Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 4 Chapter 5

The Ten-Year Misunderstanding

The morning after the beach trip. We gathered in the restaurant, as usual. Tennouji-san was sitting across from me, eating an omelet. She'd been eating that for days; she must really like it. Her body was trembling slightly.

"Tennouji-san, are you cold?"

"No. This is a shiver of excitement... I'm very confident about this exam. This time, I will definitely defeat Hinako Konohana."

I'd thought she was cold from the air conditioning, but apparently not.

"The summer lecture ends today. It's sad when you think about it."

Narika murmured. Hinako and I... everyone must have felt the same.

"Konohana-san and I are heading back today. What about everyone else?"

"Me too."

"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow. My father is going to inspect some stores, so I have to accompany him."

Narika's family runs Japan's largest sporting goods manufacturer. Like Taisho's and Asahi's companies, they sell directly to consumers, not other businesses—B2C. So they have stores all over the country. Since she was in Karuizawa, she was probably going to inspect the nearby shops. After hearing their answers, I looked at Yuri. I asked Yuri—but she was spacing out, staring into the air.

"Yuri?"

"Huh? Ah, sorry, I wasn't listening."

She finally reacted after a moment.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing."

Her reply lacked its usual energy. Thinking about it, it was pretty thoughtless to drag her to the beach when she's been working almost every day. She was running around a lot yesterday, too. She's probably tired.

"They're announcing your exam scores today, right?... I see. That explains why so many guests look worried."

Yuri said, looking around the restaurant. We were actually the least worried group. Hinako and Tennouji-san would no doubt get high scores. Only Narika and I were gloomy.

"By the way, Hirano-san, you used to tutor Itsuki, right?"

"Yeah. This guy was so busy with work he couldn't focus in class. So I'm pretty confident in my studies, at least."

The ojou-samas said "Ohh," impressed. I don't know how Narika knew that, but Yuri was being sneaky before the beach. She must have talked to them when I wasn't around. Thinking about it, Yuri is pretty amazing, too. She's always studied hard. I remember her saying... "It's annoying if people think I'm just a dumb cook, right?" That motivation is so typically Yuri.

"So, what were the questions like?"

"Uh... like this."

I took the test paper from my bag, which I'd left by my chair, and showed it to her. Yuri stared at it... and froze.

"Uh, can you... understand this?"

"I can barely understand what the questions mean."

I could at least read them.

"Ah... yeah, I kinda get it, too."

"You're lying..."

You have no idea how long it took me just to understand them.

"And... um... can you solve them?"

Yuri asked, an unreadable emotion in her eyes. Apprehension—she looked almost scared as she asked. I didn't get it, but I answered honestly:

"If I could solve them, would I be making this face?"

"...Right!"

Seeing my dead-fish eyes, Yuri's expression cleared instantly.

"See! Normally, no one could solve this stuff! You're still part of my world after all!"

"Ngh... This time, I can't argue."

Yuri said with her hands on her hips. I couldn't refute it. I really can't keep up with the Kiou Academy students. I keenly felt I wasn't working hard enough.

"...Is that so?"

Tennouji-san whispered.

"Alright, alright. I told you before. If you did badly, I'll make you a hamburg steak set. Cheer up."

Thinking about Shizune-san's spartan training, I'd need ten hamburg sets to break even.

"Message me when you get your score. I work until noon today."

"...Okay."

It was about time to go to class. I left the restaurant with Hinako.

"To think today is the last day of the lecture... it's a bit sad."

"Yeah. The studying was hard, but it's a good memory."

After we got to the classroom, Tennouji-san and Narika chatted wistfully. The other students were saying similar things. The atmosphere made me reminisce about the past week, and I felt a twinge of loneliness.

"Alright, I'll hand back the exams."

The instructor stood at the podium, calling names and returning the papers.

"Itsuki Tomonari."

"Yes."

I couldn't look at the score. I nervously took the paper, and the instructor smiled gently.

"You worked very hard."

"Huh..."

◆

"Hirano-san, it's about time for your break."

"Yes!"

Yuri, a kitchen cook, quickly tidied her station and left the kitchen. She took off her apron, put it in her locker, took out her phone, and opened the break room door.

"Ah, Hirano-san, good work."

