Chapter 29 I Knew You'd Come
#Youthful RestartI Knew You’d Come
“Wow, I feel like I’ve been running around all day.”
“Haha, same here.”
After work, I came home and was about to have our usual evening drink with Kanade.
However, neither of us had the energy to even prepare the alcohol, and we ended up slumping over the table instead.
“You know, today’s definitely one of those days where you want to chug a drink and go, ‘Phew~’ But even I’m exhausted today~.”
“Me too. A beer would probably hit the spot right about now.”
“Hmm~. Maybe I’ll try beer for the first time… But I feel like I’d pass out immediately.”
“Same here. Still, it’s rare to see you this tired, Kanade.”
“Haha…”
Kanade gave a weak laugh and slumped forward onto the table.
She usually has boundless energy, so seeing her like this was surprising.
She’s got this superhuman stamina and determination…
“Hey, Ariga-cchi?”
“Yeah?”
“You just thought, ‘It’s rare for her to run out of energy with all that stamina,’ didn’t you?”
“What are you talking about? Anyway, let’s just get to drinking already.”
“Hey, don’t just brush me off like that~.”
She patted my head lightly in protest, her dissatisfaction clear.
Honestly, I wanted to start drinking right away—it was that kind of day.
But if I had even one drop of alcohol tonight, I’d probably fall asleep on the spot.
…Running into Hibiki again after such a long time didn’t help, either.
Today had just been one of those days.
Running around since the afternoon, dealing with an unusually high number of work-related issues—
Students skipping classes, kids bursting into tears, others coming to me with serious life concerns… Today felt more like I was a counselor than anything else.
Days like these have a strange way of piling everything on at once.
As I sat lost in thought, Kanade waved her hand in front of my face, just close enough to almost touch, trying to get my attention.
“…Hey, that’s kind of ticklish.”
“Ehehe~. I don’t know, I just felt like teasing you a little.”
“Keep it to a minimum.”
“Of course~.”
She grinned innocently, her expression playful and carefree.
That contrast between her usual demeanor and this teasing side made my heart skip a beat.
…Seriously, this isn’t fair.
I let out a deep sigh and looked up at the ceiling.
To cool my slightly flushed face, I waved a hand in front of it.
Then, trying to reset the mood, I stood up to look for snacks.
But—
“Oh, we’re out of snacks to go with the drinks.”
“Really? Then how about I whip something up?”
“Hmm. No, it’s fine. You’re tired too, Kanade. I’ll just go out and buy something.”
“Right now? It’s no trouble—I can make something for us.”
“Just take it easy today. Besides, I’ve been craving some convenience store desserts for no real reason. You know that feeling?”
“Haha! What’s that~? But yeah, I kind of get it.”
“See?”
You know, like when you suddenly crave instant noodles or fast food—it’s just one of those moods. Using that as an excuse, I gently pushed Kanade back into her seat when she tried to stand up.
Having her make something while she was this tired didn’t feel right. She should rest.
“Actually, maybe I’ll go with you, Ariga-cchi. I’d feel better tagging along.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m not a kid—I’ll be back in no time.”
“Hmm… Okay, then. Don’t forget the pudding!”
“Got it. Be back soon.”
Waving back at Kanade, who was waving from the living room, I stepped out the door…
Outside, it felt a little chilly for short sleeves.
Rubbing my arms, I muttered reflexively, “So cold…”
I looked up at the darkened sky and saw countless stars twinkling brightly.
“…Spending time under the stars with a drink doesn’t sound too bad.”
It wouldn’t quite be stargazing, but sitting in a park, sipping alcohol while watching the stars, might make an ordinary evening feel special.
It wouldn’t even have to be a park—a riverbank or any quiet spot would do… Hmm?
Suddenly, memories from earlier today flooded back.
Specifically, the struggles I had with a certain younger sister…
It reminded me of something that happened just a year ago.
“That… the way she said it earlier—could it be?!”
Panicking, I broke into a run, heading toward a certain place.
Not the convenience store, but somewhere I sincerely hoped she wouldn’t be.
I wanted this to be a misunderstanding, but an ominous feeling pushed me forward.
Seriously, you’re in high school now. Give me a break…
When I arrived, I scanned the area.
Out of breath from running for the first time in ages, sweat trickled down my forehead as I leaned forward, hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath.
Footsteps approached me as I tried to calm down.
Looking toward the sound, I let out a heavy sigh.
“Huff… Huff… You can’t be here at this hour. You’ll get in trouble.”
“…Did you know? If no one finds out, it’s not a crime.”
“You idiot… Do you even know what time it is?”
“…It’s around midnight. But I knew you’d come, Nii-san.”
Unfortunately, my bad feeling had been spot on.