Chapter 63: Drunk with happy warmth in the classroom with my childhood friend

Drunk with happy warmth in the classroom with my childhood friend

Looking softly at the schoolyard from the classroom window.

Due to yesterday’s rain, there are puddles here and there. Students coming to school are avoiding the puddles as they walk. The entire schoolyard is wet, sparkling in the morning sun.

Even under such unfavorable conditions, the soccer club is diligently sweating through their morning practice. Among them is Tokita. Is the girl in the corner of the schoolyard, holding a blue water bottle, his new girlfriend?

I glanced down at my smartphone.

After bidding farewell to Aya at the bullet train platform, we haven’t exchanged messages.

An unspoken agreement that we’re no longer lonely.

She did mention she would be back from her break this afternoon, so I’ll look forward to that.

“Boyan, do you have some time?”

During lunch break, as I walked down the corridor, Yukari called out to me.

“Ah, it’s fine, I guess.”

“…Is it really?”

Her eyes behind her glasses widened in surprise.

“The library, okay?”

“Any problem?”

“Nah, not at all.”

Since she said she had something to discuss, I led Yukari to the library.

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Despite it being lunch break, the library was quiet. We sat across a large table.

Speaking in hushed tones, as one would in a library.

“Hey, you know, I got turned down by Boyan.”

“Yeah.”

“So, I focused on my studies… In short, I found someone for myself too.”

Yukari stared at me earnestly. “Someone” likely refers to her lover.

She straightened her petite back, creating a formal atmosphere.

This sincere demeanor is probably her true self.

“I see.”

“Yeah, I thought I should report it to both Boyan and Aya.” Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

I won’t ask if she’s already told Aya.

That’s an issue between the two of them.

“Right.”

“Aya… She might seem carefree, but I think deep down, she feels some sort of guilt towards me.”

“That’s true.”

After the cultural festival, Aya never mentioned Yukari.

While she does feel guilty herself, her main reason is probably not wanting me to feel guilty.

“So, being able to tell her she doesn’t need to worry anymore… That’s something I’m happy about.”

“That’s good for you.”

I genuinely feel that way.

“Thanks to Boyan.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, because of you… you faced me, the serious and boring me, with sincerity.”

Yukari smiles briefly.

A gentle smile with the corners of her eyes lowered. This, too, is probably her genuine expression.

“That’s why I was able to change… like Aya.”

“Like Aya?”

“Yeah, becoming stronger.”

“Well, that might be true.”

Certainly, Aya has leaped over many hurdles based on intuition.

But if we’re talking about that, I’ve only been receiving from Aya.

Becoming stronger to win her over, being awakened to various things, my monochrome vision gaining color.

The world expanded.

Seemingly unsatisfied with my response, Yukari continued.

“That’s right… Boyan made me realize that I don’t need to pretend to be someone else. And because of that, someone might… come to like the real me without lies…”

Yukari averted her gaze, looking embarrassed.

From her demeanor, it’s clear how much she cares about her lover.

“That’s good for you.”

Perhaps for the first time, I smiled warmly at Yukari.

“Yeah… Thank you.”

Yukari also smiles softly.

However, her expression quickly turns serious.

“…By the way, Boyan, can you still hear the voice of intuition?”

“Well, occasionally.”

Yukari places her hand against her lips and murmurs “Hmm.” She seems to be pondering something.

“I can’t hear it anymore.”

“Is that so?”

“Can I share my speculation?”

“Go ahead.”

“That voice might be another side of oneself. It’s like something close to suppressed emotions and instincts, resembling a dual personality. Maybe, it was triggered by something… and I probably awakened it because of you, Boyan. Like latent abilities or psychic powers awakening. If that’s the case, explanations and even things that seem a bit forced could fit.”

Muttering to herself, Yukari collapsed onto the table, saying “Too unscientific.” The sound echoed in the quiet library.

It’s more like she’s incredibly curious and can’t help but dwell on these things. This is probably Yukari’s inherent disposition.

“What do you think, Boyan?”

Yukari raises her upper body, gazing at me with the expression of a researcher.

“I don’t really know… I guess anything’s possible.”

That hasn’t changed.

Whether the voice of intuition is another self or psychic abilities or even the Great Buddha, I couldn’t care less, as long as I can have Aya completely and make her happy.

“…Boyan, I guess that’s true for you. Sorry for blabbering about irrelevant stuff… I couldn’t help being curious.”

“It’s fine. Besides…”

“Hmm?”

“I think I prefer this Yukari.”

The eyes behind her glasses widen once again.

“Thank you… My… um, partner said the same thing.”

Yukari smiles happily. Her semi-long black hair sways gently.

“I see.”

“Yeah.”

“Well then, I should get going.”

I stand up quietly.

“Oh, sorry, did you have something to do?”

“No, my intuition’s been telling me that Aya will be here soon.”

“…”

Returning to the classroom, Kanappe, Aya’s best friend, approaches.

