I Have A Rejuvenated Ex-wife In My Class V1 - Ch 2

 Act 2: Exchanging Addresses for the Second Time in Life

The First Day of School After the Entrance Ceremony.

I woke up early, and my mom looked at me in surprise.

"Oh, it's rare for Kohei to get up before Sana-chan."

"I decided to wake up early from high school."

"And you say that, but you actually made a promise to walk to school with Koikawa-chan, didn't you?"

"No way!"

I got up early to avoid dealing with him.

I was also always on the verge of being late like Yuzuhana . I heard later that she struggled with cooking, laundry, and cleaning, and by the time she finished everything, she was almost late.

In other words, by going to school early, I could avoid meeting Yuzuhana  at the shoe lockers. I wanted to sleep for another 30 minutes, but seeing her face in the morning was just too much.

She probably doesn't want to see my face in the morning either. Really, I'm glad I'm a considerate ex-husband. She should thank me, but if she actually did, I'd feel so sick I might throw up.

After quickly finishing breakfast and getting ready, I walked through the less crowded school path to the school building.

It's the duty of the first student to arrive to unlock the classroom door. Thinking I'd be the first, I went to the staff room, but the key for Class 1-1 was gone.

Is there someone who came this early? That's impressive. While thinking that, I entered the classroom and—

"...ugh."

"...huh?"

The first student to arrive was Yuzuhana .

The moment I placed my bag on my seat without looking at her face, a click of the tongue echoed in the empty classroom.

"Why are you up so early? You were always late."

"I wasn't late, just on the verge of being late. Did you skip chores today?"

"I used to take a long time, but I got used to it because someone kept pushing all the housework onto me."

"I did housework too! You're the one who made me take out the trash!"

"Because you said, 'Leave the heavy lifting to me!' Don't be so proud about taking out the trash!"

"I should be proud because I helped you! You even gave me a kiss of thanks every time!"

"U-ugh! I only kissed you because you'd sulk if I didn't give you a reward!"

"I-I wouldn't sulk! I did the cleaning perfectly even without the kisses! And you were sloppy! When you used the roller, there was so much hair on the tape!"

"That was all your hair!"

"Even if it was all mine, the reason I'm losing more hair is due to stress—meaning it's your fault!"

"If it's that stressful, then don't get involved!"

"You're the one who started talking to me!"

"It's your fault for not being late!"

"You should be late!"

"If I'm late, they'll think I'm a delinquent! I'm already avoided because I look scary..."

Yuzuhana  suddenly deflates.

Indeed, Yuzuhana  is avoided, but not because she looks scary. She's just too beautiful to approach. If she could tone down her flashy appearance, she might seem a bit more approachable.

"If you hate your current look that much, why not go back to being a plain girl like before?"

"No way. If I suddenly change my character, it'd be like I failed my high school debut, which would be embarrassing."

"Embarrassing... But didn't you fail with the flashy gal look last time? Learn from that mistake."

"I am learning, that's why I came early today. I thought if I appeal as an honor student, people might talk to me..."

Though I think it's a bit roundabout... I can understand how she feels.

Unlike back then, there's a ten-year age gap between me and my classmates. It's hard to talk to someone twelve years younger, and I don't feel like I can keep up with high schoolers' vibe.

Moreover, Yuzuhana  grew up in the countryside. Surrounded by only old people, she's shy with other age groups, so making reservations or talking to store clerks was my job.

Back then, I was happy to be relied on, but now, I just think of it as a troublesome responsibility.

"If you want friends that badly, muster up the courage to talk to them."

"I can't. I get so nervous I start speaking in broken Japanese. If a flashy gal suddenly speaks brokenly, it'll scare them. Even you were terrified when I first spoke to you."

"I wasn't terrified, just flustered because I wasn't used to talking to girls."

"You were unpopular back then."

"I admit I was unpopular last time, but that doesn't mean I'll be this time! I've learned how to be stylish!"

"What are you bragging about? Who do you think taught you that style? If I weren't there, you'd still be dressing like you did in middle school even after becoming an adult."

"You don't know how I dressed in middle school."

"I do know. Your mom showed me your photos."

"I told her not to show those so many times...!"

"Where did you buy those fingerless gloves?"

"U-ugh! It doesn't matter where!"

"Hmph, no need to shout!"

"It's because you're insulting me!"

"You were smirking at my middle school photos too!"

"That was because I thought they were cute, not because I was making fun of you!"

"Then you should've said that back then!"

"If I complimented your old look, you'd sulk! Just like when I praised black-haired anime characters, and you said, 'Is that what you like?'"

"W-well, what could I do! Back then, I liked you! But not now! You can like black-haired or glasses characters all you want!"

"It's too late! Because of you, I ended up liking characters with bad eyes and blonde hair the most! And you just said, 'You can like black-haired or glasses characters,' right?"

"I did."

"Why only in 2D?"

"Because I don't think you can do romance in 3D!"

"Before even thinking about whether I can do romance or not, I don't feel like it! ...Well, maybe I could become friends with Hagure-san."

Yuzuhana 's eyebrow twitched.

"Hagure-san, the quiet one?"

"Yeah. I was a library committee member with Hagure-san during my first year. I think we'd get along because she's a closet otaku."

Yuzuhana  made an unpleasant face. Why does she make that face when it's none of her business who I get along with?

Could she be jealous?