"Yes, good work to you."

A senior colleague was already in the break room. She was an approachable woman who had taught Yuri a lot since her first day. It felt awkward to rest far away, so Yuri pulled a chair up next to her.

"Hirano-san, you're here until next week, right?"

"Yes. Though I'd love to learn more here..."

"You have your family's diner to help with, right? So impressive for someone so young~"

"It's what I want to do, so it's fine! Our place isn't big, and we have too many menu items, so it's hard to hire part-timers."

"Run by a small team of elites. Very professional."

Hearing that made her happy, and she suppressed a proud smirk. Still, thinking about her goal of a national chain, it was better not to rely on individual skill. She had to design a cooking method that even an inexperienced kid could learn. As she pondered the steps to achieve her ambition, something else came to mind.

"Um, Senpai."

"What is it?"

"Do you know anything about... macroeconomics?"

"Huh? Macro... what?"

Yuri just said, "Nothing," and sat down. Just as she thought, most people wouldn't know. If so, Itsuki definitely wouldn't, either. I should get that hamburg set ready, she thought, recalling the ingredients in her room and wondering if she was missing any seasonings.

"...Ah, a message from Itsuki."

She looked at her phone screen and saw the notification. (Okay, how'd he do~?) She expected to see him feeling down, so she prepared a few comforting phrases and checked the message. Exam Results—the message began.

".........Huh?"

Seeing the contents, Yuri's mind went blank. Itsuki had carefully listed his score for every subject. But the scores were all beyond her imagination. Class was over after the exams were returned, so they were probably on free time. Yuri moved away from her colleague and dialed Itsuki's number, her hand trembling slightly. The call connected immediately.

"Ah, uh... H-Hello? Itsuki?"

'What's wrong?'

"N-No, um... I saw your exam results."

She didn't realize her voice was shaking as she spoke.

"It says... you were chosen as an honor student..."

That's what Itsuki's message had said. He'd been so unconfident, saying he couldn't solve them... but he had achieved one of the top scores among all the students attending the summer lecture.

"Your score... it's great. Weren't you unconfident?"

'I was. But so was everyone else, apparently. Students from outside Kiou Academy also attend, so I guess I just looked good by comparison... Anyway, this means I get to avoid Shizune-san's spartan training.'

She heard him sigh in relief. But Yuri's anxiety didn't stop. Her forehead was cold with sweat. She tried to dismiss her feelings and was about to say something—

'Well, for my part, I expected as much.'

She heard Mirei's voice. The ojou-samas must be nearby; the call was on speaker.

'You understood the lectures, so this result is only natural.'

'I agree. Itsuki always works hard, and he kept up with the summer lectures... unlike me.'

After Mirei, Narika said something similar.

'Considering Tomonari-kun's efforts, I believe this result is quite reasonable.'

Hinako's calm voice came through.

"O-Oh..."

Yuri replied stiffly. The cold sweat wouldn't stop, and her breathing grew shallow.

"Ah, um... Sorry, I have to get back to work. I'll hang up."

'Okay. We're at the hotel until tomorrow, so we'll talk later.'

Itsuki, on the other end of the phone, didn't notice her state. The call ended. Yuri clutched her phone, stunned.

(...They all believed he could do it.)

Hinako, Mirei, and Narika all had. And yet—

(Only I... thought he couldn't.)

Thinking about it, Itsuki is attending Kiou Academy, Japan's top school. Of course he can study. Even if he had done badly... he's already smarter than I am. There was nothing left for Yuri to give Itsuki.

"Hirano-san, are you okay? You look pale..."

Her colleague asked, concerned.

"I'm fine... I'm going back to work!"

To ignore the reality she'd just realized, even for a moment, Yuri returned to her shift.

◆

"Alright, let's meet at the main building in an hour."

I said to Hinako and the others after returning to the hotel area.

"Hinako Konohana... Next time, I will win!"

"Please, go easy on me."

Hinako smiled gently. Tennouji-san yelled, "Kuh—!" in frustration and stalked off to her room.

(You tied, you could just be happy together...)

