“–Yes, I’ve lost my memory many times. Each time, I’ve forgotten the important people in my life.”
“…Ahaha, I’ve only had it happen once, and it was enough to make me tired of it, but you’ve lost it multiple times.”
Saionji was watching our exchange with bated breath. This mother is the same as me.
The mother gently stroked my hair. So this is what a real mother is like…
“You’re impressive. I’ve been so exhausted that I’ve been pushing my daughter away and living a depressing life.”
“I had the help of my friends. I decided to look forward.”
“I see… Hey, can memories come back?”
“It’s not impossible. Because I’ve managed to recover the memories of an important person.”
I took the mother’s hand and placed it on Saionji’s hand.
“The soul engraves the memories. Try to feel it.”
The mother closed her eyes and her expression became peaceful. And then–
“…I’m sorry, I still don’t understand. …Because Nozomi is… Huh? What’s this? Am I walking with Nozomi and Seiji-kun? Ahaha, what is this… I’m shopping at Jusco… I don’t know, it’s a memory…”
Saionji clung to her mother’s chest.
“Mother, take your time. You know, I’ve been waiting for you all this time, sniff, mother, mother…”
Her mother had a slightly perplexed expression. For some reason, I felt a sense of satisfaction.
I don’t really understand it. But I should just keep learning about these things I don’t understand.
“Excuse me, I’ll take my leave now. Good night.”
Her mother nodded.
Saionji, with tear-filled eyes, turned around.
“…I’m not crying. …Thank you for today. …I’ll do something to repay you next time…”
“Mm.”
I turned my back and started walking away.
I have a feeling something good will happen tomorrow.
Right, I should report to Hanazono that I made a new friend. I’m sure Hanazono will be pleased.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
Lunchtime in the courtyard. Today, I decided to change things up and not buy bread. I made yakisoba and brought it with some packaged vegetables. It’s a great dish that’s easy to make by just stir-frying the veggies.
“Haru-chan can’t come today, she’s busy with a consultation with the teacher.”
“Mm, it seems she has something to discuss with the teacher. It’s a bit lonely, but since Hanazono is beside me, I’ll be just fine.”
“You really just say things so casually, don’t you.”
“But it’s the truth.”
“Well, I’m glad then. Hey, are you also participating in the sports festival? The special class is optional, right?”
Come to think of it, I never ended up consulting with Sensei Tokita. From what I gathered, the sports festival is optional. To participate as a group from the special class, a certain number of participants are required.
So I’ll need to ask the other students.
“If there aren’t enough other participants, can’t you just join one of the regular classes?”
“That would work too. But I’d like to participate as the special class if possible.”
I want to try carving my own path a little more.
“Hmm, that sounds like a hassle. Hey, besides Haru-chan, have you made any other friends in the special class?”
“Friends? I’ve been getting a bit more familiar with my classmates. And I think I made a friend from another special class too.”
“Huh? What kind of person is it?”
“…A girl who likes muscles.”
“Eh?”
“The one standing in the shadow of that building over there.”
Peering out from the building’s shadow was Saionji Nozomi,
nibbling on some bread and watching us.
When our eyes met, she quickly ducked back, but then slowly came out and approached us. The surrounding students began murmuring.
“Hey, isn’t that Saionji-san from the special class? What’s she doing over here?!”
“Idiot, don’t try to take pictures! If you get caught taking photos at school, you’ll get expelled! And we’ll all get expelled too for being involved!”
“She’s so cute…”
“So that’s the top idol, huh… She has such a presence.”
“The special class for the entertainment department is really full of amazing people. I heard Dojima-san is going to Hollywood.”
I see, I don’t really understand what a “top idol” is, but it’s clear she’s very popular.
“Her name is Saionji Nozomi. I actually took her home yesterday after some stuff happened.”
“Whoa, I’d expect that from you, but still, what were you doing?! She’s a huge celebrity, you know!”
“No, it was the first time I met her.”
Saionji came up to us.
“Ah, you, is it okay if I sit here? I, I wanted to come to the courtyard of the regular classroom building for a change today. …I was worried since you weren’t in the classroom.”
Saionji tried to sit on the narrow bench. Hanazono and I scooted over a bit. …It’s so cramped.
“Oh my, you’re so cute. Are you Toudou’s friend?”
“Eh, yeah, Toudou’s childhood friend, Hanazono…”
“Oh! Then, please take good care of me from now on! I’m so bored with no work to do! Ah, can I exchange contact information with you, Hanazono-san?”