...No, that's impossible. Her affection for me has completely dried up.

"Are you going to hit on a high school girl? That's illegal."

So that's how it is.

Even if she hates me, she'd feel bad if her ex-husband committed a crime.

"We're the same age now, so it's not a problem!"

"You're an old man inside!"

"If you're saying that, then you're an old woman cosplaying as a high school girl!"

"I know I'm not suited for the uniform, you don't have to tell me...!"

"I didn't say it doesn't suit you! If you're embarrassed, adjust your skirt length! What if someone sees your underwear?"

"Hmph, what's it to you if I show my underwear to anyone! Or do you want to keep those memories to yourself?"

"I-I don't have any possessive desire! It's just weird for my ex-wife to become a pervert! Understand? From tomorrow, wear a longer skirt!"

"With this look, a long skirt would make me look like a delinquent. You should fix your uniform too. Both top and bottom are too loose. Why did you buy such big ones?"

"Shut up! I thought I'd grow taller!"

"Too bad. You'll never reach 170 cm."

"Just watch! I'll drink milk every day and surpass 169 cm!"

"Do your best then. And don't be a library committee member. I want to be one too."

"Why! Be the same committee as last time!"

"I don't want to be the sports committee again. Because no one else wanted it, I had to lead the cheering squad at the sports festival. It was embarrassing to shout so loudly..."

The sports festival is right after summer vacation. For someone as shy as Yuzuhana , leading the cheer squad must have been torture, and she probably didn't feel alive during the summer break.

"Actually, I wanted to be on the library committee last time too! I lost at rock-paper-scissors, so I couldn't do it, but this time, I'll win! I remember losing with scissors very clearly!"

"Don't aim to win! If you don't want to deal with me, apply for another committee!"

"You too, if you don't want to deal with me—"

A classmate entered the classroom, and we immediately stopped our conversation.

It was Hagure-san, notable for her braids and black-framed glasses.

It seemed our conversation had reached the hallway because when Hagure-san entered the now silent classroom, she had a look on her face like, 'Huh? Was that a hallucination?' She sat down, looking around with eyes that seemed to say, 'Ghost voices only I can hear...?' and started reading, clearly unsettled.

After that, Yuzuhana  and I didn't speak until homeroom, and the first class was for deciding committee members.

It seemed Yuzuhana  wasn't going to yield, so she applied for the library committee. She won the rock-paper-scissors match against Hagure-san, and Yuzuhana  and I ended up as library committee members.

Seriously, to become a library committee member with me... For a book lover, it might be the perfect job, but being with an ex-husband must be the worst.

Or was she just trying to stop me from getting close to Hagure-san to prevent any issues? Though I said we might get along, I had no real intention of getting close to her.

Hagure-san is an otaku, but she's into yaoi. Unlike Yuzuhana , with whom I had an amazing chemistry, there wouldn't have been much conversation.

Fifth Period That Day.

We, the first-years, gathered in the gymnasium. It was time for the club activities introduction.

Last time, I spent my days as a home club member, playing games non-stop, but this time, playing games alone wasn't as fun. ...I unexpectedly enjoyed playing games with Yuzuhana , and if she begged me saying, "Please, Kohei-sama, let's play together!" I might agree, but I can't imagine her bowing to me.

That's why I decided to enjoy club activities this time.

"We will now start the introduction of club activities by the senpai."

After the introductions of sports clubs like track and field, basketball, volleyball, tennis, baseball, table tennis, kendo, soccer, judo, and badminton ended, and then came the cultural clubs like calligraphy, art, band, drama, guitar, and computer, my target was narrowed down.

"That concludes the club activity introductions. There are also clubs not introduced here that you can check out on the first-floor bulletin board."

After the student council president's speech, we headed back to our classroom.

While classmates were talking, "Let's go to the tennis club later?", "Then let's check out badminton too!", "The band's performance was awesome!", "Shall we go see?", I waited for Sawashiro-sensei. After homeroom ended, I went to the bathroom and then headed to the art room on the third floor.

Actually, I had taken up illustration as a hobby when I was in university.

Since I practiced by copying my favorite manga artist's style, my drawings would look different from those by art club members, but for a first-year high school student, I should be considered quite skilled.

If I'm lucky, I might be welcomed as a 'promising newcomer'.

While fantasizing about getting praised by unseen senpai’s, I ran up the stairs—

"...No way..."

I was stunned in front of the art room.

Yuzuhana  was reaching for the door of the art room.

Why are you trying to join the art club! You were supposed to be in the home club!

I wanted to shout, but since I decided not to get involved, I kept silent.

Maybe sensing my intensity, Yuzuhana  glanced at me.

She smirked triumphantly, lifting the corners of her mouth.

"(Oh, I beat you to it.)"

"(What are you planning!)"

"(Just as you see, I'm joining the art club.)"

"(Give it to me!)"

"(If you want it, show me some respect.)"

"(Who's going to bow to you!)"

"(Then just watch me enter the art room—!)"

We exchanged these words in our minds.

Yuzuhana 's lines are my imagination, but they should be mostly correct. Her expression tells the story.

And so, all I could do was silently watch Yuzuhana  enter the art room.

Damn! She keeps messing up my plans with the library committee and now the art club!

The senpai who don't know the situation would probably welcome my joining, but I don't want to share my youth with Yuzuhana . If she chooses the art club, I'll have to choose another.

