Kanojo ni Uwaki Volume 1 Chapter 5: Coincidence

 Volume 1 Chapter 5: Coincidence

 

Apparently, today marked the coldest day in several years.

 

It was late January. The streets, having shed even the last traces of the New Year atmosphere – let alone Christmas cheer – had returned completely to normal.

 

This past month had been uneventful. Buying a lottery ticket with friends on a whim, attending a bunch of New Year parties – everything was almost exactly the same as last year.

 

If there was one thing that had changed from last year…

 

“Senpai, you really let the place go again while I wasn’t here, huh~”

 

It would be the presence of Mayu Shinohara, the ex-Santa now visiting my place three times a week.

 

“Shut up. A real man doesn’t have time to clean.”

 

“What kind of nonsense logic is that? You’re gonna turn into a pile of house dust.”

 

With an exasperated tone, Shinohara started folding the clothes scattered across my one-room apartment.

 

“Hey, cut it out. I said I’d fold those myself later.”

 

“I believed that for a whole week after you said it. Still waiting for it to happen.”

 

“I’m starting tomorrow.”

 

“Right.”

 

She replied in a voice soaked with disbelief, hands never stopping as she neatly folded another shirt.

 

How did it come to this?

 

Back when Shinohara visited over New Year’s, we’d agreed she’d come over maybe twice a week.

 

At the time, I’d honestly been happy to have formed a new bond.

 

But this current situation… was nowhere near what I’d envisioned back then.

 

This wasn’t so much a case of her visiting my place anymore – it felt more accurate to say she was commuting.

 

While I was still somewhat bewildered by this new arrangement, there was one thing I genuinely appreciated about Shinohara coming over so often.

 

“Senpai, I’m going to use the kitchen again today~”

 

“Yeah, thanks.”

 

That’s right – her cooking.

 

Living alone as a male college student was, to put it bluntly, pathetic. Meals were something I just got over with.

 

Wake up past noon, eat some bread, then grab dinner on the way home. On days I didn’t meet up with anyone, I’d grab a convenience store bento and call it a night.

 

That lifestyle had gone on long enough that my tongue had practically been starved for proper home-cooked meals. So when Shinohara started cooking for me, I was honestly thrilled.

 

“You’re seriously a lifesaver. I owe you big time.”

 

“I live alone too, so it’s just convenient for me. I just cook when I’ve got free time and feel like eating with Senpai – so don’t worry about it.”

 

“For real? You’re a good one, huh. You really get my financial situation.”

 

I let out a breath of relief.

 

I hadn’t been working as many part-time shifts this month, and my savings were looking dangerously low. With job hunting coming up soon, I couldn’t afford to be reckless.

 

“My payment will be a Louis Vuitton wallet, thanks.”

 

“That’s not ‘just convenient’ at all! That’s a serious demand!”

 

“It’s your fault for dangling the idea of compensation, Senpai. No female college student can resist the temptation of a Louis Vuitton wallet.”

 

“How did that become the default thank-you gift…?”

 

I flopped onto the bed with a groan. Well, even if we were splitting grocery costs, she was still putting in all the effort to cook, so I couldn’t really complain.

 

After a while, I figured maybe buying her something like that wouldn’t be out of the question.

 

Like, say – for her birthday.

 

“When’s your birthday?”

 

“Tomorrow.”

 

“What!?”

 

I jolted upright in bed and locked eyes with Shinohara, who blinked back at me in surprise.

 

Still wearing her apron tied around her waist, she tilted her head.

 

“Something wrong?”

 

“…Nah, I was just surprised. How old are you turning?”

 

I deflected with a safe question and flopped back down onto the bed.

 

“You know,” she began, I just realized something – being able to casually ask a woman her age only really flies while we’re students.”

 

“Yeah, once you’re out in the working world, that kind of thing’s off-limits.”

 

“Right? It’s terrifying, since there’s no real upper limit on how old someone could be.”

 

Shinohara gave a mock shiver at the thought.

 

Then she cleared her throat theatrically and said:

 

“Anyway, to answer your question – nineteen! Just one more year until I can legally drink!”

 

“Ahh.”

 

I was tempted to comment on her use of the word “legally,” but decided to let it go.

 

Like she said before – this is just how college students are.

 

“Hmm hmm hmm. What’s with the lukewarm reaction? I’m almost legal, you know! Senpai, I bet when you turned eighteen—”

 

“Yeah year, sure I get it. But don’t go saying stuff like that out loud, alright? These days, you never know who’s listening.”

 

I shut down my junior before she could say anything even more incriminating.

 

Shinohara looked dissatisfied that she hadn’t been allowed to finish her sentence, but instead of pushing through, she averted her gaze and muttered:

 

“It’s fine. This is your room, after all. It’s just you and me here.”

 

“That’s not really the issue.”

 

“It is the issue.”

 

She declared that flatly, then pulled her phone from her pocket.

 

The vibrating screen showed she’d just gotten a message from someone.

 

“Wanna go out for dinner tomorrow?”

 

I asked offhandedly.

