Hey, Best Friend. How About A Kiss Today Too? - Chapter 65: “Today too?”

“Today too?”

“Ahem! Well, shall we start this week’s ‘Jibunken’ session?”

After a series of twists and turns, our Selfhood Research Club finally began its activities, allowing us to regain some composure after being mentally and physically exhausted.

Facing each other across the desks in the cramped former warehouse turned clubroom, Hasegawa and I sat on one side, while Kusakabe and Yuzuru occupied the seats on the other side of the room.

Meanwhile, Sagiri, who had brought in a pipe chair from somewhere, placed it next to me and sat down. With just a slight lean forward to peek over the desk, her body was within touching distance, and the scent of her long, beautiful hair wafted over.

As we settled in, Yuzuru, our petite club president, issued a command and spread several flyers on the desk.

“Since summer vacation starts tomorrow, our activities at the Selfhood Research Club will get busier!”

“Our summer starts tomorrow! Oh, and look, we have the big river cleanup activity again this year! I love picking up those big pieces of trash!”

“You’re the only one who would be thrilled about that… But more importantly, the sticking point is the radio calisthenics duty at the community square…”

“Renji is weak in the morning, you know! Oh, look, Renji! There’s also a staff opportunity for the shrine festival this year!”

Amidst our lively chatter, Kusakabe, who had been observing, spoke up. While her voice wasn’t particularly loud, it still reverberated throughout the room, which was rare in this space.

“Kusakabe, is something wrong?”

“Um, well, comrades… Is this… the Selfhood Research Club’s activity?”

Listening to the timid words of the blindfolded girl, I understood. Kusakabe only knew the club by its name, Self-Discovery Club.

“Yes, that’s right. In fact, the school only granted us this clubroom because they couldn’t approve our actual activities. Officially, we’re known as the Volunteer Club.”

“The Volunteer Club… Oh, I’ve heard of that… It’s that club where you’re not quite sure what they do, right?”

You came to consult with a club whose activities you’re not quite sure about, Kusakabe?

“It seems like the recognition of ‘Jibunken’ still has a long way to go! We’ll have to promote it more during the summer break!”

“Wow, Yuzuru-chan, you’re amazing! I’ll stick with you forever!”

Our club’s dynamic duo was a bundle of positivity and ambition.

“Come to think of it, what club are you in, Hinachin?”

And then, from beside me, Sagiri leaned forward to ask.

“…I-I’m in the Homecoming Club.”

Kusakabe said it with a terribly awkward expression.

“You don’t have to be so uptight about it. Besides the volunteer activities during the long break, we mostly just gather together.”

“We’re pursuing our true selves!” Yuzuru corrected, swiftly jumping in from the opposite side.

“Well then, Hinachin, why don’t you join us in ‘Jibunken’? You got a chair, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!”

“Wha…!?”

The casual mention that the chair was a gift was shocking, but Kusakabe seemed even more surprised.

“Oh, that sounds good! What do you say, Hinachan? Want to join us? We’ll help you realize your neck-tying skills!”

“We always welcome those who are struggling to find their true selves! Right, Akahori?”

“Hmm? Well, if they’re okay with it, I won’t object… You probably already know, but I can guarantee that they’re all good folks.”

“Yeah, yeah! Come on, Hinachin, what do you think?”

Now the four members of the Self-Discovery Club were all looking at Kusakabe.

Quivering slightly, Kusakabe opened her mouth to respond.

“If… if it’s just occasional help, then I guess it’s fine… After school, though, I’m usually busy with my part-time job…”

Her voice sounded like she was about to cry.

Kusakabe probably wasn’t used to turning down invitations, and she seemed genuinely kind-hearted.

“I see… Well, that’s okay!”

“I understand, no need to worry! Part-time jobs can be tough!”

Quickly, Yuzuru and Hasegawa chimed in with reassurance. These two might live by their impulses, but they were remarkably sensitive in situations like this.

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Don’t worry about it! You’re busy with your job, right?”

“Y-Yes… I have it every evening…”

“Every evening!?!? After school? That must be tough!”

“W-Well, I come from a big family, so I want to help out at home as much as I can… Hehehe, sorry…”

For some reason, she was apologizing, but she was quite impressive. It’s a mystery why her self-esteem is so low when she’s putting in so much effort. She should be more proud of herself.

“Working every day… Are you doing okay with your studies?”

That’s what Yuzuru, who had recently passed a makeup test, said.

“Y-Yes… I’m on a scholarship, and I’ve been the top student since I entered, so…”

“A s-scholarship!? Top of the class!?”

“S-Sorry, sorry…!”

Yuzuru, who should have been concerned, was taken aback.

In the midst of this situation, where a girl who works every day after school as a scholarship student and is at the top of her class is repeatedly bowing her head, murmured words entered my ears.

“…That’s amazing.”