Chapter 99

Thinking back… Once upon a time, I myself was a Snow White who was tormented because of the way I happened to look. There was proof of that. It just didn’t come in the form of an apple. It was the same, no doubt, for the wicked queen and the witch. “You look great, Yuzuki! Like some famous overseas influencer!” Yuuko grabbed my hand casually. “It’s a pain in my butt, but I’ll take a photo if you want.” Nazuna held up her phone. “Hee-hee, thanks.” Listening to their distant-sounding voices, I smiled brightly. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, I chanted to myself. After spending about three hours walking around Kanazawa Forus, we each had a decent amount of shopping bags in our hands. Yuuko mock-grimaced. “I bought way too much.” Nazuna sighed and nodded. “Me too. You and Yuzuki keep recommending such good stuff.” “Take responsibility for your own purchases.” Not that I’m one to talk. I ended up buying the entire outfit Yuuko picked out for me. I was already over budget. I’d have to rein it in for the rest of the day. “I know, why don’t we go sightseeing for a little bit?” After taking a break at a café, Yuuko looked back over her shoulder as she led the way back to the station. It was still only around three PM, too early to go straight home. But we were all a little burned-out on shopping. Nazuna curled her lip. “All right, but let’s stash our bags at the station. I don’t want to drag all this stuff around.” I grinned wryly. “Sounds good to me.” Yuuko’s eyes lit up when we both said yes. “Of course! I actually have a plan in mind…” About an hour later… After leaving our luggage in a coin locker, the three of us walked out of the station dressed in Japanese kimonos, completely different from our usual casual clothes. The whole thing was Yuuko’s idea. “Hey, why don’t we rent kimonos?!” In Kanazawa, there are some preserved historic streets, such as Kenrokuen Garden, the Higashi Chaya District, and the Nagamachi Samurai Residence Street, and there are also many kimono rental shops geared toward tourists. Even though it’s not a festival day or anything, you can hear the clopping of wooden geta sandals all over. Every time I came to Kanazawa I noticed this, and I’d always harbored a secret desire to join in. I thought back to what Yuuko said that night at the festival, and I cleared my throat apologetically. “I’m sorry, but to be honest, I don’t think I have enough money…” Nazuna nodded. “I’m a little short, too.” It was just a rental, but it was probably a few thousand yen per person, at the cheapest estimate. And this time we took the express train. My wallet was already too light to splurge further. But Yuuko just looked back at our unenthusiastic faces and grinned. “No worries! My mom gave me enough for all of us to rent kimonos! It was her suggestion!” Nazuna and I exchanged glances before responding. “We really can’t accept that…” I’d feel guilty asking my own parents for this, let alone taking extra money from Yuuko’s mom. I’d never even met her. Nazuna seemed to feel the same way, her lip twisted. “Oh, I get it! Totally! I mean, I’d feel the same way!” Yuuko said. “But my mom’s kinda weird. If you say no when she offers something, she takes it hard. And she’s looking forward to seeing pics. I told her I’d send some right away. So would you guys mind joining me on this?” “Really…?” “Really, really! If we go home without renting kimonos, Mom will complain for hours. She’ll be all, ‘Oh, but I wanted to see Yuzuki and Nazuna dressed in their kimoooonooos.’” Suddenly, both Nazuna and I burst out laughing at the same time. Yuuko’s impression of her mom sounded exactly like Yuuko. “Well, I guess we should go for it then…?” After some hesitation, Nazuna nodded, and we headed to the kimono rental shop. …So after all that, there we were, waiting for a bus in front of the station. The store had a custom plan called “a walk around town in summer kimono,” so we each got to select the outfit of our choice. Since the three of us would be walking side by side, we all opted for retro-modern-style patterns. Yuuko chose a forest-green kimono with mature stripes. She even borrowed a boater hat for a sense of fun in the ensemble. Nazuna’s kimono had yellow and vermilion morning glories and dark green leaves all over it. Her obi strings and kanzashi hair ornament drew the eye. I went for one with eye-catching, irregular stripes of blue, indigo, and white. A design of leaves added a pop of color. Also, we had a Japanese sun umbrella. We thought it might be too much if we all had them, so we just decided to keep passing it back and forth. Yuuko stopped checking the bus schedule and looked at us wryly. “They call it a ‘summer kimono,’ but it’s still kinda hot.” Nazuna nodded. “I’m glad we got some cool body patches like you suggested, Yuzuki.” “Right?” I swelled slightly with pride. “When you’re wearing a yukata at a summer festival, just cooling your armpits and the base of your thighs can be very effective, so keep that in mind.” Just then, the Castle Town Kanazawa bus arrived. I looked it up on my phone, and it seemed like it went around the major tourist spots. As long as we stuck to this bus, we shouldn’t get lost. Our destination was the Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s most famous landmarks. As the name suggested, this area was a teahouse district officially recognized by the Kaga clan during the Edo period, and the elegant streetscape with its latticework and stone pavement still retained a strong atmosphere of those bygone days. Most of the people who rent kimonos in Kanazawa probably head for the same place. The bus we boarded was filled with a mix of tourists and locals. The three of us were the only ones dressed up. There were still a few seats available, but… Yuuko signaled to Nazuna with her eyes and grabbed the strap. A group of girls who looked like high school students were sitting a way off, animatedly talking while looking at us. I could tell from their expressions that they meant well, but I felt a little embarrassed all the same. I don’t have much travel experience. But when I come to a place I don’t know well, I feel like I can get in touch with the local atmosphere by riding a train or bus like this. Kanazawa feels a little more dignified and sophisticated compared to Fukui. It’s like a river, where some parts flow fast and other parts seem suspended in time. I found myself looking at Yuuko, who was standing beside me. The bus driver mumbled solemnly into the speaker to indicate we were heading off, as Yuuko gazed idly out the window. That classroom bathed in the evening light, the sparklers we played with at the summer festival… She acted as if it was all just a page from a diary that had been torn out and thrown away, like nothing had happened at all. However, there was a certain sadness in her eyes. Something had changed. So beautiful, I thought, sighing. And in that moment… A difficult-to-describe feeling welled up inside me, an irritation almost like anxiety, but I still couldn’t take my eyes off her. I was simply fascinated by her profile. Before I knew it, the Yuuko I knew was gone. Colorful scenery, colorful clothes, colorful summer. And one colorful boy. When she turned to look at me, I gave her a soft smile. “Can we take a short detour?” asked Yuuko as we got off at Hashibacho. That