Chapter 6: Childhood Friend Over Fireworks Edition
July, a certain morning.
"Good morning, Kanata-kun."
"Good morning, Manaka."
That day was different from usual; it was the day of final exams.
Today is the last day.
However, just because it's a slightly special day doesn't change what we do in the morning.
"Then, Kanata-kun. ...Do the usual?"
"Ah, yeah..."
I shifted my gaze to confirm there was no one around.
Then I placed my hand on Manaka's shoulder and pulled her lightly.
Manaka wrapped her arms around my back.
We pressed our bodies together and embraced.
I felt Manaka's soft breasts pressing against my chest, their shape distorting.
Kui. Manaka raised her heels.
Then she closed her eyes, lifted her chin, and thrust her lips up.
I wrapped my hand behind Manaka's head and stooped slightly...
Our lips overlapped.
"T-Then... let's go."
"Yeah, let's."
We started walking side by side on the route to school.
A good morning kiss, and a goodbye kiss.
We started doing that on the lips.
It's lover practice.
Strictly practice.
Not a real kiss.
...Is it really okay to do this?
A doubt I've had countless times crossed my mind.
No, at the point where I'm thinking "Isn't this wrong?" repeatedly, the conclusion has already been reached within me.
We are doing something we shouldn't.
Kissing when we aren't even dating is impure.
But I got swept away, unable to refuse Manaka's requests, and sometimes I even initiate it myself.
Because I like Manaka.
But Manaka doesn't like me.
She might not hate me, but at best, I'm number two.
Not number one.
The words "I like you" that Manaka uttered that night on her birthday were directed at someone else, not me.
...Thinking about that makes me feel empty.
I want to become real lovers.
"Hey, Kanata-kun."
"Eh? W-What!?"
While waiting for the train, my name was suddenly called, and I involuntarily straightened my back.
Manaka rubbed against me like a cat, suri suri.
This is the attitude she has when she wants something or wants to do something.
"After final exams are over. Wanna go on a date?"
"Date...? Ah, the summer festival."
"Yup!"
Every year, around this time, a summer festival is held.
The scale isn't that large, but food stalls line up, and fireworks are launched at the end.
"I don't mind."
We participate in the summer festival every year anyway.
Though it's just watching fireworks together...
"Then, it's decided. ...Ah, that's right. Wear a yukata, okay?"
"Eh? W-Well, sure, but... why?"
Last year we both wore casual clothes.
Why suddenly yukata...?
"Because it's lover practice."
Manaka said that with a grin.
Summer festival, the day of.
"Hey, Mom. Check if I'm wearing this right."
Wearing a yukata for the first time in a while, I asked my mother.
My mother put her hand to her chin and observed me with a "hmm hmm."
"Isn't it fine?"
"That's good then."
I can't show Manaka an embarrassing appearance.
Just as I was thinking that, my mother smiled slightly.
"Even so, you're quite fired up today."
"...Because Manaka told me to wear it."
"Which means Manaka-chan is wearing a yukata too. A yukata date, huh~ nice."
My mother thinks Manaka and I are dating.
Since forever.
No matter how much I deny it, she only says "You don't have to be shy," and it just makes me feel empty, so lately I've just been letting it slide.
"Which house are you staying at today?"
"T-There are no plans like that!"
"Oh, really. If you're having Manaka-chan stay over, say a word, okay? I'll make sure not to enter your room."
"Regardless of Manaka's presence, don't enter without permission."
Though, it's not like I have anything I'd be in trouble if seen.
"Make sure to escort her properly, okay? If you let such a cute girl get away, you'll never get another chance, you know?"
"I-I know."
Even without being told that, to me, Manaka is a Takane no Hana—a flower on a high peak.
Being able to date her is only for now.
Manaka is cute and beautiful, so if she wanted to date, she could date anyone.
Surely, someday she will leave me.
So I should enjoy the present.
Thinking such things, I left the house.
We were supposed to meet in front of the entrance, but Manaka wasn't there yet.
Manaka is usually earlier, so I thought it was rare...
"Sorry for the wait, Kanata-kun."
Manaka appeared.
She was clad in an elegant yukata with hydrangeas depicted on it.
Her beautiful blonde hair was unusually tied up and held together with a comb.
Only the choker at her neck was a slight mismatch.
"......"
...S-She's insanely cute. It's been a while since I've seen Manaka in a yukata, but ... As expected, she looks good in anything.