I gave a wry smile and headed to my own room. It was 3 PM. Even in Karuizawa, surrounded by nature, it was hot. I used the shoulder of my shirt to wipe the sweat from my temple. After the lecture ended, we'd relaxed at a nearby cafe. After chatting and grabbing lunch, the ojou-samas had to report their scores to their parents, so we split up. Hinako also had to call Kagen-san. I, in the meantime, had free time.

(Being praised by Shizune-san felt great...)

Before we split up, Shizune-san had praised my results. Getting praised by the person who usually trains you to death feels amazing.

"Phew."

I put my bag in my room, took a breath, and realized I had nothing to do. I'd been walking around until just now, so I could rest, but knowing I was leaving tomorrow made me want to enjoy every last second.

(I'll head to the main building.)

It was still early. I'll just wander around until it's time to meet. I left my room and wandered toward the main hall. When I entered the lobby, I saw a small figure.

"Yuri."

"Itsuki...?"

Yuri turned to me.

"Is your shift over for today?"

"Yeah, just finished. But tomorrow I'm working all day."

This meant today was our last chance to really talk. I wondered when we'd see each other next... As I thought that, I noticed Yuri looked pale, almost depressed.

"Itsuki... you've been studying hard."

"Well, I'm in an environment where I have to."

When I answered, her eyes rippled with anxiety.

"S-So, you can study, but what about sports?"

She asked with a forced smile.

"I mean, Kiou Academy is big on sports, right? I hear they win gold in everything. PE must be tough."

"It's tough, but I'm decent at sports. I don't get stuff like polo or skating that I've never done, but I haven't had trouble in class so far."

"I-I see..."

Yuri looked down.

"Th-Then, what about food? You still miss commoner food, right? Honestly, you must be torn, right?"

"Well, yeah, sometimes."

"Then!"

She looked at me anxiously.

"I'll come cook for you next time! Shizune-san even asked me to work there, and even if I don't, I can just deliver—"

"No, that's too much trouble for you..."

"But you miss it, right?"

Yuri put her hands on her hips.

"You can just ask me, no problem. I'm your big sister, after all!"

She used her classic line. But if I gave my usual reply, she really might deliver food to the estate.

"I appreciate the thought, but it's fine."

I gently explained.

"Even ojou-samas don't eat full-course meals every time. At first, I was eating fancy stuff to learn table manners, but lately, the food's been pretty normal. Omelets, hamburg steaks... I don't get 'commoner food' much, but it's all healthy, and I'm satisfied."

I mean, I do want to eat Yuri's cooking. But I wasn't struggling that much, and I couldn't bother her. She's working toward her own goals, and I don't want to hold her back. However, Yuri heard my answer and grew extremely agitated.

"Ah, uh... th-then..."

She looked like she was about to cry, her lips trembling.

"Yuri, what's wrong?"

"I-I'm fine. More importantly, Itsuki, are you worried about anything? I can help..."

"Honestly, I have tons of worries..."

"Then—!"

Her eyes suddenly lit up. I continued:

"But... I want to try and handle them myself as much as possible. I've been finding it... fun... to work hard and improve."

To catch up to the Kiou Academy students, I'm still lacking in knowledge and experience. But I've learned the joy of closing that gap with my own effort. The joy of success is proportional to the effort spent. So I don't want to give up on that effort easily.

"......I see."

Yuri hung her head and replied flatly. I was taken aback.

"Yuri, what is wrong with you?"

"...I'm fine."

"I'm your childhood friend. I can see through a lie that obvious."

No, even if I wasn't, anyone could tell she wasn't okay. It was that obvious.

"Even if you get me... I don't get you anymore."

Yuri said, her voice catching.

"You're... doing well now."

"Well, yeah."

"So... you don't need me anymore, do you?"

For a second, I didn't understand what she meant.

"Even without me, you're happy every day. You're doing just fine on your own."

"No... Even so, that doesn't mean I don't need you."

"It does!"

"It doesn't—"

"—It does!!"

Yuri shouted.

"Because! It doesn't matter if I'm around anymore! You're doing fine at school! You're popular! You're smart, you've got good posture! You've gone to a world I don't know... You live in a place where I can't do anything for you anymore!!"

Her emotions burst out like a broken dam. Even so, words weren't enough. Large tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You showed me that test this morning! I couldn't understand it at all! What am I supposed to do for someone who can solve that!? You said you don't need my cooking... I can't help you with anything! So you don't need me!"

