Main Story – Chapter 2: The Summer Vacation Episode

Pshew, clank.

With the sound of the bus doors opening, a blast of hot air rushed in.

I descended the steps with light, tapping footsteps and landed on the asphalt, heated by the midsummer sun.

Instantly enveloped by the scorching air, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

The chorus of cicadas, buzzing and chirping all around me. The gentle murmur of a nearby river. The occasional rustling of trees—.

This was the sound of summer vacation.

This was the world of summer vacation.

Feeling it with my entire body, I couldn't hold it in any longer—.

"We're heeeere—!"

I threw my hands up and let out a triumphant roar.

—A little over an hour by train from the city center.

After transferring to a bus from the small local station, we had finally arrived at Summer Park.

From the bus stop in front of the entrance, the building looked like a large, all-purpose gymnasium.

There were people everywhere, at least ten times more than I'd imagined. I’d heard rumors it got crowded, but I never expected this many. I wonder if we’ll even be able to float in the lazy river with this crowd.

"C'mon, let's get inside! Hurry, hurry!"

Zomu-kun, who had gotten off the bus before me, was already inching toward the entrance, unable to hide his excitement.

"How do you have so much energy? You're such a kid," Omori-kun said, fanning his shirt with his usual venom. He really seemed to hate the heat, his face looking even more listless than usual. "And could you at least try to hide your ulterior motives? It's so obvious it's embarrassing for the rest of us."

"Huh? Hey, what are you talkin' about, Asahi-kun? You're wrong! It's just hot, so I wanna get in the pool already!"

Yeah, right.

I shot a cold glance at Zomu-kun as he continued his flimsy excuses, then turned to look behind me.

"Are you okay? Want me to carry your bag?"

"No, I'm fine. But I'd like to get inside soon, too… my feet are getting really hot."

With that, Mi-chan took refuge in a nearby shady spot. In this heat, it felt like the warmth could probably pierce right through her platform sandals.

Speaking of Mi-chan, she was dressed in a white one-piece dress and a straw hat—the classic summer-in-the-countryside ensemble. And since we were going in the water, she’d swapped her usual glasses for contacts.

Her long black hair was tied into two pigtails on either side, resting delicately on her slender shoulders. She looked exactly like a beautiful, ill-fated maiden you’d find in a field of sunflowers.

And yes, of course, I was the one who made her wear it. I knew it would look perfect on her, you see.

"…Mei, the way you're looking at me is kind of creepy."

"Ahem, ahem."

Oops, I'm no better than Zomu-kun at this rate…

"A-Anyway, let's go inside! I brought discount coupons, so I'll hand them out!"

I said, trying to deflect Mi-chan’s pointed stare, and pushed everyone toward the entrance.

Alright, today, we're going to have all the fun we can!

◆

Summer Park is divided into three areas: the year-round indoor pool area called Adventure Cave, the summer-exclusive outdoor pool area called Adventure Beach, and the amusement park area with roller coasters and a Ferris wheel called Thrill Forest.

You can enjoy all of them with the same 1-Day Free Pass, but you can’t enter Thrill Forest in a swimsuit. So, our plan is to start with the pools, then change and hit the rides.

"Whoa, this is amazing! It looks just like the ocean!"

After changing, Mi-chan and I stepped into Adventure Cave first.

Spread out before us was a wave pool designed to look like a beach. At first glance, it just looks like a big pool, but apparently, it generates waves at regular intervals.

When I was little, I just floated around in the kids' pool, so this is my first time properly enjoying it. Ah, I can't wait to get in!

"Hey, hey, does this really not look weird?" Mi-chan asked anxiously, looking down at her outfit again and again.

"Oh, come on, you're still saying that? Even the shop clerk said it looked insanely good on you."

"But, compared to you, Mei…"

Mi-chan glanced at me and then hugged her shoulders, looking dejected.

Ugh, she's too cute. She says things straight out of a romance novel so naturally.

"We're not supposed to be compared in the first place. I have what looks good on me, and you have what looks good on you. As long as you're bringing out your best features, that's a win, okay?"

Mi-chan's swimsuit was a pure white flare bikini with frills. With her slender figure, demure aura, and the striking contrast between her hair and the swimsuit, the result was perfect.

There was no question that it suited her; in fact, it was like a design God himself had prepared just for Mi-chan.

If anything, I'm the one who looks like I'm trying a bit too hard. Mostly with the fat on my stomach.

No, I’m not fat, okay? I'm not fat, but I feel like I have enough for it to feel a little squishy!

"Besides, I don't think Omori-kun would care about that kind of thing. He's not Zomu-kun."

"…"

Mi-chan squirmed, her cheeks flushing red.

Yep, that's it. You're out. Please, by all means, show that to the man himself.

After our little exchange, we headed to the designated parasol to meet up with the others.

As we walked, our bare feet slapping against the ground, I soon spotted Zomu-kun's tall figure. As expected, the two boys had already arrived.

From a distance, Zomu-kun didn't seem to have noticed us. He was restlessly looking around, stretching his arms out and doing little squats, moving his body pointlessly.

…Yep, he's definitely excited about all the girls in swimsuits.

Feeling exasperated by Zomu-kun, who had been flighty since we got here, I had an idea.

Hehe. Time to dish out a little divine punishment.

"Okay, Mi-chan, be quiet," I whispered.

"Huh?"

I put my finger to my lips with a "shh" and crouched down, slowly circling behind Zomu-kun.

