Chapter 11

RAW

Today was a 3-on-3 game, and I was watching the match with Hajime, Aizawa, and some college students—people who had initially welcomed us with mixed feelings when we first entered, yet now greeted us warmly.

Chinatsu always watched in awe, but according to Saki, who was in the basketball club, she couldn’t understand why those two weren't in the club. It seemed that both Hajime and Aizawa were really good at basketball, even from the club’s perspective.

That made Chinatsu feel a bit proud.

It was a nice experience to have your boyfriend complimented by your friends.

"Speaking of which, Hajime and Aizawa are good, but these college students are seriously impressive. I didn’t know places like this existed."

"Yeah, I was surprised when I first came here. And thinking about it, it makes sense that there are communities like this outside of school," said Saki.

"Definitely. When you're in high school, you don't really know much about what’s beyond the school. I think it’s because our school prioritizes studies and club activities; they even prohibit part-time jobs."

As they talked, the game finished.

Reina said she was stepping away for a bit, and we watched as she walked to the back, phone in hand. Aizawa left the court and went over to Kana-san after the game, and Hajime was still talking about the game with the two college students, so it didn’t look like he’d be back soon.

After a short wait, Chinatsu felt like she needed to use the restroom. She told Saki and Yuko and headed to the back corridor, where she stopped when she heard voices.

"...I didn’t expect this. That you’re dating someone your age."

"He's a bit special, that's all."

The voices she heard were familiar, and she was caught off guard by the unexpected connection between them. She eavesdropped.

It was Reina and Aizawa talking.

"...Special, huh?"

"I used to think people are born with certain qualities, like my dad and your grandpa said. But when I look at him, I start to think it might not be that simple."

"I see... So you’re not just talking about Chinatsu’s boyfriend, but you too think that?"

"Yeah. He's got a different kind of vibe. It’s hard to explain, but I get why Chinatsu is with him. But it’s not just about that."

"Interesting. You’re saying this about someone like him, but what about the girl who was with you earlier? Is she your current girlfriend?"

"Yeah, she is. What’s the problem? It’s just that it was arranged, but does it bother you that she’s technically my fiancée?"

"...!?"

The sudden mention of the word "fiancée" caused Chinatsu to freeze, trying not to make a sound while listening. Reina continued speaking.

"...Well, it was arranged by my grandfather. But... I won’t stop him from being with someone else, though. That’s up to him."

"I understand. You don’t have to be tied down to things you don’t want. Live the way you want to. I’m not trying to restrict you."

"That’s what my mother says too. But I only know the path I was set on, and I don’t mind it. But... yes, I think today I’ve become more curious about love."

"I see."

Chinatsu quietly moved away from the conversation.

She regretted eavesdropping, but she had heard enough.

---

Back with Hajime, he noticed that something seemed off with Chinatsu when she returned from the restroom.

"Did something happen?" he asked as he wiped his sweat with a towel, sensing she was deep in thought.

"Yeah... Um, can I stay over tonight? I need to sort things out. I can’t carry it alone anymore, and I kind of need your support," she said.

Hajime was curious about the last part. "Support? What do you mean?"

"I just feel like dealing with people is really difficult," she replied.

"Now you're getting philosophical on me... But, okay."

It didn’t seem like a serious matter, so Hajime felt a bit relieved. Since he wasn’t planning on staying long, he said goodbye to the others and left with Chinatsu.

As they left, Fudou-san commented, "Chinatsu, you’re staying at Sato’s place like it’s nothing... In just one day, I’ve realized how little I know about you both."

---

At home, as soon as they entered the door, Chinatsu jumped into Hajime’s arms, and he caught her with ease. She had clearly been holding back all day.

"Thank you for today... I’ve got a lot on my mind, and I want to talk to you about it. But first... is it okay if I be a little spoiled?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied, and they spent a sweet, quiet moment together.

Then, Hajime, feeling a bit lonely without Chinatsu around, had been busy cleaning and decided to make something.

"Is that... pudding?" Chinatsu asked.

"Yeah. I saw a mobile vendor selling fresh eggs and thought I'd try making it," Hajime said, "I’ve just felt so... lost without you around."

Chinatsu smiled. "I love you, Hajime. Really."

"Yeah, but, admit it, you just love the pudding," he teased.

"No, it’s not just the pudding! It’s everything, the little things like this. I love you for them!"

They laughed and enjoyed a moment of sweetness, feeling grateful for each other.

---

Later, after showering and drying her hair, Chinatsu sat down across from Hajime at the table, holding a notebook.

"I’ve been thinking about something... I want to explain this. I was asking you to be my accomplice," she said, drawing arrows on the paper.

She began by marking their relationship as lovers, and then noted the connections between Saki, Yuko, and Fudou-san, indicating that they were close friends.

But then things took a turn.

She drew arrows between Hajime, Saki, and Yuko, marked "childhood friends" and "ex" with question marks. It was clear that there were unresolved feelings.

But the last part was the real shock.

She added Hōjōin-san's name, along with a strange arrow to her and then marked "fiancée" with a red note. It seemed to confirm that the woman was engaged to someone else.

Hajime was shocked. "Wait... what? Hōjōin-san... and Fudou-san? What is all this?"

Chinatsu laughed lightly. "I didn’t want to know this stuff either, but now I feel better. It’s all a bit complicated, but this is how things turned out."

Hajime, though, wasn’t sure if he was ready for all this information.

"Honestly, some things are better left unknown..."

---

Well, it feels like such a long time ago, but this is how we met, developed a relationship, and, watched over by our friends who had found out by chance, the day after the opening ceremony for the third term, the first day of regular classes began after school.