[LN] Ashita Kimi Ga Shinu Koto Wo - Volume 1 - Chapter 1 - Part 3

 

Chapter 1 - Part 3

“Hey Kudou-kun, Takashi-kun!”

As we reached the entrance, we heard our names being called from behind.

Although I didn’t want to, I reflexively stopped when I heard my name. “Is it still possible to pretend like I didn't hear anything?” I asked myself. With the owner of the voice noticing my reaction however, I don’t think that doing that would no longer be possible. I strongly resented myself for stopping.

“What is it."

I hesitantly turned around, and there stood the girl I had foresaw in my prediction notebook - Airi Hayakawa - with a beaming smile on her face.

There was also a figure of another girl, who always accompanied her, next to her. I think her name was Sato. Since we were in the same class last year and this year, we have an acquaintance relationship.

 "Oh, it's Airi and Sato. What's up?"

"I have some business with the two of you. Takashi-kun, you have club activities, right? And what about you Kudou-kun?"

“I was about to go home.”

“I see! Then, can I have a bit of your time?”

“It’s fine but, what is it?”

Even though I said I would continue our relationship like before, I still find it hard to exchange words with her, knowing that she will eventually disappear.

However, there's no need to be so impatient about it.

It's not particularly unusual for her to talk to me, so I just need to have a casual conversation with her and then leave.

I solidified my thoughts in my mind, and when I looked up, I saw her running straight towards me. Her semi-long hair swayed with her movements, and a sweet, floral scent brushed against my nose.

"It's about the school trip, you know. I was wondering if you two would like to be in the same group as us. How about it?"

“..eh?”

I unintentionally let out my voice due to the ill-timed invitation.

I couldn't easily nod my head in agreement because it was an invitation that could easily shake my relationship with her.

To begin with, why me? If it were only Takashi, who had regular interactions with Hayakawa, it would make sense. But I can't even imagine why she would invite me, who is just an acquaintance.

"That sounds good. Are you and Sato pairing up?"

"Yeah, I'm with Manami. Takashi-kun is going to pair up with Kudou-kun, right? Then that’s exactly four people!"

Hayakawa-san continued with the conversation, leaving me unable to say anything. Perhaps to restrain her, Sato, who had walked over, calmly said to her in a reproachful tone, "Hey Airi, you’re the only one talking," as she lightly tapped her shoulder.

"Sorry, sorry. Um, I want to form a group with these four people, but what about Kudou-kun?"

What should I do?

Before considering whether to refuse or not, I still don’t even know why I was also invited in the first place.

"...Why me too?"

“Why you too?”

"It may sound strange coming from me, but I don't think we've had much interaction until now. Since it's a precious school trip, wouldn't it be better to invite friends that you are closer with...?"

"That's exactly why I'm inviting you. We can become closer friends from now on! Besides, I already invited them. Right, Manami?"

She, for some reason, puffed up her chest proudly and linked arms with Sato, who was right beside her.

"Airi, it's hot... At least do it in winter if you’re going to link arms like this."

“It’s fine if it’s winter then?”

“Yes.”

“Yay!”

The girl who showed off her lover-like exchanges with Sato seems to have fundamentally different values from me. The idea that we can become friends from now on precisely because we have no interaction is a notion that I can't really empathise with.

When never I encounter something new, I always think about the risks first. If it's sports, I worry about the possibilities of injuries, and if it's social relationships, I worry about the future dynamics.

What if I end up in the same group as Hayakawa here, and we turn out to be a terrible match? The Kyoto trip, which could be the last long journey of her life, could instantly be ruined.

I always focus on such risks, but it seems like she's only interested in the benefits.

“So, Kudou-kun, what do you think?"

“I would like some time to think."

I put a halt to Hayakawa who was demanding a reply.

Behind my reluctance to readily nod my head in agreement was another concern. It was the risk that would arise if I were to become close with Hayakawa-san.

She will eventually die.

If we became close or became friends, could I really handle it?

Anyone would shed tears if they lost a family member or a friend. It would likely take a lot of time to recover.

However, what about the obituary of a stranger whom you happened to see in the newspaper or on TV, and whom you don't even know their face? Although you may feel sorry for them, you are not supposed to be concerned more than necessary.

Although not completely strangers, ultimately, the current relationship between me and Hayakawa is similar to that.

Considering things in the long term, it is more desirable to maintain a relationship that is no more than acquaintances. If we form a group here, the balance may be disturbed.

"......For now, how about we decide again during tomorrow's homeroom? I'm a bit shy around new people, so I want some time to think by myself."

After being unable to decide, I decided to say something appropriate and leave my fate to the flow of time.

It's about the popular Hayakawa we’re talking about. Even if she intended to invite me, I doubt our other classmates would leave her alone.

Even if we ended up in the same class, it wouldn't be impossible to maintain a certain distance.

“Got it! Let's do that."

“Thanks, that helps. Well then, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow! Takashi-kun, do your best in club activities too!"

"Yeah, thanks!"

After giving a restrained wave to Hayakawa, who was waving enthusiastically, I headed home.

TL/N: ~~Sin(KcinDX) here as usual. I’m just here to thank you for reading part 3. Anyways, hope you enjoyed reading.

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