Prologue
BACK IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SAKURAMORI Akane didn’t really care for Ishikura Himari.
As Akane sat at her desk in the classroom, Himari started chatting her up.
“Hey, hey, Akane-chan, did you watch the drama at nine last night?”
“No. I’m not interested in romance dramas,” Akane responded, snorting and pulling a textbook out of her desk drawer.
“It was really good, though! I recorded it, so let’s watch it together sometime,” Himari suggested.
“I’ve told you before—I don’t have time to play with you. I have to take care of my little sister when I get home, and I need to study every day,” explained Akane.
Himari’s eyes sparkled.
“Akane-chan, you’re amazing. You study so much, you’re always at the top of the class.”
“Well, of course. There’s no one in this world who could ever best me.”
Akane flipped her long hair. She made sure to work harder than anyone else, so there was no way she would ever lose. Not now, not ever.
“But, but! You should take a break once in a while! Studying all the time must be exhausting,” said Himari.
“Of course I take breaks,” responded Akane.
“Well, then take one with me! Breaks are more fun with two people than they are all alone!” said Himari, clinging to Akane like an eager little puppy.
“…I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in hanging out with you,” Akane furrowed her brows and gazed coldly at Himari.
“But I’m interested in you, Akane-chan! Very much so! Let’s be friends!” Himari responded, despite Akane clearly indicating to Himari that she wasn’t particularly interested in getting to know her.
Himari held Akane’s hands, seemingly not minding what Akane had just said. Wearing an innocent smile, Himari’s entire being overflowed with affection.
Akane stammered in response to the gesture. “Uh, um…”
“Let’s take a little detour on the way home from school! I found a cafe that has this incredibly delicious strawberry parfait,” Himari suggested to a hesitant Akane.
“Strawberry parfait?!” Akane flinched slightly. She quickly hid her expression, but she couldn’t evade Himari’s keen eyes.
“Oh? So Akane-chan loves strawberry parfait, got it!” said Himari teasingly.
“N-no, not at all,” denied Akane.
“Liar! Your love for strawberry parfaits was written all over your face!” Himari exclaimed.
“N-no, that’s not true!”
“It’s my treat today! Let’s go, shall we?” said Himari and pulled Akane’s hand.
“Umm…okay, but I can only stay for a little while,” Akane uttered.
“Yippee! I’ve got a date with Akane-chan!” Himari exclaimed, raising both hands in the air and cheering with joy.
I really don’t like her, Akane thought.
Being together with Himari made the depths of Akane’s heart feel warm and fuzzy. That warm and fuzzy feeling was comfortable and new. It made Akane feel uneasy and ultimately out of place.