June 8th. Saturday. It was around 3:30 PM by the time I got back to Minami-Osawa. I'm sixteen. Today is Kai-chan's death anniversary.
It started to rain lightly. When I got off the Keio Line express, the lukewarm wind carried the smell of rain. Even though payday was coming up soon, I hadn't eaten anything, and my stomach was growling with hunger.
There were food trucks lined up in front of the station, but they were mostly expensive. So, I decided to go into the hamburger chain with the yellow M sign in front of the station.
Tateno Saya, who's in my class and someone I'm relatively close with, was working as a crew member, and I ended up at her register.
“Yes, come in, Nagi. What would you like?”
“Um…”
I ordered the cheapest hamburger and just water. Lately, I've been so hungry all the time that I can't stand it. As a result, I seem to have gained weight, and my stomach is sticking out, which makes me uncomfortably self-conscious.
“Nagi-chan?”
While I was waiting for my order, someone suddenly called my name, so I turned around. I was totally shocked—it was Rik-kun.
“If you'd like, want to eat together?”
“Eh, Morita-kun?”
Saya immediately picked up on it.
“Are you ready to order?”
“Y-Yeah, sure…” Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Saya took the order nervously. Rik-kun ordered a limited-time, extra-large burger set. I guess boys in sports clubs are different…
“Thank you for waiting… But hey, hey, Nagi.”
Saya beckoned me over in a whisper.
“Why is Morita-kun eating with you?”
“Oh, I hadn't told you? He's my boyfriend. We're dating.”
Eeh?!
Saya gasped, covering her mouth, sounding both shocked and disappointed.
Ignoring her reaction, the two of us walked into the seating area. This place is always full, so it's almost a miracle that we managed to get a small table for two without waiting.
“Hey, Nagi-chan, where do you live?”
Rik-kun's unexpected question surprised me.
“Here. This is my hometown.”
“Oh…”
What a hassle. I felt bad for Rik-kun… but how should I explain it? I hesitated, but decided to just say what was on my mind.
“I have another home.”
“What, like a sugar daddy situation?”
“Haha… What if it was?”
“No way.”
Rik-kun flashed his usual bright, carefree smile.
“I'm good at spotting lies.”
He laughed proudly, as if to show off. …But you know what? That's funny. I'm really good at spotting lies too, thanks to my aunt. You may be trying to act calm, but I can tell.
Rik-kun, you….you just got nervous, didn't you?