"But..."

The computer club interests me, but it seems more focused on learning skills for the future rather than gaming.

Therefore, my hope lies with the circles.

The difference between clubs and circles was supposed to be the number of members. If a circle gets promoted to a club, there will be club funding, and new members are always welcome.

I went down to the first floor, to the bulletin board.

Looking at the recruitment flyers stuck here and there—

"Oh!"

I discovered a circle that caught my interest!

Its name is the 'Manga Research Circle'. It's perfect for someone like me who loves manga and has illustration as a hobby.

The representative is Chizuru Akabane, a girl from Class 3-1.

On the flyer, there's a character drawn in a style very similar to mine (apparently personifying our school). The skill is beyond what you'd expect from a high school student.

I could probably enjoy fun afternoons with Akabane-senpai, whose drawing style matches mine.

After checking the location on the flyer, I headed back to the third floor.

The room next to the art room was the Manga Research Circle's room.

The door wouldn't open, so I waited in front of the room for a while.

A long-haired girl with glasses approached me.

"Oh, you are?"

"I'm Kurose from Class 1-1. Are you Akabane-senpai?"

"I'm Akabane. Kurose-kun, are you... a prospective member?"

"Yes! I want to join!"

"Oh, good, good. Welcome, welcome."

She pushed me into the room.

Inside the room, there were bookshelves full of manga and reference materials, with desks scattered with sketchbooks and photos that seemed to be references.

"There are so many manga here. Are these all your personal collection?"

"Half are mine, the other half are from my senpai’s. If there's a book you're interested in, feel free to come and read it after school or on holidays."

"There are other members?"

"They graduated though. I'm the only one now."

According to Akabane-senpai, a senior who graduated two years ago founded this circle. At that time, there were four members, and it was temporarily promoted to a club.

"However, the only difference is whether there's funding or not; the activities remain the same."

"What kind of activities do you do?"

"The main activity is sketching. We follow the teachings of our senpai that 'it's good to learn to depict the school while still a student.' We publish a magazine for the cultural festival."

"So, you draw manga?"

"That's right. Of course, it's hard to complete something immediately, so four-panel comics or illustrations are fine too. Having fun drawing is the motto of our circle."

"I see! That sounds great!"

An afternoon of drawing manga with a mature senpai—.

Isn't this the ideal youth!

"I've decided! I want to join the Manga Research—"

Yuzuhana  arrived.

She made a face like she had bitten into something sour when she saw me.

"Ugh. Why are you here?"

"That's my line. Weren't you going to join the art club?"

"All the members were guys, so I couldn't relax. They were overly welcoming, arguing over who would buy me juice, it almost caused a circle clash. So, I'll give you the art club."

"Don't decide that on your own. I like this circle."

"I'll like it too."

"You haven't even heard about the activities yet!"

"If you like it, then I'm sure to like it too!"

"So, both of you want to join?"

"No, just me!"

"No, just me!"

"I'm more suited for this circle! I've even published a doujinshi!"

"That's impressive for someone your age. Just what we need, a 'promising newcomer'."

That's exactly the line I wanted to hear!

I wanted to join even more now.

"Hey. Don't hog all the credit! I helped too. We pulled all-nighters for days!"

"I thanked you properly. I took you on a hot spring trip. And not just one night, but three nights at an inn that costs 15,000 yen per night!"

"You seemed pretty satisfied with it too. And you paid for it out of your own pocket!"

"You're the one who refused to let me pay! And I treated you to lunch! A 2,500 yen set meal!"

"You remember all the details so well. What a stingy guy!"

"I remember because it was fun! You enjoyed the hot spring too, didn't you?"

"I couldn't help it! It's been a while since we traveled together... What are you doing?"

"I'm setting up a voice recorder. Lover's quarrels are useful for creative work."

"It's not a lover's quarrel!"

"But you two are dating, right?"

"We're not dating!"

"You're in sync."

The senpai laughed amusingly.

Anyway, she smiled happily,

"As for me, I'd be more than happy if both of you joined."

"I won't join unless she gives up on joining!"

"Likewise! I won't join until you swear not to join!"

We turned our faces away and tried to leave the room at the same time.

Akabane-senpai called out, "Wait a moment," and took out a booklet from the shelf.

"This was the magazine we put out at last year's cultural festival. Even if you don't join, feel free to come by anytime if you're interested."

She really is a nice senpai.

I regret even more that my hobbies and tastes match with Yuzuhana 's so much. When we first met, she had no interest in manga, anime, or games, but before I knew it, she had become an otaku on par with me...

For me, who was a loner, those days spent with an otaku friend were genuinely enjoyable.

The gears got messed up once romantic feelings came into play. If I hadn't fallen for Yuzuhana , we wouldn't have gotten married, wouldn't have become hostile, and could have stayed friends.

A cute otaku girl became my girlfriend, and then my wife—I genuinely thought back then, "I am the happiest person in the world!", but now I feel like punching that face.

If only we hadn't married.

If only we hadn't dated.

If only we hadn't fallen in love.

We could have still enjoyed those fun days.

But it's too late for regrets.

Now, we're neither husband nor lover, without even a shred of romantic feelings, but since we hate each other, we can't even be friends. Going back to those fun days is something that will never happen in the future.

With the magazine in my bag, Yuzuhana  and I left the room, almost racing each other.

