Hey, Best Friend. How About A Kiss Today Too? - Chapter 17: “Shall we go together?”

“Shall we go together?”

Well.

Our club, the Selfhood Research Club, led by President Yuzuru, who bravely yet weakly declared her comeback about three weeks ago, has regained its liveliness after a silence that lasted for approximately three weeks. Adding to the excitement is the fact that this happened just before the summer vacation. And so, my school life, which had regained its hustle and bustle, was peaceful.

Because, you see, Sagiri and Yuzuru are friends and… well, best friends, to be precise.

The two of them, being close, often spend their school days together. This means that during that time, while Sagiri’s interests wander, I am left alone, able to contemplate the meaning of friendship within the depths of my heart.

Engulfed in the vortex of thought, it’s a time for reflection. Ah, tranquility.

And yet, there’s a downside: the casual use of the term “best friend” has become less frequent.

In any case, a temporary peace has settled in our school life, and before we knew it, it was already after school.

Speaking of after school, there’s club activities.

Yes, our Individuality Research Society has finally set aside time for a discussion about individuality after a hiatus of three weeks.

“…I-I can’t take studying anymoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!”

She revived, and immediately, the crisis of dissolution loomed.

Now then.

Why is Yuzuru, the representative pursuing individuality, suddenly breaking down and crying, shattering the usual president facade? It goes back to a topic mentioned three weeks ago.

Three weeks ago, the final exam period began, and all club activities were prohibited.

Two weeks ago, the actual final exams took place. Of course, club activities were still prohibited during that time.

One week ago, tired from exams, Yuzuru caught a summer cold and missed school.

And now. Yuzuru, who had revived, found that most of the exams were failing grades, leading to mandatory supplementary lessons.

…Well, that’s the gist of it.

“Yuzurun, smile, smile. If you study happily, tests won’t be scary.”

And what we see here is Sagiri teaching Yuzuru precious study skills. It’s a refreshing sight since she usually asks me for help.

“S-Sorry, Yuzuru-chan! If only I had more strength…!”

“Academic strength.”

Muscles even in the brain. Hasegawa, displaying an impressive level of brawn over brains, lamented his own helplessness.

“Akahori! I have a request for you! Lend me your strength… teach me how to study!”

“I don’t mind, but shouldn’t we prioritize Yuzuru’s supplementary test preparation for now?”

“You idiot! Yuzuru-chan’s crisis is my crisis! I’ll take the test in his place!!”

“That’s definitely not going to work. But it’s good to be diligent in your studies. I’ll teach you.”

“You’re quite something, the serious and overly caring sleepyhead fool!”

“I’m stopping the teaching, you jerk.”

…And so, an impromptu study session began. I took charge of Hasegawa, Sagiri took charge of Yuzuru, and an hour passed. And as the initial shout suggested, the most crucial person raised their voice first.

“…What common ground is there between studying and individuality!”

“Your academic abilities directly contribute to the results, don’t they?”

“Renji! I’m not looking for logical arguments!”

The little tyrant didn’t even provide a space for discussion.

“Ugh… I didn’t come to school to study!”

“No, it’s for studying.”

“Well, well, Renji, it’s Yuzurun’s first day back at school in a while… right?”

Wink.

Whether it was intentional or not, it undoubtedly hit me. I felt a little flustered.

“Sagiriin!”

“Oh, there, there. Yuzurun is a capable kid, right? How about taking a little break?”

“Sure! Sagirin is the best!”

“…You’re cute, Yuzuru-chan…”

This is the everyday life of the Selfhood Research Club.

While it is a club that studies what it means to be oneself, it can also be described as a place where one can be oneself.

The gap between appearance and personality, ideals and reality, and the evaluations and labels of others.

It’s a club meant to break free from such entanglements.

As the representative president struggling the most with individuality within this group, the amplitude of his fluctuations is significant when compared to his lively times.

Incidentally, following him are Hasegawa, Sagiri, and me.

“Then, as a reward for Yuzurun’s hard work, let’s buy sweet, sweet juice!”

“Yay!”

“I-I’m dying from cuteness…”

Ah, the nostalgic daily life.

Yes, this is youth.

A youth where you’re troubled by your childhood friend, who happens to be the most beautiful girl in the school, is nowhere to be found…

“Well, best friend. Shall we go together?”

Here it is, right here.