"Hey, Kanata-kun."
"Whoa! W-What."
Suddenly, Manaka peered into my face.
The reason she looks more mature than usual might be because she's wearing makeup.
My heart is pounding.
"Spacing out like that, what's wrong? ...Could it be, you were captivated by me?"
Manaka said while grinning mischievously.
The inside is the same as usual.
I feel a little relieved.
"No way."
"Ara, really?"
"But... um, it suits you. Very cute."
"...Thanks."
It was a short phrase, but my feelings seemed to have been properly conveyed.
Manaka lowered her eyes, looking a little embarrassed.
"Well then, Manaka. Shall we get going? ...Here."
"Um..."
"Give me your hand. You're the one who said it's lover practice, right?"
Today's date is "Lover Practice."
In short, from start to finish, we date thinking of each other as lovers.
That is the purpose of this time.
The reason we both dressed up with effort was also for that reason.
"T-That's right. Then... please treat me well."
Manaka timidly layered her hand on mine.
As we interlaced our fingers, we started walking while holding hands.
...I don't want to hand her over to anyone.
I thought that from the bottom of my heart.
After walking for fifteen minutes, we arrived at the summer festival venue.
It was still bright, but it was already crowded.
"For now, shall we buy something? Is there anything you want to eat?"
"Hmm, it's a festival after all. I'd like to eat cotton candy, but..."
"But?"
"It's a bit too much for one person. ...Will you eat half?"
Manaka said that to me with upturned eyes.
Honestly, I don't like cotton candy that much.
But eating half means, in other words, an indirect kiss...
"Sure, okay."
"Fufu, thanks."
So, we purchased cotton candy.
There were three colors: white, pink, and green, but after agonizing over it, Manaka bought pink.
"I thought it was strawberry flavor... but it's just regular sugar flavor."
"Well, obviously."
The color is just a difference in food coloring.
There's no way there's a difference in taste.
Manaka ate one, two bites of the cotton candy.
Then she held the cotton candy out to me.
"T-Then... aaan."
Manaka held out the cotton candy while blushing and acting shy.
Feeling a little nervous, I bit into the cotton candy.
"How is it? The taste of an indirect kiss."
"D-Don't phrase it weirdly!"
"I-It's fine, isn't it? We're on kissing terms anyway... S-So how is it?"
"It tastes like sugar."
"Say it more romantically."
"Then ask more romantically."
We walked around the stalls, eating while walking and feeding each other.
While walking, I occasionally felt gazes.
Manaka is attracting attention.
Well, if such a cute girl is walking, everyone would look back.
And I am dating that girl.
While feeling proud, I also become a little anxious.
Wondering if I'm worthy of Manaka.
"Hey, Kanata-kun. Eat half."
"Two-thirds of it is still left."
I bit into the candy apple Manaka had left unfinished.
Mixed with the sweetness of the sugar, a faint acidity, and...
"How is it? Isn't it a bit bitter?"
"...True, it's a little astringent."
It must be a poor-quality apple.
Perhaps because the outside is sweet, the bad taste felt even more pronounced.
It's a combination like me and Manaka.
"Hey, hey, Kanata-kun! Let's do that next."
Just as I finished eating the candy apple, Manaka pulled my hand.
What Manaka pointed to was a Senbonbiki (string pull) stall.
It's like a lottery where you pull a string to win a prize.
"You don't have to rush so much..."
"Ah!"
As expected, Manaka almost fell.
Just as she was about to pitch forward, I grabbed her waist and held her back.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah..."
Manaka nodded, her face turning a little red.
"Since we're holding hands, let's walk slowly."
"Y-Yeah. You're right!"
Then we chose a string at the stall and pulled a prize.
What we won was a fireworks set.
"Shall we do it at home later?"
"...Right!"
For some reason, Manaka did a guts pose.
Did she want to do fireworks that badly...?
Just as we put the fireworks set in the bag and started walking...
"""Ah!"""
We ran into a familiar person and someone we didn't know.
One was Amasawa. She was clad in a pink yukata.
And the other was a boy I didn't know.
It seems they are on a date.
What a coincidence, Amasawa! Are you perhaps on a date? We're on a date too.
That's right! Since we're here, wanna double date?
...I am not enough of a yang-ky (cheerful character) to invite them like that.
Feeling a somewhat awkward atmosphere, I left the spot as if escaping.