 

It wasn’t a big deal, but I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to treat her to something. A small way of saying thanks for everything she does.

 

Besides, I had no plans tomorrow.

 

And if I were going to get her a gift, I didn’t trust my own taste enough to pick one out on my own.

 

Shinohara looked up at the offer – but then shook her head.

 

“Sorry, I can’t tomorrow.”

 

“Oh, I see.”

 

“Don’t look so surprised. I do make plans for my own birthday, you know! I’ve got plans with my friend to celebrate.”

 

She flashed a cheerful peace sign. I’d always gotten the sense she was socially active, but it seemed she really was surrounded by good friends.

 

“Wait, huh?”

 

“Hm? What’s up?”

 

“Senpai… were you maybe thinking of buying me a wallet for my birthday?”

 

She nailed it. I gave a reluctant nod, and she immediately waved her hands in flustered denial.

 

“No no no! That was a joke! I’m kidding! I’d never seriously ask for a brand-name wallet from a college student living on his own!”

 

“Well, I mean… a brand-name wallet might be pushing it, but I figured I could at least get you something for your birthday.”

 

It’s not like I had anyone else in my life to buy gifts for these days.

 

Honestly, I still had that bitter memory stuck in my head – back when I’d tried to give a present to my ex. Maybe part of me just wanted to overwrite that with something better by giving Shinohara a gift instead.

 

“W-Wait, really? You’re gonna start spoiling me after knowing me for just a month?”

 

“Don’t be stupid. It’s just a small thank-you, alright? I want to give you something, so don’t make a big deal out of it. If you don’t like it, toss it. Just – do it when I’m not around. I’d be a little crushed if you chucked it in front of me.”

 

I shrugged, and Shinohara blinked at me, sounding genuinely surprised.

 

“Wait… seriously, Senpai?”

 

She must’ve thought I was joking.

 

She looked thoughtful for a moment, but it seemed like the idea didn’t bother her.

 

“If that’s how it is… then okay.”

 

When she answered, I couldn’t help but smile.

 

There’s something uplifting about giving a gift – even just planning to.

 

“Is there anything you want in particular?”

 

I asked, and Shinohara brought a finger to her chin, mulling it over.

 

“Let’s see… I’ll leave it up to you. I know that’s probably the hardest answer, but that’s exactly why I want to leave it up to you.”

 

“Ah, going with that approach, huh… Alright. You got it. Leave it to me.”

 

“I’m looking forward to it!”

 

“Yeah, yeah.”

 

She gave me a playful wink, and I gave her a casual nod.

 

Truthfully, I had no idea what kind of design she liked.

 

One thing was for sure though – if I picked something purely on my own, it probably wouldn’t suit her tastes. Getting to know someone’s sense of style after just a month? That’s tough, even if you’re dating.

 

Still, if we were dating, picking something out myself might’ve made more sense. But this was just a gift for a junior – I figured I’d be better off asking someone I could trust.

 

Naturally, the first person who came to mind… was her.

 

 

◇

◆

 

“I’m begging you.”

 

I clasped my hands together in front of her, and the ever-reliable Ayaka frowned in disapproval.

 

I called her out in front of the university’s main gate, but judging by her expression, she wasn’t too thrilled.

 

“You want me to help pick out a present for Shinohara-san?”

 

“Yeah. I’m counting on you.”

 

“No way.”

 

“Come on.”

 

“What do you mean, ‘come on’?”

 

Ayaka sighed like she was too tired to deal with this.

 

“You asked if we could meet up, so I went out of my way to come here. I thought you were going to treat me to lunch or something.”

 

“Like I’d go out of my way to pull you out of an all-girls group just to treat you to a meal. Do you know how much guts that takes? That was a suicide mission.”

 

I’d gone to fetch her during lunch break, right in the middle of her group’s meal. Infiltrating a full group of girls just to get one of them – it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

 

“Uh-huh. Figures. Some of the girls even thought you were trying to hit on me again.”

 

“Wait, for real!?”

 

“Kidding. Everyone there already knows we’re just high school friends.”

 

“Don’t scare me like that – that was a dirty lie.”

 

I was on pretty good terms with Ayaka, who stood out even among our department, but I didn’t really talk to the other girls much.

 

Whenever I was with Ayaka, girls I didn’t know would sometimes approach, and she would always come up with some excuse to pull me away and keep it just the two of us.

 

Her reason was simple: “It’s just easier that way.”

 

Back with that group earlier, Ayaka had seemed more relaxed than usual, but with people she wasn’t particularly close to, she always kept up a careful social façade.

 

She seemed to enjoy acting like that most of the time, but I figured she needed a place where she could let her guard down every now and then.

 

“First of all,” Ayaka said, “didn’t Shinohara-san say she’d leave it up to you? Then it’s meaningless unless you’re the one who picks it out. That kind of thing’s about the gesture, you know?”

 

“Nah, Shinohara might not look it, but she’s a pretty rational girl. The fact that she told a guy she’s not dating ‘I’ll leave it to you’ – I think that was her way of putting pressure on me. So something practical is probably best.”