I heard her shouts, but I just couldn't understand. I panicked.

"W-Wait a minute! 'Can't help me'... what are you talking about? I wasn't friends with you just because you could help me—"

"—Liar!"

Yuri yelled, her face red with emotion.

"Because! If I can't help you, you won't pay any attention to me!"

She said, and ran past me. I could only stare blankly at her small, retreating back.

◆

After Yuri left, I sat on the lobby sofa, frozen like a statue. Thirty minutes later, Hinako and Shizune-san appeared. Tennouji-san and Narika were with them; they must have met up. The four of them noticed me and walked over.

"Tomonari-kun, what's wrong?"

My expression must have been awful. Tennouji-san asked, concerned.

"I... had a fight with Yuri."

"Huh?"

"We fought."

I had no energy for pleasantries. I held my head. Hinako and the others said nothing.

"About what...?"

"...I don't really know."

Tennouji-san asked why, but I couldn't answer. I don't know. I don't know why Yuri was so angry. But I was responsible for her tears. Yuri is worried about something... I have to find out what.

"...By the way. I know Yuri was sneaking around before the exam... She visited you all, right?"

In the past, I'd often asked Yuri for help studying, and Narika knew. So Yuri and Narika must have talked when I wasn't around. It was probably the same for Hinako and the others. Just as I thought, not only Narika, but Hinako and Tennouji-san also nodded.

"Did she say anything? About me... or herself?"

I needed any clue I could get. I must have looked desperate, because the three of them answered immediately:

"I heard that Hirano-san and Itsuki have been close since they were kids. You've known each other since first grade, she cooked for you, gave you hand-me-down clothes, things like that."

That's right. I'd always been a burden to Yuri.

"We talked about you... She was worried about how you were doing at Kiou Academy. When I said you were fine, no problems, she seemed... surprised."

That's only natural. Even my past self wouldn't have believed I was surviving at Kiou Academy.

"It was similar for me. When I said Tomonari-kun was fine... she looked a little sad."

Hinako said, in her Ojou-sama mode. Sad... That seems to be the clue. Yuri was sad about my changes. If we reunited after a long time and I'd changed beyond her imagination, I can understand that feeling.

"It's hard to imagine from how you are now, but you used to survive with Hirano-san's help."

"Yeah... She was always my support..."

As I affirmed Tennouji-san's words, I realized something. Ah, that's it—I see.

"Tomonari-kun?"

"Did you figure something out?"

I held my head. Tennouji-san and Narika asked.

"Yuri knows the old me..."

Before I ask them for advice, they need to know. I decided to tell them about my relationship with Yuri.

"The old me... had no energy for anything else."

◆

I was poor since I was born. My parents worked a little, but they were in the habit of spending more than they earned on drinking and gambling. I had no choice but to work. I started my first part-time job on day one of high school. But if you ask when I started working, it's been as long as I can remember. As an elementary schooler, I helped my mother with her piecework. Other kids didn't have to worry about money, as if playing was their job. They were always running around the park. All I could do was watch them from afar, stuffing tissues into bags in my tiny home. How could I not be miserable? I was just a kid.

"Itsuki! Let's play!"

I met Yuri in elementary school. We lived nearby, but I didn't know we were neighbors until she pointed it out. Yuri had apparently known of me... which makes sense. A dirt-poor, alcoholic, gambling couple—rumors spread. The neighbors whispered we were "the family to avoid." But young Yuri just saw me as the kid from the rumors and came to meet me. However, I refused all her kindness. I didn't have time for it.

"Sorry, I'm busy."

I had to go home and help with the piecework. I had to go home and do chores. I had no food. I was hungry and irritable. I couldn't suppress my jealousy of the other kids.

"Itsuki! Today—"

"Sorry, I'm busy."

My mind was immature. I'd take out my stress on others. I was never violent or cruel, but I was definitely unnecessarily cold to Yuri, who kept coming back. I rejected her over and over. Finally, after half a year, Yuri found a different way to invite me.

"Itsuki! Want to be my cooking tester!?"

Yuri had dreamed of being a chef since she was little. Under the guise of a "tasting," she fed me all sorts of things. Thanks to her, I saved on food money.

"Itsuki! I have extra clothes. Want them!?"

