Chasing the Untouchable Flower

In late March, with just one week left before becoming a high school student, pleasant spring weather arrived, and I lay in bed plagued by a sense of loss.

The distinctive smell of our newly-built house confronted me with the fact that this was now my reality.

My blue mood wasn't because my sister ate my pudding from the fridge, nor because my favorite manga had reached its final chapter.

It was because I had made a wrong choice and ended up in a situation where I could no longer see my first love.

Sigh . . .

I couldn't even tell how many times I'd sighed by now. After all, I'd been doing this for a whole week.

I changed position from lying face down to face up, and stared at the spotless ceiling.

After a while, I picked up a photo from the shelf beside my bed, held it up toward the ceiling, and gazed intently at the subject. It was taken by my sister, who was into photography.

Three years ago, when we were in our first year of middle school, a photo of me and a chubby girl with glasses.

Being shy, she was intimidated by my sister taking photos, hiding behind me and gripping the hem of my T-shirt tightly.

She wasn't good at studying, unathletic, and was a clumsy cook . . . but she worked incredibly hard, wanting to improve little by little.

Wanting to cheer her on, I used to visit her almost every day.

Yo, I'll try harder, so please come see me again tomorrow.

I remember she used to say that like it was her catchphrase.

Before I knew it, I began to find her earnest efforts dazzling.

My heart felt squeezed whenever I saw her. Even after returning home, I'd find myself thinking about her constantly.

I just realized.

This might be love . . .

Having fallen in love, why was I now unable to see my first love anymore?

It was because my dad's job required frequent transfers, and we had to move during the summer break of my first year in middle school.

Over time, moving had become second nature for me, and I felt partings were just inevitable.

But she was an exception. I wanted to stay by her side forever, and she was the first person who ever made me feel that way.

Being separated was painful, but it wasn't to be a farewell forever. It had been decided long ago that we'd build a new house in this town after I graduated from middle school.

So I spent all my middle school days thinking I'd be able to see her again in three years.

But that hope was shattered a week ago when I visited her house.

I found a nameplate bearing a completely different name hanging out front.

There was no guarantee that she wouldn't move, but I hadn't even considered this obvious possibility.

Back then, we didn't have smartphones, so we never exchanged contact information.

If I'd known this was going to happen, I would have figured out a solid way to keep in touch, just by letters if nothing else. The lingering remorse of that mistake had been stealing away my precious spring break.

And above it all hung my greatest regret.

It was that I couldn't keep the promise I had made to her, when she was on the verge of tears as we said our goodbyes.

Yo, I won't cry anymore if you just promise you'll definitely come see me again.

She was out somewhere out there now, waiting for me, and the situation was making me into a liar.

Broooother! Dinner's ready!

I could hear my sister's voice calling from beyond the door, announcing dinner.

I'm coming!

I sat up in bed, gave that reply, and then stood.

I'll stop now.

There was no point in dwelling on what's already passed, because it wouldn't change anything.

I should have thrown away the photo, too.

I was the type who clings to the past, so even when I tried to break ties with memories, I couldn't seem to forget them easily.

I stood in front of the trash can, gently lowered my arm, and tried to let go.

But no matter how long I waited, my fingers wouldn't open.

I'd been struggling with my own fingers for about five minutes now.

I sometimes got fed up with this indecisive part of myself.

Ugh . . . ugh . . . alright, I'd made up my mind! Farewell, my first love!

Just as I was about to relax my fingers, I heard my sister's voice again.

Broooother? Huuuurry up! I'm going to eat two pieces of your fried chicken, okay?

Waaaaait! Seriously, you can't take two! You just can't, alright?!

I quickly opened my desk drawer and tucked the photo into the very back where it would be difficult to retrieve.

I'd keep it as a memento of my memories.

But, for quite some time, I wouldn't take it out again.

◇

Today, I'll be a high school student.

I used to wear a school uniform, but from now on I'll be going to school in a blazer.

Time to put on my tie. Dad taught me how to do it yesterday, and I practiced, so I should probably be fine, right?

I tightened my tie in front of the full-length mirror in my room. Dad had mentioned that creating an indentation below the knot makes it look cooler.

Huh, is it a bit crooked? I was surprised that making that indentation was harder than I expected.

Hmm, like this? Wait, what? That isn't right.

