The Love of My Childhood Friend, Who Has Overcome a Terminally Ill Diagnosis, Is Overwhelming
“Ayaka, what’s with this sudden change of heart?”
Kadowara asked Takagaki with a carefree expression on her face.
I’m sorry, but regarding Takagaki’s sudden suggestion, I was actually feeling the same way as Kadowara at that moment.
“Let’s go to the beach together,” huh?
I never would have expected… that Takagaki—who I thought had no interest in other people—would actually suggest something like that. It was a bit surprising.
“Actually… the two of you right here helped me out a lot right when summer vacation started.”
The two people in front of Takagaki-san…
In other words, looking at me and Kanade, Takagaki-san said to Kadokura-san.
“So… what does that mean? Is this some kind of ‘thank you’ for back then?”
“What’s that? That’s so emotional.”
Kadokura-san smiled cheerfully.
“This is the first time I’ve ever heard Ayaka say the word ‘thank you.’ I’ve heard her mention ‘paying a visit to show my gratitude’ a few times, though.”
“Well… it’s just that everyone around me has always been a bunch of guys like you.”
“Ahaha. I’m so happy to be complimented.”
Am I… being complimented?
Or rather, now that I’ve actually interacted with Kadokura-san properly for the first time, I’m wondering… is she actually a pretty carefree, moody person?
She’s scary when she’s in a snarky mood, but when she’s not, she’s not scary—or rather… she’s a bit of a klutz, I guess.
“Huh? Wait a sec. Ayaka, you just said you were inviting Kanade and the others to the beach as a thank-you, right?”
“Yeah. I did say that.”
“Then what was the point of inviting me?”
…That’s a sharp observation.
“You’re not serious… Did you just invite me on a whim even though you had no intention of going to the beach? Or did you just want me to witness you inviting your friends to the beach? Ahaha. No way you’d do something that cruel, right?”
“That’s right.”
“You’re kidding, right!?”
“I’m kidding.”
Kadokura-san was shooting a protesting glance at Takagaki-san.
Facing that glare, Takagaki-san was grinning.
How should I put it? They’re really in sync.
“Ayaka, were you always that mean?”
“I was, right?”
“Yeah. You were.”
“You’re just as mean as I am, though.”
“That’s not true. I just say whatever’s on my mind.”
“That’s true.”
“Right?”
……In other words, she doesn’t mean any harm, but she has a sharp tongue.
Isn’t that worse than just having a bad personality?
“……You’re the reason we got sidetracked.”
Takagaki must have been really annoyed at having her train of thought interrupted, because she glared at Kadokura.
“So, to make up for the other day, let’s all four of us go to the beach.”
“……Uh-huh.”
I was the one who looked a bit confused.
Well, it’s no wonder.
After all, the gender ratio for the group Takagaki-san invited to the beach was one guy to three girls.
I’m already not used to being around girls, and on top of that, they’re all cute… It’s no wonder I’d be hesitant.
“……Hey, Ayaka.”
“What?”
“Well, I get that you invited me to the beach, but why did you invite me, exactly?”
“It’s not that complicated.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. After all, I don’t really go to the beach that often. So I thought I’d have you—since you’re such a party girl—show me a trendy beach.”
“I’m not a party girl, and I don’t know any trendy beaches.”
“Huh?”
Takagaki-san must not have expected Kadokura-san’s reaction; her eyes widened in surprise.
“……R-really?”
“Yeah. Sorry about that.”
“……No, it’s my fault for not asking you properly beforehand.”
“Anyway, let’s try looking for one together tomorrow.”
“Yeah, that would really help… Thank you.”
…All things considered, these two seem to get along pretty well.
“So, I’ll look for the beach tomorrow and let you know. Make sure to keep Wednesday open.”
Takagaki-san looked back and forth between me and Kanade as she spoke.
“…Um, Takagaki-san.”
“Just so you know, Atsushi-kun.”
Takagaki-san, who had anticipated my words, glared at me.
“You don’t have a say in this.”
…Come on.
Maiasa