Living with the Arrogant Queen from High School is Surprisingly Not Uncomfortable

The wedding was progressing smoothly. The ceremony had ended, the reception had begun, and I, Hayashi Megumi, had successfully finished the representative speech on behalf of the friends.

As I had consulted with Yamamoto, I decided to convey all my feelings for Itchan through the speech without any problems.

Surprisingly, the response from the venue was not bad. Every now and then, Itchan would wipe the corners of his eyes, and I was moved to the point of almost crying.

While holding back a trembling voice, I continued the speech desperately… I think I will never forget this day for a while.

“Phew”

“You did well. That wasn’t so bad, right?”

When I returned to my seat, Yamamoto was smiling contentedly.

Without a doubt, being able to finish the representative speech without any problems was thanks to Yamamoto.

However, why don’t I feel genuinely happy when I see his smug face?

Yamamoto continued to smile faintly as he saw my pouting.

While being smiled at gently by our tablemate Akari, I ate my meal with a restless feeling.

The reception was getting louder and more energetic.

Suddenly, a few girls approached Yamamoto.

“Yamamoto-senpai, it’s been a while.”

She was, if I remember correctly, from the generation below us. She was probably involved in the same club activities as Itchan.

Itchan’s wedding was held in our hometown. That’s why we were able to invite our juniors from high school.

…But what kind of relationship does this guy have with her?

In high school, Yamamoto didn’t have many friends. He was not the type to stand out, and he wouldn’t often have the chance to meet a cute girl like her.

Apparently, Yamamoto, who was eating his meal, seemed ready to answer my question.

“…Who was that?”

That’s not good.

This guy, his response to a girl who finally spoke to him, is too nonsensical.

“Ugh! Senpai, you’re always so casual.”

A good impression… really?

“It’s me. Matsuo.”

“…Ah, thanks for last year’s culture festival!”

“No problem. I enjoyed it too.”

Last year’s culture festival.

Yamamoto had made a big impact as the chairman of the culture festival, and his stock had risen among the organizers. If she was also chosen as a committee member of that festival, it’s not strange that she would be frank with Yamamoto.

…But still, isn’t this guy fooling too many girls?

I feel a little, no, quite irritated.

“Senpai, which university are you at?”

Yamamoto answered the name of his university.

“Oh! The university I’m aspiring to is near your university!”

Yamamoto let out a voice of admiration.

“Hey, Senpai! Before I enter university, I want to sightsee around Tokyo… could you, if possible, show me around?”

…What?

Without noticing my pressure… or maybe she did, but she ignored it and made a huge request.

“Eh, no.”

Nice.

Good job, Yamamoto. I like that side of you.

…Not that it matters?

I just played with words, right?

“Eh, why not? If possible, I’d like to stay at your house afterward…”

“Matsuo-chan. In that case, I’ll show you around.”

The one who made that suggestion to her was Akari.

“Ah, Akari-senpai! It’s been a while.”

“Yeah. Long time no see. Have you been well?”

“No. I was so lonely after you graduated.”

Despite that, she was only interacting with Yamamoto and didn’t speak to Akari… It’s amazing that she can say something like that.

“Well then, Yamamoto-senpai, Akari-senpai, see you next time.”

“See you.”

She waved to the two of them and left the place.

“You’re awful, fooling such an innocent girl like that.”

“Did it look like I was fooling her just now?”

I puffed out my cheeks and turned away.

It didn’t look like you were fooling her at all.

“I’m going to get some fresh air.”

I got up in a huff.

“Ah, then I will too.”

“Alright, take care.”

With brisk steps, I left the building.

Contrary to the bustling banquet hall, the outside was rather quiet, with minimal noise.

It was a convenient environment to calm my raging emotions.

“If you keep up that attitude, you’ll end up disliked, you know?”

As I squatted down and curled up, I heard Akari’s voice from behind me.

“…Shut up.”

“Cute.”

It’s strange.

When I listen to Akari’s nonsensical words, it calms me down. Maybe, I find it silly to get upset over such things. That’s what I think, at least.

“Thanks, Akari.”

“No, aren’t we best friends?”

“…Best friends, huh.”

Akari’s words struck a chord.

The best friend’s speech at the wedding. In front of the action to make my best friend’s moment shine, I was trying my best not to show any signs… But in fact, I was quite nervous.

I was filled with nothing but anxiety.

And when everything somehow took shape and ended smoothly, a source of anxiety was removed.

I was reminded of a conversation with Itchan, in Itchan’s car, from some time ago.

On the way back from trying on the wedding dress, Itchan revealed his feelings to me. And he was happy for my well-being too.

…But ever since that conversation with Itchan, I’ve felt a lump in my chest.

“…It can’t be helped. You can’t take the lover of your best friend.”

Those were Itchan’s words.

In hindsight, I realized something.

…During high school, I had no idea that Akari and Yamamoto were dating.

And yet, Itchan must have known about it by the second semester of our senior year.

Why?

Various reasons come to mind.

Like perhaps he saw the two of them walking together lovingly, by chance.

“…Hey, Akari?”

Or maybe…

“Did you tell Itchan that you were dating Yamamoto?”

Or perhaps, Akari herself told Itchan about it.

I hoped it wasn’t the latter.

That was my wish.

Because, Akari didn’t tell me anything… She didn’t tell her best friend anything.

If she only told Itchan…

“That’s right.”

After a beat, Akari said it.

It was the last thing I wanted to hear.

“…Why?”

While asking, I had a hunch.

“Yes. Because the two of you in high school, you were on really bad terms. Akari and I were quite worried.”

…Could it be?

“Could it be, because of me?”

Was it because I…

Because I, Akari’s best friend, was on bad terms with Yamamoto.

That’s why, not only did she not tell me they were dating, but in the end, Akari might have even decided to stop dating Yamamoto.

…I had thought it was strange.

Seeing the two of them still close.

Seeing their relationship, which made me inadvertently jealous.

Why did these two break up in just three months?

I couldn’t come up with a satisfactory answer.

So, I felt angry at Akari for dumping Yamamoto unilaterally.

…But.

But, if that’s because of me…

…Then I…

“It’s not that.”

Akari said.

I knew right away.

Itchan…

He’s not the type to lie. Rather, he’s the type to make a joke and tell the truth.

So, Akari…

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m not lying.”

“You’re lying.”

“…Meg. That’s the same as saying you’re not listening to what I’m saying. No matter what I say, you just want to believe that Akari and Yamamoto breaking up was your fault.”

“…Then why did you break up?”

“…Just, the flame cooled, that’s all.”

“Do you have any regrets about Yamamoto?”

I could tell that Akari took a deep breath.

“No. No regrets, no remorse, nothing.”

“…I see.”

If that’s the case… I just felt sorry for Yamamoto.

The guilt made me uncomfortable.

“What should I do to make it right?”

Before I knew it, I was spouting off weak words again.

“It’s simple.”

Akari said in a playful tone.

“Just do what you like, Meg.”

…Humans are self-centered creatures.

Once upon a time, Yamamoto proudly told me such a thing.

Listening to that story, I denied his theory internally, believing that I was different.

I thought I had been careful not to live a self-centered life.

Pay for what you’ve received.

Express gratitude for generosity.

I had intended to do such obvious things.

…But.

I realized now that all along, I’d just done what I wanted.

After all, I too am a self-centered creature.

Ending my best friend’s love, trying to take her beloved…

I’m the worst…

Akari returned to the venue a step ahead of me.