Broooother! Mom says to come down because she wants to take pictures at the front door.

Okaaay!

Well, at least it isn't crooked, so it'll do. I'll give the indentation another try tomorrow.

As I reached for my smartphone on the desk, I suddenly remembered the photo I had put away last week. Come to think of it, I hadn't taken it out since then, and I'd been thinking about it less and less.

I heard that if people stop reminiscing about things, their memories gradually fade away.

Now that I had sorted out my feelings, perhaps even my memories of her would slowly weather away.

The entrance ceremony ended without a hitch, and was followed by the traditional self-introductions in class.

I hesitated over what to say, but ultimately gave a boring, template self-introduction for my turn. I did briefly consider trying to be funny, but since I'd be attending this high school for three years, I dropped that idea. If my joke ended up bombing, it would be a disaster.

Anyway, I'm starving. I wonder what's for lunch.

Since it's a special occasion, I'm dying for KFC for the first time in ages. I'll ask my mom for it on the way home.

Once I decided on the menu to quiet my rumbling stomach, I was about to start a mental rehearsal with imaginary mom to workshop my persuasive lines.

That's when my mind was overwritten by something completely different.

I'm Airi Tachibana.

I felt as if her clear, beautiful voice called out to me.

She stood with beautiful posture, her long, glossy hair framed by swaying cherry blossoms in the background.

A gentle breeze blowing through the window stirred the pale yellow curtain, carrying the scent of spring. She was breathtakingly beautiful as she softly, gently held her hair down with her hand.

It was just like watching an immersive movie.

The girl introduced herself as Airi Tachibana.

The term "exceptional beauty" must have been created specifically for this girl.

The emotions from the days I spent with my first love came back to life. Love—it was that feeling.

I always thought love at first sight was just a fantasy. I used to believe falling for someone just by a glance only happened in stories.

But the undeniable fact that I was captivated by her proved its existence through my own experience.

By chance, our eyes met. I couldn't supress my pounding heart.

Apparently, the number of heartbeats in a lifetime is fixed. At that moment, I was certainly grinding down my lifespan.

As I was drawn into her gaze, my stupid face must have surely been reflected in those moist eyes.

Ten seconds . . . twenty seconds . . . thirty seconds . . .

Um, excuse me, but how long is this going to continue? Could you please look away soon?

It seems I've come down with a can't-break-eye-contact disease. So, please, I need you to make the first move. There's no rule about looking away being a loss, you know. This isn't a pre-fight press conference or anything.

Please, I'm begging you. I might be at my limit.

My heart was about to explode.

I was in a complete daze.

Not knowing how to process these suddenly emerging feelings, I was in a state of absent-mindedness.

If I had been standing on a train platform, I might have fallen, and it could have led to the worst possible outcome, but rest assured. This was my home, the Sahara family's living room. By the way, my name is Yo. I'm a slim, muscular guy into weight training.

I wonder why my friends often call me a weirdo. It probably means I'm cheerful and funny. Oh, come on, they can't just give a straightforward compliment. They're all such shy people.

Brother, what's wrong?

Concerned about my slug-like appearance on the sofa, my younger sister Miki came to check on me.

Miki is two years younger than me and in her second year of middle school. Even without my brotherly bias, she's cute on her own. But when that bias kicks in, she's a mischievous, but troublesome sister.

If it were a normal brother-sister relationship, I probably wouldn't say that.

But since we were more like friends, I couldn't help but speak my mind.

Miki, it seems I've fallen in love.

Huh, does that mean you met that first love of yours?

No, it's a completely different person. Someone I met at school today for the first time.

Love at first sight, huh? Brother, you are such a pushover, aren't you?

Since I'm a guy, if you're going to call me anything, make it a flirt . . .

I was the one most surprised by this fact.

I've barely had any romantic experience, so I never realized I could be such a flirt.

Sure, there were plenty of girls I thought were cute before.

But that was like the feeling of watching an actress on a TV screen, and it never once developed into love from there.

I'm not trying to criticize people who fall for celebrities. I'm just saying that I personally tend to observe them from a distance.

Miki began giving relationship advice while swaying idly the spoon in her right hand.

She must be suuuuper cute to turn you into such a flirt, brother. She's probably really popular, so I bet she already has a boyfriend, don't you think?