 

◆

 

Just Past Noon on Saturday.

After lunch, I left the house.

My destination was the net café in the shopping district. Since work got busier, I've only used it as a place to sleep, but this time, I planned to fully enjoy manga, anime, and free drinks.

So, in the pleasant warmth, I headed towards the station—

"...Why are you here?"

"That's my line."

I ran into Yuzuhana  on the station platform.

She was wearing a one-piece with a cardigan. Her outfit was cute, but her gaze at me was not. Her eyes looked like she might pounce at any moment, glaring at me.

"You're not stalking me, are you?"

"You're the one who reads my mind and gets ahead of me, aren't you?"

"I don't have that kind of psychic ability. But I can guess what you're thinking. You're thinking, 'That outfit doesn't suit her,' right now, aren't you?"

"I understand now that you don't have mind-reading powers."

"Or maybe you're just spot on?"

"Wrong."

"Then, what do you think about this outfit?"

"I think the clothes are cute. The clothes."

"I don't feel happy being complimented by someone with no sense of fashion like you."

"What's the right answer then?"

"Leaving the station would be the right answer."

"Sorry, but I have no intention of leaving the station."

"Then change train."

"I have no obligation to follow your orders."

As we exchanged sparks, Yuzuhana  suddenly remembered something and said:

"By the way, I used to give you chocolate every Valentine's Day. Repay that favor here."

"I already returned the favor on White Day, so we're even."

"Huh? Mine was homemade chocolate made with love!"

"Mine was a carefully selected present after spending a lot of time. And you're the one who should repay the favor for making me take you out for a midnight drive because you desperately wanted to go out."

"I gave you a massage as thanks for that. Speaking of which, you were lamenting, 'Girls in white dresses with straw hats only exist in anime...' weren't you?"

"So what?"

"I went to a sunflower field in that outfit for you, so we're even."

"That's offset by the sunflower necklace I gave you because you seemed to want it. And you were into latte art for a while, weren't you?"

"The one featured on SNS. I even bought a photo book of it."

"I took you to a place where you could drink latte art and practiced making it well for you. My turn is over."

"My turn then. You suddenly said you wanted to be wall-donned, so I wall-donned you. That cancels it out."

"That episode is weak."

"But you were happy about it! You said it was unexpectedly thrilling!"

"That's a different matter. And you should mention two episodes."

"Why?"

"Because I mentioned two. I took you to the latte art shop and practiced—see? That's two."

"One, combine them!"

"No way. If you don't mention two, I win."

"How petty! Well, whatever. I have plenty of memories."

We continued to shoot memories at each other like bullets.

Before we could settle the score, the train arrived, and we rushed onto the train, competing.

There was one two-seater left, so we hurried towards it.

Sitting by the window, Yuzuhana  sat next to me.

"Why are you sitting next to me?"

"There's no other empty seat."

"There are some here and there."

"It's nerve-wracking to sit next to a stranger."

So you sit next to your ex-husband? It might not be nerve-wracking, but it's definitely uncomfortable.

"Besides, it's cramped. Scoot over."

"...What a selfish woman."

"Did you just call me selfish?"

"I didn't say that. And don't talk in the train. It's annoying."

For Yuzuhana , who cares about others' opinions, the word "annoying" is very effective. Although she kept silent, she still wanted to express her dissatisfaction with me,

"Then lend me your phone."

She whispered to me in a low voice.

"Why?"

"Just do it."

"...Don't break it, okay?"

I handed her my flip phone, and she tapped away on it before giving it back.

Yuzuhana  typed something into her phone—

[You called me selfish, didn't you?]

A message came from an unknown address. No need to check; it's from Yuzuhana .

Instead of talking in the train, she's interrogating me via text... She remembers the past so well, she really holds grudges.

Struggling with the flip phone's input, I replied:

[Stop sending spam. I'll report you.]

She slapped my thigh.

[No violence.]

[You called me selfish, didn't you?]

She's persistent...

To change the subject, I sent her a funny photo of Sana.

Yuzuhana  let out a small laugh.

And then she slapped my thigh again.

[Don't make me laugh. People around will think I'm weird.]

[If you're upset, make me laugh.]

[Then look away.]

Looking out the window, I heard the sound of a camera shutter.

A message came, and when I opened the attachment, it was a photo of Yuzuhana 's face.

[Why the kissing face?]

[It's a dumpling mouth! Did I make that face when we kissed!?]

[Only I know that.]

[Tell me honestly, I won't get mad!]

[I won't tell. That's what you say when you're about to get mad.]

[I said I won't get mad!]

[See, you're mad.]

[I'm not mad!]

[You're definitely mad.]

She glared at me just as we arrived at our destination station.

As I stood up, Yuzuhana  also stood. Since both the shopping mall and the shopping district are near this station, standing here was expected.

We left the station in silence. My stride was longer, but Yuzuhana  was walking briskly to keep up.

"Don't follow me."

"You're the one following. And are you talking to me?"

"It's not annoying to talk outside."

"We promised not to get involved."

"You're the one getting involved."

While arguing, we walked without stopping and reached the shopping district.

We stopped almost at the same time.

"You're going to the net café too!"

"You're going to the net café too!?"

Realizing we had the same destination, we rushed into the shop, competing. This place is small, so it's not unusual for it to be fully booked on weekends. My pride wouldn't allow her to take the last seat.

