Chapter 7
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After lunch, Tsubaki changed from her uniform into the same faded hoodie and jeans she wore yesterday.
Then, the two of us headed to the station building where we had watched the movie the day before.
Today, there was a bit more sunlight, and I could see patches of light blue sky through the breaks in the clouds.
“It’s cool today, too,” Tsubaki murmured without looking at me.
“Yeah. Well, I prefer this to it being too hot. It’s more comfortable.”
“…Yes, it’s easier to spend time outside when it’s like this,” she said with a slight nuance in her voice.
Well, I suppose being too cool (Cold) can also be an issue. I remember when I was in elementary school, there was a cold summer that led to a disastrous rice crop failure. Back then, Mishima gave us a lot of rice of dubious origin…
“…I’m sorry. I said something unnecessary,” Tsubaki said, lightly furrowing her brow and lowering her eyes. Her shoulders were trembling slightly.
“No, it’s fine. I was just recalling how a cold summer was difficult.”
“Is that so…”
“Yes, really. So don’t worry about it.”
“Okay… I’m sorry…”
Her expression was still somewhat stiff, but her shoulders had stopped trembling, so I decided to let it go at that.
After that, we walked in silence until we reached the station building.
Looking around, I noticed that most of the shops catered to an older demographic, probably because of the nearby office district.
Maybe I should have chosen another location, even if it was a bit farther…
Despite that, Tsubaki’s expression was somewhat cheerful.
Since she seemed satisfied, I decided not to mention anything.
As we walked through the shopping center, Tsubaki suddenly stopped in front of a store.
The display featured cute clothes adorned with frills and lace. It seemed to target a younger demographic compared to the other stores.
Tsubaki gazed at a light blue dress displayed at the store’s entrance, then turned to me.
“Um, Kawakami-san?”
“What is it?”
“…May I take my time to look around this store?”
With an anxious expression, Tsubaki tilted her head.
We’ve been living together for about a week, but this might be the first time she’s made a request on her own.
“Of course. I’ll wait here, so take your time.”
“Thank you.”
After bowing deeply, Tsubaki entered the store with a light step. Watching her back, I couldn’t help but see a resemblance to Mayuko.
Thinking back, Mayuko always took her time choosing clothes. I rarely agonized over my choices, so she often told me to find something to kill time.
…Tsubaki might take just as long, but I couldn’t leave the spot considering the bill.
I’ll move to a place where I won’t be in the way of other customers and pass the time.
“Hey, is everything okay today?”
Just as I pulled out my smartphone, I saw a notification from Mishima.
Honestly, I wanted to ignore it again, but it seemed like I had received quite a few messages… Ignoring it would only make things more troublesome. I had no choice but to reply…
“Sorry, just saw your message. I’m out today, so let’s do it another time.”
“Really? I’m out too, so let’s meet up somewhere!”
…Why can’t she understand?
“No, I have other plans today, so it’s not possible.”
“It’s okay, I’m free today. I’ll just wait until you’re done with your plans!”
…I was starting to get a headache.
Maybe it would be okay if Mishima joined us, but Tsubaki seemed to be enjoying herself, and I didn’t want to add any unnecessary burden.
“Um, Kawakami-san?”
Raising my head at the voice, I saw Tsubaki holding a hanger with a dress. For now, I set aside my reply to Mishima.
“Did you find something you like?”
As I approached, Tsubaki nodded slightly.
“Yes. I thought I might go with this.”
Holding the same dress that was displayed at the entrance against her chest, she looked somewhat pleased, though not quite smiling.
“Alright, I’ll go pay for it, so wait here.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“No problem at all.”
I took the dress from Tsubaki, who bowed deeply, and went to pay. It was pricier than I expected, but seeing her pleased expression made it worthwhile.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”
Returning to the store entrance, I handed her the bag with the dress, and she hugged it tightly while bowing deeply again.
“Is there anything else you want to see?”
“No, nothing else in particular.”
Checking my watch, I saw it was past 2 PM. We could head home, but I felt the urge to smoke.
“Then, how about we go to a café…”
――Buzz.
Suddenly, I felt my bag vibrate.
It was undoubtedly a message from Mishima.
――Buzz, buzz.
…No, it might be a call instead.
“Um, Kawakami-san, your phone seems to be ringing…”
“Oh, right.”
“Shouldn’t you answer it?”
“Ah… yeah, just a moment, please.”
Tsubaki nodded expressionlessly. She had returned to her usual demeanor.
Just when I had seen her looking pleased, this call had to ruin it…
I felt a surge of irritation rising from within.
Still, Mishima didn’t mean any harm, so I had to calm myself before answering.
I didn’t want to lash out at a long-time friend.
“Hello?”
“Kawakami! Why are you ignoring my messages!?”
…This irritation wasn’t unjustified, it seemed.
But still, I had some responsibility for not responding earlier.
“Sorry, I got caught up in something and couldn’t reply.”
“Hmm. Okay, I guess that’s fair.”
My calm response seemed to bring Mishima back to her senses.
“So, when are we meeting today?”
…It seemed she still wasn’t willing to listen properly.
“Sorry, like I said earlier, I have plans and don’t know when they’ll end.”
“That’s fine. I’m free today, so I can wait until you’re done!”
“No, it might take until night.”
“Okay, I’ll come by your place tonight! If I don’t bring dinner, you’ll just have instant noodles again, right?”
“No, I have work tomorrow. Let’s do it another time.”
“It’s fine! I have a day off tomorrow, and you’re working from home lately, right?”
“Yes, but today’s really not possible. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Hey, wait, Kawaka…”
I ended the call mid-sentence. After saying that much, surely she wouldn’t show up unannounced. Hopefully.
“…That seemed exhausting.”
A flat voice suddenly reached my ears. Turning, I saw Tsubaki looking at me sympathetically.
“Yeah, I’m worn out… She never listens to what I say.”
“She?”
“Oh, Mishima.”
“Mishima-san?”
Tsubaki’s eyes widened slightly at my words.
“Yes. She might come over today… I tried to stop her, though.”
“I see… In that case, I should find another place to stay.”
“…Wait, why? Do you have somewhere to go?”
“No, but… wouldn’t my presence upset Mishima-san, as your ex’s daughter?”
“She might be surprised, but I don’t think she’d be upset.”
“But… Mishima-san has feelings for you, right?”
“…What?”
Mishima, having feelings for me?
…Where did she get that idea?
“Oh no, that’s not the case. She has a boyfriend.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. She often comes over to complain about him. She probably wanted to do that today, too.”
“I see…”
Tsubaki replied with a somewhat puzzled expression.
Well, it’s understandable she might have been confused, considering Mishima often pesters me.
Some people even teased us about being a good match.
Still—
“…Kawakami-san?”
I found myself staring at Tsubaki.
“Oh, sorry. I just wanted a smoke. Shall we head to a café?”
“Oh, yes. Okay.”
“Thanks. To make up for it, how about I treat you to all the cakes they have?”
“…I can’t eat that much.”
A slight smile appeared in response to my light-hearted remark.
—Maybe, she’s the one I truly care about.