Chapter 211 To Meet Kazuki

To Meet Kazuki

Domoto Yumi’s PoV

The case my father is in charge of happened at the school Kazuki attends.

Rumors about Kondo-kun and Tachibana-san seem to be spreading among our classmates at junior high school as well.

“This has become a big deal.”

I’m worried about the progress of the investigation. I thought about asking my father what was going on, but I guess that’s impossible. There is no way my father, a serious man, would tell me.

I wondered if it would be okay to contact Kazuki at such a difficult time. So, with a little hesitation, I sent him a message saying [I want to see you], and he replied right away.

[Then see you tomorrow, in front of the station!]

I read an unusually cheerful sentence. My sinking feelings were blown away somewhere.

Then I sent him a reply right away. School is ending early because I have a parent-teacher meeting tomorrow. We decided to meet at Kazuki’s finishing time.

We met often, as if we wanted to make up for years of separation. Kazuki was even worried if I would be able to study for the exam.

But I’m sure I’ll give him good news tomorrow.

I wonder if he will be happy.

Full of anticipation, I opened my English vocabulary book. Today, I’ll make the final push.

The next day, in front of the station.

My father, who had come for a parent-teacher meeting, had to go right back to work. I love my father, who makes important family events a priority, no matter how busy he is.

“Sorry for making you wait; you were early.”

Kazuki seemed to think that I would be later than him.

“No, actually, I had a parent-teacher meeting today, so I left school early.”

“Ah, I see.”

Laughing, we enter our usual cafe. This place is famous for its pancakes, but Kazuki gets hot easily, so he always orders shaved ice. Just as I expected. My unspoken prediction came true, and I smiled to myself.

“Nn?”

“No, Kazuki with shaved ice; that part hasn’t changed either.”

“I’m sorry, I haven’t grown up.”

Kazuki has not changed his cold expression since we started again. It was as if he was not allowed to be happy, like he had decided not to be happy.

But lately, he started smiling kindly, as if something that had possessed him had fallen off.

“No, it’s the usual Kazuki; I’m happy.”

When I answered, he smiled shyly.

“How was the parent-teacher meeting?”

“Yeah. I think I’ll get a recommendation from the women’s university of my first choice. My teacher said that if I don’t let my guard down, it won’t be a problem.”

When I happily told him, he looked surprised and then smiled.

“That’s great. Congratulations.”

I knew he meant it from the bottom of his heart. But somewhere in him, I see a hint of complexity.

Kazuki has low self-esteem. It can’t be helped after what happened, but it’s still too low.

“Kazuki must have felt a little sad when he thought I would leave again, right?”

He froze with melted ice in his hand because of my directness.

“I didn’t think so.”

“Really? I doubt it.”

When I teased him, he turned away, maybe a little annoyed. But I know it’s a gesture of embarrassment. We’ve known each other for a long time.

“Is it okay, Kazuki? There’s no way I’d go far away. The three years we didn’t see each other were so painful for me… I wouldn’t do that.”

“Yumi?”

He looks at me worriedly. He is worried about me because I am about to cry myself.

“Kazuki is amazing. Even though you stopped once, you started walking again. I look up to you. The grade doesn’t matter. I have always, always respected you.”

It’s times like this. Don’t cover it up; let’s get it all out.

My emotions can’t stop running wild. But I have no intention of stopping either.

“I have been working hard until now for the time when I can meet Kazuki again…”