I crept closer, one step at a time, muffling my footsteps.

And when his back was within arm's reach—.

"Sorry—to—keep—you—waiting!"

SMACK!

"GAH—!!"

—I slapped him hard on the back with both hands.

I pointed at Zomu-kun, who had jumped into the air with a start, and laughed.

"Hahaha, two perfect red handprints!"

"Agh, dammit, that really hurts! Mei, you—!"

Zomu-kun turned around, rubbing his back.

And then he froze.

"Y-Y-You, Mei, you…!"

"Now, now, it's rude to stare."

Especially my stomach. Don't look at my stomach. I'll get mad if you do.

"A-A floral bikini…! The silhouette emphasizes your mature figure, while the bright orange ribbon, like a bursting smile, even adds a touch of cuteness…?! It looks too good on you!"

"That was a lot of pointless commentary, but… well, thanks."

I subtly crossed my arms to hide my stomach and offered my thanks anyway.

Zomu-kun ran over to Omori-kun and threw an arm around his shoulders.

"H-H-Hey, that's, like, insane, isn't it? The volume on that is unbelievable for a third-year middle schooler…!"

"Can you not talk to me? I don't want people to think we're the same."

Omori-kun brushed off the whispering Zomu-kun with a look of utter annoyance. And his voice was so loud, the whispering was pointless anyway.

"Um…"

Just then, a hesitant voice came from behind me.

I turned around and complained with a pout.

"Hey, Mi-chan, don't leave me out here on display all by myself."

"That's not what I meant…"

Despite her words, Mi-chan didn't move an inch.

I immediately got behind her and grabbed both her shoulders firmly.

"Wha— hey, Mei!"

"Aaaand, heave-ho!"

I gave her a little push forward.

Mi-chan stumbled a few steps and came to a stop right in front of Omori-kun.

She slowly looked up and muttered, her eyes upturned.

"Um, so… what do you think?"

"Well, it looks good on you, doesn't it?"

Hearing those words, Mi-chan's expression softened in relief, and she clasped her hands in front of her chest.

Ugh, she's so ridiculously cute…

"Aah, Miharu-chan's swimsuit is cute too! It's got that modest, demure, ‘I tried something a little different’ vibe! And the fact that it's white is actually kind of hot! It's the best!"

"…Mitaka-kun, you're so creepy…"

"Zomu-kun, your stock has been plummeting this whole time. One more dumb comment and I'm poking your eyes out."

"Whoa, what's with that finger? It looks like you're planning to do more than just poke, you're gonna gouge 'em out! Scary…!"

◆

—The Wave Pool.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, this is amazing! It's so wavy!"

The waves had just started, so we all jumped into the pool in front of us.

We tried to head for the highest waves, splashing our way through, but it was deeper than we expected, and my feet couldn't touch the bottom. I could see why the sign said children under nine weren't allowed.

"Hup! You have to, hup, jump with the waves, or you'll get, taken out!"

"Hah, I'm totally fine!"

Zomu-kun stood his ground, taking the waves head-on. As expected, at his height, he had no problem.

"This is pretty, dan— whoa, glub!"

Mi-chan, clinging to her inner tube, was powerless against the oncoming waves and was being pushed back toward the shore.

Just then, Omori-kun stood in front of her like a wall and grabbed the tube firmly.

"You can grab my arm if you want."

"Ah, thank you."

Ooh, nice. So very青春, you two.

As I watched them with a knowing smirk, a sudden weight pressed down on my shoulders.

"Huh? H-Hey, Zomu-kun?"

"Heh heh, revenge for the slap!"

"W-Wait, glub!"

Pushed down, I couldn't jump, and a wave crashed right into my face.

"Pfft, s-stop! I'm sinking!"

"Hahaha, there's more where that came from!"

—Next up, the outdoor athletic zone.

"Whoa, oh, this is way shakier than it looks."

I walked across the floats on the water, gripping the rope stretched out above me.

It didn't look that hard, but it was actually quite difficult to balance. One wrong step and I'd probably flip over.

"Hup, hup, hup, hup."

Zomu-kun, with his usual incredible sense of balance, was hopping across without even holding the rope. His athletic ability was the real deal.

"Hey, Mei, wanna race to the finish?"

Zomu-kun stopped and turned around, a smug grin on his face.

"Winner buys the other shaved ice."

…Hoh?

"You're on. And the winner buys for everyone."

"Oh, talking big, are we? For someone who can't even move without the rope."

Zomu-kun chuckled mockingly.

I silently wobbled forward and landed on the float right next to him.

"Mi-chan, give us the signal!" I called out to her, who was watching from the poolside.

Alright, if it's a competition… then I'm going all out!

"Okay, here I go! Ready—go!"

At Mi-chan's signal, I kicked off the float with a powerful splash.

"Huh?"

Zomu-kun let out a bewildered cry next to me, but it was too late.

I ran across the floats with a steady rhythm, moving forward.

"Hey! What was all that before?!"

"Hahaha, it was a trap to make you let your guard down, obviously!"

I had already figured out the trick to walking on the floats. I was just using the rope before to figure out a faster way to get across.

Besides, I knew Zomu-kun. If I showed any weakness, he'd definitely challenge me to a race like this.

"Go, Mei, fight!"

"Mitaka, you loser."

Jeers flew from the spectating Mi-chan and Omori-kun.

"Hey! Someone cheer for me! Dammit, I'm not gonna lose!"

—The Water Slide.

