280 - Story About Buying My Classmate Once A Week

Chapter 280 "I want to meet her at least once." These words from Kikyo-chan weren't just said once; I've heard them multiple times. Each time, I would put on a smile and give an uncertain response, so I don't know why she wants to meet Miyagi. "Um, thank you." An unexpected "Eh?" from Miyagi follows Kikyo-chan's bright voice. "I heard from Sendai-sensei that you helped pick out my pencil case. That's why I wanted to meet and thank you." Her cheerful face and lively voice are directed not at me but at Miyagi. The friendly atmosphere I feel when I tutor her weekly hasn't changed. However, her pitch is a little higher than usual, so she might be nervous meeting someone for the first time. "It's nothing worth thanking me for. More than picking it out for you, I was just tagging along. I didn't pay for it or anything, so you don't have to worry about it." Miyagi's tone is more cheerful than when it's just the two of us. "I heard the cat pencil case for Sendai-sensei was chosen by you, Miyagi-san? I was told it was a Christmas present, and it's cute." "I don't think it's that cute." "It's cute." "…Thank you." As I glance at Miyagi's troubled expression, the usual wrinkle between her brows is absent. Instead, the corners of her mouth are slightly upturned as if someone tugged a string on her lips. The reason might be the word "cute." "Do you tutor as well, Miyagi-san?" "I'm not into that. I'm not good at studying." Miyagi's tone sounds a bit stiff. She attempts to create a softer atmosphere than when it's just us, yet it feels dry and crumbly, like a sponge cake devoid of moisture. The air feels dry, making my throat ache. This isn't good. This topic is bad. It's a conversation that should be ended. "Miyagi isn't the type to work part-time." Gently, ordinarily. Always calm, always kind. I'm used to handling these situations, so neutral words and tones come naturally. "Oh, I don't want to either. Seems like I'm similar to Miyagi-san." The conversation doesn't stop. Kikyo-chan's interest continues to be directed at Miyagi. Miyagi's expressions are starting to fade. And I'm getting a headache around my temples. We each have our roles. If they were labeled on our foreheads, mine would read "Tutor," Miyagi's "Tutor's Roommate," and Kikyo-chan's "Tutor's Student." Though we fulfill our roles quietly, the atmosphere feels off. It's not stagnant, but neither is it refreshing. "That's the case." Miyagi's voice is neither low nor bright. "I'd rather play with friends than work." "That doesn't make you the same. Miyagi spends most of her time at home." I intercept the conversation with a light tone even though it seems futile. Quickly, move away from this talk of work. It's not a topic suitable in front of Miyagi, so any mention of part-time work should be discarded onto the store's floor and kicked far away. "Is that so?" Kikyo-chan asks Miyagi instead of me. "That's how it is." Miyagi’s dry voice reaches me, and Kikyo-chan asks, "Then what do you do at home?" How did it come to this? My heart feels heavy as if filled with stones. I wondered why Kikyo-chan wanted to meet Miyagi, but I had a bad feeling and deflected the topic away. It would have been a hassle if an outrageous reason came up. I figured they'd never meet, and I had no intention of introducing them, so avoiding it with a smile seemed best. But now— No wise person should court danger. Those words should be ignored, as I wish I had listened to why Kikyo-chan wanted to meet Miyagi. Had I known her reasons, this situation might have been avoided. I swallow the sigh I almost let out. Next to me, Miyagi offers an imprecise answer to the question about what she does at home. We can't continue this aimless conversation indefinitely. Kikyo-chan is a charming student I have no intention of treating harshly, but this situation isn't good. My nerves can't take it, and I sense Miyagi's brow reaching its limit. "Kikyo-chan, you're quite interested in Miyagi." I move my facial muscles to smile gently. "I've been curious about what kind of person Miyagi-san is after hearing stories from Sendai-sensei." "…Stories?" Miyagi fixates on a trivial detail, making my stomach twist with anxiety. If this continues, the conversation will veer into trouble once again. This isn't the Kikyo-chan I know. Normally, she's quite perceptive and surely must sense the subtle tension. "I heard you have tons of manga and often watch anime with Sendai-sensei." "Is that what you've been telling people?" Miyagi's words pierce my eardrums. "Well, more or less." "I want to try room-sharing when I get to university." "Then, Kikyo-chan, let's aim for university and keep studying hard." I allow my lips to curve and respond with a soft voice. I don’t want her talking with Miyagi any longer. "It'd be nice if Sendai-sensei could come more often." "We'll see about that." "Okay." I feign a regretful expression, telling Kikyo-chan, "We have plans, so we better get going." "Alright." Kikyo-chan, still bubbling with energy, responds with "See you," and I wave goodbye. "Miyagi, shall we head out?" I call, stepping forward. As we take a few steps, Miyagi strides past me, exiting the shop. She walks ahead on the sidewalk, not knowing our destination. I pick up my pace. Walking nex to her. The wind, unusually warm for April, grazes my cheek. The town, not yet dusk, feels dusty but calm. In contrast to the oppressive, gray-stained atmosphere earlier, it’s comforting. But Miyagi seems unaffected, her brow deeply, deeply, deeply furrowed. "What plans? We didn't make any," Miyagi says, her voice unabashedly low. "It’s our plan—to see a movie," I tease. "We made no such plan; I'm heading home. If you want to watch a movie, go with that girl." Though I’m aware, Miyagi has never referred to Kikyo-chan by name. She knows it but avoids it, neither calling her Kikyo nor Hanamaki. "I'm just joking about the movie, but how about we look around a bit more?" "I'm going home." Miyagi speaks while dodging people coming from the opposite direction. I match her stride to avoid being left behind. The sky is blue, with not a cloud in sight. It seems like the perfect day to go out with Miyagi. But the overly warm wind feels uncomfortable, and I find myself touching my neck. I brush the dust away, trying to ward it off, and then grab Miyagi's arm, as if she might bolt at any moment. "Then, how about the bookstore?" "We didn't plan on it, so I'm not going." Miyagi responds firmly and takes a large step forward.