Ugh, I hadn't thought about that at all.

Well, you'll need to do some proper research on that later, okay? For now, let's just assume she doesn't have a boyfriend. You have to actively start making your move from now on, OK?

Do you think I can do it?

Hmm, no way.

Yeah, I thought so.

I'm surely not the only one when it comes to this. When you have a crush, you find it hard to talk to them, or you can't act normal around them.

On top of that, my romance skill is only level one. I have absolutely no idea what to do.

But brother, if you don't make a move, she'll get taken! Cute girls naturally attract all the good guys, you know.

Is that advice coming from your own experience, Miki?

You got it!

Sigh . . . Miki, it's not fair. I wish you could share some of your cuteness with me.

Miki completely inherited our beautiful mom's DNA. Whereas, I took after our plain-faced dad.

Honestly, couldn't there have been a bit more middle ground?

I think it wouldn't have been strange if combining their best features had created a refreshingly handsome guy.

Hmm, you're not exactly handsome, but you're at least an average guy, you know?

That's not comforting at all.

Oops, sorry. I'll give you this pudding, so forgive me.

Hey, that's my pudding. Give it back right now!

I successfully recovered my pudding.

What Miki was trying to say is mostly correct. It was true that for an average guy like me, nothing would change if I didn't take action.

Alright, first, I need to gather information. Then I'll try having a conversation with Airi.

◇

Airi Tachibana.

She attended an all-girls middle school outside the prefecture and entered this high school through a recommendation. Her hobby is cooking, and she was a member of the cooking club in middle school.

Her charming and angelic smile captivates boys instantly.

Rumors spread that an incredibly cute first-year student had entered the school, and Airi's existence became so widely known throughout the entire school that even students from other grades came to behold her beauty.

Her blood type is AB and . . . wait, her measurements?

If I knew that, I'd just be a pervert.

But a little bird told me that she's an F-cup.

It was completely by chance, I swear. It's not like I went out of my way to find that out.

Her social circle consists of Osawa, the leader among the girls, and Fujisawa, who has tanned gyaru style. The three of them often hang out together, but since they're a group of good-looking girls, boys tend to join in whenever they get the chance.

And apparently, Airi doesn't have a boyfriend.

Let there be great jubilation here!

As Miki advised, I'd finished collecting information from reliable sources.

It took me two whole weeks since that entrance ceremony day, but now all that's left is to make my move.

Hey, helloooo, are you there?

Huh?

What? Hey, just grab the handout already.

Ah, sorry Yosuke. I was really lost in thought.

It was Yosuke Sasajima from the seat in front who held out a pile of papers, slightly fluttering, in my direction.

A cool guy who became popular with the girls right after entering school. There's probably no other high school student who looks as good in intellectual glasses as he does.

Yosuke and I hit it off immediately after enrollment and he became one of my close friends. He was temporary enrolled in the soccer club, so I always ate lunch with him and his teammates.

I took the stack of papers from Yosuke, placed one sheet on my desk, and passed the rest to the seat behind me.

Airi again?

Shhh! What if she hears you?

If you're so interested in her, why don't you just go talk to her already?

Timing is important for this kind of thing, you know.

No, look! She's alone right now.

M-my throat is a little bit off today, so maybe next time.

I heard that yesterday too.

I chickened out and couldn't bring myself to talk to Airi. But school life had just started, and there would be plenty of chances. No need to hurry.

If you keep dawdling like that, she's going to get a boyfriend in no time.

My ears ache.

First your throat, now your ears?

Why, why am I so nervous like this? I can casually talk to any other girl except Airi.

Since I moved around a lot, I've interacted with way more people than most high school students. So, I thought I could approach anyone, even upon just meeting them.

And yet, why?

But it'll be fine if I just act like my usual self today.

That's what I was thinking, but two more weeks had passed since I'd finished gathering information.

I'm sure I can do it.

It was already the first day back after Golden Week holidays.

I took a deep breath in front of the classroom door and tried to come up with some plan, but no brilliant ideas came to mind.

Why haven't I made any progress yet?

I can't just casually talk to an untouchable flower like her, and she doesn't approach me either, so this is an obvious outcome, I guess . . .

By the way, when I told Miki about this, she really tore into me, calling me "weakling", "spineless", and even "flaccid".

