Part One: Epilogue

On a Sunday afternoon, I stood before the property Runa had shown me.
It wasn’t a tower block, but being relatively new, it was a clean, well-located flat. I was impressed she’d found such a place.
Waiting at the entrance, Runa arrived a full ten minutes early.
She wasn’t accompanied by anyone who looked like an estate agent. She must have borrowed a spare key.
　Runa wore a smart, neat outfit and light makeup.
Even from a distance, her nervousness was plain to see.
Imagining her sitting at the dressing table made my chest ache sharply.

“Ame, sorry to keep you—”

Seeing my expression, Runa seemed to realise something.
She lowered her raised hand and approached me slowly.
Her smile held a hint of resignation.

“…Shall we change location?”

At Runa’s suggestion, I gave a small nod.

†

The nearby café was full, so I got a decaffeinated latte and Runa got a mocha to take away.
Holding hot drinks in the winter park, it somehow felt like we’d gone back to our student days.
It must have been because Runa was beside me.
　Neither of us knew where to begin, so we waited for the other to make the first move.
In the end, it was Runa who broke the silence.
As if she already understood everything, she started with the conclusion.

“──So it was that girl, after all?”

“Half of it.”

“Half?”

Runa tilted her head, looking utterly surprised.

“Then what’s the other half?”

I took a palm-sized paper box from my handbag and handed it to Runa.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a prototype for the new packaging of ‘Rêve’, a confectionery product launching soon. I worked on it yesterday, coming in on my day off.”

Naturally, rough sketches are merely an intermediate stage. From there, we create provisional design data, mould it into the actual box shape, and refine the design while keeping the physical product in mind.
What Runa held was something I’d rushed to create on Saturday after receiving a call from Shindo-san on Friday night.
Even I have to admit, it’s quite the corporate slave mentality.

“It’s strictly confidential company information, so I really shouldn’t… but well, it’s just a prototype.”

　The product name was inscribed in elegant lettering against a deep green background.
In the centre stood a princess.
Her profile, tiara adorning her head, gazing out from the box.

“Ame drew this?”

“Yep.”

“Is that girl the model for this illustration?”

“Eh? You can tell? That’s bad. I need to change it a bit more.”

“Sorry, that was a trick question.”

I blinked twice and looked at Runa.
Runa stared at the packaging and murmured.

“It’s beautiful.”

“…Yeah, it really is.”

“Not the model, I mean Ame’s drawing.”

She lifted her face to say.

“So, what does ‘the other half’ mean?”

“…Honestly, I was unsure. I wondered if, once Ibara’s illness was cured, I could live with Runa again.”

“That’s fine. I’ll wait, whether it’s half a year or a whole year.”

Hearing Runa’s desperate words, I shook my head nonetheless.
The answer had been decided before I even came here today.

“The reason I hesitated was because, now that I’m an adult, I thought maybe I wouldn’t have to feel jealous of Runa anymore. I thought I might be able to support Runa wholeheartedly.”

But, I continued.

“Still, it seems I can’t manage it yet.”

“Ame…”

“Nice design, that packaging.”

That smouldering rivalry had always been hidden deep within my heart, something I’d pretended not to see.
But it was definitely there. I’d just given up on it from the start.

“Sorry. I can’t live with you. I’d just end up jealous again.”

“You could help me.”

“No way. It’d be too painful for me.”

“…Can I just confirm, just in case?”

“Go ahead.”

“So basically, I’ve been dumped, right?”

“…Yeah. Sorry.”

“Ame, do you like that girl?”

“Ugh.”

“Ugh?”

“…About that part, I’m not entirely sure myself yet…”

“Huh?”

Runa looked puzzled.
Well, it’s just…
I do understand that Ibara has feelings for me. Honestly, I’m glad about that.
But.

“I mean, I’m seven years older than her… By the time she graduates university, I’ll be approaching thirty… And anyway, Ibara’s still in high school, so dating or anything like that just isn’t…”

Runa lowered her head at my indecisive words.
She let out a long sigh, “Huu,” and gently lifted her face.
Her expression was surprisingly bright, her eyes looking somehow liberated.

“That question from the other day. Did you find the answer?”

The question.
I recalled the query she’d posed in my room that day.
Then I couldn’t answer. Now, without hesitation.

“—Yes.”

“Tell me. What is Shinomori Ibara to Ame?”

“My princess.”

I said.

“My princess, more precious than anything else.”

　Runa chuckled softly.
It was the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen her make.

“—I see.”

She downed the rest of her café mocha in one gulp, squinting as if dazzled.

“Knowing Ame, you won’t make a move during high school anyway, right?”

“No, I mean, what happens from now on… Well, I suppose that sort of thing would be after graduation…”

　Mumbling something that sounded like an excuse, I brought my cup to my lips.
Seizing the moment, Runa leaned her face close to my ear.
Her sweet, chocolate-flavoured breath tickled my earlobe.

“──If you can’t hold back, just say the word. I’m open to a one-night stand anytime.”

“Blast it!”

I spat out my café latte.
　While I was choking, Runa tossed my cup into the bin, waved one hand in a ‘see you later’ gesture, and strode off smartly.
The glossy back of her coat reflected the pure white morning light, glistening.
Feeling sorry seemed a bit arrogant.
Surely, Runa would continue dazzling everyone with her brilliance, and I’d keep admiring her back.
　And that wasn’t such a bad thing, I thought.
My heart felt positive, surely because I’d slept well last night too.

I left the park through the entrance opposite the one she’d exited, setting off towards the station.
I must hurry.
The princess in the windbreaker is waiting with her neck stretched out.