Chapter 27: Resolution

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Translator: Soafp

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The day after I delivered the melon to Haruki's house.

“Good morning.”

“Oh, Fukase-san. Good morning. Thanks for coming again today.”

Today was the day I volunteered at the free school.

When I arrived, the staff member greeted me with a warm smile. Everyone who worked here was cheerful, and just watching them put me in a good mood.

The children attending the school often carried emotional scars, but the atmosphere here helped lift their spirits.
In fact, I heard that many children who used to be reserved had become more positive since joining the school.

“Oh right, let me introduce you to the teacher who wasn't here last time. He used to work at a public school. He's good at sports and is very popular with the kids.”

“Is that so?”

Following the staff member, I walked into the school courtyard. It wasn't a large space, but it was well-kept and clean.

There was a basketball hoop, and a tall man was playing with several children.

“Sports are great, aren't they? I heard serotonin is released in the brain during exercise, which is good for both mental and physical health.”

When I said that, the staff member smiled and nodded.

“Good morning. Are you one of the volunteers?”

The man who had just been playing basketball with the kids walked up and greeted me.

“Yes, I'm Shiho Fukase. I've been volunteering since last week. Nice to meet you.”

(I really don't get nervous around men anymore. Maybe my fear of men is finally fading.)

I bowed my head and greeted him—but he didn't respond. Or rather… he looked at my face and seemed… flustered?

(Have I seen him somewhere before?)

“Um, is something wrong?”

The staff member beside me also tilted her head and addressed the man.

“Sorry, could I speak with her alone for a bit? She's… an old student of mine.”

The man looked at me as he continued.

“It's been a while… Fukase.”

And in that moment, I realized who he was.

“Coach Tamiya….”

He was Coach Tamiya, my basketball coach from middle school.

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“I need to decide within this week…”

I was feeling a little conflicted.

My job hunting had gone well; I had already received two unofficial offers. Both companies were close enough that I could commute from my current apartment, with solid benefits and decent pay.

“Osaka, huh…”

Besides those, I had a few other options. I could apply to the company where my dad worked in Osaka, or to the company run by Seina's father, Seiya-san.

I had turned down both before, but they told me the offer still stood until the end of the month if I changed my mind.

“Shiho's… going to grad school in Osaka…”

Yesterday, Shiho brought me a melon. The three of us—Seina, Shiho, and I—had a great time talking.
No… that's not quite it.

I think… I was happy to be close to Shiho again, like we used to be.

“Am I… wavering?”

Yesterday, Shiho told me everything. She apologized.

But… that apology made my chest ache.

“Seina… I wonder how she's doing now…”

She was at our old middle school today for her teaching practicum.

“Middle school days, huh…”

That's all in the past…Lately, I find myself saying that to myself more and more.

Probably since I ran into Shiho at that mixer…

“Hm? My phone?”

My phone vibrated. A call.

The screen read: Shiho Fukase.

“Hello… Shiho?”

It was rare for Shiho to call. Since we exchanged contact info, the only message had been about the melon.

“Ha… Haruki? Sorry to call out of the blue.”

Her voice felt calmer than usual—no, it sounded confident.

“I know this is sudden… but could we meet now?”

“Huh, right now? Did something happen?”

“No, nothing happened. I just… want to see you.”

She wanted to see me…?

I didn't really get what she meant.

Even so… I…

“Okay. Where should I go?”

I didn't turn her down.

---

“I'm not your teacher anymore. But… let me say just one thing.”

Coach Tamiya, my basketball coach from middle school. He had left school suddenly when I was in my third year. I think the official reason was “personal circumstances.”

He spoke to me again and again…

And finally—

“Coach Tamiya, I'm… struggling…”

“Fukase, no one knows what the future holds. So do your best not to regret the present.”

Those were the words he left me with.

After our talk, I asked to take the rest of the day off from volunteering. Honestly, I wasn't in the right state of mind to help the kids study—I needed to collect my thoughts.

After returning home and taking a deep breath, I called Haruki.

He picked up right away. And when I said I wanted to see him, he didn't hesitate.

“Okay. Where should I go?”

No, Haruki never would have turned me down.

I was sure of that, even before I called.

“Do you remember that amusement park we used to go to a lot as kids?”

Our families would often go together. It was only an hour by train. As kids, we'd said, ‘Someday, we'll go just the two of us.'

I wondered if Haruki still remembered.

“Yeah… Of course I remember.”

“We're not kids anymore, are we? Do you remember that promise too?”

“Yeah… I remember.”

“Then I'll be waiting for you there.”

I set the time and place without asking.

The old me never could've done that.

I'd have been too afraid.

What if he says no? He has a girlfriend—it’s wrong to go too far.

Those thoughts would've flooded my head.

But… not anymore.

I'll just be honest. That's all.

Senda-Senpai's words.

“Do your best not to regret the present.”

Coach Tamiya's words.

Those words gave me the courage to take a step forward.

I hurt Haruki. I was a terrible person.

Even so, I'll tell Haruki how I feel.

Even if it means losing something. Even if it brings hardship.

Because no matter what, I…

I still love Haruki.