"I-It feels kind of awkward. Let's go in the opposite direction so we don't run into them again... Whoops. W-What's wrong?"
Manaka linked her arm with mine.
The sensation of her soft chest was transmitted through my upper arm.
This is the second time she's done this... but it still makes my heart pound.
"K-Kanata-kun has me!"
"A-Ah... yeah. That's right."
Is she talking about the date?
I don't really get what she wants to say.
At my dull reaction, Manaka opened her eyes wide.
(If it's come to this...)
"Did you say something?"
"I-I have a favor to ask... is that okay?"
"If it's something I can do... what is it?"
Manaka looked up at me with a slightly flushed face.
Her eyes were moist, and she had a shy expression.
"My yukata... while walking, it got a little disheveled."
"...Really?"
It doesn't look disheveled.
However, maybe it's become loose in a way that isn't visible.
A yukata can come undone in the blink of an eye.
Imagining the yukata coming undone and revealing Manaka in a compromising state, I felt my body heat up on its own.
"So, you see? I want to fix it... but if I'm alone, it'll take a bit of time."
I involuntarily gulped.
"...I want you to help me."
◇ ◇ ◇
Today's date... isn't it going a little smoothly?
I—Himemiya Manaka—involuntarily smirked.
Today, we are supposed to be "practicing lovers" throughout the date.
Treating each other as lovers so we can escort properly when it's the real thing... that's the pretext.
The true goal is to cross the line with Kanata-kun.
Holding hands and looking around shops.
Eating while walking, doing indirect kisses and "aaan" to heighten the atmosphere.
Watching fireworks, getting into a good mood, and then kissing.
And then taking him home just like that!
Spending a happy night together.
That is my perfect plan.
And so far, it's proceeding nicely.
...Though I can't shake the feeling that other than indirect kisses, it's not much different from usual.
But the mood shouldn't be bad.
"Shall we do it at home later?"
"...Right!"
And now, I succeeded in obtaining a fireworks set!
With this, I can naturally invite Kanata-kun to my house!
It's blowing! The wind! Definitely!
That was when it happened.
"""Ah!"""
We ended up meeting Amasawa-san.
She was wearing a yukata.
...It suits her quite well.
What should I do? If he thinks Amasawa-san's yukata is more attractive than mine...
Since the one Kanata-kun likes is Amasawa-san.
I-If it flows into us dating together like this...
Ah, Amasawa-san will take Kanata-kun home!
T-That alone is unacceptable!!
...While I panicked for a moment, I suddenly noticed another boy next to Amasawa-san.
Ara? Could it be, Amasawa-san... is on a date with that boy!?
Could it be, I won?
"...It's bad to disturb them, let's go over there."
While I was confused, my hand was pulled with strong force by Kanata-kun.
We lightly bowed to Amasawa-san and left the spot.
"Amasawa had a boyfriend..."
Kanata-kun had a complicated expression.
I-I see... to Kanata-kun, it's a heartbreak...
"Ah, yeah. I think she said something about wanting to get one soon?"
Though Amasawa-san spoke like she liked Kanata-kun...
Could it be she gave up in the face of how close Kanata-kun and I are?
Did she decide to date the person she liked second best?
For me, it's a good story, but...
Is it okay... If it were me, I would absolutely never give up.
...Ha!
"I-It feels kind of awkward."
T-That's right.
Just because Amasawa-san got a boyfriend doesn't necessarily mean Kanata-kun will give up.
Rather, he might burn with passion and make a fierce approach.
If it were me, I would definitely do that.
If Kanata-kun approaches Amasawa-san…
—Amasawa. Break up with your current boyfriend and date me!
—Yes. I was waiting for those words!
The two of them will get together!!
Because both of them have feelings for each other...
"K-Kanata-kun has me!"
"A-Ah... yeah. That's right."
To appeal to Kanata-kun, I pressed my body against his arm.
Pressing my chest against him, appealing desperately.
How is it? L-Look... I'm bigger than Amasawa-san, right?
This side should definitely be more worth groping...
N-No good.
It's not really working...
If it's come to this...!!
"So, you see? I want to fix it... but if I'm alone, it'll take a bit of time... I want you to help me."
There's nothing left but the honey trap!
◆
We decided to move the festival venue—or rather, to the forest a bit of a ways off from the shrine.
We could still hear the hustle and bustle of the festival, and the lights were visible.
But there wasn’t a soul around.
