Act 1: The Stage is Set

A Monday in early October.

As I'm standing here dressed in an unfamiliar blazer uniform and wearing brand-new shoes, Tou-san and Kaa-san came to the entryway to see me off.

「You haven't forgotten anything? Do you have your textbooks? Did you write "Hayakawa Haruki" properly on your indoor shoes?」

「...Kaa-san, you worry too much. I'm a high school student now.」

「I can drive you to Shiraha Station if you need.」

「Tou-san, you don't need to worry either. I remember the way just fine.」

This is the town I lived in until four and a half years ago──until the end of fifth grade.

Although it's about two kilometers from the house I used to live in, the nearest station is still Shiraha Station. I just checked the route the other day to be sure, so I've got the directions to Shiraha Station down.

It takes thirty minutes by train from Shiraha Station to Hazakura Station, the one closest to the high school, but there are no transfers. On top of that, it's a five-minute walk from Hazakura Station to the school. It would be harder to get lost.

If there's anything to worry about, it's whether or not I'll be able to fit in with my new class. Tou-san's work transfer was decided near the end of summer vacation, so I ended up transferring at the awkward time of October. Groups of friends have probably already formed, and I don't plan on joining any clubs, so it might take some time to blend in with the class.

Still, it's not all anxiety.

In fact, the excitement is greater.

Because──

「It would be nice if you ended up in the same class as Nanami-chan, wouldn't it?」

Kaa-san said in a bright voice.

Nanami, or Kousaka Nanami, is my best friend.

Our houses used to be next to each other, and we played together ever since we were little. Our families are close, and the Hayakawa and Kousaka families have even gone on trips together.

To me, Nanami was someone who was naturally by my side. When it was decided we would be separated, I was so shocked I stayed in bed sick, and even on the day of the move I couldn't give up, declaring, "I'm going to be a child of the Kousaka family starting today!" I holed myself up in Nanami's room and resisted with all my might.

Nanami, who is usually so well-behaved, on that day clung to a plastic bat and yelled, "Don't come in the room!" trying to protect me. She's a really good girl.

The reason I decided to transfer to Hazakura High School is that Nanami goes there. I was actually thinking of transferring to a closer high school, but Tou-san handed me a brochure for Hazakura High School and said, "Of course you're going to enroll in the same high school as Nanami-chan, right!"

Since we've moved back to our hometown, I can meet Nanami even if I go to another school, but it'd be more fun to be at the same one. With that in mind, I decided to transfer to Hazakura High.

「She'll be surprised when you transfer in.」

「She might even cry from happiness. Nanami-chan is a bit of a crybaby after all.」

The two of them say this with fond smiles.

I haven't told Nanami that I'm transferring. We used to exchange letters, but the more we did, the more my desire to see her grew, and I got lonely, so I stopped sending them. She must have felt the same way, because letters from Nanami stopped coming around the same time.

That was the last I heard from Nanami. She might have completely forgotten about me──about Hayakawa Haruki... but if she remembers me, she should give me one of her great reactions like she used to. Nanami was pretty expressive after all.

...However, Nanami is a high school student now too. If she's developed a more mature personality, she might just react calmly to me suddenly appearing as a transfer student and not give me an over-the-top reaction.

In any case, I'm looking forward to our reunion after four and a half years. I'm hoping we can play together like we used to.

「Well, I'm heading out now. I want to hang out with Nanami if she's free, so I might be home late.」

Back then, I was the only one she had to play with, but according to her letters, she made a friend during the summer vacation of sixth grade, so I don't know how things will be.

「It's your first reunion in a while! Go have a good time!」

「Don't worry about the time, spend as much as you like with Nanami-chan!」

The two of them are celebrating our reunion after four and a half years too. It feels a little over-the-top, but... their son is reuniting with his best friend. It must be a happy occasion for them as well.

「I'm off.」

"Take care", they said, seeing me off as I left the apartment building. Under the October sky with a cool breeze blowing, I head towards Shiraha Station.

I arrive at the station, get on the train, secure a seat, and open my paperback novel──...

When about thirty minutes had passed, I arrived at Hazakura Station. A short walk from the station, I could see an old-looking school building beyond a road lined with trees.

That's Hazakura High.

Perhaps because I left a little late, there are no students near the school gate. I'm not late enough to be tardy, but I have to stop by the staff room today. Showing up right on the bell will make a bad impression on the teacher.

I quickly pass through the gate and head for the entrance hall. I change my shoes at the shoe locker I was assigned during the transfer procedures and head for the staff room.

「Excuse me.」

I enter and look around the staff room. I spot the homeroom teacher I met the other day──Yokota-sensei, who looks like a bear, and head towards him.

「Good morning.」

「Ahh, good morning. Did you make it to school without getting lost?」

「There were no problems.」

「I see. Did all your textbooks arrive?」

「Yes. They were all there according to the list. I haven't forgotten anything either.」

「Then you don't need to worry about classes.」

「Yes. I'm looking forward to the classes.」

「Impressive. Have you decided on a club?」

Perhaps to ease my tension, Yokota-sensei brought up a new topic. He looks intimidating, but he seems like a good teacher.

「No, I plan on going home after school.」

「I see. If you plan on getting a part-time job, make sure to file the paperwork with the school.」

「Yes. But it's not that I want a part-time job... I used to live here, and I have a good friend at this school. If she's free, I was thinking of spending time with her after school.」

「A friend... I see, that's right. It's been four and a half years, hasn't it?」

「Yes. Four and a half years.」

It seems he remembered that I told him, "I used to live here until four and a half years ago", when we first met.

Yokota-sensei says with a serious face,

「Our school has a relatively liberal culture compared to others, but don't get too carried away, you hear? I had a similar experience back when I was a student, so I understand how you feel, but try to maintain a wholesome relationship appropriate for high school students.」

「I understand.」

Just because I'm excited about this long-awaited reunion, I won't get carried away. I plan on keeping our fun just as wholesome as it was when we were elementary schoolers.

The chime rings, and Yokota-sensei rises from his chair.

