LMUC Ch 6

Koi answered hastily. He meant it. If it was with Ashley, he’d be fine eating grilled food in the middle of a desert. Ashley thought for a moment before speaking:

“Let’s eat in the garden. There’s a gazebo; you’ll see it right outside.”

“Ah, okay.”

Koi nodded.

“Got it.”

“Okay.”

Ashley, pulling the cart first, said:

“I’ll set things up, so bring the drinks and cups.”

“Okay. Ice too?”

When Koi asked finally, Ashley chuckled.

“I eat it even if you don’t.”

I eat it too.

It was an opportunity to clear up Ashley’s misunderstanding, but Koi didn’t say anything. He didn’t want Ashley to know that they were from completely different worlds. Of course, even if he did, he could never live in Ashley’s world, but he feared that revealing he lived in such a different reality might distance him from Ashley forever.

What’s so important about ice in cola anyway?

Koi thought as he hurried to the snack bar. He wouldn’t mind never putting ice in cola if it meant he could be with Ashley.

🏒

During dinner, the sun began to slowly set. Watching the entire sky turn red with the sunset was truly spectacular.

“Amazing.”

Koi murmured while eating. The mansion where Ashley lived was not only large in terms of the house itself but also had a vast estate. Moreover, being situated at an altitude closer to a small mountain than just a hill gave a high vantage point. So, standing on the estate, one could see all the houses below, and at night, the lights from each house twinkled brilliantly, creating an enchanting night view.

Koi, seeing such a sight for the first time, couldn’t help but whisper “wow” in awe. It was a landscape he couldn’t even imagine living in an old, outdated motorhome.

Ashley must see this view every day.

Thinking that made the distance between him and Ashley feel far again, just like the difference between those who can put ice in their cola and those who can’t.

“What’s wrong?”

Ashley asked. Koi, who had been staring blankly, snapped back to reality and shook his head.

“Nothing, nothing.”

Thinking about it wouldn’t help anyway. What’s important is the present. Ash and I are having dinner together now, and that’s what matters.

“It’s delicious.”

Koi said, even though he hardly tasted the food. This was just one of the many secrets he kept from Ashley.

🏒

“Thanks a lot today, Ash.”

Late at night, Koi, ready to leave, expressed his gratitude. Ashley, not smiling as usual but with a frown, said:

“I’ll give you a ride back.”

“No, I’m really fine.”

Koi waved his hands in refusal.

“I’ll be there in no time on my bike.”

Koi absolutely didn’t want to show Ashley the shabby state of his motorhome. Knowing such a world existed was enough for Koi alone.

“You should rest; you still have some cold left.”

Koi said sincerely. He was genuinely worried about Ashley’s health, especially after he had gone through the trouble of taking him to the exam and back while still feverish.

After dinner, Koi had given Ashley another dose of medicine and handed over the rest, reminding him not to forget to take it.

“Alright.”

Ashley nodded reluctantly. Koi smiled once more before grabbing his bike’s handlebars.

“Koi.”

“Huh?”

Turning around at the sudden call, he saw Ashley looking at him. He waited for him to speak, but after a long silence, Ashley shook his head.

“Nothing, nothing.”

“Okay…”

Feeling somewhat disappointed, Koi hesitated but then brightened up as he thought of something good.

“Come to think of it, the new semester is starting soon.”

“So?”

At Ashley’s question, Koi answered with a bright smile:

“Now we can see each other every day.”

Only then did Ashley’s expression soften as if he understood.

“Yeah.”

Ashley said.

“That’s right.”

“Yeah.”

Koi nodded again and started pedaling vigorously.

“Bye, Ash. Get better from your cold soon!”

Waving one hand while holding the handlebar with the other, he looked back. Before Ashley could wave back, Koi turned his head and quickly disappeared from view.

The surroundings quickly became quiet. All that was left was Ashley and his persistent cold.

“…Sigh.”

Ashley deliberately sighed out loud before turning back towards the mansion. The usual sense of solitude felt particularly heavy today.

🏒

Panting, panting.

Koi pedaled with all his might to gain speed. He had to get home before his father returned. Since he had stayed out without permission the night before, his father would be furious.

Even if I had asked, he would never have allowed it.

Koi thought to himself, pedaling even more urgently. He had to get into bed quickly and lie low, out of sight. The good thing was that if he pretended to be asleep, his father wouldn’t bother him with beatings or outbursts.

But unfortunately, luck wasn’t on his side.

“Huh.”

