After a Heartbreak, My Bitter Childhood Friend is now Sweet Like Sugar - V1 Chapter 0.5 part 2

“What are you reading, Yu-chan? A novel?”

“Unfortunately, it’s a light novel. You don’t like it?”

“No, it’s just, there are some panties in the illustrations.”

“It’s not ecchi. Just a few pictures showing underwear.”

“So it’s ecchi.”

“Just because you can see some underwear doesn’t mean it’s ecchi. The content of the series is very authentic, and the gimmicks and depiction are so amazing that you will be amazed after reading it. Apart from that, a pair of girl’s panties are also necessary.”

“Wow. You’re speaking really fast, Yu-chan.”

“I’m a… geek.”

“Well, I think it’s cool that you can talk passionately about what you like. Sometimes that happens to me too.”

“Like what?”

“Like Tardigrades(Kumamushi). You know? It’s the most durable microorganism on the planet, able to withstand extremely low and high temperatures, and it doesn’t falter even when exposed to radiation that would kill a human being. It’s called a bear, but it doesn’t look like a bear at all. Well, I heard that it’s immune to global warming.”

“Do you like it that much? Tardigrades.”

“It’s my personal favorite.”

Really?

“I’ve always thought you were strange, but you really are, aren’t you?”

“Oh, I’m so happy. I like it when people say I’m different. It makes me feel alive.”

“You are indeed different.”

“But it’s better than being told I’m ordinary or mediocre, isn’t it?”

“That’s true.”

“Look!”

By the time we were talking like this, I felt like I was already in love with her.

Eventually, without either of us saying anything, we started going to school together. 

One autumn day.  

As we were walking to school together, I noticed a familiar face on the way.

“Ah…”

Before I could call out to her, she noticed her first and called out.

“Isn’t it Kokoa?”

“Yu! And…”

Kokoa turned her attention to the Senpai next to me. 

“… Nice to meet you. I’m Kokoa Shirayuki.” 

“Nice to meet you. My name is Reiko Aida. I’m a third-year student.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Huh?”

“Well then.”

Then, Kokoa bowed and walked away quickly. 

“I guess she was in a hurry. She’s my childhood friend.”

“Childhood friend?”

Senpai put her hand on her chin and made a gesture as if she was figuring something out.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, I was just wondering how she knew me. And does she hate me? It seems like she was scowling at me.”

“Isn’t it just your imagination? I don’t think there’s any reason for her to hate you.”

“I hope so… oh, I remembered, we might not be able to hang out together for a while.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I’m getting a little impatient that I need to study for the entrance exam as hard as I can. You see, despite my appearance, I’m still a student.”

“I understand. Even I was a little scared that you weren’t in a hurry until now. The school you want to go to is the most advanced in the district. Are you studying properly?”

“That’s rude, I’m doing fine. But it’s hard to run at the same speed all the time, isn’t it? It’s about time to change the gears.”

“I see. You’re giving it your all.”

“That’s right. By the way, have you decided which high school you want to go to?”

“Let’s see… Which one was it, I don’t remember.”

“What? Where? Tell me…”

“It’s a… secret.”

“Tch…”

Well, I hadn’t decided yet at that time, but I was having a vague thought about it.

I also wanted to go to Tsukigaoka.

And once she passed her exams, I decided to follow her.

I studied hard to catch up with her.

…