「Well then, let's go.」

"Yes", I nod, and leave the staff room with the teacher. When we arrived at Class 1-1, at the end of the first-floor hallway, he said, "Wait here until I give you the signal" and went into the classroom.

Standing alone in the hallway, a sense of loneliness suddenly welled up. I wonder which class Nanami is in. I'd feel a lot better if she were in Class 1...

「Before we begin homeroom, I have a transfer student to introduce.」

I could hear Yokota-sensei's voice from the classroom. The instant he spoke, the classroom buzzed. I tried to listen closely, but with so many people talking at once, I can't make out what is being said.

「Everyone, quiet downー. I can't introduce the new student like thisー」

When Yokota-sensei cautioned them in his deep, resonant voice, the chatter died down. Prompted to enter, I open the door with my heart pounding.

As I entered the classroom, all eyes immediately gathered on me. It's been a while since I've gotten this much attention, not since I transferred in the spring of sixth grade. I was pretty nervous back then too, but this time, whether or not Nanami is here is on the line, so I'm even more nervous than I was then.

I stood at the podium, looked around the classroom, and opened my mouth.

「Nice to meet you, I'm Hayakawa Haruki.」

The moment I began my introduction, my classmates simultaneously averted their eyes from me and stared at a female student sitting in the back of the classroom.

The girl, who has become the center of the class's attention, is for some reason slumped over her desk.

「Yes, yes, yes! Question!」

As I'm hesitating on whether to continue my introduction, the gyaru-like girl sitting next to her excitedly raised her hand. She stands up, her light brown hair swaying, and looks at me with eyes full of expectation.

「Are you that Hayakawa Haruki-kun?! The one who's super good friends with Nanami!」

「Em... by "Nanami", do you mean "Kousaka Nanami"?」

「Yeah, yeah!」

「If so, then I'm that Hayakawa Haruki──」

「「「「「Uoooohh!」」」」」

「「「「「Kyaaahh!」」」」」

Suddenly, the boys and girls let out cheers of joy. What's more, applause erupts! What's going on!?

「Amazing, amazing! This is fate, it's destiny!」

「The god of moving must have guided you to Hazakura High!」

「I'm so excited to witness this moving moment!」

「Welcome, Hayakawa! We've been wanting to meet you!」

Isn't this class a little too friendly...? We're supposed to be meeting for the first time, yet for some reason, everyone is reacting as if they've been reunited with an old friend. Of course I'm happy to be welcomed, but my confusion outweighs my joy.

「Hey! Hey! It's Hayakawa-kun, it's Hayakawa-kun! Aren't you glad you could finally meet again!」

「Why are you hiding your face? Ah, could you be embarrassed!? Nanami, you're so cute! But you have to look properly! The Hayakawa-kun you wanted to see so much is right in front of you!」

Eh, Nanami? That sleeping girl is Nanami?!

「Hayakawa-kun is looking too! Hurry up and show him your face!」

The gyaru-like girl voiced my thoughts for me.

It's been four and a half years since we've seen each other... I'm nervous, but I want to see Nanami's face. As if my feelings reached her, Nanami slowly raised her head.

To put it simply, the childish look from her elementary school days had vanished, and she had grown into a breathtakingly beautiful girl.

「...L-Long time no see.」

Her transformation was so astounding I suspected she was a different person with the same name, but what came from her mouth was the familiar voice of Nanami.

It seems I safely ended up in the same class as Nanami. Not only that, but Nanami remembered me. Apparently, she even wanted to see me.

It's still a mystery why my classmates, whom I should be meeting for the first time, are being so friendly, but I'll just be happy about it for now.

「Long time no see! I'm glad we're in the same class, Nanami.」

Applause rang out again. The whole class congratulates us, saying things like,

「Congratulations on your reunion!」

「We're so happy for you!」

「May you two be happy forever!」

Nanami must have talked about me all the time──something like, "I have a best friend who's far away. I haven't seen him in a while. I want to see him sometime".

Even so, their celebration was over the top, but I guess that's just how much Nanami is loved by her classmates.

In any case, I don't mind being congratulated on our reunion, so I'll just be grateful.

「Thanks, everyone!」

Just as I say my thanks, Yokota-sensei clears his throat.

「Now then, it's about time to start homeroom. Hayakawa, you can take the empty seat by the window──」

「Here! This spot is good!」

The gyaru-style girl who had been sitting next to Nanami stood up.

「Isn't that your seat?」

「Don't be shy! You want to be near Nanami, don't you? Hey, sensei, I'll take that empty seat, so is it okay if I give this seat to Hayakawa-kun!?」

「I suppose so. You'd probably feel more at ease with someone you know like Kousaka next to you, so let's call it a temporary seat change. Is that okay with you too, Hayakawa?」

「Eh? Y-Yes, of course.」

「That's great, Hayakawa-kun! Now you can be by Nanami's side even during class!」

「W-Well, I'm happy to be near Nanami, but... why is everyone celebrating our reunion so much?」

「That's obvious, 'cause it's a happy occasion! You and Nanami are a long-distance couple who've endured not seeing each other for four and a half years after all!」

「......Eh?」

Eh, a long-distance couple...? Me and Nanami? W-What in the world is she talking about...?

「Ahaha! Hayakawa-kun's frozen from emotion! But hey, you don't need to feel like you're imposing, okay? Nanami is my friend! It's only natural to support your friend's love!」

"You can have a short-distance romance from now on", she said with a bright smile. As if in agreement, congratulatory voices rain down from all over the class.

「Seriously, I'm so jealous!」

「Be happy with Kousaka-san~!」

「To be able to have the Unfallable Beautiful Girl all to yourself, Hayakawa's the happiest man in the world!」

「Invite us to the weddingー!」

「Ahaha, you're getting ahead of yourself!」

「But they'll totally get married!」

「They love each other enough to make it through four and a half years of long-distance dating after all!」

W-Wait a minute. What is going on...? Why is it that Nanami and I had supposedly been in a long-distance relationship...!?

