Side Story 2 – I want it.

Unlike in the countryside, the urban kuma cicadas clung not to forest trees but to building walls, chirping shan-shan-shan from morning onward.

In a residential neighborhood filled with their song, an old-fashioned Japanese house stood in one corner. Inside its washroom, Minamo stood before a mirror, her face etched with concentration, wrestling with a brush and hair tie.

“Ugh, does it look weird…?”

Her murmur carried a hint of anxiety. Reflected in the mirror was her figure, her curly hair tamed into a half-up braid. The style blended innocence with maturity, accentuating her charm. Normally, Hayato’s mother, Mayumi, would do her hair, but lately, Minamo had been practicing alone, guided by Haruki. The bundled hair at the back swayed nervously, as if mirroring her unease.

“Well, I should get going.”

With that, she changed into her school uniform and left the house. From the neighbor’s yard came a lively “Woof!”—an enthusiastic greeting. Turning, she saw Rento, a rough collie, bounding to the fence, tail wagging furiously.

“Morning, Rento. Hot today, huh?”

“Woof! Woof-woof, wuff!”

“Oh, Minamo-chan, good morning… Oh my, my! Your hair’s awfully cute today!”

“Morning, Amami-san! Um, it’s not weird, is it?”

“Not at all! It suits you perfectly. Off to school?”

“Yes, for club activities.”

“Oh, oh my, club activities! So youthful… Hehe, have fun!”

“Yes!”

Buoyed by her neighbor’s beaming smile, Minamo headed toward the school’s flower garden, walking the familiar route. What care would the plants need today? Her thoughts wandered, but the unusual hairstyle made her self-conscious, drawing her attention to passersby’s glances. Her pace quickened instinctively.

Passing through the school gate, lively shouts echoed from the sports field. Even during summer break, many students visited for clubs.

“All right!”

At the flower garden, Minamo clenched her fists before her chest, psyching herself up. Summer vegetables were at their peak harvest, blooming vibrantly. But neglect could let weeds overrun, so meticulous care was essential. With a typhoon approaching, preparations were also needed.

A quick scan showed no harvest today. Instead, she pruned the vigorous summer vegetables’ sprawling branches and yanked out weeds, tidying the garden. Watching it transform, she chuckled, noting how it resembled grooming her own hair.

Finishing her tasks, she exhaled, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Just then, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

“Oh? …Hello, Haruki-san?”

“Hey, Minamo-chan, long time! What’s up? You good? Wait, are you outside? Busy?”

It was Haruki, her voice brimming with excitement and unusually high energy. Minamo, wondering if something great had happened, gave a wry smile, paused her work, and moved to the shade.

“I just finished tending the garden’s vegetables. Next is typhoon prep, but… Did something happen?”

“Yeah, yeah, listen, it was wild! A birth! A sheep’s! Since yesterday noon, non-stop! Out of season, super tough, everyone was in a frenzy, stayed up all night! It just wrapped up!”

“Oh my!”

“No prep, difficult labor, had to fetch a vet from far away, not just Gen-jiisan but the whole village was in a tizzy! Finally done just now!”

Apparently, Haruki had been part of a sheep’s birth from yesterday afternoon until now—an unexpected, unforgettable experience. Still buzzing, she recounted details: “Gathered tons of straw!” “Pulled the lamb out like tug-of-war with a rope from the mother’s belly!” “Only the third sheep birth in Tsukinose!” Her animated gestures seemed to leap through the phone, making Minamo smile. It had clearly become a village-wide event.

“Everyone worked so hard. Hayato was running errands, Saki-chan was the backbone of support… I was all over the place, but the moment it was born was incredible. Right at dawn, everyone threw up their hands, cheering, and I couldn’t help crying.”

“Wow. You witnessed the moment of life’s birth.”

It must have been far more profound and mystical than Haruki’s words conveyed. Minamo’s eyes softened, gazing at the blooming vegetable flowers, recalling the thrill of her first harvest. She understood Haruki’s urge to share, feeling warmed that Haruki chose her to tell.

“Yeah, even though it was born unexpectedly, like me, everyone was so happy…”

“Haruki-san…?”