We all piled into a four-person rubber boat and slid down a winding, watery tunnel.

"Aah, Mei, don't spin it!"

"Hahaha, here we go again!"

"Hyah, a tickle attack! Fall off, Asahi!"

"So childish…"

"Let's go faster!"

"It's scary! I said it's scary!"

"I'll wipe that smug look off your face!"

"Maybe you should look behind you."

SPLASH!

Right after that, the rubber boat landed with a huge spray of water, and Zomu-kun and I, who had been fooling around, lost our balance and were thrown into the pool.

"Pfft, water! I swallowed water!"

"Guaah, my nose is burning!"

"…You reap what you sow, honestly."

"Lame."

◆

After having our fill of fun, it was time for lunch.

We went to a nearby shop that had an eat-in area, but—.

"Whoa, it's packed."

Zomu-kun muttered as soon as he saw the inside of the shop.

Indeed, not only were all the covered seats taken, but even the outdoor tables were full. It didn't look like we could sit anywhere.

"Oh, you're right. What should we do? Wait for a table to open up?"

"But this whole line is for waiting, right…?" Mi-chan murmured, looking at the order counter for the eat-in section.

The line stretched endlessly into the distance. There were a few other shops, but they were probably all in the same situation.

Hmm, this was a mistake. We probably should have planned this out a bit better.

"I saw some people eating in the free rest area earlier. Wouldn't it be better to get takeout and go there?" Omori-kun suggested, pointing toward the dome with his thumb.

He was right, that was probably better than waiting endlessly under the blazing sun. And takeout would be faster.

"But I think that rest area is just the bare ground, right? We'd want a sheet or something."

"If that's the case, I brought a picnic sheet. It's in my locker right now, though…"

"Ooh, as expected of Mi-chan. Nice one."

Hmm, hmm… in that case.

A brilliant plan popped into my head. I grabbed Zomu-kun's arm and pulled him closer.

"M-Mmph?!"

"Okay, let's split up! Zomu-kun and I will go buy the food, so Mi-chan and Omori-kun, you go get the stuff from the locker and save us a spot!"

"Wait, Mei—"

"That's okay, right, Zomu-kun?"

I cut off Mi-chan, who was starting to panic, and smiled at Zomu-kun.

If I tried to get Mi-chan’s approval now, she’d probably get cold feet. If I can just get Zomu-kun on board, who’s the easiest to persuade, it’ll all work out.

"I-I'm, fine, with, that!"

For some reason, Zomu-kun answered in broken sentences, then nodded his head vigorously in agreement.

He was acting strangely fidgety… but whatever.

"Alright, it's settled! Okay, we'll take your orders!"

Mi-chan and Omori-kun just stared at each other silently for a moment before giving us their orders and heading toward the dome.

Yes, yes, perfect! This way, I can leave the two of them alone for a while!

For a plan I came up with on the spot, it was pretty good. I let out a satisfied "hmph" through my nose.

"S-Soft, s-so soft—"

I glanced to my side and saw Zomu-kun, his mouth gaping like a fish washed ashore.

"Jeez, what has gotten into you—"

I started to ask, twisting my body toward him.

…

…Ah. So that’s it.

I quickly let go of Zomu-kun's arm, which I had unknowingly been holding.

"…Ahem. Excuse me."

"So soft…!"

…Oops.

I gave him a little too much of a bonus service there.

◆

At the takeout-only counter, we waited for the line to move.

The midsummer sun had completely dried our skin. Of course, I had sunscreen on, but the heat was so intense it felt like it could burn right through it.

I hope I don't get a tan line, I thought, checking the area around my shoulder straps. Just then, Zomu-kun, who was standing diagonally in front of me, suddenly spoke.

"…Hey, Mei."

"Hmm?"

"Why did we end up being the ones to get the food?" he asked, still facing forward.

…Oh, right. I guess Zomu-kun doesn't know about Mi-chan's feelings.

It was Zomu-kun, so I didn't think he'd do anything weird if I told him, but… I felt bad talking about it without her permission.

For now, I decided to tell him the other reason.

"Well, you know, it would be a shame to make Mi-chan wait in this heat. Exposing her fair skin to the UV rays is a crime, a crime."

"Then it could've been me and Asahi, couldn't it? You don't wanna get sunburned either, do you, Mei?"

"I'm used to it from club activities."

Tennis club practice is all outdoors. I'm so jealous of schools with indoor practice courts.

As I tried to brush it off, Zomu-kun spoke up in an unusually serious tone.

"You know, Mei… you're a really good person."

—Hm?

"Like, you always put others before yourself. Self-sacrificing, I guess you could say."

"Hmm, you think so? I don't feel like I'm sacrificing myself at all."

It felt wrong to joke around like usual, so I answered honestly.

In reality, I'd never once thought I was making a sacrifice. I was just doing what I wanted to do, within my own capabilities.

Zomu-kun groaned thoughtfully and continued.

"But, like, I think you could stand to be a little more selfish. You know, just say what you want for a change."

"Huh? Don't I do that a lot? Like, 'Let's do this, let's do that'?"

I was the one who suggested coming to Summer Park in the first place. In fact, I’m usually the one who takes the lead in planning our hangouts.

Zomu-kun's face scrunched up, and he crossed his arms.

"I can't really put it into words, but… when you do it, Mei, it's like your selfishness isn't really selfish. Real selfishness isn't like that, you know…?"

Hmm?

