A Warm Place

Extra IX

Two Sides of a Coin ＊1

With the change of seasons, Hinata-san and I have become third-year students.

Saki-chan passed her exams, which means that she's now commuting to the same school as our junior. Although, since she's a size smaller than all of her classmates, the cute Saki-chan remains as popular as she was in her middle school.

I often spot her talking with other third-year students, so I guess being the younger sister of the famous Hinata-san also played a factor. She let out a grumble, saying that it is tiring to deal with all of them. But with an innocent smile on her face, she added that she made many friends because of it.

Saki-chan, Hinata-san, and I are leading a wholesome and fun school life.

However, Hinata-san and I have to prepare for the university exam. The mood in the classroom seems to be getting tense. I'm also putting my earnest effort to my own studies. Although my homeroom teacher tried to assure me after looking at my grades, it still doesn't quell my anxiety.

On the other hand, Hinata-san is one of the few who received a recommendation, which seemingly means she has practically passed, or so she told me. Meanwhile, she's taking it easy without deliberately studying for the exam. I feel slightly jealous with how she can be so carefree about it.

(...But, it's going to be alright.)

I search my pocket and take out a number of charms: a charm for study and success that Mom bought me the other day, a charm for passing the test that Rumi-san picked for me, and a charm that Hinata-san personally made for me. When I look at all these charms, I can feel the confidence welling up from within me mysteriously, telling me that everything is going to turn out alright.

Carrying the charms reminds me that I have people who are cheering for me, and it makes me feel warm inside. That's why I would look at them like this whenever I feel anxious about the upcoming exams.

"Maybe it's time for a break."

I release the pen from my grasp and stretch my back. It seems that I've been holing myself in my room, studying for quite some time. It's almost time for me to go out shopping. I'm at a good place to stop anyway, and it will also make for a good change of pace. Besides, Mom will get home from work soon.

When I tidy up my notebooks, pencil case, and the other things on my desk, our [family picture] comes into my view. Looking at it makes me break into a smile. To the left is Mom, who is looking sheepish inside the picture, and I'm standing to the right with a happy smile. Standing between us is that person with a gentle expression on her face. In the past, I wouldn't even imagine to decorate my room with a photo that's exuding so much kindness. I thought that even a miracle wouldn't be enough to make it come true.

But, the dreams that I had believed to be unattainable were realized, all thanks her. She likes sweets, she's a sleepyhead, she's thickheaded, and she has a beautiful smile--She is Mom's significant other.

She should be working at her part-time job right now. I usually avoid visiting her while she's working because I would be getting in the way. Although, I think I should stop by today at least, after I finish shopping. She said that she's going to quit her job in the near future, so this could be my last chance to look at the sight of her tending the store.

I head to the door after finishing my preparation for an outing. Then, I turn around when I open the door.

"Mom, Hinata-san... I'm off."

After saying my partings to the photo on my desk in lieu of my family who isn't home right now, I take my leave.

＊