To think we’d come all the way to a place like this.
"There's nobody around here, but..."
Is she seriously going to do this?
Before I could even ask, Manaka began undoing the obi of her yukata.
With a smooth suru-suru sound, the sash came undone, and the front of the yukata fell open.
Glimpses of Manaka’s white skin began to flash into view.
Her underwear was black.
I-Isn't that a bit too erotic...?
"Hey, Kanata-kun. Hold this."
"Ah, right..."
"Not like that... from behind."
"L-Like this?"
Doing as I was told, I circled around behind Manaka.
Then, following her instructions, I helped adjust the shape of her yukata.
From the nape of her white neck, the scent of sweet perfume wafted gently through the air.
"Yup, thanks."
Manaka proceeded to fix her yukata with practiced hands.
Was my assistance really necessary just now...?
"Well then, shall we head back?"
"Wait a sec."
"W-What is it?"
Manaka grabbed the hem of my yukata.
She looked up at my face, staring intently.
"My underwear... did you see it?"
"...A-A little."
I couldn't exactly lie to her.
I answered while averting my gaze.
Would she get angry? Would she tease me?
Getting mad at me for this would be unreasonable, so I’d prefer the latter, but...
"How was it?"
"H-How was it?!"
What is she saying all of a sudden?!
I checked Manaka’s complexion; despite looking embarrassed, she seemed dead serious.
"...I thought it looked mature."
"Hmmm."
I answered honestly.
Upon hearing that, a satisfied expression floated onto Manaka’s face.
"W-Why ask me that, anyway?"
"Eh? W-Well..."
Manaka’s eyes darted around.
Then, she turned her cheek away.
"I-If I showed it to my lover and it looked lame, that would be a problem, right? Since you were here, I thought I’d ask for a boy’s opinion."
"I-I see."
R-Right.
It’s not underwear meant for me to see.
Guh...
"By the way, Kanata-kun... which do you like better? Black or white?"
"Eeeh!?"
That’s a troubling question.
White is more pure and cute, but I feel like black really makes her white skin pop.
Honestly, both are erotic.
...Wait, that’s not the point!
"W-What’s the point of asking me?"
"Because... right now, isn't Kanata-kun my lover?"
"T-That’s... true, but..."
B-But it’s just practice, right?
Even if she asks for my opinion, she’s not going to let me get to the real thing.
...The real thing.
Dammit...
"J-Just hurry up and answer."
"...Today, it’s black, I guess."
"Today? ...Does it change depending on the day?"
"W-Well... I’m not actually that particular about colors."
As long as it isn't a weird color or design, anything is fine.
What matters isn't the underwear, but the person wearing it.
The underwear of a girl I have no interest in is just cloth.
"If it’s Manaka... I’m sure anything would look good on you. Because you’re cute."
When I answered, Manaka’s face dyed a bright red.
D-Don't blush that much.
It’s making me embarrassed too...
"L-Let’s go! Kanata-kun."
"O-Oh!"
Linking arms, we returned to the festival.
After that, we looked at the stalls and played some games until the time for the fireworks approached.
We wanted to move to a spot where the fireworks would be clearly visible soon, but...
"Sorry, Manaka. Do you mind if I hit the bathroom first?"
"Yeah, sure. I’ll go buy some ramune."
"My bad."
I headed to the toilet and quickly finished my business.
I returned to the meeting spot, but Manaka wasn't there yet.
Thinking she must be in line, I waited for ten minutes...
This is weird.
I hurriedly started searching for Manaka.
Fortunately, I found her right away.
She was holding two bottles of ramune in her hands.
And two men were hitting on her.
I felt the blood rush to my head.
"Manaka!!"
When I ran up to her, the two men furrowed their brows.
But the moment I glared at them, they flinched and practically fled the scene.
"She's got a boyfriend...?"
I heard a voice say.
"Are you okay, Manaka?"
"Ah, yeah. It was nothing really... Ah, w-wait..."
"You aren't hurt or anything?"
I patted Manaka’s body down to check.
There didn't seem to be any injuries, and her yukata wasn't disheveled.
Thank god...
"S-Stop it..."
"Ah, r-right... sorry."
I hurriedly pulled away from Manaka.
Her face was red, and she looked embarrassed.
"We attracted some weird attention..."
"S-Sorry. Let’s move somewhere else."
"...Yeah."
I took one of the ramune bottles from Manaka, held her hand, and moved away from that spot.
