Chapter 25

“It’s time. Please put down your pens.”

At those words, I set the pen in my hand down on the desk.

The answer sheets were immediately collected, and once the proctor declared the exam over, the classroom was instantly filled with chatter.

…So this is the end.

It’s been three weeks since that night I had drinks with Yuu. The semester finals for all subjects were finally over.

Thankfully, I felt pretty confident. At this rate, I probably won’t have to worry about repeating the year.

…These past three weeks felt like forever.

Two weeks of studying, one week of exams—three weeks in total. But those three weeks felt longer than anything I’ve ever experienced.

I don’t think studying has ever been this painful.

Fighting off temptation was seriously tough.

After all, Yuu was right there.

For the first time, I understood why some people say they have to study away from home.

“…But that’s all over now.”

The people sitting around me had already started heading out.

The mood was light. Judging from the bits of conversation I could hear, everyone was already daydreaming about the upcoming summer break.

I stood up too and left the classroom.

Letting the flow of people carry me, I stepped outside the school building.

As I hit the street, the intense summer sunlight beat down on me without mercy.

I walked with a light step.

Normally, I’d groan under this kind of heat, but today was the last day of exams.

Even if you didn’t want to, you’d still feel like skipping along.

Starting tomorrow—no, starting now—it’s officially summer vacation.

…Summer break, huh.

What should I do?

What did I usually do around this time last year?

“…Oh right, I always went back to my parents’ place as soon as summer break started.”

Then I’d spend every day holed up in my room until break was over, aimlessly surfing the net or reading. Just a void of a life.

Thankfully, I probably won’t be falling into that pattern this year.

A few days back at my parents’ place should be enough.

…Wait, come to think of it—what’s Yuu going to do while I’m home?

Would they want to come with me?

Might be a good idea to ask.

If Yuu wants to come, I don’t mind at all.

It might actually be a good chance to introduce them to my parents.

It’s a little embarrassing to introduce someone as my “best friend,” but my parents know I never had friends before. They’d probably be really happy.

“I wonder what kind of faces she’ll make.”

They’ll definitely be surprised. Honestly, I’m kind of looking forward to it.

…And as for the rest of summer plans… I guess that depends on Yuu.

Yuu really helped me out over these past three weeks—making coffee, cooking me late-night snacks… a lot, honestly.

So if I can, I’d like to return the favor.

Also, there’s the matter of that night we drank.

I shouldn’t forget about that either.

After that night, Yuu was acting a little strange.

The next day, they were blushing and staggering around from a hangover, but that wasn’t all.

For the first couple of days, the atmosphere got weird whenever I got close. Even after that passed, for a few more days, they’d randomly glare at me with a red face.

Thankfully, things went back to normal after about a week, but those days were kind of rough.

I think Yuu was mad.

And they had every right to be. I knew it was their first time drinking, and yet it ended up like that because of my mistake.

I mean, it was my own fault, but still—getting glared at by Yuu like that was rough. I promised myself I’d be way more careful from now on so something like that never happens again.

To be honest, drunk Yuu was really cute—but that’s beside the point.

I was flustered at the time, but looking back on it now, Yuu really was adorable.

That smile when I patted their head—they looked so happy. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

Late at night, when I was worn out from studying, I almost reached out to do it again.

It was close. When they brought me rice balls, I nearly patted their head on reflex.

I caught myself just before I made contact, but… I’m pretty sure Yuu was upset.

They stared at me, face bright red, totally stunned.

“…I really need to reflect on that.”

So yeah, I want to do something for Yuu—as both thanks and an apology.

That’s why I said my plans depend on them.

“Well, either way, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Even if it's a bit shameless to say after talking about apologies—it’s the first summer break I’ll spend with my “best friend.”

I couldn’t help but be excited.

When I looked up, the sky was a clear blue.

And somehow, just seeing that made me want to see Yuu’s face again. I picked up the pace and headed home.