The Nonfiction That Only You Know

Chapter 38

Original Author: ひのはら (Hinohara)
Date Submitted to Kakuyomu: 2021/06/29

Just exactly how many times has Mii come to see her?
Not only within Kanto, but even in Kyushu and Hokkaido, she would go see her if there was an event.

Ever since middle school, she has always been chasing Isuzu Minami to shake her hand, but this time will be the last.

"Next person please."

Taking that as her cue, Mii steps into the booth.
Inside is Minami, wearing the same outfit she wore during her debut.
She is so dazzlingly pretty and no longer inexperienced like back in those days.

During her time as an idol, she has truly grown into an elegant and beautiful woman.

Mii does not have an ounce of regret for supporting her. Thanks to Minami, Mii has been able to dream so much.　

"Saki-chan..."
"Congratulations on your graduation. I'll also be there for your concert."

The odds must have been stacked against her, but she miraculously won a ticket to Minami's graduation concert. It wouldn't be strange if that used up her whole lifetime's worth of luck.

Mii extends her hand and Minami squeezes it.
This will be her last time shaking hands with Minami.

Immediately, many memories flood back.
Mii already knew what she wanted to say to Minami for their final meeting.

"Thank you so much... I'm truly happy that I supported you, Minami-chan."
"Me too. I'm truly happy to have been supported by you, Saki-chan. You've always encouraged me to do my best..."
"That's the same for me as well. I really love you, Minami-chan."

Even though she has always gotten embarrassed at times like this, Mii is able to look at Minami's eyes properly while conveying this to her.

Feeling satisfied that she won't have any regrets, Mii notices Minami holding her hand tighter.

"Say that one more time..."
"Eh...?"
"Please?"

There's no way Mii could refuse her beloved Minami's request. She immediately nods.
If Minami wants to hear Mii's words, she'll let her hear them as much as she likes.

Minami has always allowed her to dream and given her courage, but Mii has barely done anything in return.

"I love you, Isuzu Minami-chan."
"Mm, I... love you too, Kisaragi Mii-chan."

The time for shaking hands is very short and comes to an end before Mii could say anything back.

After she slowly pulls her hand back, Minami waves her hand at Mii until they couldn't see each other.

As she exits the venue while basking in the afterglow of having supported Minami, Mii suddenly realizes something.

"Hm...?"

Minami learned Mii's first name back when her mom brought her over that time.
Even so, she still continued to call Mii by her nickname "Saki" like before.

However, Minami did not learn Mii's last name.

"How did she know...?"

Even if she wants to ask, there is no way she will be able to.
That handshake that just ended was her last chance.

Mii will never be able to speak with Minami again.
She will never ask Minami the question that just came to her.

A suspicion was born after Mii's conversation with Anzu.
Mii had pretended to ignore it by dismissing it as impossible, but that suspicion is growing bigger.