The Nonfiction That Only You Know

Chapter 7

Original Author: ひのはら (Hinohara)
Date Submitted to Kakuyomu: 2021/06/04

To soothe her tired body after a day at the gym, she puts her favorite bath salts in the bathtub. She even lights bath candles to create a relaxing atmosphere.

After getting out of the bath, she massages herself with body milk to thoroughly soothe herself.

However, the two questions from earlier still greatly trouble her.

Even though she's trying to relax, Mii's face from earlier is burned into her mind, refusing to leave.

Why does Mii keep on going to the school rooftop?
Also, what was that strange feeling of deja vu?

No matter how much she thinks about the latter, she can't figure it out at all.
It's possible that Chiho might have been mistaken.

However, for the former, Chiho has a vague notion even though she doesn't know Mii that well.

"...Some kind of trouble with her roommate?"

Unlike them, the standard program has a pair of students sharing each dorm suite.

Since that place is the standard program's school building, Mii is undoubtedly a regular student.

"Is she being bullied or..."

The unpleasant thought crosses her mind and she bites down on her lip immediately.

For some reason, imagining Mii being hurt by someone makes her heart feel sick.

She couldn't sleep in that mood, so Chiho came to the campus store.

Since this is a boarding school, there is a store on campus that serves as a supermarket that stays open until late at night.

She came here with no disguise because she didn't want to wear a mask after doing her skincare routine. Luckily, there are hardly any customers at this hour.　

After putting some daily necessities in her basket, she stops by the sweets section on the way.

It's best to refrain to maintain her figure, but it's okay to indulge once in a while.

While trying to decide between mont blanc and cream puffs, Chiho feels a gentle tap on her shoulder.

"It's been a while, Minami-san."

A petite female student called out to Chiho in a pretty voice.

This girl is one year below Chiho and enrolled in the standard program. She's the former child actor once lauded as a prodigy, Nanase Saku.

She has long since retired and currently lives as a normal girl, but it is such a shame for those acting skills to go unused.

However, she has no lingering attachment to her days as a performer and seems to be happily living her life.

"Saku-chan, it's been a while."

Also, Saku is in a relationship with Sani, the model who is a dear friend of Chiho's.

Saku and Sani are both girls but their love for each other surpasses that barrier.

Since she's the lover of Chiho's beloved friend, they greet each other on the rare times they cross paths.

Saku and Sani are so smitten with each other that it's truly charming.
Their love for each other would make anyone envious.

Even though Sani leaving for Paris made their relationship long-distance, the two seem to be going strong. Chiho frequently hears Sani speak lovingly about Saku.

"Shopping at this hour?"
"I remembered I ran out of looseleaf... I considered coming in the morning, but I needed some fresh air."
"I see. It may be on campus, but be careful on your way back."

With a slight bow, Saku heads for the stationery section. Chiho looks back at the sweets.

She puts the cream puffs into her shopping basket and heads for the register. At that time...

Chiho hears the voice of the girl that dominated her mind earlier.

"Ah, it's Saku!"

Startled, Chiho reflexively turns to the voice.
She indeed finds Mii happily calling out to Saku.

Are those her personal clothes? She's wearing a casual pair of trainers that seem one size too big for her.

"Saku, staying up late leads to small breasts. You have to sleep a lot."
"Jeez, why are you always so quick to tease me about that?"
"Come on, I'll treat you to a pack of soy milk."

It's easy to tell from their intimate conversation that they're friends.

Just like when she's on the rooftop, Mii has a delightful smile on her face.

"...Those two sure get along well."

The friend of her friend's lover.
Chiho does not know if that should be considered distant or close, but they aren't completely unconnected.

Chiho continues staring at them and her eyes meet Mii's.

It only lasts for a brief moment since immediately after, Mii looks away in embarrassment.

"...What's with that?"

Even though she was smiling so happily when talking to Saku earlier.
Even though she would have smiled the same way for "Chiho".

If it's the idol Isuzu Minami, Mii becomes this distant.

This makes Chiho extremely frustrated.