was the closest stop to the Higashi Chaya District. Nazuna and I nodded, and we began walking along the river that ran right next to the bus stop. The road was already cobblestones, and there was a faint whiff of old-timey atmosphere in the air. “Feels so nice here.” Yuuko held her boater hat with one hand as a gentle breeze blew past. Nazuna nodded from my other side. “It’s still hot, but it feels cooler along the river and in the shade. It’s like you can feel the coming change in the season.” We chattered and clattered over the cobblestones, the sunlight filtering through the trees all around us. I tilted the Japanese sun umbrella I was holding over Nazuna. “My seventeenth summer, huh?” It’s already gone, I thought. Yuuko, Ucchi, Haru, and then Chitose. Behind us all is a summer we’ll never forget. To the left there was a park bench, where an old woman sat holding a paperback, half-asleep. Someday, in a distant sunset August, I’d dream of old connections. Just like her. But I… “Let’s put the summer to bed.” Yuuko spoke swiftly. Something about the way she said it reminded me of a swaying hair ornament. “Listen, both of you. I’ve been thinking about everything that’s happened so far…and the future…” All I could do was follow the flow of the water as it swept me along. We sat down side by side, and Yuuko started talking, spinning words from threads she’d woven throughout August. After she ran from the classroom. The time she spent alone, in despair—although she wasn’t really alone. A kind mother. A friend who was a boy. A best friend who was a girl. That summer festival night. After she was done, Yuuko lifted her chin, like tucking a bookmark into a story. “Nazuna, you gave me that advice. But Yuzuki…I felt like I couldn’t tell you…” Right… She must have confided in Kaito, too. For some reason, that was the first thought that came to me. My head was filled with a lot of information, but one thing occurred to me. He must have had an unforgettable summer, too. I realized pretty early on that Kaito liked Yuuko. And that he was trying to suppress those feelings behind a playful smile. So I was shocked when Kaito punched Chitose, but I quickly understood why he was angry. Go, Kaito, I’d thought warmly. Maybe Haru and I would treat him to a nice meal after club practice some time. Pulling me back from my momentary escape from reality, I heard something that sounded like a sob. After sniffling briefly, Nazuna spoke. “…I’m sorry, Yuuko.” Yuuko, sitting in the middle, chuckled. “What are you apologizing for, Nazuna?” “I mean…” Nazuna hung her head. “I feel like I started a fire. My thinking was, isn’t it better to go your separate ways having told the guy how you feel, instead of never saying anything at all? So it’s my fault…” Right… So the two of them had a whole discussion about it. “It’s okay,” Yuuko said, smiling gently. “Nazuna, you gave me the push I needed, but I was the one who made the decision to act. I don’t have any regrets from this summer. I have no intention of just saying good-bye. “So don’t cry anymore,” Yuuko said, rubbing Nazuna’s back. I felt the tension drain from me, and my own eyes started burning. Yuuko, Ucchi, Chitose: a perfectly formed triangle. I felt terrible because here I was, having failed to touch anyone’s heart. This girl, gentle as the setting sun, was trying to make it so all of our feelings could be kept alive. “But, Yuuko,” Nazuna said timidly. “Are you sure it’s okay like this?” “Like how…?” “I mean, I get what Uchida’s saying, and I can understand Chitose’s response. But putting it into words would just make everyone confused and worried.” “Yeah,” Yuuko murmured, nodding, encouraging Nazuna to continue. “But if you look at it from another perspective, it’s cruel to drag things out. Like, maybe in the future…” Nazuna paused and turned her head toward me for just a moment. We made eye contact across Yuuko, and Nazuna looked away awkwardly. “S-sorry…,” she mumbled. I didn’t have to ask to know what that look meant. “Maybe in the future, Chitose and Yuzuki might end up dating.” I bet that was what she was about to say before she stopped herself. Of course, he could end up dating anyone. Ucchi, Haru, or Nishino. Or even someone else. “It’s okay. I understand all that.” Yuuko continued in a clear voice. “Saku didn’t ask me to wait for him. And I won’t lie to myself; I know his answer was no. So it’s not like I’m dragging things out. My big romance already ended this summer.” “Let’s put the summer to bed.” Suddenly, her words from earlier came back to me. Right. This was Yuuko’s way of moving forward. Getting ready for the next season to come. Thank you. I’m sorry. You did your best. There were so many things I felt like I had to tell her, but I couldn’t quite find the words. So instead, I said just one thing. I turned to my dear friend sitting beside me and asked… “What are you going to do now?” Yuuko looked at me with a gentle, dreamlike smile on her face. “I’ll keep loving him just like I did before.” Ah, I knew it. Over the course of one summer, Yuuko has matured a little faster than I have. This is hard, I thought, looking up at the still, blue sky. If I’m a mirror, and you’re a lake at sunset, which one reflects his image more beautifully? Yuuko leaned against me. I gently ran my fingers through her soft hair. Gently, indulgently, covetously. Please, I thought. Please, don’t let my clumsy footprints ruin the white snow. I hope that this unrequited love might turn into a requited one someday, for both parties involved. I threaded my hopes together slowly, like a beautiful web, but those wishes frayed until I was left with only a single thin thread. I would have to tie it all again. Slip the loop over a finger, and then… Then would it just fall apart again? If there was a sign to mark the end of a romance, like the final embers falling from a sparkler, would I be able to fall in love with someone else, the way autumn comes to see off the summer? I, Yuuko Hiiragi, gently placed my hand on Yuzuki’s hand beside me. I tried my best to be strong. Not for my friends, but for myself. Truthfully, I was afraid to even say the name Saku. I don’t think I have the right to call him that anymore. I have to protect myself and take a step back. After everything, am I still just a sneaky girl who takes advantage of other people’s kindness? I ask myself that same question over and over, and I always wind up in the same place. That day, at sunset…I did lose one chance at romance. My dearest friend told me it didn’t have to end. The person I love told me that I was in his heart, too. Nothing’s set in stone. Let’s start again from here. I could reach him. My words could resonate. We could connect. But… The fact that he didn’t immediately welcome my feelings… That fact will always be true. On a sleepless night, I tried to encourage myself with positive words over and over again. I was rejected by Saku. There was no changing that. For him, right now, I wasn’t the kind of girl he would want above everything else. I wasn’t the kind of girl he would be desperate to stay with. He wasn’t ready to shake off his doubts and fight for it—at least, not for me. …I should have known that before confessing my feelings. Even now, I can’t stop thinking about it. I squeezed our joined hands. What if it had been Yuzuki who confessed her