The Third-Place Makes A Move

“Shuugo, good morning! Ah, you seem energetic today───but what’s with those dark circles under your eyes!?”

As soon as he came over to my seat, Takuto greeted me with enthusiasm, only to become concerned as he leaned in closer.

It’s comforting to have someone worry about me, but his voice is making my ears ring…

“I couldn’t sleep much yesterday because I was thinking about something…”

“I see. It’s probably about your little sister, right?”

Lately, I’ve been preoccupied with Iori’s situation, and Takuto seemed to have caught on.

The incident at the cafe where Iori took the money from me without using it has been bothering me.

But according to her, she used it for a date with a girl. Maybe she just happened not to use it at the cafe…

“You’ve got it rough too, huh… Well, I’m dealing with my own stuff too.”

Takuto sighed wearily, most likely because of his older sister’s situation.

◆◇

“Sensei… I’m done…”

“Good job, Kusora!” 

I finished the task the gym teacher asked me to do. I don’t remember ever agreeing to help, but apparently, other students told him, “Kusora will help out!” Well, it was an easy task, so it’s fine.

After changing in the locker room, I was about to head back to the classroom, but I felt thirsty, so I decided to buy a drink from the vending machine and take a short break on the bench.

“Ahh…”

Cold tea after PE tastes so good.

The weather is gradually getting warmer. It’s almost time to switch to summer uniforms.

“Hmm?”

When my tea was about halfway finished, I saw someone familiar approaching.

“Hey, Shuugo!”

“Oh, hey, Katayama. Are you here to buy a drink too?”

“Nah, not really.”

“Huh?”

If she didn’t come for the vending machine, then why is she here…?

As I was thinking over this, Katayama spoke up.

“Shuugo, would you like to have lunch with me today?”