Episode 7: A New After-School Routine

Today is the day of our arrangement.

Teaching Mai her studies was nothing new, and I rather enjoyed it, so tutoring others wasn’t the issue. The problem lay with the person I was tutoring.

Our study sessions were scheduled three times a week. They were held at the local library from seven to ten in the evening, on any day I wasn’t attending cram school.

Since Endo-san came after her club activities finished, we set the time a little later.

“Sorry I’m late! Did you wait long?”
“I was studying, so it’s fine.”

No matter how many times I thought about it, it felt odd.

Why did I have to tutor Endo-san, who wasn’t even a friend? Having missed my chance to refuse, I decided to endure it until the mid-term exams in June were over.

Over the past few days, studying like this with Endo-san, she concentrated on her work surprisingly well, despite appearances. She wasn’t the type who wanted everything explained from scratch; she preferred having unclear points clarified so she could grasp them properly.

In that respect, it was actually helpful for me too. On days I studied with Mai, she’d dump all her homework on me and I’d have to do it all.

Glancing sideways, I caught Endo-san’s profile. It was as beautiful as ever.

Even though she’d just come from club activities, she radiated freshness. I imagined she smelled like mint and found myself focusing on my nose.

“Is something wrong?”

Her voice startled me, and I quickly shifted my gaze back to my notebook.

“Endo-san, why did you ask me to help you study?”

I’d braced myself, expecting her to bring up the rooftop incident or the handkerchief. But, as if to defy my expectations, Endo-san barely made small talk and just studied.

“I suppose I want to grow up quickly. But I’m happier that Takizawa took an interest in me.”

She said this with a shy smile. Her expression made it hard to tell if she was joking or serious.

Being with her really does make me think about things. I decided to focus on my own studies and wait for the time to pass quickly.

Today’s study session ended much the same way.

“Is it alright if I walk home with you today?”

Endo-san said something different from usual. After studying until ten, we always left at different times; she’d never said anything like this before. Frowning at the puzzling request, I asked, “Why?”

“When we’re studying, we can’t really talk, and I’d like to have a normal chat too.”
“I don’t particularly have anything to talk about.”
“You’re so cold! Be nicer to me!”

　She looked sad, saying something like Mai would. I quickened my pace, determined not to let her disrupt my rhythm.

“I’m going home. See you.”

I started walking, leaving her behind.

“—Why are you following me?”

Endo-san followed, smiling brightly.

“My place is this way too.”
“Oh.”

No matter what I said, her smile didn’t falter. Though I’d spent more time with Endo-san these past few days, I’d never seen any expression beyond that artificial smile.

She should at least make a displeased face, or look distressed… Perhaps I was a bit strange for thinking such things. But it was precisely because I sensed no humanity in her that I felt this way. Endo-san was always like a smiling doll.

“Exams are in a week, aren’t they? Think you’ll top the class again, Takizawa?”
“Who knows. Anyway, how long are you going to keep following me?” “
“I told you my house is this way.”

As usual, Endo-san followed behind me, smiling. Somehow, I didn’t want her to know where I lived, so I walked past my house.

To make her give up, I stopped at the park near my house. Even then, she followed.

Early June, just before the rainy season, the air was already muggy though the rain hadn’t started yet. I hate the rainy season because the humidity makes my unruly hair worse.

　Sitting on a park bench, Endo-san sat down beside me, and an unspoken silence stretched on.

“Takizawa, you really don’t remember anything?”
“What are you talking about?”
“This park, for example…”

Endo-san started talking about something baffling again. This park is one I often visit. But it’s only a place I come when something unpleasant happens or when I want to be alone.

　If you asked if I liked it, I wouldn’t say I did. It felt more like a dumping ground for my negative emotions.

“This handkerchief… Takizawa gave it to me here.”

“Eh?”

“Huh. You really don’t remember? You idiot, Takizawa!”

It was a story I had absolutely no recollection of. And being called an idiot was deeply unfair. I’m smarter than Endo-san, after all.

“I genuinely don’t remember what you’re talking about… Did I do something?”

“I don’t care anymore! I’m going home!”

She started running and left the park. I thought about chasing after her, but my legs aren’t fast enough to catch up with the basketball club kids.

I stood there helplessly, unable to do anything, and could only go home quietly.

‘This handkerchief… Takizawa gave it to me here.’

　That phrase kept nagging at me. I got into bed but couldn’t sleep at all. It really was something I had no recollection of… Still, it bothered me, so I decided to ask.

I rolled over and grabbed my phone from beside the bed. I opened my contacts but realised I hadn’t exchanged numbers with Endo-san.

In the end, nothing was resolved. The next day, I ended up attending class sleep-deprived.