Chapter 9: A Moment

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Translator: Soafp

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“Fukase, is that you?”

“…Yeah.”

I could feel Fukase standing behind me, her hand resting gently on my back, and the sound of her breathing.

“It’s been about half a year, huh?”

“Half a year… and 27 days.”

Inside the dimly lit haunted house near the exit, it was just me and Fukase—no one else around.

“Sorry… for showing up like this…”

I heard her trembling, quiet voice. A gentle voice I had known since we were kids.

“I’m sorry… for the awful things I said… for hurting you… I’m sorry…”

Even without seeing her face, I could tell she was trying desperately to hold back her overflowing emotions.

No matter the reasons, the truth was that Fukase had hurt me. I cut ties with her. That fact wouldn't change.

But still…

“Are you doing okay?”

“…Yeah.”

“How’s high school going? You holding up?”

“…Yeah.”

“You’ve lost some weight, haven't you?”

“…Yeah.”

Just from her voice and the feeling of her hand on my back, I could sense it.

“It’s funny, isn't it… I used to be the one asking you all these things…”

“…Yeah, you did.”

I stayed facing away from Fukase, and she remained behind me. If I turned around now, I'd finally see her face again after all this time.

But neither of us wanted that.

“You quit basketball?”

“…Yeah.”

After a short silence, she spoke again.

“Someone like me… doesn't deserve to do what she loves…”

She really had been thinking about me all this time…

It would be easy to push her away right now. After all, we weren't close childhood friends anymore.

But I still knew both sides of Fukase—the one who hurt me and the kind, gentle Fukase I had shared good times with.

That's why… I decided to say just one final, honest thing.

“I always liked seeing you… working so hard at basketball, at your studies. So…”

Unless something completely unexpected happened, we'd probably never meet again.

“I’m going to keep trying too… So you should do the same. Just be yourself.”

We both understood that.

“Thank you… for encouraging me. And thank you… for calling me by my name.”

After saying that through her tears, Fukase gently pulled her hand away from my back.

“Goodbye, Fukase.”

“Farewell… Asano-kun.”

Calling me “Asano-kun” was her way of showing she had made peace with our parting.

After that short conversation, Fukase opened the exit door and quietly stepped out.

I could faintly hear the sound of her footsteps as she hurried away.

---

Now that my duties were done for the afternoon, I had some free time.

The school grounds were packed, everyone seemed to be having a great time.

‘You’re free in the afternoon, right? Come to my class. I'll give you a free cheki photo session—special offer just for you!’

I got another message from Endo.

Apparently, her shift started in the afternoon. She was probably going to be busy—no doubt there was already a line of guests eager to see her in that maid outfit.

Her maid outfit really was cute… though to be honest, Endo was always cute.

“Asano-kun! Over here!”

While wandering aimlessly down the hall, I heard Shiraki call out to me.

“Shiraki, you're free now too?”

“Yeah, morning shift was rough. Our class's protein café was super popular.”

“Protein café?”

“Yeah! You can try all kinds of flavors and protein mix-ins.”

Leave it to the sports-track class to come up with a quirky idea like that.

Compared to our haunted house with barely any foot traffic, their shop was thriving.

You never know what'll be a hit when it comes to customer service…

“Hey, I was thinking of heading to Endo's maid café now… You want to come?”

“Nah… I think I'll pass.”

After talking with Fukase, I wasn't really in the mood to enjoy the festival.

“Come on, man! Just tag along! It's awkward going alone!”

“Even so…”

When I hesitated, Shiraki got impatient and grabbed my arm, pulling me along.

“Hey, I never said I was going.”

“Don't be like that! Let's just have some fun together!”

How did I end up touring the school festival with Shiraki of all people…?

When we finally arrived at Endo's class's maid café, it was exactly as expected—an enormous line of guys snaking out the door. Clearly a huge hit.

“Looks like we'll be waiting a while.”

“Yeah.”

We lined up, not knowing when it would be our turn.

Through the open windows, we could see the maids inside. There were quite a few, but the one drawing all the attention was—of course—Endo.

“She really is cute… Endo…”

Another guy caught up in her charm.

“Hey, Asano-kun… mind if I ask you something?”

“A question?”

