Epilogue
Changing Relationships
ONLY TWO DAYS of winter break remained.
My relationship with Kei was back to the way it used to be… From Kei’s point of view, it’s been restored more than ever before.
Sudō's initial one-sided dislike for Yōsuke, as a classmate, had changed for the better. The break also led to unexpected encounters with Sakayanagi and her classmates.
Furthermore, Ryūen and Katsuragi had already started preparing for the start of the third term. I found evidence of Ichinose's change and newfound mental stability too—a good sign for her worried class.
Overall, it seemed like a fulfilling winter break.
However, there was one point of contention.
I felt that there was something left unfinished during this break.
The book I received as a present from Hiyori.
I wondered what I could do in return for receiving it.
After several days of agonizing, I arrived at one conclusion.
However, in order to carry out that conclusion, it was necessary to make some prior arrangements.
I had recently caused a lot of anxiety for Kei with Ichinose and that whole situation.
Rekindling an awkward atmosphere here wouldn’t be ideal.
I had to repay her without causing any misunderstandings.
So, what was this repayment?
The hint laid in what I felt shortly after my entrance to the school in the past.
“Kiyotaka! Are you good? This is only for today, okay?!”
Hugging me from behind, Kei yelled with her pajamas still on as I was about to leave the room.
“I know. That's why I properly explained it, right?”
“Yeah, but... Even though I heard the reason why... I still feel anxious!”
I urged her to let me go and turned around; she hugged me from the front this time.
“Make sure you come back by tonight, okay?”
“If you're that worried, you should have just cleared the condition I set, right?”
“There's no way I can do that. Just looking at printed words is hard enough for me with textbooks alone. Besides, our conversation would never be on the same wavelength.”
Well, that was probably true.
Trying to force it wouldn’t likely lead to an enjoyable result for either of us.
“Then give me a kiss!”
“Where did that 'then' come from?”
As I countered her, Kei had already closed her eyes and faced her lips towards me.
As I met her wish honestly, she smiled mischievously and cutely waved her hand.
“Take care.”
Her angry expression from just five seconds ago seemed like a lie as she now wore a happy smile.
While Kei was seeing me off, I left the room.
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