"Was that, you know... a nanpa?"
"Yeah. They said they knew a place where the fireworks looked pretty..."
Manaka’s voice sounded calm as she said that.
Come to think of it, with Manaka’s looks, getting hit on by guys is probably a common occurrence.
She might have been able to handle it even by herself.
But...
"Don't leave my side for the rest of the day."
"Eeeh, what? Kanata-kun, could it be you’re jealous?"
"Don't tease me."
Rather than jealousy, it was possessiveness.
Someone tried to make a move on Manaka, my childhood friend.
Someone could have hurt her.
I couldn't forgive that.
...No, I guess that is what you call jealousy.
"Umm..."
"Right now, I am Manaka’s lover, aren't I?"
Manaka’s eyes went wide at my words.
Her white cheeks blushed faintly.
...I said something embarrassing.
"Anyway... stay close to me today."
"O-Okay..."
Repeating the same words, I squeezed her hand tighter.
Manaka gave a small, bewildered nod.
The atmosphere had gotten weird.
I needed to talk about something more fun... just as I was thinking that.
"Ei!"
"Whoa!"
Manaka hugged me out of nowhere as her expression was cheerfully delighted.
"Thanks for saving me. Kanata-kun."
"Y-Yeah... It's nothing. Anyone would have done the same thing."
Though, I say that—
I don't want to hand her over to anyone.
That was what I really thought.
◇ ◇ ◇
"There's no one here but us."
"It’s a special seat."
The two of us sat down on the riverbank.
Since this area was a distance away from the festival venue, foot traffic was scarce.
And yet, the fireworks were perfectly visible.
Since it was on the way home, we always watched the fireworks here before heading back.
"Ah, it started!"
"Ooh!"
The fireworks began to launch.
The content was... just your standard beautiful fireworks.
We watch them every year, so there was nothing particularly new.
What mattered was that today, I was in the middle of "Lover Practice" with Manaka.
"......"
Maybe because I was overly conscious of it, I had no idea what to talk about.
What did we talk about last year?
Guessing the color of the next firework, or how many seconds until the next one went up.
I feel like we just talked about trivial things like that.
But today, we’re practicing being lovers.
I need to talk about something different...
But at times like this, of course, no witty words come to mind.
I just intently drank my ramune.
Manaka was also drinking her ramune while watching the fireworks in silence.
"Kanata-kun..."
Just as I was thinking that, Manaka placed her hand over mine.
Ba-thump. My heart jumped.
"Ma... Manaka?"
"U-Umm... the fireworks are pretty, aren't they?"
Manaka said that with a somewhat nervous voice.
"Ah, y-yeah..."
Yeah. They’re pretty.
If I just reply with that, the conversation ends.
"Ma... Manaka is prettier."
"Pfft..."
When I shot that line back, Manaka burst out laughing.
She covered her mouth with her hand as if stifling the laughter.
"Y-You don't have to laugh."
"S-Sorry. No... I just didn't expect you to say something so cheesy."
Manaka cackled.
And here I tried so hard...
"Sorry for being cheesy."
"I said I’m sorry. Don't get mad."
"In the first place, Manaka... what was with that 'The fireworks are pretty'? There’s no way to reply to that."
"I-It was just a comment. ...You didn't have to force a reply, you know."
"So, it would have been fine if I just ended it with 'Yeah, they are'?"
"T-That... I wouldn't like that. But there are other things, right?"
"Like what?"
"Umm... I can't think of anything right now. But, aside from words, you can show it through actions... right?"
"...Like this?"
I embraced Manaka’s shoulder.
I pulled her toward me, perhaps a bit forcefully.
"...Yeah."
Manaka nodded slightly and rested her head on my shoulder.
The tips of her hair tickled my skin.
Fireworks were blooming in the night sky.
But my... our consciousness was focused on the person next to us rather than the fireworks.
What should I do next?
What would be the lover-like thing to do?
The options were by no means many.
"Hey, Kanata-kun... Nnh!"
Manaka turned her face toward mine.
I pressed my lips against hers.
Manaka’s eyes widened in surprise, but her expression immediately melted into a trance.
"Is this... Nnh!"
Is this okay?
Before I could ask, Manaka’s lips sealed mine.
"Ehehe, returning the favor... Nn! Chu... Nnha... Hamu..."
I sealed Manaka’s lips once more.
