Volume 1 - The Abandoned Kitten, Her, and Me.
Chapter 14It was the last day of October, about three weeks since I temporarily took care of Shiro in my house. It was also the time when I had begun to get used to living with the kitten, and I had even started to think that it might be okay to keep Shiro with me permanently.
Minamino had also been looking for someone to take in the kitten, but it was proving difficult to find someone willing. I had also consulted with Misaki-san on my end, and she had brought up a story about an acquaintance of hers, a woman who wanted to adopt a cat. However, the woman in question was living alone after losing her husband and had some mobility issues. She wondered if it would be possible to bring the cat to her condo in Mitaka since she couldn't travel far due to her limited mobility.
(Mitaka, huh.)
I had spent my middle school days in that town. It hadn't been all bad, but honestly, it wasn't a place I particularly wanted to visit now.
(Minamino) I see.
(Minamino) That's a good thing, but it's a bit lonely, isn't it?
(Satou) Hm, you're right.
(Minamino) Since it will be the last time, and it's still next Saturday, I'll come with you too.
When I informed Minamino earlier this morning that I had received a call from Misaki-san last night, she agreed to accompany me, just like she did last Saturday.
(I wonder if this means Minamino won't be coming over anymore.)
I did feel like I had become friends with Minamino. But now that the reason to check on Shiro was gone, it was likely that she wouldn't come to my house anymore. Thinking so as I heard the word "last time," I chuckled wryly at how I felt a bit lonely.
My house was a bit too spacious for just me, and the meals ended up being too much. There was no "I'm home" or "welcome back" in my life. In the midst of such a life, I had taken in the kitten, feeling like I was helping, and in a way, I might have been saved by Minamino.
(Oh well, this kind of thinking won't do. Maybe I should go for a jog.)
I had a bit of time before school. While it crossed my mind that I might break a sweat on the way, I thought it would be better to forget about everything by jogging, rather than letting my thoughts wander in the wrong direction.
◇◆
It was a beautiful autumn day with gentle and pleasant weather. Holding Shiro's cage, I got onto the train at Toyoda Station at the appointed time. It was around 11 am on a holiday, so the train wasn't too crowded, making me spot Minamino quickly.
"Wow, not bad at all. You're looking sharp and quite handsome."
Today, I couldn't wear my school uniform, but I also couldn't dress too casually, as I was going to an elder woman's house. I wore a formal, thin black jacket with cream-colored slacks.
Still, I couldn't help but gaze at Minamino as she said those compliments, watching her hold onto the handrail near the door. She was wearing a calm-colored dress today. It wasn't a flashy outfit, and it didn't expose too much skin.
Yet, I couldn't take my eyes off Minamino. With a touch of light makeup, her own beauty stood out. Maybe it was because I had entertained strange thoughts like feeling lonely recently, but honestly, it was the first time I had been so captivated by someone's appearance.
"Satou? Huh? Is there something strange about me? I mean, I've tried to put myself together nicely, hoping not to create a bad first impression, considering that I'm meeting someone who's taking in Shiro-chan."
"Ah, sorry, I was just mesmerized by how beautiful... Ah, no… it's nothing. I just thought it suits you well."
"...Heeh."
In response to my words that slipped out with a hint of honesty, Minamino formed a smile that could only be described as playful. With that smile, my heartbeat skipped a bit as her beauty transitioned into cuteness.
"..."
As I was searching for an excuse, the doors closed with the sound of departure, and the train began to move.
Then, Minamino sidled up beside me, peering into my face and teasingly said, "Oh, I see. I'm kind of glad that Satou was mesmerized by me. I mean, I also thought I had a decent appearance to some extent, but even when we were at your house, you weren't really paying attention to me. I even started to suspect if maybe you weren't interested in girls."
"...So instead of losing confidence in your own appearance, you're doubting my sexual orientation instead. Classic Minamino."
"I mean, it's hard not to be conscious about my own looks when I've been made aware of it by others since I was a child. You too, Satou... I mean, you have a unique charm and I think it's good. If I were to compare it to a seasoning, it's like salt – adds a nice flavor."
"I wasn't giving you a compliment or putting you down, and I'm not asking for consolation either, so could you stop with that follow-up?"
"Hahaha. Although, I wouldn't say your charm would be able to turn everyone's head, that's what make me feel at ease and like you just the way you are."
"..."
"Ah, are you embarrassed?"
"...It's not just embarrassment; I also thought that you're like, forcing something."
"...Fufu, Satou, you really do understand a lot. My comment earlier was sincere, though. Still… I know you were trying to find someone who can adopt Shiro-chan, you know? But you had this aura of wanting to keep Shiro-chan more than I expected, so I thought you looked a bit sad. And I think since it's an introduction from Misaki-san, I'm pretty sure the person won't be someone weird. But I'll still assess whether they're capable of taking care of Shiro-chan or not."
In response to my words, Minamino's voice rang out as if admitting something.
It was a span of time that didn't exceed a month. Yet, within that period that felt both long and short, she, I, and a single white kitten spent time together in the living room of my house.
"I get what you mean."
Hearing all that, it was the only response I could utter.
"I see… you get it, huh?"
Minamino answered as such, closing her previously talkative mouth, before looking into the cage. Her expression showed a very gentle smile. Once again, I couldn't help but be a little captivated by Minamino.
As the scenery outside the train window passed by, I thought that having this smile all to myself was a luxurious way to spend a holiday.