 

“Ugh, whatever.”

 

Ayaka looked completely disinterested.

 

Still, the fact that she didn’t immediately use work or something as an excuse to leave meant there was at least a chance. Which meant I just needed the right leverage.

 

“Ayaka.”

 

“What?”

 

“Finals are coming up. You sure you don’t want those old exams?”

 

“Please. If you think there’s any past exam you know about that I don’t, you’re dreaming.”

 

She was right. I wouldn’t stand a chance against someone with Ayaka’s connections – even if there were five of me.

 

If anything, I was the one who always borrowed her past exams.

 

“Actually, that reminds me. Didn’t you pass on the materials I gave you to someone else?”

 

“Geh!?”

 

“I’ll make sure you treat me to a proper meal to cover that,” Ayaka sniffed.

 

I had nothing to say in my defense. I simply resolved to make it up to her another time.

 

But that was a separate matter. Right now, I needed to bring out the big guns.

 

“…What about the limited-time buffet at the hotel by the station? Would that work?”

 

“…What?”

 

Starting this weekend for just one week, the hotel’s top floor was hosting a special buffet. Not your average buffet either – this one featured gourmet ingredients and rare delicacies. It was a bit pricey, but that kind of unusual event was exactly the kind of thing Ayaka couldn’t resist.

 

“Ooh, well – if you put it that way, I suppose I have no choice!”

 

She agreed with gusto, and I let out a silent sigh of relief.

 

It was an unexpected hit to my wallet, but considering it was for Ayaka, maybe it wasn’t so bad.

 

It wasn’t just Shinohara I owed – Ayaka had helped me out countless times too.

 

I’d be showing my gratitude to both of them today. A day like that every now and then wasn’t such a bad thing.

 

 

◇

◆

 

A few days later, Ayaka and I headed to the biggest shopping mall in the city, just like we planned. During Christmas, it had been covered in bright, colorful decorations. Then red and white for New Year’s. Now, all of that had been replaced by giant banners announcing seasonal clearance sales.

 

We checked out shop after shop looking for the right wallet to give to Shinohara, but Ayaka hadn’t given a single nod of approval yet. We were two hours in.

 

“All these wallets are starting to look the same to me,” I muttered, worn out.

 

“You’re the one who asked me to pick it out. Now that I’ve accepted, I’m not going to half-ass it.”

 

“…Don’t worry, I’ll pay for the entire buffet.”

 

“That’s not the point. I agreed to help, so if Shinohara-san doesn’t like it, it’s my reputation on the line.”

 

“You’ve got a real attitude, you know that…”

 

I grumbled as we exited the fourth store.

 

It had been a shop featuring all the staple brands that were popular with female college students, but Ayaka still wasn’t impressed.

 

All four stores we’d visited so far were well-known for catering to students.

 

Ever since I started college and began spending more money, I’d noticed more and more people around me caring about brand names. Personally, I never cared much for them – I preferred simple, clean styles. But for some people, being decked out head to toe in a specific brand was the norm.

 

Even if the design was mediocre, just slapping on a popular brand’s logo made it feel like a prestigious gift. That was the logic I’d been following when I figured that, for a girl’s present, any well-known brand would do the trick.

 

Yet Ayaka had dismissed all four stores, so clearly she had her own set of standards.

 

“There. That one next.”

 

Ayaka pointed to the store listings on the mall directory. Her finger landed on a name located on the eighth floor – a brand known for being way out of a typical student’s budget.

 

“Money…”

 

The word escaped me before I could stop it. I hesitated, but Ayaka grabbed my bag and pulled me back.

 

“It’s fine. I’m a member at this place, and right now they’re running a secret sale for members only. If you buy two items, there’s an extra discount. I’ll grab something for myself too.”

 

“Wait, no – that’s going too far. I can’t let you do that.”

 

“It’s fine, it’s fine. This way I can convince myself I’m doing it to help a friend – perfect excuse. I’ve been wanting this bag for a while anyway.”

 

“Are you sure that’s okay…”

 

“Come on, let’s go!”

 

With a confident voice, she grabbed my arm this time.

 

We rode the escalator up to the store, and just standing in front of it made me feel how much more upscale it was compared to the others.

 

“I don’t like places like this…”

 

“Too bad. Let’s go.”

 

“Ehh…”

 

She barely even acknowledged my complaint and dragged me inside. I glanced at one of the bags and saw the price tag: a cool 90,000 yen.

 

“Nope, I’m leaving.”

 

“Hey! That was fast! They have affordable stuff too!”

 

After that, Ayaka went off on her own, and we regrouped about ten minutes later.

 

Now she was already holding the bag she apparently intended to buy.

 

“Found a good wallet. Come one!”

 

Ayaka grabbed me by the collar and pulled me over to the display area. The price tag read—

 

“21,000 yen. I guess that’s reasonable.”

 

My wallet wasn’t nearly warm enough to call that “reasonable,” but after staring at so many expensive items, my sense of money had started to go numb.