feelings then? Or Ucchi, or Haru, or Nishino? Saku’s kind, so no doubt he would have worried about it just as much, and he would have given it some very serious thought, but… But yeah. What if it was someone other than me? I wondered if the answer he gave might be different. Wasn’t there a possibility that he’d make up his mind right there in the classroom and take that girl’s hand? …I know there’s no point in getting hung up on what-ifs. But at the same time, I can’t shake the fact that out of all the girls close to him, I’m the only one who’s had to deal with his apologies. The others…still have time to nurture their relationships with him and find the right chance to confess their feelings. But what about me? I feel like I’ve been left out in the cold, and I’ve fallen asleep. I understand the situation as it stands, in theory. But I wish I could still spend more time getting close to his heart, so that I could somehow make up for what was lacking. I wish I could try again, as many times as it takes for him to fall for me, too. So, my plan: buy new clothes, get new cosmetics, and become a whole new me. “Yuuko…?” I realized that Yuzuki was looking at me with concern. “Heh-heh! Come on, let’s go.” I let go of her hand and stood up like nothing had happened. I’ll keep loving him just the same. That’s all I’m allowed to do right now. It seemed like we could get where we were going by passing through a park along the riverbank, but taking a shortcut would make it less fun, so I led Yuzuki and Nazuna back to the bus stop. There were other people around who seemed to be tourists, so I followed them along the road and turned at the intersection signposted HIGASHI CHAYA DISTRICT. I’m not sure that was the correct route to take, but when I saw the small, fancy shops scattered around, I was glad we’d come this way. After walking for a while… “Hey, wanna try that?” Nazuna tugged at my kimono sleeve. Looking in the direction she was pointing, I saw a transparent box with the words LOVE FORTUNES written on it in front of a shop. Inside were many small pieces of paper rolled up into cylinders with gorgeous, colorful patterns and designs. “Wait! Isn’t that kinda mean, after what we talked about earlier?!” Nazuna grinned. “Even more reason to try it! Anyway, somehow I get the impression you’re not just going to give up.” “That’s true, but…” “Okay, me first.” Without waiting for my response, Nazuna immediately put in 100 yen and drew one of the colorful slips of paper. She tore off the colorful outer wrapping and unfolded the paper. “Yes! It’s super lucky!” Yuzuki and I leaned in to see. At the top of the fortune, there was a picture of a woman wearing triangular glasses and a suit, holding the kind of stick a teacher would use to point at a blackboard. You need enthusiasm and effort right now. If you’re just waiting for a good encounter, you’ll stay like that forever. “Agh! It’s so preachy!” After reading the fortune, Nazuna snorted. Yuzuki and I looked at each other and burst out laughing. Nazuna continued muttering. “This is supposed to be a super lucky fortune! Can’t it say something a bit more uplifting?” I looked at the paper again. “Look, but there’s something else written as well.” A speech bubble, coming from a drawing of Cupid at the bottom. “A person who has loved and lost is more beautiful than someone who can never love at all.” “Don’t tell me that! That’s advice for you, Yuuko!” “Hey?!” Her words…kinda hit me a little. But I think this is what I like about Nazuna. She made an awkward moment into a joke with such ease. “Okay, me next.” Biting back laughter, Yuzuki drew the next fortune. “Aw. Just medium luck.” Nazuna and I leaned in to see. “Stop clinging to memories of when you were happy forever. The man from your past has already moved on.” “…Huh.” “Yuzuki! Don’t just crumple up your fortune!” Nazuna was dying laughing as I tried to rescue the slip of paper. “So basically, forget your ex, huh?” Yuzuki twisted the corners of her mouth as she spoke. “Well, wait, Cupid is saying something here, too.” We all studied the smoothed-out fortune once more. “A confession of love is not a gamble that will turn things around all at once. It’s merely a process of confirming certain feelings.” “I think this one is more about you, too, Yuuko.” “Oh great, Yuzuki, now you’re getting on my case, too?” I scrunched up my face. “You guys suck!” Yuzuki’s really perceptive, so I think she saw my reaction to what Nazuna said and rolled with it. “Enough. Time for my fortune.” I grabbed a paper slip, puffing out my cheeks. Peeling off the outer paper, I… “Oh. Low luck.” My shoulders slumped in dismay at the words that appeared. Nazuna leaned in gleefully. “The super lucky one and the medium lucky one were kind of dire. How bad is this one gonna be?!” Yuzuki nodded. “Well, whatever it says, don’t take it too seriously.” “I haven’t even read it yet!” Even as I said this, I slowly unfolded the fortune to the end. This is what I’ve been reduced to. “Think carefully before you act—about yourself, about your partner, about those around you. If you act with consideration, your love will definitely be requited.” ““No way.”” “Huh?!” Nazuna explained calmly: “It’s supposed to be not very good, but this fortune’s the most apt one of all.” “Is it?!” Yuzuki laughed, rolling her eyes. “Yeah. The super lucky one actually says something more, like don’t let your guard down. What’s Cupid say?” We looked at the drawing at the bottom. But mine wasn’t Cupid. It was an old man who looked like a god of some sort, holding a cane. He had a friendly expression on his face, which was a bit more comical than Yuzuki’s or Nazuna’s drawings. He had some of that older guy charm. “You may have failed once, but that means next time you’ll do better.” “““…””” That was it for us. We started howling with laughter together. Nazuna was choking and wiping her eyes. “The universe is coming after you today, Yuuko!” Yuzuki’s shoulders were heaving as she fought for breath. “And who’s this little old man? Why is he only on Yuuko’s fortune?” “And who is the lady who’s so full of herself, hmm?” “Enough! The both of you! I’m gonna die!” As the others continued to splutter and choke, I stashed the fortune in my purse. I may have failed once, but… Secretly, I found myself hoping that one day, I could come around to the old man’s philosophy. After walking for a while, we came to an open area like a square. Lined with latticework buildings, it had the feel of an old teahouse district. Nazuna, the one currently holding the Japanese umbrella, piped up. “Hey, how about eating something to cool down?” Yuzuki nodded, waving her hand near her face. “Yeah, let’s take a break.” “Works for me!” I agreed without hesitation. It wasn’t that hot when we were sitting by the river, but now that we’d started walking, things were getting a little sweaty. There were several shops around that seemed to be serving sweets. I pointed to one of them and said: “Look, gold leaf soft-serve ice cream!” I’m not great at history or geography, but I think gold leaf is probably a local delicacy, since there were signs for it everywhere. It’s like thin gold foil on top of regular soft-serve ice cream, and it’s pretty striking to look at. Several people were waiting in front of the café. Yuzuki looked hesitant. “Um, I’m not sure I can even imagine