Haruki’s sudden murmur was oddly flat, devoid of emotion—or rather, as if suppressing something deeply. Minamo caught her breath, her chest tightening. She knew about Haruki’s family situation. As a friend, she wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. Her mind raced, desperately searching for something to say.

“U-Um, my grandpa’s getting discharged soon!

“Huh?”

“Hayato-san’s mom, too, she’ll be back soon, so…!”

“…Haha! Yeah, got it. That’s great… Thanks, Minamo-chan.”

“Haruki-san…”

“Yawn, whoa, I’m super sleepy now. Sorry, I’ll call again!”

“Oh…”

The call ended abruptly, without waiting for Minamo’s reply—a clear attempt to spare her feelings. A feeble sigh escaped her. Looking up, the midday sun hid behind cotton clouds, casting shadows. The lunch chime rang.

“Right, gotta clean up.”

Regaining her focus, Minamo swiftly bagged the pruned branches and weeds, heading to the dump site. The school’s back dump, rarely visited even during regular terms, was especially deserted in summer. So, she never expected anyone to be there.

“Why!?”

“Look, there’s someone else I care about…”

“That’s a lie! I know how you really feel about Nikaidou-san, Kazuki-kun, despite the rumors!”

There stood a boy and girl, arguing like a lovers’ quarrel. The spot was a known confession site, and Minamo had witnessed such scenes before, especially involving Kazuki. Normally, she’d slip by quietly, but the mention of “Nikaidou”—clearly Haruki—startled her. Her shoulders jerked, and she dropped the trash bag with a thud. Naturally, they noticed her.

“Who’s there!?”

“…You’re, uh, in Hayato-kun’s gardening club, right?”

“Uh, I-I’m just taking out the trash…”

Flustered, Minamo held up the bag, signaling she wasn’t spying. Her expression made it clear she meant no harm, and they understood. An awkward silence hung, broken only by Minamo’s dry laugh.

“…I’m not giving up!”

“Takakura-senpai!”

“Oh…”

With that, the second-year girl—Takakura-senpai—turned and left. Minamo knew her by reputation: a refined theater club member, last year’s overwhelming Miss Contest winner, even her departure was graceful. Despite feeling out of place, Minamo couldn’t help but stare—Takakura was a second-year celebrity.

It was clear she was smitten with Kazuki, their relationship complex. Minamo recalled seeing her confess to him twice before. There was likely a tangled history between them. Her unease must’ve shown, as Kazuki offered a conciliatory wry smile, facing her.

“Haha, sorry you saw that. Could you, uh, forget what just happened? …See ya.”

With a light wave, Kazuki moved to leave.

“Wait, please…!?”

“!? Uh, what…?”

Minamo, reflexively, stopped him. She was as surprised as he was, her voice tinged with confusion. They had no direct connection—Kazuki was just someone mentioned by Haruki or Hayato, a friend of Berthold, a friend. She’d seen him reject girls here countless times; it wasn’t unusual. So why stop him today?

“R-Right now, Kaidou-san, you look pained, like Haruki-san and Hayato-san…!”

“!?”

It was the same expression they bore—desperately holding back something within. For some reason, Minamo couldn’t ignore it, especially after Haruki’s call. Kazuki froze, eyes wide, then looked skyward with a sigh.

“Man, that’s the ultimate killer line for me right now.”

Raising his hands in surrender, he muttered with a wry smile.

Some time later, Minamo found herself at a café, led there by Kazuki.

“This place…”

Its traditional Japanese exterior and waitstaff in yabane hakama uniforms were distinctive. Okashitsukasa Shiro, a popular spot often discussed in Minamo’s class, was a familiar sight from her hospital visits to her grandfather. During summer break, on a weekday past lunch rush, it had some empty seats.

“Standing around’s no good, so I thought a calm spot would be better… Uh, I made you walk a bit, so I’ll cover this.”

“N-No, really, you don’t have to!”

“Haha, it’s fine, it’s fine.”

“Uh, but…”

Minamo hurried after Kazuki, who strode in confidently. It was her first time inside—not for lack of interest, but entering a trendy café alone was daunting for introverted Minamo. Glancing at Kazuki, tall and handsome, drawing women’s attention and now the café’s gaze, she felt nervous standing beside him.

