{The Distance Between Us 2}

What does it mean to enter the adult world? I still don’t fully understand.

“Actually, you know,”

I said, watching her bangs sway in the spring breeze.

“I couldn’t bring myself to visit your workplace until now.”

Miyu looked at me silently, as if she had no idea what I was talking about, with a face that said she knew nothing.

“It’s obvious, but I’m still a student. I was feeling anxious, like you were leaving me behind.”

“That’s not true at all.”

She quickly interrupted me, leaning forward and speaking earnestly with a serious expression.

“You shouldn’t think that way. You chose to go to college, and I chose to start working—those were our own decisions. I really think it’s amazing how you manage both studying and your part-time job, and now even the house chores. I really respect you.”

“Th-thank you.”

Her unexpected praise made me feel a little embarrassed.

But that’s probably how it is. Things that seem like a big deal to others don’t seem like much to yourself. And you end up comparing yourself to others, only seeing how impressive they are.

Just like she said, the fact that I’m still a student is because I chose that path.

“Maybe it’s because we were always together in high school. Now that we’re apart, I can’t help comparing myself to you, and then I get anxious on my own. I try not to think about it too much, but…”

We were sitting side by side on the bench, with just a fist’s width of space between us.

When we instinctively reached out and held hands, even that small distance disappeared.

“But I’m glad I came today.”

I thought to myself.

Holding her warm, soft hand, I truly felt it.

“When I finally got here, it was no big deal. I was a little nervous, but…”

It really was no big deal.

Because the person here was the same Miyu as always, even though she looked a bit more grown-up in her uniform.

“That’s probably because you looked really cute in your uniform.”

When I said that,

“Huh?”

Miyu was so startled that she almost jumped, quickly lowering her gaze in a fluster.

“N-no way. This uniform has a logo on it.”

“Even with a logo, you look cute wearing it.”

From a distance, the pattern looked like polka dots, and the fitted jumper skirt really suited her. Seeing her in this unfamiliar outfit felt refreshing and made my heart race. That feeling seemed to melt away any lingering anxiety I had.

“Do you really think so…? But, if you say so…”

Blushing bright red, Miyu squeezed my hand tightly in return.

Then she nervously glanced up at me and gave a shy, awkward smile.

“Thank you for coming today. Even though it was just for a little while, I’m really glad we could see each other…”

The only thing that made me sad was that I had to send her back to work—I couldn’t take her with me.

Well, I had classes too—but there’s still plenty of time before my fifth period, so maybe I’ll finally buckle down in the library and get some studying done.

After leaving the park, I decided to walk Miyu back to her workplace.

Her shop, which I had only ever seen on online maps, looked exactly as I expected. Instead of going in through the front entrance plastered with bento posters, she said she’d return through the back entrance to the office.

“See you later, Atsushi.”

“Yeah. I have class until fifth period today.”

“Then I’ll make dinner. Let me know when you’re done.”

In her uniform, Miyu waved at me.

When I waved back, she smiled brightly, opened the back door, waved one more time, and disappeared inside.

As I recalled her beaming smile, I turned away from her workplace and started walking back toward the station.

I hope we can have lunch together like this again someday.

Maybe I’ll end up working in one of the offices around here. If that happens, we might be able to see each other more often. It might be a little selfish to choose a workplace for that reason, but if it’s just one of the reasons, it shouldn’t be a problem. If there are multiple options, it could definitely be the deciding factor.

When that time comes, I want to be someone who Miyu can praise, someone she can call “cool” with pride.

For the first time, I thought about my future—not far off, but certain—with a brighter feeling than I had before.