C-Could it be that I've wandered into a timeline where I'm dating Nanami without even knowing it...!?

「Hayakawa, take your seatー」

Urged by the teacher's calm voice, I take the seat the brown-haired girl had been in, still in a state of panic.

And when I looked next to me, Nanami turned to face me too. Her eyes dart about awkwardly, and she speaks to me, her cheeks twitching.

「T-T-T-There's a lot to catch up on, so, a-a-after this, let's go somewhere we can be alone, okay? T-T-T-There we can have a nice, l-l-l-long, t-t-t-t-talk.」

Hyuu, hyuu, someone whistles. "A rendezvousー", "Nanami, you're so boldー", the girls cheer.

「Everyone, quiet downー. I'm starting homeroomー」

Homeroom began while I was still completely lost, and it ended without a single thing registering in my head. As Yokota-sensei was about to leave the classroom, he said, as if just remembering something,

「First period was World History, right? I don't know if we'll use them, but... that's right, Kousaka, bring the globe and the world map from the social studies prep room next door. It'll be tough for one person, so Hayakawa, you help Kousaka.」

The girls applaud as Yokota-sensei flashes a grin.

「Sensei, you really know how to read the roomー!」

「We're so lucky to have such an understanding teacher!」

What does he understand!? I don't understand anything though! Can someone please explain to me why I'm supposed to be dating Nanami!?

「H-H-H-Haru-kun! W-Well then, let's go…!」

With her demeanor having turned strange, Nanami grabbed my arm, and I was pulled out of the classroom.

The commotion must have been audible to the other classes. From somewhere, I could hear voices like, "Oi, Hayakawa Haruki transferred in!", "Did their long-distance relationship finally end!?","Kousaka-san will be rewarded for her patience now!", as we entered the social studies prep room amidst all this, Nanami shut the door and locked it with a sharp click.

Why bother locking the door?

Just as I was about to voice the questions swelling inside me, now that we were alone in the dim room.

「Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey! Why are you here, Haru-kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun! You said you won't ever come baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack on the day we said goodbyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!」

Nanami shrieked, bewildered. Her expression is a complex mix of panic, fear, and joy.

「W-What's wrong, Nanami!? You've been acting strange this whole time!」

「It's over... everything's over... I'm too embarrassed to live here anymore... I have to find a new place to live... If I'm gonna move, a town by the sea would be nice...」

Nanami mutters ominously as she spins the globe sitting on a shelf in the prep room.

I don't get what's going on, but it doesn't look like anything will start unless I get a conversation going. I decided to answer her previous question.

「...For now, the reason I'm here is because I transferred in today.」

「Trans, ferred...」

「Due to Tou-san's work, we were able to come back here. So, I figured, if I'm going to transfer, I'd like to go to the same school as Nanami.」

「I-I never heard about that...!?」

「I meant for it to be a surprise.」

「A-A surprise, but… still!」

Nanami's well-shaped eyebrows droop, and her large eyes are welling up with tears.

I want to believe she's crying tears of joy over our reunion after four and a half years, but looking at her, that's clearly not the only reason.

「...By the way, I have a question for Nanami.」

「W-What is it?」

「For some reason, the students and even the teachers are all proceeding with the assumption that you and I have been in a long-distance relationship this whole time and are still dating, but what in the world is going on? Did someone spread a weird rumor and cause all this?」

When I looked straight at her and asked, Nanami's eyes darted away.

「T-That's...」

「...That's?」

「Rather than someone...」

「...Rather than?」

「...It's all my fault...」

Confessed in a voice that seemed about to disappear, I was left dumbfounded.

「Your fault...?」

「I told a lie. I said that I have a boyfriend named Hayakawa Haruki-kun who I'm in a long-distance relationship with... that I miss him because I can't see him, that we tell each other things we like about one another over the phone every day, that I want to hug him and kiss him when we meet again, and I've told a bunch of other lies too...」

「......」

I don't get it.

We may not be related by blood, but Nanami and I have a relationship like siblings. There's friendship and affection, but no romantic feelings. I've certainly never confessed to her, nor do I have any memory of saying or doing anything that would give her the wrong idea.

So why did she go around telling people we were in a long-distance relationship?

「...Let me hear the story.」

「It's... because I was scared, of being confessed to...」

「Confessed to?」

Nanami gives a small nod and looks at me with eyes like obsidian.

「I can look Haru-kun in the eye and talk like this, but I'm really bad with other boys, just talking to them makes me nervous... but for some reason, people started confessing to me all of a sudden around the end of my first year of middle school... so I thought if I pretended to have a boyfriend, people would stop confessing... I still got confessed to by over a hundred people after I got to high school, though.」

For a moment I thought it was some kind of joke, but... one look at Nanami's appearance makes it obvious that this is no made-up story.

In these four and a half years, Nanami has transformed into a stunningly beautiful girl.

I've always thought of Nanami as a little sister, so I don't feel any romantic feelings for her now, but if I had met her for the first time today, I'm confident I would have fallen in love the moment she looked at me.

There are over three hundred male students at Hazakura High. If Nanami were single, the number of confessions probably wouldn't have stopped at just one hundred.

「I get the situation, but did it have to be me? You could have made up a fictional boyfriend, there were other ways to do it.」

「If it was a fictional boyfriend, I felt like I'd get stuck if they barraged me with questions, and I thought it would be more realistic if I said I was dating Haru-kun, who I was actually close with...」

「I see...」

It's true that it would be easier to answer questions about how we got together that way. The only lie is the long-distance part, the fact that we were close since we were young is true, which adds to the credibility.

On top of that, because I had moved far away, Nanami was the only one who could get in touch with me. No one had any way of verifying the truth. So she felt safe in her lie and went around telling everyone about a long-distance relationship until today.

However, the unexpected appearance of the person himself has drastically changed the situation. The long-distance boyfriend she'd been telling everyone she desperately wanted to see, me, had shown up in her class, causing a storm of congratulations from those around her.

