“That’s not good. I’ll help too.”
“Like I said, I can handle this by myself. You should rest.”
“I said it’s fine.”
We both spoke assertively and then stared at each other in surprise. After a moment, we both laughed.
Hayashi sat down next to me and began opening the cover of the comforter.
“You’re really stubborn, you know.”
“So are you.”
“What I said was true. I can really handle this alone.”
“I said what’s only natural too. I can’t stand the thought of just lying there while the homeowner does all the work.”
“Is that how it is?”
“That’s how it is.”
I’m not used to considering other people’s feelings in my actions, but if she says that’s how it is, then I guess it’s true. She has more friends and experiences than I do. I should just accept it. It’s scary.
“Still, you’re sweating a lot.”
“It’s just hot outside. When we’re done, let’s have some barley tea and rest.”
“If you say so, I don’t mind.”
We silently focused on our work for a while. Because we worked together instead of alone, the unpacking was done quickly. All that was left was to put the trash in a bag, take it to the garbage disposal shed, and we’d be finished.
“Good job.”
When we returned to the room, Hayashi had already prepared barley tea for both of us.
“Thank you.”
I expressed my gratitude and sat down at the small table facing Hayashi. The barley tea, gulped down with a loud sound, tasted exceptional.
“Are you alright physically?”
I asked Hayashi, satisfied with the barley tea.
“Huh?”
“No, I mean, injuries or fatigue. You were resting earlier too.”
“…Ah, that was just because I had nothing to do and was bored. As for the injuries, well, I guess I have no choice but to go to the hospital for a while.”
“…I see.”
Even though I brought up the topic of her injuries, seeing her resigned face made me feel a sense of helplessness. I shook my head, wanting to change the subject.
“By the way, don’t you watch TV or anything?”
“I don’t watch it.”
“Really?”
I was a bit surprised. Don’t teenagers usually find topics to talk about on TV and discuss them at school the next day? I don’t have many friends, so I don’t know.
“…Do you read manga or something?”
“Not really.”
“I see.”
…Huh?
The conversation isn’t continuing. It’s strange. I’m providing topics, but why…?
…Hmm.
It’s awkward.
Since reuniting with Hayashi, we haven’t been able to have a calm, one-on-one conversation due to her intense few months. As a result, when we finally have a chance to relax, we can’t keep the conversation going or expand on it.
…Is this that thing? Where couples go to amusement parks, run out of topics, don’t get excited, and break up?
…This is bad.
At this rate, Hayashi will get fed up with me, dislike me, and leave my house…!
But then again, Hayashi has always disliked me and has often been fed up with me… Leaving my house wouldn’t be a problem if her issues were resolved.
So, it’s not a problem, right?
“…Hehe.”
As I was thinking to myself, Hayashi suddenly started laughing in front of me.
“Sorry… I just couldn’t help but find it funny that we ended up like this since high school.”
What’s funny about that?
“Thinking back, we hardly ever talked during high school. I can count the times we did on one hand.”
“Same for me.”
“Moreover, Akari was usually with us. So this is actually the first time we’ve had a conversation alone like this.”
Akari refers to her best friend, Kasahara. Her full name is Kasahara Akari.
“…That’s true.”
I forced a smile with an awkward expression on my face.
“In high school, I thought you were a flippant guy. You were always saying random things, seemed insincere, and I didn’t like you.”
“Thanks for the candid opinion. I’ll take it as a reference for the future.”
“What’s that?… But who would have thought that a day would come when I’d be helped by someone like you?”
“…Were you dissatisfied?”
“…What do you think?”
…Asking me at this timing is a bit mean-spirited.
Well, I did help Hayashi this time out of self-interest. It’s a bit off for her to show gratitude or respect for me because of this incident.
“I was happy.”
Although I was thinking that, Hayashi smiled happily.
“…Stop it. It’s making me feel awkward.”
“Then I should keep saying it, shouldn’t I?”
“You have a bad personality. You’ll become like me.”
“In that case, I’ll say it even more!”
I may have a bad personality, but she’s also pretty bad.
Seeing Hayashi smiling gently with a tomboyish charm, I thought so and forced a smile.