The moment he saw the light on in the motorhome, Koi gasped in shock. He stopped his bike and stood there for a while, watching. Then, the sound of something breaking came from inside, followed by his father’s yell. The shout, mixed with curses, was slurred but clearly searching for him.

I can’t be seen now.

From many experiences, he knew well. If caught at times like this, he always got beaten nearly to death. It was better to wait outside, enduring the night dew until his father fell asleep. Since his father always left for work as soon as he woke up, he just needed to get through this night. Koi decided and quietly stepped back, keeping a distance where he could still see the lights of the motorhome.

Laying his bike down on the ground and crouching low, watching the motorhome, the events until just now felt like a dream. To think he had dinner while watching the sunset in such a grand mansion, and with Ashley no less.

Even after spending a night at Ashley’s place, it still didn’t feel real. Maybe all of this was just a dream I had?

Suddenly, he was jolted back to reality.

Maybe I’ve been dreaming all this time! Does that mean the exam too?

Just as he thought that far, his phone suddenly rang. Startled, Koi looked at the screen and widened his eyes. It was Ashley’s number.

“Y-yes?”

Answering the call with a stammer from his surprise, there was a brief pause before Ashley responded.

— Koi?

“Ah, yeah.”

Koi nodded, trying to calm his rapidly beating heart.

“It’s me, Ash.”

Even though he deliberately said his name, it still didn’t feel real. Could someone be playing a prank on him? Koi briefly considered this but then dismissed it, realizing he didn’t have friends who would play such pranks on him.

It really is Ash.

It was the first time. The thought that Ashley had actually called him made Koi tense up. He asked again:

“What’s up? Haven’t you gone to bed yet?”

His voice sounded unnaturally high even to himself, and his face heated up with embarrassment. As he hung his head low from the shame, Ashley spoke:

— I was about to. …Just wanted to check if you got home okay.

The latter part came out after a noticeable pause. Koi, not noticing the odd gap, answered with an excited voice:

“Yeah, I got home okay. I’m in front of the house now.”

— In front of the house?

“Yeah.”

When Ashley asked again, Koi honestly replied:

“My dad’s drunk, so I can’t go in yet. It’s okay, he’ll fall asleep soon. I’m not even that cold.”

It was a lie. The cool night breeze made his shoulders shiver. The heat from cycling had long dissipated, leaving only the cold night air.

— What did you say?

Oops.

At Ashley’s question, Koi was startled. This is bad, Ashley is suspicious. Koi quickly tried to cover up his words.

“No, when my dad drinks, he always grabs me and starts complaining, talking endlessly. I have to listen to him, so it’s annoying.”

— But staying out on the street…

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I’ll go in soon. Don’t worry.”

He didn’t want Ashley to find out that he got beaten by his father. Koi tried hard to lie.

I need to change the subject.

Koi quickly shifted the conversation.

“Thanks again for today, Ash. That was the best dinner I’ve ever had. The sunset was beautiful, and the food was delicious.”

And you were there.

His face immediately heated up. Koi quickly patted his flushed cheeks.

— You’re wrong about that, Koi.

When Koi spoke sincerely, Ashley refuted it with seriousness. To the surprised Koi, Ashley continued:

— You’ll have many more wonderful days ahead. Next year, the year after, and the one after that.

But you won’t be there.

Koi’s emotions became complicated. Ashley’s words were so warm and comforting, but thinking that Ashley wouldn’t be there made him sad again.

“…Thanks, Ash.”

Whispering softly, Ashley didn’t say anything. As Koi hesitated, trying to find something to say, Ashley broke the silence:

— When will that limited edition doll come in again?

“Huh? The doll?”

Koi, puzzled, then realized with an “Ah.”

“That series?”

Koi blinked urgently, trying to recall.

“Well, maybe next week…? I’m not sure. Sorry.”

Being honest, Ashley quickly said:

— Let me know when it comes in. I’ll come to buy it.

At that moment, Koi’s ears perked up.

“Really? You’ll come? To the shop where I work?”

To his continuous questions, Ashley answered with a laugh in his voice:

— Yeah.

At that moment, fireworks seemed to go off in Koi’s ears. Realizing it was the sound of his own heart pounding, Koi closed his eyes tightly.

“…Great!”

The words burst out of him like he was exhaling a breath he had been holding.

“Ah!”

Startled, he covered his mouth with his hand. What did I just say? Koi blinked rapidly, but his mind went blank.

