Episode- 20

The train cuts through the humid air and passes by the platform.

　The wind was blowing against the bottom of my slightly wet trousers, creating some discomfort.

"If the next train comes, we'll be late after all. Sorry, I dragged Tohsaka down with this."

　Fujita-kun, who was sitting next to me, scratched his head and said.

"It's fine, it's fine. I was the one who got off for some reason, and besides, I'm not the kind of person who can be ignored back there, am I?"

"...Tohsaka, do you think I'm a cool older brother who's kind to kids?"

"The cool part is unnecessary. Other than that... well, it's pretty much spot on."

"The only element I wanted to make sure was cool."

　Fujita cracks a joke.

　In contrast to Fujita-kun, who looked refreshing and out of place in the rainy season, a small doubt was growing in my mind.

　Why did I get off then?

　My body moved before my mind could think, and the answer vanished somewhere as if it had never existed in the first place.

"Oh, the teacher will probably get angry with me. Maybe I should just say I was late."

"They probably won't be able to communicate because Aika and the others are already there. Or rather, they'll probably get angry if they're acting separately."

"That's true. Our homeroom teacher is strict. He's weird in a weird way though. Ah, but then is it normal to come full circle? No, it's not."

"For now, Fujita-kun is acting strange..."

　Come to think of it, if things continue like this, Aida-san won't be able to ask Fujita-kun out.

　They would have reached the meeting point by now and we are late.

　The moment I had that thought, I felt like my heart suddenly became lighter.

"Well, anyway, I'll wait for the next train... hmm? I got a message from Aida-san."

"Huh!?"

"...Sorry Tohsaka. I'm going to make a call."

"Oh, okay. I get it."

　Fujita-kun now looks completely serious, picking up his smartphone and leaving.

　The moment I realized that it was a consideration for me and Aida-san, my heart skipped a beat.

　I'm sure Fujita-kun will be invited by Aida-san from now on.

　When I thought about it, I felt a tight pain in my chest, as if it was being squeezed.

　I stare at Fujita who is on the phone.

　He opened his mouth in shock, then spoke calmly.

　I don't know what Fujita-kun thinks about Aida-san.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

　But, I'm sure Aida-san does... like Fujita-kun.

　She likes him enough to call him.

"I like him, huh? I see."

　I only just realized this now.

　That Aida's motivation for inviting Fujita is her feelings of love.

　I like you so I want to play with you.

　I want to date you because I like you.

　I can be courageous because I love you.

　In this way, one can enter even dark, invisible places like caves.

　Ah, so that's it. I wonder how long it had been since I forgot about it.

"Oh, okay. Well then."

　Fujita-kun hangs up the phone and comes back to me.

"The train will be coming soon."

　Seeing him talking as if nothing had happened made my heart ache again.

　I ask him, gripping my pants.

"Aida-san invited you, right? She asked if you wanted to meet up later."

"Huh? Why that?"

"I heard it through rumors. So, Fujita-kun, what did you say you were going to do?"

　I think I'm a mean girl.

　But I still couldn't help but ask. It felt like all the answers were packed into it.

"The train will arrive shortly on platform two."

　An announcement is made.

　The station is still as noisy as ever.

　I stare at his profile.

　A memory from a while ago was replaying in my mind.

　--Ahahaha, you're really funny! Fujita-kun

　--Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

　Fujita and Aida are seen laughing together.

　-Is Kaori okay?

　--Kaori, you know...ah, don't you mind?

　Words that strike at Aika's core.

　I also remembered seeing Fujita-kun watching over his sister with a warm gaze, and seeing a happy couple on the way home.

　The scope of my thoughts gradually widens, and memories of being found by Fujita at the sports festival and being harassed by some rough-looking high school students come to mind.

　It all went into me and was stirred up and around.

　Now I understand. Now I can say it honestly.

　I... don't want to.

　I don't want to think of Fujita-kun with anyone else.

　I don't want to he go out with Aida-san alone. Absolutely not!

　So I got off the train.

　I felt that if we broke up now, Fujita would go to a place that was out of my reach.

　I wanted to be next to Fujita-kun like this.