what that tastes like…” Nazuna didn’t look too keen, either. “It looks great in photos, but wouldn’t it stick to the roof of your mouth? I’d really like to eat something a little more ‘girls’ day out.’” “Really? But I want to try the local soft-serve…” Still, I got my way with the Go Go Curry we had for lunch. Maybe I could postpone the fancy ice cream until the next time I came with Mom. She’d definitely go for it, just out of pure curiosity. As I was thinking about that, Nazuna turned around. “What about that shop over there? They have something that looks like monaka ice cream.” Yuzuki smiled. “Sandwich style, then? I feel like the wafers would get stuck to the roof of your mouth, too.” “…I guess.” We decided to at least check out the menu posted in front of the restaurant. Gelato and Japanese sweets seemed to be the main selling point, and there were also some unusual menu items that incorporated Kanazawa matcha, kukicha tea, salt, and soy sauce. “That’s perfect! It’s all made with local ingredients, just the kind of thing to try on a trip!” The other two looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Then Nazuna broke into a sharklike grin. “Look, Yuuko. There’s something with gold leaf here for you, too.” “…Oh…” Indeed, at the top of the menu was “Gold Ice Cream Monaka.” But would I choose that when this place had such a wide variety of gelato flavors available? I hesitated a little. And it cost almost twice as much as the other stuff. “I… I think I’ll just get a normal dessert after all.” When I surrendered, the other two burst out laughing. I ordered a Kanazawa miso and cream cheese gelato, Yuzuki ordered a bamboo charcoal and Brontë pistachio, and Nazuna ordered an Ohno soy sauce and burnt caramel. I think they were all pretty unusual flavors, but Yuzuki was actually the first to order, and she set the challenge. I didn’t want to be a weakling and get something safe like regular tea flavor or strawberry milk, and Nazuna and I both chose very Japanese-style flavor combinations. We were informed we could have it in a cup or a cone instead, but in the end, everyone opted for the monaka. We picked up our gelato orders and headed out of the shop. On closer inspection, round balls of gelato were sandwiched between the two mochi wafer skins like castanets. It looked like a snowman wearing a knitted hat. After taking a photo with my phone, I started eating the gelato using the wooden spoon that came with it. The moment I took a bite, I tasted the rich cream cheese. But then came the aftertaste, salt and the faint aroma of miso. “Wow, this is so good!” I raised my voice in surprise, and the shopkeeper who’d just emerged turned to me and smiled, saying, “Thank you.” I felt a little awkward and gave a slight polite bow. Looking over, I saw that both Yuzuki and Nazuna were eating their own gelatos with satisfaction. Come to think of it, Mom used to make me miso and cream cheese on rice as a snack, and I remember being surprised at how well they went together. Maybe I unconsciously recalled that flavor when choosing my gelato. I held my sandwich by its top and bottom wafers, like it was a hamburger. The scoops of gelato were quite large, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to bite into it, but it seemed to be softer than I expected. With a little pressure, it managed to compress into a nice thickness. As I ate it, the crispy wafer skin and the smooth gelato texture were so wonderful. I could eat a hundred of these. Once she was halfway through her own gelato, Nazuna said, “By the way, I’ve been thinking about something for a while… There’s a lot of couples around here, aren’t there?” ““Oh, yeah.”” Yuzuki and I both responded in instant unison. Nazuna frowned. “Seeing them everywhere I look pisses me off.” ““Oh, yeah.”” I didn’t notice many in Kanazawa Forus or around the station, but there certainly seemed to be quite a lot of couples around the Higashi Chaya District. Maybe because there’s more tourists here than locals or businessmen. “I’d love to go on a kimono date with a guy…,” I found myself mumbling aloud. I bet those couples rented their kimonos, just like we did. We passed by I don’t know how many happy-looking couples all dressed up. Some wore hakama. I couldn’t stop watching them. It looked…nice. While I continued to gaze at the street, Yuzuki said, “Yeah, it’s a little different from going to a festival in a yukata.” I raised my voice. “Right? It’s weird, though. Like a break from the everyday. But even festivals are kinda like that, too, right?” After thinking for a while, Yuzuki responded. “I think it’s because you’re on a trip.” “Yeah? What do you mean exactly?” I raised my brows, intrigued, and she elaborated. “I mean, it was the same this summer, right? At festivals, you’re going to see other kids from class and from sports clubs, aren’t you? But on a trip, when it’s just the two of you taking a stroll… It’s basically a privilege reserved for couples, isn’t it? Wearing kimonos together makes a statement. Like, Here we are, we’re a couple.” Yuzuki’s gaze was faraway as she watched the couples go by. Right, I thought. It made sense. Admittedly, it might not be the kimonos I admired. Maybe I was just envious of these people’s relationships. They were able to stroll around this novel location, enjoying a break from the everyday. Just then, a couple dressed in Japanese clothes passed by in front of me. They were older than we were but still young, maybe first- or second-year college students. The boy leaned in to whisper in the girl’s ear. She looked down at her kimono, then blushed shyly. What did he just whisper to her? Did he say she was adorable in that kimono? Saku compliments me when I dress up, but it must be so different to get a special compliment like that from your own boyfriend. Just thinking about it filled me with a bittersweet feeling. My heart did a little leap. But at the same time, I felt a sadness so strong, I could have cried. Because it wasn’t me. If only Saku and I could pick a destination and plan a trip… If only… I wondered why that girl decided to wear what she did. Did she deliberate over her boyfriend’s favorite colors and preferred patterns? Or did they choose for each other? After this, they’d stroll around seeing the sights, have a nice dinner, then spend the night together. “It must be nice…,” I muttered to myself again. Up until now, I’ve been the one asking Saku on dates. He’s never said no, but there was always an unspoken agreement that it was just a friend thing. “A trip, huh…?” Yuzuki muttered, too, as if she’d been listening to my inner monologue somehow. “I couldn’t be his first girlfriend, in the end…” She lowered her gaze, seemingly thinking back on the past. I wasn’t quite sure what she meant. Maybe she knows things about him that I don’t. But the precious moments Yuzuki seemed to be reliving now were private. Hers. I swallowed back the questions I was dying to ask. His first girlfriend, I thought. Why do we even want to confess our feelings and become boyfriend and girlfriend in the first place? Even as friends, we can have fun and enjoy being together, can’t we? But I want him to have eyes only for me. I want to keep him away from the temptations of other girls. I want to monopolize all of his time. I want him to proudly hold my hand in public, and kiss me, and