Manaka moved her lips, not wanting to lose.
We greedily devoured each other's lips.
By the time we realized it, the fireworks were over.
On the way home.
"Aah, because of Kanata-kun, we completely missed the finale."
Manaka pouted her lips in dissatisfaction.
While we were engrossed in kissing, the fireworks had ended.
"Don't blame it on me."
Though, Manaka should have been just as engrossed... supposedly.
In fact, she didn't seem all that unhappy about it.
It’s probably just to hide her embarrassment.
"But, it’s a little unsatisfying, isn't it?"
"...True."
I want to stay with Manaka a little longer.
I want to kiss her more.
"...Want to continue?"
I pulled out a fireworks set and said that.
"...Yeah."
Manaka nodded.
She didn't say what or which part we were continuing.
Suppressing our impatient feelings, we returned home.
We started playing with the fireworks set right there in the garden of Manaka’s house.
Though, it was a cheap set.
There wasn't much in it.
We consumed the fireworks in the blink of an eye.
"It’s almost over."
"Guess we have to wait until next year."
"...Will you play with me next year too?"
"That’s my intention. Is something wrong with that?"
"...If you get a lover, I figured you’d watch them with that person. Fireworks, I mean."
"...I don't plan on watching them with anyone other than Manaka."
Because the only person I like is Manaka.
No matter who Manaka falls in love with, I love Manaka, and I have no intention of dating any girl other than her.
If Manaka gets a boyfriend next year... at that time, I probably won't go to the festival anymore.
I don't really like crowds or fireworks that much to begin with.
I only go every year because I like spending time with Manaka.
"Are you giving up?"
"On what...?"
"You have someone you like, right?"
"T-That’s..."
It’s you.
I wanted to tell her that.
But Manaka has someone she likes.
Even if I told her, it would surely just trouble her.
"...Not until I get a little better at escorting."
"H-Hmm. W-Well, if Kanata-kun says so... I’ll keep accompanying you for practice."
"Is that okay with you, Manaka?"
"What is?"
"You have someone you like, don't you?"
"Eh? Ah, yeah..."
Manaka averted her gaze at my question.
"T-They’re somewhere close yet far away."
"Where is that, exactly? ...Or rather, who is it?"
"That’s still a secret from Kanata-kun!"
"Oh, really..."
Well, if Manaka is fine with that.
As we were talking, the fire on the sparkler went out.
I took out the last firework from the set... a senko hanabi sparkler.
"This is the last one."
"Yeah... Hey, Kanata-kun."
"What?"
"Want to have a contest?"
"Sure, why not."
Whoever can keep the fire lit the longest.
That sort of contest.
It’s a classic.
"The loser has to do a punishment game."
"Hmm. What kind of punishment?"
"The loser has to kiss the winner."
"Fine. Bring it on."
We lit our sparklers with a "Ready, set, go."
With a crackling sound, the fireworks bloomed beautiful flowers.
Even if it’s just a sparkler, I can't lose.
There’s a punishment game, after all.
...Wait?
"The loser kisses the winner"—either way, doesn't that mean we end up kissing each other?
""Ah!""
The fireworks went out at the same time.
We instinctively looked at each other.
"What happens in this case?"
"...Well, since it’s a draw."
"We kiss each other?"
"Yeah, looks like it."
Manaka nodded, then slowly stood up.
She gave a small laugh and pointed upstairs.
"Let’s do it in my room?"
"...Understood."
After the two of us cleaned up the fireworks, I went into Manaka’s house.
Trying not to make any noise, we went up to Manaka’s room on the second floor.
We entered the dimly lit room.
At the same time, I embraced Manaka.
"Manaka!"
"Kanata-kun!"
We pressed our lips together simultaneously.
Pecking at first, again and again, layering our lips.
As if confirming the shape of each other's lips, we bit and meshed them together.
Our tongues touched, and we kissed.
We entangled our tongues.
The strength left Manaka’s body.
I pushed her down onto the bed just like that.
And then, a deep, long kiss.
"Ma, Manaka... I like you."
The words slipped out of my mouth reflexively.
"I-I also... l-like you! I love you!!"
Words came back from Manaka.
I pressed my lips to hers again.
Before I knew it, Manaka’s yukata had fallen open.
Her white skin and black underwear were exposed.
The feeling of wanting to slam my desire into her right here and now... I suppressed it with a grunt.
"I-I have a proposal."
