Chapter 40: I Swear, Declares a Childhood Friend
Chapter 40: I Swear, Declares a Childhood Friend
The results of the final exam came out.
When I saw the rankings posted on the bulletin board, I inwardly struck a guts pose.
15th place.Im finally in the top 20!
I was worried that my grades might have dropped because I wasnt fully concentrating during the test, but I was relieved to see that my ranking had risen. After all, study never betrays us.
Masa-kun, how was the result?
Chinatsu-chan, who was standing in line next to me, asked me.
I was in fifteenth place. Looks like I did better this time. Ive joined the top 20 for the first time.
Thats amazing, Masa-kun. But it looks like I won.
what?
I looked again at the ranking list.
Earlier, I was looking from the bottom and did not see Chinatsu-chans name. When I looked from above, I quickly found her name.
F-Fifth place!?
Chinatsu-chan had improved her ranking significantly. So, her ponytail serious mode was not a fluke.
Chinatsu-chan with a victorious look on her face. Cuteeeee Cute and strong!
Too amazing Looks like I have no choice but to admit defeat. Chinatsu-chan, you win.
If I win, anything, youll do anything I say right?
A-ah . I promised you.
Chinatsu-chan made a thinking gesture, and then her cheeks turned red.
Some other time. Ill ask you.
U-un. Think it over.
What in the world was she going to ask for? I, the loser, will just have to wait until the time comes.
*****
A corner of the school. In that unpopular place, Osako was kneeling on her knees to Chinatsu-chan.
Im sorry I didnt believe you Chinatsu!
Eh, huh?
Just when I thought why she had been summoned to an unpopular place, He suddenly got down on his knees and apologized to her.
She might have thought that there was no danger because I was there, but Chinatsu-chan couldnt hide her confusion.
I apologize sincerely this time. I dont ask you to forgive me. But I swear that I will definitely trust Chinatsu from now on!
Wait, stop Kentaro. I already understand, so stop prostrating.
Kneeling on the ground was indeed not a good look, or perhaps someone who knew nothing about the situation might misunderstand.
But Osako just raised his head and did not try to get up.
Its also a pledge I made to myself, so . From now on, I will never do anything bad to Chinatsu. I promise seriously.
As he said, the look in Osakos eyes showed he was serious.
But still, an oath or The phrase that was often used by Kouhei-kun. He seemed to be influenced by it.
I-I understand. Or rather, what happened all of a sudden? Your attitude is completely different.
I wanted to truly apologize to Chinatsu, and also to say goodbye to the man I had become. It was something I needed to do to change myself to be a better man.
Seeing Osako look straight in the eyes, Chinatsu-chan sighed as if she was defeated.
I never thought Kentaro would change so much. What kind of magic did Masa-kun use?
Im not the one who changed Osako. It was Kouhei-kun.
Who is that?
I seemed to have confused Chinatsu-chan more and more. It was embarrassing for me to let her know that I read shoujo manga, but I would like her to read it next time. Kouhei-kun was good.
Kentaro, stand up.
What? But
Just get up!
Yes!
Osako stood upright. After confirming this, Chinatsu-chan slowly opened her mouth.
I told the aunt the other day, but I would never think of taking care of Kentaro again. I know I probably shouldnt have felt that way.
Im sorry Chinatsu has always cared about me.
Its okay. . . . We both had shortcomings. Thats fine.
Chinatsu-chan smiled. Osako was fascinated by her radiant smile.
When I poked Osako with my elbow, he looked flustered and repeated, Sorry.
Sano-kun was the one who brought out the best in Chinatsu. I feel like I havent seen you smile in a very long time.
This time, Osako turned to me and said thank you. Its alright
No matter what happens, Kentaro and I will always be childhood friends. I would never wish any misfortune on Kentaro. So, dont worry about me anymore and do your best.
Thank you, Chinatsu. Haha, even though there was such a good woman nearbyIm ashamed of myself.
Even as he said this, Osakos expression was radiant.
Childhood friends remained childhood friends, and the relationship became one of mutual respect.
Although I had no one I can call a childhood friend, I felt that it must be something special and different from opposite-sex relationships.
I felt this way when I saw Chinatsu-chans relieved face.
*****
Ayano witnessed the scene where Masataka and the other two were laughing with each other.
I see. . They all made up with each other, didnt they?
Ayano turned on her heel and left the scene. No one saw her beautiful black hair fluttering.
As expected, Masataka-kun is different from me.
No one was there to hear her say those words or see her expression.
(T/N: I have dropped Housekeeper Onee-san for the time being. If any wants to pick it up, go ahead.)