Interlude 1
Adult Circumstances 2
『But teenage boys are at the age when they’re most interested in s*xual things. It’s really troublesome of Reiyu-chan to be around him and not let him do anything.』
“There’s nothing I can do about that.”
『At least at home, it should be fine, right?』
My friend said irresponsibly.
“No.”
I denied without hesitation.
『As expected of Sensei. You’re very strict, aren’t you?』
“The problem isn’t just about professional consciousness, is it?”
I accidentally let my true feelings slip.
If there’s something wrong with my behavior, I need to change it properly.
『Well, women have sexual desires too. There must be times when you fiercely want to have s*x』
“Don’t be so vulgar!”
『Getting shy, are we? Just make sure to use protection when you do it』
She teased.
“That’s none of your business!”
I raised my voice so loud it could have been heard next door.
Fortunately, Yuunagi-kun has gone back to his parents’ house for the weekend, so there’s no need to worry about that.
I’m not good at this kind of frank talk between women. It’s too raw and harsh, and I don’t know how to respond.
My lack of experience is painfully obvious. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel any panic or embarrassment.
『Let me tell you something good, Reiyu-chan. Even among close friends, eroticism never ceases!』
I froze, unable to comprehend the meaning of her words.
“Eroticism, not manners? Give me a detailed explanation.”
I’d rather cover my ears, but I can’t ignore her.
This is a matter based on the Neighbor Agreement.
I can’t cause any trouble for him.
『Hehe, I love that serious side of you, Reiyu-chan.』
“Just tell me.”
『Male-female relationships can never be neatly compartmentalized. Even if a woman isn’t interested, men tend to want their partners as they become closer. Women use this trait in romantic tactics to get men interested. But that doesn’t mean you should recklessly stir up a man’s heart without any real interest. That’s just a woman starved for validation.』
My friend, a seasoned veteran of mixers, speaks with a weight that comes from overwhelming experience.
She usually speaks in a gentle tone, but sometimes she shows this uncompromising side.
『So if you’re not careful, a close relationship between a man and a woman can…』
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“…can easily be broken.”
I accepted the conclusion as if admonishing myself.
『Well, I understand that Reiyu-chan is in a complicated position. I sympathize with you for falling in love with a person with a difficult position.』
“But you can’t choose who you fall in love with.”
『Is that so? There are plenty of cases where people grow to love someone they started dating based on conditions.』
“I absolutely can’t do that unless it’s with someone I like.”
I can’t skillfully separate my feelings and act accordingly.
『You’re enduring it just as much, Reiyu-chan』
My friend said as if seeing through my heart.
『Rest assured. It’s natural to desire someone you like. Honestly, if all of Reiyu-chan’s complicated circumstances were gone, what would you do?』
She asked, empathizing with my heart.
“…”
My silence was the answer.
『But if you keep putting him off, he might reach his limit first.』
“Limit?”
『Honestly, he might drift towards a classmate with potential rather than an older woman who won’t let him do anything.』
“That wouldn’t happen!”
『On what basis?』
“Well, Yuunagi-kun cares about me—”
『People cheat when they cheat.』
Humans are often driven more by instinct than reason.
It takes an extraordinary will to resist the natural surge within.
『If Yuunagi-kun is as wonderful as Reiyu-chan is crazy about, it wouldn’t be strange if there were girls around him who like him. It’s most natural for students to play at love with each other.』
She hit a sore spot that I usually try not to think about. Moreover, I knew an example of it.
Nishiki Yuunagi-kun had to leave his family home because his stepsister, Kaguya-chan, had come to like him as a member of the opposite sex.
“Why do you say things that could ruin our friendship?”
Unable to deny it emotionally, I let out a resentful remark.
『I don’t want Reiyu-chan to get hurt. If necessary, I’ll play the villain.』
She spoke with a gentle tone.
“I don’t need it. I trust Yuunagi-kun.”
『I want Reiyu-chan’s happiness above all else.』
***
That night, I couldn’t get the conversation with my best friend out of my head, and I ended up tossing and turning in bed.
Ever since then, I’ve found myself unavoidably watching him more at school.
In the classroom, he’s right in front of me, so he naturally comes into my field of vision; there’s no avoiding it. When I think about it, it’s quite rare to have a workplace where the person you like is so close by.
Even when I try to concentrate on the blackboard or the lecture during class, there are moments when my attention wavers.
During breaks or after homeroom, I can’t help but be concerned when I see female students around him.
It’s natural for classmates to talk to each other.
Even if I try to rationalize it, there’s a stir in the depths of my heart.
I hate myself for becoming so suspicious and distrustful.
Especially since Yuunagi-kun calls Kuhouin-san every morning to wake her up. Even though she prefers to be alone, she often talks with him.
Today, after school, she joined Yuunagi-kun, who was about to head home after she had been confessed to by another male student.
No, Mayuzumi-san, who is also good friends with her, was there too, so it was just a coincidence.
…No, what am I thinking, getting involved with a student?
It’s disgraceful.
Adult jealousy is unseemly.
I’m angry at myself for being weak and getting anxious over trivial matters. Don’t blame your lack of confidence on him.
Even though I understand this, I can’t calm the turmoil in my heart.
That’s why, during club activities, I swam with all my might, desperately trying to distract myself.