A Story About a Handsome Girl Having Her First Kiss Stolen by an Equally Handsome Classmate - Episode 58

Wednesday, October 19

The meeting place is in front of the large bronze statue at the taxi stand on the west exit.

I prepared myself with a short parka, wide pants, and sneakers so that I could move around easily. This outfit turned out to be the right choice. Rolling my suitcase with one hand, I somehow managed to find the object.

“Mizuhara-san, over here!”

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

“Mizuhara!”

Wakamatsu Kaede was wearing an armband and standing next to the head of her grade.

When she saw Mizuhara, she waved in my direction with a big smile. Feeling embarrassed, I waved back, and Wakamatsu smiled with a happy blush on his cheeks.

“Wow, Wakamatsu seems to be in a good mood!”

“…That’s true.”

After a brief greeting, the staff received temporary executive armbands and instructions on where to direct them. They quickly dispersed and headed to their respective posts.

“It smells nice, what perfume is that?”

“My boyfriend gave this to me! It’s so stylish!”

“Nice.”

Masuda is wearing a frilly floral dress and black skinny jeans. This classmate has a model-worthy figure, not to mention a face. Even though Mizuhara is standing next to her, all eyes are on her. She knows it, but she’s the highlight of the class.

After confirming that all students were gathered, a small assembly was held. After greetings from the steering committee chair and the head of the grade, the group headed to the Shinkansen ticket gate.

“Is it okay if I sit next to you?”

“Oh, sure.”

I got on the Shinkansen and found a suitable seat, and Wakamatsu Hanae took the aisle seat.

Today, Wakamatsu is wearing a colorful vest over her white blouse. Her hair is tucked behind her ears, giving her a different impression than usual. Flower-patterned earrings are shining on her ears.

“…Today looks like fun.”

“Of course! Mizuhara is there too, I can’t stop grinning.”

“Your face is too relaxed.”

He uses the pads of his fingers to pull down the corners of Wakamatsu’s mouth.

Perhaps the corner of his mouth was ticklish, as Wakamatsu’s cheek twitched for a moment.

“… Are you aware that’s where you’re touching me?”

“What do you mean?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Wakamatsu was muttering something and then turned his face away to hide his flushed cheeks.

“Now that you mention it,” Wakamatsu said, changing the topic as he tried to avoid Mizuhara’s suspicious gaze.

“Why did you run for the school trip committee?”

“I wonder… why.”

“Hmm.”

Well, it probably wouldn’t be wrong to say that he was instigated by Wakumura.

Feeling embarrassed to tell this to her classmate, Mizuhara looked out the window with a straight face. She wondered if her sister was somewhere in the scenery. Such an inappropriate thought crossed her mind.

“Hey! Want to play a game?”

Masuda, sitting in the front row, turned around in his seat and killed time by playing cards for the first time in a long time.

At first, Mizuhara was worried about whether she could make it in this group. But the girls pulled her along with their natural communication skills and cheerfulness. Mizuhara was very grateful for that.

After getting off the Shinkansen, we immediately boarded a waiting bus.

Apparently, the students were split into two groups and each group was going to visit an art gallery and a museum. After the roll call, I was looking for an empty seat when Wakamatsu called out to me. I had a lot of opportunities to talk with her today.

“I like going to art museums.”

“So, shall we go on a museum date next?”

“…What are you talking about?”

When I poke Wakamatsu in the side, she looks pleased.

“Isn’t it important to have someone you can talk to comfortably?”

“Well, maybe.”

The conversation with Wakamatsu Kaede is smooth.

She accepts it even if he has a conversation with her without having to pretend to be something he isn’t. Having someone she can be with without any hesitation is a precious thing to Mizuhara.

“We get along well.”

Wakamatsu somehow voiced what Mizuhara had been feeling in his heart.

We have the same taste in food and movies. Unlike Mizuhara, Wakamatsu is an outdoorsy guy and quick on his feet. But he never forces me to go out with him. That’s one of the things that makes him easy to be around.

“But Wakamatsu can get along with anyone.”

“Yeah. I can get along with anyone.”

Although surprised that he agreed with Mizuhara’s opinion, he pretended to be calm.

“How about Mizuhara?”

“I……”

I am aware of how troublesome and difficult I am to handle.

I wonder if there will ever be someone willing to face me honestly like this in the future. The answer is obvious.

“You want me too, right, Mizuhara?”

“…But I…”

An announcement sounds. It seems we are about to arrive at the museum.

“I guess being away from home will make things a little easier today.”

The unexpected question drew Mizuhara’s attention to Wakamatsu.

“Do something different away from home.”

“You’ve barely had time to think about your sister these past three days.”

Wakamatsu faces forward. Her beautiful profile catches Mizuhara’s attention.

“Choose something for yourself, not for someone else.”

“…I’m not capable of doing something like that.”

“It’s okay, Mizuhara. For your own sake, face your feelings.”

Wakamatsu spoke in a strong voice.

“I hope I’ll be at the forefront of Mizuhara’s thoughts.”

“…………”

“Just think about yourself for three days.”

Wakamatsu gives me a beaming smile.

“So choose me again.”