The staff greeted us with a smile as we reached the counter at the same time.

"Two people, right?"

"No, we're each one!"

"We are very sorry, but we only have one seat left at the moment..."

"You should give it to me."

"You should give it to me. You have plenty of manga, don't you?"

"I was in the mood to spend the whole day in a net café since this morning."

"I've been thinking about the manga I want to read since this morning too."

"I could lend you my manga, so give me this spot."

"I don't want to owe you anything."

"If you know each other, would you like to share a seat?"

"Share a seat?"

"What kind of seat is that?"

"It's a couple's seat."

"We're not a couple!"

"The name is 'couple's seat,' but it's not exclusively for couples..."

The staff looked troubled.

We couldn't cause any more trouble.

"What should we do?"

"We can't bother the staff more, so we have no choice but to sit in the couple's seat."

"Guess we have to... I really don't want to, but I'll put up with it this time."

"That's my line. Sitting with you is really depressing."

"How long will you be staying?"

"Both: Free time, please."

We paid and headed to the room.

I used to come to this shop, but it was my first time in the couple's seat. Upon entering, it was... a bit cramped for two people.

Sitting on the wide sofa, Yuzuhana  placed her bag and quickly left.

That's careless... Just to be safe, I waited for Yuzuhana  to come back, and once she did, I went to choose my manga.

Returning with a gag manga in hand, I saw Yuzuhana  wearing glasses.

"Why are you staring?"

"I'm not staring."

"You must be thinking it doesn't suit me, right?"

"I wasn't thinking that. If your eyesight is bad, you should wear glasses regularly."

"No way. It's embarrassing to wear glasses all of a sudden."

"You're overthinking it. No one pays that much attention."

"It's a matter of feeling... Really, it doesn't look weird?"

"You're persistent. I said it suits you."

"You didn't say it suits me though..."

Yuzuhana  looked down and started reading, cutting off the conversation.

Sitting next to her, I began reading my manga.

At first, I was conscious of Yuzuhana , but I gradually got absorbed into the manga—

"...pfft."

"...What?"

"Nothing. I just laughed."

"Right."

It was a curt response, but... perhaps curious about what I was reading, she kept glancing at my manga. It was unsettling...

"...Curious?"

"I am curious. What are you reading?"

"This."

When I showed her the page where I had burst out laughing, Yuzuhana  let out a snort of laughter.

"Oh, that one. Hasn't it been animated yet?"

"It'll be animated in five years. I thought the time had finally caught up. The person who greenlit the anime really has an eye for it."

"Yeah. I heard it was on the verge of cancellation at the start, but it's actually quite good, isn't it?"

"It is. I thought my sense of humor was off because it wasn't popular at all. I felt relieved seeing you laughing so hard."

"I thought I might laugh my guts out back then."

"You even had a sudden burst of laughter while sleeping."

"I had a tough time during lectures because of the sudden laughter."

"You made an unreasonable request back then, like 'Pinch my arm so I don't laugh.'"

"It wasn't an unreasonable request."

"It was unreasonable. There's no way I could pinch you."

"It doesn't hurt when you pinch me, so it's fine."

"Then there's no point in pinching."

"That's a different matter. Leave it here when you're done. I want to read it too."

"Sure."

I didn't mind lending it to her since it saves me the trouble of returning it, but... it's kind of sad to think that our manga talk is over.

A manga talk after such a long time is really fun.

Even if I think it's not ideal to have my ex-wife as a conversation partner... we're going to be together until evening anyway. Creating a peaceful atmosphere is better than letting awkward silence linger if I want to fully enjoy the net café.

"...So, what are you reading?"

Maybe she wanted to continue the manga talk too because she showed me the cover without any reluctance.

"This one."

"Oh, you liked that author."

"Especially the third work. It left off at such a cliffhanger, I'm eager to see how it continues."

"I'm curious about the popularity poll results too."

"Yeah. It was supposed to be announced next month, but now it's 12 years later. Well, Anthony is definitely going to be first."

"Huh? It's Anju."

"It's a shonen manga, right? The protagonist is bound to be first."

"There are cases where the heroine comes first. Anju is really cute."

"Anju is super cute, but she'll probably end up in fourth place, splitting votes with Chloe."

"Yeah, that's true. But there was an Anju-focused episode right before the voting deadline. After seeing that performance, you'd want to vote for Anju."

"It was definitely an amazing episode."

With the manga talk getting lively, was our body heat rising? Yuzuhana  picked up the remote.

"It's hot, so I'm turning on the AC."

"It's not hot."

"It is hot."

"It's not. If it's hot, take off your cardigan."

"Pervert."

"I'm not a pervert."

"Then I'll turn it on."

"Go ahead, but focus on reading."

She turned on the AC and went back to reading.

The cold air clung to me, making me shiver.

"...You're really sensitive to cold."

"It's just you who's sensitive to heat. Can we turn off the AC?"

"No way. My hands will get sweaty and stain the manga."

Is manga more important than me? ...Well, I expected her to say that.

Today we didn't have a big fight, but that's because being surrounded by our favorite manga has calmed our hearts. The fact that she hates me hasn't changed. There's no reason to be considerate to such a person—

"Fine, I'll lend you my cardigan."

"...Huh? Your cardigan?"

I was taken aback by this unexpected kindness.

