Is It Permissible To Abandon a Childhood Friend Who Has Become a School Idol and Be Happy

17

I wonder how much time has passed since then.

The clock’s hands are past 9:00 pm Normally, I’d be in my room reading a book or studying, or maybe talking to Kou-kun on the phone.

“Hmm, I wonder if I should go for something cuter. But something brighter would look better on TV, don’t you think?”

But today is different.

I’m sitting on the sofa in the living room on the first floor, looking at the pile of clothes my aunt has laid out.

I’ve changed outfits so many times already, and I’m honestly starting to regret it.

“Hey, what do you think? Should I go with something a little bolder?”

“Hmm. Mio is a quiet girl, so something like that doesn’t really fit her image. I think this one suits you better…”

To make matters worse, my mom has even joined in on the outfit selection, and now it’s complete chaos.

Normally, she just gives me money and tells me to buy whatever I like, so why does she have to interfere now of all times…?

(I wish this would be over already…)

It’s about me, but I can’t keep up with everyone else getting so excited.

This is going to take a while, and I have nothing to do with my hands.

I decide to play with the ends of my hair, but my fingers brush against empty air.

(Oh, that’s right. I cut it…)

My bangs were cut as soon as I got to the living room because they said it was bad to not be able to see my eyes.

And then they made me take off my glasses and put in contacts.

I had bought them before, but I was too scared to use them, so my mom brought them. I was a little fed up at that point.

(I don’t think this is going to change anything…)

I just want to look a little more mature, but that’s all.

There’s no way I’m going to change overnight.

“…Yes, let’s go with this one! This is definitely the best one.”

Just as I was starting to get lost in my thoughts, my aunt’s voice boomed through the living room.

“Here, put this on! This is the one that suits you best!”

“O-okay.”

I thought her yelling like that in the middle of the night would bother the neighbors, but I ended up taking the clothes from her without a fight.

I didn’t have the energy to resist anymore. I was just tired and annoyed.

(I’ll just change and let her be happy so she’ll go home.)

She handed me a bright, slightly mature-looking white dress.

It was somewhat in line with what I had in mind, but I was more apathetic than anything.

I still thought nothing was going to change.

But…

“Oh my! As I thought! It suits you!”

After changing my clothes, I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself, speechless.

(Is this me…?)

The girl standing before me was so beautiful that I doubted my own eyes.

“Oh my, isn’t that something? What a transformation. I guess even a nag looks good with the right saddle.”

“Now, that’s rude to your own daughter! You’ve always been so tactless.”

My mother and aunt were talking about something, but I couldn’t hear them anymore.

“This is… me…”

I stared at ‘me’.

I stared at the reborn ‘me’, as if I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“This is…”

If this is the case.

If this is the case, Kou-kun will surely.

—look only at me

A shiver ran through my chest.