GenderSwitchs Vol. 4 (English)

Chapter 6: "That Christmas night: Part 2"

Just when I wasn't expecting to hear something like that, Kimigawa said it, and she instantly fell asleep. It was strange for me to think that she was really drunk. Even more, hearing that "I love you" seemed most unusual and, at the same time, surprising.

When I heard her say that, I was completely perplexed, and once I returned my gaze to Kimigawa, she had already fallen asleep, as she nestled her head and cheek on my shoulder, and wrapped her arms and chest around my left arm.

When you look at her like that, only one thing can come to mind: she was undoubtedly drunk, and fell asleep to the effects of the liquor. She looked so relaxed and calm, compared to a few moments ago. It was so much so that, somehow, I felt kinda pleasurable that it was so.

Looking at her flushed and innocent face made me feel calmer; but at the same time, I was somewhat uneasy.

This was because only a few moments ago she said those words.

"I love you."

That's what she said, huh?

As I thought about it, I could only think that she meant that she loved me as a friend. It was normal, since neither of us had those kinds of feelings for each other.

Or at least I'd like to think so.

As I considered the fact that something like that can actually happen, I just thought about how weird and awkward it would be.

I mean, if you think about it, it would be a little strange, wouldn't it?

At least that's what I thought initially. However, a strange thought popped into my mind. Well, more than a thought, it was a memory from a few days ago, after planning the Christmas party.

I was walking down the school hallway, planning to buy a drink, when I bumped into Kurogawa, who was apparently going to do the same thing.

"Ah, Takacchi!"

"... Kurogawa."

"What's with that greeting?"

"Nothing, it's just that I was surprised to see you around." 

 "Oh, so that was it." She said, and chose a green tea from the vending machine.

"Have you thought about what you're gonna get for the person you have to give a gift yet?" I asked.

"That's a secret, though if I only had to answer yes or no, I'd say yes."

"I see."

"What about you, have you already planned what you're gonna give as a gift?"

"I'm still thinking about it."

"Hmm..."

She sighed, and looked at me curiously.

"What?"

"You have to make a gift for Kimigawacchi, do you?" 

 "No."

"But I can tell from your face that you want to give her something."

"Well... Yeah. I wanted to thank her for the gift she gave me on my birthday, though I'm still thinking about what to give her."

"Hmm, I see. So there's no other reason behind it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you do it because you like her?"

"... Like her?"

"A lot of people are saying it these days. That you two look like a couple."

"...No, I don't like Kimigawa. At least not that way."