When I Was Rejected and Returned Home, My Childhood Friend, Who Should Have Been Distant, Was in My Room - Chapter 9.2: Manaki Himuro's Elegant Breakfast

Chapter 9.2: Manaki Himuro’s Elegant Breakfast

He couldn’t judge whether that was good or bad. He didn’t think he had the right to. So, he stuck to stating facts.

“Then, maybe you should eat at our place. You know, for nutritional balance,” he suggests.

He wanted to say something wittier, but he felt oddly embarrassed.

“Thanks, Masamune,” Manaki says.

“It’s not like I’m the one cooking,” he mumbles.

Unable to meet her gaze as she smiles softly at him, he looks away.

“Well, you do some cooking, right?” his mom asks.

“Yes, I was taught the basics,” Manaki replies.

“But eating alone must be lonely, right?” his mom presses.

“Well, sometimes…” Manaki admits.

Seeing Manaki reveal a rare hint of unease, his mom smiles with satisfaction.

“Then come to our house anytime. One more portion is no trouble at all,” his mom assures her.

“Sorry for the inconvenience,” Manaki says.

Manaki bows politely, and his mom waves it off, saying it’s fine. Just when he thought an endless loop might start, both laugh softly together.

He finished the last bite of his bread. Having barely drunk water, the crust felt especially dry.

*****

“Did you forget anything? Did you take your lunch?” his mom asks.

“I’m good, I’ve got everything,” he replies.

To reassure his anxious mom, who clasps her hands, he makes an “OK” sign with his fingers.

“Go carefully,” she says.

“Got it,” he responds.

“Since you’re with Manaki-chan today, don’t let your guard down,” she adds.

“That’s even more obvious,” he retorts.

Though he’s excited about the unusual walk to school, his mom keeps asking questions. His gestures grow careless, and he avoids eye contact while answering.

“Manaki-chan’s been coming to our house, hasn’t she?” his mom observes.

“Yeah, seems like it,” he agrees.

It’s clear Manaki, staring outside the living room, is thinking about the girl not present.

“Manaki-chan’s such a good girl, so honest,” his mom says.

“Yeah,” he agrees.

She’s almost too honest, which can be troublesome, but he keeps that to himself. His mom continues, still staring at the door.

“Munechika, you should take after her,” she suggests.

“…I’m off,” he says.

“Okay, take care,” she replies.

Ignoring her last comment, he passes through the usual door. Waiting outside, Manaki faces away, twirling her long silver hair.

“Sorry, kept you waiting,” he says.

The moment she hears his voice, she quickly lets go of her hair. After a beat, she turns to him with a straight posture and a light smile, her usual flawless childhood friend self.

“No, I wasn’t waiting long,” she says.

“Alright, let’s go,” he suggests.

“Yeah,” she agrees.

They both say goodbye to his mom and leave the house. He thinks he hears her shout “Take care!” from afar.

It’s the usual route to school, but today he feels a bit restless. Though he’s just walking and waving his hand, her hair brushes against his right hand. The smoothness transmitted through his hand makes him feel oddly guilty.

Manaki, meanwhile, keeps her eyes slightly downcast but seems unbothered. Feeling it’s pointless to pull away, he speaks to her.

“Manaki, just so you know…” he starts.

“What, Masamune?” she asks.

“Your… hair’s touching me,” he points out.

At his words, Manaki smiles gleefully, as if she was waiting for him to say it. Her jewel-like eyes seem to sparkle.

“I’m doing it on purpose,” she teases.

“…”

“What would you do if I said that?” she presses.

She tilts her head, staring at him intently. Their similar heights force him to meet her gaze directly, and he slightly looks away.

“I had a feeling you’d say that,” he replies.

“That’s boring,” she pouts.

“Also, hair touching me doesn’t exactly make my heart race,” he adds.

At that, Manaki’s cheeks flush slightly. It’s not an act but genuine. For once, she, who usually stares at him, avoids his gaze.

“Well… if it’s you, Masamune, it’s… okay,” she mumbles.

“What are you saying this early in the morning?” he retorts.

“Ugh,” she groans.

Feeling she’s gone too far, he lightly taps her head. She seems to reflect, looking down slightly.

“You’re a girl, Manaki, so take care of yourself properly. You’re cute, but people might get the wrong idea,” he advises.

“Oh… right. Okay, I’ll do as you say,” she agrees.

Speaking haltingly and looking down again, she seems genuinely embarrassed. Wait, did I say something weird…?

“Hehe, getting praised by Masamune cheers me up,” she says.

She quickly lifts her face, brimming with energy. Well, she seems to have reflected on earlier, so it’s fine… right?

Looking at Manaki, he feels it deeply. No matter what’s said, she never falters, stays true to herself, and doesn’t care about others’ opinions.

“You’re strong, Manaki,” he says.

The words slip out, but she turns to him happily. Her bright eyes seem to shine even more.

“Didn’t you know? A girl in love is invincible,” she declares.

Her face is utterly serious. The light from her wide-open eyes is too dazzling to look at directly, but it pierces his heart. Without dimming her radiance, she continues.

“So, Masamune, you’d better try hard to keep up,” she challenges.

“…Yeah, I’ll try,” he replies.

“Good,” she says, satisfied.

To his strained words, she narrows her eyes contentedly and faces forward. Without looking at him, she speaks.

“So, don’t cheat on me, okay? I’d hate that,” she says.

“Of course, obviously,” he assures her.

Even without meeting each other’s eyes, they both feel the truth in those words. Her hair still brushes his hand, but he has no intention of saying anything.