“Even so, Akito and Kuonji really don't get along, do they?”
“Right? I feel like they were already on bad terms even before they started hanging out with us.”
The two people following behind me were talking about me and Kuonji with puzzled expressions.
Well, that’s only natural.
The time when Kuonji and I started getting along poorly was in our first year of middle school. I started hanging out with those two in our second year.
The reason is... honestly, I don't know.
It was during the very first midterm exam of middle school. About two weeks had passed since then. I still remember it clearly.
It was mid-July, right around the time our first summer break of middle school was approaching.
Kuonji suddenly barged into Class 1, where I was, from another class.
As soon as she spotted me, the first thing out of her mouth was:
“I will absolutely never acknowledge an irresponsible guy like you!”
That was it.
Doesn’t make sense, right? Yeah, I didn't get it either.
Both I and the guy I was friends with at the time were just stunned.
Certainly, back then, I wasn't exactly what you'd call 'reliable,' even as a compliment.
Still, to make up for that, I worked hard at my studies. Even now, I maintain reasonably good grades.
And yet, I have no reason to be called irresponsible by a girl I've never met before who just suddenly showed up. What was up with her?
Remembering those days is making me annoyed again.
...Easy now, it's okay. It seems my brain still recognizes her as a natural enemy.
When we arrived at the Class 1-5 classroom, there were a few female classmates scattered about.
They were the trendy gyaru group of the class. Even though high school life had only just begun half a month ago, they had already firmly established themselves at the top of the social caste.
“Ah, Sana-tan, mornin’!”
One of the gyarus among them called out to me as soon as she saw me.
She had pale pink dyed hair, her shirt was unbuttoned down to the third button, and her skirt was quite short.
She was the typical gyaru.
However, her makeup was natural and not gaudy at all.
Because of her baby face and sweet voice, she looked younger than her actual age.
Tsuchimikado Hiyori.
She was a friend I made through a certain connection.
“Good morning, Tsuchimikado.”
“Muu, call me Hiyorin! I hate this surname because it sounds so stiff.”
“Why? Tsuchimikado sounds cool.”
“Hi-yo-rin!”
Is this girl a kid?
As I was having that exchange, a black gyaru who was watching us looked back and forth between me and Tsuchimikado, asking with great interest.
“Eh, what’s this? Are Hiyorin and Sanada-kun acquaintances?”
“Yup. He's my Fated Person!”
““““...Huh!?””””
Wait, this girl, what is she saying...!?
“Akki, for real?”
“Well, this is a surprise.”
“Wait, Neika, Ryuya. That’s not it, you’re wrong! Tsuchimikado, don't say things that cause strange misunderstandings.”
Take a flick.
When I flicked Tsuchimikado’s pretty forehead, she rubbed it happily while saying, “Ouchie.” Good grief, this girl...
As I let out a small sigh, the black gyaru spoke up.
“So? So? Hiyorin, why is Sanada-kun your Fated Person?”
“Hmm. See, Hiyori ran into a nasty groper during the entrance exam. I was so scared that I couldn't even make a sound. The one who saved me back then was Sana-tan.”
She turned a feverish gaze toward me.
I felt somewhat uncomfortable and averted my eyes toward the hallway—Eek!?
“…………”
Kuonji was glaring at me with a demonic expression...!?
“Riran-chan, you’re even scarier than usual.”
“I'm not scary!”
No, you are scary.
However, Tsuchimikado, who didn't notice Kuonji, continued her story.
“At that time, combined with the nervousness of the exam, I ended up crying like a baby. My makeup was a mess, my head and heart were all jumbled up, and I felt like giving up on everything.”
Certainly... Tsuchimikado was crying so hard back then that she was uncontrollable.
Really, it was painful to watch.
“But you know, Sana-tan saved me from that too. He bought me warm cocoa and sweet chocolate at a convenience store. He encouraged Hiyori with all his might until five minutes before the reception deadline... So, the reason Hiyori is here now is all thanks to Sana-tan.”
Tsuchimikado gave a beaming smile.
Everyone else present who saw that let out sounds of admiration.
“Akito, you're pretty good.”
“As expected of Akki. Look at you, you lady-killer.”
“Stop it, it’s embarrassing.”
I didn't exactly help her because I wanted to.
The reason I helped Tsuchimikado was because I knew she was taking the exam for the same Ginkgo High School.
If she had been taking the exam for a different high school, I probably would have left her to the station staff and headed to the exam venue quickly.
When I thought about the effort she put in to take the exam for the same school, I just couldn't leave her alone. That's all.
“That's why it's a shame. Hiyori really thought Sana-tan was her Fated Person.”
“Now, now, Hiyorin. A miracle like that wouldn't happen so easily.”
“Boo.”
While being comforted by the other gyarus, Tsuchimikado sipped on a carton of juice.
Certainly, if Tsuchimikado were my Fated Person... I feel like I'd be pampered for the rest of my life and turn into a useless person.
“So, what kind of guy was Tsuchimikado's Fated Person?”
“Pretty normal, I guess? The moment he popped into my head, I thought, 'Ah, I see.'”
...? For some reason, her reaction is quite thin.
“What about Sana-tan? What kind of person was your partner?”
“Well, I guess I'll go sit in my seat now—”
Grab!
My shoulders were grabbed by Ryuya, my right hand by Neika, and my left hand by Tsuchimikado.
“Hey, hey, don't run away, boy.”
“It’ll be easier if you just spit it out.”
“Sana-tan, I want to hear it!”
Ugh...
I stole a glance at Kuonji as if to look away.
Kuonji was talking to Ryuguin, but she was clearly eavesdropping.
I want to say it’s her.
That I hate her, I absolutely despise her.
That she's like a natural enemy and we're always at each other's throats—I want to shout it out loud.
But... in a corner of my heart, I don't want to hurt her...
“...Pretty... normal... maybe...?”
“Then, is she cuter than Hiyori?”
“Well. It's hard to say since they're both cute. But personally, with the Fated Person bonus, I prefer her... Hah!?”
I—I accidentally answered that she was cute because I was asked if she was cute! What about Kuonji...!? ...Good, it seems she's absorbed in her conversation with Ryuguin and didn't hear.
“Whaat? Are you saying she’s cuter than our Hiyorin?”
“Hiyorin is definitely cuter though!”
“Ugyu. Ehehe.”
Tsuchimikado looked satisfied as she was sandwiched between the gyarus.
I—I should stop digging deeper into this topic.
“We-Well, I have my day duty work to do.”
“Akito, I'm going to ask you again later!”
“Don't run away, Akki!”
Shut up.
“Riran-chan, what's wrong? Why are you covering your face with your hands?”
“I-It's nyanthing!”