Ch. 1 - Episode 1 p7 - For the first time, my childhood friend was a step ahead of me

<b>For the first time, my childhood friend was a step ahead of me</b>

Ritsu Kaminoki, second-year high school student, has an April birthday, and is now 17 years old.

Knowing how advanced this world is, I, of course, have a phone.

A convenient smartphone that allows me to talk to anyone.

Two flowery high school students, who knew about the widespread existence of smartphones, are not relying on them to have a conversation.

I felt as if I was experiencing traditional culture.

Well, we didn’t have smart phones when I was a child, so we used to talk on string phones like this.

…Why did I even grow up…?

At this moment, I felt hateful that time moved forward.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“…What did you and Shirahata-san talk about today?”

So that’s it.

It’s true that Karen saw the scene in which I was invited by Shirahata-san, so it’s natural that she was curious.

However, I have to choose my words carefully when talking about this, mainly due to the fact that Shirahata-san is known as an angelic beauty.

Besides, I was sympathetic for Shirahata-san.

That’s why I feel like I want to protect her.

If I told Karen what I knew, Shirahata-san’s image would naturally be destroyed. Or rather, it would be turned around by one hundred and eighty degrees.

That’s why I’m going to use my secret technique of “Expert Dodge”.

“It’s not that big of a deal. It seems that Shirahata-san picked up the key to the rooftop by accident, but she felt a little guilty about entering the rooftop alone; wouldn’t you?　That’s where the ‘red light, cross together and you won’t be afraid’ theory comes in.”

By the way, it’s true that she picked up the key to the roof. Lucky girl.

“Ritsu… has always been bad at dodging things, hasn’t it? And the fact that you think it’s perfect in your own mind kind of annoys me.”

“Stop it! We’re having a ‘take pity on Ritsu’ campaign, so sympathize with me!”

“N-No, that’s not it.”

“Don’t say that!　We’re childhood friends, right? Even though we’ve been through a lot, we’re still childhood friends!”

“If you really think so… don’t hide things from me…”

I-It’s not the same as that…

“It’s really not a big deal. Karen would find it uninteresting to hear.”

“…Then, why don’t you answer my question?”

“O-Okay…”

I could see that if I said “No!” at this moment, I would be in big trouble later, so I nodded my head.

When it comes to predicting the actions of my childhood friend, I’m at the level of precognition. But since it’s usually limited to horrible things, it’s an unwanted ability.

After a moment of silence, I heard a faint voice.

“Did Shirahata-san confess her love to you?”

Her words made me go “ugh”.

In reality, Shirahata-san has confessed many things to me.

She made a lot of underage claims (extreme crazy versions) at once.

The audience no longer asked, “What?”

However, I just can’t say it.

And this was a good thing, because I was on a string phone. Karen couldn’t see my expression at all, so I could handle my shitty poker face.

Now all I had to do was to not make a fool of myself.

“She didn’t confess to me.”

“… Hmph. Well, if she had, you’d be together and you’d be ridiculously excited right now. Even though you’re not with me.”

“…A-Ahaha…”

This is bad. My childhood friend’s intimidation over the phone can be used as a military weapon, can’t it?

And then all the countries come together to fight for Karen… which finally leads to the collapse of this romantic comedy…. (No such future).

“So, let’s get to the… main point…”

“That wasn’t the main point…?”

That topic was already so heavy for an appetizer, to the point where it made my stomach churn.

“So, about that ‘Promise’ we were talking about the other day…”

“…Ah.”

That reminds me.

I’ve had so many things happen today that I’ve somehow shoved some of the important questions to the corners of my brain. But her reminder just brought the questions back to the top.

“You know… The other day… I’m sorry I got mad at you so suddenly…”

“…”

That’s a lie, right?

Karen is a… tsundere? Is it true that Karen, who has only been tsun until now, is… merely one step away from becoming… dere?!

At any rate, silence is rude, so I’ll respond.

“It’s not a problem at all. I’m not worried about it.”

“T-That’s how it is… so I want you to forget about what I said about our ‘Promise’! Or rather, forget ‘Promise’ altogether!”

I knew it was you, Karen-san!

Though I felt somewhat relieved, I thought I might’ve just been badly influenced.

“I-I got it…”

“So, uh, this… is very hard to say, but…”

“W-What is it…?”

What’s so hard to say?

Immediately going into deep thought, I tried to predict what she was going to say. However, before I could make a prediction, Karen said it.

“I want you to be my childhood friend again!”

I don’t understand…

(TL: rip karen lol)