I replied to the text message that came in earlier saying that she would be a little late. I put my phone in my bag.
I have a little time to kill but I don’t think I should go around to kill time so I went to a vending machine and pressed the button of my usual coffee. The can that came out was cool, contrary to the temperature of the outside world where it is still hot even though it was already around 5pm.
I go back to the place I was before, pull the tab, and take a sip. A pleasant bitter taste spreads in my mouth and my thoughts become clearer.
Unlike last year, I’ve spent a lot of time with other people over the past thirty days or so of summer vacation. Come to think of it, this is the first and last time I had invited someone to join me this summer vacation.
I drank some more coffee and remembered what happened a few days ago.
The first thing that came to my mind was what Mei said to me after my birthday party, the day before the summer vacation started. I wondered in what state of mind Mei was when she said that hallucination like declaration. At that time, I responded as if I’m being pressured but everything turned out as she said.
The heroines in novels, mangas, and movies that are called “easy” were much harder to get than me, right? I couldn’t help but let out a laugh of self-deprecation as I think about it.
「Areh? Is that you, Amane?」
An uncomfortable gaze fell on me as if valuing me. I immediately remembered her name although we haven’t seen each other for a year and a half.
「Minato」
「You don’t have to reply in such a disgusted tone. We went on a school trip together, we’re good friends.」
I raised my alertness level in my mind for about 5 levels and wore a suitable mask tailored for the other party. Don’t worry, she has nothing to do with me now.
「We were just in the same group, I didn’t even go around with you.」
「Isn’t that because Amane took Kazuya with you and acted without permission?」
「Did I? Well, it doesn’t matter. I’m waiting for someone.」
「Well, it would be a masterpiece if you’re not waiting for someone with that outfit. I hope that the other party won’t come like it used to be.」
You’re talking about that again? You were the one who was pulling the string behind the scenes.
「Thanks for your concern but unlike your friend, the one I’m waiting for will surely come.」
Hearing what I said, she looked slightly annoyed and left.
I didn’t like the way she used my energy just to be disgusted. I have something fun waiting for me after all.
The can of coffee I was holding in my left hand was slightly dented even though it was made of steel. But I didn’t care and drank down everyone in one gulp.
「Thanks for waiting!」
「Y-yeah」
As if catching me off guard, I heard a familiar voice that I frequently hear these past few months.
「I’m sorry. It took me a while to change.」
「Maa, it’s okay since there’s still plenty of time.」
「I see.」
I looked at Mei again. The yukata she had taken time to change into was white with blue floral patterns and the obi, which was a little lighter color than the pattern, was different from the ribbon-like knot I knew but it gave the impression of being more beautiful than cute. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a low bun which also gave her a mature look.
「It looks good on you. You look mature and beautiful.」
「Thank you. Souta also looks good on that yukata.」
「Y-yeah」
When I told Yuna that I was going to a fireworks display with Mei, she suddenly brought out a blue yukata with thin vertical white line. She said mother has prepared it for me and I must wear it. It seems like mom brought it to the house when she visited us for the parent teacher interview. When I heard that, I wondered if mother has eyes that can see the future so I can’t help but wear it.
I heard voices saying “Oh, what a cute couple in yukata” as I took Mei’s hand and left the square in front of the station and entered the station.
「It’s a little crowded, isn’t it?」
「It’s a relatively famous fireworks display so it can’t be helped.」
A moderate number of people were waiting for the train on our side of the platform where the trains are heading towards the venue. There were few people on the other side of the platform which gave the impression that our side was crowded.
The train that came was also crowded to a certain extent and as if we are currently in a commuting rush to school or office. I don’t want to ride on it but Mei pulled me.
In the narrow train, the distance between us became closer. Much closer than our usual distance that I couldn’t even speak with her.
While we were looking left and right, trying to find something to talk about, the train approached a curve. I managed to keep my balance but someone behind me pushed me off balance.
「Kyaaa」
With a short cream, something sweet smelling hit my nose. In my field of vision, I can see Mei’s face turning red.
I had lost my balance and was in a position of giving Mei a kabedon(wall slam). Or is it tobiradon(door slam) given our situation? I tried to escape reality by thinking but the situation remained the same.
「this is bad.」
「Y-yeah. Not really. But, can’t we stay like this?」
She said that in a voice that goes quieter per words. She lightly pinched the sleeve of my yukata with her fingers. I won’t be able to move since she’s holding my sleeve. I can only turn my gaze to the scenery outside the door as if to escape.