Chapter 12 – Toudou’s Consultation

“Th-thanks for the meal…”

I—I’m gonna die… Seriously, I’ll die…

It took some time, but I finally managed to finish both my portion and Yukimori’s.

That’s basically three servings of ramen.

My stomach feels like it’s about to explode. I’m good on ramen for a while…

The four of us left the shop and headed to a nearby park to rest and digest.

“I’m sorry, Hatsuse-kun. This is all my fault…”

“D-don’t worry about it. It’s not a big dea—ugh…”

Sorry, it actually is a big deal. I don’t think I can talk right now. If I open my mouth, I’ll throw up. I’ll turn into the Merlion.

“Inori… You’re a real man…!”

“You could’ve just left some, you know.”

“Don’t sau that, Toudou! Inori didn’t want to make Yukimori-san sad. He’s a manly man!”

“More like an idiot.”

…Sorry, Kazuki. I appreciate you sticking up for me, but I gotta agree with Toudou on this one.

As I tried to regulate my breathing and calm down, Yukimori tilted her head curiously.

“By the way, why were you two together?”

“Oh—nah, it’s not like that. Toudou was asking for advice. Apparently someone she knows has a crush on someone or something like that. But it was kinda vague…”

“……”

…Huh? What’s that? I feel an awkward vibe coming off Toudou all of a sudden.

“Advice… you say?”

“Yeah, since we went to the same middle school and all.”

Not that I could listen properly—I’d turn into a fountain if I tried to speak—and it’s not like I’m that close with Toudou to begin with.

“Toudou-san, if you’d like, I can help too.”

Wow, Yukimori. That’s bold of you.

I don’t think she’s particularly close with Toudou either. From what I’ve seen, Toudou’s never been among the usual crowd hanging around Yukimori.

Still, she’s offering to help… Is she just really kind, or is it curiosity…? Oh, I’m finally starting to feel a bit better.

“Eh, no, it’s fine. I mean, it’s kinda personal…”

“Oh, don’t be silly! If a friend is in trouble, of course I’ll help!”

“…Friend? Us?”

“Yes! We shared a meal together, so now we’re friends!”

Yukimori pressed on relentlessly, leaving Toudou flustered.

I get it. I really get it. Yukimori has this weird way of charging forward—like her personal space bubble is massive or something.

As Yukimori leaned in with surprising intensity, Toudou instinctively pulled back.

“Yukimori-san’s really pushy, huh? That’s kinda unexpected.”

“This is normal for her.”

“Oh? Are you trying to show off that you know a side of Yukimori-san no one else does? You try’na pick a fight? Want me to punch you in the gut?”

“Chill, I’m not, and stop that.”

I slapped Kazuki’s hand away and looked toward Yukimori and Toudou.

Right. This is the side of Yukimori that she doesn’t show at school. No wonder people are surprised—it’s a bit of a shock.

But honestly, she gets like this more often in the evenings, so I’m used to it.

“L-like I said, it’s fine. It’s my problem, and I don’t wanna bother you, Yukimori-san…”

“It’s no bother at all! Come now, tell me!”

Ah. She’s totally just going along with her curiosity.

But I don’t have the energy to stop her. Forgive me, Toudou.

Resigned, Toudou sighed deeply and then shot me a glare. Look, I said I’m sorry.

“…Yukimori-san, can we talk over there? I don’t want those two to hear.”

“Understood!”

…Huh? You don’t want us to hear? Why?

Toudou pulled Yukimori aside, distancing themselves from me and Kazuki.

They were speaking in hushed tones, so we couldn’t hear a thing. What in the world are they talking about…?

“Kazuki, you said she consulted you too, right? What kind of stuff did she ask about?”

“Told you already. Someone she knows has a crush or whatever. And if I tell you when Toudou’s not around, I’ll probably get my face punched later.”

Hmm… Yeah, I guess it’d be a jerk move to pry into things behind her back.

But I’m so curious…

Kazuki looked toward the two of them, and I followed his gaze.

Toudou was talking, and Yukimori was listening.

And then—suddenly, Yukimori’s eyes widened in shock, and she looked straight at me.

“Toudou’s ‘consultation’ is that shocking to Yukimori?”

“No clue. From what I heard, it didn’t sound that dramatic.”

“What was it about?”

“Didn’t I just say I’m not telling you? I’ll break your front teeth.”

“Stop saying stuff like that so casually! It’s terrifying!”

Just imagining it makes my teeth ache.

But with him, I wouldn’t put it past him. Scary. Kazuki’s scary.

“Oh, they’re coming back.”

Kazuki looked up, and I followed suit.

Apparently the consultation went well—Toudou looked refreshed.

In contrast, Yukimori was visibly flustered, fidgeting awkwardly.

Yukimori… fidgeting? Now I’m really curious.

“Toudou, everything okay?”

“Yeah. I feel a lot better now.”

“Cool. Guess my job’s done, then. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to another girl.”

“R-right… Thanks.”

Toudou scratched her cheek and looked away. That reaction seemed kind of… off.

I glanced at Yukimori and spoke up.

“You okay?”

“Y-yes. At the very least, better than your stomach, Hatsuse-kun.”

“Hearing that from the cause of my misery just pisses me off.”

“……”

Hey, don’t look away from me.

…Yeah, she’s definitely acting weird. Doesn’t seem like it’s just from overeating either… Maybe she’s not feeling well?

“Kazuki, Toudou, sorry. We’re gonna head out.”

“’Kay, see ya.”

“Later, Hatsuse. Shizuku.”

“Y-yes. See you, Tomita-kun, Asuka-chan.”

I messaged Miyabe-san, and not even a few minutes later, a car pulled up. She must’ve been waiting nearby.

Yukimori got in first, then me, and we drove off.

Even in the car, Yukimori was still acting stiff, and Miyabe-san, sensing the mood, remained silent.

…Wait a second, when did Yukimori and Toudou start calling each other by their first names? I swear they were using last names until just now.

Girls really get along fast…