───● The Childhood Friend-type University Girl is Worried 2 ●○●
Lately, Mizuho has been acting weird.
It was the same when I suggested we go to the batting center with Masato the other day. She seems to lack her usual energy, like something is weighing on her mind. And I’m sure it’s not just my imagination.
“Mizuho? Ah, yeah, she’s been kinda out of it lately.”
“I know, right! The other day at the cafeteria, Mizuho was eating a (small) kake udon! Normally she would get a (large) with tempura on top!”
“The other day she was staring at some small piece of paper or something, so I wondered what it was and peeked over, and she hid it in a panic. I wonder what that was? Oh, by the way, Koumi, introduce me to that handsome guy you’re taking classes with.”
When I asked our mutual friends, it was clear something was up. Oh, and I ran away from the friend who asked me to introduce her to Masato at the end. Sorry.
Anyway, if Mizuho is worried about something, I want to be there for her. We’ve known each other for a long time, and Mizuho is a precious best friend to me. I believe our friendship is deep enough that she feels the same way.
Today, I had first period with Mizuho, a class Masato isn’t in. This might be a good time to talk to her.
“Mornin’~…”
“Morning, Mizuho.”
Mizuho arrived, looking sleepy. Thinking of the usual Mizuho who would show up with an energy level unthinkable for the morning, it was clear she was down even at this point.
Mizuho sat down in the seat next to me and collapsed onto the desk.
Even her twintails, which usually stick up with so much energy you’d think she had cat ears, seemed to be wilting.
There wasn’t much time before class started. Tap, tap. I gently tapped Mizuho’s shoulder.
“…Hey, Mizuho.”
“Hm?”
Mizuho turned her face towards me. She was smiling. But, having known her for so long, I could tell it was a forced smile.
“Is something bothering you? You haven’t seemed yourself lately… If you don’t mind talking to me, I’m here to listen.”
“…Eh, ehh!? Do I really seem that down? I’m my usual self, my usual self! Nya-ha!”
I stared straight into Mizuho’s eyes. Her gaze wavered ever so slightly.
“…Is it something you can’t even tell me?”
“Uhm… how should I put this… yes…”
As if she had given up, Mizuho’s shoulders slumped apologetically. I see… If she can’t talk about it, then I guess there’s nothing I can do. I wanted to help if I could, but…
“Okay, I get it. If you’re worried, I want to help. So, you can come to me anytime, okay?”
“Waaah, thanks, Koumi. A friend in need is a friend indeed, huh.”
“A friend indeed? What’s with that…?”
I was relieved to see Mizuho finally perk up a little, and just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of class.
That afternoon, during third period.
“—and that’s what happened.”
“I see… Mizuho’s always so energetic, so it’s understandable that you’re worried.”
I told Masato, who had come to school starting from third period, that Mizuho hadn’t been her usual self lately. Mizuho and Masato seem to have gotten along well in this short time, so I wanted to ask him if he knew anything.
Masato put a hand to his chin, as if in thought.
“I wonder if it has something to do with that upperclassman from the circle she confessed to before?”
“Hmm, that could be part of it…”
Mizuho had been harshly rejected once before. It’s true that she seemed pretty down back then, partly because the guy was such a jerk, but…
“But didn’t Mizuho say she met her ‘fated person’? After that, she seemed really energetic, almost like she was full of life.”
“You’re right, that’s true.”
The next day I saw Mizuho, she looked so, so happy. I was a bit taken aback by how much she had changed in just one day, but I was happy for her, too.
“…Mizuho, you know, she’s always fallen in love really easily.”
Ever since high school, Mizuho has always been quick to fall in love. Or rather, maybe it’s more accurate to say that she loved being in love.
“Don’t you want to have a sparkling high school life!?”
“That upperclassman is so cool!”
“I want a boyfriend~!”
Mizuho always seemed to be led by her desire for romance, her desire for a boyfriend. But this time, it’s fundamentally different.
“But you know, Mizuho said, ‘So this is what it feels like to love someone.’”
“…”
That day she came to university, full of life.
“So this is what it feels like to love someone!”
When she said that and smiled, she looked like she meant it from the bottom of her heart.
“I think this is the first time Mizuho, who has always admired the idea of love, has truly been in love. That’s why I want to support her, and I truly hope it works out for her.”
The first person she has truly fallen in love with. It’s not hard to imagine how happy that must make her. Right now, it’s highly questionable whether that love will come to fruition, but precisely because I know her past, my desire to support her is stronger than anyone’s.
“…You and Mizuho are really good friends, aren’t you, Koumi?”
“Eh!? You think so… I mean, of course, I think of her as my best friend, but…”
Masato’s gentle smile was so lovely that I couldn’t help but look away. He really doesn’t give you a moment’s rest… But of course, I don’t mind being told that Mizuho and I are good friends.
“A-Anyway. That’s why I want to know why she’s so down, but…”
“And you don’t have enough information for that, right? Hmm, this is a tough one.”
My guess is that what’s bothering her has something to do with her fated person, but… what could it be that she can’t even tell me…?
“Sorry, I really can’t think of anything…”
“Hmm, you’re right! Actually, I’m sorry for pushing you!”
I guess that’s how it is. With this, all I can do is wait for Mizuho to come to me…
“But I’m sure Mizuho is happy about how you feel, Koumi.”
Masato said in a gentle voice.
“So… yeah, for now, let’s just wait for Mizuho to calm down. Once she does… maybe we can even have her introduce us to her fated person.”
“…Ahaha, that might be a good idea!”
He might be right. Instead of prying recklessly, just like I did this morning, I should be ready to lend a hand if she’s in trouble.
And I do want to see Mizuho’s fated person!
Thinking about it that way made me feel a little better.
“Thanks, Masato! You’re always helping me out.”
“No, no, I really didn’t do anything today.”
While reaffirming to myself that Masato is truly a wonderful person, I decided to watch over Mizuho for the time being.
And, that aside…
I checked that there was still some time before class started, then I took the arm of Masato, who was sitting next to me.
“…Hey, want to go get some dinner after this?”
“Yeah, sure. I don’t have work or anything today.”
“Yay! Where should we go today?”
I have to make my move on Masato! I will absolutely, definitely make Masato my boyfriend!
…And in the future, if Mizuho and her person get together, maybe the four of us could go out, or something. I’d like to try that.
Feeling cheerful, I spent the rest of the time before class started fiddling with my phone, searching for a restaurant to go to with Masato.
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