Otsuki and I were together again. There wasn't much time left until her stop, so it would be easy to pass the time. Besides, we could talk about more things more calmly when we were alone.
"I imagined they would be different."
"Technically, this isn't the first time you've met."
Until now, Hina and Tsukiyomi have been background characters and nothing more. Unknown. But I think I'm starting to get an idea of who they are.
"I'm not saying this because of appearances; I've seen Tsukiyomi a couple of times, and I didn't really pay much attention to Hina. But that's not the point."
Of all the characteristics that differed from my expectations, along with Tsukiyomi's anger, Hina herself is one to highlight.
I didn't know her at all, but she seemed calm and normal, maybe a little too engrossed in her hobbies. But she didn't seem very normal, or at least a stranger wouldn't joke with me like that.
I could understand if she were Otsuki's best friend, given how well they get along. If fighting all day long is getting along, then maybe I'm missing some context and they actually hate each other.
"I didn't imagine Hina would be so open. And so, like that. It's not that she's weird or anything, she's just very open with what she says."
"Oh, no way, she's a real weirdo."
"Should I trust your words...?"
Tsukiyomi was the complete opposite, except she wasn't angry at all. Everything else matched my expectations: a shy girl who doesn't talk much. I assume she's kind and passionate deep down, but that's all I can do—assume.
I didn't know what else to say. I feigned a little more interest just to pass the time. I wasn't genuinely interested at all.
"How long have you known them?"
"I met them in fourth grade. They were already friends at that time, and I decided to join them and leave another group I was in."
I was surprised when she mentioned having another group of friends before, but then I remembered that curiosity killed the cat.
I can't ruin the moment. Don't. Control yourself.
Between silence and conversation, we passed another stop, one before Otsuki's. A group of boys boarded the train, and seeing them, Otsuki thought of something to ask.
"Oh, and your friends?"
I regret asking that question. The moment has been ruined.
It was only ruined for me, so it wasn't a big deal. The integrity of the memory could still prevail.
"…"
I didn't think about whether I should tell her because I already knew she didn't want me to. I never would. Even though I kept hiding the fact that we hadn't spoken in three weeks.
But did he have any other choice?
"I've known them since the first year of high school."
I refrained from mentioning that I knew the Don Juan better than the other two. I could kill time in better ways.
"Ah, so you'll be hanging out with them at recess."
Otsuki didn't change her tone when she guessed what she would do from now on. She was wrong, but she couldn't correct her.
"I'll meet up with you from time to time. And you'll have to help me study someday, sensei."
My mood improved dramatically when I called her sensei. Her reaction, as sharp as ever, cheered me up too.
"And one day I'm going to stick a pencil in your hand."
The backlash from my joke was that I didn't know what else to say. I wasn't going to add anything more about them, and she had an unreadable expression. Maybe it's because she's being rude. Probably.
I looked for things I could mention right now, but they were too boring, self-contained comments, or locked-off experiences.
Haven't I told him that yet?
I recalled what I did when I arrived at the mall alone, and the hopeful news I found in one of the magazines inside the manga store.
Are you stupid?! How come you didn't tell him before?! Wait, if I had said it before, I wouldn't have been able to tell him now. You're very clever, Riku!
"Otsuki, have you heard about Ivy?"
"Huh? Eh? Have they announced something about Ivy!?"
I expected a less enthusiastic reaction.
I'm not in the mood to talk either…
"Their publishing house magazine has said they are going to make a second part."
"And you're telling me this now!?"
"I saw it before I met up with you all, it's from today…"
In such a short time, I've accumulated a terrible streak with Otsuki. First the sensei joke, now telling him the news about Ivy late.
I won't see the sunset if I say anything else.
[ Next stop… ]
"… You get away today. You'll get caught tomorrow."
My future was grateful to the train conductor.
"Give me the fourth volume at least. I might even forgive you."
"Ah."
On the other hand, my future hated me.
"Don't tell me you've-"
"I've forgotten."
Otsuki frowned and looked at me, disappointed. Then the train doors opened, and she was standing next to them.
"You're one of a kind. Well, you'll bring it to me on Monday. No fail."
"Absolutely. And in return, you'll help me study for a day."
"But you're the one paying me with the book!"
I unconsciously acted a bit silly with her. It was probably because I was more relaxed than before and because of the boost in my mood that came with it. The silliness caused her to forget that the doors were about to close.
"I'm gonna leave now."
He sped off without saying a proper goodbye. He didn't even let me say goodbye.
When he went outside, however, he turned around.
"Goodb-!"
The doors slammed shut in his face.
"Haha…"
I couldn't stop laughing. I could see Otsuki's anger through the window, his expression turning and his cheeks turning pink as the train started moving. I stood there watching, covering my mouth, still unable to stifle my laughter.
I lost sight of her after a few seconds.
"How silly…"
There were far fewer people on the train now, and I was getting off at the next stop. That's why I didn't sit in one of the empty seats. I didn't put on my headphones either.
I stared at the familiar landscape, moving quickly before my eyes. Because I was looking towards the station, I could only see the housing developments, not the green countryside on the other side.
I arrived at my station two minutes later, looking at the scenery.
I should tell Hina and Tsukiyomi when…
Better not…
…
The door that was nearby opened, and a couple of people came out of it.
Stop talking nonsense. They're my friends too.
I want to believe so.
I got off the train.