V1 - Chapter 3

Volume 1 - The Abandoned Kitten, Her, and Me.

Chapter 3

In conclusion, the kitten's condition was fine.

The clinic was located just a short walk from the convenience store. I also called ahead and informed the lady receptionist, then Minamino-san showed the kitten to the vet. The veterinarian was a young and kind-looking man who patiently explained everything to us high schoolers and skillfully administered the IV injection. Perhaps he sensed my slight anxiety about the possibility of the kitten having a disease, but the vet smiled and gently reassured me.

"Yep, the kitten looks fine. Although it was on the verge of malnutrition, I already gave it a drip, and if you let it rest well, it should recover."

"I'm relieved."

"Thank goodness."

We exchanged glances and breathed a sigh of relief.

"You guys did a good thing bringing the kitten here. Thank you."

It was the first time an adult had thanked me to my face, and I felt a little embarrassed.

When I told the lady receptionist that I would take care of the kitten at my house, she suddenly made a phone call to someone and had them arrange a kitten starter kit brought in from a nearby store. The kit included a simple carrying cage for the kitten, a kitten litter box including the sand, a scratching post, and bowls for food and water. I was planning to go buy these things myself, but it was very helpful that I could get them here. We were told that we needed to wait a little while, so Minamino-san and I sat side by side on the couch in the waiting room.

"I'll pay for half of the cost. You know, I was really surprised when I checked the receipt."

"No, it's fine. I'll be taking care of the kitten anyway, so don't worry about it."

"Eh, no way. I was the one who found it, and Satou-kun just got involved, so..."

"It's fine. Actually, finding someone who can adopt it is more of a challenge for me, so I'll pretty much leave that to you, sorry."

"Of course, that's fine with me but, are you really sure? Won't it be a hassle for your family? Although, I know it's a bit late to ask for it now."

I guess it's reasonable for her to be concerned, I thought.

However, she doesn't need to worry about it. As I was wondering how to explain the situation, she suddenly looked at me and shook her head.

"Ah, sorry, if it's difficult for you to say, it's fine, and thanks. I'll accept your offer, but I insist on paying half of the cost. I don't have cash with me now, but I'll pay you back later. This is non-negotiable."

"...I understand. Then for now, I'll pay for it, but we'll split the cost."

"Thank you. You really are kind, Satou-kun."

As she said those words while looking at my eyes, I couldn't help but avert my gaze a little while hesitating whether to say these words or not.

Both you and me just happened to be there where the kitten was abandoned.

"Satou-kun? Sorry, did I say something that offended you?"

She asked as she tilted her head towards where I averted my gaze. Seeing her large eyes staring at me, I could feel my slight sense of nosiness growing stronger. And I couldn't help but feel like the strangeness I had felt from her in the beginning was not completely off the mark, making it already unpleasant for me to swallow.

If it's only a misunderstanding, then it is a misunderstanding. I thought as I turned my body towards her.

"Look, Minamino-san, can I have a word with you?"

"Eh? Go ahead," she replied a bit nervously as I talked to her in a formal way. Getting her permission, I didn't hesitate to say what was on my mind.

"It's fine. I don't dislike you, Minamino-san."

At my words, she fell silent. The strangeness I felt from her earlier was completely on the mark. Her expression hadn't changed, and she still wore a smile, but there was a subtle shift in her demeanor. Nevertheless, I continued speaking until the end.

"It might just be a misunderstanding, so you can just let whatever I say pass if you want. But I think you don't have to try too hard to be friends with everyone equally. It might sound strange coming from me, who just spoke to you for the first time today, but I think you are already well-liked by everyone, Minamino-san."

"..."

When I looked at Minamino-san, she appeared frozen and slightly surprised with widened eyes. Although it was just a word from a boring dude who was not particularly close to her, it was my sincere thought. I decided to wait silently for her to take the time to digest the meaning of what I said. From there, Minamino-san did not speak a word until the kitten supplies arrived and the paging that told us that the check-up was over.

I, too, surrendered myself to the silence.