“Welcome, Kazuki!? With a girl!?”

“Hey, Iori-kun. She’s, uh, here for a reason.”

“Uh, n-nice to meet you!”

“Don’t bow, you’re a customer!”

A surprised voice greeted them as they passed the noren curtain. Iori, a bright-haired waiter, spoke to Kazuki familiarly.

Minamo had no connection to him, gleaning only that they were close from their exchange. Unsure how to proceed, she faltered. Iori, catching Kazuki’s expression, widened his eyes, scratched his head with a sigh, and grew serious.

“Uh, the back tatami corner’s out of sight from others.”

“Thanks, Iori-kun.”

“No prob, but you owe me an explanation later.”

“If I can share, sure.”

Iori led them to a secluded spot, far from other patrons and out of earshot—perfect for private talk. Slipping off her loafers, Minamo sat, and Kazuki handed her a menu.

“Wow!”

The menu showcased colorful Japanese sweets: kinngyoku resembling goldfish in a tank, daifuku with summer fruits like watermelon and mango, and rakugan shaped like seasonal flowers like hydrangeas. Minamo’s eyes sparkled, but soon her brow furrowed—too many choices.

“The kuzukiri matcha parfait’s a good pick,” Kazuki suggested.

“Huh?”

“Its smooth texture, refreshing matcha bitterness, and sweetness are perfect for summer. Someone raved about it to me.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll have that.”

“Waiter—two kuzukiri matcha parfaits!”

Kazuki’s recommendation was a lifeline for her indecision, and she took it. While he ordered, she surveyed the café. Black pillars and beams with lacquered plaster, white walls creating a calm ambiance, and waitstaff in modern-traditional yabane hakama uniforms—it lived up to its reputation. She secretly wanted to try wearing one.

Her thoughts drifted, and she tugged her bangs. Was her hair okay? Not weird? Usually far from fashionable, she was glad she’d tried this style today, yet couldn’t help comparing herself to the café’s sparkling patrons.

“Your hair’s different today, huh?”

“!? Uh, i-is it weird?”

“Not at all! It’s cute and suits you.”

“! Augh…”

Kazuki’s warm, charming smile and compliment turned Minamo’s face crimson, her shoulders shrinking in embarrassment. Unable to meet his gaze, she fidgeted, rubbing her knees together. He’d praised her sincerely—she should thank him. Hesitantly raising her eyes, she met his, his expression saying he’d messed up.

“Uh, sorry… Don’t take it the wrong way, I didn’t mean it like a pickup line, just thought it, uh…”

“N-No! I-I’m just not used to compliments, so I got flustered and embarrassed…!”

“Oh, good! Haha!”

“Haha…”

Their awkward exchange was comically mismatched, both wearing stiff smiles.

“I try to be careful, but some people take it differently, or I end up giving weird expectations…”

“Like with Takakura-senpai earlier?”

“…Yeah, we had some stuff back in middle school.”

Kazuki’s troubled look carved a bitter wrinkle in his brow. For a moment, Minamo saw Haruki’s self-deprecating expression in him. She didn’t know what to say—this was their first real conversation. A heavy silence fell.

But it was fleeting, dispelled by a bright, exasperated voice.

“What’s with the weird face, Kazuki?”

“!? Oh, Iori-kun.”

“Uh, well… Wow!”

“Here’s your kuzukiri matcha parfaits.”

Minamo’s eyes lit up, hands clasped, at the parfait before her. Layered kuzukiri, shiratama, anko, matcha and black sesame ice cream, and whipped cream created a vibrant green-white-black contrast, evoking summer’s coolness. It was indeed a worthy recommendation.

Iori, with a wry smile, retreated quickly, not lingering to eavesdrop. Was it okay to eat? Glancing at Kazuki, she saw him smile and raise his parfait spoon, inviting her to dig in.

“Here goes… Mmm!?”

The first sensation was a pleasant coolness, soothing her heated body. Matcha’s refreshing bitterness and sweetness spread, the kuzukiri’s slippery texture was delightful.

