Chapter 21

Five days had passed since we went to the department store.

Since that day, one thing had changed between Yuu and me.

We started going out together.

After school, we’d go shopping or catch a movie.

Today, we’d just come back from another shopping trip—just the supermarket, but planning dinner together had been fun.

As for the movie, it was my first time going with someone other than family, so I’d been a little nervous, but I ended up enjoying it. The goal I’d set the other day—to try new things—was going smoothly, and it left me feeling refreshed.

Even though it was still early July, things were off to a great start.

You could even say everything was going perfectly.

But there was one thing I absolutely had to do now.

Something unavoidable, given that I was still a student.

I checked the calendar, counting the remaining days.

Today was the second Friday of July, which meant… about two weeks left.

"It’s about that time, huh."

"Hm? What is?"

Yuu asked when I muttered to myself.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t mentioned it yet.

"The end-of-term exams are starting soon."

I pointed to the date on the calendar and explained.

The last hurdle before summer break—the semester finals—were just two weeks away.

…I’d have to start studying soon.

If you failed a university exam, there was no arguing—you just lost the credit.

If I didn’t want to repeat a year, I had to prepare in advance.

"Yeah, I’ll start studying seriously tomorrow."

I set my plan.

It wasn’t too early—if anything, it was late for me.

Last time, I’d started preparing about three weeks ahead.

The reason I’d put it off this long… was probably because of Yuu.

It was childish and embarrassing, but being with her was so fun that I’d kept delaying it.

Even now, saying "starting tomorrow" was just me clinging to the last moment.

Truthfully, I wanted to keep hanging out with Yuu a little longer.

…But I also didn’t want to fail my classes and look pathetic in front of her.

"…I’ll do my best."

I’d already shown her my weak side once before. I couldn’t let her see more.

Passing exams was the bare minimum. She might not care much, but still—

"You’re starting tomorrow?"

"Yeah, that’s the plan."

Just as I steeled myself, Yuu spoke up.

"Um… is studying for exams hard?"

"…Hard to say. But I won’t really have time to relax."

I wasn’t sure how to answer.

Compared to university entrance exams, it’d be easier—but compared to middle school tests, it’d be tough.

Either way, I’d be buried in studying for a while.

I could still manage quick shopping trips like today, but going to movies together would be off the table.

"I see…"

Yuu’s face fell slightly.

Don’t look at me like that. It’s making me waver.

"But today’s still okay, right?"

"Well… yeah, it is."

I agreed. Did she have something in mind?

"Then… wanna drink the alcohol we bought the other day?"

"Alcohol?"

Oh, right—we’d bought some at the department store.

Yuu had said she’d never tried it before, so I got it for her.

…Yeah, why not?

After today, it’d be a while before I could relax like this with Yuu.

One last drink before buckling down might be nice.

…Wait, now that I thought about it, this’d be my first time drinking with someone outside my family, too.

The idea made me look forward to tonight even more.

"Alright, let’s have some with dinner."

"Okay."

And so, it was decided—Yuu and I would drink together.

The start of a night I’d later look back on with fondness…

And one Yuu would come to regret.