Just to be clear, that last one was totally out of line.

The last time Miki saw me flaccid was probably during early elementary school. It's grown up to stand tall and proud now, for your information.

I didn't argue back because I obviously couldn't show her, if she demanded proof.

With renewed determination that today would be the day, I opened the classroom door.

Oh! Airi was at her desk, and unusually, there was no one around her.

Could this be the opportunity of the century?

I feel like I can do it now. I need to charge in before my determination wavers.

Without even putting down my bag, I headed straight toward Airi to close the distance, and then . . .

Hey, wait a second.

A refreshing, clear voice, unlike those domineering words, stopped me in my tracks.

Standing in my way was a face as handsome as a celebrity's.

Impeccably styled hair with a subtle hint of cologne in the air.

Any girl who laid eyes on this sweet mask would surely fall head over heels immediately.

He was so unbelievably handsome that it went beyond jealousy. Even trying to compete with him would be ridiculous. It was the most popular guy in our class, no, in the entire school, Arata Shindo.

Seriously, what's with this handsome guy? Talking to me at the absolute worst time?

I think this is the first time we've talked, but your name's Yo Sahara, right?

Yeah, that's me. What's up?

Well, listen . . .

Arata, looking a little hesitant to say it, leans in and whispers to me.

Your nose hair is sticking out.

What, seriously?!

My voice echoed through the early morning classroom. Even Airi reflexively turned her face towards me, but I really wished she hadn't looked at me.

I thought it was the worst timing, but it was actually the opposite. He turned out to be my savior who spoke to me at the perfect moment. If I had gone ahead and talked to Airi, I would have earned the title of creepy nose-hair guy who suddenly approached her after the holiday break.

You saved me there. That must have been awkward to point out. You're a good guy.

Don't worry about it. I'm Arata Shindo. Nice to meet you.

Yeah, I know. I mean, there's no other guy as handsome as you around here.

Who knew that nose hair could summon such a handsome guy.

For now, I'll try talking to Airi another time.

Are you in any clubs or anything, Yo?

Yeah, I am. Actually, I've been appointed vice-captain of the Go Home Club, and I'm busy at home every day. What about you, Arata?

Haha, who's the captain then? I'm not in any clubs either. If you're free, want to grab some food or hit the karaoke after school? I can even treat you, as a sign of friendship.

Oh, sounds good, Captain. But I'll pay for myself. Wouldn't want to impose on you right off the bat.

Don't hold back. I just got my allowance today, so I'm flush. You seem like a fun guy, so let's be good buddies from now on. And hey, don't try to make me the captain.

He declined the captain position. In this case, I had no choice but to find him another role.

Then how about the female manager?

Why does it have to be a specific gender? People probably tell you you're a weird guy, don't they?

Yeah, I get told that sometimes. Just like you probably hear you're handsome all the time.

Yeah, I get that a lot.

He answered casually.

I like that you don't pretend to be modest. If you'd denied it, I might've become annoyed and drop-kicked you.

You really are a weird one. Anyway, just call me Arata. Everyone else does.

Oh, really? Then you can call me Yo. Looking forward to getting along, Arata-poo!

Drop that creepy nickname right away.

Both of us burst out laughing at the same time.

As if she'd been waiting for a break in our conversation, a girl from our class came over to Arata.

U-um! Arata!

Hm? What is it, Takahashi?

I-if you don't mind . . . would you like to go somewhere together after school today, just the two of us?

Ah, my bad. I'm hanging out with Yo today. Would tomorrow work instead?

Um . . . okay.

After being turned down, Takahashi attacked me with a cold stare and unspoken pressure.

I got the message loud and clear. "Back off."

Just as I was about to read the room and make up an excuse, Arata placed his hand on Takahashi's head. He gently stroked her hair, lightly lifting the ends at the back of her neck.

By the way, you got your haircut, didn't you? It looks super cute. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

I just witnessed an incredible technique. Takahashi's face was flushed red, and she looked so blissfully happy she might ascend to heaven at any moment.

So this was the ultimate secret only handsome guys could achieve. If I tried doing the same thing, I'd probably been punched away.

They remained silent, gazing at each other for a moment. After a while, Takahashi finally moved away from Arata.

I would've been fine with any day, but are you sure about this?

