Hayashi Megumi’s Memories

Back in high school, as I often recall, I didn’t like Yamamoto at all. In fact, I hated him so much that just seeing his face made me sick.

Looking back now, I can’t even understand why I got so irritated just by seeing Yamamoto, but I really, really disliked him.

Every time I went to school and caught a glimpse of Yamamoto’s face, I couldn’t help but click my tongue in annoyance.

And so, as that tongue-clicking became something of a routine, I spent my high school days chatting and laughing with Akari and Ichi and the others.

Come to think of it, there was one day in high school when I didn’t go home with Akari or Ichi, I remembered.

That was the day, if I recall correctly, when Akari caught a cold, and Ichi had to leave early for cram school.

Feeling a bit lonely, I was in the classroom by myself, messing around on my phone.

Some people might think, If you don’t have anything to do, just go home already, but back then, I didn’t really want to go back to my parents’ house, so I was just killing time alone in the classroom.

Right after school, there were probably still a few students lingering in the classroom.

But those few students didn’t pay me any attention, grouping up with their close friends and heading home.

Back then, I thought I’d rather stay alone in the classroom than hang out with those people, but now that I think about it, even though I had a certain amount of status, I was probably an outsider in the class.

The noisy schoolyard.

The noisy school building.

I was all alone.

At a time like that, someone called out to me.

“Ugh, you’re still here?”

It was none other than Yamamoto.

Back then, he was the last guy I wanted to talk to.

I don’t remember replying to Yamamoto’s words.

But I do remember clicking my tongue. Back then, I was so annoyed at Yamamoto for even bothering to talk to me that I actually got angry.

Now, I understand.

That was probably Yamamoto’s way of being kind.

Worried about me, lingering at school with no friends reaching out, he went out of his way to talk to me, even though he didn’t like me.

In the short time since high school—not even a full year—something has changed in my heart.

It’s my feelings about Yamamoto, the guy I used to hate so much.

I like Yamamoto.

For Yamamoto, I feel like I could do anything.

I like him so much, helplessly so, that I can’t even control it.

…That’s why.

That’s why I absolutely can’t mess up today’s meeting with Yamamoto’s parents.

“Big brother, Mom’s home!”

Shiho-chan’s voice echoed from the first floor.

It’s finally happening…!

A chill ran through me from the nerves.

“I didn’t know you were such a nervous wreck.”

Yamamoto teased me.

“Shut up. Got a problem with that?”

“Nah, I just thought it was a bit surprising, that’s all. Sorry if I offended you.”

Seeing Yamamoto apologize so sincerely, I noticed I felt a little more at ease.

…Oh, I get it.

Yamamoto was trying to calm me down.

“Haha!”

“Now you’re laughing?”

“Shut up.”

“Now you’re getting mad?”

“…You’re really not honest, are you? Like, seriously.”

“I’m always honest. If you think I’m not, maybe you’re the one who’s not honest.”

“Maybe so.”

It was a strange feeling.

Talking to Yamamoto made the heavy emotions I’d been carrying alone just moments ago slip away so easily.

It’s always like this with him.

Before I know it, my heart feels so calm.

Maybe this is…

Maybe this is what it means to fall for someone.

“Hey, Yamamoto?”

“Hm?”

“I’m gonna do my best.”

Without waiting for Yamamoto’s reply, I left his room ahead of him.

I went down the stairs, headed to the living room, and saw a woman chatting cheerfully with Shiho-chan.

…This must be her.

“Nice to meet you.”

I smiled at Yamamoto’s mom.

Just get together already!

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