Episode 9 Friends

Finally, the chime that marks the end of todays classes rings, and I experience a sense of relief that I can finally go home.

I just want to get the hell out of here.

My body feels strangely tired and my senses feel dull.

Then last homeroom. I dont remember what my homeroom teacher was talking about.

In a daze, I was greeted with after-school hours.

Ha~, finally a long day is over!

Take stretches out widely as if chewing on a sense of freedom.
I also take a deep breath in and out.
A light and pleasant feeling of weakness enveloped me, and it was a bit of a refreshing change of pace.

Towa, lets stop somewhere!
No, Im just going home for the day.

After school, I often linger at a family restaurant or go to a game center, but today I was not in the mood.

At my response, Take raises his shapely eyebrows slightly.

, you dont look so good, whats wrong with you?
Uh, well, something like that.

I wasnt in bad shape, but let me take advantage of his concern here.

Take stands up and stares down at me.

is there anything youre not telling me?
Theres nothing.
..

Did I fool him well?

Take stared at me doubtfully for a moment, then turned his head to face Yoshida and Runa, who were leaving the classroom.

Hey, Sachi, Naruse! Im buying you a drink and were going to a family restaurant now!
Eh, really!?
Yeah, its on me, which is rare, so eat a lot.
Hey, hey, Runa! Take said we can eat anything we want! I wonder if were going to have an accident now or if its going to rain heavily!
Yes, yes, youre happy because its that rare. Calm down, Sachi, dont jump.

Thats rude, hey!
Wait, Take

I rush to speak to Take who says so even though I thought I had declined his invitation earlier.

Dont be shy. When youre feeling down, its dinner, dinner, dinner! Besides, I have to eat out today anyway, and eating alone is so lonely, isnt it? Thats why I want to eat with you guys. Please be patient with my selfishness.

Without taking offense, he smiled with a toothy grin.
It was probably a sign of his own concern.
I couldnt refuse him if he did this to me.

.Okay
Okay, then lets go

Lifting his bag easily, Take started to walk ahead of me. I followed at a leisurely pace.

(Arika POV)

It was after school and the area near the shoeboxes was filled with students.

I focus on one group in particular.

Dinner! Dinner!
Hey, dont turn me around, Take!

A smiling boy with his arm around Towas shoulder. I think it was Towas friend, Aoba kun. Behind him are Runa and her friend Yoshida san.

Everyone seems to be having fun.

Aoba kun laughs and everyone laughs. They all laugh, making eye contact with each other.

Towa, too, is thinking, Oh dear, but his mouth is smiling.

The sight of them makes me feel warm and peaceful from the bottom of my heart.

On the other hand I cant see that face in front of me anymore.
I cant talk to him like I used to.
I can only watch from afar.

What should I do

Haaaa I ate

I pat my full belly.
Even at the family restaurant, Take casually took care of me by talking about topics with which I could keep up with him to the extent of a phase.

He looks crass, but he is surprisingly witty. Thats probably why he is so popular.

I guess this is where we say goodbye.

I was walking with Runa and before I knew it, I was at home.

I look up at my house seriously.

Towa?

If I go back to this house, my sisters will come back too.
Thats.

Whats wrong with you, Towa?

A tap on the shoulder and a worried look into my face.

hey Runa.
Hmmm? What is it
Can I stay at your house today?