"H-Hey... Kanata-kun. L-Let’s just... keep going..."
Our voices overlapped.
It was a little awkward.
"G-Go ahead..."
"W-Will you become my real lover?"
"...Eh?"
Manaka’s eyes opened wide.
"N-No... I know you have someone you like, Manaka. But, kissing and stuff like this when we aren't even dating isn't good. So, um..."
Confessing to Manaka.
I’ve simulated this countless times since I was little.
I thought about doing a cool confession or proposal.
But the words that actually came out of my mouth were pathetic.
Still, if I closed my mouth now, I wouldn't be able to say anything.
Thinking that, I forced the words out.
"It can be provisional, so... w-won't you go out with me? ...Please go out with me."
I don't want to hand Manaka over to anyone.
Provisional or whatever, it’s fine.
I don't care how thin the thread is.
I wanted a bond that connected Manaka and me... something other than "childhood friends."
"K-Kanata-kun is... umm, you... like me?"
"I like you."
I stared straight into Manaka’s blue eyes.
There was no point in hiding it this late in the game.
"I love you, Manaka."
"I-I see. ...Is that so."
Manaka nodded, looking convinced.
Then she looked away, appearing to think for a moment.
"O-Okay. ...Let’s date?"
"...Really?"
Even though I confessed myself, I couldn't believe it.
Because Manaka has someone else she likes...
Even though I said something as scummy as "become my lover, even if it's provisional."
"I wouldn't lie about something like this, you know? I-I also... like Kanata-kun, so..."
"Manaka..."
"Kanata-kun..."
We pressed our lips together.
I felt our hearts, which had been passing each other by, connect just a little.
I’m sure Manaka has someone she likes the most.
But she likes me at least enough for me to be second place.
There shouldn't be any lie in the word "like."
For now, this is enough.
I can be satisfied with this.
"By the way, Manaka. About continuing from earlier..."
"Eh? Ah, yeah..."
Manaka looked away shyly.
My heart pounded loudly.
C-Could it be, we’re going to...
"K-Kiss me?"
"Eh?"
"I-I said... kiss. That’s as far as we go for today."
"...Got it."
I planted a light kiss on Manaka’s lips.
After accepting it, Manaka slowly sat up.
Then she hurriedly fixed her yukata.
"...I’m not a loose woman, you know."
Then she turned her cheek away.
"I hate it if I’m not number one."
"...Understood."
Make me your number one—that’s probably what she means.
I’ll do it.
"I just have to become Manaka’s number one, right?"
"Eh? Y-Yeah..."
I will become Manaka’s number one!
◇ ◇ ◇
The morning after receiving Kanata-kun’s confession.
"G-Good morning... Kanata-kun."
"Good morning, Manaka."
We greeted each other as usual.
But it was a little embarrassing.
We exchanged such a passionate kiss yesterday.
A-And I was confessed to...
He said he liked me, asked me to go out with him.
Even if it is provisional...
"W-Well then... shall we do our usual?"
"Y-Yeah."
Unusually, Kanata-kun suggested it himself.
He pulled my body strongly toward him.
Placing a hand on my waist to support me, he used the hand behind my head to hold me in place.
"Manaka, I love you."
"Nnha..."
Along with those words, my lips were stolen.
Different from usual, but just like last night—a deep, long, intense kiss.
Taking plenty of time, being loved.
My body felt like it was losing strength.
T-This is foul play...
"Uuh..."
My knees gave out, and I nearly collapsed.
Kanata-kun gently supported me.
"First... first thing in the morning... isn't that a bit too persistent?"
As a token of resistance, I glared at Kanata-kun.
When I did, Kanata-kun turned his face away, looking sulky.
"I-It’s fine, isn't it? ...Since we’re lovers."
"I-It’s still (Prov.), right?"
"...So, I shouldn't do it anymore?"
Kanata-kun made a sad face.
T-That’s cheating...
I-I want to do it too, but I’m holding back...
"I-It’s not that you can't... but not first thing in the morning."
I-If I’m loved this much from the morning, I’ll go crazy...
I won't last the whole day.
"Then, how about the evening?"
"T-That... depends on the mood, maybe?"
"Mood?"
"T-There’s such a thing as atmosphere, right?!"
"...That’s true, too."
Fortunately, Kanata-kun seemed convinced.
He released me, albeit reluctantly.
"Well then, let’s go."
"Yeah..."
We walked to school holding hands.
