〜Second Defeat〜 As Damp as the Number of Tears
The Monday after the break always brings a sense of heaviness.
Our journey through the after-school homeroom session led us to a classroom enveloped in the gloomiest atmosphere.
"So, the teacher's friend came and shared the news—she's got a new boyfriend."
Here we go again, another weighty conversation. Our homeroom teacher, Amanatsu-sensei, fully embracing her darker mood.
Leaning on the teacher's desk, Amanatsu-sensei absentmindedly twirls her hair with her fingertips.
"I haven't heard anything about her breaking up with the previous boyfriend, though. It's odd. While I always seem to be at zero, she's consistently on the positive side."
I have a feeling I know which friend she's talking about.
While casually tuning in to Amanatsu-chan's ongoing drama, I discreetly shift my gaze to Yakishio by the window.
Yakishio, resting her cheek on her hand, gazes thoughtfully out the window.
—The unexpected invitation to the returning home club.
After that, I found myself unable to respond adequately. We walked in silence for a while.
And thus, we parted ways in front of the aquarium, concluding my inaugural date in life.
The solo indulgence in Sugakiya ramen at Gouri Station in Gamagama County was a small consolation—it tasted surprisingly good.
"It's still cold, so even if someone claims they missed others because of it, what should I, constantly feeling the chill, do? Even cats only warm up to Little Nuki-chan. When will Amanatsu-sensei's winter come to an end..."
I hope homeroom ends before Amanatsu-sensei's winter. She's finally located split ends.
After dealing with countless split ends, Amanatsu-sensei slowly rises.
"Well, it's March now. There's a graduation ceremony on Friday, and next month, you'll all be seniors."
As the atmosphere hints at the closure of the theater, a glimmer of light returns to my classmates' eyes.
Amanatsu-sensei surveys our faces with a more serious expression than usual.
"For the second years, there'll be a class change, and it won't be long until this group is together. I've quite enjoyed this year."
Amanatsu-sensei surprisingly wraps up the homeroom session on a good note. Will I be okay without conversations starting from tomorrow?
While fretting about it alongside others, Sensei slams the attendance book on the teacher's desk.
"All right, that's it for today! Leave without causing any trouble!"
Finally, the prolonged homeroom session concludes. I search for Yakishio among the classmates leaving their seats.
I haven't been able to exchange words with her since morning, but a proper conversation is necessary.
"Yakishio!"
As I stand before her, Yakishio looks taken aback.
"Nukumizu, what's up? Speak up."
"No, well, about yesterday—"
Now, how should I put it? I initiated the conversation with enthusiasm, but how do I smoothly move forward?
Before my speechless self, Yakishio also nervously plays with her fingers.