If this were about someone else, I probably would have congratulated them too, saying "What a fateful reunion!" I can understand why our classmates are so excited, and I can also understand why Nanami is panicking.

Anyway, I understand the situation. If this was just to "show off", I'd give her a piece of my mind, but under these circumstances, it can't be helped.

「...So, what do you plan to do, Nanami?」

「Eh? W-What do you mean...?」

「To summarize the current situation, you've been reunited after four and a half years with the long-distance boyfriend you were dying to see, right? That means everyone around us will naturally expect us to act like a couple...」

「Uhh.」

「And if we don't, it'll look pretty suspicious...」

「Uhhh.」

「Ultimately, a rumor might start that "the long-distance relationship was a lie", and we'd attract attention in a whole different way...!」

「Uhhhh.」

「To avoid that kind of situation, isn't it pretty bad if we don't decide what to do from here on out, right now...!?」

「Uhhhhhhhhhh...!」

Nanami just clutches her head and groans, but no matter how much she agonizes over it, there are only two options.

The lie about the long-distance relationship only worked because I wasn't there.

My appearance has caused it to fall apart.

Knowing that, will she stick to the lie? Or will she be honest and confess it was a lie? She has to choose one of those.

As I watched the groaning Nanami... she lifted her head from her hands and said, as if pleading.

「...Haru-kun, please cooperate with me...」

「Cooperate with what...」

「Please, flirt with me...」

「...Eh?」

「I mean, pretend to be my boyfriend...! Please...!」

Nanami bowed her head to me.

The words Nanami desperately spun echo through the sealed social studies prep room, and a hush falls over us as if time has stopped.

The globe that Nanami had been spinning earlier came to a stop with a faint creaking sound.

「...Are you being serious?」

「As serious as can be! Just at school is fine, so please pretend to be my boyfriend! I-If you don't, I'll become known as that crazy girl who was spewing her delusions! I'll be so embarrassed I won't be able to live at this school anymore...!」

Nanami pleads with me, her eyes tearing up.

It's true, seeing how homeroom went earlier, word of the long-distance relationship has reached not only the students but also the teachers. Nanami must have been telling this lie not just occasionally, but every single day. If it came to light that she had been spewing delusions related to a long-distance relationship daily, she'd be met with disgust from students and teachers alike.

There's no doubt she'd be treated as a "crazy girl" by the entire school. If that happened, she would feel so uncomfortable that she'd stop coming to school, and at worst, it could affect her mental health and lead her to drop out.

Nanami is my important best friend.

I don't want to see my best friend go through that. So──

「...I have a proposal.」

「A proposal...?」

「I didn't get a chance to say it during my introduction earlier, but I'm not going to be at this school forever.」

「Eh? Why...?」

「I'm only back here temporarily for Tou-san's work, when we become third-years, I'll be transferring far away again.」

「We'll be separated again, in a year and a half...?」

「Yeah. And when I transfer, you can just be sad and say, "We're back to a long-distance relationship again". That way, no one will find out it was a lie until the very end.」

Nanami gasps.

「W-Wait, Haru-kun! Does that mean you'll cooperate with me for a year and a half? You'll go along with my lie...?」

「It's damn embarrassing, though... Acting as a couple indefinitely would be tough, but if it's for a limited time and only at school, it's just barely within an acceptable range. The problem is whether we can act the part well──」

「I-It's fine! It'll definitely be fine! I mean, it's Haru-kun and me! Acting like a couple for a year and a half will be a piece of cake!」

Perhaps because I showed a cooperative attitude, Nanami's face visibly lit up with joy.

I do have some thoughts about getting dragged into this troublesome situation, but I can't just abandon Nanami.

If I can help Nanami by playing fake-couple just at school, this choice is one I won't regret.

「Alright, let's do it. We'll get through this year and a half without anyone finding out.」

「Okay! Thank you, Haru-kun!」

Nanami smiles like a blooming flower, and my own cheeks relax naturally.

If this were some beautiful girl I didn't know, I'd be nervous, but my partner, while a beautiful girl, is Nanami. We've held hands before, and while we haven't kissed directly, we've had indirect kisses many times. We've even slept in the same room and taken baths together. It's all from when we were kids, but we've experienced a whole range of couple-like things.

Doing the same things as high school students is embarrassing, but the most we'd probably do in public is hold hands while walking home. I can endure that much.

「...Well then. People will get suspicious if we're late, so we should probably grab the globe and world map and head back to the classroom.」

「Yeah. But... whether we're early or late, I think they'll assume we kissed the moment we were alone together. I told my friends I'd get lots of kisses from you when we reunited...」

So that means when we get back, our classmates will be smirking at us like, "Those two were kissing". That's rough...

「Well, we don't actually have to kiss, though. If people just think we did, that's within an acceptable range.」

「Also... I might have said that I'd want to have sleepovers on weekends when we reunited, or even live together, so after the next holiday, there might be all sorts of misunderstandings...」

Nanami is being vague out of embarrassment, but I know what kind of misunderstandings she means without her having to say it. A "sleepover" for elementary schoolers and a "sleepover" for high schoolers have different implications. It's embarrassing to think our classmates will see us after a break and think, "Those two sealed the deal", though...

「...We won't actually be living together and waking up next to each other, so if they just think that, it's within an acceptable range.」

As I said that and looked at Nanami, she guiltily averted her gaze.

Well, she did drag me into her lie. It's only natural that she'd be plagued by guilt.

But I don't want to see this look on Nanami's face.

「You don't have to feel bad or anything towards me. Besides, you finally got to reunite with your boyfriend, but if you go back to the classroom with a face like that, people will think it's weird.」

「O-Okay. But... really, I'm sorry.」

「It's fine. More importantly, where's the world map? We have to take it to the classroom with the globe, right?」

I forcibly change the subject.

The globe was in a conspicuous place, but I can't find the world map. As we split up to search, Nanami let out a small "Ah".

「Did you find it?」

「No. There was something I had to say to Haru-kun.」

「Something you had to say?」

Nanami nodded and gave me a soft smile.

