Living with the Arrogant Queen from High School is Surprisingly Not Uncomfortable

[Hayashi POV]

It was just a message, but I was able to have a conversation with Akari after a long time. Honestly, I was a little nervous inside. The estrangement with Akari became pronounced around the time I met my previous boyfriend, who was abusive. From then until now, our friendship has significantly changed from our high school days, for various reasons.

The reason for that estrangement was due to me, both when it was because of my previous boyfriend, and now.

Would Akari blame me?

I was thinking about that while replying to her message.

In the end, she was the same as always. As usual, she was caring and soft to her friends.

A sense of guilt tightens my chest.

Even if it couldn’t be helped with my previous boyfriend, the reason I am distancing myself from Akari now is for selfish reasons.

I even wished to be blamed.

I was hoping that she would chastise me for neglecting her and being lost in my relationship with a man.

I was thinking that it would be better if our relationship became even more strained.

Despite my thoughts, she was rather reaching out to me.

I am truly blessed with good friends. I think so.

…And at the same time, I think.

Probably because Akari is so kind, Yamamoto has taken a liking to her.

“What are you doing?”

In the living room.

Fresh out of the bath, Yamamoto was wiping his hair with a towel, looking at me with a puzzled look.

“Nothing.”

“…Huh?”

“It’s nothing.”

“That’s obviously a lie.”

…What I was just doing.

Well…

“Is it wrong to practice smiling?”

The most attractive aspect of Akari as a person is probably her embracing smile.

That smile is enchanting, emotional, innocent, and modest. In any case, it’s a perfect smile that encompasses all these elements.

That smile suggests her personality…that is, her good rapport with others.

I wonder if I could make that smile too. I didn’t think about such a thing during high school.

When did I start thinking about such a thing? I became so jealous.

“Did my smile just now look like Akari’s?”

“Eh… Well, somewhat?”

I puffed out my cheeks and sent a protest gaze at Yamamoto.

That means it doesn’t look like it at all…

While looking at myself in the full-length mirror, I put a finger on my cheek and raised the corners of my mouth.

When I try to replicate that smile, it inevitably becomes unnatural.

But if it’s the smile that he fell for, I’d like to at least get close. If I do that, would he look at me more?

“That’s not like you.”

“Is that a problem?”

“No, it’s just that your usual confident smile suits you better.”

“…I see.”

I removed the finger that was lifting my cheek. I also retreated from in front of the full-length mirror.

…Well, he said it suited me.

It seems that a smile like Akari’s doesn’t suit me.

It’s not that I was happy to be complimented, okay?

“Hey, your face is red.”

…I’m sorry for lying.

I was really happy…

I groaned and rolled onto Yamamoto’s futon.

Since that day I sniffed Yamamoto’s pillow, whenever I find a chance, I roll around on Yamamoto’s futon. I pretend to be helpless and hug the pillow, marking it with my scent or sniffing it desperately, I never neglect such efforts.

…Effort, what is it?

“You’ve been getting your futon mixed up a lot lately.”

Take a hint, you blockhead. I’m inviting you.

Of course, as a coward, I couldn’t say such a thing.

While watching the TV without paying attention to me, I glared at Yamamoto and, after feeling satisfied, got up.

…By the way, I remembered that I have something I need to tell Yamamoto.