Episode One Hundred and Fourty

“Not that I have any real basis for it, mind you.”

Runa continued, as if gauging my reaction.

“It’s just… I hear stress is a common cause of insomnia. And that girl doesn’t strike me as someone carrying that sort of burden right now.”

“But—”

The words of denial slipped out before I could stop them.

“I haven’t been told anything like that.”

“Maybe she couldn’t say it. She might have thought Ame would pull away if she did. I know, I know, that’s overthinking it. But me…”

But, Runa continued.

“That’s because I’m an outsider… How Ibara-chan feels is a different matter entirely.”

“That’s…”

That might be true.
　I followed Ibara-chan’s back with a sidelong glance. But she seemed to have vanished into the crowd.
I know perfectly well there’s no need to worry about every little thing. She’s not a child; she won’t get lost in a crowd.
I know that.
But still.

“Why not talk to her about it? If Ibara-chan’s illness is cured, that’s good news in itself.”

Runa was absolutely right.
　The resolution of her insomnia. That was precisely what we’d hoped for.
If Ibara could sleep alone, it opened up possibilities.
For instance, we could live separately until the entrance exams were over.
We could each focus on our own lives and what we had to do.
That was probably the right answer.
It was the right answer. I knew it.
And yet.

“…But—”

My mouth moved of its own accord.

“I imagine there’s stress from exam prep. Even if she’s better, a sudden change in environment might not be good.”

Words spilled out before I could think, refusing to stop.

“Besides, I’m sure Ibara would feel lonely. She seems strong, but she has a clingy side, so I really need to—”

—I need to.
Stay by her side, watch over her.
　Runa placed her hands on her hips and stared intently into my eyes.

“Ame.”

Her tone was testing, her gaze serious.
Serious enough to make me feel a little afraid.

“—Are you serious about what you just said?”

“…That…”

“If that’s really what you think, then fine. But there’s no point in trying to hide your true feelings.”

　No. I wasn’t deceiving myself.
I wanted to argue back, but the words wouldn’t come.
Something touched my back as I stood silent.
Turning around, I saw Ibara.

“I’m home, Shigure-san.”

“…Welcome back.”

The air relaxed with a soft sigh.
Runa scratched her head, looking disappointed.
　Ibara held out something flat and split in half, like a meat bun, towards me.

“…What’s this?”

“Sha-pin. They were delicious.”

Sha-pin?

“They’re Chinese-style o-yaki. They’re tasty.”

“Alright, alright, I get it.”

Taking the sha-pin being thrust towards my mouth, I took a bite.
　A familiar taste reminiscent of gyoza, with a chewy, doughy texture. It was indeed tasty.

“Ahh, looks delicious. Lucky you.”

Runa rested her chin on my shoulder.
Just as Ibara looked about to snap, Shizuku arrived.
She was clutching a white paper bag.

“I thought you might say that, so I bought one for the teacher too.”

“Oh, thank you. How much were they?”

“Eh? No, it’s fine. I just bought them on my own initiative.”

“Well then, a thousand yen,” Runa insisted, forcing a thousand-yen note into Shizuku’s hands.
Shizuku tried to refuse somehow, but in the end, it was wedged into the gap in her obi sash. Like a tip.
And so, the earlier conversation ended up being swept under the carpet.

After walking until we were moderately tired, we settled into an open-air café where a table had become free. They said it was fine to bring our own food as long as we ordered drinks, so we all shared the powdered snacks Runa had brought.
Apparently, we could return the yukata tomorrow. Still, we took care not to get them dirty.
Little by little, the sun began to fade, and the hint of dusk crept closer.
Before we knew it, the sound of the children beating their drums had also stopped.

“Looks like the fireworks are about to start.”

I said, checking the local council’s announcement page on my phone.

“They’re actually doing them, then?”

“Well, of course they are.”

Runa chuckled.

“I mean, what about the budget… Not that it’s any of my business.”

Runa checked the watch on her wrist.

“Since we’re here, shall we stay for the fireworks?”

Either way was fine. But the younger ones nodded eagerly.

“Then, shall we get something else to eat?”

Runa said, addressing the two children more than herself. True enough, this amount wouldn’t be enough. I stood up.

“I’ll go buy something.”

“Is that alright?”

“I asked Runa to go earlier. Let me know if you want anything.”

“If Shigure-san’s going, I’ll go too. Might be too much for one person to carry.”

And so, Ibara and I headed towards the food stalls.
Goldfish swam along the sash of the yukata Ibara wore. Seeing her back, Runa’s words came back to me.
　──Insomnia.
Isn’t it actually cured by now?

“──Listen, Ibara.”

I steadied my breathing, consciously aiming for a voice that sounded as casual as possible.
Then I asked.

“Could it be… you can sleep on your own now?”