I took a bath. I did my homework. I even finished cleaning my room, something I don’t usually do. Having nothing left to escape from, I finally gave in and picked up my smartphone. It was midnight, almost time to sleep.

“…………What did I usually talk about with Tachibana-san?”

I scrolled back through Ruin’s chat history. It was filled with casual topics about everyday events and Cyberia, all conversations led by Tachibana-san. Seeing it all laid out, I couldn’t help but think, “No wonder I’d want to complain.” My responses had been far too indifferent.

Well, it’s not that I’m not interested in Tachibana-san. On the contrary, I want to get closer. That’s exactly why I become so cautious, nervous even. It’s an excuse now, but it’s true.

‘Hello.’

I spent about five minutes writing and erasing, and in the end, that’s what I sent. It was probably better than the message I had almost sent right before, ‘Hey! Are you awake??’ That would’ve been too out of character and way too annoying to send in the middle of the night.

‘Hey.’

Maybe she had been waiting for me, because the reply came quickly. Even though we always text, for some reason, just receiving a reply made my heart skip a beat. Is it really this nerve-wracking just to send a message?

‘Rather than hello, it’s more like good evening, right?’

She messaged again immediately. I guess I should have said good evening. I hadn’t even noticed it because I was so nervous.

‘Yeah, I guess. I’m kind of nervous.’

‘But we’ve been messaging normally, haven’t we?’

‘Yeah, but it’s the first time I’m the one sending it.’

My heart was oddly itchy. My fingers felt electric, like blood was rushing to the tips.

‘Do you understand how I feel a little now?’

‘No, Tachibana-san, you don’t seem like the type to get nervous.’

‘I don’t know. Maybe I’m sending this while a little nervous too?’

People who are actually nervous don’t usually admit it, but I decided not to point it out. I needed to find another topic to talk about.

As I was trying to think of something to say, the screen suddenly switched. Tachibana-san was calling. Without being mentally prepared, I panicked and hit the call button.

“……Hello?”

“Hey, Natsuki. It’s our first time talking on the phone.”

Her usual voice helped ease some of my nerves. That slightly husky voice was soothing in my ears.

”Yeah. What’s up?’’

‘’It’s not like something’s going on, but if I had to say, I just wanted to hear your voice, Natsuki.’’

‘’……That’s a little sudden, huh?’’

I’d like to have responded smoothly with something like, ‘I wanted to hear your voice too, Tachibana-san,’ but of course, I didn’t have the courage to do so. That kind of line only suits Tachibana-san, and I knew it would sound awkward coming from me.

‘’What are you doing right now, Natsuki?’’

‘’I’m not doing anything. Just lying in bed.’’

‘‘Same here. I’m about to sleep too.’’

‘‘That’s about it. It was a tiring day, so I’ll probably fall asleep soon.’’

Maybe it was because I was hearing Tachibana-san’s voice, but the sleepiness hit me hard. If I closed my eyes, I’d fall asleep in less than five minutes. I needed to be careful not to doze off.

‘‘The recent busyness is probably because of the store manager’s uniform change, huh?’’

‘‘Yeah. One of my friends who came today said Tachibana-san is cute too.’’

‘’That’s nice to hear. I’m not used to being called cute, so it’s refreshing.’’

I heard Tachibana-san giggle softly on the other end of the line. It sounded almost self-deprecating, and I couldn’t help but blurt out.

‘‘I’ve always thought Tachibana-san was cute.’’

The moment I said it, regret flooded my chest. What had I just said? I never thought I’d say something so corny.

”Thanks. You’re so kind, Natsuki.’’

‘‘It’s not a lie. Tachibana-san is cute.’’

And yet, my mouth kept going.

‘’Heh, Natsuki, what do you want to do with me?’’

‘’Sorry, I said something weird, didn’t I?’’

‘’No, I’m really happy. Being called cute by you, Natsuki, is the best.’’

‘’……I see.’’

I was dizzy from the unexpected punch. To be able to casually say something like that, Tachibana-san was definitely on a different level.

◆

After that, we engaged in some aimless, pointless small talk. After about thirty minutes, my sleepiness was reaching its peak. Tachibana-san’s voice was so soothing that my consciousness was starting to fade.

‘’────Natsuki? Can you hear me?’’

‘’Natsuki? …Did you fall asleep?’’

‘’Natsuki, you’re really asleep, aren’t you?’’

‘’…………’’

‘’Thanks for calling me cute earlier. I really appreciated it.’’

‘‘────I love you, Natsuki.’’