As I got to my classroom, Ryuichi greeted me.
"Hey Tomoki! How was your study session with Edomae-san?"
"Sup, Ryuichi! It was amazing! Seriously, she could be a teacher in the future."
"As expected of the future chairwoman of the Edomae Company, I guess. Or… actually, she's just really amazing, considering she didn't freak out teaching you."
"Come on, I'm not that bad."
"Tell that to Senpai."
As we talked, we heard a commotion from inside the classroom.
"Edomae-san, good morning. What a cute ribbon."
"Good morning, Tachibana-san. I got it from Tomoki-kun. Do I look weird?"
For some reason, everyone suddenly turned to look at me and started whispering.
"Tomoki, did you give her a present?" — Ryuichi asked me.
"Yeah, or more like I was repaying her. I ruined her handkerchief—the one she lent me on the scholarship interview day."
"It seems like she really liked your gift."
"She even locked it in a fancy box. If I hadn't noticed, she'd probably never use it."
"...That's it? That's your reaction?"
"What?"
"She locked the handkerchief you gave her in a box. You don't get it, do you?"
"I mean… I get it. Kind of like when I get new shoes—I don't wear them for months."
"I'm pretty sure that's not the same, but you do have a slight point."
Ding dong, ding dong.
♦♦♦
Just when I thought I could follow today's lecture, I couldn't focus at all.
Nah… It wasn't the class. My head was still spinning with what Mom told me yesterday.
"Tomoki-kun? Is everything okay?" — Ayame-san suddenly asked me.
It's honestly a mystery how she always knows when something's off with me.
"I just couldn't focus today, that's all."
"Did something happen?"
"Well… I think I'm going to move out."
!? — Suddenly, the whole classroom went silent. I hope it was just a coincidence because I'm pretty sure I didn't say it that loudly.
"Moving… out? You mean…"
"Yeah… My mom wants me to move out. Personally, I don't want to, but I guess it's for the best."
Suddenly, Ayame-san grabbed my sleeve.
"When will you transfer?"
"Transfer? Wait, what do you— Whoa, are you okay?"
Her eyes were getting teary—almost crying. That really worried me.
"It's just… Will we still see each other?"
"I mean, yeah? We're still in the same school."
"Eh!? Oh… I see. Sorry, I totally misunderstood. I thought you were changing schools. So you're just moving out from your house?"
"Yeah, that's it. I guess I didn't explain it well either."
Then I noticed everyone talking all at once. This has to be a coincidence, right?
"So, when are you moving into your new place?"
"Not sure. Maybe next week? Or in two weeks? There's still a lot to sort out."
"Are you going to live with your father and his wives?"
"Exactly. And my sisters too."
"Oh, you have sisters?"
"Yeah. I hope we get along."
"Knowing you, you'll be fine."
♦♦♦
Ding dong, ding dong.
Even after Ayame-san's encouragement, I still couldn't concentrate. I knew I should be focusing on class… but my mind kept drifting to the move.
"Hey Tomoki, everything okay? I heard you're moving out." — Now it's Ryuichi.
"Yeah… I'm going to miss my current home."
"Well, if you need anything, just let me know. By the way, could you come with me? Senpai asked for your help with something."
After everything he's been through because of me, I guess I owe him.
"Sure, lead the way."
So we walked to the cafeteria and then headed to that place—the one only boys are allowed to go. I still remember the shame I felt the first time I came here, right after cutting the line for omurice.
Time really flies.
"Senpai, Tomoki's here."
"Hello, Senpai. It's been a while!" — I greeted him as politely and cheerfully as I could.
"Oh… Morikawa. Yeah, it's been a while. I heard you studied with Edomae-san. Is she…"
"She's fine, Senpai. Everything good with you?"
"DON'T—" —He took a deep breath... Breathe in and breathe out — "...Don't ask me again. I still get triggered every time."
Let me sum it up: when I studied with Ryuichi and Senpai, it started off fine. But as the material got harder, I struggled more and started forgetting stuff. I'd ask Senpai a lot of questions and… he snapped.
What makes studying with Ayame-san different? First, her notes are incredibly organized. Second, her practice tests helped me retain things better. And third, she helped me structure a proper study schedule.
Anyway, I still feel bad for Senpai. I don't want to cause him more trouble.
"Sorry, Senpai. Ryuichi said you needed help. I'm here for whatever you need."
"Thanks, Morikawa. Actually, I wanted to ask about Tachibana Himari-san."
"Is something wrong—? I mean, sure... go ahead." — Almost I asked him again.
"I heard from my girlfriends that she confessed to you, and you rejected her. Can you tell me why?"
Yeah, I don't like where this is going... Wait—he has girlfriends!? It's a shame I can't just ask him. He'd probably freak out again.
"I just wasn't prepared, that's all."
"That's a problem? You can date more than one girl... Oh, wait—it's because of Edomae-san, isn't it?"
"No. It's because I was rejected by my childhood friend and I haven't gotten over it yet." — I don't want to involve Ayame-san.
"No wonder she rejected you once she got to know you better."
Senpai clearly doesn't see me in a positive light. I don't blame him, but why call me just to talk down to me?
Even Ryuichi looked uncomfortable. He gave me a subtle shake of his head, silently telling me to just let it go.
"Lately, Tachibana-san talks to me every day. We even message each other and sometimes my girlfriends get jealous."
Wow. I thought Senpai was a good guy—dedicated to studies and baseball. He feels like a different person now. Did therapy change him?
"Sorry, I didn't mean to brag. So, Morikawa… should I accept her as one of my girlfriends?"
There's a lot I wanted to say. A lot. If he acts like this toward his girlfriends too, then I hope Tachibana-san doesn't end up dating him.
But maybe he just treats me like this.
What a tricky situation.
"I don't think it's my place to say. That's something between you and her… and maybe your girlfriends too." — I told him.
"So you can't even answer properly, huh? Thanks for coming. I guess I expected too much from a scholarship student."
"I see. Then, if you'll excuse me."
Ryuichi and I bowed and left the room.
"Ryuichi, what the hell happened to Senpai? Did his therapist give him a concussion therapy?"
"Tomoki… sorry. I've never seen him act like that toward anyone."
"I just hope he acts like that only to me. Now I'm worried about Tachibana-san."
"Me too. But from what I know, his girlfriends seem happy. They always brag about dating him, so maybe he treats them well."
"Now It's kinda sad that he only treats me like that."
Ryuichi gave me a light tap on the shoulder.
"Let's head home. It's getting late."
"You're right. Can't make Mom wait for me."
And just like that, the day ended.
I hope Tachibana-san finds someone who'll truly cherish her.