What does he mean? It's rare that I can't figure out what Zomu-kun is trying to say…

As I tilted my head in confusion, Zomu-kun scratched his head roughly.

"Agh, I don't really get it either! Anyway, what I'm tryin' to say is, don't push yourself too hard."

Then Zomu-kun turned his face away and cleared his throat with a little cough.

"I… um. I won't start hating you, or anything. No matter how selfish you are, Mei."

—In that moment.

I intuitively understood the meaning behind his words, and my body tensed up.

"…Haha, I see."

Those words were meant to show he cared about me. He's not the type to flatter people, and I could tell he really meant it.

Of course, I was happy about it.

I was happy, but—.

If, behind that…

If those kinds of feelings were there.

"Thanks, Zomu-kun. That kind part of you—I really like it. As a friend."

—I can't let him cross the line into romance.

Zomu-kun's body flinched for a second at the part I had clearly emphasized.

…Okay, good.

It seems like he got the message.

"…Huh? S-Seriously?! Say that one more time! Say it again!"

But then he immediately went back to his usual joking self.

Taking that as a sign of his agreement, I responded in the same lighthearted tone.

"Nope, not gonna say it again."

"Aww, c'mon! It's not like it costs you anything!"

"It does, it does! It loses all its value!"

And then, just like always, we both laughed.

—I'm blessed with wonderful friends.

Making them smile is what makes me happy.

Yes—and that's precisely why.

I can't ever return those feelings.

◆

—When I was in fifth grade.

The boy I was closest to at the time confessed to me.

He was cheerful, good at sports, and popular in our class. He was also known for being handsome, just like Zomu-kun. We were in the same tennis club, so we spent a lot of time together, both in and out of school.

I’d always thought we got along well, and I admired how he always tried his hardest, never backing down even against tougher opponents.

And more than anything…

He was someone I could always laugh with.

So, when he confessed, I was genuinely happy. I thought that if I accepted, my days would surely be filled with even more happy laughter. That's what I thought.

But, I—.

I knew that there were other girls who liked him.

And not just one.

A girl from our class, his childhood friend, a girl who had been competing with him in tennis for longer than I had—.

And all of them were my friends.

And they were all serious about their feelings.

…My feelings were surely weaker than theirs.

After all, I had never experienced the nervous flutter they talked about just from being near him, or the way their hearts pounded just from a touch of his hand.

I had never once felt a heart-wrenching pang of pain from seeing him laugh and have fun with another girl.

For someone like me to ignore their feelings and accept his confession—.

That would surely be…

the same as sacrificing their smiles to laugh by myself.

So, I turned him down.

Because that wasn't what I was meant to do.

To fill the lives of everyone I can reach with smiles, and to laugh among them.

That was supposed to be the greatest happiness, so what was the point of doing the exact opposite?

But… after I rejected him.

It was as if a switch had flipped; he stopped smiling.

Not just with me, but his face would often cloud over even when he was with everyone else.

Knowing that I had made him that way was truly painful and agonizing.

—I can't choose the option of a confession that would make so many people unable to smile.

But the rejection that makes one person unable to smile is also unbearable.

So, in other words, the situation of having to choose—.

The fact that I had let him confess in the first place, that itself was my failure.

To protect everyone's smiles, I should have stopped it before he could confess.

And that—

is the same as not letting anyone develop romantic feelings for me in the first place.

Ever since I made that decision, I have consistently acted the way I did with Zomu-kun.

If I sense even the slightest sign, I shut it down before it can go any further. I make them realize early on that a romantic relationship will never happen, and have them give up before they get hurt.

And as a result, I've never been in the same situation again. Not a single person has lost their smile because of the same failure of a confession.

So, I believe this is the best possible choice.

◆

After finally finishing our shopping, we walked back toward Adventure Cave.

Zomu-kun had taco rice, gapao rice, a kebab, and a hot dog. I was carrying everyone's tropical juice and my own oolong tea in both hands.

Man, that’s a very beachy selection of food. They all look delicious. Maybe I’ll ask for a little bit of each later… no, stop it. Think about why you resisted the juice in the first place, me.

I willed my rumbling stomach to be quiet and returned to the floor where the free rest area was located.

Alright, I wonder how those two are doing.

"…Huh? Is that them?"

I spotted the two of them set up near the outdoor stage next to the wave pool, and at the same time, I noticed a crowd had formed around them.

"Huh? Who's that with 'em?"

Zomu-kun seemed to have noticed too, squinting to get a better look.

From a distance, it looked like a mixed group of seven or eight guys and girls were talking to them. Omori-kun was responding with his usual gruffness, while Mi-chan was hugging her knees, looking uncomfortable.

Don't tell me there's some kind of trouble…?

"Let's hurry."

"Yeah, good idea."

We quickened our pace toward them.

Once we were within earshot, I called out in a slightly louder voice.

"Hey you two, sorry to keep you waiting!"

Mi-chan noticed me and looked up with a start.

At the same time, the people around them turned to look our way—.

—Hm.

"Huh? …Ririko?" Zomu-kun muttered, looking dumbfounded.

At that, the girl in the middle of the group—Ririko Otemachi from the class next to ours, 2-B—beamed.

"Ahh! Zomu-kun, I knew you'd be here!"

Her hair, tied up in two buns, bounced as Ririko ran toward us. A sweet, milky scent, maybe from her sunscreen, wafted over with her.

Looking around, I saw they were all from Class B—Ririko-chan's group of close friends.

