Hayashi Megumi and a New Friend

Before this work was published as a book, I used to think the characters were such a hassle.

But ever since it got published and I started earning royalties, the power dynamic has flipped.

Now, as the author, I’ve ended up groveling to my own characters.

If Yamamoto told me to lick his shoes, I’d ignore him, but if Hayashi told me to warm her sandals, I’d show my loyalty by tossing them in the microwave.

At Yamamoto’s words, I found myself recalling.

It’s true—right now, I don’t have the money to buy a motorcycle, nor the funds to cover the cost of getting a license. Borrowing money from Yamamoto just for a bike isn’t an option, and it’s not something I can ask my parents for either.

“B-but…”

“Besides, aren’t you supposed to be studying for your bookkeeping exam? Can you really handle studying for a motorcycle license at the same time?”

“…Ugh.”

I looked down.

“I can do it…”

I muttered weakly.

A moment later, I could tell Yamamoto let out a sigh.

“Maybe you’re right. You might be able to pull it off. But is getting a motorcycle license something you absolutely need to do right now, when you’re already working toward your bookkeeping exam with a clear goal in mind?”

The fact that he didn’t just flat-out say, “No way, it’s impossible,” shows that Yamamoto’s starting to understand how to handle me.

If he’d come at me all high and mighty, I probably would’ve gotten stubborn and insisted I could do it.

But when he gently shuts me down like that… it makes me feel like what I’m asking for is ridiculously selfish, and I end up at a loss for words.

“Does it have to be right now? You’ve got plenty of time ahead of you, don’t you?”

“…Yeah, you’re right.”

I nodded along with Yamamoto.

Well, this time, even I have to admit my idea was pretty far-fetched. I’m aware of that.

But… in the end, I still couldn’t buy a motorcycle.

At this rate, I won’t be able to get Yamamoto to buy one either.

“Hey, Yamamoto, are you seriously not gonna buy a bike?”

“Stop being so persistent. I’m not buying one.”

“Why are you being so stubborn about it?”

“You’re the one being stubborn, flipping your attitude like that.”

I mean, I can’t exactly say I want to ride on the back of your bike and go touring somewhere, can I?

A thought hit me.

What if I just said it?

What if I said it in a sweet, pleading tone and begged Yamamoto?

Yeah, that’s it.

Back in the day, Yamamoto… well, he dated Akari, didn’t he?

If Yamamoto let his guard down even for a moment because of Akari’s girly side, then maybe if I act all feminine and charm him, he might actually consider buying a bike?

…He’s surprisingly weak to pressure, isn’t he?

Wait, this could actually work, couldn’t it?

…No, let’s not.

Using my charm as a girl to get him to buy something expensive for my own gain… sure, it’s a motorcycle, but that’s basically no different from compensated dating.

I may have dropped out of college and become a freeter, but I haven’t fallen that far…

What is it?

I guess there’s still some pride in me, from the days when people called me a queen.

Still, how am I supposed to get Yamamoto to buy a bike?

How do I learn enough about motorcycles to convince him?

“Oh!”

An idea struck me.

“Hey, Nene.”

“Oh, y-yeah?”

“Could you let me ride on your bike sometime?”

Nene’s eyes went wide.

“…You’re not planning to ride without a license, are you? You’re not that far gone—”

Yamamoto shot me a look of disdain.

“Huh?”

When I glared at him, Yamamoto quickly looked away.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m not saying I’d drive it… I mean, let me ride on the back of your bike.”

“…Huh?”

“Of course, I’ll split the gas money. So, let me ride with you sometime. And, like, teach me about bikes.”

“Wha—whaaaat!?”

“Quiet down! You’ll bother the neighbors.”

“Oh, y-yeah. Sorry…”

Nene timidly bowed her head.

Honestly, this girl’s emotions are all over the place.

“So, is it okay or not?”

“Huh?”

“Give me an answer already.”

I pressed Nene for a clear yes or no about letting me ride with her.

Nene lifted her face for a moment but quickly looked down again.

“Is it… okay?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I-I mean, letting someone as beautiful as you, Hayashi-san, ride on my dirty old bike seat…?”

“Stop talking down about your precious bike like that.”

“Eek! S-sorry…”

“No, I mean… I just think you shouldn’t say stuff like that. That’s all.”

From what I’d heard earlier, I could tell how much Nene cherished her bike. I didn’t think she should say anything to put down something so important to her.

My tone came out harsher than I meant, and even though I tried to soften it, Nene still wouldn’t look up.

…Was that the final straw?

I wondered.

She probably doesn’t even want to ride with me anymore.

Times like this, I kinda hate my personality.

I always end up saying things too harshly. If I could just speak a little more gently… maybe I’d be better at navigating life.

“…I-I’ll stop talking bad about my bike from now on.”

“…Okay.”

“A-and about the riding together thing…”

“Yeah…”

“C-could we please do it sometime?”

“Alright.”

I nodded.

“Huh?”

I couldn’t help but ask again.

“Wait, it’s okay?”

“Yes.”

“…Why?”

“Why…? I-I mean, it’s obvious!”

Nene leaned in close.

“B-because I want to be friends with you, Hayashi-san!”

Hearing Nene’s excited words, I remembered how she’d acted when we first met in this room.

…I see.

Even after seeing my harsh personality.

Even after I scolded her, when I had no right to.

Nene still wanted to be friends with me.

“I see…”

“I-is that… not okay?”

“…No.”

I looked down.

“I’m… kinda happy…”

My true feelings slipped out. Feelings I hadn’t meant to reveal.

Instantly, my face flushed hot.

“D-don’t stare at me!”

“Wha—!? W-why not?”

“J-just don’t! Ugh…”

What was I even mad about right now?

I didn’t really know.

I crossed my arms, pursed my lips, and kept arguing, but… no good answers were coming.

Still, for some reason, I felt a little good.

Why was that?

Because I made a new friend?

Yeah, maybe that’s it.

Ever since I moved to the city, my college friends have all been about give-and-take…

Maybe Nene’s the first real friend I’ve made since coming here.

“Hehe.”

Getting this happy over making a friend feels kinda childish.

Thinking that made me laugh.

“Haha.”

Nene laughed along with me.

For a while, we just laughed together.

“Well, here’s to us, Nene.”

“Oh, y-yeah!”

And so, for the first time since coming to the city… since being taken in by this house, I made a friend.

“…Well, that wrapped up nicely.”

Yamamoto muttered.

“So, Takeshita, is it fine if I tutor you during breaks or spare moments like that?”

“Tutor…?”

I tilted my head.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. This morning, she asked me to help her study.”

“…Just the two of you?”

“Uh? …Well, I guess it’d end up that way, yeah?”

Yamamoto said, rubbing his chin.

“What?”

The coldest voice I’d let out all day escaped my lips.

It’s been a long time, but this chapter’s finally done.

When I started writing, I think I was planning to introduce a new character to shake things up. But I couldn’t quite nail down that new character’s vibe, and then I got hit with burnout from my first-ever book publication, which brings us to now.

So sorry.

I’m apologizing formally, but I don’t mean any harm!