When the seasons changed, Yuri would give me clothes. Thanks to her, I had clothes to survive the winter.

"Itsuki! Want to have a study group? Your grades are pretty bad."

When I was down about my grades, she suggested studying. She'd summarize the key points in a notebook so I could prep efficiently. Thanks to her, my awful grades improved. I still had no composure, but Yuri saw through me. She knew I would spend time with her if it benefited me. I didn't notice it at all back then. But now, I finally do. To be with me—she intentionally phrased her invitations that way.

◆

"Yuri... always made offers that were beneficial to me."

As I finished my story, Hinako and the others looked grim.

"I can't believe you went through that..."

"I... had no idea."

Tennouji-san and Narika whispered. Yuri had always acted in ways that would "help" me. And she's kept doing it. When we reunited at this hotel, she invited me to her room. It wasn't just to catch up; it was to feed me, assuming I missed commoner food. She seems bossy, but all her offers are things that make me happy. And she never suggests things that might not help—the pajama party and the beach were someone else's ideas, not hers. She's always, always been looking out for me. For almost ten years. Thinking back... that's when she started acting like my "big sister." I must have put her under so much pressure without even realizing it.

"—I have to go find her."

I finally understood the rift between us. A moment ago, I didn't get it, so I just let her run off. But now, I have something to say to her. Dinner didn't matter. I stood up and headed outside.

"Tomonari-kun."

Hinako called out to me. I stopped and walked back to her. She dropped her Ojou-sama mode so the others wouldn't notice.

"Do you... care about Hirano-san?"

She asked, her expression serious.

"Yes. I care about her."

She's important enough that I can answer instantly. Excluding family, she's the person I've known the longest. She's kind, and she's been considerate of my feelings since we were kids. If that girl is somewhere hurting right now—I have to go help her.

"I'll be back."

I said to Hinako, and went out to find Yuri.

◆

In elementary school. Yuri had once gone to school while sick. She probably had a fever, a runny nose, a headache... her whole body felt heavy. She'd thought about staying home, but her teacher had just told the class about the honor of a perfect attendance award, so she'd forced herself to go. For better or worse, she was very good at faking it. Even her family didn't notice. She'd always been a handful, so if she acted quiet, they'd know. She forced herself to be energetic. She burst into the classroom with a cheerful "Good morning!" At lunch, she chatted with her friends and ate. Then, after school, she went to find Itsuki in the next class.

To Yuri back then, Itsuki was just a classmate, but also the acquaintance who lived closest. To a young Yuri, that made him feel different, and she wanted to be his friend. She didn't have deeper feelings. She didn't "like" him or "pity" him. Itsuki never played with her. She went to find him, thinking,

"He'll just say no again today."

"Yuri, are you sick?"

He saw right through her. She had fooled her family, her friends, even her teacher—but Itsuki, who she'd barely seen, knew she was sick. No one else had noticed, so she'd almost forgotten herself... Itsuki was really looking at her.

That realization shook her to the core. Thinking back, that was the moment. From that point on—Yuri had been in love with Itsuki.

The sound of the waves reached her ears. Yuri sat on the sand, staring at the crimson sky, remembering.

(...What am I doing.)

She'd wanted to run away, anywhere. Her feet had unconsciously carried her back to yesterday's beach. Running to the beach after a fight... even she was impressed by her own random actions. Luckily, she had train fare. By the time she got back, it'd be dark. She had a long shift tomorrow; she should go back and rest. The sun was setting, and the beach was almost empty. She could think without being disturbed.

(I didn't mean to say that...)

She'd said things she shouldn't have. If I can't help you, you won't pay attention to me... That was true of the old Itsuki, but the Itsuki now isn't like that. He has the composure to go along with things that don't benefit him. No... thinking about it, he's had that composure for a long time. Maybe late elementary school, or middle school. He'd matured. He'd stopped showing his moods, his anxiety, his complaints. And he became a "good person."

You can't act for others if you don't have composure. From the moment they started calling him that, he'd had it. I was the only one who didn't notice. I was the only one still clinging to the old Itsuki. —I'm your big sister, after all! It was her classic line.

It sounded like she was saying it to Itsuki or others, but she was really just convincing herself. I'm his big sister, so I have to help him. She was just trapping herself. She had no right to blame Itsuki.

