A Story About a Handsome Girl Having Her First Kiss Stolen by an Equally Handsome Classmate - Episode 8

January 14 (Friday)

Due to preparations at the venue the day before the National Center Test, the school is only open in the morning.

I had planned to go see Mizuhara again today, but Mr. Yamabe declined, saying, “It’s okay today.” If I didn’t have to deliver the handouts, there would be no reason for me to go to Mizuhara’s house. That somehow made me feel very lonely.

While munching on a hamburger at the McDonald’s in front of the station, Wakamatsu thought about Mizuhara Shizuku.

January 28 (Friday)

“Mr. Wakamatsu.”

“Mizuhara, it’s been three weeks.”

“It’s cold, wait in the lobby.”

Finally, the door separating the entrance and the lobby opened. I was a little impressed when I stepped inside, and was enveloped in a warm air that was incomparable to the entrance. I sat down on the chic black sofa that I had my eye on. My butt didn’t hurt, and I would have fallen asleep if this wasn’t someone else’s lobby.

“Haa”

After sitting down and taking a breather, I took out some papers from my backpack as usual. As I couldn’t see Mizuhara, I flipped through the papers and found some assignments for each class. Even if you’re not at school, you’re still swamped with assignments. I suddenly remembered the assignments that had piled up while I was absent with the flu. I closed my eyes, vaguely thinking about whether I should go home and finish them. I’ll wear long sleeves of heat tech from next week, but it’s no good anymore, it’s too cold in short sleeves.

“Hey, are you okay?”

I felt a light tap on my head, and someone called out to me.

It’s been three weeks since I last saw Mizuhara Shizuku. Today she has her hair down and is wearing a cream-colored knit over a white shirt. The combination of her pale skin and light-colored clothes makes her look like Yukiko-chan. I think she’s just cute. It’s a strange feeling to see her again after such a long time. Mizuhara is holding a hot lemon in her hand.

“It’s Mizuhara, it’s been a while.”

“…I guess I’ll go up to my room after all.”

Even though Wakamatsu told him that he was fine because he was feeling better, Mizuhara forcefully took his hand and pulled him along. He was hesitant, but he thought that this might never happen again. He obediently followed Mizuhara as he walked to the elevator.

“My room has the heating on.”

We pass through the living room, and the door to the corner room opens, and we are invited in.

The room is decorated in white and pink, and is equipped with everything you need: a desk, bookshelf, bed, and wardrobe. I wonder if he was studying here before the intercom rang. There is a blue math chart and a timer on the desk.

As prompted by Mizuhara, I put my backpack in the corner of the room and sat down, leaning against the bed. Mizuhara picked up a thick jacket hanging on the wall and a lap blanket that was on the chair, and covered me.

“Wait, I’ll bring some tea.”

“You’re being nice today, Mizuhara.”

“You’re always so kind, aren’t you? You go right downstairs and come right back.”

Mizuhara placed the small folding table that was leaning against the wall in front of him and left the room. Was it an act of kindness to leave so soon after receiving the prints?　　　

After I spaced out for a few minutes, Mizuhara brought me a cup of hot green tea. The hot drink had a calming effect on the mind and warmed my body from the inside out.

“Thank you for everything, Mizuhara.”

“Hey, are you sure you’re okay?”

Mizuhara, sitting across from me, had a melancholy look on his face, as if he was deep in thought. Even though we were sitting so close to each other, across a small table, our eyes never met.

“Sorry, I couldn’t come last week. I was sick with the flu and in bed.”

“…Why is Wakamatsu apologizing?”

“I was wondering if Mizuhara wanted to see me.”

When he said that playfully, Mizuhara looked up and muttered, “Are you stupid?” Even though he had been insulted, Wakamatsu found his reaction adorable and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hey, were you feeling a bit lonely?”

“What are you laughing at? I’ll kick you out.”

“What a cruel thing to do to a friend who’s just recovered from an illness.”

We laughed out loud, joking around. I was alone with Shizuku Mizuhara. We were in a warm room, drinking hot drinks and relaxing. The air conditioner blew the pages of the open Ao Chart.

“Hey Mizuhara, do you want to study together sometime?”

“Picture?”

“The assignments are piling up.”

I glanced over at her across from me. Mizuhara was still looking down and thinking about something, but she agreed, saying, “Okay.” I was happy that Mizuhara Shizuku had agreed to my proposal.

“Well, I’ll be heading home soon.”

I finished my tea and returned the jacket and blanket that had been covering me. It was cold outside, and he said it was okay for me to wear them, but I felt like I was always asking for his help, and since it wasn’t that far from my house, I decided not to. Mizuhara said he’d walk me downstairs, and he was unusually prepared, even putting on a haori coat, so the two of us went down to the lobby.

Mizuhara sees me off up to the front door, and I walk out the door. Naturally, we end up facing each other in front of the door.

“You know, maybe he was just being considerate.”

“Please stop just receiving the printouts and going home right away.”

Mizuhara looked taken aback.

“Let’s talk more, Mizuhara.”

“You don’t have to do that. Wakamatsu-san won’t understand what you ask.”

“No, let’s talk about something more silly.”

Without waiting for Mizuhara’s reply, Wakamatsu turns towards the direction he needs to change.

“See you next week then.”

And so I left the lobby and headed out to the entrance.

The wind blew, but my body was warm from the inside out, and it didn’t get cold easily. I headed straight for the front entrance and left the apartment building.

“I’ll be waiting.”

Hearing that voice, I instinctively turned around.

Mizuhara Shizuku, who had unknowingly made her way to the entrance, smiled.