filled with tears as she turned to me.

“Please, Sagara-kun, say something. I waited at cram school every day. I just wanted to know when we could see each other again.”

“……”

“Did I do something wrong that day when we were together?”

“……”

“I'm sorry. I'll apologize. Just say something. I want to see you again. Ever since I met you, my days have been so much fun.”

“……!”

“When you disappeared like that, it hurt. Please, talk to me! You were going to tell me something next time we met, weren't you!?”

“…Ugh…”

I clenched my teeth and stayed silent.

If I spoke, Hayami-san might end up trapped in an even stricter life. Her parents were known to be strict. She'd told me before—she was constantly compared to her brilliant sister and pushed to succeed.

That day, she'd finally managed to get a break. But if her parents saw that photo—one that made it look like we were kissing…

I couldn't risk it.

Even though I stayed silent, the tears I couldn't hold back flowed freely. Pathetic as it was, maybe those tears could tell Hayami-san how I really felt.

It was Reika who crushed my naive hope.

She pulled me into her chest and hid me from Hayami-san’s view.

“It's useless”

I didn't know if she was talking to me or to Hayami-san.

Either way, those words shattered both of us.

“Hurry up and get out of our sight, stalker. If you don't, I'll go to the teachers for help.”

“…Goodbye, Sagara-kun.”

That single sentence stabbed straight into my heart.

Through the haze of my tears, I could barely see Hayami-san's back as she walked away.

Suddenly, someone grabbed my face and turned it.

Right in front of me was Reika's face.

She looked beautiful—and grotesque—smiling at me with pure delight.

“W–why are you doing this? Just leave me alone.”

That was the truth from the bottom of my heart. My only form of resistance. I'd kept it bottled up until now because I was too scared of how Reika might react.

“There are tons of people around you, Reika! You don't need me! Go cling to someone better-looking! Just forget about someone plain and invisible like me!”

Fueled by emotion, I glared at her.

But Reika just kept smiling. As if she hadn't heard a single word. Her eyes were filled with nothing but affection as she stared at me.

“Itaru, you're my hero. You were the one who saved me back then.”

“That was when we were kids. Most people don't hold onto things like that forever.”

“I get what you're saying, really. But you know, whether it's something good or bad, the one who does it usually forgets pretty quickly. They think it wasn't a big deal. But for the one it happens to, it stays with them forever. If it was something bad, it turns into resentment. If it was something good… it becomes admiration. Or love.”

As she spoke, her expression grew hazy, intoxicated with emotion. The look in her eyes was unhinged—like she truly couldn't see anything in the world but me.

“That's why I'm never letting you go, Itaru. So no more weird girls can come near you. I'll manage every part of your life—perfectly.”

I couldn't look her in the face anymore. I turned away, trying to find a glimpse of Hayami-san.

But she was already gone. Nowhere to be seen.

And with Reika still holding me tightly, I realized—I couldn't escape anymore.

All I could do… was give up.