—Well now, what to do…

While I was relieved it wasn't any actual trouble, a part of me was still worried. This could be a problem, I thought, racking my brain.

"I just knew you'd be here! I heard you and Asahi have been getting along lately!"

She said in a voice as fluffy as the frills on her swimsuit, leaning forward slightly to peer at Zomu-kun.

She was the manager of the soccer club and an old friend of Zomu-kun's; they'd been in the same class a few times since elementary school.

She had a cute face with big, round eyes, a pouty "duck face" mouth, and fluffy, brownish long hair. She was petite but had a good figure, and she was a stylish girl who wore just the right amount of makeup, accessories, and nail polish without looking cheap.

Her personality was that of a ditsy, laid-back princess, and she was the beloved center of Class B.

However, contrary to her go-with-the-flow demeanor, she was apparently the type to excel in both academics and sports, with grades that rivaled Mi-chan's.

Unfortunately, I've never been in the same class as her, but she's in the class next door, so we're acquainted.

We're acquainted, but—.

"Hi, Ririko-chan," I said.

"…Oh? Kiyosato-san, you were here too? I didn't notice at all."

That was the reply that came back, along with a sharp glare.

…Yeah, just like that.

It’s that ‘natural ditzy’ quality of hers... it feels a little manufactured, which makes her kind of a handful.

"Ahaha, long time no see. Are you all here with the Class B crew today?"

"Hey, hey, Zomu-kun, listen to this!"

But Ririko-chan completely blew me off and started talking to Zomu-kun again.

Hmph, she's definitely being prickly… I have a pretty good idea why, though…

I watched the scene unfold, trying to figure out what to do.

"Asahi, right? He won't answer me no matter what I ask. Isn't that mean?" Ririko-chan pouted, pointing a finger at Omori-kun.

Come to think of it, they were in the same class last year, 2-C. I've never heard that they were close, and I can't imagine they'd get along very well…

Zomu-kun let out a somewhat exasperated sigh.

"Well, it's Asahi. That's pretty normal for him. Anyway, why are you here, Ririko? Isn't there a joint managers' meeting today?"

"Huh? I came to hang out, obviously!" she giggled, covering her mouth with her hand as she admitted to skipping the meeting. "We just decided to go to the pool on a whim, but I never thought I'd run into you, Zomu-kun! I'm so happy!"

…Hmm, that's a lie.

I could tell intuitively from the way she spoke.

I'd tried to keep today's plans quiet to avoid this kind of trouble, but I guess the information leaked somewhere.

In any case, if this just ends with a "what a coincidence," then there's no problem.

But, most likely.

"Oh, hey, hey! Since we're all here, let's hang out together! I wanna go on the water slide!"

Her face lit up as if she'd had a brilliant idea, and she playfully tapped Zomu-kun on the chest.

Yep, of course that's what was coming next…

"Uh…"

Zomu-kun looked around at us awkwardly.

Mi-chan was hugging her knees, her eyes downcast, and Omori-kun looked more annoyed than ever. The atmosphere was clearly not one of agreement.

I considered what would be best for everyone.

—As you can see, Ririko-chan is head over heels for Zomu-kun.

According to the rumors, she recently broke up with an older boyfriend and has been actively pursuing Zomu-kun ever since. The reason she's so hostile toward me is probably because I'm the girl he's closest to.

Of course, I have no intention of getting in the way of her love life. And even though I think she's a handful, I don't dislike her personally.

So, I wouldn't mind if we all hung out together, but… seeing Mi-chan and the others' reactions, I don't think I can just agree to it so easily.

But if I, as the representative, turn her down, that will just cause more friction. Ririko-chan would definitely dig her heels in.

If only there was a reason she could easily accept…

I glanced over the members of Class B, checking the state of their swimsuits, and then posed a question to Ririko-chan.

"Um, Ririko-chan, did you guys just get here?"

"Oh, I wanna try that athletic course thingy too! Zomu-kun looks like he'd be good at it!"

"Heeey…"

Hmm, isn't she laying on the "ignoring me" act a little thick? Overdoing it won't make a good impression on the others, you know…?

As I was thinking that—.

"Besides, group activities are a total drag, so I'll pass."

—Just then, Omori-kun, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up.

Everyone's gaze immediately turned to him.

His words were the same as usual, but his expression and tone were so blatantly cold that I had a bad feeling.

"Aww, Asahi, you're so mean! It's fine, let's all have fun together!" Ririko-chan continued, seemingly unfazed by Omori-kun's demeanor.

And then, Omori-kun—.

"Let me put it simply for you. Stop acting all chummy and stay out of our business."

—With those straightforward, malicious words, he froze the atmosphere.

This is bad.

"…What's that supposed to mean? I don't get it. We are friends."

Ririko-chan was silent for a moment, but she retorted without flinching.

Omori-kun just snorted.

"And you should probably drop that cringey way of talking. It just makes your shallowness even more obvious."

"…The hell?"

The air instantly turned hostile.

"Hey, Omori, that's going too far." "Seriously, not cool." "And why are you suddenly trying to pick a fight?"

…Yep, this isn't good.

If this keeps up, it's going to end with no one smiling.

As soon as I made that judgment, I slid myself between the two of them.

"Alright, alright! Okay, then, let's do this!"

I clapped my hands once, extra loudly, to get everyone's attention.

Then, I smiled and looked at Ririko-chan.

"We were planning on hitting the rides this afternoon. We're gonna wrap up at the pool after we eat lunch. You guys just got here to play, right?"

