In My Second Life, I'll Do My Best To Win You Over ~I Won't Let Anyone Else Have My Beloved Childhood Friend~ - Episode 1

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

The message from Nagisa arrived just as I was leaving work.

I think she mentioned taking a day off today because it’s a special occasion.

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

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

That was already nine years ago.

Back then, Nagisa and I were still in our first year of high school.

If she’s suddenly asking to meet like this, she must have had another fight.

They argue a lot. And every time they do, Nagisa comes to me, her childhood friend, to vent.

It’s always the same.

“Sure,” I replied.

Listening to Nagisa’s complaints is my role. I don’t want to give it up to anyone else.

I’ve loved Nagisa since we were little.

But I’ve never told her how I feel.

Nagisa likes men, after all. And as long as she’s happy, that’s enough for me.

I can never be her lover or her husband, but I will always stay by her side as her best friend.

That’s enough. That alone is more than enough.

Love has an ending, but friendship lasts forever.

It’s a phrase I once read somewhere and took to heart.

It’s what has kept me going all this time.

“Alright.”

After finishing work, I rushed to the restroom to touch up my makeup.

I always want to be my prettiest self when I see Nagisa.

Long black hair and bold red lips.

Nagisa once told me that both suit me well.

When we started university, Nagisa took me to get a personal color analysis.

The result was “Winter Cool,” and ever since then, she’s been gifting me cosmetics that match that palette.

Honestly, I’d be happy with anything as long as it came from her.

Once my makeup was perfect, I spritzed perfume on my wrists and neck.

A refreshing citrus scent.

The woman reflected in the mirror—I had to admit—looked stunning.

“Momoka, did you wait long?!”

Nagisa came running at full speed as she exited the train station gates.

“Just a little,” I replied.

Nagisa pressed her hands together in apology and bowed.

“I’m really sorry! My boss caught me right before I was about to leave.”

But I wasn’t listening to a word she was saying.

Because on the ring finger of her left hand was a ring I didn’t recognize.

“Ah, this? You noticed?”

Nagisa beamed, holding out her hand to show me.

“I got it yesterday.”
“Is that…?”
“Yeah, an engagement ring.”

No way.

She wanted to meet not to vent, but to tell me she’s engaged?

“You know, things with Yuki have been complicated, but in the end, if I’m going to marry someone, it has to be him.”

Nagisa smiled radiantly.

I love that smile more than anything, yet at this moment, I can’t look at it directly.

I have more memories with her than he does.

I love her more than he ever could.

I fell for her first.

I always told myself that as long as she was happy, that was enough.

I truly believed that.

So why can’t I smile?

“Momoka?”

I have to say it.

“Congratulations.”

I have to say, I’m happy for you.

Because my beloved best friend is getting married.

“Congratulations, Nagisa.”

The Momoka reflected in Nagisa’s eyes wore a flawless smile.

Nagisa nodded, still smiling.

If only I weren’t so good at faking a smile.

If only I weren’t so good at lying.

Would we have become something more than just best friends?