“Uh, well, that…”

He tried to salvage the situation, but the words wouldn’t come out properly, and he just kept stuttering. In his confusion, he hastily added:

“We’re, friends, right?”

After a pause, Ashley answered:

— Yeah.

Phew, Koi let out a small sigh. Ashley continued casually:

— Then, Koi, see you next time.

“Yeah, see you. Thanks again for today.”

As Koi thanked him once more, Ashley responded:

— Me too. Thanks for bringing the medicine.

“Yeah.”

Feeling an unnecessary sense of pride, Koi blushed and smiled contentedly. He didn’t want to hang up. He wanted to talk more with Ashley, but he knew they couldn’t. With a heart full of regret, Koi said:

“Uh, then…”

As his voice trailed off, Ashley finished the sentence for him:

— Yeah, goodnight.

“Goodnight.”

Koi held his breath, listening intently. Ashley didn’t hang up right away. They both seemed to wait for the other to hang up first, just breathing. Then, Ashley ended the call from his side. Koi stayed still for a few more seconds before quietly whispering:

“Uh, Ash…?”

He whispered with a subdued voice. There was no answer. The call had indeed ended. Sighing, Koi put down his hand holding the phone. His cheeks were still warm.

Haaa.

He took a deep breath to calm his trembling heart. When he inhaled for the second time, the ringtone sounded again. Surprised, he answered the call, and an unexpected voice came through:

— Koi?

“A-Ash?”

Surprised, he checked his phone. The caller was definitely Ashley. Putting the phone back to his ear, he heard Ashley clear his throat before speaking:

— If you’ve got nothing else to do tomorrow, want to come over?

“To your house?”

Koi asked without thinking and then opened his eyes wide in surprise.

“Come over? To your house? Again?”

— Yeah.

Ashley answered readily and then asked:

— Do you have work?

“Uh, uh?”

Koi stammered in confusion. Of course, he did. But to miss out on such an opportunity just because of something as trivial as work when Ashley invited him was unthinkable.

I’ll go no matter what!

Koi quickly thought of a way to visit Ashley’s house and answered with a “Yeah.”

“I do, but I can come after it’s over.”

Hurry to reply, Ashley said with laughter in his voice:

— Good, then see you tomorrow. Around evening?

“Huh? Yeah.”

Tomorrow was a day he was supposed to work all day. But Koi quickly nodded.

“I’ll come before evening.”

— Okay. Goodnight, bye.

After a gentle goodbye, Ashley chuckled and added:

— This time it’s really bye.

“Yeah.”

Koi answered, but in his heart, he was shouting, ‘You can call again, ten, twenty times more!’ Ashley laughed again and then hung up.

Koi stared at the disconnected call for a while. He waited with excitement, but it didn’t ring again this time.

“Sigh.”

Koi sighed with disappointment and looked up. Suddenly, the motorhome came into view. He approached quietly and listened, but no sound came from inside. Koi took a deep breath and carefully opened the door. The old door creaked ominously, making him flinch and hunch his shoulders.

Holding his breath, he listened, but there were no more sounds. Koi moved cautiously into the room. As expected, his father was sprawled on the floor, snoring. Koi stepped over the empty liquor bottles lying around and tiptoed towards his bed. He didn’t dare to shower. Instead, he just brushed his teeth and washed his face before lying in bed.

I’ll shower as soon as Dad leaves.

Koi thought as he closed his eyes. He couldn’t possibly meet Ashley in the dirty state he was in without showering the day before. There was also the chance he might go to see him without realizing he smelled bad since he couldn’t smell himself.

Absolutely not.

Koi promised himself over and over. Clutching his phone, he tried to sleep, eagerly awaiting tomorrow.

🏒

Panting, panting.

Koi pedaled and pedaled, gasping for breath. Today he entered through the gate confidently, but climbing the mountain was no different.

Seeing sports cars whizz by him, Koi pedaled hard. It was tough, but it didn’t feel tough. He just wanted to see Ash as soon as possible. That was all that filled Koi’s mind.

Finally, the mansion he had longed to see from afar came into view. Koi couldn’t hide his overwhelming excitement. Just a little more, just a little more.

When he finally reached the front door, Koi felt like he might collapse from breathlessness.

Panting, panting.

Clutching his chest and standing there, trying to catch his breath, the front door suddenly burst open, and someone came out.

“Koi.”

Looking up with heaving shoulders, he saw the face he had missed so much through his blurred vision. The pain in his chest vanished, replaced by immense joy.

“Ash.”

Koi smiled brightly, feeling happiness fill his heart. Ashley also smiled at him.