「Welcome back, Haru-kun. I've wanted to see you for so long.」

「Yeah, I'm back. I wanted to see you too.」

I never dreamed we'd end up acting as a fake couple, but I got to see Nanami like this. I have no regrets about transferring to Hazakura High.

As I savored the joy of our reunion, the chime rang. We hurriedly found the map and left the social studies prep room.

As Nanami and I ran towards Class 1-1, our bodies bump into each other, and the globe I was carrying under my arm spins vigorously.

I'm anxious about what's to come, but acting like a couple shouldn't be that hard──no, I have to convince myself it's easy, or I won't be able to do it.

That this fake love comedy with the Unfallable Beautiful Girl is on easy mode for me.

◆

After school.

Getting on the train home, we sat down next to each other on a two-person seat and sighed, as if releasing all our exhaustion.

「What a crazy day...」

「My cheeks hurt from fake smiling...」

「My throat is tired...」

「You were talking to someone all day long...」

We've confirmed there are no other Hazakura High School students in our train car, but I can't shake the feeling that someone might suddenly call out to us. That's how much we were talked to today.

For example, in third-period P.E. The class was a joint one with Class 4, and the moment we set foot in the gym, we were showered with a rapid-fire succession of congratulations──

「Congrats on your reunion!」

「You're the only man who could win over the Unfallable Beautiful Girl, so please be happy with her!」

「Make Kousaka-san smile!」

「We're satisfied just seeing Kousaka-san's smile.」

and so on, as people took turns talking to me. On the other side of the net curtain, Nanami was similarly surrounded by girls. The gyaru-like girl told her, "Don't mind us, you can kiss!" but Nanami skillfully deflected it with, "I want to kiss when we're calm, so we'll do it outside of school".

Lunchtime was also incredible. Nanami guided me to the school store, and there we were approached by upperclassmen──

「So you're the happiest man in the world!」

「Share some of that luck with us!」

「We're so glad you transferred. Now we can completely give up.」

「Thanks to you, I can move on. I can finally focus on my entrance exams,」

they said, and one upperclassman even gave me a bread roll as a congratulatory gift.

I thought I understood from our classmates' reception, but Nanami was even more popular with boys than I had imagined.

Among the boys who talked to me today were handsome guys, sporty guys, muscular guys, intellectual guys, and even the current and former student council presidents.

They are clearly in a higher league than me. To be honest, at first I was prepared for guys who would look down on me as inferior and try to hit on Nanami thinking, "I can steal her from this guy", but they had all surrendered to a degree that made me feel bad.

I couldn't help but feel that I was being deified as the only man who had successfully won over the school's cutest "Unfallable Beautiful Girl"... In any case, I was met with gazes that said, "Don't mind us, just be as lovey-dovey as you want".

Perhaps I was the object of some jealousy, but no student openly directed it at me. Because of that, I didn't have any bad experiences... but I was so exhausted from being talked to so much.

However, the excitement should peak today. In a few days, the commotion should die down, and in a month, the novelty will wear off, and we should be able to live a calm school life as a normal, everyday couple.

「Should we let go now?」

As I'm reflecting on the day, Nanami shyly squeezes my hand.

We had been holding hands couple-style since the school's entrance hall. Realizing the soft, slightly sweaty sensation, I suddenly start to feel embarrassed.

"Yeah", I say, letting go of her hand, and ask a question that's a bit overdue.

「By the way, don't you have any friends you usually walk home with?」

I had just been going with the flow until now, but if she has a friend she always walks home with, then I've done something bad to her.

「I'm always alone when I get on the train. Even if we hang out after school, it's around Hazakura Station, and I'm the only girl who went to Hazakura High School from my middle school.」

「On the flip side, why did you apply to Hazakura High? There's a high school of the same level in your hometown.」

「Hazakura High School is Okaa-san's alma mater. I thought she'd be happy if her daughter wore the same uniform and went to the same school.」

"She was happy and said it was nostalgic", Nanami says with a joyful smile.

「I'm glad she was happy. Are Obaa-san and Oji-san doing well?」

「Very. They've been in a particularly good mood since September. Maybe something good happened.」

「What a coincidence. Kaa-san and Tou-san have been in a good mood since September too.」

「Haru-kun's parents too? Maybe because it got more comfortable after September started?」

「It was hot all over the country this summer. Anyway, back to the topic, if you don't have anyone, want to walk to school together starting tomorrow?」

It would look more couple-like if we go to school together, not just home.

And more than anything, it's more fun talking with Nanami than sitting alone on the train reading a paperback.

Nanami's face brightened up, then clouded over slightly, as if she had a worry.

「I want to go to school with you, but then we'd have to hold hands in the morning too...?」

「I don't mind. We're going to hold hands on the way home anyway.」

「Then I'd love to! It's lonely going to school by myself.」

Saying so, Nanami's eyes narrow as if reminiscing about the old days.

「We always used to walk to school together when we were in elementary school, didn't we? Haru-kun, who lived next door, would come over to wake me up.」

「You wouldn't get up, and we'd both end up late sometimes. Are you still bad with mornings?」

「Nope. After Haru-kun moved, there was no one left to rely on. So I thought I had to become independent, and I worked hard to change.」

So the fact that Nanami, who used to be somewhat isolated in the classroom, now has friends was also a result of her hard work.

「No wonder you give off such a responsible aura.」

「Really? I'm happy.」

Nanami smiles softly. The responsible aura is cut in half, but she can be the same old unreliable Nanami in front of me.

「Where should we meet? Is Shiraha Station okay?」

「Where's the house you live in now?」

「It's a ten-story apartment building near Shiraha Shrine.」

「That area, huh. It's about two kilometers from my house. It'd be a detour to the station, so maybe meeting at Shiraha Station is better. I do want to visit your new place at least once, though.」

「Don't say just once, come over as much as you like.」

「Thanks. I'll take you up on that. Of course, you can come over to my house as much as you like too. Since we're at it, want to hang out at my place today?」

「Eh, is that okay?」

It's been since elementary school since I've been to the Kousaka residence. Back then I was over almost every day, but now we're both high school students. I thought she'd be resistant to having a member of the opposite sex in her room, even if we were childhood friends, so I was planning on just chatting at a family restaurant.

