My Childhood Friend, Sometimes a Schoolgirl—She Only Wears That Ribbon Around Me - Episode 19

“Yua-chan’s really become a great woman.”

When she got up to go to the bathroom, my sister spoke to me as I relaxed on the floor, carrying dishes to the kitchen.

“Yeah, I won’t deny that.”

“Seriously, Sora, you’re something else. Not many soft guys these days could even bring a girl like her home.”

“That sounds bad. You invited her over, didn’t you?”

It did take some effort to get Yua to come to the house, after all…

“So, did anything happen when you two were alone in your room?”

“Anything happen?”

“Come on! Everyone could see it was heading toward you guys doing ‘it’!”

“We didn’t do ‘it’!”

“Two childhood friends and classmates, a beautiful girl, alone in a room!?”

She looked at me in disbelief and rattled off quickly, but no, Yua and I aren’t starving for that kind of thing so easily.

“But honestly, isn’t it rare for couples not to have s3x before they get engaged?”

“Wait a minute. We’re not even engaged, are we?”

“You were back in elementary school.”

“That was a childhood promise — it’s practically expired…”

When we met again as adults, we did promise to get married someday, and we both remember it. But she herself said to put that promise ‘on hold.’

That ‘on hold’ sounds meaningful, but for now, there’s no need to think too far ahead.

“Man, what a waste. She’s definitely into you, Sora.”

“Leave it alone. It’s none of your business.”

“Of course it’s my business! If my little brother marries a good-looking guy, chances are the nieces and nephews will be good-looking, too. And hey… of course I’d also welcome it if she ends up with a guy!”

“I’m straight, so I’m not interested in guys…”

“But doesn’t Yua usually dress like a guy? Doesn’t that make you feel something?”

“Just because she dresses like a guy doesn’t mean she’s one on the inside.”

It wouldn’t be a lie to say I find Yua attractive when she’s dressed as a guy.

The park where we met again, and the library we went to today — being with her stirred my feelings more than once.

But that’s because I know she’s a girl.

Still, since she looks like a gender-neutral boy, it’s confusing. That look creates a wall, and I haven’t been able to fully see her purely as the opposite s3x yet.

“Seriously, you’re quick to say she’s into you after only talking to her a little. That’s irresponsible.”

“It’s obvious — she’s wearing the ring I gave her.”

“You noticed? Just so you know, I’m only lending it to her.”

“Even so, nobody wears a ring from a guy they’re not interested in. And seeing that made me think you two had taken things to the next level. I thought it was like an engagement ring.”

“E-engagement ring…!”

I wasn’t thinking about it when I lent it, but from the outside, I guess it could look that way.

Thinking back on Yua’s reaction when she first got it, she did seem a little shy. Maybe she was aware of it as an engagement ring…?

I thought she just liked the design and wanted to see how it felt to wear, but now it suddenly feels kind of embarrassing.

“I’m not one to lecture, but don’t go acting all flirty, okay?”

“Why would I? I’m not some bad person.”

“People who unintentionally lead others on are even worse than bad people.”

My sister made a face and teased me, but I didn’t deserve that kind of treatment.

“Most people, if they see even a hint that someone they like might like them back, they fall for them fast… And then get hurt.”

“That sounds awfully personal… Have you been led on before?”

“I’m a grown woman, you know. I’ve seen and heard a lot, and have my share of experience.”

“Even though you’ve never had a boyfriend.”

“Experience doesn’t only mean dating.”

She stood up, picking up the rest of the dishes from the low table.

“I’ll take care of the rest here. Sora, you should walk Yua home. You gotta be kind to cute girls.”

“Isn’t that kindness what leads to mixed signals?”

“Being ignored hurts just as much as being led on.”

“…It’s tough to find the right balance.”

“That’s why you should live your youth while you can.”