“Welcome.”

“Yeah.”

Koi nodded.

“I missed you.”

Even though it had only been a day, it felt like his heart was burning. How could he express how much he missed him when words were so limited? Feeling a bit regretful, Ashley said:

“Me too.”

At that moment, Koi’s regret flew far away.

🏒

Although September was approaching, the weather was still swelteringly hot. The sun, high from early morning, was already hurting his eyes.

Koi, as usual, rode his bike to school. Before, every time the summer break ended and he had to go back to school, he couldn’t shake off the gloom. There was nothing fun about going to school, and he had to do his best to avoid Nelson’s gang, moving through classes alone amidst everyone’s indifference.

But now, it was different.

“Hi, Koi!”

“Hi, Sarah!”

A classmate from the same class greeted him first. Koi also happily responded. It was something he couldn’t have imagined before.

He exchanged greetings several more times while parking his bike and heading to his locker. Koi had changed. He was much more confident and natural. Of course, this was all thanks to Ashley.

While organizing his locker, he felt a commotion from one side. Turning his head reflexively, Koi soon smiled brightly. Ashley was walking over with the other ice hockey team members.

The excited students, the fervent glances directed at them, and the relaxed atmosphere of the team were all the same as before the break. But Koi was different. He didn’t avoid them like he used to or hide in the corner, stewing in envy. He was just closing his locker, looking for the right moment to greet them.

Just then, someone made a joke, and there was a burst of laughter. Ashley, who was laughing along, suddenly turned his head. Their eyes met, and Koi subtly waved a hand. Ashley’s eyes narrowed with a smile, and Koi smiled back before turning away first.

As he walked towards the building for the first class, he soon heard footsteps running up from behind.

“Koi!”

“Woah!”

Suddenly grabbed by the shoulder, Koi let out a scream. Looking up, it was indeed Ashley. With his thick arm around Koi’s shoulder, Ashley ruffled Koi’s messy hair with his other hand.

“Stop it, stop it!”

Koi shouted in panic, but Ashley just laughed.

“You left by yourself, so I had to do this.”

At his light scolding, Koi glanced at him.

“We’ll see each other in class anyway, since we’re in the same class. …And you looked like you were having fun with your friends.”

He didn’t want to show his true feelings but ended up blurting it out. Ashley made a meaningful “Hmm” sound to Koi’s surprise before casually explaining:

“We were talking about starting training again.”

Well, that’s a conversation I wouldn’t be part of anyway.

It was disappointing but unavoidable. Koi accepted it, but soon another thing caught his attention.

“It’s heavy, let go.”

Ashley was still walking with one arm around Koi’s shoulder. When Koi complained on purpose, Ashley chuckled and replied:

“Don’t want to.”

Koi made a face at the playful teasing and tried to remove the arm, but it was too heavy. That wasn’t the end of it. Ashley instead tightened his grip, pulling Koi’s neck towards him.

“Woah!”

At the bizarre scream Koi let out, Ashley burst into laughter. Koi glared at him but soon laughed along.

Since the summer break, Koi had grown much closer to Ashley. Ashley often invited him over to his house, and Koi gladly accepted. As Ashley had said, wonderful days were just beginning. They went for drives together, ate burgers in the car, and even went to see the sea. These sparkling days were new to him.

As they walked side by side, Ashley suddenly placed his arms over Koi’s shoulders from behind and rested his chin on Koi’s head.

“Ah, I wish it was summer break again.”

“W-wait, just wait.”

Koi shouted, flustered by the weight pressing down from above. But Ashley waddled with Koi, matching his unsteady steps, all the way to the classroom.

“Uh.”

When they finally reached the classroom, thinking he was free, Koi paused with a short exclamation.

“What’s wrong?”

Ashley asked, still resting his chin on Koi’s head. Koi hesitated before answering:

“There are no seats.”

At Koi’s murmur, Ashley finally released him. After looking around the classroom, Ashley said:

“There are some over there.”

He pointed to where exactly two seats were empty, not in the corner where Koi usually sat, but in the center, placed front and back.

Ashley looked down at him with a puzzled expression, as if asking what the problem was. Of course, Ashley wouldn’t understand. Explaining it would be silly. Instead, he pointed to the empty seat:

“You sit there.”

“Where?”

“The back seat.”

Koi said.

“If I sit in the back, I won’t be able to see.”

Remembering the time he had sat behind Ashley and the trouble it caused, there was no way he could compromise on this. He absolutely didn’t want his view blocked by Ashley’s massive back again. Although he had messed up the entrance exam, managing his grades was still important.

