Chapter 3: Introducing Friends

“Hey, Hatsushiro.”

“Yes?”

As they were eating breakfast, Yuuki brought up something that had been on his mind for a while.

“Is there anything you want? I mean, all the daily necessities you’re using are just spares I had.”

Her bag from the day he’d rescued her had contained some sanitary products and her school-issued gym uniform, so she seemed to have the bare minimum, at least.

“...Hmm, let me see. I don't feel like I'm lacking anything in particular.”

“Really?”

Hatsushiro was a girl, after all. Since she hadn't mentioned anything, Yuuki hadn't either, but he figured she must need various things.

“Yes. Oh, would you like another serving of rice, Yuuki-san?”

“Yeah, please.”

Hatsushiro took Yuuki’s rice bowl and walked to the kitchen.

She didn't seem to be forcing herself or putting on an act in any way.

Hmm.

◇

“Hey, Ootani, what do you think?”

“I think it’s not normal,” she declared instantly.

When he consulted Ootani after school, she gave him an immediate, definitive answer.

“A girl who’s only a year younger than us, whose only clothes are one school uniform and one gym uniform, who doesn’t wear any makeup, and whose only real hobby is the game you bought her. For her to have absolutely no complaints about that is just weird. Seriously weird.”

“It’s that bad?”

“Yeah. For a guy, it’d be like not feeling any frustration even if you never jacked off. It's that level of weird.”

That was, indeed, a whole new level of weird.

“But she really doesn’t seem to have any complaints. She doesn’t look like she’s faking it, either. Not that I’m particularly good at picking up on that sort of thing.”

“...You’re right. This is just a guess, but she probably didn't get along well with girls her own age before she ended up at your place. From what you've told me, she has way too few desires.”

Ootani took a round, flat, lapis-blue case out of her bag.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a skincare cream. An all-in-one, meaning it has everything you need for various types of skin care all in one product. It’s reasonably priced, and it feels pretty good. A lot of the girls I’ve recommended it to are still using it.”

“Huh. I know absolutely nothing about this stuff, so this is new to me. Ah, it has a calming scent.”

“That’s another good thing about it. The ones with really strong scents can be polarizing, which makes them hard to recommend... Anyway, this is the kind of conversation girls our age have on a daily basis. When you’re in that environment, you naturally start wanting things for yourself, right?”

I see, Yuuki nodded.

Of course, it wasn't entirely impossible that, like Yuuki himself until recently, she had something she absolutely had to do that left her with no interest in anything else.

Even Yuuki was aware that there were very few people his age who were like him.

“On the flip side, if you don't show at least some interest in these things, you'll get left out of conversations. It might be good for your girlfriend to have at least one female friend who can teach her about all this ‘girly crap.’”

“I see. A female friend who can teach her about ‘girly crap’...”

That seemed like a tall order at the moment.

Hatsushiro was a good kid, but she was incredibly delicate. She was terrified of people and was overly considerate, always trying to make sure others wouldn’t get angry. Furthermore, the fact that she was living with him in his room—even if they were a couple and not doing anything wrong—would surely raise more than a few eyebrows.

Was there really a trustworthy girl out there who could befriend Hatsushiro, understanding all of that?

“Hmm… Huh?”

Yuuki looked at Ootani, who was sitting across the desk from him.

Ootani quickly averted her gaze and stood up.

“Well then. Guess I’ll head home and continue playing Hiiro no 〇-kata.”

Yuuki grabbed the hem of Ootani's jacket as she tried to leave.

“What?”

“...Ootani. Seeing as you’re an expert on all things ‘girly,’ I have a favor to ask.”

“Six months’ worth of lunch money.”

“You’re starting way too high! Usually, you start with something like two weeks, tops.”

“Guess we couldn't come to an agreement.”

“Ah, wait, wait! Two months! How about two months?”

As Yuuki said this in a panic, Ootani beamed.

“A man who knows when to listen is a wonderful thing, Yuuki.”

◇

“So, long story short, I’m having a friend over tomorrow.”

“Oh, is that so?”

After finishing school and his part-time job, coming home, eating dinner, and getting through a round of studying, Yuuki was now sitting with Hatsushiro, leaning against the bed and against each other.

