Chapter 11 Drinking and Chatting Happily With Nagi

Drinking and Chatting Happily With Nagi

Several hours had passed since we started the drinking party.

“Ah, sorry, but I’ve got to head home. I need to finish a report that’s due tomorrow.”

“Same here. I’ve got a deadline too, so I should get going. Sorry about this.”

Haruki and Shun checked their phones before telling me that.

“Wait, seriously? You came to the party even with a report due? Now I feel bad. Sorry, guys.”

“Haha, don’t worry about it. Hanging out with you at a drinking party is way more important than a report.”

“Exactly. So don’t sweat it, Taiki. Be sure to invite us again soon, alright?”

Haruki and Shun grinned as they reassured me.

Honestly, they’re the best friends anyone could ask for. Sure, they love teasing me sometimes, but still.

“Got it. Thanks, you two. Oh, by the way, Nagi, are you heading home too?”

“Eh? Me?”

While thanking Haruki and Shun, I turned to Nagi, my other amazing friend, to ask if he was planning to leave too.

Since I live in an apartment near campus, I can stay out as late as I want. But Nagi doesn’t, so if he needs to leave, we’ll have to wrap things up here.

“No, I’m good. My first class tomorrow isn’t until second period, and besides, you look like you’re not done drinking yet. I’ll stick around until the last train for you.”

“Really? Haha, that’s awesome. Alright then, let’s hang out until the last train!”

“Of course. That’s fine with me.”

“Haha, lucky you, Taiki. Let the Prince Charming pamper you tonight!”

“Haha, if the university girls heard about this, they’d go wild. Better keep this under wraps. Anyway, we’re off. See you later!”

“Yeah, later!”

With that, Haruki and Shun left some cash on the table to cover their share of the bill and headed out.

After seeing them off and taking a moment to relax, I suddenly felt the need to use the restroom—probably from all the drinking.

“Phew… Oh, sorry, Nagi. I need to use the restroom. Mind if I step away for a bit?”

“Oh, sure. Do you want some water? If you do, I’ll ask the staff to bring some over while you’re gone.”

“Oh, thanks! That’d be great. Could you handle that for me?”

“Of course. Go ahead to the restroom. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, man.”

I got up from the tatami seating and headed straight for the restroom.

Not long after, I returned to the table.

“I’m back. Oh, thanks for the water. Man, this party’s been amazing, but I think I’ve had a bit too much to drink… Huh?”

“Welcome back. Hm? What is it?”

As I sat down, something about Nagi’s posture caught my attention, and I couldn’t help but comment.

“Wait, you can sit like that, Nagi?”

“Eh? Ah…!”

“You’re sitting with your thighs and hips flat on the floor like it’s nothing! Isn’t that called the ‘girl sitting’ style or something? I can’t sit like that—I’m too stiff. Ahaha, you must be super flexible from all your athletics!”

“Oh… Uh, yeah! That’s right! I’ve been playing basketball for so long that I’m more flexible than most people.”

I casually pointed it out, impressed, but Nagi seemed oddly flustered before quickly replying.

(Huh? Why does Nagi seem so nervous?)

I didn’t think I said anything weird, but… whatever.

“Haha, Nagi, you’re seriously amazing. Athletic, kind, and handsome—it’s no wonder all the girls adore you.”

“Haha, thanks. But you’re pretty popular with the girls too, Taiki.”

“Eh? Really?”

“Yeah, really. Like Haruki and Shun said earlier, you’re friendly and kind. Most girls who’ve interacted with you seem to have a good impression of you.”

“Wow, really? Hearing that makes me kind of happy.”

Nagi’s words genuinely cheered me up. Who wouldn’t feel good after hearing something like that?

“Exactly. So even if you’re feeling down about your breakup, I’m sure you’ll find someone new in no time. So cheer up, okay?”

“Haha, hearing you say that really lifts my spirits. But honestly, I’m okay without a girlfriend for now.”

“Eh? Really? Don’t you want to start dating again soon? I mean, you’re a guy, after all.”

“Well, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want a girlfriend. But for now, I’d rather hang out with you like this, joking around and having fun. Thanks for always being so easy to talk to, Nagi. I’m really glad we’re friends.”

“Taiki…”

Taking advantage of my slightly drunken state, I expressed something I’d usually be too embarrassed to say. Nagi looked a little surprised.

But then, as always, he smiled warmly and said,

“Fufu, thank you too, Taiki. Let’s stay close friends forever, okay?”

“Yeah, of course. Here’s to that.”

—Clink!

We clinked our glasses together for another toast.

After that, we continued chatting about random things, laughing and enjoying ourselves until the last train.