then… I mean, we all have our reasons, I guess. But the main one seems to be…wanting to be someone’s first. If I could have my wish, I’d want to be the first girl he falls for. I’d want to be his first girlfriend. I want to be the one going on that first date. Holding hands for the first time, kissing for the first time, spending the night together for the first time. No. Even more mundane stuff would be fine. Like, I want to be the girl in the photographs he gets printed out for the first time. I want to be the girl he has his first big fight with. The first girl to give him her cold. The first person to clean out his ears. The first person to blow-dry his hair. The first person he drinks alcohol with. I wish it could be me. That’s why I want to be more than friends. Because I want to be the first person he thinks of when he looks back on his youth. I want to be the one who springs to mind when he reminisces someday. Tinkle, tinkle. Wind chimes were singing somewhere nearby. I realized that my gelato had started to melt. The paper wrapper was starting to disintegrate. I hurriedly put the rest of it in my mouth, but the wafer skin had become disappointingly soft. Suddenly, I realized that Yuzuki was looking at me with a warmth in her eyes. “Hey…Yuuko?” In her voice, there was a lingering emotion—as if she’d just been lost in thoughts very similar to my own. “Let’s go buy something for Chitose.” …Not for the others. Only for Chitose. Sometimes I think Yuzuki and Saku are exactly alike. He acts all cool, too. He’s stubborn and grumpy, too. And he can show surprising amounts of warmth and kindness, too. So I’m always trying to read between the lines of what she says, just like I do with Saku. Those two might not be the most honest or forthcoming, but they never lie, and they never try to hurt anyone. Maybe Yuzuki’s example gave me the push I needed when I was reluctant to speak. Or maybe she was just communicating something to me, in a roundabout way. There was something apologetic about her approach to me. Like, I’m sorry, but I have no intention of backing down. If that’s the case, then… She really is as kind as I think she is. Because she reflects me as I truly am. And she sees right through to my secret inner heart. “Okay! Let’s go buy something!” The person I see in the mirror that is Yuzuki… That person might be even more beautiful than the surface shows. Suddenly, I thought back to how the two of them had that whole fake-dating thing. I wondered how many firsts the girl in front of me had already had. After that, we wandered around, checking out any place that caught our eye. In addition to soft-serve ice cream, there were various shops selling products that incorporated gold leaf. One shop with crafts and accessories made by local Kanazawa artists. Another shop selling unique hand towels and chopsticks. Kitchen goods, Japanese sweets, gluten cakes, tea… “It’s surprisingly hard to choose something for him,” Yuzuki commented. “Yeah!” I had to nod in agreement. Choosing a souvenir is a whole other level of difficulty compared to choosing a birthday present. You don’t want to give anything too expensive, or they’ll feel indebted. And it would suck to give something that’ll end up on a shelf instead of being used or consumed. As we walked along the cobbled street, Yuzuki spoke again. “He doesn’t really eat sweets. He’s the type to use only one pair of chopsticks and the same plates until they break. If we buy tea, he’ll never even think to use it until Ucchi spots it while she’s there cooking dinner and decides to brew it up on a whim.” “Oh yeah, I can see that happening! And I don’t like it!” “It’s just a little gift,” Nazuna said dryly. “Aren’t you overthinking it?” I pouted. “Nazuna, you just don’t understand the feelings of a girl in love.” “Huh? All right, then, I guess I’ll buy something for Chitose, too.” “You should buy one for Atomu.” “Hard pass!” “Oh, but you two are always together.” “I don’t like guys who are total pains in the butt.” “Saku’s kind of a pain in the butt, too, though…” “Listen here, you…” While we were snarking back and forth, another new shop came into view. The sign read SHOP FOR BUSY MODERN WOMEN WHO WANT TO LOOK BEAUTIFUL ALL DAY LONG. Yuzuki peered inside. “Hmm, looks like they sell those papers that blot oil off your face.” According to the handwritten instructions attached to the signboard, oil blotting paper was originally a by-product of the production of gold leaf paper. So, that’s why there was a whole store dedicated to those here. When we stepped inside, it was stylish and colorful in a way I wouldn’t have expected from this kind of shop. Colorful packaging was displayed along the entire wall. Nazuna looked around, eyes wide. “Wow, is this all oil blotting paper? Do you use that stuff, Yuuko?” “Um, my foundation is enough to keep my skin moisturized, so I don’t really need to. I used to carry them in my bag when I was in junior high, though.” Yuzuki picked up one of the nearby packages and examined it. “Wow, this takes me back. Back before I started wearing makeup, I used to use these a lot after club practice. More for sweat than for oil.” I clapped my hands. “Hey, since we’re here and all, why don’t we each buy one?” Nazuna nodded a little. “The packaging is cute. It might be good as a souvenir.” Yuzuki wiped her neck with her hand towel. “I actually think I could use a few of these sheets right now.” ““For real.”” The line near the front of the store was for gift sets, so we headed to the area in the back, where you could buy the packs. The colorful packaging was covered in Kanazawa-related imagery. I chose a design with a pattern of mizuhiki string art, Yuzuki chose one with Kanazawa umbrellas, and Nazuna chose one with colorful Kaga temari balls. Even though we hadn’t discussed it or anything, we ended up choosing designs that were complementary but different. We all have different tastes, which is obvious even if you just take a quick look at the clothes we each wear. Just as I was about to pay, something by the cash register caught my eye, and I picked up a small package. “Hey, look! I’m getting this for Saku!” I had already fallen in love with it as I held it up to show the girls. The package had a design showing three men wearing happi coats with the characters for “Kagatobi” (a sake brand) written on the back, and they had on kabuki-style makeup. Maybe they used to be something like old-timey firefighters. In the drawing, they were all making faces into hand mirrors, using blotting paper. It was ridiculous, but so cute. “What the hell?” Nazuna laughed. “It says ‘Self-Care for Real Men.’” She was reading the slogan on the packaging. “Isn’t it perfect? The narcissism is so Saku!” “Oh, definitely. The smug look in the eyes, the weird smiles.” I wanted to mention that myself, but it seemed like a mean thing to say. Grinning, I checked the back of the package. There was some dialogue in the Kanazawa dialect. “Jiminy Christmas! Your face is shinier than a brand-new coin! (Hey, you might want to wash your face.)” “Aw, shucks! I ain’t got time for this; I’m meetin’ up with somebody! (Unfortunately, I have a meeting shortly.)” “Want some of my Haku Ichi? Jus’ like washin’ your face, and no one’ll know a thing. (Use some Haku Ichi Blotting Paper. No one will be able to tell you didn’t wash your