Epilogue
On Sunday, the weather was beautifully clear, making it a perfect day for an outing.
He headed to their usual meeting spot in front of the station, where Chika, wearing active denim pants style, was waiting for him with a large tote bag that seemed to contain lunch.
“Sorry, I’m late. I got caught up with preparing this.”
He said, showing her a small cooler bag as he apologized.
“No worries, we just hit the appointed time.”
‘Come to think of it, she always arrives early and waits for me.’
“Here are the tickets. I bought them in advance.”
“You’re well-prepared.”
“It’s just a little something because I wanted to try doing this. My dad and Miki-chan always buy mine for me.”
She said, sounding a bit like an elementary school student, but he understood her feelings.
He thanked her for the ticket, and they walked together towards the ticket gate.
“That bag looks heavy. Should I carry it for you?”
“Oh wow, you’re giving me a boyish vibe right now. Then, please.”
The canvas tote bag she handed him was indeed quite heavy, as h expected.
‘She must have put a lot of effort into making the lunch.’
“Lunch, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Don’t worry; it’s not just curry rice. You’ll definitely enjoy it.”
Chika replied playfully, then shifted her gaze to the cooler bag.
“You seem excited about the dessert too.”
“Well, maybe.”
‘Inside the bag was a cake, I’m sure’, she seemed confident about it.
“Oh, we’re on platform three.”
Chika led the way, walking through the station premises.
“By the way, I invited Miki-chan, but she declined, saying she had something to do.”
Chika mentioned as if she had just remembered, catching him by surprise.
“O-Oh, really? That’s a shame.”
“Yeah, I wanted Miki-chan to try my lunch.”
“Why don’t you bring it to school next time? I’m sure she’d be happy.”
“That’s a good idea. If I get a passing grade from Soma-san today, I’ll do that. I’ll include some dishes she likes.”
On platform three, an old yellow train had already stopped.
After Chika confirmed the train on the electronic display board, they boarded, and the train soon began to move with a clattering sound.
“We made it in time. That’s good.”
Chika said with a relieved sigh as she took a seat next to him.
“It wouldn’t have been a problem even if we missed one train. You don’t need to be so nervous.”
“Maybe you’re right. But since I planned this outing, I want everything to go smoothly,”
She pointed to a homemade booklet peeking out from the side pocket of her tote bag.
“I never thought you’d even make a bookmark. It must have taken so much of time and effort.”
Sōma said, receiving the same booklet.
The booklet contained a detailed schedule for the day, points of interest, and a copy of the timetable, all neatly written with cute illustrations.
When Soma first saw it, he was amazed by the level of detail put into it.
“I simply don’t want to skimp on things I want to do. Just like you, Sōma-san, if there’s a pastry you want to make, no matter how complicated the process is, you probably wouldn’t cut corners or take the easy way out.”
“It’s because creating those kinds of pastries gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me burn with passion.”
“I feel the same way. In that sense, Sōma-san and I are similar; I think we’re a good match.”
“I wonder about that.”
Sōma replied indifferently, making Chika pout.
‘…A good match, huh?’
‘Miki said something similar to me the other day.’
He never thought they’d be accused of acting all lovey-dovey just because they’re cooperating for each other’s goals.
If people called them partners or collaborators, that would be one thing, but to treat them as lovers…
He can’t fathom how they arrive at such interpretations. It’s hard for him to comprehend.
He tried to explain in detail everything they’d been doing so far to dispel the misunderstanding, but she rejected it, saying she didn’t want to hear any boasting.
‘Why would explanations come across as boasting? I don’t get it.’
As the train sways, he glances at the girl sitting next to him.
She’s looking at the scenery passing outside the window and occasionally exclaims with childlike delight.
‘…Well, she’s cute, and I definitely think she’s an amazing person, but as we spend more time together, I’ve come to realize that her childlike side is just one aspect of her. ‘
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In reality, she’s a girl with a strong determination to become the person she wants to be and has unwavering convictions.
Her occasional adult-like behavior bewilders him, and he wishes she’d stop, but on the other hand, when she acts mature, it makes his heart race, and he can’t help but feel a sense of superiority, knowing a side of her that others in his class don’t.
‘…Huh? She’s more likable than I thought.’
Realizing this fact belatedly surprises him.
“——Soma-san?”
Suddenly, Chika, who had been absorbed in looking out the window, turned around.
“Were you, by any chance, staring at me all this time?”
“Uh… no…?”
Affirming it would be too embarrassing, but denying it would be a big lie.
As he ponders how to respond, Chika inexplicably bows her head.
“I understand what Soma-san wants to say. I’m sorry.”
“Huh?”
“I think you wanted me to wear the clothes I bought the other day. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet your expectations.”
“Why are you suddenly saying that?”
“I understand your feelings, and I also wanted to wear them. But, you see, it would slip off if I moved my arms vigorously in that outfit. Today, I want to play catch ball.”
With that, she takes out an orange rubber ball from her tote bag and shows it to him.
“It would be embarrassing if my innerwear was showing through later when we were playing catch ball. That outfit was see-through.”
“Wait, wait, wait.”
“No? You don’t want to play catch ball?”
As Soma takes the ball away and tries to stop her, Chika looks puzzled.
“I don’t mind playing catch ball. It’s not about that; why do you think I want you to wear the clothes from the other day?”
He doesn’t recall saying anything like that.
However, Chika, still looking puzzled, continues.
“But, Soma-san, at that time, you were looking at me with a really red face.”
“Wha——!”
He’s left speechless.
“You seemed to like it. I’m happy that you enjoyed it, and I’m also happy with the outfit I chose.”
“N-No, it’s not like that!”
“Really? I don’t think so, but don’t worry. I’ll wear that outfit next time we go out. You can look at me to your heart’s content.”
“I don’t want to see it!”
“Don’t hold back; it’s okay. If there’s anything you want to see, I’ll try any outfit. Whether it’s a cheerleader, bunny suit, or cheongsam, I’ll wear anything. Yes, it’s embarrassing for me too, but for the rare chance of seeing Soma-san, who can’t take his eyes off me even when he’s embarrassed, I’ll do anything. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask!”
“There’s no way I’d have any requests!”
“There-there, oh, come on, don’t hold back. Oh! I know, how about a maid outfit?”
“M-maid outfit?”
As Soma’s favorite word popped up, he instinctively stopped moving, and Chika smiled mischievously.
“Soma-san, you like maids, don’t you? Oh my, I see-I see, Is that so?”
“Ugh… whatever, so what if I do!? I like maids, okay!?”
“Oh, you’re being defiant now. In that case, I’ll wear a maid outfit for you next time. Please look forward to it.”
Blushing as Chika brought her face close to him with a grin, Soma couldn’t help but think,
‘How is this lovey-dovey!? I’m just being one-sidedly teased, though!? Saito’s criticism is completely off the mark!’
“…do you find it so enjoyable to tease me!?”
“Yes, very much!”
“Stop with that smile of yours!”
‘I guess I should tell Saito in detail how Chika has been teasing me. Everything we did together and everything Chika did to him. ‘
By doing that, he was sure she would realize that they weren’t lovey-dovey at all.
‘This exchange was definitely not lovey-dovey!’
As Chika was teasing Soma, he firmly resolved himself again.
***
TL: Hiraeth