It's fine. I made plans with you first, after all.

Arata was a considerate guy. Even though it was our first time talking, there was no awkwardness between us, and we seemed to get along well.

Setting that aside, I needed to go pull out that nose hair as soon as possible.

I parted ways with Arata and rushed to the bathroom. I had to check it thoroughly in the mirror.

Huh? Where exactly is this nose hair sticking out from . . . ?

◇

After two months of school, daily life had become routine, and social circles rarely changed significantly.

I spent more time with Arata, talking during breaks and eating together in the cafeteria. We'd become close enough to discuss everything from nonsense to love talk, building a solid friendship.

I often got invited to hang out after school, and I was enjoying a fairly enjoyable high school life.

Now, regarding the main point, how's my love life doing . . . ?

Lately, something feels off.

Every time I try to talk to Airi, I get stopped by someone or another.

Is it really possible for so many coincidences to pile up like this? I mean, there's a chance I'm just making connections because I'm always thinking about Airi at school.

It was already June, early summer.

Things were getting critical. At this rate, it was highly possible that I'd enter summer vacation without making any progress.

Even so, I felt like Airi and I made eye contact unusually often. Maybe I was staring too much? What if she finds me gross?

To avoid messing up like last time, I ordered a nose hair trimmer from Hamazon and made sure to shave everything. Plus, I checked every morning for bed head and eye gunk, and generally stayed conscious of my hygiene. So Airi couldn't be looking at me because of grooming issues.

Even so, just to be on the safe side, I made it a habit of checking my appearance in the mirror whenever I went to the bathroom at school.

Tie, check. Hair, check. Nose hairs, none. Yeah, I'm good.

After finishing my check and leaving the bathroom, I noticed something lying on the floor. When I picked it up, I found it was a polka dot patterned handkerchief.

Eek, don't touch that!

The words were thrown at me by an unfamiliar girl.

She snatched the handkerchief I had picked up for her from my hand and walked away. Her eyes blazed at me as if I was something disgusting.

I mean, sure, I just came out of the bathroom, but I did wash my hands, you know? You didn't have to act like that.

Recently, I've often been met with this kind of disgusted look. There was no actual harm, but it felt even worse since I hadn't done anything wrong.

Yo, what's wrong?

Arata called out to me as I stood there slightly shocked in front of the bathroom.

This was a good time to ask my friend for an honest check.

Do I really look that unhygienic?

After having nose hair sticking out, why are you suddenly so concerned?

We agreed not to talk about that. I just feel like girls have been somehow avoiding me lately.

You're overthinking it. There's nothing weird about you. More importantly, how are things going with Airi lately?

With a smirk, Arata tried to probe into my relationship with Airi.

There was nothing going on, it's almost surprising. You should be able to tell just by looking at me. If there had been any progress, I'd be bouncing off the walls with excitement by now. So let me guess, are you enjoying watching me fail?

Maybe asking him for love advice had backfired.

But since Arata was apparently interested in Osawa, Airi's friend, I didn't have to worry about him as a rival, which made it easier to get advice from him.

Nothing's happening. Absolutely nothing.

Don't be so down. I'll set up an outing that includes her soon, okay?

Wait, for real? That would be a huge help!

Sorry, I mistook you for teasing me. I'll follow you forever.

I gotta go, about to burst.

Arata disappeared into the bathroom.

I was about to head back to the classroom when the very same voice I'd just heard moments ago stopped me.

Um . . .

When I turned around, it was indeed the girl whose handkerchief I'd picked up earlier.

What, did she come back to curse me even more?

Give me a break. You might not think so, but I'm actually pretty sensitive.

As I wondered what on earth she might say to me, her reaction was completely contrary to my expectations.

She bowed deeply to me.

I-I'm so sorry for being rude earlier! You picked up my handkerchief for me and I . . . I think I misunderstood something. I'm really sorry!

Misunderstood what? Maybe she thought I hadn't washed my hands. At least I was relieved she didn't actually think I was unhygienic.

After finishing her stream of apologies, the girl left quickly without waiting for me to say anything.

As I watched her walk away, I caught sight of Airi at the edge of my vision.

For some reason, she was standing alone in front of the classroom for another class.

Our eyes met, just like always. But it's probably too far from here, I might have been the only one who thought we were making eye contact.

