CH 2

I enjoyed  my time in middle school until the second grade, but after that I spent the rest of my time in a lethargic state. The reason why is because Sawa chan left the island.

I was determined to leave this island when I became a high school student and go to the same high school as Sawa chan. I made up my mind and studied hard.

“It’s Natsume senpai ! He’s so cool ! He’s too precious…….”

“That’s it…. I wonder why he doesn’t have a girlfriend?”

“Cool guys are attractive, aren’t they…?”

I can hear their conversation. I’m not sure if they’re doing it on purpose so that I can hear them. I’m embarrassed to admit that even though I’m careful about my appearance, I’m still embarrassed….

But, I have to get used to it. Because I’m going to be the guy standing next to Sawa chan. As I clenched my fists while thinking that, I was slapped so hard on the back from behind.

“Hey ! Sho ! It’s hard being a popular guy,  huh !”

“I’m so jealous ! That first year is Reihi chan, right? She’s so beautiful !”

These two used to be the ones who used to bully me. Now I would say they are my best friends. They are one of the few friends who know about my past.

“I have someone in mind, you know?”

“That old hag?

“I’m shivering just thinking about….that demon……”

Saying that, the two of them laughed. I gave them a glare. I will not allow them to say anything bad about Sawa chan. Now I’m in the same position as these two. I mean……

“Hey…Sho. You’re looking more and more like that person.”

“Eh? Seriously. I’m glad !”

“….Your expression changes too much.”

“I didn’t mean it as a compliment.”

The duo laughed again after saying that. This is why I can’t hate them. Or rather, I’m really happy that I look like Sawa chan. They say married couples look alike.

“Anyway, I’m going to Misaka High School. I’m going to say goodbye to you guys.”

“…..I’m going to miss you, Sho !

One of them hugged me. Who would stop going even if you stop them? I thought that, though I’m a little sad.

“If you fail, I’ll stay here, don’t worry.”

“I see. Then I’ll stay out of your way, okay?”

“Huh?”

“Do you think I’m the kind of guy who would do something like that? Me?”

“I do.”

Hey !  They laughed again after I put a retortment. I never thought we’d have this kind of relationship, but I still like these guys. As friends.

♣♣♣

My house was an old house. It was a one-story house, just like an island house ! My mother and father were both kind and gentle people.

As my mother was putting food on my plate, she said.

“Finally tomorrow is the day…..your entrance examination. You’ve done everything you can, so you’ll definitely pass.”

My father, who’s placing a side dish of pork cutlets on top of rice while chewing  a steak, says with a serious look on his face.

Beat the enemy !

(TL/N: Teki ni katsu, pun for Beefsteak and cutlet)

I think it’s such an old-fashioned pun to use even in the countryside nowadays.

“It’s refreshing to think that you’ll be gone from here. …..Well, go ahead and do your best.”

Both were words of encouragement from my parents in their own way. They were words that resonated with me as I was preparing to take the entrance exam.

“I’m sure you’ll pass the exam.”

“…..It’s for Sawa chan’s sake, right?”

A kyaa word from my mother even though she’s already old. I hate this kind of thing, but at the same time I also like it.

“I-it’s embarrassing, stop it.”

“I like a single-minded man. By the way, I married your mother because I fell in love with her at first sight, you know?”

Saying that, my father took another bite of rice. My mother cheered again beside him. I felt sad thinking that I would no longer be able to see this annoying scene.

“You don’t know if you’re going to get in yet, so don’t feel lonely, okay?”

“I know. Thanks for the support, Mom and Dad.”

I said thanks for the food and went straight to bed. And then I prepared for tomorrow’s exam.

“He’s growing right, Dear?”

“Yeah. It’s going to be lonely.”

“I know right? I wish I wasn’t as nervous as you are.”

I’ve never been nervous.”

“Oh my? Who was it that dropped the ring when you proposed in a hurry?”

“……Oh, jeez.”

Such a conversation was going on in the living room.