 

“Today’s the day wallets are at their lowest price, so with discounts it should come out to around 15,000 yen. Lucky you.”

 

“Whoa, that much of a discount? That’s tempting.”

 

But that was only if I were buying it for myself. When I reminded myself that this wallet was for someone else. It suddenly felt like a much heavier decision.

 

When I calmed down and thought about it, giving a gift worth over ten thousand yen to a girl who wasn’t even my girlfriend started to feel kind of insane.

 

It might be okay because it’s Shinohara, but if I tried this with any other girl, she’d probably be put off.

 

I’ll go get a clerk to open the showcase,” Ayaka said.

 

“Wait – hang on, I still wanna think about it.”

 

“You said you’d leave it to me. It’s within your budget, and I really don’t think there’s a better option.”

 

“Even so…”

 

As I hesitated, my eyes were drawn to a pair of female college students nearby.

 

Something about them was oddly captivating.

 

They had a flashy vibe, sure – but that wasn’t unusual at our university. Even so, I couldn’t stop watching them.

 

One of them stood in front of a display case, messing with her phone. She had ash-colored hair.

 

I couldn’t see her face clearly, but there was something about her figure, her gestures, and her overall aura that rang a bell.

 

And just as if she felt my gaze, that college girl lifted her head.

 

—There stood Reina Aisaka, my ex-girlfriend.

 

 

◇

◆

 

“…Reina.”

 

The name escaped my lips in a dry whisper.

 

Reina looked just as shocked as I was, her eyes going wide.

 

“…Yuuta-kun.”

 

The sound of her voice – it was nostalgic. Her tone, her expressions, her gestures… all of it stirred memories of those days.

 

The long black coat, the red scarf, the slightly high heels – that outfit, too, I’d seen before.

 

Her hair was a little lighter than when we were dating, but there was no mistaking it. This was the girl I’d once opened my heart to.

 

A few seconds passed in silence, neither of us saying a word, until the college girl standing next to Reina spoke up.

 

“Reina, who’s this guy? A friend?”

 

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Something like that.”

 

Reina dodged the question, then looked back at me and gave a strained, awkward smile.

 

“…Been a while, huh. You doing okay?”

 

A polite, superficial question, probably for the sake of appearances. I sighed internally.

 

The girl beside her didn’t seem to know who I was. During the year Reina and I had dated, I’d met several of her friends, but this one I was seeing for the first time.

 

It made sense – Reina had gone to a girls’ university known for its wealthy student body. There weren’t many people we had in common.

 

Seeing the curious glint in the friend’s eyes, I could tell she had no clue.

 

“…Yeah. I’m doing okay, more or less.”

 

I gave the safest answer I could.

 

It had been two months since we last saw each other. There was no need to bring up what her friend clearly didn’t know.

 

And besides, there was nothing left to say.

 

We broke up the day after I found out she’d cheated. Even then, Reina didn’t offer a single excuse.

 

When I told her we were through, she just nodded silently.

 

Only two months. It sounds short when you put it into words, but back then, the days crawled by so slowly it felt like they would choke me.

 

That’s why, emotionally, it felt like a reunion after a very long time.

 

Back when Reina was my girlfriend, I had cared for her deeply – feelings far too complex to describe with the word love alone.

 

But once you break up, that person is just someone you used to know.

 

“That – are you buying it?”

 

It sounded like Reina was trying to make small talk – her eyes on the wallet I held.

 

The one I planned to give to Shinohara.

 

“Yeah, It’s a little pricey though.”

 

“I–I see. I hope they like it.”

 

“Mm.”

 

I gave a short reply and turned my gaze back to the display case, as if to say the conversation was over.

 

And I could feel it – my feelings toward Reina were settling.

 

Right after the breakup, even just seeing a photo with her face in it had made my chest tighten.

 

But now, while the initial moment of seeing her again did shake me up, it was nothing compared to how it used to be. From here on, time would do the rest.

 

“Um… can we meet again sometime?”

 

“—Huh?”

 

The one who responded wasn’t me.

 

It was Ayaka, who had been silent until now.

 

Reina looked at her in surprise.

 

“Are you serious?”

 

Her voice dripped with contempt.

 

Reina and Ayaka had never met in person.

 

Back when I was dating Reina, I had tried a few times to get them to meet, but our schedules never aligned.

 

Still, Ayaka had seen Reina’s face plenty – because I’d shown it to her again and again.

 

Reina seemed to catch on from that one comment, and she averted her eyes and left the store in a hurry.

 

As she passed by, she muttered, “See you.”

 

“…Hey.”

 

After confirming that Reina had walked out of the store, I spoke to Ayaka.

 

Ayaka gave a quick glance, in the direction Reina had gone, then opened her mouth.

 

“Sorry. You were trying to keep things normal, so I thought I’d hold back too… but she just pissed me off.”

 

“I appreciate it. She’s my ex.”

 

“You showed me her picture so many times I recognized her right away. She’s cute, sure. But that’s all.”

 

“Well… yeah. That’s true.”

 

She probably did have more good traits than just being cute.

