Chapter 4 On the Way Home
On the Way Home
—On the way home.
The two of us walked side by side toward the station.
Since Kanade is a former student, her house is relatively close to the cram school.
Crossing the station and walking about ten minutes, she lives in an old, large house.
The disparity is harsh—my apartment is another 20 minutes beyond that.
For the record, it’s not like I enjoy living in that apartment.
The cram school I work for has a rule that employees must live as close to the workplace as possible, so I’m stuck in a company-designated apartment.
In any case, Kanade’s house is like a stopover on my way home, so… I end up walking her home every time without fail.
“Summer nights are kind of nice, don’t you think? A bit humid, but they feel freeing.”
“Yeah, I get that. Makes you want to go back to your childhood and do fireworks or something.”
“Totally! Hey, hey, let’s do that next time!”
“Alright, let’s plan it. We could make it a social gathering for the part-time staff. I’ll check everyone’s schedules and figure it out.”
“…Yeah, I knew it.”
Kanade gave me a meaningful look, then sighed with a drawn-out “Haaah!”
Does she not want to invite the other part-timers?
She always seems to get along with them, though…
…Could it be?
“Do they actually not get along when I’m not around?”
“…Huh?”
“Why are you so surprised…? Is that the case?”
“No way! Everyone’s super close! You’ve always been like this, Ariga-cchi. So oblivious!”
“That’s not true, but…”
“Anyway, next time, take me with you. Fireworks or something… just the two of us…”
“If I have the time…”
“That’s your way of declining, isn’t it? Fine, then I’ll bring fireworks to your place!”
“Don’t even think about it.”
It’d be like a date if it’s just the two of us!
I swallowed the retort that almost escaped my lips.
As I was mulling over that thought, I noticed a car parked on the opposite side of the road shaking unnaturally.
It was swaying violently, and no matter how you looked at it…
“…”
—Both Kanade and I were silent, our faces serious.
We’re not kids anymore.
If a car is shaking on a night like this, and there’s no one in the driver’s seat…
“Haaah…”
A sigh escaped my lips.
Unable to meet her gaze out of sheer awkwardness, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Wanna take a peek?”
“Don’t be stupid! We’re not middle school boys. It’d be embarrassing if we were wrong…”
“Do deserted places excite them? Is the thrill of being outside a thing? Hey, what do you think, Ariga-cchi?”
“No comment!”
I sighed and shrugged.
As I tried to walk past quickly, I heard laughter loud enough to reach us, and, as expected, a couple emerged from the car.
“Oh, they came out. Haha… their clothes are totally a mess.”
“Kanade, let’s just ignore it, okay? I don’t want to make eye contact and get involved.”
“Yeah… Wait, huh? That guys…”
“What?”
Recognizing the woman’s face, I felt my own tighten.
I quickened my pace until they were out of sight.
Ah, I don’t want to see it, I don’t want to see it.
…Don’t get all lovey-dovey here.
This is my route home. Could you be a little more considerate… oh, wait.
You’re just showing off, aren’t you? Damn it.
I cursed inwardly, my mood sinking even further.
The harsh reality hit me, and I felt like my legs could give out at any moment.
But then, a voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Ariga-cchi~~!”
Kanade called my name and clung to my arm.
I felt my heart race as a soft sensation pressed against my arm.
It was summer, after all.
Of course, everyone was in light clothing, making it even more noticeable.
“H-Hey! Don’t you think this is a bit close…? If someone sees us…”
“It’s fine. I’m not a student anymore.”
“Well, that’s true, but… it’s about the image, you know?”
“What’s that supposed to mean~? You’re weird, Ariga-cchi. Anyway, let’s go, let’s go!”
I sighed and glanced behind me.
The car was just leaving.
A wave of indescribable frustration and sadness hit me again.
I knew I shouldn’t be thinking like this, and that I shouldn’t dwell on the past.
But it wasn’t easy to let go.
At the same time, a burning irritation rose from the depths of my heart.
—I knew I shouldn’t rely on her.
But I wanted to unburden myself somehow.
So… I made this suggestion to Kanade.
“I know it’s pathetic for an adult to ask, but…”
“Hmm?”
“…Would you go drinking with me now?”
“Of course~!”
Her carefree, innocent smile left me speechless.
Is this how men get hooked on hostess clubs…?
I think I finally understand.
“Come on! Let’s go, Ariga-cchi!! Forget about them!”
She pulled my arm insistently.
Usually, her forceful behavior would annoy me, but… for once, I genuinely appreciated it.