Two weeks had passed since I stayed at the Shinjo House that day. It might sound lewd to say, but it remains etched in my mind as such an intense event that I can recall it at any moment.
Well, it’s impossible to forget those memories even if I wanted to, and I always end up remembering them when I let my guard down.
“…No, no, can’t do that.”
I shook my head, somehow blowing away the impure thoughts.
I have to concentrate since I’m in class right now… but even when I think that way, their presence just won’t disappear.
Or rather, I just said that two weeks have passed since then, but on the surface, nothing has changed. However, behind the scenes, big changes were happening around me. No one else knew about it, and the changes were happening slowly, creeping up little by little.
“Alright, that’s it for today. Classroom Duty.”
“Yes. Stand, bow.”
While I was thinking about such things, class ended and it was lunchtime.
I headed to the School Cafeteria with my friends as usual. Unlike them, who ordered from the menu, I didn’t order anything. That’s because I have a lunch box that I shouldn’t have.
“Hey, Hayato, that lunch box looks really delicious.”
“I’m so jealous… Who’s really making it for you?”
“Ahaha… well, someone who’s kind to me.”
My friends are staring at the lunch box I opened.
It’s carefully thought out with nutrition in mind, and meat and vegetables are arranged in a balanced way. Yes, the first change was this lunch box.
That day, the surprise Aina (she) told me about was this lunch box.
“From now on, we’ll make Hayato-kun’s (he) lunch box. We’re making our own too, so don’t hesitate, okay?”
“That’s right. So please eat it. And tell us what you think.”
At that time, I was given the lunch box as if overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, and it has continued for about two weeks now. Of course, I’m grateful for their consideration, but more than that, I feel sorry for them.
But because they don’t make me feel any burden at all, I’ve been taking advantage of them.
“…It’s really delicious.”
It feels like a special Warmth that can’t be tasted at the School Cafeteria is packed into this lunch box, and every time I eat it, I feel like my cheeks are about to loosen with this deliciousness.
Sakina-san (she) sometimes joins in, and the three of them take turns making lunch boxes, but I can somehow tell who made it on this day… I don’t know why, but my head may have already memorized the flavors of each of them.
“But, you seem to be having fun lately, Hayato (he).”
“Really?”
I stopped eating and turned to my friend.
Having fun, now that you mention it, I might be. Aside from the usual school stuff, I can definitely say that the days I spend with my friends are fun. And although they don’t join that circle, the presence of Arisa (she), Aina (she), and Sakina-san (she), who are kind to me in private, is a big part of it.
“I guess… maybe.”
“See, you didn’t smile like that much before, right?”
“…What, you’re staring at me a lot.”
“Of course. You’re an important friend, so I’m worried.”
“My mom also told me to check if you’re not feeling lonely.”
You guys… I was so happy that I almost cried if I let my guard down.
My friend who smiles brightly, my friend who pats me on the shoulder. Come to think of it, they were the ones who cared about me when I was empty after my mom died. The existence of friends, I can definitely say that it was quite big for me.
“…Thanks.”
“Oh, Hayato’s (he) blushing~”
“He’s so cute~”
“…I take back what I said, you bastards!!”
This is what happens when someone honestly says thank you!
But, of course, we don’t fight, we just laugh at each other. After finishing lunch like that, we returned to the classroom, but on the way, we found Arisa (she) and Aina (she) walking with their friends.
When they found me, they approached me.
“Hi, Hayato-kun (he).”
“Have you finished lunch?”
“Yeah. Just now.”
And, little by little, they started to get involved with me at school as well. In a natural way, so as not to give a sense of discomfort, slowly becoming close. Thanks to that, even when I talk to them like this, I wasn’t bothered by guys who have feelings for them.
“Well, Hayato (he), we’re going to the bathroom.”
“Okay.”
“See you later!”
My friends went to the bathroom, and only the two of them and I were left in this place.
Their friends were looking at me with interest, but I didn’t feel any particularly unpleasant gazes.
“Fufu, we’ve gradually been able to talk to Hayato-kun (he) without hiding like this, haven’t we?”
“That’s right. It’s usually impossible to gather in an empty classroom.”
It was certainly nice to be able to talk at school like this. And… I turned my gaze to Aina (she).
“Thank you. The lunch box was really delicious today too.”
“Ehehe♪ You’re welcome.”
It seems like Aina (she) made it today after all.
The same can be said for Aina (she) who made it today, and also for Arisa (she) and Sakina-san (she), but they really know my preferences. I’ve never talked about such things, but I’m a little surprised because it’s my favorite taste while considering the balance.
“I can’t thank you enough. Really, thank you.”
“It’s okay. We’re doing it because we like to.”
“That’s right, Hayato-kun (he). You don’t have to worry about anything.”
I can’t say anything to the smiles directed at me, just like always.
However, I had previously refused to have them continue this because I felt sorry for them. The person I told at that time was Arisa (she)… but she was so flustered at that time.
“No… I, I wanted to be helpful… you don’t need me? I… am I not needed?”
Why so much, I was faced with eyes so desperate that I thought so. Seeing Arisa (she) so flustered that she looked like she would disappear if I took my eyes off her, I couldn’t help but tell her that I wanted her to continue from now on.
…Honestly, I did think, why so much. But I didn’t want to see that Arisa’s (she) figure again, so I continue to indulge in their kindness even after that.
“It’s okay, Hayato-kun (he).”
“It’s okay to rely on us, Hayato-kun (he).”
The two reached out and gently gripped my hands respectively.
When I feel anxious about the present, they take actions that reassure me like this, as if they are reading my mind. …I’m relieved by that, and there’s a part of me that thinks I should rely on them more.
“…Thank you, both of you. Really.”
When I said that, Arisa (she) and Aina (she) showed shining smiles, and it was also true that I was drawn to such smiles with a pounding heart.
I got to know them after that incident, but there’s no room for doubt anymore. By me saving them, they are making me their emotional support. That was an answer that could be derived no matter what kind of reasoning you lined up.
After that, I parted ways with the two and returned to the classroom, spending my time as usual.
Then, when class ended and it was after school, I left the school and walked the road home. On the way, of course, I passed in front of the Shinjo House… and there was Arisa (she) who had changed into casual clothes.
“You’re on time. Then, shall we go?”
“Yeah.”
Nodding at Arisa’s (she) words, I started walking again.
The destination was my House.
“Please come in.”
“Thank you for having me.”
The second change that I mentioned in the morning is that they started coming to my House like this. This might be the biggest change. They started coming to my House to cook dinner.
Arisa (she), who entered the House with me, first headed to the Buddhist altar. Not only Arisa (she), but also Aina (she) always greets my father and mother when she comes to my House. Even if they can’t meet, it seems that they definitely want to greet my father and mother.
“I’m here again today. Father, Mother.”
What is she thinking as she closes her eyes and offers a prayer?
I can’t read her mind, so I don’t know. But, when I have the opportunity to look at them like this, I can think calmly.
They are definitely dependent on me. And so am I….
In this case, what should I do?
It would be nice if there was something like a consultation center that I could rely on in times like these… that’s what I was thinking.