 

But honestly, every person’s got at least a few good qualities.

 

Trying to explain that to Ayaka right now would just be stupid.

 

Because she got angry – for me.

 

“…Thanks.”

 

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Ayaka responded with a wry smile.

 

“Saying thanks for something like that? Still, I did kind of snap at her friend for no reason… that part I do feel bad about.”

 

She let out a big sigh, as if exhaling the last of her frustration.

 

“Well, that settles it then – this wallet it is. I’ll just pay for everything on my card, so give me the cash later.”

 

The run-in with Reina had completely made me lose focus on the shopping, but Ayaka’s words snapped me back to the moment.

 

She was already walking toward the register, wallet in hand – apparently having snatched it from me at some point. In her other hand was the bag she’d been eyeing earlier. There was no trace of her earlier irritation – she looked downright cheerful now.

 

“When you make a big purchase, it really does make you feel all giddy, huh?”

 

“I mean, I kinda get it… but whatever. Let’s buy the wallet. I’ll pay for it myself.”

 

Running into Reina had left me feeling unsettled, and I wanted to clear my head with a bit of reckless spending. If it was for someone who always looked out for me, then that’d kill two birds with one stone.

 

“Nope, I’m paying.”

 

“Huh? Why?”

 

“If I use my card, I get points. Gimme 500 points as your share.”

 

“So stingy!”

 

She’d never say something like that in front of other people, but when it’s just the two of us, this is how she acts.

 

Not that I minded. In fact, it made things easier.

 

“Well then, wait outside for me.”

 

“Yeah, yeah…”

 

I gave in with a sigh, and Ayaka – clearly in a great mood – headed for the register.

 

Once I confirmed she was busy at the counter, I turned my face in the direction Reina had walked off to.

 

Her figure had already vanished into the crowd.

 

 

◇

◆

 

About five minutes later—

 

As we left the store, Ayaka handed me the bag with a quick, “Here. Yours.”

 

But something else besides the wallet was inside.

 

Curious, I pulled it out without thinking.

 

“…This is—”

 

It was a key case. The subtle black gloss hinted that it hadn’t come cheap.

 

“I’m giving it to you.”

 

“Huh? Seriously? I mean – why, all of a sudden?”

 

“It’s your birthday present. I know your birthday’s in July, and it’s long past, but I just realized I’ve never actually given you one.”

 

“Wait, for real!? This is seriously cool – are you sure!?”

 

I couldn’t help but blurt out a high-pitched voice, even surprising myself.

 

Getting gifts is nerve-wracking, both for the giver and the receiver.

 

The giver worries: Will they like it? The receiver worries: I better react properly or they’ll feel bad.

 

And I was the kind who sucked at getting gifts. Even when I was genuinely happy, I always fumbled my reaction.

 

But this time, I’d been given something I truly wanted, and I couldn’t hide my excitement. It had been ages since I’d responded naturally to a gift like this.

 

Seeing me like that, Ayaka smiled in satisfaction.

 

“You’re welcome. No need to grovel.”

 

“Nah, seriously – thanks, really.”

 

“If you’re happy, then so am I. All right, let’s go!”

 

“Wait, go where?”

 

“To the buffet, obviously! Show your gratitude to the girl who just gave her first-ever present to a guy – with your attitude and your wallet!”

 

“Damn it, you ruined it with the second part!”

 

I couldn’t help but fire back, and Ayaka burst into laughter.

 

Still grinning, she walked off cheerfully toward the hotel where the buffet was being held.

 

As I followed after her, I found myself replaying something she’d said in my head.

 

—So Ayaka’s never given a guy a present before, huh.

 

Even though we were close, I didn’t really know the full scope of her relationships. I just assumed she’d given gifts like that before, same as anyone.

 

Watching Ayaka walking ahead with quickened steps, excited for the buffet, I couldn’t help but smile to myself.

 

Ayaka probably liked the sort of pure friendship we shared – one with no romantic strings attached.

 

But still, I figured it wasn’t a sin to feel a little happy that I was the first guy she ever gave a present to.

 

Whatever unease I’d felt after running into Reina was already completely gone.

 

 

◇

◆

 

After enjoying the buffet with Ayaka, I was on my way home.

 

On the way, I pulled out my now noticeably thinner wallet. I thought about grabbing a coffee from a vending machine but hesitated – there wasn’t even enough cash in there to feel comfortable doing that. Where the hell did Yukichi and Higuchi go?

 

[TL/N]: Yukichi=10,000 Yen bill, Higuchi=5000 Yen bill

 

“Damn, that was expensive. Tasted amazing though.”

 

I muttered under my breath, slipping the wallet back into my rear pocket.

 

I didn’t even want to guess how much I’d spent today – it’d be a horrifying number for a college student living alone.

 

And it’s not like it was Christmas or some special event. Today was just an ordinary weekday. That made it all the more terrifying.

 

The buffet wasn’t like your average family restaurant lineup either – it was packed with dishes that could’ve gone for a decent price even as single plates.