What's up, Yo? Still standing around here?

My attention shifted to Arata coming out of the bathroom, breaking my gaze with Airi.

I decided not to mention how I'd frozen up making eye contact with Airi. He'd just tease me for being self-conscious.

I was waiting for you because I thought you'd be lonely all by yourself.

Ugh, that just gave me chills.

Want me to warm you up?

That would make it worse. Give me a break.

Jokes aside, did you wash your hands? You better properly announce that you washed them or you might end up like me, you know!

I washed them. What's with this announcement thing? Stop saying weird stuff and let's get back to class already.

Together with Arata who had just come out of the bathroom, I started walking in the opposite direction from where Airi was standing.

Suddenly, I glanced back.

She was still looking in my direction. Was that feeling just my imagination after all . . . ?

◇

One week later—during the brief break before changing classrooms.

I had asked Arata to stay behind in the classroom because I wanted to talk to him about something. Our classmates had all headed to the physics lab, leaving the once-noisy room completely silent.

After confirming no one else was around, I made my grand declaration.

I'm going to confess!

I stood up so abruptly that my chair scraped backward with a soft drag.

I was feeling desperate. I'd heard that a popular third-year senior had confessed to Airi. She had apparently turned him down, but if I kept dawdling around, who knew when she might be snatched away by some other guy.

Even though I hadn't even managed to speak to her yet, at this point I had no choice but to go for it. I knew from the start it was a long shot. I just needed to create an opportunity.

Confession could easily be called the ultimate quest in romance. Despite being a romance skill level one, I boldly resolved to take on the challenge.

Listen, Yo, just drop it. Someone like you suddenly confessing, will only get you rejected, you know?

Arata was the one who checked my enthusiasm.

What are you saying? Anyway, what happened to that thing you mentioned about setting up a hangout with her?

Oh, right, I totally forgot. Just calm down a bit, okay?

No, if the flame of my determination goes out now, I might never be able to work up the courage again. That's why I want to go now.

Despite my brave talk, the result would probably be exactly as Arata said.

But . . . isn't there perhaps another possibility?

Do you think Airi might be a pushover heroine?

You idiot, how many guys do you think have confessed to Airi at this school? Twelve people already! And we've only been in school for two months.

So that's more than one confession per week. At this point, she might be getting tired of it and thinking, "Rejecting people is such a pain, maybe I should just say yes for once."

That makes no sense. Is your head in the clouds or something?

Anyway, I've already made up my mind.

I see. So you'll be the thirteenth victim.

Can you not make it sound like a murder case?

My resolve was firm. As hard as a diamond even . . . wait, didn't I see on YoTube that diamonds can break if you hit them with a hammer?

Probably just my imagination.

So? When are you confessing?

Now.

Huh? Isn't that way too sudden?

I can't wait anymore. I'm going right now!

Momentum is what matters in these situations.

Until now, I'd always made convenient excuses to myself, like "there was no natural opportunity to talk today, so maybe next time," or "the timing wasn't right today, so maybe tomorrow," and let genuine opportunities slip through my fingers.

Overthinking everything like that was exactly what I'd been doing wrong.

Hold on a second.

Arata grabbed my shoulder firmly.

What's with him . . . looking so panicked. Wait, could it be that he had feelings for me?

Was that why he kept asking about my relationship with Airi? Was this what it was all about?

It's an age of diversity now, and I have no intention of denying that.

But you picked the wrong person. I can only love girls.

Sorry, Arata . . . I already have someone in my heart.

Huh? That's disgusting. Go die. Die a hundred times.

Isn't that a bit too harsh?

We've got third period coming up, you know? Think about what happens after you get rejected. Besides, were you planning to confess during class or something? There's no mood for that at all.

He was right, now that I thought about it. It was good that I told Arata first.

Okay, I need to cool down a bit. But I can't let my resolve weaken.

Well, I guess you're right. Actually, Arata . . . there's something I've been hesitating to tell you . . .

What is it?

Arata's face tensed up, looking as though a "gulp" sound effect would perfectly suit.

Did he finally realize? It's not my fault, right?

We need to get ready and head to the physics lab or we'll be late, you know?

Crap?! If you knew, you should've said something earlier, idiot!

I'll go on ahead then.