I glanced at everyone's swimsuits again.

From the looks of it, there wasn't a single trace of them having been in the water. That meant they had just arrived.

Following my intuition, I continued in rapid succession.

"You can't go to the amusement park area in a swimsuit, right? So how about you guys enjoy the pool first, and we meet up in the evening?"

After Omori-kun's words, the atmosphere was no longer one where a simple refusal would work.

So my only choice here was to propose a compromise and try to smooth things over.

It means everyone will have to compromise a little, but… all things considered, this should be the solution that’s easiest for everyone to swallow.

Ririko-chan stared at me, her expression unreadable.

I couldn't quite tell if the emotion dwelling in her eyes was anger or irritation.

—And then, after a moment.

"…Let's go, everyone. Zomu-kun, I'll LINE you later!"

She snorted, just loud enough for me to hear, and her face instantly switched back to her usual smile.

"Well, if you're okay with it, Ririko…" "Let's just go for a swim already. I can't wait anymore!" "You're so carefree, honestly…"

She led her group of friends away from us.

…I guess she accepted it, for now.

As I let out a sigh of relief, Zomu-kun, who had been sighing with relief beside me, spoke up, his face looking like he’d just bitten into something bitter.

"Seriously, Asahi, you… you could try phrasing things a little better, you know."

"And what would be the point of that?"

"Agh, dammit, this is what I get for dealing with someone with zero social skills…!"

Haha, Omori-kun never changes… but sorry, this time I have to agree with Zomu-kun.

To change the mood, I tried to act as cheerful as possible.

"Alright, let's eat! Here you go, your tropical juices! Zomu-kun, yours is a little less full, but you'll have to forgive me."

"Huh? Hey, when did you drink that?!"

"I didn't drink it, it just evaporated."

"Besides, you, if you drink that you'll get—"

"It just evaporated, got it?"

Zomu-kun played along with my gag perfectly, and the atmosphere somehow returned to normal.

But—.

Still—the unusually bitter look on Mi-chan’s face, who’d been silent the whole time, stuck with me.

◆

Regrouping, we headed to the amusement park area in the afternoon.

We started with the thrill rides like the roller coaster, then hit the classic haunted house, occasionally sandwiching in some relaxing rides like the merry-go-round as we made our way through the park.

Mi-chan, who had seemed a bit down at first, was back to her usual self by the end, and we were all able to enjoy the attractions.

After we had ridden most of them, we met up with Ririko-chan and her friends.

"Hey, hey, let's ride the roller coaster first!"

"Nah, this is my second time… and I'd rather do something a little more chill—"

"Next is the log flume! Oh, and the haunted house too, of course!"

Completely ignoring the wishes of a tired-looking Zomu-kun (by the way, I easily won our bet and he bought me ice cream), Ririko-chan locked her arm around his and wouldn't let go. She was clearly planning to drag him all over the place.

Wow, it's pretty amazing how she can be so open with her feelings. But that just means she's being honest with herself, and that's probably one of her good qualities.

I let out a small chuckle and observed the other members of Class B.

They were all having fun, shouting high-tension jeers like, "Whoa, Ririko, you're so bold!" and "Hey, get a video, get a video! Let's film it and post it everywhere!" The initial tense atmosphere had dissipated, and it didn't seem like anyone was in a bad mood anymore.

Watching them, they all seemed like a fun-loving bunch. I didn't really have much contact with them before, so maybe I'll use this as an opportunity to get to know them a little better.

But, while that's fine for me—.

"Mi-chan, are you okay?"

"…Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

I turned and called out to Mi-chan, who had been staring off into space.

She was back to being like this now that we had joined up with the Class B group. I guess being with them is stressful for her… Ririko-chan especially isn't Mi-chan's type.

As I was thinking that, a thought occurred to me.

Wait… Mi-chan was also in Class 2-C last year, right?

Considering her reaction, does that mean… they didn't get along?

Though, if they had a bad relationship, it would have come up back then, so I don't think it was that serious—.

I was about to ask her when Omori-kun, who was standing next to me, suddenly started walking off in a completely different direction.

"Huh, Omori-kun…?"

"This is a drag. I'm going to go sleep in the rest area."

And with that, he headed back toward the dome without waiting for my reply.

Haha… well, I had a feeling Omori-kun would say something like that.

He might really not be feeling well, so I feel bad stopping him, and it would be a problem if he got all hostile again like before. I should just let him go.

…Hmm. Right.

This might be a good opportunity.

"Mi-chan, why don't you go rest with Omori-kun?"

"Huh?"

Mi-chan looked at me, bewildered.

She could keep Omori-kun company, and I could get the two of them alone again. It's a win-win. No, considering it would be a good change of pace for Mi-chan too, it's a win-win-win.

"Sorry for making you tired. I'll come get you later, so let's just ride the Ferris wheel at the end, okay?"

I added a reason that wouldn't cause any friction and said it loud enough for the others to hear.

Mi-chan pursed her lips and looked down, as if thinking about something—then, after a moment, she gave a silent nod.

—Okay, that should solve the problem for now.

I watched Mi-chan as she walked away, then put my hands on my hips.

Alright… time to enjoy round two!

◆

Time flew by after that.

The kids from Class B turned out to be a fun bunch, and though it was a little awkward at first, we were able to enjoy the rides together. I even exchanged LINE info with a few of them, so I think I can say we've become friends.