(Of course those ojou-samas saw through me... saw what I was feeling.)

Hinako, Mirei, and Narika had all asked how she felt about Itsuki. Of course she likes him. She wouldn't be this serious about him if she didn't. But she had sealed those feelings away for a long time. As a kid, Yuri had approached the overwhelmed Itsuki many times. Her heart would pound, her face would turn red. Driven by her first crush, she'd tried desperately to get him to notice her—and failed every time.

That's when Yuri thought: I see... my feelings are just a bother to Itsuki. So she sealed her love and thought of a new way to get him to notice her. In that sense, her "big sister" declaration was born. I'm Itsuki's big sister—I'm just taking care of my little brother. I don't like him!

"...I'm such a tsundere."

The sea breeze cooled her burning cheeks. It was just self-hypnosis. Confessing would be a bother. But she still wanted to be with him, so she chose this twisted path. She was the one who chose it. Blaming Itsuki was completely wrong.

"Hey, miss."

Someone suddenly spoke. Yuri turned and saw two muscular men.

"You alone?"

"It's getting dark. We'll give you a ride. Want to grab some tea with us first?"

They both had dyed hair and tattoos. They radiated a scary aura. Yuri immediately stood up and backed away.

"...No, thank you."

"C'mon, don't be like that. You gotta accept a guy's kindness."

The man said, grabbing Yuri's thin arm.

"Hey, let go!"

"Whoa, your hands are cold!"

"You're feisty. Cute."

Yuri seethed. She'd been thinking about something important, and these idiots had interrupted. She looked at the smirking man, her irritation peaking.

"I said, let go!!"

Yuri slapped the man's hand. A "smack!" echoed. The man's face changed.

"...Hey. Don't get cocky."

"Kyaa!?"

The man balled his fist. Terrified, Yuri squeezed her eyes shut. Just then—

"—Made it just in time."

A familiar voice. She slowly opened her eyes. Itsuki was grabbing the man's arm.

◆

Searching for Yuri, I ended up at yesterday's beach. She was probably distraught, but her small size is distinctive. I kept asking people, "Have you seen a small girl in these clothes?" and finally found her. Yuri must have been crying on her way here. There were a lot of sightings.

"Who the hell are you?"

Yuri was being harassed by some sketchy guys. The one whose arm I'd grabbed glared at me, clearly annoyed.

"I'm her childhood friend."

I replied simply, pulled the man's arm, and quickly threw him.

"Waah!?"

The ground was sand. He wouldn't get hurt. The other man saw his friend get thrown and froze, but a second later, he swung at me, angry. —Slow. You have no idea what Shizune-san puts me through. I caught his outstretched wrist, twisted it outward, and applied pressure to his elbow. He couldn't take it and crumpled to his knees.

"Ow!?"

He didn't break his fall and slammed his chin on the ground. The two men, covered in sand, got up. They were just trying to pick her up; they weren't looking for a real fight.

"Damn it...!!"

"Y-You'll pay for this!!"

They ran off, shouting lines straight out of a manga.

"Phew..."

Glad I could handle that. But hitting on Yuri... Are they lolicon?

"Are you okay?"

I asked Yuri, who was behind me.

"Y-Yeah. Th-Thanks—"

She cut herself off. Yuri must have remembered we were fighting. Her meekness vanished, replaced by her usual sharp tone.

"Wh-What are you doing here? I-I didn't ask you to help."

"...You could just say 'thank you' sincerely."

"I-I-I don't know what you're talking about!?"

Her cheeks were red, and not just from the sunset. Yuri was sweating, flustered, but finally, her expression turned sad.

"...You really have changed. You were never this strong."

She looked me up and down. A fit body and the guts to face down thugs. I didn't have those before.

"Yeah, I've changed. But because I changed, I was able to protect you."

So I don't regret it. And I want Yuri to accept it.

"Yuri... I'm sorry. I never noticed."

I lowered my head.

"You were always trying to 'help' me... because of what happened back then, right? Because I kept rejecting you, you thought of ways you could help, right?"

"...Yeah. But that was my choice. It's not your fault."

"No, it is my fault."

"No, it's mine."

"Mine."

"Mine."

