Love Nest

Before heading out on our date, we stopped by the love nest of Hayashi and her ex-lover.

There, we found a used condom. We’re about to go on a date, yet the day’s already off to a rocky start.

Feeling a slight awkwardness, I left Hayashi in the bedroom and stood alone in the living room.

Honestly, I didn’t want to spend a single second in this dusty room, but Hayashi was searching for some clothes she wanted, and she told me to wait outside, so I had no choice.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Achoo!

Sneezing in response, I greeted Hayashi. She didn’t seem to care anymore about the thing we found in the bedroom earlier.

“Hey, you look good. …Achoo!”

“Thanks. I’d be even happier if you could hold back that sneeze, though.”

“Sorry for ruining the mood.”

I apologized out of guilt, but honestly, it was Hayashi who dragged me to this dusty place to begin with. Did I even need to apologize?

“Still, I’m kinda surprised.”

Oblivious to my trivial thoughts, Hayashi spoke up.

“About what?”

“That you actually complimented my outfit so honestly.”

“…What’s so surprising about that?”

“I mean, you’re always so cynical, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t exactly deny being cynical, so I kept my mouth shut.

“I just couldn’t picture you being the type to openly praise someone.”

“That’s not true. I’m always praising people.”

“Liar.”

“It’s not a lie… Or, well, maybe it’s not entirely true either.”

“See? Told you.”

“…I guess it just means you and that outfit look so good together that I couldn’t help but praise you honestly.”

Calmly, I analyzed my own words. The conclusion I reached was so obvious it hardly needed thinking about.

After all, that woman was a famous beauty back in high school. Whatever clothes she wore, they were bound to look good on her.

“What’s wrong? Your face is all red. …Achoo!”

“…It’s nothing. Should we get out of here?”

“Yeah, let’s go. My nose can’t take this itch anymore.”

“…Sorry about that, honestly.”

Finally, we left her ex-lover’s apartment. Stepping out, locking the door, and walking outside… Hayashi looked up at the building.

“What’s up?”

“…Nothing, really.”

A trace of melancholy lingered on Hayashi’s face. Whatever the circumstances, she’d lived here for months.

She’d shared time with a man she loved, in whatever form that love took. Intense moments, no doubt.

She’s probably thinking about things I could never understand.

Maybe even she doesn’t fully grasp why she’s staring up at the building like this.

“Alright, shall we go?”

“Yeah.”

We started walking. We probably won’t ever come back here. Not me, and definitely not her.

The journey here was rough. Hayashi’s face was pale, and I was so worried about her that I couldn’t calm down. It was tough.

But now, as we leave this place behind, my heart feels strangely light. Is it because I’m about to go on a date with Hayashi?

Or maybe because I can see her brightened face beside me?

Probably both.

Still, I never would’ve imagined this back in high school. Going on a date with Hayashi, of all people.

…Back then, I hated her. I couldn’t stand her arrogance, her competitive streak, her haughty attitude. And I’m pretty sure she felt something similar about me.

Yet here we are, reunited in a place far from our hometown, living under the same roof. I never could’ve predicted it.

Still, after spending two weeks with this unexpected version of her, I’ve come to a realization.

Being with her… it’s not so bad. That’s what I’ve been thinking.

But our time together is almost over.
She doesn’t need my protection anymore. And once that’s the case, she probably shouldn’t be around someone like me.

This date will likely be our last memory together.
The final memory for two people who used to hate each other.

The day it was decided I’d take her in, I was ready to refuse. Thinking back to the Hayashi from high school, I felt sorry for her situation, but I didn’t want to live with her.
But after spending time together… I’ve started to think those days weren’t so bad after all.

I never would’ve expected to feel this way.

…Not in a million years.

To think I’d actually want to keep living with Hayashi.
If you told the old me I’d feel this way, I probably wouldn’t have believed it.