Unaware of Koi’s thoughts, Ashley tilted his head before walking over and sitting in the back seat Koi had indicated. Only after Ashley settled in did Koi confidently take the seat in front. Soon, the class began, and Koi straightened up.

While listening intently to the class, Ashley suddenly spoke from behind.

“Koi.”

“Yeah?”

Keeping his eyes fixed ahead, Koi leaned back to listen as Ashley whispered:

“Can you see well?”

Stunned, Koi turned around. Their eyes met, and Ashley gave a wide grin. For the first time, Koi felt like he wanted to slap that handsome but annoying face.

“Imagine if someone as big as you blocked the front, you wouldn’t see anything.”

Whispering back, Ashley responded with a broad smile:

“Good thing I’m not just a bean.”

“You!”

“Conner Niles, what was my question just now?”

The teacher suddenly asked loudly. Koi, flustered, stammered:

“Yes, yes?”

The teacher looked at him with a stern face. Koi was at a loss, sweating profusely.

“Uh, that, um, so…”

Seeing his flustered state, the teacher sternly warned him:

“You need to focus on the class. Look here, everyone.”

Drawing the students’ attention once more, the teacher continued the lesson. Koi, with his face bright red, quickly focused on the lecture. Then, he heard a snicker from behind. It was Ashley laughing.

Ash, you!

Koi immediately turned around, but Ashley, unfazed by his glare, casually pointed forward.

“You should focus on the class, Koi.”

Although he was annoyed, there was nothing he could do. Before getting another warning, Koi straightened up. He heard laughter from behind again.

“As if, Ash!”

The moment class ended, Koi pounced on him. He thumped Ashley’s chest demonstratively, but Ashley just laughed, as if such light punches were merely ticklish. This made him look even more annoying, but Koi knew he couldn’t win against Ashley anyway.

When Koi turned around with a puffed-up face, Ashley followed right after.

“Koi!”

Even though he heard him call from behind, Koi ignored it and kept walking until Ashley caught up and walked beside him, asking:

“Are you going to the homecoming party?”

“No, I don’t like those.”

I don’t have a girlfriend or the money.

Koi asked nonchalantly:

“You’ll go, right?”

It was natural since Ashley had a girlfriend, money, and was the king of the school. He probably attended the annual homecoming party every year. Surprisingly, Ashley gave an indifferent response to Koi’s question:

“I don’t know.”

“You haven’t gone every year?”

“I have.”

Ashley scratched the back of his head roughly.

“But I might not go this year. Al will be there.”

“I see…”

It’s only natural that his girlfriend is the priority. Koi convinced himself. Nodding, he felt Ashley suddenly rest his chin on Koi’s head again from behind.

“Stop it, I told you to stop.”

No matter how much Koi struggled, Ashley placed both arms on his shoulders, making movement impossible.

“Ah, this is comfortable.”

“You!”

Just as Koi shouted again:

“Ash!”

Someone suddenly called out to him. Both Ashley and Koi stopped. Ashley spoke from above Koi’s head:

“Al.”

Speak of the devil, and he appears. Koi thought as he saw Ashley’s girlfriend approaching. She stopped a couple of steps away, giving Koi a meaningful look from head to toe.

“Ash.”

Her face was full of smiles as she turned to her boyfriend. Naturally placing her hand on his shoulder, Ariel stood on tiptoe to kiss him and smiled sweetly.

“I have something to talk about, is that okay?”

“I have class.”

Ashley replied with a reluctant face. Although he had stopped resting his chin on Koi’s head, his arms were still draped over Koi’s shoulders. Ariel glanced at those arms before looking back at Ashley.

“How about having lunch together?”

“Sure.”

When Ashley agreed, Ariel finally smiled brightly, kissed him on the lips again, and turned away.

Koi looked up after watching her leave for a while, and he saw Ashley still staring in her direction.

“Uh, Ash?”

Koi called him cautiously. As if snapping back to reality, Ashley lowered his gaze to Koi.

“We’ll be late for class.”

“Ah.”

Ashley murmured as if he had just remembered.

“Right.”

He removed his arms from Koi’s shoulders and walked ahead. Koi hurried after him.

Glancing up at Ashley, his face seemed unusually serious compared to before.

🏒

At lunchtime, the ice hockey team gathered together, but the atmosphere was different from usual. They were whispering while glancing in one direction.

“What do you think they’re talking about?”

