Chapter 2: The Reality Behind the Envy
The Reality Behind the Envy
“Naa~tsuki, you don’t have any class committee meetings today, right?”
After school, Natsuki was immediately caught by Sae.
The scene was nothing unusual. Their classmates simply headed out for club activities or to go home.
Everyone already knew that Natsuki and Sae were childhood friends who spent time together not just commuting, but also at school and outside of it.
“Y-yeah. Nothing today.”
“Then let’s go home. You’re coming to my room, right?”
“Ah, um, is that really okay? I feel like I’m always imposing.”
“Why are you being shy now? We’re way past that.”
“Ahaha. Yeah, true.”
Natsuki’s mild attempt at distance was easily brushed off with a laugh.
Normally, he made sure not to say even that much. But lately, the impulse to pull away had begun to slip out on its own.
He usually chose every word carefully, always on edge so he would not upset Sae.
If she was in a good mood like this morning, things were at least bearable. But when Sae was in a bad mood, she truly became someone else.
So for now, Natsuki quietly felt relieved that she had laughed it off. That was when one of Sae’s friends walked over.
“Saa~e, wanna hang out?”
“Natsuki is coming too.”
“Yeah, of course. Natsuki-kun comes with you.”
Whenever Sae went somewhere, she always took Natsuki. Everyone in class understood that by now.
There had been many times when Natsuki was dragged into a gathering of only girls, completely out of place.
At first people had questioned it, but now no one said anything. That was how strong Sae’s influence was.
She held a high position in the class. If she said Natsuki was coming, no one objected.
To the girls, Natsuki was probably seen as a younger brother at best or a follower at worst. Either way, he was accepted as part of Sae’s presence.
“So, where are we going?”
“Not sure yet. Maybe we could just go sing?”
“Ah, then I’ll pass today. Natsuki isn’t good with that kind of thing. I’ll go next time when he has committee stuff.”
“Alright. You really are good to him.”
“I kind of have to be. If I’m not around, Natsuki can’t even get home.”
“Ahaha. What a baby.”
They laughed at him. Natsuki wanted to say that was not true, but unable to speak up, he could only smile along.
“Natsuki-kun, you need to learn how to be independent from your mom.”
“Y-yeah. I guess so.”
His reply held no real thought. It was simply the natural response to being spoken to.
He had only agreed because someone addressed him.
But he soon realized it was a mistake.
“No. Natsuki is completely helpless without me.”
Sae cut into the conversation as if shutting it down.
In that moment, Natsuki saw it.
Sae’s eyes were not smiling at all.
“Talking about independence? This kid has always needed to be taken care of.”
“Haha. You really are like his mom. Anyway, we’re heading out. See you tomorrow.”
“See you.”
Sae waved cheerfully, smiling just like always.
Beside her, Natsuki tried desperately to stop himself from shaking.
After a few seconds alone,
“What was that ‘yeah’ supposed to mean.”
The words were so quiet that no one else would have heard.
The tone was completely different from before. Only Natsuki heard it clearly.
Natsuki and Sae had been childhood friends for as long as they could remember.
They had grown up together and spent most of their days side by side.
Their houses were close, and after walking home, they always went to Sae’s room. It had become a natural routine built over many years.
Today was no different. Natsuki followed her without a word.
And as soon as they stepped away from school grounds,
Once no one else was around, the air around Sae shifted completely.
“Hold this.”
Before Natsuki could respond, a bag came flying toward his face.
He took the hit but still managed to grab the bag.
Because he knew that if he dropped it, something worse would happen.
After throwing the bag, Sae did not look at him. She simply walked ahead in silence.
Natsuki hurried after her, breaking into a small run.
If he lagged behind, he feared what she would say.
Sae was clearly in a bad mood, and Natsuki followed her carefully.
Most people would put distance between themselves and someone this visibly angry. No one would choose to stay.
Natsuki felt that way too. But he could not run.
Over the years, little by little, it was as if his will to resist had been worn away.
So no matter how unreasonable things were or how miserable it felt, he followed her.
To avoid making her even more irritated.
More than anything, he feared being the cause of her anger.
Yet his efforts might not matter at all.
Even once they reached home, Sae remained silent and displeased. And Natsuki knew he would not be released.