Ririko-chan also responded to me more normally than before, so we managed to avoid a bad atmosphere the whole time. Though, she never started a conversation with me…

And as the sun began to set, we went to get Mi-chan and Omori-kun, who were resting in the dome's rest area, and headed to today's final attraction—the Ferris wheel.

"Whoa, this looks amazing!" I exclaimed, looking up at the slowly rotating ride.

It wasn't anything special, like the tallest in Japan or having transparent gondolas, but apparently, the view from here was stunning. The setting sun was shining directly on the gondolas, making them glow red and sparkle as if they were lit up.

Yep, this is a fitting scene to cap off the day.

"Of course, we're pairing up, one boy and one girl, for the Ferris wheel! I'm riding with Zomu-kun!"

In the corner of my eye, a still-hyper Ririko-chan hugged Zomu-kun's arm tightly.

"Whoa, hold on, hold on. Just calm down a bit," Zomu-kun said, his face exhausted, as he untangled himself from her grasp and sighed. "I'm sick of being with you this whole time… Seriously, let me hang out with someone else for a change."

"Aww, that's so mean!"

I gave a wry smile and shrugged.

Well, he has been dealing with her high energy all day. I can't blame him for feeling that way.

But Ririko-chan isn't going to give up on this, I thought. A Ferris wheel ride with just a boy and a girl is a maiden's dream scenario. In fact, I was planning on getting Mi-chan and Omori-kun alone together myself.

I thought for a moment and then clapped my hands.

"Okay, let's do this! We've got 1-Day Free Passes, so let's just ride it a few times!"

We still had enough time for a few more rotations. This way, we could enjoy it in different combinations—first with our own groups, then in pairs.

"Yeah, that sounds fine. You don't have a problem with that, do you, Ririko?" Zomu-kun agreed quickly, though his tone was slightly resigned.

Ririko-chan looked disgruntled for a second, but she must have realized there was no point in complaining, because she quickly said, "Okay, later then! You promise!" and boarded a gondola with her friends. I felt a slightly unpleasant glare at the very end, but hey, all's well that ends well.

I nodded with a "mm-hm" and looked around at the rest of our group.

"Alright, let's all ride together—"

"I'm riding with Mitaka-kun first."

"Huh?" "Huh?"

Just like that, completely out of the blue.

Mi-chan's unexpected words made both Zomu-kun and I let out a bewildered sound.

"W-Wait, Miharu-chan?"

"Just do it. Come with me."

With that, Mi-chan uncharacteristically grabbed Zomu-kun's hand and pulled him toward the boarding area.

What? What's gotten into you, Mi-chan? Even as your best friend, I'm a little stumped.

I stared blankly as the two of them boarded the gondola, and I snapped back to my senses when the door slammed shut.

"…What do you think that was all about?"

"Beats me."

I asked Omori-kun, half-confused, but his only reply was a single, blunt word.

◆

—Clank.

The staff member locked the door.

Now a completely enclosed space, the four-person gondola began to rise slowly, at a pace even slower than walking.

"Whoa, the view's pretty good even from here," I murmured, pressing my face against the window and glancing up at the gondola ahead of us.

—No matter how many times I replayed it in my head, Mi-chan's actions just now were a mystery.

First of all, the very combination of those two was rare. Of course, it's not like they didn't get along, but whenever they talked or hung out, it was almost always as a group of four, or with me as a group of three.

For her to insist on being alone with him… the only things I could think of were that she had something she wanted to talk to him about without me or Omori-kun knowing, or that there was a reason she found it hard to be around us.

Maybe… something happened with Omori-kun while they were resting.

Omori-kun could be difficult, and he wasn't the type to show his thoughts on his face like Zomu-kun. I probably wouldn't be able to read his mind just by talking to him casually.

And so—.

I was now riding the gondola with Omori-kun, determined to ask him directly.

I casually glanced at Omori-kun, who was sitting diagonally across from me, gazing out the window with his elbow on the sill.

His face was blank and expressionless, and as expected, I couldn't read what he was thinking.

Of everyone, my relationship with Omori-kun was the shallowest. In fact, this was the first time we'd ever spoken alone like this.

This was a good opportunity. I decided to ask him not just about what happened earlier, but also what he thought of Mi-chan herself. He's sharp, so I had to be careful not to make him suspicious.

I let out a quiet sigh and, steeling myself slightly, began to speak.

"Man, I really got my fill of summer today. How about you, Omori-kun?" I started, as a way to ease into the conversation.

Omori-kun simply shifted his gaze toward me and answered.

"It was a drag from start to finish. And hot."

"Wow, so honest."

"Besides, making a huge racket isn't really my thing."

Oof…

As I scratched my cheek, wondering how to respond, Omori-kun snorted.

"But, well, it's also my policy not to do things I genuinely dislike."

"…Haha, I see, I see."

So that means, "I don't dislike it, which is why I came," right?

He really is honest, but not very straightforward. That part of him is just like Mi-chan.

I smiled and continued.

"I'm glad to hear that. You don't smile much, Omori-kun, so I was a little worried. Oh, not that being cool is a bad thing."

His mature vibe was definitely part of his charm. That's what drew Mi-chan to him, after all.

"But, you know… some people might find it cold, or it might lead to misunderstandings, so I worry. Like, for example, Ririko-chan and her friends earlier—"

"You know," Omori-kun said, suddenly cutting me off—.

"Kiyosato, why are you always so concerned about other people? Especially the ones who don't even matter."