It had become their routine to talk about nothing in particular before bed, feeling each other’s warmth.

“...In that case, should I perhaps step out for a while?”

“Ah, no, you don’t have to. She knows our situation. I’ve actually been talking to her about a lot of things concerning you.”

When Yuuki said that, Hatsushiro, for some reason, furrowed her brow slightly.

“...This Ootani-san person is a woman, correct?”

“Yeah, that’s right. A classmate of mine. She actually sits in the seat right behind me.”

“What kind of woman is she?”

Hmm, Yuuki thought for a moment before answering.

“I think she’s solid and easy to talk to. She’s generally serious but can also tell a joke. She’s a good caretaker, too. She always seems to be reading manga or novels, but she studies properly and gets good grades.”

“...You seem to be praising her quite freely.”

“Well, she’s my only female friend. If I had to find a fault... let's see... if I had to pick one, it's that she’s already pretty popular, but I think she could be an incredible beauty if she just went on a diet a little. I know it’s her own business, but looking from the outside, it just feels like a waste.”

“...Oh. Hmm. I see, I see.”

With that, Hatsushiro suddenly pulled away from Yuuki and turned her back to him.

His right shoulder, now devoid of her warmth, felt cold and lonely.

“What’s wrong, Hatsushiro?”

“I don’t know.”

Hatsushiro said, her face sullen. What's going on? Yuuki was perplexed.

Why had she suddenly gotten into a bad mood? All he did was say that Ootani was a good person...

(N-No way... is this...)

Yuuki's brain, which regularly topped the school's exams, arrived at a certain conclusion.

(...Jealousy?)

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning.

So that's what it is. It made sense; it probably wouldn’t feel great to have your boyfriend praise another girl right in front of you. But still... jealousy.

Woooah. While he felt bad, it was undeniable proof that Hatsushiro cared for him, and that made him happy. He couldn’t possibly say that out loud, though.

“...Why are you smirking, Yuuki-san?”

“Well, the fact that you’re jealous makes me happy, because it feels like proof that you care for me… Ah, I said it.”

He’d just gone and said it, plain as day.

Hatsushiro's face turned red, and she puffed out her cheeks with a pout.

“...You’re such a dummy, Yuuki-san… Hmph.”

“Oof. Hey, stop poking my side with your finger, it tickles… oof.”

For a while after that, Yuuki was subjected to Hatsushiro's continuous side-poking.

◇

The next day.

School was only a half-day due to the teachers’ schedules. After it was over, Yuuki and Ootani arrived in front of Yuuki’s apartment.

“You know, this is my first time actually going inside. I came this far once when I brought over the monitor, though.”

“Come to think of it, you’re right.”

Ootani, who had gone home once after school, was still in her uniform but was carrying a different bag from her usual school one. What could be inside?

“Alright, time to meet the famous Hatsushiro-chan I’ve heard so much about it’s become unpleasant. You kept going on and on about how cute she is, so I have to admit, I got curious.”

“Hah, there’s no lie in those words… After all, Hatsushiro is the cutest in the wor—”

Click.

“Pardon the intrusion.”

“Hey, listen to me!!”

As if sensing Yuuki was about to launch into a sappy monologue, Ootani quickly opened the door and went inside.

And, as she stepped into the entryway, Hatsushiro emerged from the living room, dressed in her usual uniform.

“W-Welcome home, Yuuki-san.”

“Yeah, I’m back. Uh, let me introduce you. This is my classmate, Ootani Shouko.”

Hatsushiro looked a little tense. Even though Yuuki had told her about this, it was probably still scary for her to talk face-to-face with someone other than him.

“Y-Yes. It’s nice to meet you… I’m Hatsushiro, Kotori…”

Ah, see, her voice is trailing off.

Meanwhile, Ootani was…

“...”

She was frozen solid, her eyes wide open as if she were seeing something unbelievable.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“...No way… Why…”

Ootani muttered, shaking her head.

What was this extraordinary reaction? ...Wait a minute.

A possibility surfaced in Yuuki's mind.

(Could it be... Ootani knows Hatsushiro?)

He remembered Ootani saying she had an acquaintance at Hatsushiro's school. Perhaps she knew of Hatsushiro through that connection.

If that was the case, what kind of relationship would warrant such a reaction?

