Hayashi Megumi’s Anger

It happened while I was climbing the stairs, following behind Yamamoto.

“Kuaaah…”

Yamamoto was yawning sleepily.

I thought about it earlier, but compared to when we’re together at his place in Tokyo, Yamamoto today has absolutely no tension. It’s probably because he feels that comfortable here.

Right before coming to his family home, I was secretly worried about Yamamoto.

Until we got here, it was obvious Yamamoto didn’t want to come near this place. Seeing him unusually sulky, it was only natural for me to feel that kind of worry.

But when I heard directly from Yamamoto why he didn’t want to return home, I realized I’d misunderstood.

And Yamamoto is always, well, Yamamoto.

Half a compliment.

Half a jab.

That’s the kind of impression I had of him.

It feels like I’ve gotten just a little closer to Yamamoto.

…Seriously, someone praise me.

This guy’s intuition is dull, he’s stubborn, and he’s way too good at brushing things off.

Getting this close to him is a big deal, okay?

But I don’t want to be satisfied with just this.

I want more…

I could never say it out loud to Yamamoto, but I want more…

This might be my chance.

I realized something.

Yamamoto’s mom and Shiho-chan, too.

It seems like both of them are on my side, and if they’re around, they might accept a bit of recklessness from me.

Knowing how family-oriented Yamamoto is, if I can win over the people closest to him, he might just give in.

So, this has to be my chance.

A chance to aim for more, no doubt about it…!

Ahem.

I cleared my throat deliberately.

“You look sleepy.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Maybe the tension’s finally worn off.”

“What? You were nervous?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

His voice was drawn out, not like the usual Yamamoto. He really does seem sleepy.

Hearing such an honest admission from him made my heart skip a beat.

I mean, Yamamoto being this open feels so… fresh.

“That’s great, isn’t it? They accepted you just fine.”

“Yeah…”

With a “kuaa,” Yamamoto let out another sigh.

And then, we reached his room.

…That’s weird.

That’s really weird.

My heart’s been aching since we were walking down the hallway.

I thought about it earlier, but sleeping in the same room as Yamamoto? We’ve done it tons of times in Tokyo, so why?

Why does my heart hurt so much just because the place has changed?

I’m probably nervous.

About this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

About this situation that feels like a checkmate in sight.

About these feelings that can’t afford a single misstep.

I’m feeling nervous.

“Good job, Yamamoto.”

Trying to suppress my racing heart.

“You did great today.”

I spun my words together.

“You made it back home properly, didn’t you?”

To the always dependable Yamamoto.

“I was worried yesterday. I thought you might bail at the last minute.”

To the Yamamoto I’m always relying on.

“But you came back properly and even introduced me.”

To get even closer…

“…Thank you.”

With a burning red face, I looked up at Yamamoto.

“Hey, Yamamoto?”

The Yamamoto I gazed up at…

“Want a reward?”

The unusually sleepy-looking Yamamoto…

“A reward for doing so well?”

He looked almost childish, different from his usual self, and my heart squeezed tight.

“How about I sleep next to you…?”

There’s only one bed in Yamamoto’s room.

Probably, Yamamoto’s mom and Shiho-chan…

The reason they had me sleep in Yamamoto’s room was for this.

…Yamamoto.

“Nah, I’m good. Gonna sleep.”

He dove onto the bed.

“…Huh?”

…That was my one big shot, you know?

Sleep over a girl?

Soon, I could hear Yamamoto’s steady breathing as he lay face-down on the bed.

While being told by so many people to hurry up.

While being cheered on by so many people to keep going.

While thinking about so many things to get to this point.

The things I’ve gained are countless.

The things I’ve been made to think about are vast and varied.

And because it’s this moment, I thought I should say it.

For the people who’ve supported me.

And for the person who’s been waiting for me.

I want to say it loud and clear.

Welcome back, Zelda…!

It was so much fun.

Apparently, I played for 130 hours.

I can just see everyone’s exasperated faces…

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