A Pretty Girl Has Her First Kiss Stolen By an Equally Handsome Classmate - Episode 4.9

Wednesday, October 19

The meeting place was in front of the big bronze statue at the west exit taxi stand.

To move around easily, I wore a short hoodie, wide pants, and sneakers. It seemed like the right choice. Pulling my suitcase with one hand, I managed to find the statue.

“Hey, Mizuhara! Over here, over here!”

The voice of my classmate, Masuda, echoed at the station in the city center.

“Mizuhara!”

Kaede Wakamatsu stood next to the grade leader, wearing an armband.

When she saw me, she smiled brightly and waved. Embarrassed, I waved back. She smiled even more, her cheeks turning red with joy.

“Wow, Wakamatsu looks so happy!”

“…Yeah, she really does.”

After a quick greeting, I received a temporary committee armband and instructions about where to guide people. Then we all split up and the staff went to their positions.

“You smell nice, what perfume is that?”

“My boyfriend gave it to me! Great taste, right?”

“Nice one.”

Masuda wore a frilly flower-print top and black skinny jeans. Her face, of course, was pretty, but her body looked like a model’s too. Even though I stood beside her, all the attention went to her. I knew I was the one who made her shine more.

After everyone in our grade gathered, we had a short meeting. After speeches by the committee leader and the grade teacher, we moved toward the bullet train gate.

“Can I sit here?”

“Ah, sure.”

On the train, Kaede Wakamatsu sat in the aisle seat beside me.

Today, she wore a colorful vest over a white blouse. Her hair was tucked behind both ears, giving her a different look. On her ears were shiny flower earrings.

“…You look like you’re having fun today.”

“Of course! You’re here, Mizuhara, I can’t stop smiling!”

“Your face is too relaxed.”

I gently pushed her cheek to lower her smiling lips.

Maybe it tickled—her cheek twitched a little.

“…You touched there on purpose, didn’t you?”

“What do you mean?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Wakamatsu mumbled something, turning away and hiding her red cheeks.

Trying to escape my confused stare, she changed the subject.

“Why did you decide to join the school trip committee?”

“Well… who knows?”

“Hmm.”

Honestly, Wakumura encouraged me to do it, so that’s not completely wrong.

But I didn’t feel like telling Wakamatsu that, so I just looked out the window. I wondered if my sister was somewhere in this scenery. A strange thought like that crossed my mind.

“Hey! Let’s all play a game!”

Masuda, sitting in front, turned her seat and started a card game. It had been a while since I played.

At first, I worried if I could get along with this group. But their cheerful and friendly energy helped me join in. I was really thankful for that.

After getting off the bullet train, we went straight onto a waiting bus.

The grade was split into two groups—one for the art museum, one for the history museum.

While looking for an open seat after roll call, Wakamatsu spoke to me again. We were
talking a lot today.

“I like walking around art museums.”

“Then maybe next time, we can go on an art museum date?”

“…What are you saying?”

I poked her side, and she smiled happily.

“Isn’t it nice having someone you can talk to easily?”

“Yeah… maybe.”

Talking with Kaede Wakamatsu was always smooth.

I could be myself with her, and she still accepted me. Being with someone without pressure was rare and valuable for me.

“We’re really a good match, huh?”

Wakamatsu said what I had been quietly thinking.

We liked the same food, same movies. Unlike me, Wakamatsu was outgoing and active. But she never forced me to join—she made it easy to be with her.

“But you get along with anyone, right?”

“Yeah. I can.”

I was surprised she agreed with me, but I kept a calm face.

“What about you, Mizuhara?”

“I…”

I knew I was complicated and hard to handle.

Would anyone else try to face me honestly like she did? I already knew the answer.

“You want me too, don’t you?”

“…But, I…”

A voice announcement played. We were almost at the art museum.

“Isn’t it a bit easier today, being away from home?”

At her unexpected question, I looked at Wakamatsu.

“Being far from home, doing something different—”

“For these three days, you probably won’t even think about your sister much.”

Wakamatsu looked forward. Her beautiful side profile caught my attention.

“Don’t choose for someone else. Choose for yourself.”

“…Someone like me can’t do that.”

“It’s okay, Mizuhara. Face your own feelings. For yourself.”

Her voice was strong and clear.

“If your choice leads to me, I’ll be happy.”

“………”

“Just think about yourself for these three days.”

Wakamatsu gave me a bright, shining smile.

“And then, choose me again.”