Chapter 18:

Chapter 17 - End of Tiring Day

By Your Side

Uh... how long will this situation go on?

My sister and Yuuko look like they're having fun with Fujikawa so I think I can hold on a little longer for their sake.

But to tell you the truth, I'm so tired right now.

Not physically, but mentally. today I got a new friend, and now I meet my sister's boyfriend. it may not look as much, but to someone who only has one friend for over 13 years and rarely socializes...

That's a lot, and I think I should consider it as an achievement.

"...uto, Yuuto."

"Eh-oh! uh yeah, what is it, sis?"

It happened again, I daydreamed when there's people I knew around me...

"Kazuya is talking to you, you know?" my sister who sat across from me, reminded me.

"Eh? Ah, uh... I'm sorry."

I apologize sincerely to Fujikawa after what my sister had told me.

"Oh, no, it's okay." He smiled at me. "By the way, is something on your mind? you looked like you're going through a lot on your mind," he asked with a concerned tone.

"Eh? Ah, no no, I'm okay, it's just, I'm so full right now..."

I tried to laugh to sweep off his concerns. I'm so grateful I already finished my meal earlier than everyone, I didn't expect it could be handy...

"Ah, I see."

After that, he continues to talk with my sister. They romantically flirt with each other

Urgh... they kind of remind me of someone I know.

"What? why are you looking in my direction?" Yuuko asked while munching her food.

"Nothing in particular," I said nonchalantly.

Ah, I got it. they reminded me of Yuuko and Yuuki, that I unconsciously stare at Yuuko.

I really have given this wonder a thought. Why do people who are in a relationship, aren't shy showing off their love to the world?

I mean, do they really need to do that?

It's as if they're saying "Hey look at us being so lovey-dovey! aren't we a cute couple?" with a playful tone.

Maybe that's only my thoughts, I don't know about other people's thoughts on it.

By the way, it's so funny that I'm the only one who is single in this table.

Haha...

It's not funny, isn't it...?

———

On the way home after the free dinner (thanks to Fujikawa) we went to the convenience store to buy the soy sauce my mom had asked for.

Now, I was wondering why am I following them to the convenience store when I could go home instead? maybe that's because I don't want to let two girls wander around in the night by themselves...?

I couldn't tell, I'm so tired...

While I'm barely awake, Yuuko and my sister are still talking about the dinner earlier. And possibly talking about their boyfriend.

After we bought the soy sauce—and other necessities my sister had bought for some reason—we continued to walk home.

"Hey yuuto."

A voice cracked through my ears, slowly bringing me to the real world. It was Yuuko who called me.

"Uh, yeah?"

"You're unbelievably silent tonight."

"I'm always like this am I not?"

"Maybe you're right."

"Urgh... stop with the unnecessary chitchat, that's tiring me you know?"

Yuuko didn't respond right away with her laugh, instead she froze. Wait, did I just accidentally say something harsh?!

"Does having a chitchat with that girl also make you feel the same?" she asked, not even facing me.

"That girl? who?" I asked back.

I tried to think about who she possibly meant by 'that girl'. but at this point, the sleepiness has almost taken over my body that I couldn't think of anybody.

"That girl with the wheelchair of course."

When I heard that, my body shivered.

"You mean, Akari?" I asked to confirm.

"Ah, so that's her name..."

When she finally faced me, I could only nod.

"Who is akari?"

My sister who only listened to our conversation so far, finally said something.

Anyways, gotta answer her quickly.

"She's my classmate," I shortly answered.

"I think you guys are more than just classmates," Yuuko said.

Hearing her saying something not quite right, I bonked her head. "watch your mouth," I said right after.

I can hear Yuuko whining, holding back the little pain I made while holding her head with both of her hands.