Chapter 55
November had arrived.
Outside, winter had fully set in—it was impossible to walk around without a coat anymore.
"...This year, October’s already over too..."
I found myself staring blankly at the calendar hanging in my room.
Before I knew it, there were only two months left until the new year. The year’s end was creeping up fast.
"It all went by in a flash..."
This year, time had truly flown by. It almost felt like the flow of time itself had changed before and after Yuu came. The four months leading up to early May—when Yuu arrived—felt undeniably longer than the six months since then.
"...Maybe I should start making plans for going home at the end of the year soon."
At this rate, Christmas would be over before I even noticed. The trains got crowded around New Year’s, so it’d be better to make arrangements early.
In previous years, I could’ve just hopped on a Shinkansen non-reserved seat if needed, but that wasn’t an option this time.
Come to think of it, even during summer, I’d scrambled at the last minute because I ran out of time. Considering that, I really ought to act sooner this time.
"...Oh, right. Yuu—"
I looked away from the calendar, ready to talk to her, and went to find Yuu. Stepping out of my room and into the living room, I saw her sitting on the sofa.
"Yuu, you got a minute? ...Yuu?"
"......"
I called out to her like usual. But for some reason, she didn’t respond.
"...Yuu?"
"......"
When I looked closer, she was just blankly staring into space. She wasn’t wearing earphones or doing anything in particular.
"...Again. What’s going on with her?"
Lately, Yuu had been spacing out like this. If I remembered right, the first time it happened was on November 1st.
"Yuu? You okay?"
"Huh? Shin?"
I moved closer and called her name again—this time, she reacted. Yuu blinked several times, looking up at me with a dazed expression.
"Yuu, did something happen? You’ve been out of it for a while now."
"...Huh? N-No, I’m fine. It’s nothing."
She waved her hand dismissively as she denied it.
...Even if she says she’s fine, she’s been zoning out way too often.
It had only been a few days, but I’d already seen it happen over ten times.
And even now, her eyes were avoiding mine. From the six months I’d known her, this was one of Yuu’s tells when she was lying.
Considering that, there was no way she was actually fine right now.
...Maybe she’s worrying about something?
If that was the case, I wanted her to tell me. I’d gladly listen to anything on her mind.
"Um, Shin..."
"Yeah?"
As I was thinking that, Yuu called my name in a small voice.
"Well, uh... you know?"
"...Yeah?"
From the tone, it sounded like she was trying to bring up something important. I focused, not wanting to miss a word.
"It’s just that..."
But after saying that much, her lips parted a few times wordlessly before she closed them again.
"......"
"Yuu?"
Even when I pressed, she stayed silent, her head hanging low. Her hands, resting on her knees, clenched into fists, wrinkling her skirt.
...Seriously, what’s wrong?
I desperately racked my brain, trying to recall if anything had triggered this. But I came up empty.
"S-Sorry. It’s nothing."
"Yuu..."
After a long pause, those were the only words she managed—empty, evasive.
...There’s no doubt she’s troubled by something.
I wanted to know what was bothering her. I wanted to help however I could.
But seeing her like this—head down, gripping her skirt—I couldn’t bring myself to force it out of her.
...It’s frustrating, not being able to do anything.
I had no idea what was happening with Yuu. No idea what to do.
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