"Mine—"

"Mine—"

We wouldn't back down. But I can't give in here. Yuri is always confident and stubborn. Even when I worry, she just laughs it off. I can't keep relying on her strength.

"Yuri! I'm just going to say it!"

I yelled. Yuri flinched. I pressed on.

"I've never seen you that way!"

"Wh-Whaaaat!? S-So that's how it is!! I'm just not girly enough for you!!"

"No! That's not it! I mean I never saw you in terms of whether or not you could help me!"

"—!"

Yuri's eyes widened.

"H-How can you say that now... You're lying! You know you only paid attention to me when I could help!"

"No! That was a misunderstanding!"

Yuri was about to cry. I yelled louder:

"I had no energy back then! I had no time to play, and I couldn't control my emotions, so I was cold to everyone. Of course I had no friends!"

It wasn't that they hated me; they just left me alone. Eventually, no one talked to me. That's when I finally felt lonely, but it was too late.

"But you... you were the only one who kept coming. Maybe for you, it was just 'cause we lived close by. But for me... it made me so happy."

At first, I might have found her annoying. But her persistence slowly dug out my hidden feelings. Yuri found my loneliness... my desire to connect.

"So I made up my mind. The next time you came... I was going to be your friend."

I've never told anyone this. It was a decision I made alone.

"The first time we ever hung out... was the day you asked me to be your cooking tester."

"Ah..."

Yuri let out a small sound. She finally gets it. That's right—it was all a coincidence. I just happened to decide "next time, I'll be her friend." Yuri just happened to decide "I need to help Itsuki." Those two coincidences crossed, and Yuri misunderstood me. She developed a misunderstanding that if I can't help him, he won't pay attention to me—

"I wasn't friends with you because you could help me. It was because you kept coming, because you cared... That made me happy. That's why I became your friend."

"...I see."

Yuri realized her mistake, tears welling in her eyes. But I had more to say.

"And by the way... the only reason I am who I am... is because of you."

Yuri looked up.

"After we became friends, I learned something. It's easier to live by connecting with people than by pushing them away. I'm called a 'good person' now... but that's all thanks to you. You're the one who taught me the warmth of connecting with others."

If I hadn't met Yuri, I'd still be tormented by my family situation. My relationships would be a mess. I definitely wouldn't have picked up Hinako's student ID. I would have just thought, She's a rich Kiou student, and ignored it. So, that day—the reason I met Hinako was because of Yuri. The reason I didn't self-destruct, despite my awful family, was because I met Yuri.

(I shouldn't say "sorry"...)

I was about to apologize for not noticing her ten-year misunderstanding. But there's something more important to say.

"Yuri... thank you for always being my support. Because of you, I'm surviving at Kiou Academy."

I conveyed ten years of gratitude. Yuri's tears fell, splashing onto the sand.

"Yuri, I have a proposal. Can we redo the last ten years?"

"Redo... how?"

"Be my friend for another ten years. But this time... as equals."

I wanted her by my side. Because of Yuri, I met Hinako. Because of Hinako and the others treating me as an equal, I'm able to work hard. I want to give that back to Yuri. To me, Yuri Hirano is my very first benefactor.

"...Ten years isn't enough."

Yuri wiped her tears with the back of her hand and smiled.

"I'll be with you for life. Until you tell me to get lost."

◆

Yuri and Itsuki walked toward the station. She slowed her pace slightly, watching Itsuki's back. She remembered last year... when Itsuki had rejected a girl. Itsuki had probably forgotten, but they'd had this conversation:

—Hey, why'd you turn her down?

—You know my family situation, right? I don't want to make her miserable.

How considerate can you be? Itsuki was poor. He couldn't afford to date. He didn't want to embarrass the girl.

—What if the girl said she'd support you?

Yuri had asked. Itsuki laughed.

—If she said that, I guess I'd have no reason to say no.

It was probably just a joke to him. But Yuri took it seriously. It became one of her reasons for honing her cooking.

(Sigh... I could have supported you, too.)

But he'd gone and become independent...

I want to try and handle them myself—Itsuki had said. He probably wouldn't be satisfied being supported by someone. Itsuki's back looked broader than before. Watching him, Yuri felt a twinge of sadness, but also... pride.

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