「There's no reason it wouldn't be okay. Otou-san and Okaa-san said they were taking the day off to go out, but they should be back in the evening. They'll both be happy to see Haru-kun.」

「I see. In that case, I guess I'll go.」

「Yeah. Let's hang out at my place, it's been a while.」

Nanami's voice bounces with joy. As we talked like that, thirty minutes flew by, and we arrived at Shiraha Station.

We exit the station and walk along the sidewalk of a busy two-lane road. We turn at the corner by a convenience store, and soon after, we reach a quiet residential area.

The scenery gradually became more familiar──I could see a small park across the street, and opposite it stood the Kousaka family home.

The Kousaka house, which I was seeing for the first time in four and a half years, is no different from back then.

And next to the Kousaka house is the former Hayakawa house, where I used to live.

I feel a sense of nostalgia for my former home where I lived from birth until the end of fifth grade, but... the pale blue outer walls had been repainted cream. The thought that it's now someone else's house fills me with a sense of loneliness.

「What kind of people live in that house now?」

「About four years ago, a young couple named Shibasaki-san moved in. They have two girls, five and two years old, and they're both very cute.」

「I see.」

A family I don't know is living in the house full of my memories. It's sad, but it can't be helped. They sound like a picture-perfect happy family, so I was relieved it wasn't some unsavory family that moved in.

Thinking such things, we pass through the gate and arrive at the front door. Nanami took a key out of her bag and unlocked it.

「Come in, come in.」

「Pardon the intrusion.」

I take off my shoes in the entryway and am led directly to Nanami's room in the corner of the second floor.

It's a wood-floored room of about ten tatami mats.

A simple single bed, a study desk with textbooks on it. Next to a dresser covered in stickers, a large sliding manga shelf makes its presence known.

On a corkboard on the wall are pictures taken with family and friends, and in front of the TV stand, a game console is left out. Just like back then, Nanami seems to like games and manga.

「...This room also hasn't changed much from the old days.」

「That's true. Though the number of games and manga has increased quite a bit.」

「But still, you keep it pretty clean. It used to be a mess of clothes and manga, and it was a routine for us to clean it up together before playing.」

「It means I've grown up. As you can see, it's tidy now, so we can play right away... Ah, that's right. Sorry, Haru-kun. I'm going to change, so could you wait in the hallway for a bit?」

Nanami says, looking slightly awkward.

In elementary school, Nanami used to take off her pajamas right in front of me, but it seems she's learned some modesty. I'd be at a loss for how to react if she changed in front of me, so it's a welcome offer.

「Got it.」

I left the room and was waiting in the hallway when, soon after, I was called, "It's okay nowー". When I opened the door, Nanami was wearing a knit dress with a cardigan over it.

「You're not wearing pants today.」

「I've been wearing skirts almost exclusively since I became a middle schooler.」

「I see. You used to hate skirts. Did you get used to them because of the uniform?」

「Yeah. ...Well, I can't give up my tights, no matter the season, though.」

It seems her trauma is still alive and well. In the summer of second grade, a large spider crawled up her leg, and ever since, Nanami has been reluctant to show her bare legs.

「All season? Winter is one thing, but tights in the summer seem hot.」

「They are. It was especially stuffy this past summer.」

She sighed, then, as if to pull herself together, her voice brightened with a "So".

「What do you think of this knit dress and cardigan?」

「It looks good on you.」

"Right~", she says, laughing proudly.

「Ikeda-san picked out these clothes for me.」

「Heeh, is that so.」

Ikeda-san is the gyaru-like girl with light brown hair who gave me her seat during homeroom. It seems they're close in private too, there's a picture of her with Ikeda-san on the corkboard.

Incidentally, the picture she took with me is on her study desk. I'm glad to be getting special treatment.

「Do you hang out with Ikeda-san a lot?」

「Maybe once or twice a month. Ikeda-san and Komori-san are both busy with club activities.」

「Komori-san is... the short-haired, petite girl?」

I greeted all my classmates, but I was talked to by so many people today that I'm a bit fuzzy on who is who.

「Yeah. I'm on the taller side for a girl, so Komori-san often tells me, "Share some of your height with me".」

「You definitely got bigger.」

Four and a half years ago, I was 150 cm, and Nanami was just under 140 cm. But now, while I'm 172 cm, Nanami is at least 165 cm.

Her features are also beautiful, and her legs look long and slender. Her chest has also blossomed to a degree that's incomparable to before, she could pass for a gravure model or a fashion model.

「I had a growth spurt around the summer of my first year of middle school.」

Around the same time she started getting popular, huh. She used to be small and plain, so she didn't stand out, but as she grew taller, she started attracting attention, and at the same time, she went through a glow-up, which must have led to her reputation as "an unbelievably beautiful girl!" Nanami doesn't seem to be conceited about her good looks, so she might not even be aware of her own cuteness.

「But I've only grown one centimeter since my third year of middle school, so I don't think I'll ever catch up to Haru-kun.」

A little bit of a relief. Growth is a good thing, but it's complicated to be surpassed in height by Nanami, who I've always thought of as a little sister.

「...By the way, you don't have to answer if you don't want to. Did you ever think about going out with any of the guys who confessed to you?」

One look at her now makes it clear without any explanation that Nanami would be incredibly popular. If she was confessed to by so many guys, there must have been some who were perfect both inside and out. Didn't her heart ever flutter when she was confessed to by such a guy?

「No, I never once thought about it. In my second year of middle school, the photos from our school trip were posted in the hallway...」

「The kind where you specify the number of the photo you want and buy it?」

「Yeah. And, I'll never forget it, but for photo "Number 77" alone, there were over 200 orders. The photo company contacted the school thinking there was some mistake, and the teacher told me to check the number... and when I checked, it was a photo of just me.」

"That's a calculation of at least two per person", Nanami says.

