My Childhood Friend, Sometimes a Schoolgirl—She Only Wears That Ribbon Around Me - Episode 37

The Monday after my date with Minamikata Saho.

Usually, by now, I’d be feeling annoyed about the five dull school days ahead. But today, my mood was different.

Despite being someone who wakes up groggy, I actually got up with the alarm, finished breakfast and getting ready early, and was about to leave the house.

Even though it was Monday morning, I felt refreshed and light on my feet—as if I had been reborn. I was genuinely looking forward to going to school.

If I got there early, maybe I could find a moment to talk with Minamikata in class. Thinking that, I couldn’t just stay home and relax.

But—after putting on my shoes, I suddenly froze, crouching by the front door.

My childhood friend Yua Yushiro would come to my house and rush me off to school—days like that, when I almost forgot I was in high school and felt like a kid again, had already become part of my daily life.

In just a little while, she’d be here to pick me up today, too.

Though my body was moving forward, eager to go to school now that things with Minamikata had gotten closer, I was tormented by the feeling of guilt about leaving Yua behind and going on my own.

“…Why am I so indecisive?”

I crouched on the step by the door, elbows on my knees, running my fingers through my hair.

What exactly do I want?

I felt a strange anger at myself for taking for granted the comfort of life with my childhood friend and ignoring the feelings—love, friendship, or maybe both—that she had been showing me.

“After all that prep, you’re just going to sit there and nap again?”

My younger sister Kanami Tsuzuki walked over, worried because I wasn’t leaving the house.

“I’m not… I’m leaving now.”

“Really? From where I’m standing, it looks like you’re waiting for someone.”

Kanami seemed to see right through why I was still there.

“Do you remember what I told you before Sora left yesterday?”

“That no matter what happens between me and Yua, as long as we’re both okay with it, that’s what matters?”

“Yeah. And as your sister, I just want you to be happy. But don’t get the wrong idea—the best outcome for me is for the two of you to be happy together.”

“What are you trying to say so early in the morning?”

“No hidden meaning. I just think if you’re hesitating and running away from things, you should be honest with Yua.”

“Running away? Me?”

“At least from what I see, yeah. The fact you’re still here feels like you’re avoiding making your own choice, leaving the decision to Yua.”

“That’s not true!”

I cut her off and stood up from the step.

Still, I had no real argument—she was right.

Even this action was probably just another way of running away in her eyes.

Grabbing my bag, I swung the front door open and rushed out.

When I glanced back, she didn’t follow or try to stop me. She just watched me go with kind eyes.

How much did she really understand about me? As a mother figure who looked after me, Kanami knew me better than anyone—even better than herself.

Because of that, I couldn’t even bear to listen to what she said.

I unlocked my bike parked by the house, swung myself onto the saddle, and tried to shake off my guilt as I left the Tsuzuki household gate behind.

“Morning, Sora-kun!”

Suddenly—someone called out behind me.

This was the worst timing. No way… now?

I thought about ignoring it and just going on, but slowing down even for a second would make it obvious I was doing it on purpose.

Reluctantly, I stopped pedaling, stayed on the saddle, and looked back.

“…Morning, Yua.”

I said a single word, pushing down the storm in my chest, and greeted my childhood friend who had gone out of her way to come get me without even meeting her eyes.

“Surprising to see you already out. Got something to do at school?”

“Nah, I just happened to wake up early…”

I gave a half-hearted excuse. She responded with a simple “Oh.”

Just thinking about how she must be seeing me now made me scared.

Hearing what Kanami said right before leaving had made me even more sensitive about Yua.

I faced forward again, pretending to be calm, and started pedaling.

“Hey, wait up, Sora-kun.”

She caught up on her bike and quickly came alongside me.