“...But, that’s… impossible…”

Ootani stumbled, placing a hand on the front door to steady herself.

She was reacting as if she’d seen a ghost.

Could it be that she was the spitting image of a friend who had gone missing in their childhood? He was sure there was a plot like that in a manga Ootani had made him read once.

In any case, Hatsushiro was looking worried too. He would have to step outside for a moment and get the story from Ootani.

“Why…”

“Hey, Ootani. Let’s just step outside for a—”

“Why is this blockhead’s girlfriend such a drop-dead gorgeous beauty with long black hair?! Is this some kind of sick joke?!”

Yuuki did a comedic pratfall.

“That's what this is about?! Talk about misleading!!”

Ootani looked down at Yuuki as if he were an idiot.

“...What’s with your stupid reaction?”

“I don't want to hear that from you, of all people...”

Still, seeing someone else's reaction like this really drove home just how beautiful Hatsushiro was, Yuuki thought.

Ootani turned to Hatsushiro and greeted her in her usual firm voice.

“Nice to meet you, Hatsushiro-san. I’m Ootani Shouko. I’m a classmate of this third-rate reaction-gag comedian.”

What a terrible thing to call him.

“Y-Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ootani-san.”

“Hmm.”

“Um, is something the matter? You’re staring at my eyes… Is there something you’re concerned about?”

“Hmm, you don't have little hearts in your eyes or anything, do you? Or has the color drained from them?”

“...E-Excuse me?”

Hatsushiro looked utterly confused.

“Yuuki, let me see your phone. I'm going to check if you have a hypnosis app or something installed.”

“Of course not!!”

“Just kidding, just kidding. Mostly.”

The sincerity level was higher than he'd expected.

“Well, anyway. Hatsushiro-san.”

“Y-Yes.”

“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, but this guy here is a good person, even if it’s hard to tell. Really hard to tell. To be specific, as hard to tell as the Shonan-Shinjuku—”

“I’ve heard that one already.”

Just how hard was it to tell, that Shonan-Shinjuku Line?

“So, well, the fact that you were able to understand the good in a guy like him means you’re a good judge of character, in my opinion. And I like people who are good judges of character. So, if I happen to meet your approval… would you mind if we became friends?”

Ootani said, holding out her right hand.

“Um, well…”

Hatsushiro hesitated for a moment and looked at Yuuki. Yuuki gave a silent nod.

Seeing that, Hatsushiro, though still apprehensive, took Ootani’s hand and shook it.

“...It’s a pleasure.”

“Yeah. You too.”

It seemed their first contact had gone well.

Thank goodness, Yuuki thought, pleased, but at the same time, a little frustrated that it had taken him a while just to get to the point of holding her hand.

“...Um, is something wrong, Yuuki-san?”

His expression must have given him away, as Hatsushiro looked at him with concern.

“...No, it’s nothing. I was just thinking that it’s easier for girls to get along with each other.”

Hearing Yuuki say that, Hatsushiro’s face was a picture of innocence.

“...Yuuki-san. Could it be that you’re jealous?”

“Eh? No, that’s not it at all…”

“Fufu, I see… fufu.”

Hatsushiro smiled, looking happy.

Hmph. This was definitely frustrating.

“Seriously, what is this… Am I going to have to watch this sugar-cube-sweet act for the rest of the day?”

Ootani said, looking slightly fed up.

◇

With the introductions over, the three of them moved into the living room.

“Not much stuff in here, huh?”

That was Ootani's first comment.

Hatsushiro hadn't said anything about it, but Yuuki was once again reminded that the sparseness of his room was unusual.

“Ootani-san, here’s some tea. Please.”

“Oh, how thoughtful. You really have a wonderful girlfriend.”

“Right?! Hatsushiro really is a great girlfriend. She’s diligent, considerate, and a great cook.”

“...!!”

“...Bragging about your girlfriend to people is fine and all, but the girlfriend you’re praising has gone bright red, you know?”

Just as Ootani said, when he looked at Hatsushiro, he saw that her pale cheeks were flushed bright red, and she was trying to hide them with the tray she’d brought the tea on.

Well, it was true that being praised so lavishly right in front of you could be embarrassing.

“Sorry, sorry, Hatsushiro. I just couldn't help but brag.”