It was an episode that showed Nanami's abnormal popularity.

「On top of that, it seems some boys were even buying and selling that photo without permission... The troublemakers and the serious students, they might all have my picture... When I thought about how the boys were looking at me, I started to be bad with them even more... When I was confessed to, the feeling of "fear" came before "happiness".」

「I see...」

Nanami was originally shy and had a timidness towards men. On top of that, being looked at with eyes full of ulterior motives only amplified her aversion.

「Ah, but Haru-kun is an exception! We've known each other forever, and we're like family. I've never once been scared of you!」

「I see, well that's good. I'll make sure to stay the same old Hayakawa Haruki so I don't scare you.」

I tell her gently, trying to reassure her. Then Nanami giggles,

「Even if your appearance has changed, Haru-kun is still Haru-kun. You're taller than you were in elementary school, and you've gotten more handsome, but I don't get nervous or anything around you.」

Being suddenly praised made my heart skip a beat. Perhaps my embarrassment was palpable, because Nanami started to look embarrassed too.

It was at that moment. We heard a noise from the first floor. Furthermore, we can hear the voices of several people talking.

「Sounds like my parents are back! Want to say hi?」

「Of course! I wonder if they remember me?」

「They definitely remember you! They'll be so surprised to see Haru-kun.」

Maybe looking forward to her parents' surprised faces, Nanami is smiling like a mischievous child.

"Well, let's go" we say, leaving the room and heading to the living room on the first floor──

「「Eh?」」

The ones who were surprised were me and Nanami. In the living room, aside from Oji-san and Oba-san, were Tou-san and Kaa-san.

As I stood there bewildered, Oji-san and Oba-san smiled at me.

「Yaa, Haruki-kun! Long time no see!」

「I'm so relieved to see you're doing well~! You've become so handsome!」

「H-Hello.」

I bow my head.

Beside me, a baffled Nanami was being smiled at by Kaa-san and the others.

「Nanami-chan, it's been a while!」

「You've grown so much.」

「T-Thank you. ──H-Hey, Okaa-san, why are Haru-kun's parents here?」

「We were having lunch together. We were actually planning to be home by three, but we got carried away talking. I thought I'd treat them to some coffee as a thank you for the ride.」

I knew my parents had taken the day off. I thought they were just going to relax, but apparently they had plans to have lunch with Oji-san and Obaa-san.

And if they had plans to meet, that means my parents had told Nanami's parents beforehand that we were coming back here.

In other words...

「Tou-san, you told them we were moving?」

「Of course, Nanami-chan's parents are our friends after all. I told them as soon as the move was decided.」

Of course. It's obvious when you think about it. The Hayakawa and Kousaka families were originally next-door neighbors and were close.

「H-Hey, why didn't you tell me that Haru-kun was moving here...!?」

「Because you never talked about Haruki-kun. So, we thought Haruki-kun was trying to surprise you by keeping the move a secret until the last minute. Am I wrong, Haruki-kun?」

「...You're correct.」

As a result, I was hit with a tremendous counter-surprise though.

Oji-san and Oba-san laugh cheerfully.

「I thought so. Haruki-kun always did love surprises.」

「He used to surprise Nanami for her birthday every year too. He'd pretend he didn't get a present, and then, "Ta-da!"」

「And Nanami would act surprised every year as if it was the first time.」

「That's because Haruki-kun is good at surprising people.」

「He is. But I never thought he'd surprise us too.」

「A surprise... for you?」

I have no memory of that. If he's talking about the move, it's not a surprise. They had heard about it from my parents beforehand.

「Haruki-kun, you're dating Nanami, aren't you?」

Oji-san said with a smile.

I thought my heart was going to stop.

...Eh? W-Why does Oji-san know about that...? C-Could it be that Nanami was lying about our long-distance relationship not just at school, but at home too...!?

...No, that doesn't seem to be it.

「H-H-H-How do you know about that!?」

Nanami's mouth hangs open, completely stunned.

It seems this is an unforeseen situation for Nanami as well.

To the flustered Nanami, Oji-san speaks with a gentle smile.

「I think it was the autumn of your second year of middle school. When I went to cheer you on at the sports festival, I overheard some other students talking.」

──「That Kousaka girl in second year is seriously cute.」

──「I hear Kousaka is in a long-distance relationship with a guy named Hayakawa Haruki.」

──「I know. If it's long-distance, they'll break up eventually. Maybe I'll try confessing.」

──「No way. Kousaka's love for Hayakawa is insane. I heard Hayashida got shot down too.」

──「Hayashida? To turn down the most handsome guy in school, just how much does she like Hayakawa?」

Apparently, that was the conversation when Nanami was in the relay race. After that, every time they participated in a school event, they heard similar stories.

Hearing this, Tou-san and Kaa-san showed no signs of surprise.

「Could it be you two knew too?」

"We knew", they nod.

「If us parents interfered, it might make things awkward between you and Nanami-chan. So after talking with the Kousakas, we decided to watch over you warmly.」

"However", he continues with a gentle smile.

「We thought it was cruel to make you continue a long-distance relationship, so I kept putting in requests for a transfer every year. It's only for a short time, but my wish was finally granted.」

Is that so!? You transferred for that reason!?

And does that mean that Nanami, Nanami's parents, and Tou-san and Kaa-san all knew about the long-distance relationship, but I was the only one who didn't!? Why am I the only one who wasn't told when it's about me!

「I'm so glad you could be reunited.」

Tou-san looks so happy. ...But I'm sorry, Tou-san! The long-distance relationship is a lie. I just found out today!

I want to say that, but seeing such a smile makes it too awkward to say. I glance at Nanami to see what she's going to do...

「Ah, awa, awawa...」

She was extremely agitated. Her eyes darted all over, her legs trembled, and her large eyes welled up with tears as she looked at me with a "what should I do" expression, but all I could do was give her a similar look back.

