NOVEL NEXT chapter 57
Shu and Kotone’s Outing
Several days had passed since the sports festival ended.
It was still hot in September, and even a short trip outside would make you sweat.
Well, compared to the peak of summer heat, it had improved a bit, but it was still hot anyway.
“I never thought Ayana would…”
What came to mind was Ayana’s words about possibly becoming the student council president.
While it was under the condition that I would help her, the fact that Ayana was considering it, despite Iori completely giving up, seemed like quite a significant event… Well, there’s no point in thinking about it now.
“Hey, Towa?”
「Ah.」
“Hmm?”
On this day off spent alone, contemplating a casual shopping excursion, I turned around upon hearing a familiar voice.
“Shuu… Kotone-chan?”
Yes, they were siblings, Shuu and Kotone.
Shuu rushed over immediately, but Kotone, naturally, didn’t. Despite having talked before, she awkwardly turned her face away.
“What’s wrong? Going for a walk?”
“Yeah. Kotone said she wanted to go for a walk.”
“Reluctantly, huh? That’s harsh, Shuu… Right, Kotone-chan?”
“Hey!?”
“…Um.”
Oh, perhaps it was too early for this kind of interaction.
Yet, Kotone, even though she didn’t show any signs of disgust towards me, well… it was probably because of my nonsensical approach.
Nevertheless, after a brief pause, Kotone quietly stood before me and bowed her head.
“…I’m sorry.”
Her voice was almost a whisper, but it certainly reached me.
Glancing at Shuu, whose eyes seemed moved, I felt the urge to tease him about being a sister-con, but before that, I had to respond to Kotone.
“It’s fine. It would be a lie to say I’m not bothered at all, but since you apologized, there’s nothing more to say.”
“Yeah.”
Raising her head, Kotone wore an uneasy smile.
Watching her, memories of past disdainful glances and words crossed my mind, but frankly, I didn’t care.
“Kind of… not bad.”
“Right. But for me, it’s something I couldn’t realize for a long time… though, it’s not good to dwell on the past, right? Even if it’s because of the root cause, it’s questionable to say this now, but Towa wouldn’t want that.”
“Exactly.”
I don’t intend to dwell on the past forever.
After all, we’ve moved forward… Now, the remaining of us could move forward from the past… We’re still just kids, but it’s truly moving to see us all able to walk together like this.
“What will Towa do from now on?”
“I was thinking of casually shopping, but it seems it’s already noon.”
“Right. How about having lunch together?”
“Is that okay?”
“I don’t mind. What about Kotone?”
“I’m fine too!”
In that case… it’s a good opportunity to join them.
Walking alongside Shuu and Kotone felt refreshing, but what was even more refreshing was that our conversation never ceased.
At first, Kotone was reserved, but now she even initiated conversations with me—it was a significant development. And so, we arrived at a Chinese restaurant known for its delicious cuisine.
“It’s been a while since I had Chinese food.”
“Me too.”
“I often come here with friends. There’s something spicy I want to order!”
Spicy… that piqued my interest.
Entering the restaurant as a group of three, we informed the waiter and settled around a round table.
“I’ll take your order.”
Now, what should I choose… Well, it’s been a while, so I’ll go with something popular.
“I’ll have the five-flavor fried rice and dumplings.”
Spicy dishes, I’ll save for next time.
“I’ll have soy sauce ramen and dumplings.”
“I’ll go for the five-flavor fried rice and mapo tofu at level four of spiciness.”
Level four of spiciness… Ah, so that’s the spicy one.
While we continued our lively conversation until the menu arrived, the dishes were finally brought to us.
“…The smell is intense, isn’t it?”
“Do you think so? It looks incredibly delicious to me.”
Indeed, everything looks delicious… Though, the mapo tofu placed in front of Kotone looks like a red magma… Is she going to be okay?
“Let’s eat.”
It’s not like I’ll be eating, so there’s no point in worrying.
Nevertheless, even though I’m not eating, I can’t help but be curious about Kotone’s reaction while she eats. I sneak glances, and Shuu smiles back at me. Kotone, without minding my gaze, continues to eat heartily.
“Delicious♪”
“…………”
“Curious? Here, have a taste.”
“Sure.”
Sharing a spoon… Well, why not.
I scoop up a small amount and bring it close to my mouth… Even though it hasn’t entered my mouth yet, just the smell makes me feel a bit weird. But summoning my courage, I put it in my mouth.
“!?”
And just like that, I’m done for.
▽▼
“…I went through hell.”
After parting ways with Shuu and Kotone, I went shopping again.
My tongue still tingles a bit, teaching me that spicy food isn’t something to take lightly, seriously.
“But… It was fun.”
My best friend and his sister… Yeah.
I can proudly say that Shuu is my best friend now, and I genuinely consider Kotone as my best friend’s sister.
“And Shuu said he’d help too.”
When I casually mentioned the student council president Ayana, Shuu expressed his willingness to help if there was anything he could do.
…Isn’t this like setting the stage?
“I feel like I’m filling in the gaps on my own…”
Upon further contemplation, even though Ayana might say not to bother, if the gaps are already filled, then it’s fine if I support them.
I couldn’t wait to see what the future holds.