In My Second Life, I'll Do Everything To Win You Over—My Beloved Childhood Friend Will Never Be Given To Anyone Else - Episode 1

“Hey, can we meet tomorrow night? There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

The message from Nagisa arrived just as I was leaving the office.

I think they said they took a paid leave today because it’s their anniversary.

August 25th is Nagisa and her boyfriend’s anniversary.

They have broken up and gotten back together many times, but the first time they started dating was on August 25th.

It’s already been 9 years since then.

At that time, both Nagisa and I were still first-year high school students.

If Nagisa suddenly says something like this, did they have another fight or something?

They often fight. And every time they do, Nagisa complains to me, her childhood friend.

It’s the usual thing.

Send a message saying, “Okay.”

It’s my job to listen to Nagisa’s complaints. I don’t want to share them with anyone.

I’ve liked Nagisa since we were little.

But, I’ve never conveyed my feelings even once.

Nagisa normally likes men, and as long as Nagisa is happy, that’s all that matters to me.

I can’t be a lover or a husband, but I will always be by Nagisa’s side as a best friend.

That’s fine. That’s all I need.

Love has an end, but friendship has no end.

A favorite phrase I saw somewhere.

I have lived my life supported by these words.

♡

“Alright”

As soon as work ends, I rush to the bathroom and hurriedly fix my makeup.

When I meet Nagisa, I want to be the cutest version of myself.

Long black hair and bright red lipstick.

Both of them were things that Nagisa praised, saying they suited me.

As soon as I became a university student, I was taken by Nagisa to get a personal color diagnosis.

So, I was diagnosed as a “cool winter,” and from then on, Nagisa started giving me cosmetics that matched that diagnosis.

If it’s something Nagisa gave me, I’d be happy with any color of cosmetics.

After finishing the makeup touch-up, I lightly spray perfume on the nape of my neck and wrists.

Refreshing, citrus perfume.

Looking in the mirror, I think to myself that I’m a pretty good woman.

♡

“Momoka Momoka, did you wait!?”

After exiting the ticket gate, Nagisa came running at full speed.

When I replied, “Just a little,” Nagisa brought her hands together and bowed her head.

“I’m really sorry! I got caught by my boss just before the end of the workday.”

I didn’t hear a word of what they were saying.

Because there’s an unfamiliar ring on Nagisa’s left ring finger.

“Ah, does this catch your eye?”

Nagisa, with a happy smile, brought the ring closer to me.

“I got it yesterday.”

“This is…”

“Yeah, an engagement ring.”

Lies.

Was today’s conversation not a complaint but an engagement announcement?

“Yeah, Yuki and I have been through a lot, but you know, if I’m going to get married, it has to be Yuki.”

Nagisa smiles happily.

I should love that smile, but now I can’t look at it directly.

I definitely have way more memories than you do.

I definitely love Nagisa more than anyone else.

I definitely… fell in love with Nagisa first.

If Nagisa is happy, then that’s all that matters.

I thought so. I should have thought so.

Even so, I can’t smile properly.

“Momoka?”

I have to say it quickly. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.

My dear best friend is getting married.

“Congratulations, Nagisa.”

In the eyes of the beach, I was wearing a perfect smile.

Nagisa also nods with a smile.

If I were bad at faking smiles.

If I were bad at lying.

Were we something other than just best friends?