Chapter 22 – Their Past and Confession

Yukimori skipped ahead happily, and I followed behind her.

The “back room” really was deep inside the building, and the path to it was a bit complicated.

If I had gone alone, I probably would’ve gotten lost. No doubt about it.

“We’re here. This is the place.”

Yukimori sat down in front of the sliding door and opened it just a bit.

Peeking through the gap, I saw Kazuki and Toudou sitting side by side on the veranda.

Yukimori put a finger to her lips—shh—and I nodded silently.

Then, Toudou slowly began to speak.

“This place is amazing. I still can’t believe we booked the whole ryokan, with full-service and everything.”

“Right? I think I’ll try that massage thing later. Maybe even acupuncture.”

“You sound like an old man.”

“Part-time work’s been tough lately. Gotta take care of myself, y’know? Gotta recharge once in a while.”

…Huh. They’re totally normal. Like, completely normal.

Yukimori seems to be thinking the same thing; she’s getting a little restless.

“Thanks to you and Inori, I’ve made some really good memories.”

“It’s only the first day though.”

“Exactly. So from tomorrow onward, I want to make even more memories.”

“…Memories, huh.”

Toudou glanced nervously at Kazuki.

Kazuki noticed and tilted his head.

“Toudou?”

“…Speaking of memories, do you remember what happened back in middle school?”

“It’s only been a few years—of course I remember.”

“No, I mean… what happened between you and me.”

“Oh, that? Yeah, of course I remember.”

That…? What’s that supposed to mean?

I glanced at Yukimori, but she looked just as confused. Even though she’d been talking with Toudou a lot lately, she apparently didn’t know about this either.

But our question was about to be answered very soon.

“Remember that attempted kidnapping? I was seriously panicking back then.”

“!?”

K-Kidnapping!?

Wait, wait—it says attempted, right!? As in, it didn’t happen? Right…!?

Toudou nodded slowly, unaware of how shocked we were.

“Yeah. If you hadn’t saved me, it would’ve been really bad.”

“You were like the envy of the whole school—super cute, but also timid, innocent, and pure. That was Asuka Toudou back then.”

Come to think of it, Kazuki did once tell me about what Toudou used to be like.

She wasn’t a gyaru like now, but more of a quiet, refined Yamato Nadeshiko type.

Kazuki let out a soft sigh and looked up at the sky.

“Because of that, some creep from outside took an interest in you. Seriously, if I hadn’t been there… who knows what would’ve happened.”

“I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

“He was trying to force you into a car. It’s not hard to imagine what might’ve happened after that.”

Kazuki’s words sent a chill down my spine.

Something like that actually happened…?

“Well, I beat the guy down and handed him over to the cops. That was the first time I ever punched someone for real. Ahahaha!”

“That’s not funny, seriously.”

“…Yeah. You’re right. Sorry.”

Kazuki looked down at his hand, opening and closing it slowly like he was reliving the memory.

Even from a distance, I could see it was trembling a little.

“Guys always fantasize about being the cool hero who saves a girl in trouble. But reality’s not like that. It was terrifying. I was so scared I couldn’t move.”

“But… you did save me.”

“Only because you looked at me—like you were about to cry—and I thought I heard you silently screaming for help. That’s what got me moving. That’s all.”

Kazuki smiled self-deprecatingly.

But he’s wrong. Not everyone can move in a situation like that.

Kazuki really is an incredible guy.

“That’s when you changed, right? Became more like a gyaru. So people wouldn’t underestimate you anymore.”

“Yeah. I didn’t want to be seen as weak or defenseless. I made myself cold, intimidating, and uninterested in others… It’s like armor. I don’t plan to go back to how I was.”

“I don’t think you need to. The blonde suits you.”

O-Ohhh. He just said that like it was nothing. Damn, Kazuki.

Toudou twitched and glanced at Kazuki, fidgeting.

Wait a sec… is this happening? Are they about to…!?

“Go for it, Asuka-chan… you can do this…!”

“Good luck, Toudou…!”

We sent silent encouragement from the shadows.

Maybe our support reached her—Toudou took a deep breath and showed a determined expression.

“T-Tomita…! Tomita Kazuki…!”

“Whoa, full name? Are you putting distance between us!?”

“No, that’s not it. I… I wanted to give you something today.”

“Something to give me?”

“…Here.”

Toudou pulled out the box with the necklace from beneath her yukata.

Kazuki blinked in surprise at the familiar brand’s packaging.

“Wait, this… where’d you get it?”

“Well, long story. I heard you liked silver accessories.”

“Inori told you, huh?”

Bullseye.

“I wanted to give this to you… as a present.”

“O-Oh… th-thanks…?”

“Y-Yeah…”

Silence.

Wait—why are they just sitting there!? Toudou! Push through! Confess already!

“Uh, can I open it?”

“P-Please do.”

“Whoa, a necklace! And I’ve never seen this one before… It’s Sato-san’s new design, huh? He really makes good stuff.”

Kazuki excitedly pulled the necklace out and put it around his neck.

His yukata shifted, revealing his neck, collarbone, and chest—and Toudou was staring. Girl’s way hornier than she lets on, huh?

“How does it look? Does it suit me?”

“Y-Yeah. It really suits you…!”

“Eheh. But why now, though? It’s not like this is a thank-you gift for that time, right?”

“…Yeah, it’s not that. I just… I wanted you to know—that moment was the start of everything.”

“The start?”

Toudou gently took Kazuki’s hand in hers.

“I… like you, Tomita. I’m in love with you.”

“…Huh?”

“Ever since that day, I’ve loved you. Please… go out with me.”

YESSSS! Perfect confession!!

Yukimori covered her mouth, watching with wide eyes.

I get it. I totally get it. Even just watching this has my heart pounding.

“Uhh… w-wait… are you serious?”

“After all that, wouldn’t it be weirder not to fall in love…?”

“Y-Yeah… I guess that makes sense.”

Kazuki’s face turned bright red—redder than I’ve ever seen it. Toudou’s was just as flushed.

Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

“Umm, so… i-if you’re really okay with someone like me… then… I’d love to.”

“! …Y-Yeah… Y-Yeah!! I love you, Tomita!”

“W-Whoa!?”

Toudou practically tackled him in a hug, ramming into his stomach.

Ahhh, man. So happy for you two. This proud onlooker is smiling with folded arms in the background.

Then—clatter. Something small fell from Kazuki’s pocket.

A box… a box of condoms.

“…Kazuki, what’s this?”

“Ah.”

“Why do you have this?”

“………Hatsuse gave it to me.”

“I’m gonna beat the crap out of him.”

YOU ABSOLUTE MORONNNNNNN!?!?

“Hatsuse-kun, you…”

“W-Wait! It wasn’t me, I swear…!”

“I know. You were just thinking of the two of them, right? You’re so kind, Hatsuse-kun.”

Why does she sound so convinced…!?

“No, seriously, this was all Kazuki’s idea—!”

“By the way, does Hatsuse-kun have his own supply?”

“Uh… I mean, yeah.”

“Hmm… I just got a great idea.”

Shiver.

Bad feeling… really bad feeling…

Yukimori smiled sweetly, and I felt a cold sweat run down my back.