Chapter 65
Before I knew it, time had flown by—it was now the end of December.
We had come to my hometown.
The reason? A homecoming.
As promised to my parents over the summer, we were back to spend New Year’s at my family’s house.
"It’s been a while since we were here, huh?"
"……Yeah."
I walked with Yuu along the familiar path to my house.
This area was quiet, with few people around—just the two of us and the rumbling sound of our suitcase wheels against the pavement.
"Are your parents doing okay?"
"……Uh, from what I heard on the phone, they seemed fine."
If anything, too fine.
Ever since December began, they’d called every two or three days, asking, So when’s Yuu-chan coming?—even before our plans were set.
"Oh, right. Hey, Shin—?!"
"Whoa—!"
My feet tangled, and I nearly tripped over nothing. I barely managed to catch myself before face-planting.
That was close. I wiped away a cold sweat.
"…………Shin."
"……What?"
When I looked up at Yuu’s voice, she was standing right in front of me, tilting her head curiously, peering into my face.
"Shin, are you… nervous?"
"………………Uh."
"Knew it. I could tell something was off."
I couldn’t argue—I’d been aware of it myself.
As Yuu said, I’d been tense this whole time.
"But why? Did something happen?"
"Well… it’s just… I’m introducing you as my girlfriend today."
That was the reason.
Once we got home, I’d be presenting Yuu to my parents as my girlfriend—not just a friend.
And that felt like a whole different hurdle.
Not that I thought they wouldn’t approve. If anything, I was sure they’d be happy for us.
But that didn’t stop the nerves.
……Introducing someone as your partner carries a weight to it, you know?
Usually, people only do that when they’re serious—like, marriage-level serious.
At least, that’s how it felt to me.
"……I see."
But unfortunately, Yuu didn’t seem to grasp it.
She nodded vaguely, still looking puzzled.
"……Hmm. Well then, how about some tea?"
"Tea?"
With a smile, Yuu pulled a thermos from her bag—one I recognized instantly.
"……Wait, is that the one from the department store?"
"Yep! What do you think?"
Memories of that summer day resurfaced, stirring a quiet warmth in my chest.
Her bringing it out now could only mean one thing: she was trying to ease my nerves, just like back then.
I couldn’t help but smile at her thoughtfulness.
"Sure, I’ll take some."
Glancing around for a place to sit, I spotted a nearby park—one I used to visit as a kid.
When I suggested it, Yuu agreed, and we headed over.
The park was chilly, the wind cutting through the open space.
We settled onto a bench in the corner, and as Yuu prepared the tea, I let my gaze wander.
"……Brings back memories."
I murmured it softly.
Every corner of this place felt nostalgic—I’d seen it all countless times as a child.
"……Now that I think about it."
This bench, too, held meaning.
Back then, I’d sit here alone, watching other kids play, too ashamed to admit to my mom that I had no friends.
I’d kill time here until evening, unable to face going home.
"……"
When I glanced beside me, Yuu was pouring tea into a cup.
It struck me then—how this very spot, where I once sat in solitude, now held the two of us together.
"Here you go, Shin."
"……Thanks."
The tea was warm.
A single sip carried the familiar comfort of home—the same flavor Yuu always made.
"It’s good."
"Glad you like it."
……But while delicious, it tasted different from that summer day.
Well, of course—this was hot tea, not the chilled kind from back then.
Still, it really drove home how much time had passed.
How much time we’d spent together since.
"……"
When I looked at Yuu, she was already smiling at me.
……I wanted to keep sharing every moment from now on with this precious person.
"……We should probably get going."
"Okay."
I finished the last of my tea and handed the cup back to Yuu.
Standing up, I stretched, savoring the pleasant pull of my muscles.
"……Whew."
Without realizing it, the tension had drained away.
At this rate, I probably wouldn’t trip over nothing again.
"……Yuu."
"Yeah?"
I held out my hand, a little embarrassed but unable to resist the impulse.
"Want to… hold hands the rest of the way home?"
"……Yeah!"
Her face lit up as she reached for me.
Our hands intertwined.
And together, we took the first step forward.
Comments (2)
Please login or sign up to post a comment.