Shiraki’s usual carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious look as he spoke.

“I'm thinking of confessing to Endo soon.”

Again with the sudden stuff.

It was obvious from his actions that he genuinely liked her…

“Don't you think you should get a bit closer to her first?”

“I know, but… I don't think she'd pay attention to me the way I am now. That's why I at least want her to know how I feel…”

“You're planning to confess expecting to get rejected?”

“Even if she turns me down, that's not the end, right? As long as she doesn't get a boyfriend…”

You’re right…

But still, to act knowing you might be crushed… I kind of want to cheer him on…

No, that’s probably not how I really feel.

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“Endo is working today, which probably means she is free tomorrow, right?”

He's talking about the second day of the cultural festival.

“I want to go around the festival with Endo. I'd like you to help set that up.”

I already promised to go around the cultural festival with Endo tomorrow…

“Wait, are you planning to confess to her tomorrow?”

“Well… only if I have the courage to, that is…”

Even if you’re prepared to be rejected, it still takes courage to confess…

I remember the bitter memory of not being able to tell Fukase how I felt, even though I liked her.

“Will you help me out?”

“Why don't you just ask Endo yourself?”

“You know she wouldn't even listen to me if I tried talking to her now, right? But if you, Asano, say something, I think she might at least listen a little.”

I glance over at Endo, who's working while Shiraki pleads with me. She's being incredibly polite with the guests, and the smile she gives them is dazzling.

Endo is cold toward everyone—except me.

That smile used to be something she only showed when she was with me…

No, that's just a customer service smile.

Why am I even getting hung up on this…?

“Asano! Endo's waving over here! Did she notice us?”

Us…?

Endo's waving only at me.

Shiraki's not included in that.

“Sorry, Shiraki. I… just remembered something I need to do. I'm heading back to my class.”

“Huh!? Wait, hold on!”

Ignoring Shiraki's voice, I walked away quickly.

---

An unused classroom in the old school building, where Endo and I always come to eat lunch.

It’s a quiet space, completely separate from the cultural festival—no one comes here.

I sit down on a chair, take a breath, and look up at the ceiling.

“I'm the one who made plans with her first…”

Being here calms me.

It's not quite the same as the rooftop we used to hang out on back in middle school, but this place is special too—somewhere only Endo and I share.

“Asano. I figured you'd be here.”

The classroom door bursts open, and standing there in a maid outfit is—Endo.

“Endo!? Why are you here?”

“You suddenly ran off, so I chased after you.”

“What about the café?”

“It's fine if I'm gone for a little while.”

Saying that, Endo sits down next to me.

“Did something happen?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I don't know… You just don't seem like yourself.”

She's as sharp as ever.

“I just got bored, I guess.”

“Bored… huh?”

What I'm feeling right now—is it a sense of loss…?

“I ran into Fukase a little while ago…”

“Fukase? She came today?”

“Yeah. We only talked a little, though…”

“Don't tell me you two are getting back together or something?”

“No. It's nothing like that.”

Yeah… we both made peace with it.

“You should go back. Shiraki's waiting in line to see you, you know.”

“Shiraki? Him again? I couldn't care less.”

Right now, my feelings are a mess.

After seeing Fukase again… maybe I just want to put some distance between Endo and me.

“About tomorrow…”

“Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I heard there's gonna be tons of food stalls—we should go around trying them all.”

“For tomorrow's festival… if it's okay with you… would you go around with Shiraki instead?”

“…Huh? What the hell are you talking about?”

“I told you before—he's a good guy. I thought maybe if you two talked—just once—”

The moment I said that, Endo stood up from her chair and raised her voice.

“What the hell!? We promised to go around together, didn't we!?”

“I know… but Shiraki really wants to spend time with you—”

Shiraki doesn't matter.

The truth is… I'm the one who wants to avoid Endo.

“Don't tell me… you're planning to meet up with Fukase or something?”

“No. That's not it. She and I are already—”

“Empty…”

Empty…?

Endo mumbled it, but I didn't understand what she meant.

“Fine then! As long as I'm with Shiraki, you're happy, right!? I'll do it!”

Whether she was angry, or hurt… or something else entirely…

I couldn't tell.

Endo ran out of the classroom—and I didn't go after her.