face.)” “Ha, I’ll say! It’s smooth as a baby’s butt now! (Seriously. My face is very smooth.)” Yuzuki stood beside me, finished reading it aloud, and blew air through her nostrils like she was deeply impressed. “It’s the neighboring prefecture, but the regional dialect isn’t really the same.” “Yeah. Hey, Yuzuki, can you try putting it into the Fukui dialect?” I recalled how she and Ucchi often goofed around together, pretending to talk like old-time Fukuians. Yuzuki cleared her throat and spoke. “I declare! Your face is shinier’n a brand-new coin!” “In all my born days! I ain’t got time for this; I’m meetin’ up with somebody!” “You ain’t goin’ anywhere without some Haku Ichi. Jus’ like washin’ up, and no one’ll know a thing.” “Now, don’t that beat all! Smooth as a baby’s butt now!” Nazuna and I stared transfixed by the sight of this beautiful girl speaking in the Fukui dialect with completely different facial mannerisms and body language to go with it. Choking with laughter, Nazuna said, “Wow, that was a first-class performance.” I nodded along. “Yuzuki, usually only old ladies in the countryside talk like that.” “My grandma in the countryside used to speak exactly like that. When I was little, I never had any idea what she was saying. And by the way.” Yuzuki looked at me with a more solemn expression. “Are you sure it’s okay?” I immediately knew what she was asking. Was this really a good idea for a souvenir for Saku? Any way you slice it, it’s obviously a gag gift. Maybe not the right choice for a male friend. Let alone the guy you have feelings for. But still, I… “It’s okay. I think it works.” I held the package gently against my chest. “He and I are starting over from scratch, after all.” “I see,” Yuzuki said, smiling softly with her eyes, and she left it at that. I looked at the package in my hand again. I hoped he’d look at it and laugh, saying, “What the hell did you give me?” For now, I think…I think that would be just fine. There was a shrine just outside the shop, so we decided to take turns praying. According to the explanation written on a sign, the two beautiful pine trees growing within the shrine grounds symbolized the male and the female, and they were supposed to impart good vibes when it came to romantic relationships. I hope we can be together, hand in hand, just a little longer. Thinking of the people I cared about, I silently prayed. I’ve heard it’s better to express your resolve and decisions at the shrine, but this prayer was the best I could think up on the spot. After a while, Yuzuki finished up her turn praying and returned to the torii gate to meet us. There was a quiet dignity to her expression, and she emanated an aura that was both pure and clear, like a shrine maiden dancing. As our eyes met, Yuzuki smiled softly. A gentle breeze ruffled her black hair. …I think I know. She didn’t pray for someone. She made a vow, to herself. Saku would do the same, whenever he went to a shrine. I don’t know how I knew, but…I was sure of it. We waited for Nazuna to pray, then we started walking again. We hadn’t been walking long when the air suddenly filled with the aroma of dashi soup stock. It was a comforting scent, like when you walk home down side streets at dusk and smell people’s home cooking. Yuzuki, walking by my side, seemed to catch a whiff of it as well. We made eye contact; then we found ourselves entering a nearby shop, as if we were being drawn in. Immediately, the tantalizing scent grew stronger. The place had a laid-back vibe, with all different types of bottles lining the walls. I’d kinda guessed already, but the place seemed to be selling soy sauce and miso dashi broth. “Welcome!” Seeing us standing around the entrance, the shopkeeper on duty called out to us in a cheerful voice. I could stroll into any clothes store, but I felt a little out of place here. The friendly greeting immediately soothed my nerves, though. Ucchi would already be curiously poking around. The thought made me grin. As we shuffled farther in, the shopkeeper poured something from a pot into paper cups lined up on a table, then brought them over to us on a tray. “Would you like to try the soup stock?” “Oh, is that all right?” I accepted the cup of broth as I spoke, and Yuzuki and Nazuna followed suit. I brought the paper cup to my lips, and my nose filled with warm steam and a sophisticated scent that made me think of upscale Japanese cuisine. “It’s soothing.” I took a sip and muttered, “Wow, it’s delicious.” I looked over to see that Yuzuki and Nanase looked surprised, too. I wasn’t expecting much flavor from broth, but I could drink this straight down as a soup. And this scent…was hard to pin down. Not quite soy sauce, not quite mentsuyu… I had to ask the shopkeeper. “Is this really just dashi broth without any extra seasoning?” The shopkeeper nodded and showed me a bottle. “It’s actually called ‘ishiru dashi.’ Ishiru is a traditional fermented seasoning made in Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture—they also call it fish sauce. The broth is made by fermenting sardines and squid for a period of over a year, but it’s a bit strong and pungent as is, so we use it as a secret ingredient as part of a liquid soup stock. What I just gave you is the stock in a little hot water.” “I see… So that nice rich aroma comes from seafood.” “If there’s anything else you’re interested in, please feel free to let me know, and I’ll prepare you a sample.” “Oh, thank you very much!” The shopkeeper didn’t push us any further and just said, “Please take your time browsing,” and walked off. It was a comfortable sense of distance. So we started looking around the store. But before I could get much browsing done, Nazuna sidled up to me and whispered. “You know about this fish stuff, Yuuko?” “Nope, not at all.” “So, do you cook at home?” “I made boiled eggs at Saku’s house a while ago!” “Okay, elementary school home economics level, I see.” “Hey!” I was offended, but it was technically true. I could see that this place had all different types of miso soup and various dashi soup stocks, but I had no idea what the difference between the various packets was. Nazuna probably had no idea, either. Yuzuki was the only one holding up items for appraisal and studiously examining the labels. Thinking back to that future careers meeting… Yuzuki did mention that she could both cook and do laundry. It didn’t seem like she was trying to hide it at all, and I hadn’t gone out of my way to ask, either, but lately it seemed that she visited Saku’s place from time to time. I wondered if she’d already made a home-cooked meal for him. In that apartment, in that kitchen. Knowing Yuzuki, she would’ve bought a cute apron or something just for the occasion. Nazuna’s teasing embarrassed me a little, and I tried to laugh it off, but I’ve been secretly practicing since the eggs. Learning from both Ucchi and Mom. Still, to be frank…it was a work in progress. I was a long way from being particular about seasonings and stuff like fried versus scrambled and everything else. With Yuzuki and Ucchi always around, I’d at least like to be able to cook standard fare like meat-and-potato stew and curry rice for Saku without having to check a recipe. Especially because Saku cooks for himself on a regular basis. “Excuse me, can I sample this shoyu koji and miso?” Yuzuki said to the