13 – Is that an influence from your ex?

—weeeee-whoa weeeee-whoa. (sfx: cicadas)

“Ugh, it’s so hot.”

The next day, I stepped out from the air-conditioned paradise of my home.

It’s way too hot…

“Why did I have to get sent out on a day like this…?”

The reason I was outside was because the light in the bathroom at home had broken. After losing a game of rock-paper-scissors with Nee-chan, I was sent to the nearby electronics store.

“I should’ve used my bike…”

But going back to get it now would be a hassle. So, I kept walking.

After about ten minutes, I finally reached the electronics store.

However, I walked past it and instead went into the convenience store next door.

“So cool…!”

The temperature difference between inside and outside was so drastic that those words slipped out of my mouth.

I wish I could stay here forever… It was that hot outside.

But I couldn’t do that, so I grabbed a bottle of sparkling water and took it to the register.

“That’ll be 103 yen… huh?!”

“Hm?”

I noticed that the cashier seemed startled and looked over.

“…Cash, please.”

It was the last person I wanted to see in my entire life.

I tried to keep my surprise hidden and answered calmly.

I pulled exactly 103 yen from my wallet and inserted it into the machine.

I tossed the receipt away and quickly left the convenience store.

Today is really not my day… I sighed as I gulped down the sparkling water and headed toward the electronics store.

*******

“Phew, I managed to buy it.”

Carrying the shopping bag, I exited the electronics store.

Well, time to endure this hellish heat on the way back.

Just as I started walking—

“Eito-san?”

A voice suddenly called my name from the side.

“S-Sena?!”

I turned around to find Sena standing there.

W-Wait, she’s in casual clothes?!

She was wearing a white sundress and a straw hat, looking incredibly cute.

It was the epitome of summer, and it matched perfectly with Sena’s silver hair… she looked absolutely stunning.

“H-How come you’re here?” I asked, trying to keep my cool.

“I just came to buy some ice cream from the convenience store. What about you, Eito-san?”

“Oh, uh… the light bulb in our bathroom went out, so I came to buy a new one,” I replied, feeling a bit nervous.

For some reason… her overwhelming cuteness was making it hard to focus on the conversation. And then—

“Is that so…? Eito-san, why are you staring at me like that?” Sena noticed my distracted state.

I couldn’t help it. I had to say something.

“Well, it’s just… your outfit looks really good on you, Sena. I couldn’t help but be drawn to it.”

“Th-thank you…”

We both averted our gazes, blushing in embarrassment.

Ugh… I couldn’t help but remember how my ex drilled into me the importance of complimenting a girl properly. Guess it slipped out naturally.

“W-What’s up?”

“I just came to the convenience store to buy some ice cream. How about you, Eito-san?”

“Oh, uh… actually, the light bulb in the bathroom broke, so I came to buy a new one,” I replied, feeling a bit nervous.

I couldn’t help it—the sheer cuteness was making it hard to focus on the conversation. Then—

“Is that so…? Eito-san, why are you staring at me like that?” Sena noticed my gaze.

W-Well, I guess I should just compliment her properly.

“Well, it’s just that your outfit really suits you. I couldn’t help but get distracted.”

“…Th-thank you,” she replied, blushing slightly.

We both ended up looking down, embarrassed.

Ugh… I accidentally let slip something my ex drilled into me—always compliment a girl’s appearance.

“Actually, I was planning to wear this outfit again tomorrow… but since you’ve already seen it, I’ll choose something else instead.”

“Ah, you really don’t have to worry about that.”

“I can’t help it. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m wearing the same clothes without washing them… Besides, I’d like to show you a variety of outfits, you know?”

“Well, that’s true… No matter what you wear, you’ll look great. I’m looking forward to it.”

“You’re quite good at handling women, Eito-san.”

“Haha…”

I replied with a wry smile. Somehow, it felt wrong to talk about my ex with Sena right now. So, I tried to keep the influence my ex had on me from coming up in conversation—

“Is that an influence from your ex?”

—only for the topic to come up anyway.

I was caught off guard and froze.

“How did you know about that…?”

“It’s just a feeling!”

Sena laughed softly. Even though her eyes and mouth were smiling, there was something unsettling about her expression.

Maybe it was the heat, or maybe it was her smile, but sweat began to bead on my forehead.

“I’m sorry for starting a conversation like this in the middle of the street… Why don’t we go somewhere?”

“Yeah, it’s too hot today… Let me look around.”

Since the area near the station is quite busy with various shops, I wondered where we could go.

“How about the convenience store?”

“…?!”