Saionji kept glancing at me. What is she trying to say?
“Huh?! Suddenly?! I mean, I guess it’s fine, but… where are you taking out your phone from?! Toudou, don’t look!”
Saionji took out a phone from her chest . …It felt a bit warm. Then the two of them exchanged contact information. After a brief silence, Saionji reached into her chest again and pulled out a small snack bag.
Is that where she stores things?
“I, I came to give you my thanks from yesterday. …Homemade cookies, please have some.”
“Toudou? What’s going on? Why are you getting friendly with Saionji-san?!”
“Wait, Hanazono, I’ll explain properly. Don’t hit me on the shoulder. Saionji, wait, don’t try to force-feed me. Tanaka, help me out here.”
“Haru-chan isn’t here! Toudou! Explain yourself!”
“Eat the cookies!”
I curled up and shrank into myself. Women can be very strong. Even back in elementary school, I had a hard time with adult women. Especially in front of [Eri], I would get so nervous I couldn’t move. …No, that was just an intimidating presence.
Anyway, I calmed down Hanazono and received the package of cookies from Saionji. …As expected, it’s warm.
“Hmm, it may not look very good, but it looks very delicious.”
“noisy!”
I take a bite of the cookie. ……T-This is… not sweet at all?
“How is it? Delicious? I didn’t taste it myself, so I’m not sure.”
“……Based on my guess, you probably forgot to put in the sugar.”
I felt like Hanazono’s temperature had dropped a bit.
“You’re not making fun of Toudou, are you, Saionji-san? If it’s a joke, I’ll get angry, you know?”
“No, wait Hanazono.”
“Eh, ah, I’m sorry……, I don’t cook much, I was taught by my mom, but I made a mistake. The rest, I’ll eat, Toudou, you have some water.”
I finish the remaining cookies in one bite.
“Munch, munch……, hmm, this is still edible. Saionji’s gratitude has reached my heart.”
Hanazono lets out a sigh of relief.
“If Toudou is okay, then that’s fine…”
Saionji answers while looking down a little.
“……Well, you see, I’m a famous person, and… like Toudou, you’re the first person who doesn’t know anything about me and has no interest in me. Uh, I don’t have any friends at all, and I don’t know how to talk to them…”
The atmosphere around Hanazono becomes warm.
“Ah, I see, you’re an awkward child like Toudou too. Hey, Toudou, what do you want to do?”
“Me? I just happened to know Saionji by chance, so our relationship is…”
I think for a moment. It’s not a high-speed thought. I take my time and think slowly. Because that’s what a normal person would do.
What does Saionji want to do by coming here? She said it was a thank you, but that’s just an excuse. I can’t be like the old me who doesn’t think about anything.
Don’t just act based on logic. Follow your instincts–
“Hmm, I see, this is how the circle of friends expands. Saionji, be my friend.”
Hanazono stands up and pats my back. It doesn’t hurt. For some reason, I feel like I’ve been praised.
Saionji tries to find her words, flustered.
“Uh, um, I, uh, want to be, friends.”
“Saionji-san, if you’re friends with Toudou, you can be friends with me too. Hehe, let’s get along from now on!”
“Ah…, yeah……, nice to meet you…”
It’s a good atmosphere. My heart is satisfied.
And then, a human figure appeared from the school building. I had already noticed the footsteps walking down the hallway, but the closer they got, the more my heart felt happy. The footsteps became a light jog, and as they clearly recognized us, Tanaka started running while waving.
“Yo! I’m done with the meeting with the teacher! Huh? Why is Nozomi here?”
“Aaah! Haru Tanaka!? Ah, you’re also friends with Toudou!?”
“Yeah, we’re in the same class. Anyway, it’s been forever since I talked to you, Nozomi-chan. Are you still being tsundere?”
“I’m not being tsundere at all! ……That’s enough for today! Toudou, come play at my house again! My mom is looking forward to it!”
“Understood, I’ll be sure to visit then.”
Saionji left with her face flushed, mumbling.
Tanaka and Hanazono looked at each other.
“I’m curious about her house, but well, that’s probably a good thing.”
“Yeah, it’s great that Toudou is getting more friends. Hehe, Toudou, tell me what happened with Nozomi-chan.”
“Uh, well, that was yesterday–“
I’m glad, it seems my choice was not wrong. Let me ask Saionji to participate in the sports festival.
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