“Boyan, Aya’s about to arrive.”

“Is that so?”

“She sent a message saying, ‘I’m embarrassed, so come pick me up~.’ I replied, ‘I’m waiting here, alone.’ So, how about giving her a surprise by greeting her, Boyan?”

Yukari and the other girls are grinning.

I see, they want to see Aya surprised and embarrassed.

“Yeah, I was planning on doing that from the start.”

I gaze at the classroom entrance.

…Thirty seconds left.

Intuition whispers.

It’s like a GPS, telling me the distance to Aya.

…Fifteen seconds left.

Almost time.

I start walking slowly towards the entrance.

…Three seconds left.

I exhale and step into the hallway.

“Wow, you startled me!”

In front of me stands a surprised-looking beauty. She’s wearing a yellow knit sweater over a long-sleeved blouse. It’s been only two days, but she looks so mature now.

“Welcome back.”

I offer a gentle smile and run my hand through the chestnut hair of my childhood friend.

“I’m back.”

She smiles too, her eyes seeming to hold a request. Her gaze resembles that of a puppy seeking praise from its owner.

As I ponder this, I suddenly sense multiple pairs of eyes on us. Students in the hallway and even those in the classroom are focusing their attention on us.

Yet, amidst all this, Aya stands tall with a smile, her posture elegant.

I get it now; that’s why she sought praise.

I pat her head a few times and then, almost casually, place my hand on her cheek.

“…ahh.”

Aya smiles but also slightly pulls away while still grinning. Her cheeks are slightly glistening with sweat.

As much as I’d love to embrace her right now, I resist. She might collapse from embarrassment.

“Aya~! I missed you so much~!”

Kanappe rushes out of the classroom and hugs Aya, joined by other female friends.

It seems they’ve come to her rescue, as she had become almost statue-like from the attention.

Amused by the tangled scene, I return to my seat.

When the bell rings, Aya and her friends return to the classroom.

“Oh, it’s time to move!”

Kanappe exclaims. The next class involves preparing for a science experiment in the science room.

Other classmates, who’ve been stealing glances at Aya and me, quickly leave the room.

As I leisurely prepare my textbook and notebook, I realize everyone has disappeared.

Perhaps my intuition has once again orchestrated this. Because…

Light footsteps echo down the hallway. It’s the familiar sound of my childhood friend’s steps.

“Oh, you’re still here.”

Aya enters the empty classroom.

“I was just about to go.”

I reply.

“You were taking a nap, Boyan?”

She teases in a robot-like manner, which is rather amusing. Blushing, she glances at the entrance, still displaying her cute side glance.

It’s okay – no one will come to this classroom for a while.

“Let’s pick a proper engagement ring later.”

“N-No, this one is enough… It’s my treasure.”

“I see.”

I’m happy to hear that, though I do intend to invest more in an engagement ring.

“I’ve been wearing it since you gave it to me at the station… I haven’t taken it off even in the bath.”

Aya’s eyes glisten as she begins to unbutton her blouse. When the second button is undone, a white valley comes into view.

Then, she gracefully crouches down, revealing her ample cleavage.

A pink bra catches my eye. It’s the same pattern she wore when we embraced in that six-tatami room.

Attached to a slender silver necklace is the ring.

“You added the chain.”

As our school prohibits rings and earrings, I had put a necklace chain in the ring box.

“It’s obvious I’d wear it. I haven’t even taken it off in the bath.”

“I’ve been wearing mine too.”

“Can I see?”

Aya extends her hand toward my shirt, unbuttoning it to the third button.

Her fingers brush against my open chest. She traces the necklace and then taps the ring.

“I guess it’s my way of showing that you’re mine.”

Aya mumbles with delight.

“…Is it ticklish?”

“Ah, sorry…”

Her hand quickly withdraws.

I wrap my arm around her back and pull her closer.

“Eek!”

I bury my face in her exposed cleavage and press my lips against the ring. Her soft bosom surrounds me.

“A return gift.”

“What’s that… mmm, no… we have to go to the science prep room.”

“That’s right.”

“Somebody might come…”

“No one will come.”

No one will come for another ten minutes or so. My intuition confirms it.

I seem to be even happier than I thought.

—Boyan wants to show that I’m his.

Aya’s words resonate in my mind.

I kiss the ring once again, becoming part of her body.

“Ah, you’re too naughty, Boyan… mmm, ah…”

It might take about five more minutes for the intense blush on her face to subside.

Until then, let’s distract her like this.

A cold breeze suddenly blows in.

The window must be open, letting in the damp air from yesterday’s rain.

This seems like a quick way to cool down.

“I’m getting strange feelings…”

Aya mutters with a voice that’s almost on the verge of tears, then wraps her arms around my neck. She holds me tight. A hug as a reward, perhaps?

…It might take a little longer until we cool down.

I also wrap my arms around Aya’s waist and hug her back.

Afternoon.

In an empty classroom.

We bask in the blissful warmth.