〇 side Eri
「Ah~, I’m exhausted~, eii~!」
Returning home from school after the sports festival, I dove onto the sofa to soothe my tired body.
I bury my face in it, feeling the rebound of the sofa against my skin.
「Eri, that’s not okay, is it? You haven’t even washed your hands yet.」
Nee-san, who had come home with me, scolded me as if reprimanding a child when she saw me lying on the sofa.
「But it was so much fun.」
「That may be true, but that’s a separate issue. It’s fine to dive in, but make sure you change and wash your hands properly first.」
「Okay~」
Anyone who sees us regularly might think it’s unlike Nee-san, who’s usually so indulgent.
However, Nee-san is the kind of person who makes sure rules are followed equally, no matter who it is.
As I head to the sink, I recall the nostalgic memories of being told this countless times when I was little.
Arriving at the washbasin, I turn on the tap and wash my hands while staring at myself in the mirror.
My expression showed a refreshing sense of accomplishment, something I hadn’t seen in myself for a while.
I see… I really did have fun.
I knew it, and I had said it.
But seeing my actual expression, I realize it again.
It really was a memorable and wonderful sports festival.
At first, the Home Economics Club’s stall seemed uncertain, but thanks to Yamanaga-kun, many people came, and it was a great success.
It seems that 100m selection really had a big influence.
If Nee-san hadn’t come to help at the right time, I would have called him back.
「Ah, that’s right. I was thinking of sending Yamanaga-kun a message later.」
Honestly, we didn’t get enough time together since noon.
After the stall started, it was all about attracting customers and manning the stall. After it ended, we each went to cheer for our respective teams. Even after it was over, we couldn’t talk leisurely because the school was closing the grounds and buildings early.
I wanted more time with him.
I really wanted to man the stall together with him.
But that secret wish of mine didn’t come true.
After much deliberation, we prioritized sales.
We thought that if we didn’t achieve this, we wouldn’t be able to do it next year.
It was a bitter decision for me.
──Light Novels──
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Even though it was just the two of us. Even though my goal was about to be achieved.
However, there were many good things too.
I got to work together with Nee-san after a long time, and in the end, the sales were great, so I don’t regret it much.
But if I had to say one thing… maybe we ended up going in circles because we stubbornly tried to do it just the two of us…
There were people who offered to help.
If I had honestly asked for their help, would my wish have come true?
But I had so much fun, is it wrong to wish for more?
I want to… try doing various things together with him.
With these thoughts in mind, I tap on my smartphone.
Perhaps because those feelings had overflowed without me realizing it, I found myself writing a message that spanned seven lines.
Uwaa… I only meant to send a simple thank you… I was planning to talk about the rest during club activities.
Will he be put off by such a long message?
I hesitated for a few seconds about whether to send it, but I made up my mind and pressed the send button.
Then, a read receipt appears almost immediately, and a reply comes back.
『Thank you too. It became the best memory because Eri-san was there. Also, I forgot because I was in a hurry, but the right to ask for one favor? Was it? I forgot about that. It’s not like it has to be right now, but if you’ve decided, I’ll hear you at the next club meeting.』
Ah, right, there was that…
I had completely forgotten too.
I see, I can ask for anything…
What should I do…
I reply with just “Roger that!” and think while staring at the screen.
I shouldn’t ask for anything too unreasonable…
If it’s chores… he’d do anything if I ask, even if he grumbles, so it feels wasteful to use the right for that.
Ahh… I can’t think of anything…
Just then, my smartphone chimed with a notification.
「Ah… it’s from the school newsletter. Is it about today’s sports festival?」
Normally, I wouldn’t read school articles.
But out of curiosity, I opened the school’s special page this time.
And then, I saw something.
「Eh, w-what’s this…」
There was a two-shot photo of a person I know well.