Kanata-kun and I started dating.
With this, we are lovers.
However, with a (Prov.) attached.
Because the one Kanata-kun loves the most is Amasawa-san.
Since he can't have Amasawa-san, Kanata-kun is directing his lust toward me, the one he likes "second best."
I am Amasawa-san’s substitute.
It’s frustrating.
It’s humiliating.
But...
"Fufun."
The one dating him, even if it is (Prov.), is me.
We even had such an intense kiss in the morning...
It should only be a matter of time before Kanata-kun loves me the most!
As expected, the one who wins in the end is the childhood friend!!
"Ah, good morning. Himemiya-san."
"Ah, g-good morning..."
Just as I was thinking that, Amasawa-san greeted me first thing in the morning.
A-Awkward...
It’s practically like I stole him (NTR).
Even though the two of them have mutual feelings, they can't date because I cut in from the side.
Surely, deep down, both Kanata-kun and Amasawa-san want to date each other...
B-But, the one who compromised and dated another boy first was Amasawa-san, right?
In the first place, I liked Kanata-kun first, right?
And the one Kanata-kun chose was me, right?
It’s not really an affair or stealing, is it?
If anything, I just took him back!
I am not the bad guy!
"I couldn't say hi yesterday."
"Ah, y-yeah... well, we were both on dates, after all."
Running into each other on a date is awkward, isn't it?
I know, right?
After sharing such meaningless empathy, I cut to the chase.
"Come to think of it, that boy yesterday... a new boyfriend? He isn't in our grade, right?"
"Yeah, a junior from the club... but he’s not my boyfriend."
"But you were on a date. Ah, are you going to start dating?"
"Nope, I probably won't date him. ...Just listen to this!"
From there, Amasawa-san started complaining about her junior.
It was long, so to summarize: he was trash because he had no delicacy.
"Like, he started getting irritated saying I walked too slow. And he’d just walk off ahead on his own. Excuse me? I’m wearing a yukata, you know? I’m wearing geta. I dressed up for you, didn't I? The least you could do is match your stride to the girl’s, that’s basic manners, right?"
"Aaah, that’s on Junior-kun. I think he’s the worst."
"Right? He invited me, and he was handsome so I went along with the date, but... I don't think there’ll be a second time."
Apparently, they weren't dating; she just went on a trial date.
In other words, Kanata-kun’s heartbreak was a misunderstanding...
It’s somewhat of a sad missed connection.
Even though they have mutual feelings.
But, Amasawa-san is the one at fault for compromising and dating a guy she didn't like, so nothing changes!
I won't tell her!!
"Younger guys really are no good. It has to be an older guy, or at the very least a classmate."
"I think there are mature people even if they’re younger, though."
"Well, yeah. In that regard, Takabane-kun is wonderful, isn't he? He was holding Himemiya-san’s hand properly. He was protecting Himemiya-san in the crowd. He always walks on the roadside. Even if not to the extent of Takabane-kun, I want them to be at least a third as considerate."
"Yeah, well, Kanata-kun has his dense moments too."
Fufun, but Kanata-kun is my lover (Prov.)!
It’s too late to regret it now.
"As I thought, you have to choose boys by personality, not face. I want a childhood friend like Takabane-kun too."
"I agree... Hmm?"
What if Amasawa-san starts approaching Kanata-kun now?
Kanata-kun probably still likes Amasawa-san, so...
—Sorry, Manaka. Let’s break up. It was (Prov.) anyway, right?
"N-No!"
"Eh?"
"Kanata-kun is my lover."
It’s (Prov.), though...
If I don't say it, she won't know!
I firmly conveyed that I am by Kanata-kun’s side, and that the seat is not open.
"Eh? I know, but... what about it?"
W-What about it...?!
What’s with that reaction?
Does that mean it doesn't matter whether he has a lover or not?!
Does she mean she’s going to steal him?!
I-I can't forgive that!
"Because I won't hand Kanata-kun over!"
I absolutely won't lose!
I declared war on Amasawa-san once again.
Then, Amasawa-san opened her mouth in a daze...
"Ahahaha!"
She clutched her stomach and started laughing.
W-What is it...
"Y-Yeah, that’s right. Yup... Aha!"
M-Making a fool of me!
"I absolutely won't lose!"
"Aha! ...G-Good luck!"
Amasawa-san said that to me while laughing.
Gununu...
S-So frustrating!!
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