The Sulky Ex-Girlfriend

“Ugh.”

Ever since we got to the university, Kasahara, who’s walking beside me, has been grumbling like this.

Come to think of it, it’s been quite a while since I last walked to and from school with Kasahara like this. Personally, I can’t help but feel a slight26. bit nostalgic for the old days. But her attitude is completely ruining that vibe.

Well, it’s a relationship that’s over, so I guess it can’t be helped.

I’m the one being soft, clinging to the past just a little.

“What’s with you, grumbling like that since earlier?”

“Huh? …Well, to put it bluntly, it’s your fault.”

“Is that so? Got it.”

I gave a wry smile.

“So, same old, same old, huh?”

“…Yeah, I guess.”

Kasahara let out a small chuckle.

“Hey, Yamamoto-kun, I know this might be tough for you to hear, but…”

“What?”

“That penalty game from this morning—could you just go along with it?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“…Yeah, I figured. It didn’t seem like it mattered much either way.”

Kasahara was right.

After mulling it over for a day and a bit, honestly, this whole reward-or-penalty game doesn’t mean much to me anymore.

If I had to pick something I’d rather avoid, it’s probably the thought of what kind of retaliation I’d face if Hayashi found out I rigged the game.

“Still, Hayashi’s recklessness never ceases to amaze me.”

“Don’t be too hard on her. Meg’s just looking out for you, you know?”

“…When you put it like that, it’s hard to argue.”

“Haha. You really need to take better care of her, okay?”

“Yeah.”

“…I wonder if you actually get it.”

The university in the early morning is as quiet as ever.

Kasahara and I started prepping for our first class in the cafeteria. We kept the small talk to a minimum. This vibe—it feels like it’s been ages.

“Spending time like this with you feels kinda nostalgic.”

I said that, but Kasahara didn’t respond.

She’s focused on studying, sure, but ignoring me completely? That’s a bit much.

“By the way, Kasahara, why’d you tell me earlier to just accept the penalty game?”

I was trying to study again, but I couldn’t keep my focus today and ended up talking to Kasahara again.

“…No reason. Just suggesting a strategic retreat.”

“There you go with your clever little phrases.”

“Come on, Meg’ll get mad again, you know?”

“Huh?”

“If you bring a girl to your room.”

Hayashi would get mad if I brought a girl to my room?

I tried picturing it in my head, all fluffy and vague.

The image that came up was two girls getting along great and me stuck in the most awkward atmosphere imaginable.

“Is that so?”

“Ever since we were dating, you’ve always been so dense, Yamamoto-kun.”

Kasahara’s tone was unusually serious.

“…Sorry.”

“It’s not a bad thing, you know? But even if I can let it slide, there are people who wouldn’t.”

“If you’re cool with it, that’s enough for me.”

“…Sigh.”

Kasahara let out an exaggerated sigh.

“Fine, whatever. Unlike when we were dating, I don’t care what happens to you now, Yamamoto-kun.”

Kasahara today… her words feel oddly sharp, don’t they?

“Kasahara, did I do something to put you in a bad mood?”

“I don’t know.”

“…‘I don’t know’ doesn’t cut it. If I did something wrong, I’ll apologize properly. Then we can talk about how to move forward. That’s what sincerity’s about.”

“Then… just don’t meet up with that girl again. That’s all.”

“…Yeah, okay.”

I wasn’t fully convinced, but pushing the conversation further might just make her mood worse, so I nodded reluctantly.

…Well, there’s a lot I don’t understand about the situation, but for now, I need to focus on prepping for the lecture starting in a few hours.

With that thought, I finally shifted my gaze to the textbook spread out on the desk.

That’s when it happened.

“Um!”

The cafeteria was mostly empty.

A voice rang out in front of us as we studied in a quiet corner.

“…Oh.”

I looked up to see who it was.

The person standing there…

Kasahara shot me a glare.

No way. This wasn’t my fault.

She’d just told me not to meet her again, and I fully intended to keep that promise.

But… if she approaches me, what am I supposed to do?

“Thank you for picking up my handkerchief yesterday.”

The person standing before me, bowing her head in thanks.

Without a doubt, it was the girl I’d spoken to yesterday.