—He threw those thorny words at me.

"Um… haha, what's with the sudden change of topic?" I asked, slightly intimidated by Omori-kun, who for some reason seemed to have taken offense.

But that reaction only seemed to displease him more, and he scowled.

"And you always try to laugh it off like that."

"Wha—"

"You were just grinning away when Otemachi was making a fool of you, weren't you? What's the point of trying to read the mood of some outsider who's just getting in the way?"

"W-Wait, Omori-kun!" I cried out in a panic, looking him straight in the eye.

It seemed I had angered him somehow. I had to explain myself properly.

"Um, I'm sorry if I offended you. But when I smile, it's not to brush things off or read the mood or anything like that."

"…"

"I mean, it's happier to smile than to get angry or look down on people, right? That's true for everyone, not just me."

Omori-kun stared back at me, as if trying to read my mind.

In response, I decided to tell him my honest, unvarnished feelings.

"There's no doubt that it's best if everyone can be smiling, right? That's why I try to smile, and I want the people around me to be smiling too. So I'm just trying my best to make that happen."

The emotion that welled up in Omori-kun's eyes upon hearing those words was—.

"…You piss me off."

—Anger.

"Um, that is—"

"There it is again. What's the point of doing that on such a large scale in the first place?" he cut me off as I tried to explain.

"Scale? …What do you mean, scale?"

"I mean, what's the point of doing it for people who don't even matter?"

Does that mean… he thinks I should just shut out anyone who gets in the way?

It was a line I'd heard many times before, and I responded with the words I always used.

"Ririko-chan didn't mean any harm… well, maybe a little, but it couldn't have been 100% malicious."

"…"

"Right now, it's just that, you know, our interests don't align, so we're only seeing her bad side. If it weren't for that, I think we could all laugh together just like anyone else. …No, if we make it so we can all laugh together, then there's no reason to shut her out, right?"

By sticking to that principle, I gained an irreplaceable best friend in Mi-chan. I made friends like Zomu-kun and Omori-kun, with whom I could share a precious summer. I led my class, which had the strongest unity of any other, to victory in the ball games tournament.

Yes, I'm living a brilliant, everyday life, just like something out of a YA novel.

There is absolutely no way that was a mistake.

With that conviction, I declared: "So, I believe there is meaning in what I'm doing."

But—.

"…Why do you have to go that far?" Omori-kun said, his brow furrowed in displeasure, his words like something he was spitting out.

"Th-That far? Did I say something strange…?" I wondered, racking my brain to figure out what was wrong.

And then.

"Not a single thing. You're not wrong about any of it. It's all sound logic."

"Then—"

"That's why, isn't it?"

—Huh?

That's why…?

"If you're seriously trying to make an ideal like that a reality… then that's not normal."

—For some reason, those words sent a shiver through my heart.

Not normal…?

No… I don't think so.

In the first place, wanting the people around you to smile isn't a special feeling. It's a normal thing that everyone thinks, to some extent.

I'm just trying to do it for as many people as possible, for everyone within my reach. It's just that I can do a little more than most people, so my reach seems wider, which makes it seem like a big deal.

"…No," I started, but seeing me fall silent, Omori-kun ran a hand through his hair, looking sheepish. "My bad. Maybe I went a little too far."

As he muttered that, he had a rare look on his face, one that said, I messed up.

And I regretted making him look that way.

…I was the one who failed.

My poor response had made Omori-kun uncomfortable.

We had been laughing together and having fun until just a moment ago, but if I leave things like this, it will tarnish the memory at the very end.

So—at the very least.

"No, I don't mind at all. More importantly… thank you, Omori-kun."

"…"

"You were worried I was pushing myself too hard, right?"

I think the only reason Omori-kun brought this up was because he was concerned about me. It must be that his personality just prevented him from saying it directly, and it came out as a bit sarcastic.

So, at the very least.

I have to read his true intentions and respond properly.

"But I'm fine. I mean, I've been doing this all this time, and I've never once thought it was too much or wanted to quit. Being able to spend every day laughing with everyone like this makes me really happy."

"…"

"So, don't worry about me. Okay?"

At that, the emotion vanished from Omori-kun's face, and he averted his gaze from mine.

Then, he slowly opened his mouth.

"—Mitaka is always annoying. But he's so stupid it's actually refreshing, so hanging out with him isn't bad."

"Huh…?"

"Shinagawa isn't all noisy and chaotic like the other girls, so it's not a pain to be with her."

Those were—

words that Omori-kun rarely spoke. His honest, unvarnished feelings.

"Kiyosato… you were the first person my age who I thought was actually capable."

"Mm…"

"So other than that, I seriously don't give a damn."

—…

"If you keep worrying about people who don't matter, you're going to get hurt someday."

"The people around you… they're all seriously, hopelessly worthless."

After that, Omori-kun fell silent.

I tried to say something, but I felt like whatever I said, he wouldn't accept it, so in the end, I kept my mouth shut.

Of course, the atmosphere wasn't right to talk about Mi-chan either, and time passed in mutual silence.

—Before I knew it, our gondola was at its highest point.

In the distance, the skyscrapers were dyed crimson by the setting sun.

Staring blankly at the breathtakingly beautiful scenery as if it were from another world, I chewed on Omori-kun's words.

—That's not normal.

…For as long as I could remember.

I’d been called amazing, a genius.

I had been told those words countless times.

But—that expression.

"Not normal."

For some reason, those were the words that stuck with me.