Disgust

Returning to Yamamoto’s perspective

Feeling refreshed, I stepped out of the restroom and looked for Hayashi.

“Oh, there she is.”

Hayashi was standing near the bookstore’s exit, engrossed in conversation with someone.

And then, I saw her—the girl talking with Hayashi.

“…Kasahara.”

I muttered her name, and Kasahara’s eyes met mine. Then, Hayashi turned to look at me. Her face seemed a little serious, somehow.

“See ya, Meg.”

Kasahara ignored us and left the bookstore. What had she even come here for?

“…Sorry for making you wait, Hayashi.”

“…Yamamoto.”

“You okay? Feeling sick or something?”

Hayashi didn’t respond.

“…My bad for keeping you waiting.”

“…Yamamoto.”

“For now, let’s head home.”

I couldn’t just leave Hayashi here in her current state. I took her hand and led her out of the bookstore.

On the way home, Hayashi stayed silent. She hadn’t been like this when we entered the bookstore together. So when had she ended up like this?

Well, it didn’t take much thought to figure it out.

Hayashi had clearly been off since running into Kasahara. What the hell happened? Back in high school, Kasahara and Hayashi were inseparable best friends, weren’t they?

…What could’ve caused this?

“Hey, Yamamoto.”

As we neared her house, Hayashi, who’d been letting me lead her by the hand, finally spoke. Her usual voice was languid, almost domineering. But now, it lacked any trace of energy.

“…Were you dating Akari?”

I stopped dead in my tracks.

…My relationship with Kasahara.

On the way back from Kasahara’s place that day, Hayashi had seen through my secret feelings for her and I’d admitted they were true. But back then, I kept one thing from Hayashi.

No, if I’m making excuses, it wasn’t exactly keeping something from her. I just missed the chance to say it. Or rather… that day, the day I ended things with Kasahara, the fact that she dumped me was undeniable.

But I didn’t bother with excuses because I knew that wasn’t what Hayashi wanted to hear.

“Yeah.”

I said it plainly.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“My bad. No excuses.”

“…You don’t need to make excuses or anything.”

Hayashi started talking like a dam had burst.

“It’s not like you and I are dating. So why would you even need to apologize to me?”

“…But you and Kasahara were best friends, right?”

“…So what?”

“You heard about it from her, didn’t you? I’m sorry. I should’ve told you back then. …Because I didn’t, it ended up making you distrust Kasahara.”

Back in high school, Kasahara and Hayashi were best friends. After Hayashi broke free from her ex, they’d reunited. But I knew—after that day at Kasahara’s place, Hayashi hadn’t met up with her again.

I’d asked her about it a few times. Why not hang out with Kasahara? Was it really more fun to spend time with someone like me instead of her best friend?

Whenever I asked, Hayashi would make a vague face and give evasive answers.

Seeing her like that, it was obvious.

Hayashi was avoiding Kasahara.

“…I’m sorry. Knowing that someone like me, who you dislike, was briefly involved with Kasahara must’ve made you feel disgusted, right?”

“That’s not it!”

“…It’s the only explanation that makes sense.”

Hayashi didn’t argue back.

“…But don’t worry. Our relationship was wholesome. And more importantly, it’s over now.”

“…You said it, didn’t you?”

“Said what?”

“That you’re still a little hung up on Akari.”

“…You don’t need to worry about that. Don’t let it bother you.”

“I’m not bothered. It’s just…”

Just… Hayashi didn’t say anything more.

“…When were you two together?”

“Me and her?”

“What else could I mean?”

“Fair enough.”

I gave a wry smile and started walking again. Hayashi looked dejected but followed me.

A brief silence fell.

I was lost in thought. When had our relationship started? I tried to recall, but… remembering it was a little painful.

Normally, Hayashi would’ve noticed.

She’d have picked up on how I was feeling right now.

But today, of all days, Hayashi was pressing me, making things harder. She was probably shaken up too. It’s no surprise. The disgust she must feel toward me right now has to be overwhelming.

…If that’s the case, things can’t get any worse.

My pain doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. Stirring up unnecessary anxiety in Hayashi, who’s finally starting to recover, is the last thing I want.

“…It started in the summer of our third year of high school. Right after the cultural festival, I think.”

I said it.

“We were together for about three months. It went by in a flash.”

Suddenly, I closed my eyes.

When I closed my eyes… the memories of that day came flooding back.

Memories I didn’t want to recall.

Memories I wanted to hold onto.

All sorts of memories came rushing back…

How many chapters are you gonna make me post in one day?!

Please give me your ratings, bookmarks, and comments!!!

From here, we’re diving into a flashback arc for about three to five chapters.

After watching Gridma*, I just… I got this urge to write about high school youth.

So yeah, I’m totally into Takara* Rikka-chan’s thighs.