Episode One Hundred and Twenty

“So you’ve finally moved in with that schoolgirl. Feels like you’ve gone all the way, doesn’t it?”

“Well done, Ame-chan.”

Hibari-san, holding a glass of mojito packed with mint, smiled warmly.
The lukewarm air conditioning brushed against my cheeks. On the table stood paella with prawns and mussels, an avocado salad, and crab wrapped in crêpe batter.
The time was approaching eight o’clock.

“So, did you already?”

“…Did what exactly?”

When I feigned ignorance, Hibari-san smiled like a textbook example.

“What do you mean what exactly? The sexy stuff, of course.”

Despite looking like she’d belong in a white dress on the Karuizawa plateau, Hibari-san was the apex predator of the carnivorous species. Countless rumours of her romantic conquests floated about, regardless of gender.

“How lovely, a schoolgirl girlfriend. Teenage girls have a different feel to their skin, you know. And their scent. Sweet, like peaches.”

“Cut it out, Kumoko. Don’t make me imagine it, it’s too vivid.”

Holding a highball, Haru interjected with a sour expression.
Inside her hair, dyed with an inner colour, a silver piercing glinted.
　Despite her aggressively edgy fashion sense, Haru was uncomfortable with this sort of talk.
Knowing this, Hibari deliberately brought up dirty jokes in front of her. She enjoyed teasing her and watching her reaction.
In short, they were close.

“Does it bother you, Haru-chan?”

“Couldn’t care less. Whatever floats your boat. Do as you please.”

　Haru said, sipping her whisky and water.

“If Ame-chan’s made up her mind, then that’s fine by me.”

Just as Haru said, I had made up my mind.
To live on with Ibara from now on.
Moving into the new place, quitting my job – these were expressions of that. I didn’t regret choosing the path of independence.
But, to be honest.
Even so, still…

“Still anxious?”

Hibari-san said, as if seeing right through me.

“…Well, yes.”

“I knew it~”

She chuckled.
Of course I was anxious. It was inevitable.
When I was busy with work, it was fine. Even when I was with Ibara.
But in those fleeting moments alone, something would well up inside me.
　Would things work out if I went independent? Even without the rent burden, could I sustain my living?
After that day, Natori-san made an offer. At least until she graduated university, they’d support Ibara with living expenses and tuition fees deposited into an account in her name.
So, even if my work didn’t go well, Ibara wouldn’t be left out in the cold.
That was the one reassuring factor.

“You’ll be fine, Ame-chan. Worst case, you can just look for a job. You’ve got a steady income, right?”

“Yeah, that’s true…”

Still, I reckon I’ll need to focus on work for a while.
At least until things are somewhat settled and I’ve got used to the new environment. Six months at the very least.
Otherwise, I doubt my mental state would hold up.
　Fortunately, I left on good terms, and they’ve offered to pass on some smaller projects. I’ve also told clients I’m going freelance, and they’ve said they’d “let me know if anything comes up.”
My savings are… well, decent enough. I should manage for a year or two.
The biggest thing is not having rent. I really can’t thank Aki-san enough.

“I do think I’ll manage somehow. I do, but…”

I let out a deep sigh.
I felt rather pathetic, even to myself.
I’d been so full of confidence when I’d made that bold declaration, yet here I was, a complete mess.
Life doesn’t end with a happy ending. No matter how much you try to put on a brave face, reality follows the fairy tale.
You have to work to earn money, do the housework, eat your meals, and just keep living like that.
I thought I understood that.

“Come now, let’s have a drink tonight. Come on, Ame-chan. If it comes to it, Haru-chan will drive us home.”

“The very embodiment of irresponsibility?”

“…Nah, I’ll pass.”

There were still tasks left to do.
I had to make some progress tonight, however little.

“I’m heading home soon. Send me the bill later and I’ll pay electronically.”

I drained my remaining glass and stood up.

　†

My last day of work was set for the end of July.
Wanting to save as much as possible, I had my paid leave bought out. I’d use up my summer holiday, so the twenty-fifth would be my final day in the office.
Well, I’d be working as a contract employee from August onwards.
I’d prepare for the move alongside the start-up procedures. This was another hassle.
Unfamiliar administrative tasks took more of a mental toll than just time.
Perhaps that was why.

“…Hey, Shigure-san. Are you tired again, by any chance?”

“Huh?”

A holiday morning.
While eating breakfast, Ibara said that to me.

“Not at all. Why?”

“You’ve spread strawberry jam on both sides.”

“Eh, no way. Oh, you’re right.”

The lightly toasted bread was slathered with jam on both sides – a sweet tooth’s delight. I’d been spaced out and hadn’t noticed.
Ibara remarked thoughtfully.

“You’re tired, aren’t you?”

“…Am I…?”

Staring intently at my face, Ibara declared, “Yeah, you are.”
　Not utterly exhausted, but perhaps tired enough for it to show on my face.
Ibara’s well-shaped eyebrows drew a figure eight.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault.”

“It’s not your fault, Ibara.”

I’d said it many times before, but Ibara still wasn’t convinced.

“If there’s anything I can do, just tell me.”

“No, I’m fine. Besides—”

These formalities are something only the adult me can handle.
I swallowed those words.
Ibara pursed her lips in displeasure, then suddenly clasped her hands together.

“Take the day off today. I’ll make dinner and everything instead.”

“Thanks. But I have work to do too.”

“No. You really must take a proper rest once in a while.”

Ibara looked serious.
Even at eighteen, she was a beauty worthy of being called “peerless”, and her presence was formidable.

“So—”

But that lasted only a moment.
Her taut cheeks relaxed instantly, and a mischievous smile touched her lips.

“Today, I’ll spoil you rotten.”