 

Given how I’d stuffed myself to the brim on high-end food, I supposed I couldn’t really complain about how light my wallet had become.

 

“Can’t even afford a coffee…”

 

Letting out a pitiful groan, I finally started heading home.

 

That game console I’d been thinking about buying this month was definitely going on the back burner.

 

As my apartment building came into view, I noticed the light was already on in my room. Shinohara had mentioned she was going out with friends today to celebrate her birthday – it looked like that was already over.

 

“I think I’ll be done early today, so could you leave the key in the mailbox?”

 

She’d sent that message this morning.

 

Lacking any real sense of caution about things like burglaries, I’d agreed without much though and dropped the key into the mailbox as requested.

 

The time now was 10:30 p.m.

 

I didn’t know exactly what she’d been up to this late, but I could easily imagine her lounging around my place flipping through manga or something.

 

I climbed the creaky stairs and stood in front of the door. It wasn’t quite a rundown apartment, but I was definitely on the older side, and I lived on the second floor.

 

When I opened the door and said, “I’m home,” the sound of the TV was the first thing to greet me.

 

From down the hallway, a familiar face peeked out.

 

Shinohara had loosely tied her wavy hair back into a ponytail.

 

“Oh, welcome back, Senpai.”

 

“I’m home. What’ve you been doing this whole time?”

 

“Just what it looks like – watching TV.”

 

As she answered, she casually changed the channel. The screen switched from some women being interview to a news program.

 

“Oh yeah? What were you watching?”

 

“It’s a secret. Don’t pry into a girl’s business.”

 

“I wasn’t prying that much. Hand over the remote.”

 

“Ah—”

 

I grabbed the remote and started flipping through the channels at random until I ended up back on the one she’d been watching. A caption in the top-left corner read: “When do you feel like having a boyfriend?” – clearly a romance talk show.

 

“Huh. Didn’t expect you to be into girly shows like this.”

 

“Wha—! Rude! Didn’t expect it, he says!”

 

“So, why were you watching something like this?”

 

I asked, and Shinohara glanced away for a moment, looking conflicted.

 

“…Well, if you don’t wanna say, that’s fine. Anyway, about today—”

 

“I was wondering if maybe I’m… out of touch.”

 

“You’re actually gonna say it? Huh? Where’s this coming from?”

 

“Ugh, cold! I worked up the courage to say that, you know!”

 

Shinohara glared at me with as much fire as she could muster, but it didn’t have any real effect – just looked cute.

 

“…You know I used to date Motosaka-senpai, right? Well, something about that whole thing has made me start to suspect… maybe I see the world a little differently. At least, that’s the theory I’ve developed. Internally.”

 

“Huh. Bit late for that revelation.”

 

Whether someone’s “out of touch” or not really depends on the world they’ve lived in – there’s no objective measure. But… if I had to say, based on my own idea of what’s typical, then yeah – she’s got a slightly offbeat way of thinking. That’s not a bad thing. Just uncommon.

 

“I told my friends we broke up. I mean we broke up. I mean, it happened last month, so it’s old news, but… I wanted to tell them face-to-face at least.”

 

“Oh yeah? So, how’d they react?”

 

“Yeah. They said stuff like, ‘Must’ve been rough getting cheated on,’ or, ‘Hope your next relationship is better.’”

 

“Huh. Sounds like you’ve got some good friends.”

 

“They are,” she agreed – then shook her head slightly, like that wasn’t quite the point.

 

“But hearing that kind of thing just made me feel… itchy. I mean, yeah, I know I caused a mess around Christmas, and I really do regret that. But the truth is, I only started dating Motosaka-senpai because I wanted to do couple-y things. That’s all.”

 

She shrugged, as if to say, It’s not like I was really hurt or anything.

 

“Still, they spent the whole day worrying over me and trying to comfort me. Honestly, it just wore me out.”

 

“So that’s why you called it a night early, even though it’s your birthday.”

 

“Right… I just – I dated Motosaka-senpai because I wanted the couple experience. Then he cheated, and yeah, I was pissed but I wasn’t heartbroken or anything. Isn’t that kind of… off?”

 

“Yeah, that’s pretty off.”

 

“Knew it, she laughed – an unbothered, cheerful kind of laugh, without even a hint of hurt.

 

“I mean, sure, there are probably guys out there who date someone just to get the couple experience, like you said. But still, unless they at least liked the person a little. And if they got cheated on, it’d usually hurt at least a little.”

 

Come to think of it, even right after she found out about the cheating, Shinohara didn’t seem wounded – just mad.

 

“So, why were you mad when he cheated?”

 

“Because it pissed me off.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because he made a fool of me.”

 

“Wouldn’t that also be about jealousy, though? Like, him looking at another girl instead of you? Or maybe it felt like the love he had for you was all a lie?”

 

“No. He kept pestering me, so I finally gave in and said yes – and then he cheats? Like, what the hell? That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.”

 

Shinohara declared that firmly, but then seeing my silence, her brows furrowed with uncertainty.

 

“…Does that make me shallow?”

