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 4

“Ah, I completely forgot there was cleaning duty today…
Shizune’s waiting for me, isn’t she?”

After school, Natsuki Sawatari murmured to himself as he gazed out the window. He had told Shizune through a message that she could go home without him, but she had replied that she would wait. This meant he needed to wrap things up quickly.

Earlier that morning, Shizune had invited Natsuki to walk home together, and he had agreed. It wasn’t like Shizune to invite him without reason. Perhaps she had somewhere she wanted to go. He pondered this while moving desks around.

Their relationship had improved recently. While it wasn’t quite like before, he felt they had at least returned to being ordinary friends. Despite past disagreements and moments when they’d grown apart, they had always been close, like best friends. Even after the distance that had formed between them, childhood bonds were hard to break.

“All right, rock-paper-scissors for who takes out the trash!”
After cleaning up, it was time to decide who would take out the trash. Natsuki didn’t want to keep Shizune waiting any longer, so he was determined to win. The trash disposal area was quite far from the classroom, and if he lost, it would only delay him more.

(Then again, it’s Shizune, so even if she waits a bit…)

The guilt started to fade at the thought, but he still felt that taking too long would be inconsiderate. Either way, he wanted to win this round of rock-paper-scissors and avoid the hassle.

“Sorry, I lost rock-paper-scissors,” Natsuki said to his classmates.

“Seriously?”

As Natsuki contemplated whether to throw rock, paper, or scissors, a boy from another class entered. Before the game could start, one of Natsuki’s classmates offered to take out the trash, grabbing the bag and heading out.

Relieved, Natsuki quickly made his way to where Shizune was waiting.

When he exited the school building, he spotted Shizune standing by the school gate. But she wasn’t alone. She was surrounded by three boys and one girl.

“Hey, Shizune, waiting for someone? If you’re free, how about coming home with us for the first time in ages?”

“Oh, um, sorry, I’m waiting for a friend to walk home with…”

Were they just her male friends? The way they interacted seemed unusually close, and one of the boys was leaning in a bit too eagerly. Shizune took a small step back as she answered.

“Well, in that case, why don’t you and your friend join us for karaoke?” another boy suggested.

“No, we have somewhere we’re going, just the two of us… Oh, Natsuki!”

Natsuki had been standing out of sight, planning to wait until the conversation ended before approaching. But Shizune had spotted him and called out. The group’s attention shifted to him, and he had no choice but to step forward.

As expected, Natsuki’s unassuming presence was met with confused and slightly annoyed looks. One of the boys even frowned openly.
“A guy? Wait, Shizune, is he your boyfriend?”

“No, no, he’s just an old friend.”

“Oh, I see. Well, we’ll head out then. Let’s hang out some other time.”

“Yeah, see you later.”

One of the boys who had been chatting with Shizune turned to look at Natsuki, giving him a brief but obvious glare.

Judging by that look, it seemed that boy had feelings for Shizune. It was possible that he was just the friendly type, but Natsuki doubted it.

The thought made Natsuki feel slightly guilty. Still, he reminded himself that he had already promised to walk home with her, so he wasn’t in the wrong.

“Are you close with those guys?” Natsuki asked.

“Yeah, we hang out sometimes.”

“I see. Was it okay to turn them down?”

“It’s fine. I was the one who asked you to walk home, after all.”

Natsuki could tell at a glance that the group surrounding Shizune were the social types—people who thrived on interactions and attention. He had known for a long time that Shizune’s personality was the complete opposite of his own. She was chatty and outgoing, while he preferred to keep to himself. Yet somehow, she was often by his side.

“Is there somewhere specific you wanted to go?” he asked.
“No… Not really. I just wanted to walk home with you.”

“O-Oh, I see.”

Natsuki had expected there to be a reason, so hearing her say that so plainly made him feel a bit embarrassed. They fell into their usual rhythm, making small talk as they headed home.

“…Shizune?”

“Oh, sorry. I spaced out a bit… And this is where we part. See you tomorrow.”

As they said goodbye, Natsuki noticed that Shizune’s expression seemed more subdued than usual. He brushed it off as her being tired and waved as she turned to leave.