Chapter 10 Farewell Words

Farewell Words

“I need to tell you something. Is that okay?”

After school, when all classes are finished. It’s not quiet after school. The air is filled with the voices of classmates. There is a lot of laughter and conversation. Freed from school, the students are in a good mood.

In such an environment, Sou goes to Seira’s seat with a serious face and no smile on his face. Seira’s seat is in the back by the window.

“What’s wrong? You look so serious.”

Seira was just getting ready to go home. She temporarily stops her work and focuses on Sou. Sou’s behavior is different from usual, so she frowns in confusion.

“I have something important to tell you. When you finish getting ready, let’s go to the rooftop together. I’ll tell you what I have to say there.”

In Sou’s right hand is a board-shaped school bag. He holds it in his right hand as if it were hanging. He has already finished getting ready to go home.

“I see. That’s okay. But can’t we talk about it here?”

With Sou in sight, Seira asked a question. The word “why” was written on her face. It’s a natural reaction. If she didn’t know what Sou was talking about, she would ask the same question.

Seira has no way of knowing what the important conversation is. Only Sou and God know.

“Yes. Sorry to disturb you. It’s that important.”

Sou’s expression doesn’t change. He looks determined.

Sou and Seira stared at each other in silence for a few seconds. A calm atmosphere develops between them.

The noise in the classroom has died down. Many students have left the classroom. As a result, none of the students pay attention to Sou and Seira. So, none of the classmates notice the slightly tense atmosphere between them.

“…Okay. I’m going to get ready soon, so wait for me.”

Agreeing, Seira gives a small smile and starts getting ready to go home again. Her hands move faster than before. She quickly throws her textbooks, notebooks, and writing materials into her leather school bag. She must’ve acted carefully and quickly to keep Sou from waiting too long.

“Yes! I’m ready! Let’s go to the rooftop together!”

She pats her thighs, which are exposed by her skirt, and gets up from her seat. She sets the rooftop as her destination and urges Sou to go with her.

“…Okay. Let’s go….”

Seeing Seira getting up from her seat, Sou turns around. He changes direction and heads for the door at the back of the classroom.

Following Sou’s example, Seira goes in the same direction and follows him. They form a line.

Sou leaves the classroom first, followed by Seira.

Sou’s classroom is on the second floor. The rooftop is higher, on the fourth floor.

Sou and Seira take the nearest stairs and climb up one step at a time. The sound of their sneakers hitting the stairs echoes around the landing and up the stairs. It’s like an echo.

When they reach the fourth floor, they take the stairs to the rooftop, which is the only one in the school.

Up to this point, Sou and Seira had been silent. No single word has been exchanged.

Sou creates an aura that tells them not to talk to each other. This factor has an effect, at least to some extent.

Seira seems uncomfortable, looking from side to side. Occasionally, she looks at Sou’s back in front of her. It’s probably an attempt to get his attention.

But Sou doesn’t react. Of course, he notices her look. But he doesn’t want to talk.

This time he doesn’t want to exchange more than the bare minimum. He doesn’t want to engage in unnecessary communication.

He communicates what he needs to say. Once he has achieved his goal, Seira will no longer be needed.

Sou arrives right in front of the rooftop. Open the door, and you are on the rooftop.

Without hesitation, Sou pulled the door to the rooftop. A bright scene opened. Sunlight shone through the door. It was a bit blinding.

Squinting his eyes, Sou steps onto the rooftop.

Seira steps onto the rooftop as well.

They walk to the middle of the rooftop, and Sou turns around.

In response to Sou’s action, Seira stops. Of course, the two are facing each other. Seira’s large, dark blue eyes are striking. They are wider and bigger than Sou’s.

“Thank you for coming all the way here today. Thank you for taking the trouble to accompany me to the rooftop.”

Breaking the silence, Sou speaks first. The silence was a preparation time for his mind, and it took a lot of courage for him to say the first word. Of course, he was nervous.

“What is it? I was so scared. You’re acting strange today, Amane-kun. You’re not acting normal.”

Even though she’s behind the door, Seira is worried about Sou.

It’s no wonder. Sou isn’t the usual Sou right now. It’s only natural that Seira senses that something is wrong. He used to smile in front of her. But now he never smiles or shows a single smile.

“Yeah. It’s okay. I’m just a little nervous. That’s why my face is so stiff. When you have to tell someone something important, everyone gets a little nervous, right?”

“That might be true… but….”

Seira is not satisfied with Sou’s words. She looks suspiciously at every inch of Sou’s body. She eagerly moves her eyes up and down and from side to side.

“Let’s get to the point.”

Sou continues talking on his own, ignoring what Seira is thinking.

It’s easy to guess what’s going on in Seira’s head. But he has no intention of waiting until his heart catches up. Sou doesn’t have time to wait that long.

“Uh, yes.”

Seira stopped her observation midway and awkwardly nodded her head.

“Phew~~”

Sou takes a deep breath. He takes a deep breath to calm his mind.

“This might be sudden, but can you break up with me? Starting today, of course.”