 

It seemed like she was starting to worry that being out of sync with others meant something was wrong with her.

 

To be honest, I didn’t have enough solid ground to deny it outright. But even so, I didn’t dislike the way she saw things.

 

“People all think differently. Just wait it out – eventually you’ll meet someone who clicks with you.”

 

I waited. Met someone. Got cheated on.”

 

“…Right.”

 

“What’s with that ‘poor you’ tone?”

 

“Sorry. That sucks.”

 

“That’s exactly the kind of attitude I said wore me out earlier!”

 

She puffed out her cheeks in frustration, then folded her knees up and buried her face in them.

 

“I’m jealous of people who like each other. Being in love together seems really nice.”

 

“Yeah… it does.”

 

For just a moment, Reina’s face flashed through my mind again.

 

“Here. For you. The wallet.”

 

“Ehh?!”

 

Shinohara immediately sat up straight from her curled position and scooted closer. A sweet scent – definitely not my shampoo – tickled my nose as she leaned in.

 

“Happy birthday. Looking forward to more good times ahead.”

 

“…My heart just skipped a beat.”

 

“Glad you liked it.”

 

“Actually, this is exactly my style. I’ve been eyeing accessories from this brand for a while now – how’d you know? Are you a genius or something?”

 

That was all Ayaka’s doing – her tase was always spot on.

 

“I guess I just picked up on it from our conversations.”

 

…Please forgive me for playing it cool like that.

 

Just then, the doorbell rang.

 

The chime echoed far too loudly for a cramped one-room apartment.

 

“Who could it be at this hour?”

 

Shinohara stood up with a light grunt and made her way to the door.

 

She was still holding the wallet delicately in both hands. Clearly, she really liked it.

 

It wasn’t a cheap gift, but seeing how happy she was made me feel it was worth every yen.

 

I heard the clack of the door unlocking – and then, a voice that didn’t belong to Shinohara called out. A voice I knew all too well.

 

“Eh? Shinohara-san? What are you doing here?”

 

“…Ayaka-senpai.” Shinohara stood in the doorway, and past her, Ayaka and I locked eyes.

 

 

◇

◆

 

I instinctively turned my face away from Ayaka’s gaze.

 

Now that I thought about it, I had never actually told her that Shinohara had practically taken up residence at my place.

 

There was absolutely nothing shady about her staying this late – it was all innocent – but if the roles were reversed, how would I interpret the scene?

 

That answer was obvious.

 

“…Wait, hold up. Are you two, like, dating or something?”

 

Sure enough, Ayaka’s voice was laced with surprise.

 

When I looked at her, her expression wasn’t teasing or amused – just pure, honest shock.

 

Thinking about it, she had always been the first person I told whenever I got a girlfriend.

 

So from her perspective, finding out I had a girlfriend without telling her – especially when that girlfriend was someone she knew like Shinohara – would be a double shock.

 

Ayaka stood there, unusually at a loss for words. I walked toward the entryway, waving her over.

 

“Nah. If something was going on, you’d be the first to know.”

 

Still, she stayed silent for a few seconds before finally shaking her head.

 

“…Maybe, but anyone seeing this would jump to the same conclusion.”

 

“Yeah, fair. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t even bother trying to explain.”

 

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m still confused, okay? Don’t go assuming I always get what’s going on in your head.”

 

She added, “Seriously, I was just… really surprised,” before shutting the front door behind her.

 

The cold wind that had crept into the room was cut off, and a little warmth returned to the air.

 

“You still understand me better than most, though.”

 

“Maybe. I guess.”

 

Even among college students, where relationships are often vague and blurry, I hadn’t exactly let many girls into my room. And as for being alone with one? I could hardly remember another time it had happened.

 

The fact that I was with Shinohara at 11:30 PM – just the two of us – made Ayaka’s misunderstanding completely understandable.

 

But I figured things were cleared up now.

 

Just as I turned to apologize to Shinohara for the awkward situation, she unexpectedly spoke up.

 

“So Ayaka-senpai’s the kind of person who shows up at someone’s place at this hour. How rude.”

 

Ayaka tilted her head slightly after a beat.

 

“…Well, I’d rather not hear that from a minor who’s been hanging around a guy’s place this late when they’re not even dating.”

 

—Wait, why are they already arguing?

 

I jumped in before things escalated further.

 

“Shinohara, Ayaka’s your senpai, remember?”

 

“…Right, I’m sorry.”

 

Shinohara apologized obediently, but her eyes stayed locked on Ayaka’s.

 

That attitude was nowhere to be seen back during the mixer…

 

—No, that’s not it.

 

The two of them never spoke even once at that party.

 

So… is there something going on here?

 

The tension in the room prickled at my skin,  and my instincts told me this wasn’t just some awkward misunderstanding.

 

I glanced over at Ayaka. Her expression was calm and composed, but she was watching Shinohara just as closely.

 

After a brief pause, Ayaka finally broke the silence.

 

“…Don’t worry about her. She’s always been like this. She’s an old underclassman of mine.”

 

“Old underclassman?”