Hey, wait up, Yo-Yo Bastard!

I grabbed my stuff and dashed out of the classroom, leaving Arata behind. Through committing the forbidden act of running in the hallway to release my excitement, I somehow made it to class on time.

By the way, Arata was 30 seconds late. He got scolded by the physics teacher, who's famous for being scary, but seemed to avoid any real trouble. Phew, that's good, that's good.

The teacher standing at the podium wore brown sunglasses with perfectly styled slicked-back hair set with pomade. If he were wearing a suit instead of a lab coat, he'd look like nothing other than a gangster.

His unofficial nickname among students was Mr. Yakuza.

Alright then, let's begin the lesson. None of you fools forgot your textbooks, right?

His scary gaze penetrated even through his sunglasses. You're really one of those people, aren't you?

Immediately, one girl raised her right hand. Even without that gesture, my eyes would have been drawn to her anyway.

T-teacher . . . I . . . I left my textbook in the classroom . . .

I see. Then share with the person next to you.

Even though she could have just quietly shared with someone beside her, Airi deliberately confessed with a bright red face. Yep, she's definitely cute. Being cute and honest, is she like the best or something?

So the teacher goes easy on girls, huh?

As my heart was floating from Airi's cuteness, I overheard someone mutter something ominous.

Yo-Yo Bastard, I'll never forgive you . . .

It was Arata's voice.

Don't be so angry. Geez, you're scary. You're ruining your handsome face, you know?

◇

During lunch break, Arata suggested how I should confess, and we decided I would make my move on Airi after school.

He even said he'd handle all the arrangements. As expected, a capable love master like him is on another level.

Nervously, I finished the afternoon classes and headed to the classic confession spot—behind the gymnasium.

It seemed like too cliché a place, but knowing capable Arata, he probably chose behind the gymnasium because it's the spot with the most romantic atmosphere in the school.

I still wondered why Arata insisted I arrive at exactly the right time. I would have preferred to wait there early. I was getting nervous just thinking about what was about to happen.

When I reached behind the gymnasium, Airi was already waiting for me.

She looked like a work of art just standing there.

Along with a feeling of awe, as if gazing at a beautiful painting, I also felt a sense of guilt when I realized I had kept her waiting.

This might have been the first time in my life I had to muster so much strength just to take a single step forward. I'd heard countless stories about people confessing their feelings, but I never realized how much courage it took. Now that I was in that position myself, I understood the weight of it with painful clarity.

As I was about to approach, I noticed someone standing opposite Airi.

That's . . . oh, Arata. Has he been keeping her company in conversation until I arrived?

He is such a considerate guy.

Just as I was about to call out to them, unbelievable words reached my ears.

I like you, Airi. Go out with me.

What?

What's happening? What' going on here?

Are you serious, Arata?

I am serious. I like you, Airi.

Why are you confessing before me? You told me you were interested in Osawa and had no interest in Airi.

What was all that advice you'd been giving me about?

Was your talk about helping me confess all a lie?

Could it be . . . was that why you told me to come at exactly this time? To make me witness this?

Various emotions mixed inside me like paints swirled together into a muddy mess.

Before I could even interrupt their conversation, Arata's confession quickly reached its final stage.

I desperately wished she wouldn't say those words . . . but wishing was all I could do.

Sure. I'll go out with you.

It's over.

Like my heart had been ripped out, like something precious had been shattered . . . my heart filled with a sense of loss.

My right foot, which seconds before had been about to step forward, slowly began to move backward instead.

I see . . . so that's how it was. Airi and Arata.

Maybe, no, definitely, when I thought we were making eye contact, it was a misunderstanding, and she had been looking at Arata who was always near me . . .

Making me witness this . . . what the hell is he thinking?

Was he doing this deliberately because I left him behind in the classroom today? No, that couldn't be it. So Arata really did like Airi . . .

Even as a guy, I have to admit that Arata is handsome. Just like I fell for Airi at first sight, perhaps she felt the same way about Arata.

He's different from an average guy like me.

To witness the moment when the person you like falls in mutual love with someone else right before your eyes.

A pain that felt like it couldn't possibly get any worse washed over me.

I can't bear to stay here any longer . . . It would surely break my heart.

The moment Arata took a step toward Airi, I turned and hurried away from the scene.