Hayashi Megumi’s Job

The story will now shift to the heroine’s perspective for a while.

A few days had passed since I found out about Icchan’s engagement.

Today, as usual, I was busy with housework at Yamamoto’s place.

It was a weekday. Friday. Yamamoto was at university, studying as always. If things went as they usually did, he’d probably be back just before dinner.

I had started preparing dinner.

Lately, I’ve been really into grilled fish. Today, I bought some hokke fillets and was cooking two portions on the grill.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome back!”

“Fish tonight, huh?”

“Yup.”

With a look of anticipation, Yamamoto washed his hands, gargled, and turned on the living room TV.

The audio from a satisfying video playing on my phone, which was perched on top of the fridge, overlapped with the sound of the TV he was watching. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too distracting.

“Dinner’s ready!”

“Cool.”

Yamamoto carried the plated fish to the living room table.

He also helped carry the other dishes as I finished plating them.

“Maybe it’s about time we got a bigger table.”

Yamamoto muttered.

Come to think of it, the table in Yamamoto’s room was a compact, foldable one. When we put food for two on it, there was no space left for anything else.

Well, neither Yamamoto nor I ever left stuff on the table, so it wasn’t a big deal, but it did feel a bit inconvenient at times.

Still, in a cramped six-tatami-mat room like this, putting in a larger table seemed like it’d be a hassle.

“Maybe we should think it over a bit before deciding?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

After that, we quietly finished our dinner.

As I was washing the dishes, as usual, something came to mind.

“Oh, by the way, I’m going to Akari’s place to hang out tomorrow.”

“Nice! Have fun.”

Yamamoto said this while watching TV, his voice sounding oddly cheerful.

…Well, he probably knew things had been tense between me and Akari before, so he must’ve been happy we were hanging out again. Still, it annoyed me a little.

I mean, it almost sounded like he was happy I wouldn’t be around the apartment.

“What’s with that grumpy face?”

“Nothing, really.”

Yamamoto looked at me with genuine confusion.

I’ll admit, I was probably being a bit of a pain, thinking like some overly sensitive girl. But lately, I haven’t been able to hide my feelings from Yamamoto.

…Now that I think about it, I wasn’t exactly great at hiding my feelings back in high school either.

“So, what’re you guys doing?”

“…Icchan’s wedding. I got roped into helping out.”

“Oh? Doing what?”

“The friend’s speech.”

“Nice.”

For a moment, Yamamoto’s eyes lit up.

Come to think of it, this guy’s super meticulous and surprisingly proactive. He might’ve thought it sounded like fun.

Was he going to say something like, Let me get in on it too?

I’d have to tell him no, but I wondered if I could phrase it gently so I wouldn’t hurt his feelings.

Why was I so sure it wouldn’t work?

It’s not because of his personality or anything.

It’s not like I thought his speech would kill the vibe or anything either.

It’s just that Icchan and Yamamoto weren’t exactly close.

Sure, Icchan probably had some serious feelings for Yamamoto back in the day… but that’s exactly why it’d be weird.

The friend’s speech is supposed to be a moment to celebrate the bride and groom’s new chapter. It’s for someone who’s close to them.

If someone who barely knows the couple gives a speech, it’d feel meaningless. It only matters because of a deep bond.

“Good luck with that.”

“Huh?”

Surprisingly, Yamamoto just cheered me on.

…Right, this guy’s meticulous and proactive, but he’s also considerate of others.

No matter how fun something seems, he’d never miss how his presence or words might affect the situation.

So, Yamamoto probably pushed down his own excitement to support me.

What an idiot.

Since I started coming to this apartment, I’ve rarely heard Yamamoto be selfish… well, except when it comes to cleaning. He’s always stubborn about that.

But still!

Outside of cleaning, I’ve never heard him make a single selfish request.

Meanwhile, I’m always throwing my whims at him.

He’s always like this.

Always making excuses, always putting me first.

Honestly, he’s such a fool for taking the losing role every time.

“…Tomorrow, I’m going to Akari’s place, and we’re gonna have a four-way call with Ota and Ito.”

“Oh, cool.”

“Yeah. We’re gonna talk about what I should say in my speech.”

“Guess I can’t join in on that one.”

“Yeah, I mean, Akari’s one thing, but the two back in our hometown would probably flip if you showed up at her place.”

“Right. That’s why you’re doing it at Kasahara’s place instead of here.”

“…Yeah.”

“Sorry. Should I make myself scarce?”

Why would you say that?

This is your apartment.

God, what an idiot.

“After we talk, I’d like you to read my speech.”

I figured I should let this idiot do something he wants for once, even if just a little.

That’s where my words came from.

“…Sure, got it.”

“Thanks.”

“But I’m gonna be tough on you, just so you know.”

Oh, right. Yamamoto’s ridiculously meticulous.

“…I might’ve picked the wrong person to ask.”

I gave a wry smile.

I was pretty sure Yamamoto was about to make this way more complicated than it needed to be… but, weirdly, I didn’t mind.