Haruto hadn't explained what happened that day to Setsuna, and Setsuna hadn't asked either. It was as if the whole incident had been quietly forgotten, and their lives continued peacefully.
"Only a week left until the break. Yoshii, your family will probably be coming back soon, right?"
"I don't know. Just my father and mother haven't really been in contact with them. I know they send my allowance every month. As for my sister…"
Yoshii's expression shifted subtly, falling silent. Haruto, who rarely heard him speak of his sister, felt a spark of curiosity and decided to ask.
"Don't ask. To Yoshii, his sister is like a living nightmare."
"She bullies him?"
"Not exactly… well, I don't enjoy being bullied! It's just… my sister's personality is a headache. Being cared for and pampered by her is harder than being bullied, honestly."
Haruto glanced at the downcast Akihisa, then at Yuji Sakamoto beside him.
"His sister cares a lot about him probably a 'brother complex,' especially strict when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex."
"I see."
Yuji offered a casual word of comfort to Yoshii, making his mood slightly better.
"And you, Haruto? Planning to go back to Itomori for New Year?"
"Yeah. Mitsuha knows about my hospital stay, so she's worried. I need to go back and see her."
"That makes sense. Family needs to know you're safe."
"Mm."
Although the break hadn't started yet, the three of them were already discussing holiday plans. Haruto felt prepared for the exams before the break, while Yoshii had simply given up. As for Yuji, who was always inconsistent in performance, Haruto wasn't sure. Among those he knew, Yuji remained the most unpredictable.
After a brief conversation about their holiday plans, the bell rang. Everyone returned to their seats, quietly opening their textbooks and listening to the lesson.
Excitement for the approaching holidays and New Year filled the school. During breaks, students chatted about New Year plans, but Haruto had little interest in such topics.
He tilted his head, gazing at the clear winter sky outside, while thinking about the sales data of the new book that Mari gave him.
"30,000 copies, 2.4 million yen already received. 5,800 copies sold in the first week. Not much buzz yet, which is disappointing. At least the movie adaptation of the previous book is in production it should release next year, which might boost sales."
If the movie attracted attention and discussion, both the new and old books could draw in new readers.
"I have a meeting this weekend… I wonder what she wants."
Mari had asked to meet that weekend not at the publisher, but at her apartment, a private setting. Haruto was surprised, quietly pondering her intentions.
The last time, there had also been Machida Sonoko from the Fujikawa Fantastic Bunko, who seemed to live with Mari. Perhaps both would be home on the weekend.
Should I bring a gift?
Visiting empty-handed would be poor etiquette. Haruto wasn't sure what Mari liked, so he decided to check a high-end shopping district when he had time, to find something suitable. If he couldn't think of anything else, perhaps a fine wine would work.
After school, Haruto went to the astronomy club and met Koharu to chat. He asked about her father's reaction since the day at her house.
"Nothing extraordinary. He just said he's 'looking forward to your performance.'"
"Looking forward to my performance?"
"You're still just a student, a high schooler at that. He doesn't have many expectations. Most of it will depend on how you perform in university."
"University?"
Haruto had already planned his university path, but now it seemed Koharu's father had different expectations.
"Originally, you planned to enter the literature department, right?"
"Yes."
"He probably expects you to study economics. Of course, that's just his hope he won't interfere with your choice."
The simple remark shook Haruto slightly, making him reconsider whether to stick to literature or aim for economics to meet her father's expectations.
He closed his eyes and sighed softly.
"Suddenly this is troubling… economics, huh?"
"Whatever you choose, I'll support you," Koharu said.
"Joining the literature club even if I study economics isn't a bad compromise. But personally, I'd still prefer literature. What about you, Koharu? Which department will you attend?"
Looking at Haruto, Koharu met his gaze steadily.
"Tokyo University of the Arts. That was my original plan, but if you choose literature, I can switch to economics to support you."
Hearing her response, Haruto felt a weight settle on his shoulders. He looked down briefly, then met her eyes and gave a small, faint smile.
"Economics, huh?"
"To help you."
Sometimes, gaining something requires effort. After talking with Koharu and realizing he might need to reconsider his university plans, Haruto left school, returning to his apartment.
_ _ _ _
"Something wrong? You seem a bit down."
Since Futaba had stayed in Tokyo, Haruto no longer needed to worry about meals. Seeing his mother's concerned gaze, he paused and smiled faintly.
