The Loner's Childhood Friend

The tests were over, and I had returned to my usual daily routine.  

"First my desk gets cleaned, and now it's my locker being trashed. They just don’t learn, do they?"

At this point, with everything that’s happened, I might as well consider myself a celebrity. I’m probably even more famous than some random celebrity. Not that it’s a good thing.  

"Might as well head home. Got a shift starting soon."

As I made my way to the school’s entrance to change my shoes and leave for work, I locked eyes with a certain female student.  

"Long time no see! How can a piece of trash like you still have the guts to come to school?"

That sharp remark came from Harukawa Sana, the daughter of Saeko-san, my neighbor. Unlike her mother, her personality left much to be desired. Still, she shared her mother’s good looks—cute features, brown hair, and a signature bun hairstyle.  

"As usual, your words cut deep. So, what do you want this time?"

I asked casually, but she immediately glared and marched up to me. If you’re going to glare at me, at least don’t come closer. Is her vision that bad she can’t make me out from afar?  

"I heard you met with my mom recently!"

"Oh, yeah. Just for a bit while taking out the trash. It was just neighborhood chit-chat. Nothing to do with you."

"Well, ever since then, dinner conversations have been all about you! It’s so annoying!"

Too bad for you, Sana. I’ve been told before that my mere existence is annoying. This is nothing new.  

"That sounds more like Saeko-san's issue, not mine. Not much I can do about it." 

"It’s seriously pissing me off!"

Then why don’t you head to the nurse's office? I’m sure Hinata-san would be more than willing to help. Honestly, I didn’t have time to deal with her right now—I was going to be late for my shift.  

"Whatever it is, solve it with your mother. I’ve got somewhere to be. Later."

"Running away again, Yuki?"

Oh no, that voice. I turned to see Iimori Naoya, Sana’s boyfriend and also my childhood friend. Unlike me, Naoya was the golden boy—handsome, smart, and a U-18 national soccer player. If life were a video game, this guy would be playing on cheat mode.  

"Come on, I’m not running away. I genuinely have stuff to do."

"Figures. You’re still a loner, huh? So different from me. It’s hilarious!"

Don’t underestimate loners. Who do you think handles household chores and manages the budget all alone?  

"If that’s all you wanted to say, I’m leaving."

"Just one question. Why haven’t you left this town yet?"

With a smirk on his face, Naoya asked this as if he were playing a game he couldn’t lose. He had a point, though. I’d never really given it much thought. I had everything I needed here—food, shelter, and clothes. There wasn’t much reason to leave.  

But there was one reason that kept me here.  

"Why should I tell you? Like I’d share my reasons with someone who mocks me." 

I glanced at him before walking off. His smug face had turned red with anger. Guess my words hit a nerve.  

"Time’s running out. Better sprint to work."  

---

When I arrived at the bookstore with barely a minute to spare, I was met with a question from Yuki-san.  

"So, why are you drenched in sweat?"  

I explained everything that had happened on the way here.  

"Well, if it’s just that, it’s fine. I’ll get started on the order list."

"Wait! Use the shower first."

It seemed Yuki-san couldn’t tolerate the smell of sweat. That stung a bit.  

"...Okay. I’ll start carrying deodorant spray next time." 

"Huh? What do you mean?" 

Why does she look so puzzled?  

"I don’t hate the smell of your sweat, Yuuki-san. But you might catch a cold if you don’t freshen up."

"Oh... Then I’ll use the shower. Thanks."

I’m used to being told, “You stink, stay away,” so hearing that was almost too much. My loner heart couldn’t take it. And since Yuki-san said it so matter-of-factly, it felt like I was the only one blushing.  

"By the way, will you have time after finishing the order list?"

"Yeah, no problem."

"Then I’ll be waiting."

What could it be? A new task? A lecture? Guess I’ll find out after I’m done showering and finishing up the order list.  

---

An hour later, I handed the completed order list to Yuki-san.  

"All done."

"Thank you. Shall we have a little chat?"

"Sure. What about?"

This feels like being called to the teacher’s office without knowing why. I sat down nervously.  

"So, what’s this about?"

"Well... I just turned 26 this year."

"Okay. And?"

Where is this going?  

"My relatives keep pressuring me to get married. What should I do?"

That’s... not a question for a high schooler! Isn’t there an actual adult she could ask? I was so tense, thinking it was something serious, but this?  

"Um... Maybe try talking to Hinata-san about it?"

"Hinata-san? If you recommend her, I’ll give it a try."

And just like that, she called Hinata-san. I really hope this gets resolved. I don’t want to be held accountable if it doesn’t.  

After a brief conversation, Yuki-san hung up.  

"Thank you, Yuuki-san."

"Uh, sure."

Yuki-san and I locked eyes. I couldn’t look away, and my palms started sweating.  

Then, she dropped the bomb.  

"Yuuki-san, let’s get married."

…Wait, what!?  

---

Author's Note:

Wow, my favorites have skyrocketed! Over 30 today! Thank you so much!  

Should I create a character summary? I’m not great at distinguishing between the heroines yet...  

Feedback and ratings are always welcome. Thank you for your support!

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