 

I’d heard that Shinohara was her junior, but I didn’t realize it went back before college.

 

Whether or not that long-standing connection explained the subtle but palpable tension between them… I still wasn’t sure.

 

…And frankly, this wasn’t something I needed to know right now.

 

It was between the two of them.

 

After a quick pause to think, I decided to gently step in.

 

“Shinohara, let’s leave it at that.”

 

She glanced at me, then gave a small, obedient nod.

 

“Sorry. I guess I came off a little harsh.”

 

Ayaka didn’t seem particularly fazed by the apology. She just shook her head.

 

“It’s fine. I’m sorry too – I shouldn’t have snapped back. Besides, from the looks of it, you two aren’t actually dating after all.”

 

“No, we’re not,” Shinohara replied with a straightforward nod – her tone unusually honest for that moment.

 

After all, she’d just been venting about how she’d never truly fallen in love with anyone.

 

Ayaka seemed satisfied with that answer. She placed her slender hand on the doorknob.

 

“Well then, I’ll get out of your hair. We can talk about what I came for another time.”

 

“Alright, I’ll see you at school.”

 

She gave me a faint smile and turned around.

 

But just as she pivoted on her heel, something in Shinohara’s hands caught her eye.

 

“This?” Shinohara noticed the glance and held the item out toward Ayaka.

 

“This wallet – I just got it from senpai, literally moments ago.”

 

My heart skipped a beat.

 

Ayaka’s gaze fixed on the wallet in Shinohara’s hand, and her brows subtly knit together.

 

Of course she recognized it – Ayaka was the one who picked out the wallet.

 

“…I see. It’s a lovely wallet,” she said curtly, then lightly tapped my shoulder as she turned to leave.

 

“Nice one. Your taste’s improved.”

 

“Wait—”

 

I looked at her, the question Are you really okay with this? clear in my expression.

 

But Ayaka didn’t even glance back. She just waved it off, as if nothing had happened.

 

“Sorry for intruding,” she added casually before stepping out the door.

 

I had no choice but to silently watch her figure melt into the darkness.

 

 

◇

◆

 

“Shinohara. Sit.”

 

“…Um.”

 

When I crossed my legs on the couch, Shinohara obediently plopped down onto the floor in front of me, sitting in formal seiza position.

 

To anyone else, it would’ve looked like an awkward or even compromising scene – but fortunately, this was my apartment. There was no one around to see it.

 

“Senpai…”

 

“What now?”

 

“The floor’s cold.”

 

“Of course it is. It’s a bachelor’s apartment, not a spa. No floor heating. Deal with it. And you sat there on your own remember?”

 

I gave her a quick glance – her loungewear was as casual as ever – and adjusted how I crossed my legs.

 

There was really only one thing I wanted to say to her.

 

“That attitude earlier. Ayaka’s still your senior you know?”

 

“…Yes. I’m sorry.”

 

The Santa sitting before me with her head down looked even more deflated than she had right after breaking up with Motosaka.

 

At least she seemed genuinely remorseful – that much was clear from how easily she apologized.

 

Especially because she’d never acted that way in front of me before.

 

So, I decided to shift gears a little.

 

“…Well, I want to be mad, but honestly, as long as you’re normal around me, it’s fine.”

 

The moment my words reached her, Shinohara’s head popped up.

 

And, typical of her, that gloomy expression instantly flipped into a bright smile.

 

“Yes! I’ll be normal!”

 

“That’s not something you need to declare out loud… Anyway, head home. It’s getting late.”

 

It was the first time Shinohara had stayed at my place this late – almost midnight. Normally, I made sure she was out the door by eleven, so this wasn’t drastically different time-wise, but still.

 

“You know, it’s kind of rare nowadays. A guy making a girl go home this close to the last train. You could at least act a little worried.”

 

She said it teasingly as she walked toward the front door.

 

The narrow entryway, which was already cramped thanks to the three or four pairs of boots I kept there, didn’t faze her in the slightest. She smoothly stretched her foot toward her heels, as if she’d done it a hundred times.

 

“…Don’t you care? About why I snapped like that earlier?”

 

“Not really. Doesn’t concern me.”

 

“Aww, don’t say it like that – it kind of hurts, y’know?”

 

After slipping on her heels, she turned around once more.

 

“But, I actually kind of like that about you, senpai – how you don’t pry.”

 

“Cool. Now shut the door, it’s freezing.”

 

“…You’re seriously cold, you know that?! Can’t you give me something of a reaction!?”

 

She stuck her tongue out playfully, then shut the door behind her.

 

“…’Kind of like,’ huh? Don’t throw that around so lightly.”

 

I knew she didn’t mean it seriously, but…

 

Back in high school, I definitely would’ve gotten my hopes up.

 

And then if I misunderstood, I would’ve been the one blamed for it.

 

Girls probably had it rough too, but guys? Guys had their own ways of getting screwed over.

Translator's note: Sorry that took so long to get out. I believe we are halfway through volume 1. This chapter covered chapters 6-8 in the manga if you're curious.

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