"I can't concentrate on reading when you look cold next to me."

"Then you should've taken off your cardigan before turning on the AC."

"Shut up. I'm trying to be kind here, so be grateful. If you don't want to wear it, that's fine, but don't complain if you catch a cold."

"And you better not complain later that my smell has stuck to it. I won't pay for dry cleaning, no matter what."

"I won't do anything so petty. Unlike some people, I have a big heart."

The root cause was her turning on the AC, and I'd like to say something about her claim of having a big heart... but starting a new argument here would be of no benefit to me.

I swallowed back the urge to say something and accepted the cardigan.

"...Thanks."

"...You're welcome. Put it on before you catch a cold."

"Alright, alright."

As I put on the cardigan, a sweet, fluffy scent enveloped me.

I resumed reading, wrapped in Yuzuhana 's scent. Occasionally discussing our thoughts on the manga, we read until the sun went down, fully enjoying the net café.

I never thought I could relax in a couple's seat with my ex-wife... even if today was comfortable, I won't suggest going to the net café again... but my aversion to her might have slightly diminished.

Maybe it's just my imagination though.

 

◆

 

What an incredible lapse in judgment. Enjoying a net café with my ex-husband...!

No, no. It must be because the manga was so interesting that I didn't mind. The manga talk was fun, but if it weren't for him, it would have been even more comfortable!

So, the day after that net café experience, I decided to avoid Kohei. I'm sure I'll feel much better without him around.

Well, saying I'll avoid him, today is Sunday. If I stay in the apartment, I won't run into him. But it's such a waste not to go out on a holiday.

"Today... shall I go to an arcade?"

There are two arcades nearby - one in the shopping mall and one in the shopping district.

And here's the crucial part: Kohei and I have similar tastes, hobbies, and ideas.

When we were dating, even if I went out alone, I'd run into Kohei, and every time it would turn into a date.

Back then, I thought, 'We're bound by the red thread of fate!' but now, it just seems like 'Are you stalking me?'

Knowing us, if we go out without thinking, we'll end up seeing each other today too.

So, I'll use our perfect compatibility (unfortunately) against him. Since I feel like going to the shopping mall today, I should go to the arcade in the shopping district.

With that in mind, I finished lunch early and headed to the station. I took a train where Kohei wasn't and went to the shopping district.

I walked through the crowded arcade and arrived at the arcade.

There were gachapon machines that kids would love around the entrance, from where you could see inside the shop.

"...He's not here."

After confirming that my ex-husband wasn't there, I entered the store.

Heh, I outsmarted him! This round goes to me! - Thinking this with a sense of superiority, I wandered around the arcade and noticed the crane games.

"This..."

It was a popular game, the plush toys of Capsule Monsters.

My favorite character, Nyanders, was among the prizes. It was the exact same plush toy I cherished back then.

I first encountered Nyanders in May of my first year at university.

On my way back from being moved by an animal movie at the shopping mall with an attached cinema, I ran into Kohei.

At the time, we were more than acquaintances but less than friends, so it was a bit awkward... but Kohei told me that you could get one free go on the crane game with a cinema ticket stub, so we went to the arcade together.

That's where I fell in love at first sight with Nyanders.

Of course, I tried my hand at it. And I failed. Crane games aren't that easy for a beginner to win in one go.

In my place, he managed to get Nyanders. I thought he was cool for getting it in one go, and when he gave it to me as a gift, my fondness for him soared.

However, when he handed it over, he mumbled bashfully, "Nyanders looks fast but is actually slow and has a paper-thin defense, so you wouldn't want it in your party," all in a rush.

I didn't understand it back then, but now I do. Every time I used it in battle, it was mercilessly knocked out in one hit... That guy doesn't know how to go easy. Being taken easy on would be humiliating too, though.

Anyway, meeting here must have been fate.

Even though it's a gift with a story from my ex-husband... even if seeing it reminds me of his embarrassed face, now that I've found Nyanders, I want to take it home.

But—

"Ugh..."

I can't get it at all.

It feels impossible to win.

For someone with nine years of otaku experience to struggle like this...!

Well, after getting close to Kohei, he always managed to get it for me, so I've never won one on my own.

Even so, Kohei always got it so easily. My pride won't allow me to lose to him. I'm definitely going to take it home!

And so, I got stuck in the swamp. One thousand yen bills flew away one after another, my funds were running low, and I was forced to make a bitter decision.

It's frustrating to rely on him... but I have to put up with it to get Nyanders.

[I need advice on how to play the crane game from someone I know.]

[Who's the acquaintance?]

When I sent a message to Kohei, he replied immediately. If only he responded this quickly during work hours. I understand he was busy with work, and maybe it was childish of me to complain, but... he could've replied by pretending to go to the bathroom, right?

He would say, 'I don't even have time to go to the bathroom,' though.

Then, he should quit that company. It's definitely going to ruin his health.

He said being unemployed isn't cool, but I didn't marry him because he was working. I'd rather he be unemployed than ruin his health. Then we could have spent every day together, without any misunderstandings...

[It doesn't matter who.]

[If you just honestly ask, 'Please teach me,' I might share the trick with you.]

There it is, that condescending attitude.

This guy has a habit of trying to one-up people. I can brush off each instance, but when they pile up, I feel like shouting. But since I'm in the position of asking for help this time, I'll let it slide.

