Volume 4 - Me, Her, and our Changing World
Chapter 14
There's a saying that you shouldn't dwell on how wonderful the past was, that it's a way of thinking one should avoid. But I wonder... if it was okay to look back on those days, to let the memories come, and use them to realize that right now, this very moment, is the happiest you've ever been? Standing alone in front of the station, I had that thought as I read a line from the book I was holding.
(Chinatsu) Since this is our first date without disguises, I want to look perfect. But my hair’s not setting right, so I’ll be late. Sorry!
(Hajime) It’s okay, thanks for telling me. I’m looking forward to it.
Chinatsu had said she wanted to experience a meet-up date instead of just meeting up on the train. So I had been waiting here in front of the nearest station for about thirty minutes. We decided to meet at the station near our school since if we took separate trains to the destination, it would mean less time spent together, and she didn’t want that.
I had arrived a bit early, so even though she was about twenty minutes late from the promised time, I didn’t mind at all. Maybe it was because she’d sent that cute message making me look forward to seeing her or maybe because this is what they call being hopelessly in love, the time spent waiting was not a burden at all.
It was already late January, and the first month of the year was almost over.
I could spot a few students from our school, probably on their way to club practice. Some of them were even familiar faces. The soccer team, basketball team, volleyball team. They all probably have practice on weekends, starting in the morning. I was the same way back in middle school, and there was a time when I felt a sense of nostalgia for it, but now, I no longer feel that way.
As I stood there watching the people passing by, for a moment, I felt the eyes of the people who, like me, were waiting or just standing around, all being drawn to a single point as if in surprise. I, too, found myself looking in that direction, captivated by the girl. Unbelievably, that same girl then turned to me and gave me the most brilliant smile.
“Did you wait long?”
“…To be honest, yeah, quite a bit,” I replied honestly.
Chinatsu puffed her cheeks in protest. “That’s where you’re supposed to say, ‘I just got here!’”
"However, if waiting just a little while means my girlfriend will come to me looking this beautiful, then for all of our dates from now on, I will gladly wait anytime. Thank you, Chinatsu."
Those words came straight from my heart.
Honestly, I'm not that knowledgeable about fashion or makeup, but I could tell that Chinatsu had spent a lot of time and effort getting ready for this moment today. And the fact that I'm the one who gets to thank her for it... what an incredibly happy and luxurious privilege that is.
“…Hmph. I’ll give that line a passing grade.”
With a grin, Chinatsu linked her arm with mine. At the same time, I felt as if various gazes were piercing me, but it didn’t matter to me at all.
"Well then, let's set off on our official couple's date!"
Because when a girl this charming is smiling so happily right next to me, I can't help but feel that's all that matters. If I could think that way, then I was probably hopelessly, completely taken by her.
◇◆
Chinatsu had spent more time and care than usual on her outfit; coordinating every piece, applying just enough makeup to highlight her features without overdoing it, and even had her mother give her a final check before she left the house.
Her mother had said with a fond smile:
"You know, it's impressive that you can still keep up this kind of excitement even though you two are always together. But you look very cute. Go on and have a good time, and be confident. Say hello to Hajime-kun for me."
After being sent off like that, Chinatsu had naturally started with the classic ‘Did you wait long?’ when they met.
Of course, Hajime didn’t reply in the classic way at all, but she was satisfied with the word that followed; ‘beautiful.’ He probably wasn't even conscious of it, but while he always told her she was 'cute' which always made Chinatsu very happy, it was only on the occasions when she had really put in the effort to dress up that he called her 'beautiful'.
That's why, whenever she managed to get that word from him, it felt like a little ‘yes!’ moment inside of her.
"Today, since we successfully met up and got on the train as planned, we're going to the aquarium, we'll eat lunch there, and then we'll ride the Ferris wheel. I really wanted to try having what you'd call a classic date."
"Yeah, I've never done anything like that either, so I'm happy. Besides, it's my first time going to the aquarium, so I'm looking forward to it."
“Let’s go to lots of other places too! Is there anywhere you want to go, Hajime?”
"Hmm… since we're on the topic, I'd like to try going to an amusement park sometime."
"...An amusement park, huh. I heard a rumor that when couples go, they break up because they get irritated from waiting in line, or run out of things to talk about, or can't stand the silence. So, I was a little scared to do that for our first time, and I chose the aquarium instead... But well, you're not the type to worry about that kind of thing, are you, Hajime?"
"Oh, is that so? I didn't know there was a rumor like that. I feel like we could kill time in any number of ways, though."
"For example?"
"...Hmm, well, to begin with, I don't think our conversations have ever really trailed off when we're together, and I don't really mind it when we're silent. To take it to an extreme, it's like when we're at home together. If I'm reading a book and you're playing a game, the atmosphere between us probably wouldn't get awkward, right?"
"...That’s true! Then, uh… should we try going to Disneyland next? Oh, and also, I'd like to go on a trip sometime. I'll get a part-time job and save up money, too. ...Don't make such a worried face. I remember what you told me before. I was thinking, how about a cake shop that only has female employees?"
“...You read my mind without me saying a single thing. It's so embarrassing... but... still, thank you for being so considerate."
She also loved seeing Hajime, who was usually so calm and composed about everything, get flustered like this because of her words. Sitting side-by-side on the train, naturally talking about their future—within that simple, everyday moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. She didn't know why the feeling was surfacing right now, but she had the sudden urge to shout to no one in particular, ‘Look! Me and Hajime, we made it this far, little by little’
At first, she had been nervous even stepping into his house, keeping a safe distance. Back then, she still needed an excuse like visiting because of the little white kitten. It was around that time when they finally stopped calling each other ‘Minamino-san’ and ‘Satou-kun,’ and just plain ‘Minamino’ and ‘Satou.’ Then she learned about Hajime’s past, and he learned about hers. And they began to make up reasons to see each other, even when there were none. And then they went to calling each other just ‘Hajime’ and ‘Chinatsu.’
Hajime told her that her problems weren't just someone else's affair to him, and true to his words, he truly helped her. Eventually, she couldn't bear it anymore, and she gave a proper name to both her feelings and their relationship. In a town so cold it felt frozen, he had warmed her heart to an impossible degree, and she fell in love all over again. They had shared their bodies, learned that happiness had no limits and each day, she came to know that truth a little more deeply.
“Hey, Hajime.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“I, Minamino Chinatsu… love Satou Hajime more than anyone else in the world.”
“Eh? Wh—what’s with you all of a sudden…? We’re on the train!”
"Mm-mm, no reason. I just felt an overwhelming urge to say it."
She spoke without thinking, just letting her feelings flow out. Watching Hajime blush, flustered yet clearly happy, made her heart warm.
—I hope this gentle and peaceful daily life goes on forever.
Such were Chinatsu's thoughts as they headed to their date on a simple Sunday, feeling the sensation of happiness with every fiber of her being.
