A long self-reflection

With my final strategy sealed off by Hayashi, I was groaning in the cafeteria, arms crossed.

Is Kasahara a no-go?

The condition for the reward she offered was to talk to someone from our university. Naturally, Kasahara fits that condition, so I could’ve pushed for it if I tried, but making a fuss about it felt like childish nitpicking, and even I hesitated to stoop that low.

As a result, I missed my one and only golden opportunity… So, what now?

Well, I suppose the answer’s already clear.

What to sell when I get home today—maybe I’ll figure it out with Hayashi.

Can’t be helped, can it?

I’ve never thought my way of living was a bad one, but I’ve also never thought I wasn’t a troublemaker.

For some reason, conversations with others often turn into arguments. I get a lot of hostile glares too, and come to think of it, I vaguely recall Hayashi once saying that I’ve never considered my life a good one because of that.

But it’s not up to others to decide whether my life is good or bad.

So, no matter what others think, as long as I believe my life is good, that’s enough. That’s how I see it.

…I got sidetracked.

Anyway, for now, I need to settle on a plan regarding my promise with Hayashi.

That said, the answer in my head is the same as I thought earlier.

Honestly, the reward doesn’t match the effort.

Even I’m at the point where I need to organize my cleaning supplies. In a situation like this, what Hayashi dangled in front of me is, frankly, just an excuse to tidy up.

If that’s the case, jumping on that excuse isn’t a bad move.

…That’s the plan I came up with, at least.

But I bet Hayashi isn’t hoping for something like that…

Why would she take the risk of me hating her—or even the risk of getting kicked out of my place—just to push me like this?

Even someone like me, who’s apparently a troublemaker, can figure that one out.

“Guess I’ve got no choice, huh?”

In the end, I reluctantly decided to get my heavy self moving.

But here’s the problem.

I’ve resolved to talk to someone at this university, but who exactly should I talk to?

Just walking up to some random person on campus would probably get me mistaken for a creep, and I wouldn’t have any right to complain if it did…

So, I guess I’ll have to rely on someone I know.

That’s what I was thinking about at the time.

Just then, a familiar girl walked into the cafeteria.

Kasahara Akari.

Hayashi’s best friend from high school, who’s now living in my place, and also… my ex-girlfriend from back then.

I quietly approached her.

Then it hit me.

Come to think of it, I haven’t talked to Kasahara since we ran into each other at Ishida’s wedding.

No, now that I think about it, Hayashi was there with us at the time.

Talking to Kasahara one-on-one… it’s been since that group date, hasn’t it?

“What’s up, Yamamoto-kun?”

Before I could even speak, Kasahara called out to me with a smile.

Is it okay to say this?

Isn’t posting once a day kind of tough?