Don't Call Me By My Username! - Chapter 27

It had been about four days since I fell ill. When I went out for the first time in a while, I was surprised to see that the season had taken a step forward. A few days ago, it was still raining and had been so cold that I couldn’t tell if it was snow or sleet. But today, the cold had eased up considerably and it was warm enough for me to take off my jacket.

A faint scent of plum blossoms wafted from the red and white flowers that were blooming here and there. After school, as I gazed at the two plum trees quietly blooming behind the school building, I saw a small white-eyed bird resting its wings.

In just a few weeks, the rows of cherry trees at the school gate would probably be dyed with spring colors as well.

I slowly closed my eyes as I felt the breath of spring.

The classroom I hadn’t been to in a while was as lively as ever. Before entering the classroom, I was worried about my classmates treating me coldly. But as soon as Kazuki saw me, he jumped at me like a bullet, and with a face like he was about to cry he said “Welcome back!” I was completely taken aback.

It seemed that my worry was unnecessary. I didn’t know that the usual unchanging days could make me feel so happy.

But, there was only one thing that I regretted or maybe felt relieved about . . . It was that Akira wasn’t there.

Mr. Masuda told us that Akira’s father suddenly became sick last night, so he was taking the day off today.

Well, I could definitely meet him tomorrow anyway . . . it wasn’t like I wanted to see him so badly or anything.

“—Takumi.”

I turned around at the familiar voice that was carried by a refreshing breeze that caressed my cheeks.

“You’re late, Yuki.”

“. . . Sorry.”

His almond eyes were still narrowed in a wistful look even now. The world was a welcoming spring, but Yuki’s expression was gloomy and sullen.

He looked like he had lost some weight. His complexion wasn’t so good, and above all, he seemed to have no energy.

“What are you sorry for?”

“. . .”

His shoulders trembled a little and he casted his gaze downwards. My heart ached even more, because I knew it was me who caused him to have that pained expression.

“Sorry, I was mean. Anyway, don’t make such a grim face. Your pretty face is going to waste, you know?”

To be honest, I was scared to see him again. I had many things I wanted to say. However, when I saw Yuki’s face this morning, all of those things flew out of my mind.

I could feel that he deeply regretted what he did the other day.

As I thought, I couldn’t let things stay this way. We had to take a step forward.

“I’ve been thinking about it . . . But I can’t return your feelings, Yuki.”

A gust of strong wind blew and small birds perched on the branches flapped their wings to take flight in unison.

“But, I don’t want us to stay like this forever, and it’s impossible for me to be without Yuki after all this time.”

“. . .”

“That’s why, let’s make up . . . as friends again?”

“. . . Huh?”

I gently held out my hand and Yuki raised his face in surprise.

“What, you don’t want to?”

“No! There’s no way I don’t want to . . . I thought you’d tell me not to talk to you, or not to show my face around you anymore . . .”

He yanked at his hair. His voice was choked up, his face confused and teary but smiling.

“Pfft. What’s with that expression? A handsome guy like you shouldn’t be making a face like that.”

“. . . I can’t help it . . .”

“Ah, but don’t get me wrong. If you ever do that to me again, I’ll cut you off!”

Yuki’s eyes welled up and he nodded several times.

“I won’t do it again. Never . . . I promise.”

“I’ve told you, don’t cry.”

“. . . I’m not crying. The pollen is just getting to me.”

“Wait, do you even have seasonal allergies?”

While we were having this trivial exchange, a smile broke out on both of our faces. I was genuinely happy that we could laugh together like this again.

“—Ah! Takumi! There you are . . .!”

As Kazuki, who could be seen running our way from a distance, Yuki and I involuntarily looked at each other.

Kazuki being loud was usual, but there was something a little off about it.

“I just heard from Massu earlier . . . He said that Mr. Akira might not return . . .”

“ . . . What?”

For a moment, I couldn’t understand his ragged words.

“Seems that his father’s condition is pretty bad . . . So he’s planning to stay in the countryside and might not come back for a while.”

I felt dizzy. The world went dark at once.

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