Chapter 7: He's My Best Friend

He's My Best Friend

"How about this one? Hmm, no, this one's good too."

"....."

What I see are swimsuits piling up in front of me. There are so many different colors, it's colorful.

Hakaze-san and I, who had arranged to meet in front of the school gate, went to a nearby clothing shop.

I'd never actively gone into a shop like this before, so I entered the shop feeling excited about this new experience.

As soon as we arrived, I learned a little about Hakaze-san.

Even though Hakaze-san is the Student Council President, she's still a girl her age, and she's interested in fashion as well.

"Then try this on."

"...Yes..."

Hakaze-san led me further into the shop, and I, now her swimsuit dress-up doll, changed into the swimsuits with a blank mind.

How many swimsuits have I had worn now? 

I think it's well over ten.

"Yup, that's nice."

"Really...?"

Until now, no matter what swimsuit I wore, Hakaze-san would only say, "This is fine, but... something is lacking?"

This was the first time she'd given a direct positive opinion.

I wasn't expecting such a response, so I should be forgiven for my rather lackluster reply.

I looked at myself in a nearby mirror.

First of all, the swimsuit I'm wearing now is a one-piece swimsuit with a light blue base.

The refreshing light blue color, combined with decorations like ribbons and frills, creates a youthful impression.

.....

..... I don't want to admit it, but it suits me so well.

And what's more, my height and chest, which didn't grow much even during my growth spurt, make me look even more childish.

I wanted to be over 160cm tall, and my chest isn't this flat....

.... not that I particularly bothered with it. Hump!

Honestly, I'm already cute, but wearing this swimsuit makes me look even cuter.

Of all the swimsuits I've tried on, this one definitely suits me best.

"Then I'll buy this one."

"Yes, that's good."

I took off the swimsuit I was wearing and changed back into my original school uniform.

After changing, I left the fitting room and headed to the checkout with Hakaze-san.

By the way, I don't know how much this swimsuit costs since Hakaze-san brought it.

Huh, that much?!

... Well, that's within my expectations.

It's a necessary expense, and I'll spend this much if I'm going out with my best friend.

My objective has been achieved, so I suppose it's time to say goodbye to Hakaze-san.

She came here to give me her some opinions on buying my swimsuit, so there's no point in her staying any longer.

"Excuse me, Kirihara-san. Is it alright if we stop by that coffee shop over there?"

"Oh, yeah, that's totally fine."

As I was walking my usual route to school, Hakaze-san invited me over.

Following the direction she was pointing, I saw a very stylish shop. It looked like the kind of place high school girls would like.

""Welcome!""

I entered the shop and was shown to a seat. Just like the exterior, the interior was beautifully decorated.

"I'm sorry. I've always wanted to come here for a while."

"It's alright, you helped me with my problems too."

That's right, Hakaze-san helped me with my problems, so I owe her a favor.

I want to repay her a little.

I randomly ordered a milk tea from the menu. I've always disliked coffee because it's bitter. It's not that I can't drink one.

I definitely can! I just don't like it!

This shop is really nice. It's close to school, and the prices seem reasonable.

Above all, it's stylish!

Hakaze-san said she wanted to come here too, so it must be a popular place.

It might be nice to relax in a place like this with Yuuki once in a while.

He'll probably try to act all grown-up and order coffee, so I'll take a picture of him looking like he's drinking something bitter—

"Fufu, were you thinking about Fujii-kun just now?"

"Eh, no! It's not like—"

"It's as clear as a day. No point in denying it."

"....."

Do I really show my emotions that easily? I often feel like people can read my mind.

... It's true I was thinking about him. 

But I was just thinking about coming to this coffee shop and enjoying ourselves together.

Definitely not something weird!

"What do you truly think of him?"

"... He's my dearest best friend."

I think Akari-chan asked me something similar.

What exactly is the relationship between me and Yuuki?

