Chapter 58 - JK Idol is worried by Free Person (part 1)
It's been three days since Sakurazaki started resting at home. She needs to rest completely until she recovers, even if it's just a minor injury, considering the upcoming live performance and other work. Every night, I hear her spirited voice on the phone, but not being able to meet her worries me.
Sakurazaki... I hope she's really okay.
"Huh? Kou-kun, you don't look good."
In a quiet corner on the rooftop, I sit alone, chewing on bread, and Renkawa starts talking to me. She naturally tries to sit next to me, so I move away a bit.
"Now, if you keep doing this, it gives a negative impression, you know."
"Sitting there without saying anything, that's what gives a negative impression on me."
"How can it turn positive?"
"...it might change if you let me be alone."
"So, for the next two years, I won't talk to you, and on graduation day, marry me."
Darn, what is she talking about?
"Stop teasing me like that. That's definitely not going to happen."
"Oh, are you feeling down because Nako-chan is not here?"
"I'm not feeling down."
"Yeah, that's a lie."
"It's not a lie. I don't miss Sakurazaki..."
"Ah, I'm tired of that lie. If you like her, just say it."
"...you're really annoying."
"When are you planning to tell Nako-chan?"
Hearing that question, I slowly close my eyelids.
"Do you not think that you can continue this relationship without taking any action?"
"...that's not your business."
I raise my eyelids and look at Renkawa. When I see Renkawa's expression, I regret the words I've said.
This sounds like...
"Yeah, it's not your concern. But... maybe you should consider Nako-chan's feelings too."
"Renkawa..."
I inadvertently speak words similar to what Sakurazaki told me before. Even though Renkawa is trying to support me, I...
"Renkawa, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I understand... that Kou-kun is a very kind person."
"Renkawa... I..."
"If I'm making you anxious, I apologize. But, indecisive guys are not well-liked, Kou-kun."
Renkawa presses my nose with her index finger and stands up.
"I have one request, Kou-kun."
Renkawa takes out two hair ties from her pocket and hands them to me.
"Can you... make twin-tails?"
+×+×+×+
I tie Renkawa's straight hair with clumsy movements, using hair ties.
"It looks a bit awkward, huh..."
"Is there a problem with that? It's my first time too."
"Well, it's like Kou-kun, so it's fine."
Renkawa turns her small back towards me, only directing her face towards me.
"Ahh... I wish I could meet Kou-kun earlier than Nako-chan."
"Every time I'm confused, your words always help me. Thanks to you, I..."
"Kou-kun, you don't need to do more than this. I can't give up."
Renkawa walks back into the school building.
I'm always pushed by her.
Someday, I want to become strong enough to push her forward.
Translator: Janaka