「Haha, are those happy tears?」

「Nanami-chan is really a crybaby.」

The misunderstanding escalated. Nanami forced a twitching "Hehe" smile. So this is the face humans make when they're cornered.

...Anyway. Anyway, I can't leave things like this.

Being thought of as a couple by people at school and being thought of as dating by my parents are on completely different levels of bad. It's awkward, but I have to say it.

That the long-distance relationship is a lie.

That it was to ward off boys.

「Tou-san, actually──」「Today, for the two of you──」

Tou-san and I started talking at the same time. Not having fully steeled my resolve, I instinctively shut my mouth, and in that opening, Tou-san began with a smile.

「We have a gift for you two today!」

「A gift?」

「Yeah. This!」

Tou-san took a key out of his pocket.

「That key is...?」

「It's an apartment key.」

「An apartment...?」

Tou-san nods with a smile,

「Four and a half years ago, my job transfer forced you two apart. Because of that, you were forced into a long-distance relationship. So, we decided that for the time we're here, we want you to live together and nurture your love as much as you want──we decided this after we parents talked it over.」

「Living together!?」

「Nurture our love!?」

Interpreting my and Nanami's reaction as "being deeply moved", our parents' smiles grow even wider.

「My wife and I have always been fond of kindhearted Haruki-kun. So when we found out you were dating, we were so happy.」

「I immediately agreed when I heard it. If we can support your love, we'll gladly lend a hand! By the way, the new place is near Hazakura Station. Getting to school will be easier now!」

「We rented a fully furnished apartment! Your mothers will take you there next Saturday, so get whatever you need, like clothes or games, packed by Friday.」

W-What is this...

It was supposed to be just pretending to be a couple at school for a year and a half, but all my escape routes──the outer moats have been completely filled in, haven't they...!

My classmates are congratulating me, the boys aren't even thinking of stealing Nanami but have all surrendered──

If that was all, it might still have been manageable, but to have both families approve of the relationship and even provide a place to live, with such a perfectly filled-in moat, there's no escape anymore...

As I unconsciously lifted my head, which had been hanging down, I saw the smiling faces of the adults. They are looking at me and Nanami, who had just been reunited after four and a half years, with such happy expressions.

...N-No good. I can't say it! This is not the right atmosphere to say the long-distance relationship was a lie! Just imagining the mood in that moment makes my heart feel like it's going to explode...!

This is a very difficult situation, but of course, our parents have no ill intentions. They made the decision to rent a room solely with my and Nanami's happiness in mind.

If only Nanami and I were mutually in love, what an ideal situation this would have been... but since we have no romantic feelings for each other, it's just plain awkward, and I wish they would cancel the lease immediately.

But... after they've done all this, I can't back down.

They've congratulated us this much──and set the perfect stage for us out of the goodness of their hearts; if we were to reveal it was all a lie, they would surely be so sad.

If Nanami and I can endure this and prevent our families from being sad, then we have no choice but to see this lie through to the end...!

「...Thank you. Tou-san, Kaa-san. I'm really happy. To be able to live with Nanami... honestly, this is something I've always hoped would happen.」

「Haru-kun!?」

Nanami is panicking next to me, but I ignore her and continue speaking.

「I never imagined Tou-san and Kaa-san would support our love so much... Oji-san and Oba-san too, thank you so much. I'm very happy right now.」

My words of gratitude are met with satisfied smiles from our parents, who hold each other's hands and share their joy, saying,

「Our decision was the right one.」

「The surprise was a huge success.」

Meanwhile, Nanami, who can't grasp the situation, whispers to me in a voice too quiet for our parents to hear.

「H-Hey Haru-kun, what are you saying all of a sudden...!? If you say that, we'll really have to live together...!?」

「That's right.」

「"That's right"...!? This means we won't just be playing couple at school, but living like a real couple twenty-four hours a day──」

「I know that. ...We just have to brace ourselves.」

「B-Brace ourselves...!?」

「Yeah, that's right. Think about it. If we tell the truth here, what kind of faces will our parents make?」

「T-That's... I think they'd be really disappointed.」

「It's beyond disappointment. You saw how happy they were, right? I don't think they'll get angry, but for them, this lie is traumatic. They'll be crushed and disillusioned. Do you want to see that look on our parents' faces...?」

「That's... no, I don't want that...」

「Right? But, if we keep up the lie, nobody has to be sad. Now that the moats have been filled in this much, we have no choice but to play the part of a couple...!」

「U-Uhhh... W-Why did it come to this...!」

「It's because you created a long-distance relationship setting without consulting me...!」

「Uhhhh...!」

「Nanami, smile... don't let that smile fade...! If you don't smile, our parents will get suspicious.」

「O-Okay...!」

Nanami forces a smile, her cheeks twitching. At the same time, our parents, who had been sharing their joy, approached us to hand over the apartment key.

「Nanami-chan. As a modest gift, I'd like you to accept this key. Please take care of our Haruki.」

Nanami keeps her smile on, but her eyes, brimming with tears, look at my parents.

「I-I'm so happy...! Haru-kun's Otou-san, Okaa-san, really... thank you so, so much! I'll never forget this kindness for the rest of my life...!」

It's a masterful performance. Who could possibly realize that these are not tears of gratitude, but tears of "how did it come to this?"

「Being thanked that much makes me a little flustered... Actually, Nanami-chan, there is just one thing I need to apologize for.」

「Eh...? Something you need to apologize for?」

「The truth is... in a year and a half, due to my work, I'll have to take Haruki with me again, and your life together will temporarily come to an end. We're still moving within Japan, but it won't be a distance where you can meet easily. Please forgive me for only being able to provide you with a year and a half of time together.」

「N-No, please don't worry about it! A year and a half is more than enough! R-Right, Haru-kun!?」

「Y-Yeah, that's right. It might feel short to adults, but for us high school students, a year and a half feels like an eternity...」

「R-Right! I'm so happy we can live together for a whole year and a half!」

「Y-Yeah! We're so happy to receive such a wonderful gift...!」

As we expressed our gratitude, our parents beamed with wide smiles.