Everyone else might be brainwashed by romance, but there shouldn't be any romantic feelings between me and Yuuki.

No matter what others think, I'm Yuuki's best friend.

I'm in the position of a best friend character who connects him with the girls in his harem.

"... You know.... I like Fujii-kun."

"...Yes."

I know that. Hakaze-san is also one of the girls in Yuuki's harem and likes him, an ordinary high school student.

"That's why I envy you for being able to be so close to Fujii-kun."

"....."

"...That was just me talking to myself. Don't mind it too much."

It's true that even if we don't feel anything in particular, she might find it difficult to approach us.

Yuuki and me.

A high school boy and a high school girl who's always together.

I think it's fairly common for people to see us as having that kind of relationship.

The best course of action for a best friend character would be to keep their distance.

But I don't want to be separated from him.

Because we're always together, that's why I consider him my best friend.

.... I... I just wish he'd stop bragging about being popular.

Really.

That's all.

★

"I'm home."

"Welcome back."

I parted ways with Hakaze-san at the coffee shop and went our separate ways.

It was getting a little dark, but I was able to get home without any problems.

"Have you been somewhere?"

"Just to buy a swimsuit."

"Hm, why?"

"I'm going to the pool for summer vacation."

This is my mother.

She seems to be good at looking younger than her age. And indeed, she's often mistaken for being youthful.

Apparently, my mother is considered cute, and often boasts about being approached by young people.

I inherited my mother's genes, so of course I'm cute too!

"Hmm~ Who are you going with?"

"...Yuuki."

I'm a little bothered by the warm, lingering gaze she's been giving me, but I think she's a good mother.

The Kirihara and Fujii families are close friends. Because I spent so much time at Yuuki's house, they remembered my face and where I lived, and that relationship has continued to this day.

I have fond memories of us traveling together.

Oh, I still remember Yuuki's father saying something along the lines, "It would be so much easier if they just stayed together"

So, to my mother, Yuuki is like her own child too.

"Haruka, you better confess soon or someone else will snatch him away."

"...."

My mother is also mistaken.

I'm starting to feel sorry for Yuuki and me.

Why do we have to be misunderstood like this?

I believe that friendships between men and women are possible.

"Well, that's fine and all. If you're going out, make sure you create some good memories, okay?"

"Okay."

"Have fun on your date."

"It's not a date!!"

I wish my mother's personality would change.

★★★

At the same time.

"Really? Are you going to the pool with Haruka-chan?"

"Yeah."

An invitation to hang out with Haruka.

It took so much courage to invite her to the pool.

I managed to invite her somehow, but my heart was pounding.

Unusually, I didn't go home with Haruka today. She must have had something to do.

It was hard to go home alone.

Hard, or rather, sad, or something like that.

....Yeah.

And then, I, of all people, carelessly let it slip at dinner time.

Now my parents are bombarding me with questions.

"Aren't you going to confess?"

"If only it were that easy."

"You love Haruka-chan, don't you?"

"...."

"I wonder how far things will progress in this pool date, fufu~"

"Leave me alone."

I'll ignore what my mother is saying. I think it's best not to get involved in that.

And now, suddenly, I have a problem.

Haruka is just too naturally oblivious and defenseless.

Especially lately, I can't control myself.

I mean, what was that the other day?!

"The time we spend together won't decrease, right?"

What the hell?!

I honestly mistook it for a confession for a second.

I couldn't help it!

The other day I overheard a conversation between some guys.

"Kirihara-san is so perfect and cute, isn't she?"

"And kind too."

"Fujii is so lucky for having a childhood friend like her."

"It's unfair, isn't it?"

I want to say something to everyone who was having that conversation.

It's true that I'm very fortunate to have a childhood friend like her, and I'm happy about it.

Truly!

Definitely!

... But I always need to hold back my emotions while I'm with that girl!

Dammit!

AN:

You're amazing, Yuuki. You're number one.