The Love of My Childhood Friend, Who Has Overcome a Terminally Ill Diagnosis, Is Overwhelming
It’s been five days since Kanade transferred to our school.
Even though it’s only been five days, I go about my classes, realizing just how much I’ve already grown accustomed to life with Kanade around.
“Alright. That’s all for today.”
As the bell signaling the end of the school day rings through the building, my classmates, who had been bored in class, burst into excitement.
Without joining in with them, I quickly pack my textbooks into my bag as usual.
Once the short homeroom session before dismissal ends, my classmates leave the classroom to attend to their respective errands.
“Takagaki san, are you going to the library today?”
I ask Takagaki san, who sits next to me.
“No.”
“Oh, okay. Studying with you helps me focus, so I get a lot done.”
“So that’s how you felt about our study sessions.”
Takagaki-san’s reaction was as dry as ever.
“What are your plans for today?”
“You shouldn’t just casually ask a girl about her plans.”
Takagaki-san looked a little annoyed.
“…Well, to be honest, I don’t really have any plans.”
“Huh? Then why?”
“…Because I’m scared of your childhood friend who’s looking over here right now.”
Takagaki’s words made me realize that Kanade, sitting in front of us, had turned her gaze toward us.
……What on earth did she mean by “Kanade is scary”?
I wasn’t sure, but I waved at Kanade. She had been staring at us with a blank expression, as if wearing a Noh mask, but she immediately broke into a smile and waved back.
“……You two really are a perfect match.”
I heard Takagaki-san’s exasperated voice, but I wasn’t quite sure what she meant by that.
Then, after Takagaki-san left the classroom, Kanakura-san and the others—who had been talking with Kanade—walked over to us.
“Akkun. What were you talking about with Takagaki-san?”
“Huh?”
……If you ask me what we were talking about…
“……Well, I guess you could say we were talking…”
“Hmm. So, what were you doing?”
“……First, I asked if she wanted to study in the library later.”
“Who?”
“Me.”
“Hmmmmmm.”
Kanade was smiling, but was I imagining it, or did I sense some kind of pressure?
Well, maybe it was just my imagination.
Kanade, of all people, wouldn’t give off a murderous aura when talking to someone.
“So? Are you going to study together?”
“Nope, I’m not.”
“Hmm. Why not?”
“Takagaki-san told me this.”
I grabbed my bag and stood up.
“She said Kanade and I make a good couple.”
……Kanade’s eyes widened.
“Hmm. Hmmmmm. Hmmmmmm. …Hehehe.”
Kanade was making a goofy face.
“Akkun. Lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe I misunderstood Takagaki-san.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Takagaki-san is such a nice person, isn’t she?”
“Haha. Yeah, you’re right.”
I couldn’t help but agree wholeheartedly with Kanade’s comment.
After all, Takagaki-san treats me—someone with few friends—just like a regular friend.
Well, the fact that she gets a bit sharp-tongued when it comes to studying, probably out of frustration, is a minor flaw… but other than that, she’s flawless.
We left the classroom.
“I’m thinking of thanking Takagaki-san sometime soon.”
Kanade said this as she waved goodbye to Kadokura-san and the others behind us.
“Thank her?”
“Yep.”
…I guess it would be rude to ask what exactly she’s thanking her for.
“Oh, right. Akkun, are you free tomorrow and the day after?”
“Hm? Well, yeah, I’m free.”
“Really? Then, would you help me look for a present to give to Takagaki-san?”
Today marks the fifth day since Kanade transferred here.
Since she transferred on Monday, tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday. School is out.
“Sounds good. Let’s go.”
“Yay. So, is tomorrow okay?”
“Sure.”
“Then, it’s settled.”
“Yeah.”
The moment I nodded, Kanade, who had been walking behind me, quickened her pace and stepped in front of me.
“In that case, I can’t just stand here. I’m heading home first!”
“Huh? …We’re just hanging out tomorrow and the day after—why are you so excited already?”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. A-kun, that’s a really rude question.”
Kanade smiled.
“We’ve decided we’re going on a date tomorrow, right? I have to get all dressed up and figure out what to wear… Girls have so much to prepare!”
“…Ah, I see.”
“Bye, A-kun!”
Watching Kanade run off, it suddenly hit me.
“…Huh? A date?”
Wasn’t tomorrow supposed to be for shopping for a present for Takagaki-san?
Maiasa