[You think I'd beg you for advice?]

[I do.]

[Where does that confidence come from?]

[Look at the entrance.]

...Kohei was standing at the entrance.

He approached me with a smirk on his face.

Ahhhhhhh!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The worst! The absolute worst! I've been played like a fool!

"I was with an acquaintance until just now!"

"That's a tough excuse. I've been watching you the whole time."

"If you were watching, you should have said so!"

"If you want to know the trick, just say so honestly."

"If I say it honestly... will you teach me?"

"I'll teach you."

"W-why?"

"Because seeing you panic puts me in a good mood."

He's really the worst!

"So, which one do you want?"

"That one."

"Ah. You liked Nyanders, didn't you? You always had it in your party."

"Yes. And you kept defeating it."

"Are you still holding a grudge about that? You said you wouldn't accept it if I went easy on you."

"That doesn't mean you had to defeat it in one hit... So, can you teach me the trick?"

"I can, but this one is easier to get. You liked Nyansuta too, right?"

"I want Nyanders. I want to decorate my room like I used to."

"I was the one who got it back then, right?"

"You got it in one go. So I thought I could do it too..."

"How much have you poured into this?"

"Five thousand yen."

"You've really fallen into the swamp..."

"It's because you didn't speak up sooner."

"But you would have gotten angry if I spoke to you."

"Well..."

Until this past Friday, I probably would have been angry.

After all, he's my ex-husband with whom I divorced after a series of marital spats.

But strangely, I'm not irritated today. I think it's because we had a good time together yesterday.

That doesn't mean I want to chat every day if asked, though - in fact, because we're divorced, even if I thought that, I couldn't say it -

"I won't get angry just because you spoke to me now."

Even as we talk like this, my dislike for Kohei has faded to the point where I'm not getting angry.

I don't want him to think I'm easy, so I definitely won't show him a smile.

"So, what's the trick?"

"First, call over a staff member."

"And then?"

"Ask them to move it to an easier spot."

"...Isn't that cheating?"

"It's the surest method. After spending 5,000 yen, they'll change its position."

"Then you talk to them."

"Why me?"

"Because I get nervous, obviously. Come on, let's go."

I grabbed him by the sleeve of his baggy shirt, pulled him along to the staff, and gave him a pat on the back.

"Alright, alright, I get it," he muttered,

"Excuse me, I've spent over 5,000 yen but haven't been able to get anything. Could you change its position?"

"Sure, which one?"

We led the staff to the machine, and they moved it closer to the drop zone.

"So, should I get it?"

"This time, I'll do it myself."

I inserted the coin and operated the crane with focus - I did it!

"I got it! I got it! This is my skill!"

"I helped though."

"I know. I'll treat you to juice as thanks."

I can't let my pride leave me in debt.

Since the AC in the store was cold and Kohei is sensitive to cold, I decided to buy it from the vending machine outside.

In front of the vending machine, there was a little girl about four years old crying.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Is she lost?"

"It's obvious she's not lost. What I want to know is why she's crying. She might have a stomach ache."

"But she doesn't look like she has a stomach ache."

"She might have one even if she doesn't look like it. Besides, I'm talking to her, so don't interrupt."

"I'm not interrupting. I'm worried too."

"Then leave it to me."

"You're the one who's shy, so I started talking to her."

Indeed, I'm shy. I had a lot of troubles when I was alone. I once bought something without knowing the price because I couldn't ask, only to find it was more expensive than I thought, or I wandered for hours in a maze-like station unable to find my way out...

But after getting close to Kohei, I didn't face those troubles anymore. He would always ask on my behalf when I was in trouble.

At first, I was grateful every time, but... before I knew it, I had come to expect his help. Maybe that's why I unknowingly irritated Kohei.

If I had properly thanked him each time, would our marriage have worked out?

...I don't know. And there's no way to find out.

Because our relationship is already over.

But - if we're going to start rebuilding our relationship, I'll make sure to say thank you.

...Well, it depends on Kohei's attitude though.

"Hey, don't go silent on me. You're not getting shy with me too, are you?"

"I don't hold back with you."

"That's what I thought. I've experienced firsthand how harsh your words can be. How do you even come up with such cruel things to say?"

"That goes both ways! You've said some pretty harsh things too—"

"Onee-chan and Onii-chan, you're scary..."

"S-sorry? The Onii-chan isn't scary."

"The Onee-chan isn't scary either, right?"

"B-but, you were angry..."

"N-no, that's not it! We're not angry!"

"Actually, we're good friends!"

Kohei grabbed my hand and started swinging it around!

If you're going to hold my hand, say so! You made my heart skip a beat! It's just because I was surprised, not because I was excited... And how long do you plan on holding it? If you don't let go soon, I'll start sweating!

But I'll endure it. Normally, I'd shake him off, but to comfort this girl, we have to pretend to be good friends.

The little girl seemed relieved seeing us get along on the surface. Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, Kohei let go of my hand... I ended up sweating, but Kohei didn't seem to mind, he didn't even wipe it on his clothes.

Hmph. You dodged a bullet there. If you had wiped my sweat off roughly, I would've stepped on your foot.

Anyway, we need to find her mom quickly.

"First, can you tell Onee-chan your name?"

"...Miu."

"Miu-chan, were you shopping with your mom?"

"Yeah. But when Miu was looking at the plushies, she was gone..."

