IWSBSB 06

Chapter 06

The very next Monday arrived, leaving only four days left in the third school term. Manami-san, she was just the same as always, ne¹.

Yet, having caught a glimpse of that entirely different side of her, the one away from the school gates, one couldn’t help but wonder if she wasn’t straining herself, perhaps overextending that tight leash of composure when she was here. That image she had—the reliable leader, the one everyone turned to when things went sideways—it was cemented in place.

It felt like she’d never once let slip a word of complaint in class, didn’t it? For the entire year, Aizawa-sensei, bless her heart, had been a first-time homeroom teacher trying her very best, and the class had really pulled together to help her out.

At the very heart of that unified front was, naturally, the class representative, Manami-san. Sure, there was a vice-rep, too, but seeing as he was the baseball team’s ace, he was far too busy with club activities to be much help, I reckon.

As for moi, I played the part of the high-scoring Mob Character —a role I’d perfected, keeping myself out of the way and not getting involved with anyone. I must have radiated some kind of invisible barrier, a go-away aura, because nobody really came near me, save for when exams were looming and they needed help.

Without games, without anime, and with zero interest in those pop idols, there wasn’t a single shared topic of conversation to be found.

And of course, I couldn’t possibly let my grades slip; it wouldn’t have been fair to Aizawa-sensei. In the end, they were simply relying on me for my brain, that’s all.

Just before the final day of term, Aizawa-sensei popped by under the guise of a home visit.

”Inamori-kun, thank you so much for this past year. You truly were a lifesaver; thanks to you, the class grades really went up, you know.”

”It was the result of everyone’s hard work, Sensei. I didn’t actually do anything,” I replied, perhaps a touch too stiffly.

”I hear your teaching methods were quite something, though! I almost want to ask you for tips on how to instruct,” she gushed, her smile wide. Aizawa-sensei, the kind soul, had made dinner for me, just as always.

”Taking on the third-years would be too much for me, so this might be the last time, dear. I’ve whipped up a few things and put them in the fridge, so just nuke them in the microwave when you need a bite, alright?” With that, Aizawa-sensei said her farewell and was gone.

The day after, I went to Mitsuhiko’s house for dinner.

Mitsuhiko’s mother apologized, explaining that his grandfather’s dementia had progressed, and the care needed meant it would be difficult to invite me over for dinner as much as before. But there was nothing to apologize for; if anything, I was the one who was grateful.

As I left, she handed me a container packed with food.

Suddenly, the worries about what I’d eat next were gone for the time being. I really felt how much I was being helped by the people around me, didn’t I?

The first Saturday of spring break, just before noon, Manami arrived.

She’d messaged me that morning, saying she was coming over to make lunch. I suppose she figured showing up at night would look rather improper.

”Hiro-kun, where did this other cooking come from?” she pried, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Aizawa-sensei had told me not to mention it, but I figured it was safe to tell Manami, so I told her the honest truth.

”Hina-sensei can actually cook, huh?” Manami chuckled², a surprising note of amusement in her voice.

”She lives alone away from her parents, and she’s twenty-five. Wouldn’t it be rude to say that about her?” I pointed out, ever the stickler for politeness.

”You’re so kind, Hiro-kun,” she observed softly.

Manami made pasta. She even included the asparagus and bacon dish Aizawa-sensei had prepared as a little side.

”This thing Hina-sensei made is actually quite delicious,” she admitted.

”She put her heart into making it, so saying ‘actually’ quite delicious is a bit harsh, don’t you think?” I sighed.

”See? You are kind, Hiro-kun,” she cooed, then her expression shifted, “And it’s to that kind Hiro-kun that I have a little favor to beg of you…”

That upward gaze, the way she pleaded with her eyes, it felt completely unfair—it was cheating!

”Would you ever consider getting a dog? It’s a six-month-old male Toy Poodle, a red color, and it’s absolutely adorable, like a little stuffed toy,” she whispered, leaning in.

Manami-san explained that her aunt was a Toy Poodle breeder, and she was supposed to get the puppy, but her mother had objected, so now she couldn’t keep it. It was too late to back out of the arrangement, and she hadn’t been able to find anyone else to take him.

”Yuzuki’s place is an apartment, so they can’t have pets, you see. You live all by yourself, Hiro-kun, so a dog would keep the loneliness away, right? Plus, it would give me a perfect excuse to come and visit! It’s an all-around win!”

”I’ve never owned a dog, though. I wouldn’t know how to train one,” I admitted, already feeling the pull of her argument.

”It’s okay! Since he was born, I’ve visited my aunt’s place often and learned all about training him! Please! I really want to keep him! I’m begging you!” she cried out.

In essence, she was asking if she could keep a dog at my house, wasn’t she? And if so, that would mean she’d be coming over every single day?

Could we even do that without the school finding out, I wonder? All sorts of questions spun around in my head, leaving me completely addled.

But when she smiled and pressed her hands together in a perfect, pleading gesture, all I could think about was wanting to protect that beautiful smile.

The moment I agreed, Manami-san immediately called her aunt to confirm what was needed for the puppy’s care. Her aunt would provide the crate, blanket, collar, leash, and food bowl they were currently using.

She said having the mother’s or the puppy’s scent on things was important so the little dog wouldn’t be stressed in a new environment. We still needed to buy a gate, a toilet tray, toilet sheets, and toys as a minimum.

”It sounds like it’s going to cost a little more than I thought. Is that alright?” I asked, a slight frown crossing my face.

”I can manage with just this much,” I reassured her.

Manami-san seemed to have thought it would be a simple, quick thing to get a pet, so she was clearly taken aback by the unexpected expenses.

I, however, received ¥100,000 in cash every month from Lawyer Watanabe for living expenses. My utilities, phone bill, and tuition were all paid directly from the account Lawyer Watanabe managed, so all I really used the cash for was groceries, daily necessities, and stationery.

I had quite a sum saved up.

I had once tried to give the money back to the lawyer, but he’d insisted I keep it, saying I’d be in trouble if I didn’t have it for an emergency. So, money wasn’t the issue, truly.

Since it was best to do it quickly, we headed out on our bicycles to the home center, which was a little way off.

Is this a date? The thought popped into my head, unbidden. But I quickly told myself, No, it’s just shopping.

Nothing more. Thank you for reading.

Some readers might feel the pace is a bit slow, but I am writing it with that in mind. I would be grateful for your rating, as it will encourage my future work.