“Wait, I’ll try to lip-read.”

“They’re not talking about breaking up, are they?”

“Why would they suddenly break up?”

“It’s not sudden.”

One of them lowered his voice even more.

“It looks like Ash is over Al.”

“What? Why?”

“That makes no sense, she’s the queen of our school.”

From here and there, stifled screams could be heard as the guy continued:

“I heard that Ash and Al haven’t seen each other in a while.”

“What? We saw them together when we all hung out, you mean not since then?”

“I don’t know, but it seems like they haven’t been seeing each other often. Anyway, Al is pretty upset about it.”

“What’s going on?”

The guys, while keeping an eye on Ashley and Ariel, searched for new information.

“Koi, don’t you know anything?”

Bill asked Koi, who had naturally become a member of their group, and everyone looked at him. Koi, who had only been listening to their conversation until then, was taken aback by the sudden attention and blinked rapidly.

“Uh, well, um… I don’t really know.”

Half of it was true and half was false. He didn’t know exactly when they had last hung out together, but if the last time they met was when Ashley bought drinks from the shop where Koi works for a party, then it had been quite some time since they went on a date.

Ashley had spent the rest of the vacation with Koi.

Since Koi and Ashley mostly met in the evening due to Koi’s part-time job, it was possible that Ashley met Ariel during the day. But somehow, he didn’t think that was the case. Still, it was hard to believe that Ashley had been spending time with him instead of dating Ariel. Though in his mind, that seemed the most plausible.

Of course, how could I believe that Ash chose me over his girlfriend?

With that thought, Koi secretly observed Ashley and Ariel. Seated at a table, just the two of them, they were having a serious conversation.

“So, what’s been keeping you so busy?”

In a corner of the noisy cafeteria, Ariel, without touching the food in front of her, asked with a face full of complaints. Her arms crossed below her chest and her glaring look seemed to say, ‘Try to make up an excuse, and I’ll tear it apart.’ Of course, Ashley had no intention of making up excuses.

“I had a lot to do.”

When he vaguely mumbled an answer, Ariel raised her eyebrows, clearly angry.

“You could have called.”

That was true. Ashley sighed after a pause.

“Yeah, that was my fault.”

To his straightforward apology, Ariel gave him a skeptical look before asking what she had been holding back:

“Have you cheated?”

“What?”

Ashley made a grimacing, disgusted face. Ariel haughtily lifted her chin.

“If not, then that’s settled.”

“Of course not.”

Ashley visibly ground his teeth. Showing his annoyance at being suspected, he stabbed at the unimpressive vegetables with his fork, making Ariel clear her throat before she spoke:

“Alright, I’ll believe you. But from now on, you need to reply to messages immediately, got it?”

“Got it.”

“Good.”

Only after hearing Ashley’s response did Ariel’s expression soften. Seeing her start to eat her salad, Ashley asked:

“Nothing special happened, right?”

Ariel frowned as she drizzled yogurt over her vegetables.

“There was. That’s why I wanted to talk to you so much.”

“What is it?”

Ashley asked. Ariel put down the empty yogurt container and looked at him.

“There’s a vacancy in the cheerleading team.”

“What do you mean by vacancy, not enough members?”

When Ashley asked with a frown, Ariel looked at him seriously.

“Exactly. We just replaced one who left, and now there’s another vacancy.”

He had heard that another member had joined the cheerleading team to replace the one who quit due to injury before the break. But now there was another vacancy. Ariel rolled her eyes, blaming him:

“Do you know how much I’ve been stressed? And you didn’t pick up the phone or reply to messages.”

Ashley awkwardly rubbed his neck. Noticing this, Ariel asked:

“You’ll come to the party, right?”

“What?”

When Ashley looked up, Ariel sighed in disbelief.

“The homecoming party, don’t you remember?”

“Ah…”

Ashley trailed off as he remembered. Ariel was staring at him insistently. Reluctantly, Ashley answered:

“Right, I’ll go.”

Only then did Ariel look away and continue eating her salad. As he took a bite of his meager sandwich, Ashley thought:

I need to buy tickets.

🏒

“Ash!”

As Ashley was walking back after dropping Ariel off at her classroom, he turned at the sound of his name being called. Koi was running towards him. Seeing him, Ashley’s face naturally brightened, and a smile emerged. He stood there waiting for Koi to come closer.

“Did you finish your talk with Al?”

Koi, who had run up to him, asked. Ashley started walking and said:

“Yeah, more or less.”

“Good, that’s good.”