“Delicious!”

“Yeah, it’s great. Hehe, worth all the hype she gave it.”

Kazuki’s smile softened, recalling the person who recommended it. That person must be special, his expression as warm as Haruki’s when talking about Hayato, making Minamo smile too.

“Um, is the person who recommended it someone special to you, Kaidou-san?”

“Cough! Hack, hack, cough, ugh!”

“Are you okay!?”

Her candid question made Kazuki choke spectacularly, coughing with teary eyes and a red face. Minamo panicked at his reaction, her hair bouncing as she realized she’d jumped to conclusions.

“Cough… I’m fine. Just caught me off guard… Yeah, she’s a bit special, a great girl, but we’re not like that…”

“Really?”

“…Yeah.”

His smile carried a shadow, hard to take at face value. Minamo’s worried, troubled look prompted Kazuki to rest a hand on his forehead, sigh, and face her.

“I don’t really get dating or falling for someone. And I probably don’t have the right to be with anyone.”

“Kaidou-san?”

“…Heard the rumors?”

“Uh, just that you’re really popular…”

“…In middle school, I was ‘dating’ three girls at once.”

“…What?”

Minamo’s face twisted in disgust. Her mind flashed to her grandfather’s lonely house and her absent father. Her expression must’ve been harsh, as Kazuki panicked.

“N-No, rumors are just rumors! I mean, it looked like two-timing, but I didn’t mean it that way, and to break things off, it ended up looking like three-timing, but I wasn’t cheating or anything!”

“Oh, uh, sorry! I jumped to conclusions…!”

“Haha… No, I get it. Saying it myself, yeah, I sound awful.”

His earnest defense was almost comical, reminiscent of Haruki.

“…Hehe.”

“Mitake-san…?”

She didn’t know his full past, but despite his polished exterior, he seemed as clumsy and painfully sincere as Haruki. It made him hard to dislike, and a laugh slipped out.

“Hehe, sorry. But, um, the girl who recommended this seems different from those others, and you seem close.”

“Maybe… When she recommended it, I was just one of many, and I don’t think she hates me, but…”

Kazuki’s anxious look surprised Minamo. He was famously popular—his looks, manners, and thoughtfulness made the girls’ excitement understandable, especially after witnessing his rejections. Seeing him care about one person’s reaction was unexpected. She must be truly special.

“Do you like her?”

“…”

Kazuki faltered. But only for a moment, touching his chest and speaking bitterly.

“…Before ‘like,’ she loves someone else.”

“Huh?”

“She says it’s in the past, trying to move on, but she’s such a good-hearted, really great girl, and I want to support her, kind of like cheering for an idol or your favorite character.”

“Support…?”

“Maybe like wishing for an idol’s happiness.”

“Hehe, I can kind of understand that.”

Minamo recalled meeting a soaked Haruki at a park at night—a clumsy girl who shared secrets and became a friend. That girl was likely that kind of person to Kazuki. As they talked, their parfaits vanished.

“Well, Takakura-senpai’s part of it, but I messed up with romance before… So I’m good for now.”

“Messed up?”

“Yeah, messed up. I don’t really get other people’s feelings… And—”

With a clink of his spoon against the glass, Kazuki shared his thoughts.

“More than love or girlfriends, I want real bonds with friends, something solid.”

“Friends…”

Kazuki’s smile was dazzling, yearning, and tinged with longing—yet beautiful. The word “bonds” struck Minamo deeply. As she sat speechless, Kazuki reverted to his usual warm smile and stood.

“Whoops, stayed too long? Uh, it was mostly venting, but thanks for listening.”

“N-No, I just listened… But if it’s okay, I’ll listen again!”

She blurted it out impulsively. Kazuki froze, blinked, then nodded with a smile, as if something clicked.

“Oh, I see. That’s what’s like Hayato-kun about you, Mitake-san. That’s why I ended up spilling my guts, huh?”

“Huh!?”

“Haha, I’ll vent to you again sometime. See ya!”

Before Minamo could react, stunned, Kazuki grabbed the check, paid, and left. Left behind, Minamo stood dazed, her hair bouncing as she processed it all.