Nyanta & Pomeko

Chapter 19: Early in the morning

As I step outside, my drowsiness quickly wore off.

　It was still pitch dark, and the warm, moist air enveloped my body.

　It takes about five minutes to get to Shinozuka-san's house from here.

　Beyond my parents' house and past Shinozuka's house, there's my grandfather's house.

　The school is farther away, but ...... it's not too far to worry about.

"It's pretty close to my house, isn't it?

"Yeah, I guess so. I haven't seen you since this morning."

　I met Shinozuka on the morning I arrived late to school. At that moment, I couldn't help but say, "Let's go together.

　...... A small chance can start something. It was not a premonition of any kind.

　I just wanted to go with her.

　The two of us walked slowly through the residential area at night.

　I didn't think that just walking would make me feel so peaceful.

"We'll meet there tomorrow, right?　Shinjo, can you make it?"

"Maihama ...... it'll be fine, I guess?" (Maihama Station – A railway transit system.)

"Yeah, I see. ......"

　Shinozuka was silent for a moment.

　The field trip in junior high school , It was a large bus that took the entire student body.

　While everyone was talking happily, I was waiting alone.

"Where should we go?" "Your hair looks different from usual! " "I'm so excited!" "Let's buy lots of souvenirs!"

"Oh no, I forgot my wallet!" "Oh well, I'll lend you some money."

"I'm going around with him today and I'm going to confess my love to him today." "Don't do it, it'll be awkward."

　Even though I was standing there all alone, I could hear what the students were saying.

　I just keep my eyes on the bus car.

　I didn't think, "Why am I different? I had already learned to kill my emotions by then."

　I just remember feeling empty inside.

　It was the same on the bus. The teacher would sing karaoke, and the students would take turns passing the microphone around. It was never my turn.

　The seat next to me was empty. The person next to me had taken the liberty of using the simple seat and moved on to another student.

　I kept looking out the window.

　As I watched the scenery drift by, all I could think about was the development of my novel.

　–Now that I think about it, maybe I was still lonely.

　The two of us walked slowly.

　When I looked at Shinozuka, she looked as if she wanted to say something.

　I wanted to say something, but I was embarrassed. That's how I felt.

"Oh!"

"What's wrong, Shinjo?　What's wrong with your voice?"

　Yes, going to the meeting place alone would be ...... lonely.

　Then I should invite her. ...... to go to the meeting place together.