Chapter 4

(Haruki...?)

During the afternoon class, Hayato couldn't stop thinking about her—Haruki.

In the remote mountains of Tsukinose, they had played together, running around the fields and mountains as childhood friends.

"Ah, I caught one! I caught one too, Hayato!"

"Okay, okay, don't hit me!"

—Ah, that's right.

He remembered that when Haruki got excited, she had the bad habit of slapping his back.

If someone spoke to him the same way they used to, it was only natural that he would call her "Haruki."

(Is Naito Haruki, Haruki?)

Unless someone knew the remote countryside of Tsukinose very well, or was from there, they wouldn't know about Grandpa Gen.

He observed Naito Haruki with a squint.

As expected, it was hard to believe that the girl sitting next to him, this innocent and seemingly shy beauty, was the same childhood friend who resembled a monkey demon.

"..."

Noticing Hayato's gaze, she threw a piece of eraser at him as if it were a flick to the forehead. It didn't hurt, but he was surprised by her childish action.

(What a kid!)

Naito Haruki—Haruki—looked at Hayato's surprised face with satisfaction, then turned forward, snorting. The brief glimpse of her pink tongue seemed like a protest against being called a monkey demon.

◇◇◇

By the time the class ended, the classroom quickly returned to its usual noise, and the students were freed from boredom. The sky in early June, nearing the summer solstice, was a clear blue, still bright, inviting play.

"Hey, Kirishima, we're all going to karaoke. Want to come?"

"Yeah, yeah, it's also a welcome party, so we'll treat you!"

"I'm curious to hear what the transfer student can sing!"

"Um, I—"

He was surrounded by an enthusiastic and curious group.

For them, it was a natural invitation. But Hayato, who had no peers in the countryside, hesitated, unsure of what to do.

(Plus, I've never been to a karaoke bar...)

As he fumbled uncertainly, someone put a hand on his shoulder and tried to drag him away.

"Alright, let's go!"

"Hey, wait a minute—"

"No way!"

But a sharp voice called out, stopping them.

"Huh?"

"Uh?"

"Naito-san...?"

"..."

They were surprised by the unexpected person—Naito Haruki. Haruki herself seemed surprised by the voice, but after a cough, she composed herself.

"Um, well, ahem. No, you can't. I promised to show him around after school. Right, Kirishima-kun?"

"Ah, I see. Well, if Naito-san is going with you, that's great. Lucky you, man!"

"Eh, no, Naito-san...?!"

With the envious gazes of the boys on his back, Haruki grabbed Hayato's bag and dragged him away forcefully.

Her grip was surprisingly strong for her slender arms, leaving no room for argument. It was more like he was being dragged along.

Without giving a tour of the school, she headed straight for the entrance and led him outside.

"Hey, where are you taking me?"

"Just come on, come on!"

Hayato, who had been pulled out of the school, was now jogging through the residential streets, led by Haruki.

From the outside, it looked like a beautiful girl was forcibly dragging him away.

Feeling both embarrassed and ashamed, Hayato's face grew hot.

Haruki, oblivious to his feelings, ran ahead.

But it was a scene reminiscent of their childhood.

(Haha! ...Really, nothing changes!)

Instead of the dikes and paths, they were now kicking asphalt. That was the only difference.

"I don't know where we're going, but you're slow."

"Wha?!"

Hayato, just like back then, tried to outpace Haruki with quick steps.

And just like back then, Haruki sped up to keep up.

Hayato in front, Haruki in front, they ran at full speed, overtaking each other. Both had smirks on their faces, and their hands were still linked.

"Ahaha!"

"Haha!"

It didn't make sense.

But running together, just that, made him happy.

Recalling past events and emotions, he understood clearly, beyond reason, that the beautiful girl in front of him was Haruki.

Even if her appearance had changed, there was something that hadn't—something that made him inexplicably happy.

"Here we are. This is it."

"Eh, this is...?"

A house in the residential area, not particularly unusual. He knew where it was without asking.

They used to visit each other's houses all the time.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Hayato?"

"Nothing."

Her long hair reaching her back, her small, slightly cold hand, and her beautiful face, different from before.

Her cheerful laugh was a bit annoying.

But if he went back now, it would feel like a loss—such a childish thought made him say, "I'm coming in."

◇◇◇

Her long hair reaching her back, her small, slightly cold hand, and her beautiful face, different from before.

Her cheerful laugh was a bit annoying.

But if he went back now, it would feel like a loss—such a childish thought made him say, "I'm coming in."