Hey, Best Friend. How About A Kiss Today Too? - Chapter 63: "...Huh, really?"

“…Huh, really?”

“I see, I see, so Sagiri…”

Sagiri dragged Kusakabe out, leaving the club room quiet. It was then murmured by our club’s petite president, Yuzuru.

She nodded like a detective, resting her hand under her chin. It wasn’t clear if there was a reason for her action.

“So, what’s up with you, Renji? Why aren’t you telling us what happened between you and Sagiri yesterday?”

The question was undoubtedly directed at me.

“Well, even if you ask me that…”

“Hey, hey, Akahori, you’re also a member of the Selfhood Research Club, so no hiding anything, okay?”

I tried to deflect the question, but Hasegawa, who was sitting next to Yuzuru, intervened.

“That’s right, Renji! Last time, I tried to ask you something and ended up being vague about it! Sagiri seems so happy and cheerful every day, so it’s okay to ask about the reason why your precious childhood friend is happy, right?”

“Yuzuru…”

“Yeah, Akahori! There aren’t many stories as entertaining as someone’s romantic affairs, you know!”

“Hasegawa… Get out.”

“That’s so mean!”

Yuzuru’s lively words struck a chord, and I couldn’t help but laugh at Hasegawa’s over dramatic reaction.

Ah, truly, I thought to myself, both Sagiri and I are fortunate to have such good friends.

***

I talked to the two of them about Sagiri’s changes and recent events. However, I kept the fact that we kissed and embraced while naked to myself. What I shared was simply the current situation, where despite Sagiri clearly showing affection and seeking comfort, she didn’t seem to desire a relationship beyond friendship because she was content with our current standing as best friends.

At first, it was incredibly embarrassing, but as I spoke, I felt… relieved, I guess. Nothing was resolved yet, but not having to keep one secret was a big relief, and it felt good to have someone listen, maybe that’s what mattered most.

Of course, in that regard, I’m grateful to Kusakabe, the only one who knows everything. She’s not here now, though… Wait, haven’t both of them been gone for a while now?

“This is a ‘jibuken’ moment, huh.”

“Huh?”

After I finished speaking, Yuzuru murmured while folding her arms in front of her chest. “Jibunken” is, of course, the abbreviation for our “Selfhood Research Club,” but why would she say that now?

“Oh yeah, Yuzuru-chan. It’s definitely a jibuken’ moment.”

“Hasegawa?”

In agreement with her, Hasegawa, who was sitting next to Yuzuru, nodded deeply. I’m the only one left out here.

“Hey hey, Renji, thanks for talking about Sagiri!”

“Oh… uh…”

“Now, considering what you just said, Renji, what do you want to do about this issue?”

“…Me?”

“Yeah, yeah! Definitely! I mean, you tried to talk about Sagiri last time, right? I’ve heard indirectly from Go that you’re troubled about Sagiri! Thanks again for telling us, even though it’s indirectly!”

“You’re welcome…”

It felt strange. Even though I was the one seeking advice, I was thanked for it. I should be the one thanking them, but it seemed like our petite president wouldn’t allow that. She was creating a warm atmosphere.

“Hehe, Yuzuru-chan is amazing, isn’t she?”

Hasegawa chimed in, always ready to praise Yuzuru whenever possible. He probably said it after seeing my expression, making me feel like my thoughts were being read, which was a complicated feeling.

But I’m glad I initially consulted with Hasegawa. He must have told Yuzuru about my troubles because he trusts her too.

“So, Renji, what’s your answer?”

However, it felt increasingly pitiful that my true feelings weren’t getting across.

If Hasegawa was okay with it, I thought maybe I should repay him by listening to him next time we have the chance.

“I think… I’m okay with things as they are.”

“…Huh, really?”

And I truly am okay with that.

Maybe my answer was surprising because Yuzuru, who had been in “Club president” mode, returned to her usual curious self, tilting her head.

Yuzuru had probably heard about my troubles from Hasegawa, so it was only natural for her to react that way. But my answer had already been decided.

“I just talked to Hasegawa about it, but my honest feeling is that if Sagiri wants to do something, I want to let her do it her way. I was struggling before, but lately, things have changed for me.”

I’ve been influenced, I’ve been bonded with.

I kissed her, and she wanted more. I touched a part of Sagiri’s feelings that I couldn’t see yet. But I think at the core of it all, there’s probably loneliness and kindness. Otherwise, things like yesterday wouldn’t have happened.

“I can’t go into detail, but… it’s really nice to have someone you like showing you affection.”

At home, on the way to school, at school… we’d find moments to be alone and kiss.

In hindsight, I realize I’ve been dealing with quite a luxurious problem.

“W-Wow…!”

“D-Don’t listen to him, Yuzuru-chan! This guy’s using the consultation as an excuse to gush about his love life!!”

This was a moment during my contemplation.

For some reason, Yuzuru blushed at my words, covering her face with both hands, and then Hasegawa, with his large frame, hid her even further. Just as the warm atmosphere suddenly shifted to a different kind of warmth, I felt compelled to clarify one thing.

“…It’s not gushing.”

“Sure sounds like it to me!”

Gushing over something like this?

If Sagiri were to get serious, it would be much more impressive, you know?

Actually, they’re taking quite a long time to come back, those two…