When I started High School, My Childhood Friend, who had suddenly become distant and cold, was harassed by a stranger. I stepped in to help, and as a result, from the following day, My Childhood Friend's behavior became unusual. - Chapter 2

“You’re rarely late. What happened?”

During lunch, as Natsuki Sawatari sat eating with Keito Shirayama, his only friend and the one person he truly trusted at school, Keito asked the question. To most, Keito was just another friendly face, but to Natsuki, he was special.

However, explaining the real reason for being late would be embarrassing, especially from another’s perspective, so he chose to be vague.

“I just overslept. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Oh right, you mentioned that you haven’t been sleeping well since you broke up with your girlfriend… But holding onto that isn’t good for you, you know?”

“She was my first real love… I keep wondering what I did wrong.”

“I’ve told you before, it wasn’t your fault. She’s the one who couldn’t stay committed.”

Natsuki was beginning to realize how deeply his breakup had affected him. But as Keito said, sulking indefinitely wasn’t going to help, so Natsuki decided to change the topic.

“So, how are things on your end with your girlfriend?”
“We’re great, still going strong.”

Keito had a girlfriend, and they were quite the loving couple. Natsuki was used to hearing Keito talk about her and seeing them together, so the topic no longer made him feel bitter.

(I can’t really say my school life is fulfilling…)

Natsuki used to be happy, completely infatuated with his girlfriend and enjoying his days with her. But now, school life felt boring and empty. Besides Keito, he didn’t really have anyone to talk to. School had become a source of misery for him.
It only highlighted how dependent he had been on his ex.

“Hey, Keito, let’s go play soccer.”

“Sure, just let me finish up… Alright, I’m off. See you, Natsuki.”

Keito, having finished his lunch, left the cafeteria first. Natsuki continued eating in silence.

When Keito wasn’t around, Natsuki felt truly alone.

Lost in negative thoughts, Natsuki was startled by the chime of a notification on his phone. It was a message—from Shizune Aizawa.

“Hey, want to walk home together today? I’d like to treat you as a thank-you.”

The message seemed like she felt compelled to express her gratitude somehow. Though Natsuki didn’t need her to go out of her way, the idea of getting treated was appealing.

“It’s really okay, you don’t need to thank me.”

“I won’t feel right unless I do… Is that alright?”

With her insistence, it was hard to refuse.

“Okay, let’s go home together then.”

“Thanks.”

Natsuki put his phone away after exchanging the messages. The brief conversation with Shizune filled a small part of the void in his heart.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. My homeroom teacher has the longest talks.”

After school, while waiting by the school gate, Shizune approached, a little late due to an extended homeroom session.
“No worries. Shall we go?”

With that, Natsuki and Shizune started walking together. Though she had mentioned treating him, they hadn’t decided where to go.
“Is a family restaurant okay?” she asked.

“That’s fine. Though you really don’t need to do this… but you won’t be satisfied until you do, right?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Back in middle school, they’d often walk home together, chatting about nothing in particular. Shizune had always been outgoing and popular, even now. But despite that, she had always made time for Natsuki, her childhood friend. He appreciated that and wanted to know why she had started avoiding him.

Natsuki couldn’t recall doing anything to make her upset. Still, if he had, he was ready to apologize.

After a while of light conversation, they reached the family restaurant and sat across from each other.

“What are you going to have? Nothing too pricey,” she teased.

“Got it… I’ll go with this melon cream soda. What about you?”
“I’m fine, not really hungry.”

With the order placed, Natsuki felt a slight pang of awkwardness. He wasn’t particularly hungry, and ordering just a drink seemed like the right balance—enough for Shizune to feel she’d properly thanked him without being too much of a burden on her wallet.

“Thanks for the treat.”

“No problem… By the way, can I ask for a favor? It’s okay if you say no.”

“Go ahead.”

“Would you walk to school with me from tomorrow? I know it’s selfish, and if you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke, hinting at the lingering trauma from yesterday’s incident. It made sense, given the terrifying experience she’d had in the packed train, unable to call for help.

“Sure, we can go together.”

“Really? Thank you so much, Natsuki. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

She smiled weakly, a fragile smile that made Natsuki’s chest tighten.

(It’s been so long since I’ve seen Shizune smile, and it’s this forced smile…)

“Are you sure you want to go with me?”

“Huh? Yeah. You’re the only person I feel I can rely on.”

“Right… Makes sense.”

“Uh, if you’re uncomfortable, it’s okay. I don’t want to push you.”

“It’s not that… I just wondered if you were okay with me, especially since you’ve been avoiding me lately.”

Shizune had been distant from Natsuki for quite some time. While he understood she might not have anyone else she trusted, he wanted to make sure she really wanted his company. Even though they were talking normally now, she might still harbor some hidden resentment. If that was the case, it’d be best to keep a polite distance while they walked to school.

“I guess… you’re right. I did avoid you.”

“Did I do something to upset you? If so, please tell me. I’d like to apologize.”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that! I never hated you.”

“Then why…”

“Well, you had a girlfriend, right?”

“Yeah, until recently.”

“I just thought that being too close might not be fair to her. We’re childhood friends, so we’re already close… But that’s the main reason. There are other reasons too, but that’s the gist.”

It made sense why she had avoided him, though it also sparked a bit of frustration.

“I see… I thought you hated me.”

“No way! I could never hate you, Natsuki.”

“Next time, just tell me. Being suddenly ignored hurts and makes me worry I did something wrong.”

“Haha, I’m sorry… Really, I am. You’re an important friend to me.”

Natsuki was still curious as to why she hadn’t explained earlier, but he was relieved the misunderstanding was cleared up.

(So, she didn’t hate me after all…)

Her words soothed a part of his wounded heart.