Out of Breath

The applause continued unabated.

The whole classroom was engulfed in a mood of celebration, and it felt as if we were being swept away by the illusion that we had truly become a couple.

Yet, amidst all that, there was a distinct sense of unease.

It was like being suddenly thrust into an alternate reality, one where Imari and I were actually dating.

A growing feeling of “This isn’t right” welled up inside me.

“Nah, you know what? Maeda just happened to see Imari and Miyoshi entering her house together, and man, was he surprised! It was seriously a shock,” 

Narahashi exclaimed, his excitement palpable, completely ignoring my attempt to interject.

“I’ve always thought you two should get together sooner! In fact, a bunch of us were rooting for you guys all along!” 

Narahashi exclaimed with genuine excitement.

Surely, Narahashi harbored no ill intent. Like always, he was simply wishing for the happiness of his friends.

This was just another instance of friends celebrating and genuinely wishing well for a couple formed within their circle.

However, even actions without malice can be hurtful, as Imari’s expression clearly indicated.

“I’m really happy for you guys! Congratulations! Just go ahead and get married already, seriously!!!” 

Narahashi continued, his excitement uncontained.

“Hey, Narahashi, there’s something I need to tell you…” I began, trying to interject.

“Save the lovey-dovey stuff for later! It’s my turn now! Well, actually, it’s always been my turn! Gahaha!!!” Narahashi interrupted, still caught up in his excitement.

Facing Narahashi’s lingering enthusiasm, my mind remained clear and focused. I needed to dispel this misunderstanding quickly. But just as I was about to speak—

Narahashi uttered one last sentence to the downtrodden Imari.

“But it’s great for you, Imari! Your wish finally came true!!!” 

Narahashi’s words pierced through the air like a dagger.

Suddenly, time seemed to freeze.

Imari’s head snapped up, but instead of her usual smile to dispel any misunderstanding, she bit her lip in anguish, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Eh…” 

Narahashi froze, realizing that his words had caused an unexpected reaction.

It was too late to retract.

“I’m sorry…” Imari muttered before hastily leaving the classroom, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence.

The classroom descended into chaos.

The jubilant atmosphere from moments ago evaporated, leaving everyone searching for solace in the midst of confusion.

“What’s going on? Wait, did I say something wrong?” 

Narahashi’s voice trembled with uncertainty.

I like Narahashi.

He’s genuinely a good guy, well-liked by everyone, and I genuinely think he’s amazing. That’s why I won’t come to hate Narahashi, and I understand there’s no malice from him. That’s the sincerity of my friendship towards Narahashi.

“Narahashi, sorry. We’re not actually dating,” I explained.

“Huh… R-really?” Narahashi’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yeah.”

Narahashi covered his mouth, clearly taken aback.

“Sorry! I-I got carried away and said something stupid…”

“…You should apologize to Imari for that,” I said.

As I spoke, the morning chime signaling the start of homeroom echoed through the classroom.

Though my classmates remained curious about our conversation, they instinctively returned to their seats as if it were a reflex in response to the chime.

But Imari hadn’t returned.

“…Damn it!”

I made up my mind and handed my bag to Narahashi, who was in despair in front of me.

“Narahashi! Keep my bag on my seat as punishment! And make sure you’re not late either!”

“Huh, wha-? O-Okay!”

“I’m counting on you!”

I kicked the ground and dashed out.

The clarity I had when I left home had completely dissipated, leaving my mind even more chaotic than before.

I ran, swinging my arms vigorously to shake off the intrusive thoughts, focusing solely on Imari.

Normally, Imari wouldn’t have been shaken by something like this.

When we first entered the classroom, and Narahashi told us about the misunderstanding, Imari would have easily brushed it off.

But there was something off about Imari.

Since yesterday. No, maybe it’s because I’m sensitive and perhaps even earlier, since I met her with no clue about anything and encountered Yukine.

“Argh! Why won’t these troubles just wait their turn?!”

I cursed myself under my breath.

Simultaneously, I harbored resentment towards some unseen divine force.

I couldn’t help but feel that way. If I didn’t have something to direct my hatred towards, what would become of this overwhelming sense of helplessness?

“Imari is probably still at school!”

I knew Imari was a strong girl.

I couldn’t imagine her fleeing home like that.

If Imari was indeed the Imari I believed her to be, then she must be somewhere in this school.

And if she assumed I would come after her…

“There’s nowhere else but where we occasionally have lunch together!”

I’m not a resourceful person.

I still hadn’t resolved my issues with Yukine, and meeting Imari now wouldn’t change anything.

Yet driven by a firm conviction within me, I ran relentlessly.