“...Oh, Yuuki-san, honestly…”

Was it just a boyfriend’s bias, or did Hatsushiro look a little happy as she said that?

Yuuki couldn’t help but let his expression soften.

“...”

When he looked over, Ootani had an expression on her face like she had just downed a glass full of gum syrup.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re really clueless… It’s nothing. I was just thinking that being around you two is probably going to give me some kind of lifestyle-related disease.”

“?”

Yuuki and Hatsushiro tilted their heads, not understanding what she meant.

“Well, whatever.”

As Ootani said that, she rustled through her bag and pulled out chocolates, snack chips, ramune candies, gummies… basically, a bunch of snacks.

Seeing this, Yuuki commented.

“Oh? Souvenirs?”

“Well, I usually bring snacks when I go to a friend's house.”

“That’s why you need to lose some weight.”

Thwack.

“Abe-shi!!”

Under the table, Ootani's front kick exploded against Yuuki's shin.

“...”

“Hm? What’s wrong, Hatsushiro-san? Staring at the snacks.”

“Ah, well…”

Watching Hatsushiro, Yuuki realized something.

“Don't tell me you've never had any of this before?”

“...Well, I think I remember eating them when I was little.”

Following the fact that she didn't have a cell phone, this was another rather surprising revelation.

Ootani also blinked in surprise, but then…

“I see,” she murmured, and tore open the consommé-flavored potato chip bag from the back, placing it on the table. It was the party-style way of opening it so everyone could easily grab some.

“Here, go ahead, Hatsushiro-san.”

Urged on by Ootani, Hatsushiro picked up a single chip with the same caution as if she were a royal food taster.

“T-Thank you for the food.”

Hatsushiro’s mouth took a small bite of the chip.

Ootani watched her intently.

“...Oh, it’s delicious.”

She said, her voice filled with honest surprise.

Seeing that, Ootani nodded in satisfaction.

“Here, have another one.”

“Eh… Is it really okay?”

“It's fine.”

Saying that, Ootani also picked up a chip and popped it into her mouth.

“With stuff like this, it’s good manners not to hold back.”

“...W-Well, then.”

Hatsushiro once again politely said her thanks before taking another chip and eating it.

This time, a smile spread across her face. It was a pure, honest reaction that clearly conveyed the happiness of eating something delicious.

After that, prompted by Ootani who kept picking up chips one after another, Hatsushiro also began to bring chips to her mouth.

Ootani smiled as she watched Hatsushiro, her small mouth moving as she chewed, looking blissful over a snack that probably cost about a hundred yen.

“I see now.”

Ootani said, leaning over the table and patting Hatsushiro on the head.

Hatsushiro looked a little surprised.

“Ah, um, Ootani-san.”

“Man, I get it now, Yuuki. I think I understand why you’re always going on about how cute Hatsushiro-san is.”

“...N-Not at all, you’re too kind. You’re the one who’s so cool and beautiful, Ootani-san…”

“When a girl who's naturally cute like you says that, it just sounds like sarcasm, you know… but since you’re cute, I’ll allow it!!”

With that, she continued to ruffle her hair affectionately. Hatsushiro, for her part, seemed a bit flustered but not particularly scared of being patted by Ootani.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“Ah, I’ll get it.”

He would let the two of them get along.

◇

“Being a newspaper solicitor seems tough.”

He’d ended up talking at the door for more than ten minutes.

It was a college-student-like woman with a pretty good figure. He’d told her he wasn't interested, but she’d been persistent, offering bonuses like detergent and amusement park tickets. Someone weak to pressure would probably end up signing a contract.

Yuuki opened the door and returned to the room.

(Still, I’m glad I brought Ootani along.)

From the looks of it, they seemed to be getting along well, more like an older and younger sister than just same-sex friends.

Hatsushiro looked happy too. With this, she could naturally learn about how normal girls act from Ootani.

With those thoughts in mind, Yuuki returned to the living room.

“Sorry, sorry, the solicitor was persistent.”

“So, what do you think, Hatsushiro-san? I think the pairing of these two, Shusuke and Akira, is really hot.”

“Hey now.”

Ootani was having Hatsushiro read a manga with a cover depicting two handsome men pressed close together, their faces near.

