V2 - Chapter 10

Volume 2 - Me, Her, and that Feeling's Name 

Chapter 10

In this world, there's something called timing.

Those people who have succeeded in life always say that effort and talent are necessary. But above all, what's needed is luck to attract the timing, and the ability to seize that timing.

◇◆

"Say, Chinatsu, I've noticed that you've been heading straight home lately, you know? Don't tell me, did you get a boyfriend or something?"

During Friday's lunch break, with the weekend in everyone's minds, I overheard such a conversation from the front of the classroom, so I couldn't help but eavesdrop. Casually scanning my surroundings, I noticed several male students pretending not to listen, but in reality, they were fully aware of the conversation. As usual, the center of attention was the girl named Minamino Chinatsu.

"Well, you see, my mom collapsed from overworking recently and had to be hospitalized, so I have to take care of things at home…"

"Eh? That sounds very bad, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I know someone who I can rely on, so I'm fine. It's just that, unavoidably, we won't be able to hang out for a while, and I'm sorry about that—Still, I know that it was just until recently that I had to take care of a cat, and I do really feel bad about it, I promise I'll make it up to you guys next time."

Apologizing sincerely to her friends, Chinatsu seemed to have a knack for handling things gracefully, which I, knowing the actual situation, couldn't help but notice.

Indeed, over these past few days, Chinatsu had been with me most of the time, or rather, every day.

I wondered if her social life was fine. However, basking in the comfort of her presence, I had failed to realize that she had made certain of a lot of things before other than what I had happened to hear today.

Now, regarding me and Chinatsu, who often spent time together after school, sometimes even until late in the evening—at my house, and on those occasions, I was the one who sent her home—there hadn't been any significant changes in our relationship.

Our relationship wasn't strained or awkward in any way. In fact, as time passed, Chinatsu and I had grown accustomed to each other's presence, and we could spend a considerable amount of time together without feeling uncomfortable.

Buzz.

Even now, the vibration of my phone notified me of a new message.

(Chinatsu) I have a question for you, 'mister someone who I can rely on,' who's most likely eavesdropping.

(Chinatsu) What's on the menu for today? *excited

(Hajime) I'm planning to buy the ingredients on the way back. Today's menu is pork shabu-shabu cabbage mille-feuille and spinach with soy sauce. 

(Hajime) It looks like it's on sale today, and I want to use the ponzu sauce that's in the fridge.

(Chinatsu) Just hearing you describe it makes it sound delicious already… but somehow isn't your cooking becoming even more delicious and substantial day by day?

(Hajime) Did my seasonings start to match your taste already?

(Hajime) If so, I'm happy.

(Chinatsu) I hate how your feminine powers are higher than mine who can only make curry.

(Chinatsu) ...But your cooking is delicious.

(Hajime) The curry you made was delicious too, you know?

(Chinatsu) When I compare it from relying on ready-made foods and simply putting together a single dish like bam, and to what you do, Hajime, like checking supermarket prices on an app and planning the menu from there, I can't help but feel the difference!

(Hajime) Wanna go grocery shopping with me today too?

(Chinatsu) I'll go.

(Chinatsu) I'll change into plain-mode at your house first and then we'll go together.

(Hajime) I've gotten used to both versions of Minamino these past few days. [This message has been deleted]

(Hajime) I've gotten used to both versions of Chinatsu these past few days.

(Chinatsu) Good, lol.

(Chinatsu) Hehe. You know, I prefer you calling me Chinatsu rather than Minamino. Makes me happy.

—–-

(Chinatsu) Huh? Why did you suddenly bury your face in your desk?

(Chinatsu) Hellaurr?

(Hajime) You know what's up, so don't tease me.

(Hajime) Come on, stop playing with your phone and go hang out with your friends.

(Chinatsu) Okaay, See you later.

Messaging apps really are convenient. Your facial expression wouldn't be conveyed to the other person.

(See you later, huh…)

Upon hearing those words, I couldn't help but associate them with the words 'I'll be back.' So, I decided to lie face down on my desk, as if preparing for a nap. I searched for a way to control the redness in my ears, but couldn't find one.

Despite how we acted towards each other, from that Saturday incident onwards, I still couldn't say anything.

Chinatsu didn't say anything either.

That day, when we had crepes, and what happened afterward.

—I'm sure that was the timing.

Meeting and getting recognized by Suzuka-san was undoubtedly a great thing. I'm glad I was with her during that time.

However, I missed the right timing. Despite having become naturally adept at planning meals, talking about the things that happened during the day, sharing thoughts while watching TV, and engaging in small talk… Even as I gradually got used to calling her "Chinatsu" and being called "Hajime," for some reason, I just couldn't say that one word.

[I think my feelings have a name. What about you? And what kind of relationship are we in now?]

◇◆

In this world, there's something called timing.

Those people who have succeeded in life always say that effort and talent are necessary. But above all, what's needed is luck to attract the timing, and the ability to seize that timing.

And let me add one more sentence.

Those who missed the chance to seize that timing are commonly known as "cowards."