shopkeeper, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Certainly. Just one moment, please.” Curious, Nazuna and I drifted over. Yuzuki showed us the bottle in her hand. “It says this goes well on egg over rice. He says he often just makes a quick meal of that with natto and umeboshi in the morning. So I thought this might make a nice gift.” Oh, I thought, surprising myself with my reaction. More than Yuzuki, more than Haru, more than Nishino, more than Ucchi—at the very least, I feel like I’m the girl who’s spent the longest time with Saku, since our high school life began. I don’t say it to show off. And I don’t mean it in the sense of us having an emotional connection or a deeper relationship. It’s simply because he and I have been friends for the longest amount of time. …Even so, I… I thought that my feelings for Saku were stronger than anyone else’s. But I had no idea what kind of food he usually ate for breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever even thought about it. And that fact…took some of the wind out of my sails. Although I know it’s childish and selfish to want to know everything about the person I love. When I lifted the sample of shoyu koji the shopkeeper brought over, the aroma wafted into the air. I took a bite. A salty, slightly sweet, and kind of familiar taste spread across my tongue. I took another taste, and that was when it hit me. It smelled nice, and tasted nice, too—sort of like the sugar soy sauce you use when you eat leftover New Year’s mochi. Only nowhere near as sweet. Yeah. This would go perfectly with some egg over rice. And adding a splash of soy sauce is so simple. Even I could do it. Yuzuki really has a good eye for this stuff, I thought, deflating even further. I’d expected Yuzuki to pick something fancier, like a stylish curio or something, but her choice was practical and showed good taste. Or maybe she was trying to match the mood of my gift with hers. Nothing too personal, but a good conversation piece. Yuzuki’s the kind of girl who considers things like that, even when she doesn’t show it. She seemed pleased with the sample taster. “Yes, I’ll take one of these, please.” Yuzuki pointed to the shoyu koji sauce. “Thank you. And please try the miso, too.” The clerk handed me the same sort of paper cup that the soup stock was served in. “Wow, it smells good,” I commented. The cup held miso soup… Well, not miso soup exactly. But a spoon of the shop’s special miso dissolved in hot water. After serving the three of us, the shopkeeper moved off, perhaps not wanting to put us on the spot too much. Yuzuki took a sniff. “The miso soup that Chitose made for me was delicious. I bet he’d make good use of some of this.” “Oh, totally! Saku’s miso soup is delicious, isn’t it? It’s a bit simpler than the kind Ucchi makes, a little less refined… But somehow more comforting.” I’d love to have some of it again. It’s been a while, I mused, waiting for the miso broth to cool a little. “Huh…?” Yuzuki’s eyes widened a bit. I put my head to one side, confused by her reaction. Then Yuzuki suddenly grinned, like she was embarrassed by some moment of unintended vulnerability. “Ah, I see. Yes, that’s right.” She looked down, tucking her hair behind her ear. She was deflecting. It was a rare, fake smile from her. Did I say something wrong? I was taken aback by her odd demeanor, but thinking back on the conversation we just had, I couldn’t pinpoint anything of concern. Yuzuki continued, like nothing was up at all. “Hmm, this is excellent. I’ll take this, too. And I think I’ll buy the shoyu koji for Haru as well. What about you, Yuuko?” Feeling a weird lump in my throat, I swallowed hard. “I guess I’ll buy some shirudashi for Ucchi.” “Sounds good. I bet Ucchi could make good use of that.” No doubt Yuzuki would tell me if there was something she wanted to say. If she wasn’t going to talk, then I’d keep that flicker of doubt I’d just experienced to myself. I hadn’t known her as long as I’d known Haru, but I like to think I know her a little. “Oh,” Yuzuki said lightly, as if she’d just thought of something. “What about Kaito? Don’t you need to buy a gift for him?” “…” I wasn’t expecting to hear his name, and I was tongue-tied for a second. Yuzuki continued, apologetically. “I’m sorry, I know it’s complicated, but I thought I’d at least ask. Or maybe you’re trying not to think about it?” …She was right on the money. Of course, it’s not like I’ve forgotten. It’s been weighing on me since that day. He wasn’t the first guy to confess his feelings—or that I’d turned down—but this was the first time it was coming from such a close friend. It was right after I’d been rejected by Saku. And the thought that I’d inflicted that same kind of pain on Kaito horrified me. I didn’t know how I should approach him from now on. “Maybe…he wouldn’t like that.” I spoke with my head down. Even if you put the confession aside, I’d caused nothing but trouble for Kaito this summer vacation. He came chasing after me to prevent me from being all alone. He stayed by my side. He listened to me cry… He was there for me, in a way I don’t think I can ever thank him enough for. So I’d love to give him something as yet another thank-you and expression that I want to keep being friends. But, I thought, biting my lip. Wouldn’t it be cruel for me to do that now? It’d be like pretending I’d totally forgotten all about Kaito’s confession, like it didn’t weigh on my mind at all. Sorry we can’t go out, but we can still be friends! Like it’s no big deal. And it might give him hope. Maybe even lead him to think, “Maybe I still have a chance.” To be honest, I was thinking of waiting to see what Kaito did first—letting him take the lead. If he wanted to be my friend even after everything that happened, I’d gladly take him up on that offer. And if he said he didn’t want to see me around anymore—well, I’d be sad, but that’s the way things go sometimes. Maybe I’m just dragging things out and delaying the inevitable. But isn’t it kinda selfish to expect the person who turned you down to be the one to do the work to repair the friendship? …I wondered if that was a concern Saku shared, too. “I can kind of understand your thinking, Yuuko.” Yuzuki gently took my hand. “Some people don’t want to have anything to do with the person who rejected them. That’s all well and good, but sometimes they start spreading nasty rumors about the other person the very next day.” She was speaking with authority on the topic—she must have experienced this exact thing personally. “Still,” Yuzuki continued. “I think Kaito’s better than that. Sure, he’s shy for a jock, and he often lets his emotions run away from him until he can’t see the forest for the trees…” She paused for a second. “…But he wouldn’t hide behind excuses and let his love turn into hate just to protect himself.” Yuzuki looked me right in the eye. “Right… Yeah, you’re right!” I nodded hard, swallowing back the tears that threatened to spill over. Yuzuki was right. “Now we’ve both been rejected by someone we like. You’re not the only one suffering now, Yuuko.” The Kaito I know isn’t like that. This wasn’t me relying on his kindness. This was something like hope, based on the time we’d spent getting to know each other. …It didn’t make it as far as romance, but it’s love, definitely. Love for a friend. I want to stay close