“What? It’s an all-ages version with no sex scenes.”

“That’s not the point. I wanted her to learn about worldly things, but I didn’t ask you to infect her with your germs.”

“What are you talking about? This is the very definition of a lady’s refinement. There’s no woman alive who dislikes BL.”

“That’s a bit of an overgeneralization.”

“So, what do you think, Hatsushiro-san?”

“Um, I’m not sure I quite understand it.”

Hatsushiro said while dutifully reading the manga she’d been handed.

See? Yuuki said to Ootani with his eyes. Ootani’s shoulders slumped in disappointment.

“But…”

Hatsushiro said, looking a little confused herself.

“I wonder why… when I see two men with their faces close together… something starts to well up from deep inside my chest.”

It seemed something had indeed welled up.

Ootani's eyes shone as if she had just witnessed the birth of new life.

“...Wonderful, Hatsushiro-san. You will surely become a fine lady. Oh, and this smartphone game, FBO, is really popular right now.”

“Hey, wait, I hear that one costs a lot of money.”

“It’s no big deal. You just offer up a Yukichi or two to the Holy Grail once or twice a month.”

“That’s a seriously dangerous bottomless pit of an ATM!!”

Yuuki couldn’t help but think that bringing Ootani along might have been a mistake.

Incidentally, since Hatsushiro didn't have a phone, she couldn't play FBO.

◇

After chatting for a while over snacks, Ootani looked at the clock and stood up.

“It’s already this late. Shall we go?”

“Go where?”

Ootani answered Yuuki’s question.

“Where do you think? To the nearby shopping mall. To buy some clothes for Hatsushiro-san.”

Ah, so that’s what this is about, Yuuki thought, understanding.

However, Hatsushiro looked surprised and said,

“C-Clothes for me?”

“That’s right. You can’t just keep wearing a single uniform and a gym uniform forever, can you?”

“It’s not like I’m having any particular trouble with that. Oh, but I suppose having another set would make laundry easier.”

“...No, that’s not what I mean. I heard about it from Yuuki, but you really don’t have any desires, do you?”

Ootani sighed.

Well, even Yuuki, who considered himself to have few material wants, was surprised by this.

At this rate, she would probably start worrying about Yuuki’s expenses and feel apologetic again.

“...Besides, since I’m being allowed to live here, I can’t be too extravagant…”

She said exactly what he’d expected. Yuuki found this considerate side of Hatsushiro endearing, but he always wished she would be a little more selfish.

“Oh, is that so? That’s too bad, Yuuki,” Ootani said in a monotone voice.

“You know, just the other day in class, Yuuki was saying how he wanted to see his girlfriend all dressed up.”

What’s this all of a sudden? Yuuki wondered, but Ootani was pleading with him with her eyes.

Play along.

He wished she’d picked a different setting than him blurting it out in class, but if it was for Hatsushiro’s sake, he had no choice.

Hatsushiro looked over at him as if for confirmation.

“Yeah, that’s right. I want to see a different side of you, Hatsushiro.”

When Yuuki said that with a serious expression, Hatsushiro blushed.

“...Um, okay. Then, I would be happy if you’d buy me new clothes.”

“Alright. Then let’s go.”

Ootani said with a satisfied look and briskly walked towards the entrance.

“Well, shall we go too?”

“Yes.”

But before that, there was one thing he had to ask.

“Hey, Hatsushiro… are you okay?”

“...Yes. I’m okay.”

“Hey—, hurry up and let’s go—!”

Ootani called from the entrance. Yuuki and Hatsushiro also walked towards the door.

Yuuki put on his shoes with practiced movements he’d repeated hundreds of times since he started living here and opened the front door.

Hatsushiro, on the other hand, stood in front of the entryway, staring intently at the school-issued loafers she had worn on the day she arrived. Seeing this, Ootani, who was already outside, asked,

“What’s wrong, Hatsushiro-san?”

“No, it’s nothing. I’m sorry… I’m coming now.”

“...Hey, Hatsushiro.”

“...I’m okay… I’m okay.”

Hatsushiro said, as if trying to convince herself, then put on her shoes and stood up.

And, as she tried to step outside from the entrance—

Her body swayed and tilted.

“Hatsushiro-san!?”

