Hey, Best Friend. How About A Kiss Today Too? - Chapter 72: "Aren't you going to ask?"

“Aren’t you going to ask?”

I thanked Kusakabe for accompanying me in peeping at Sagiri being confessed to and gave her a juice from the vending machine as a token of appreciation before leaving for the school gate.

The summer sun was directly overhead, illuminating the sparsely populated school route, perhaps because I was a bit late. 

As I passed by the bus stop and turned onto the familiar path, it transitioned from the main street to a quiet residential area.

It felt like it had been a while since I walked home alone like this. Mornings were usually chaotic with different schedules, but coming back, Sagiri was always by my side.

Although I wanted to see Sagiri soon, I walked briskly to ensure she wouldn’t catch up to me, who’s just about to go to our meeting place, just in case.

Our meeting spot was always the same park.

“Phew…”

I arrived at the usual small park without any trouble and sat on the bench I’d used to sit on before.

The sunlight, unrelenting as ever, was partially blocked by the tree behind me, creating a dappled effect.

I took out a can of grape juice from my bag, which I had bought, and opened the tab with a satisfying “click.”

This was another pleasure I indulged in occasionally, despite it being a habit.

The contradictory yet rewarding feeling of it being both habitual and occasional was quite satisfying.

“Renji! Sorry to keep you waiting!”

And the greatest reward of all was when Sagiri came running towards me with a smile.

Although I had originally been waiting for Sagiri, so it might be strange to call this a reward, for me, who wanted to see her as soon as possible, this was more than enough to be considered a reward.

“Summer vacation is finally here! I ended up wearing the tie till the end, but isn’t it hot after all?”

“It’s the rules. Here, feeling hot?”

“Thanks! Mmm, delicious…”

As I handed her the half-empty grape juice, she took it without hesitation and sat down beside me.

The delightful way she drank, with our shoulders touching, was more refreshing than any drink commercial who does the same.

“Hehe, I finished it all.”

“It’s okay. I have another one.”

“Aww, unfair! I want one too! You just handed me a half-empty one!”

As I took out another grape juice from my bag, she playfully nudged me with her shoulder.

The brightness surrounding us, like the sun shining from above, was completely different from the atmosphere when me and Kusakabe were peeking behind the gymnasium at the confession scene.

I couldn’t help but think, has she always been this cheerful?

“Wanna drink? As a special treat for the start of summer vacation.”

“Yay! Renji, you’re the best! Hmm, but maybe it’s okay…”

“Sagiri?”

After the cheerful voice, I felt her leaning against my shoulder. Her sweaty arm pressed against mine, and she gently rested her head on my shoulder.

Just that made me feel warmer.

“It’s hot, isn’t it?”

“Because we’re sticking together.”

“It’s fine, just a bit.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

The park on a weekday afternoon was so quiet that the only thing I could hear was the chirping of cicadas. I was so focused on Sagiri that even their love song didn’t bother me.

“Aren’t you going to ask?”

“Hm?”

“If something’s wrong.”

“If you want me to ask, I will.”

“That’s cheating.”

Yeah, it is.

Because I saw everything.

Unlike after the previous confessions, she was clearly seeking comfort now. I wasn’t sure if something had changed within her after our recent kiss, or if today’s rejection had hit her hard.

All I knew was that Sagiri cared for me.

“It’s summer vacation.”

“Yeah, it is.”

I could hear the cicadas chirping.

“It feels special because it’s still midday.”

“We have plenty of time.”

I could hear the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

“So, we’re free to do whatever we want.”

“But don’t forget about homework.”

In my ear, I could hear the cheerful voice of my childhood friend.

“Let’s leave that for later, okay?”

“What is it? You’re being vague.”

It was the voice of my best friend, leaning on me.

“Can I come over to your place now, Renji?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Our sweaty arms were still touching.

Our hands were still intertwined on our knees.