Bonus Short Story
That Summer Night (Hoshimiya Hikari)
I’m so full.
I looked around as I rubbed my bloated stomach. We were out on the cottage terrace. Though there were lights in the vicinity, as night fell, the world gradually dimmed. The others surrounded a barbecue grill that was set up in the center of the terrace.
Unlike me, they were all still full of energy, grilling meat and quickly devouring it. I was especially impressed and somewhat taken aback by Tatsuya-kun, who was also scarfing down a large serving of rice along with everything else. Though he had a rather large build, he was still quite slim, so it made me wonder where all that food went. Yuino-chan loaded up his plate with more freshly grilled meat. She loves taking care of people, as usual.
Uta-chan, Reita-kun, and Miori-chan had stopped eating and were now chatting away blissfully. Natsuki-kun watched everyone else at a small distance. From the side, his expression appeared to be tinged with sorrow, which made it hard to take my eyes off of him. The next thing I knew, I was walking towards him.
“Done eating already?” I asked.
Natsuki-kun’s expression instantly softened. That slight change was all it took to make my heart flutter with glee and my mouth slacken in a funny way. I’m attracted to him. I couldn’t lie to myself any longer. I stared at his face.
“I’m stuffed. What about you?” he replied.
“Me too. I ate too much.” I kept my response natural, but my heart pounded in my chest. What an aggravating body. Just talking to my crush makes my mind go blank. And my face feels hot.
I stood next to him and leaned against the fence. My arm brushed his. I almost distanced myself in surprise, but I found that I couldn’t move by my own volition. The reason was too embarrassing, and I didn’t want to think about it. He didn’t try to shift away either.
We didn’t talk, but we could hear the boisterous tumult from the others. A sort of comfortable silence settled between the two of us. I want to stay like this forever, I thought as I glanced at him.
Natsuki-kun peered up at the night sky. I copied him and gazed up as well. Stars twinkled brightly in the cloudless night sky. It’s beautiful. I’m really glad it’s clear tonight... But his side profile caught my eyes more. H-Huh? Was he always this handsome?
I love him. Those words spontaneously came to mind. I love this person. Oh, I see. So this is what it feels like to love someone. I finally understand why everyone makes a fuss about romance. No one could remain sane feeling like this.
On impulse, I grabbed Natsuki-kun’s hand. It was larger than I’d expected. Hmm? We’re...holding hands? I did my best to keep my confusion hidden, but he didn’t move a muscle. Here I was, getting flustered on the inside, but he was keeping his cool; I found that unforgivable somehow.
While love consumed me, manipulating me as it pleased, my eyes met Uta-chan’s. Though she was deep in conversation with the others, her gaze unmistakably locked onto me. My heart and mind rapidly cooled down.
“I shouldn’t do this. I’m pretty sly, aren’t I?” I murmured and let go of his hand. His warmth lingered on my palm.
Uta-chan approached us, and as though we were switching places, I returned to the others. I couldn’t look her in the eyes. After all, I was in the wrong here. My vision fell to the ground, but then someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around—it was Serika-chan.
“You seem down. Wanna duet?” She put on some music and began to sing; her shoulders swayed rhythmically.
“Sorry. I’m not in the mood,” I replied.
“Really? Music’ll cheer you up,” she said, the corners of her mouth curving up ever so slightly.
The song playing right now was Ellegarden’s “The Autumn Song.” They were a band that Natsuki-kun liked, so I’d listened to some of their stuff before.
The end of summer gradually drew near, leaving me forlorn... But she was right: I did cheer up a little bit.
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