Ootani cried out in surprise.

“Whoa there.”

Yuuki, who had been waiting right beside her in anticipation, supported Hatsushiro’s body with both hands.

“...Still too difficult, huh?”

“...Thank you, Yuuki-san.”

“Yuuki, what do you mean, ‘still’?”

Hatsushiro answered Ootani’s question, her voice trembling slightly.

“...I’m sorry for worrying you. It’s embarrassing, but when I try to go outside, I feel a little…”

“For now, let’s sit down, Hatsushiro.”

That was right. Hatsushiro hadn’t been able to step outside of Yuuki’s room since the day she arrived. Something that had happened before she came here must have been the cause; whenever she put on her shoes at the entrance and stood up, the strength would drain from her body.

No matter how many times they tried, it was always the same. The only time Hatsushiro had been outside since she arrived was when she went out onto the balcony to hang laundry.

Because of this, Yuuki would get a list of ingredients from Hatsushiro and buy them at the nearby supermarket.

Yuuki knew things couldn't go on like this, but he didn't want to push her, so he had planned to let her rest and recover at her own pace without mentioning it.

It had been nearly two weeks, so he thought she might be able to go outside this time, but perhaps it was still too soon. Yuuki briefly explained the situation to Ootani.

Hearing this, Ootani’s eyes widened, and then her expression turned into one of indescribable apology.

“...I’m sorry, Hatsushiro-san.”

“...No, it’s not something you need to worry about, Ootani-san.”

Yuuki was reminded once again. He had started to forget because she had been smiling so much recently, but Hatsushiro was a girl who was likely carrying a very painful past. She had a wound so deep that even something as simple as going outside was a struggle.

Of course, that didn't change the fact that she was the cute girlfriend he loved.

“For today, let’s just relax and talk a little more in the room. We have games, too, though they’re for a maximum of two players.”

When Yuuki said that, Ootani agreed.

“You’re right. We can go shopping another time.”

Hatsushiro remained silent for a moment, her head bowed.

She was probably filled with guilt.

But.

When Hatsushiro lifted her face, the words she spoke were unexpected.

“...No, I’ll go.”

Yuuki was stunned by the words that seemed to be squeezed out of Hatsushiro.

He was worried, but her expression was serious.

“Hatsushiro…”

“...I can’t keep depending on you forever, Yuuki-san.”

Besides, Hatsushiro added with a small smile.

“...If it will make you happy, Yuuki-san, I want you to see me dressed up.”

Her smile was like one forced in the midst of hardship, but her eyes held a mixture of fear and determination.

Hatsushiro took about five deep breaths, then stood up, still a little unsteady.

“Yuuki-san… can you hold my hand?”

“Of course. I won’t let go, no matter what.”

“...Thank you. I just said I can’t keep depending on you, but here I am. I’m hopeless, aren’t I?”

“I’m happy when you depend on me, Hatsushiro. You can be even more selfish, you know.”

When Yuuki said that, Hatsushiro briefly pressed her forehead against his shoulder.

“...I love you, Yuuki-san.”

Hearing those words, Yuuki’s breath caught in his throat.

Ah, that's right. It was the first time. The first time she had said it. From his girlfriend, from Hatsushiro. That she loved him.

A sudden heat rushed through Yuuki’s body.

He was too happy to find any words.

Hatsushiro pulled away from Yuuki’s shoulder and took another deep breath.

And then.

She took a step forward. Her steps were unsteady.

Their hands were still linked. She took another step.

Their fingers had naturally intertwined. It wasn't their usual palm-to-palm hold, but what was known as the lovers’ hold. They could feel each other’s presence more closely.

And then, one more step.

The line that separated the entryway from the outside world was right in front of them.

Hatsushiro squeezed his hand tightly. Was it anxiety or fear that he felt from her grip?

So, Yuuki squeezed back just as strongly. It’s okay. I’m with you.

Hatsushiro took one more deep breath and—

She took the final step.

“...Phew.”

It had been about two weeks. Hatsushiro let out a small sigh as she stepped into the outside world for the first time in a long while.

Then, she looked at Yuuki, their hands still tightly clasped.

“...Thank you.”

“Yeah, you did grea—”

“Hatsushiro-san!!”