Chapter 4 ~ Confession?

Tomoka-chan can't stop talking on the walk from the shoe lockers to the main gate.

"Right? Nine times out of ten, calling someone behind a school building means a love confession. It does! It's only in fiction where you think it's one, but it's actually some important plot beat~"

"I guess you would know... but the letter had such a girly vibe."

"This day and age, it doesn't matter if it's a guy or girl. Besides, pretty much everyone agrees you're popular with girls. You're kind and accepting, you're so tiny that it'd make anyone want to protect you, and you're super motherly, so people feel all warm and fuzzy inside."

"I dunno how I feel about compliments like those..."

"Compliments are compliments. Personally, I'd feel safer with a girl! You're just so gentle, it's easy to imagine a future where you're abused by some scummy guy. Some pachinko addict, or a smoker, or a band member, a guy like that where you've gotta support them, that kinda thing. It wouldn't be like that with a girl."

"Aren't you underestimating me a little?" I ask Tomoka-chan, stunned at everything she said.

"Ah, sorry. This is the first time I've heard you talk about confessions, so I got a little heated."

"I mean, really. You never talk about the confessions you get."

"Sorry about that. I really am happy for you, though! It's just like, finally someone else is realizing how incredible you are, like the world's discovering your cuteness or something, man I feel like a veteran otaku^[1] with this surging avalanche of feelings. In fact, I'm kinda like the world's second-fastest passionate otaku."

"The second... then who's the first?"

"...Even that kinda cluelessness is adorable! How commendable!"

"What the heck?" I say with a laugh.

Though all her silly words, Tomoka-chan looked so genuinely delighted that I couldn't help but watch her as we walked. Meanwhile, we finally arrive at the main gate.

We usually walk home together since we live in the same direction, however Tomoka-chan's stopping by Animate today. The nearest station for that train is opposite our normal route, so we say our goodbyes here.

"You're headed to Animate, right?"

"Well... I really, really want to talk with you more, but I have to get Souji-sensei's new book today. So, let's have a strategy meeting tomorrow morning," Tomoka-chan says, giving my hands a reassuring squeeze.

I nod, wincing a little from the pressure. "Got it. I'll look forward to your help then."

"Leave it to me! I hate talking about my own love life, but I love hearing about other people's!"

With that final deflection, Tomoka-chan leaves with a wave.

"That's a promise!" I call out after her.

After watching her go, I head home along the usual route.

One step, then another. The rice paddies that used to fill the landscape are a distant memory now. The paths between that Ren and I used to run along were paved over with concrete, and I gaze out over a suburban townscape, houses lining the streets.

A bicycle passes by. The rider's uniform skirt flutters. On her shoulder, a schoolbag. A strap trails along behind.

Little by little, the realization, and the question marks, grow in the silence following Tomoka-chan's departure.

I received a love letter... tomorrow, I might receive a confession.

Somehow, it seemed a little ridiculous.