"Nothing, just thinking about the future."
"You're still a student. I know you're mature for your age, but don't forget it. It's okay to think about future plans a little later. Your father and I are here you don't need to put so much pressure on yourself."
Hearing this, Haruto felt a twinge of weariness. He had always been mature for his age, constantly thinking about matters beyond his years. Having goals was good, but overthinking the future worried his mother. She didn't want him planning everything before even living the present.
"Focusing too much on the future makes you miss what's right in front of you. Right now, you should pay attention to the matters at hand like handling your relationship with Setsuna."
"You're right…"
Haruto forced a small smile, sat at his desk, opened his notebook, and rubbed his forehead. Fatigue showed in his expression.
The immediate matters deserved attention, but the future couldn't be ignored. If he didn't decide now, the pressure would only grow later, leaving him no time to carefully consider his choices.
His originally planned calm path entering the literature department now clashed with the expectations of Koharu's family.
If I don't go into economics, her family might be disappointed. And how would Koharu feel then?
He realized how much effort she had put into considering him, especially after saving his life.
"I'll step out for a bit."
Feeling mentally drained, Haruto stood and headed for the door. Futaba, preparing dinner, looked slightly surprised.
"Dinner...."
"Just stepping out briefly. I'll be back soon."
"Mm."
Hearing Haruto's words, Futaba didn't know exactly how "soon" he meant, but she slowed her pace slightly while preparing dinner, hoping it wouldn't get cold before he returned.
Standing at the entrance, Haruto put on his shoes and glanced back at the house before opening the door and stepping out.
Pushing the door open and closing it behind him, he made his way upstairs to Sayu's room.
Sayu had only just returned home. She was in the process of changing out of her school uniform into casual clothes when the doorbell rang, startling her slightly. She covered herself with both hands, quickly finishing dressing before hurrying to the door.
Seeing Haruto at the door, she finally relaxed and opened it.
"Changing clothes?" he asked, noticing the uniform still lying on the bed, a long skirt on the floor, and her hair a little messy. It was obvious what she had been doing before he arrived.
"Yeah. I just got home and had barely taken off my uniform when your doorbell rang."
"You just got home? Went shopping with someone else?"
"I went out for a bit with Hinami-san and Sawamura-san."
Hearing the familiar names, Haruto wasn't surprised. During the school term, he already knew about Sayu's circle of friends. She was close with Aoi Hinami and Eriri Sawamura.
When he had first considered how to help Sayu integrate into the class, his efforts turned out to be unnecessary she had already successfully blended in. Likely, it was thanks to Aoi's initiative.
Aoi was cheerful and friendly, and it made sense that she had taken the new girl under her wing.
"And how do you feel about those two?" Haruto asked.
"Huh? Hinami-san and Sawamura-san?"
"Mm."
Sayu thought carefully, recalling how she usually interacted with them. Summarizing in one sentence was difficult.
"They're both good people, I guess."
Her answer sounded rather perfunctory.
"That's all?"
Haruto could tell, but he wanted a more detailed answer.
"Hinami-san is very kind and approachable. She explains things carefully and helps me when I struggle. She gives off a big-sister vibe."
"She's about the same age as you, right?"
"Just figuratively. She feels like a sister."
"And Sawamura?"
Haruto's curiosity about Aoi was mild, but he was more interested in Eriri. He wondered how Sayu felt about her but from what he knew, her evaluation probably wouldn't be overly high.
"Sawamura-san? She's also very kind. At school, she's a bit distant, keeps her distance from others, but outside school, she's very caring a truly gentle person."
After listening, Haruto hesitated and glanced at Sayu. He paused, then took out his hearing aid from his left ear, studied it for a moment, and put it back on.
"Sorry, my hearing aid was acting up. Could you repeat what you said about Sawamura?"
"Sawamura-san… seems to have some special feelings toward you too?"
Seeing Haruto's reaction, Sayu didn't know exactly what had happened between them, but from what she understood, Eriri probably had a crush on him.
"She confessed to me, but I didn't accept her."
"Kiyoura-san?"
"Yes."
Sayu understood a little, but she was still somewhat confused.
Although Setsuna lived close by, wasn't Eriri in a different class?
In theory, she wasn't any worse than Setsuna. Sayu couldn't understand why Haruto hadn't chosen Eriri but had chosen Setsuna instead.
~~~~~~~~~~
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