"I see. So Miu-chan likes plushies, huh?"

"Yeah. I like Nyanders too."

"They're cute, aren't they, Nyanders? Here, want this one?"

"You're giving it to me?"

"Yeah. So stop crying, and let's look for your mom with Nyanders, okay?"

"Look for her!"

Miu-chan nodded brightly.

"I'll look for her, you stay here with Miu-chan."

"Wouldn't it be better if we both looked?"

"It would be a problem if we miss each other. Miu-chan wasn't here a moment ago, and I think her mom is still nearby, so if we call out loudly, she'll find us."

"Aren't you embarrassed?"

"Yeah, it's embarrassing, but we can't leave a lost child alone."

"Right. Miu-chan, looks like the Onii-chan will find your mom."

"Onii-chan, do your best!"

"Thanks."

"Onee-chan too!"

"Eh, me too? It's really embarrassing, but... if Kohei can put up with the embarrassment to look for her, I have to do the same."

"...Do your best!"

"Y-yeah. Thanks."

Blushing a little, Kohei stood in the busy street and called out loudly, "Miu-chan's mom! Miu-chan is over here!"

Among the passersby staring at Kohei, a woman came running over.

"Are you Miu-chan's mom?"

"Y-yes. Where's Miu...?"

"She's over there."

Kohei pointed in our direction.

The mom ran over, and Miu-chan's face burst into a smile.

"I'm so glad... I was looking for you because you suddenly disappeared."

"Miu was looking at toys! And then, this Onee-chan gave me this!"

"Thank you so much. I'll pay you for it..."

"No, it's fine. Just promise to take good care of it, okay?"

"Yes! I'll make it my treasure!"

Miu-chan hugged Nyanders tightly, held her mother's hand, and left with a smile.

I didn't really want to let go, but... Miu-chan will take good care of it.

"...If you really want it, I'll get you a Nyanders."

"Eh? Why?"

"The reason doesn't matter. What's important is if you want it or not."

"Well... if you're offering, I would like it, but..."

"But what? You don't have the confidence to love a Nyanders I got for you?"

"That's not it! It's not that, it's just..."

I was just curious about his real intentions. I don't understand why he's being kind to someone he supposedly hates.

Is it just a whim? Or did he also lessen his dislike for me because of yesterday?

"If you don't want it, that's fine."

"I didn't say I don't want it! I just don't like receiving gifts from you... but if it's Nyanders, I'm confident I can love it."

"As expected from someone who kept using the slow, paper-armored Nyanders."

"Shut up! It has high attack power!"

"Which was never displayed even once."

"You always have to counter, don't you...!"

Well, whatever. He's going to get Nyanders for me. I'll let it slide just this once.

"But won't they only move it again if you spend another 5,000 yen?"

"I can get it without doing that. Within 1,000 yen."

"Then say you'll get it in one go."

"I haven't played crane games recently, so one go is a bit tough. So, what do you say?"

"...How about ten juices as thanks?"

"Do you want to destroy my stomach? One is fine."

"Then... I'll take you up on it."

And so, I waited behind Kohei as he operated the crane with a serious face.

The crane dropped Nyanders, and it bumped into Nyansuta.

Rolling around, Nyansuta fell out.

"J-just another 1,000 yen! I can get it with just another 1,000 yen!"

"It's fine."

"My pride won't allow it!"

"So I said it's fine. You got Nyansuta for me."

"B-but, you wanted Nyanders, right?"

Kohei's face was desperate.

He was trying his best to keep his promise to me.

I don't know if it was to make me happy or to save his own face, but—

"No. Nyansuta is fine."

I was happy with the effort he put in to get it for me.

"Then that's okay, but... take good care of it."

"I will, even without you telling me. ...Thanks for getting it for me."

"Sure. ...And you haven't forgotten our deal, right?"

"Of course. Drink whatever you like."

"They all cost the same price..."

We left the store.

As we were drinking juice in front of the arcade, it started to drizzle.

"Ugh. Seriously... I didn't bring an umbrella..."

"Didn't you check the weather forecast? It said there was a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon."

"30% means it's almost not going to rain. But it's fine; I'll kill time in the arcade until it stops. What about you?"

"I'm going home. I haven't done my math homework."

"Damn, I forgot..."

The math teacher looks like he could be a PE teacher, with a stern face to match his appearance. Students who forget their homework get scolded harshly.

"Are you going home too?"

"Yeah."

"What about an umbrella?"

"I'll have to buy one at the convenience store."

While we were talking, the rain got heavier.

At this rate, I'd be soaked before reaching the convenience store...

"...If you really want, I'll share my umbrella with you."

Kohei looked at me in surprise.

I was surprised too. I never thought I'd say such words from my own mouth. Offering to share an umbrella with Kohei.

Maybe I was moved to be kind because he got me Nyansuta.

"...How many juices?"

"I don't need one. Unlike you, I have a generous heart. ...So, what will you do?"

"Then... I'll take you up on it."

"Fine, I'll make an exception and let you in today. You would've been soaked without me. You're really lucky I'm here."

"...For today, that's fine."

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing."

I couldn't hear him over the sound of the rain.

I felt like he said something, but... oh well.

I opened my folding umbrella.

Kohei hesitantly came under it.

The already compact folding umbrella became very cramped for two, with our shoulders touching.

But... it wasn't that uncomfortable.