to him. Seeing my reaction, Yuzuki slowly let go of my hand. “I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing. He feels bad for hurting you, Yuuko, and he doesn’t know how to face you.” “But…” “Unlike a certain someone, you and Kaito and Chitose are kinder than other people. You can take on others’ pain. But you’re not so good at sharing the burden of your own pain with others.” I felt like I shouldn’t ask her to specify who the “certain someone” she was talking about was. Unable to fully grasp what she was getting at, though, I asked for clarification. “What do you mean?” “It’s simple.” Yuzuki smiled dryly. “Yuuko, how would you feel if Chitose avoided you when the new semester started?” “…I’d hate it!” “…See?” Yuzuki slouched a little at how easily I’d answered. “Instead of focusing on the pain of having been rejected, why don’t you focus instead on how much you still want to be with him and don’t want this friendship to end?” In a second, it all became completely clear to me. Kaito thought about me the exact same way I thought about Saku. …Maybe that’s an arrogant thought, and I’d rather not put it that way, but what if…what if that’s true? Even if my feelings are never returned, I still want to be around Saku. Even if we can’t ever be more than friends, I still want to be friends, at least. And even if I have to stand and watch him date some other girl—even if it hurts like hell—it doesn’t change anything. I don’t ever want to forget meeting Saku, or the time we’ve spent together. Right, I realized again. If Saku avoided me…I wouldn’t be able to bear it. But I’ve confessed my feelings. I have no right to make demands. I have to accept the result. He might go far from me, and I might not be able to call out after him… I don’t want that. Even if it does end up being unwelcome… Even if I end up hurting him even more… I still think I should talk to Kaito. And all that aside, I just want to. “Thanks, Yuzuki. Okay, let’s get something for Kaito…!” “Yeah. He’ll love it.” “Anyway,” Nazuna said crisply, “why are you making such a big deal about everything? Just say to him, ‘Hey, sorry about turning you down the other day. Here’s a make-up souvenir.”” Yuzuki sighed heavily. “What, like he’s your coworker who couldn’t make it to evening drinks?” “Ah-ha-ha,” I laughed loudly. “Nazuna, you’re so chill about everything.” “And you’re way too intense.” “I’m not intense!” “Look, if you’re going to get something for him, then just get it. And don’t make it into a whole thing. Don’t be like, So sorry for the rejection! But we can still be friends!” “I…I can’t say anything like that?!” “No! It’s like kicking a guy when he’s down.” “Wow… You sound like Yuzuki right now.” “Seriously, though…” Nazuna brushed aside my comment; she wasn’t going to play. “What are you gonna get for Kaito?” I didn’t even need to think about it. “The same blotting paper I got from that store earlier!” Nazuna looked surprised. “Really? The same one? You sure?” I mean, I get it. “Yeah. Okay, so it’s a slightly different variety, but the feeling of love is the same.” “…You know, that’s the kind of sentiment that could only come from you, Yuuko.” The guy I like, and one of my best friends. No, I can’t see the two of them exactly the same way. Love comes in different forms—different colors, shapes, and tastes. And romantic love is its own kind of thing. But for now… I think it’s okay to bundle it all up together. Like the gift you buy on a trip. Feeling a lot lighter, I nodded. “But what about the other boys? We should buy a group gift for Kentacchi. And, Yuzuki, why don’t you buy something for Kazuki?” Yuzuki screwed up her face. “Huh? Why?” “No real reason… Just to kinda round everything off?” “No way. What if he’s like, Hey, does this gift mean anything deeper? Or something.” “Oh, right. Yeah, I think Kazuki will probably blush a little. He’s got his cute side.” “That by itself is kinda weird…” “So, then what?” “…I think I’ll just buy the shoyu koji seasoning.” “What about the miso?” “Kazuki doesn’t live alone. One seasoning should be enough for him.” Talking about gifts like this was a lot of fun. Another first, I thought. Come to think of it… This was my first time on a trip with friends, except for school trips and so on. Romance, friendship… Boyfriends, girlfriends… I hope we can laugh like this the same way ten years from now. Even if it’s a wish that never comes true. We ended up buying souvenirs for everyone while chatting, then after that, we returned to the plaza where we ate the gelato. When I checked the time, it was around four thirty PM. Just as I was wondering if we had time to squeeze in one more sight… “…Hey, aren’t we forgetting something?” Nazuna, who was walking next to me, spoke up suddenly. “What would that be? Your gift for Atomu?” My witty comeback seemed to make Nazuna angry. She took a threatening step forward. “Enough of the Atomu thing! That’s not what I was referring to!” She struck a pose that would show off her kimono. “We got all dressed up and haven’t taken any pictures! I mean, what are we even doing?” ““Oh yeah…”” I was totally in shopping mode today, so it completely slipped my mind. “Oh no! If I went home like this, Mom would be so mad!” In the first place, Mom gave me the kimono money expecting photos in return. “Let’s take turns taking pictures. Look, we can pose by that red building.” Nazuna handed me her phone as she spoke. She stood in front of a lone willow tree, clutching her Japanese umbrella with both hands. Dropping her gaze, she adopted a dreamlike expression. “How’s this?” ““Too fake.”” “Geez, don’t say it in stereo.” While we snarked back and forth, I took a few shots with Nazuna’s phone, adjusting the composition. She’s so straightforward and no-nonsense, it’s easy to forget, but she’s actually got a really beautiful face. And it was even more noticeable when she was wearing that gorgeous kimono. I took the phone away from my face and said, “Now with Yuzuki.” “Er…” Yuzuki looked hesitant for some reason. She looked back and forth between me and Nazuna. “I’ll take the pictures. You go into the shot, Yuuko.” She held out her hand for the phone. “I mean, I wanted a photo, too, so I was planning to take my place right after Yuzuki…” I said. “Hmph, what’s the big deal?” Nazuna said. “Afraid people might look at us together and think I’m the cuter one?” “…Excuse me?” “I mean, if you’re not confident, I’d hate to force you…” “Okay, asshole,” said Yuzuki. “You wanna go, let’s go!” “Er, Yuzuki, who are you doing an impression of right now?” Yuzuki ignored my jab and stood right in front of Nazuna. She took the umbrella, then raised it over both their heads. They stepped closer together, until their obi sashes were almost touching. It looked like they were facing off against each other, beneath one umbrella. Yuzuki, the taller of the two, brought her face down, like she was trying to press her forehead against Nazuna’s. Then she gently put her arm around Nazuna’s waist. “Whoa, personal space.” Nazuna looked away, mumbling. Eyes flashing shrewdly, Yuzuki spoke in a sultry voice. “Oh, she’s embarrassed.” “Huh?! Why would I get embarrassed over you?” Nazuna struggled to adopt a poker face, glaring right back at Yuzuki. They looked like two young lovers in a pre-wedding photo shoot. I watched them silently, and… Snap snap snap snap…