The Chosen Path

After Marin-chan’s parents left, she retreated to her hobby room, saying, “I need some time to think alone.”

I regretted bluntly telling her she should go to Tokyo University, feeling as though I had pushed her away. It was my honest opinion, but it felt hypocritical since I was choosing to follow my own path while urging her to take the safe route.

If only I were smart enough to get into Tokyo University, that would have solved everything. But despite my efforts, my academic performance hadn’t improved over the past few months.

I stood silently, staring at the door to Marin-chan’s room.

◇

I knew without being told that I should go to Tokyo University. 

But even so, I wanted to stay with Aoi-kun. It wasn’t just that; I had found a real dream for the first time. 

However, while I might have a talent for studying, whether I have the talent for film, directing, or screenwriting is uncertain.

That’s why maybe I should go to Tokyo University, enjoy those things as hobbies in clubs, and if I really want to pursue them, I can start then. 

But by that time, Aoi-kun might be out of my reach, and I feared that we might not be on the same level anymore, or that he might reject me, like before.

After mulling over these thoughts countless times, I finally came to my own conclusion.

It was already past 11 PM, and when I went to the living room, Aoi-kun wasn’t there. It seemed he had already gone to bed.

After knocking lightly, I entered the bedroom, finding him already asleep, breathing softly. I slipped into bed and hugged him from behind.

He stirred slightly, mumbling, “Mmm?” as he turned to look at me sleepily.

“Did I wake you?”

Without a word, he kissed me.

“… Thank you.”

“… Marin-chan, I love you.”

“… Yeah, I love you too, Aoi-kun. I love you… I love you… so much…” As I held him tightly, he responded, “Thank you,” and we hugged each other.

“I… still want to go to the same school as you.”

“Yeah.”

“… But, you know, I’m going to go to Tokyo University. I’m going to study hard, learn all sorts of things, and help you in any way I can.”

“… I see. Yeah. I’ll do my best to be someone you can look up to.”

“Yeah… Hey… will you always love me?”

“… Of course. And Marin-chan, please don’t forget me even if we’re apart.”

“Who knows?”

“Huh, that’s harsh…”

“Just kidding… I’ll always love you, Aoi-kun.”

At that time, I still didn’t know that there is no such thing as forever in this world.

The next day, Marin-chan told her parents about her decision regarding her future. They seemed relieved, especially since it was her own choice.

“My parents were really relieved.”

“That’s good,” I said, only to be suddenly pushed onto the sofa by Marin-chan.

She straddled me and, blushing, said, “Hey… I’ve… really… grown to like you a lot recently.”

“… Me too.”

“… Yeah… So today, I was thinking… maybe we could try something… a little different.”

“… A little different?”

“… Yeah. Like… for example… you secretly have feelings for someone else, but I push you down and force a kiss on you…”

It was quite a bold confession, and her face was bright red.

“… Sure. Let’s do it.”

“… You’re not put off by this? Are you okay?”

“I’m not put off at all. I understand those kinds of feelings.”

“Really? I feel like I’m always the one suggesting these things…”

“That’s not true though?”

“Then… next time, let’s do it your way, okay?”

“… Sure.”

“Just out of curiosity, what kind of situation do you like?”

“… You won’t be put off?”

“I won’t be put off!”

“… Then… um… reverse bunny…”

“…? Reverse bunny?”

“Never mind! Forget it!”

Later, Marin-chan looked up “reverse bunny” and turn beet red.

(TL: ohh not bad Aoi-kun, not bad)