　Because, because I...!

　--I think Tohsaka is cute.　

　I remember his words vividly, his voice and the season.

　Fujita-kun, still facing straight ahead, finally spoke the answer.

"I said no, sorry."

　The train glides in front of us.

　The wind blew hard and reached deep into my heart.

　I exhaled.

　The anxiety, doubt, and conflict that had been broken down into ashes disappear and are replaced by relief.

　I carefully observed the entire sequence of events within myself.

　For the first time, I saw the whole picture, without missing out on any of the emotions that arise in the process.

　And then, you realize it so clearly that there is no way to hide it. You are made aware of it.

　This "something" whose name I don't know has meaning to me.

　I see. So that's what it was.

　I... like Fujita-kun.

　Fujita and I were swaying side by side on a deserted train.

　A regular clanging sound echoed inside the car.

"You got properly scolded."

"Yeah. Well, that's true."

　After that, we were late and got scolded by the teacher.

　However, it seemed we weren't the only ones who were late, so we weren't punished too much.

"I mean, I'm surprised they went home before me. How heartless. Well, it's my fault for being late."

　Fujita-kun lets out a smile.

　As I was feeling comfortable, I suddenly squinted my eyes at the light streaming in through the window.

"Huh? It's starting to clear up."

"That's true."

　Looking out the window, I saw the sun peeking out from between the thick clouds, emitting a faint light.

　Strangely, my heart felt lighter and I felt as if everything had been worth it.

　I lean my body next to him.

"Tohsaka?"

"I'm tired. So, can you let me sleep for a little while?"

"Okay. I'll wake you up when we get to the nearest place."

　"Yes," he said, turning his face back out the window.

　While pretending to be asleep, I secretly open my eyes slightly to look at his face.

　I'm happy.

　Just watching, just being next to him, just leaning my body against him.

　It feels comfortable and warm, as if you are wrapped in something gentle.

　My troubled heart is healed and gently returns to where it belongs.

　This is what I love.

　Love is something that makes you happy without you having to do anything.

　When I realized this, I was incredibly happy.

"...I wish this could continue forever."

　I muttered so loudly that even Fujita couldn't hear me, and so quietly that my words were no longer even formed, and this time I closed my eyes and gave myself over to happiness.

　The sky was already clear.

　　　　　♦ ♦ ♦

　next morning.

　Today was an unusually sunny day for the rainy season, and the sunlight streaming in through the window was shining brightly.

"I wonder if the rainy season will end soon?"

　I muttered to myself and stood in front of the mirror.

"Phew... okay."

　I clenched my fists, grabbed my bag and stormed out of the room.

"What? Are you kidding me?"

"What do you mean? Is that prince?"

"This is crazy! This is super crazy!!!"

"It suits you so well!!!"

　I made my way through the noisy hallway and arrived in front of the classroom.

　I looked up at the familiar plate and took a breath.

　But my heart still pounded. I hadn't been able to calm down at all for a while now.

　I took another breath to steady my pulse and remembered his words.

　--What are you talking about, Tohsaka? It suits you perfectly.

"...I'm fine. Okay."

　I steeled my resolve and entered the classroom.

"Ah! Good morning, Ko...ko?"

"Whoa... Seriously?"

　Aika and Asahi's eyes widened in shock.

　And the boy standing right next to them was also staring at me in surprise.

"Good morning, Fujita-kun."

"Oh, oh...Tohsaka."

　Fujita-kun looked taken by surprise.

　I really wanted to see this expression on Fujita's face.

　The wind blows through the window.

　That caressed my exposed legs, giving me a cool feeling.

"The skirt really suits you."

　Fujita-kun said and smiled at me.

　Just those words - yes, just being praised by someone I like - made me so happy.

　So I wore a skirt.

　I wore a skirt that I had never been able to wear before, just for Fujita-kun.

　This is my decision.

　It's a determination that will never waver...

　The real summer is just around the corner.

　The rainy season is over, the thick clouds disappear, and the season of shining sunshine arrives.

　It's sure to be an unforgettable summer.

　--The burning girl makes a decision.