{Sato-san and the Dreamlike haze}

Sato-san is sitting next to me.

I still can’t believe it.

Just a moment ago, Sato-san was sitting to my left, but now she is sitting to my right.

What is going on? Of course, it’s just a coincidence, but there must be something else to it. It’s a strange feeling. It seems like the fluttery feelings I had before the seating change have come back.

It’s odd.

Even though it seems like more trouble to be next to Sato-san again, I can’t feel any depression.

When the pre-bell rang, Sato-san took out her textbook and notebook.

“The textbook has changed, so it’s going to be tough to remember,” she said while examining the textbook for the next class.

The word “Geography” on the cover was unfamiliar to me. It’s also unfamiliar to see Sato-san sitting to my right.

“Hey, Yamaguchi-kun. What kind of things do we do in Geography?”

Suddenly, Sato-san turned to me.

I was startled and quickly pulled out the textbook from the drawer. Flipping through the pages with trembling fingers, I answered while avoiding eye contact.

“It’s probably just what’s written in the textbook.”

“I see. I haven’t looked through all of it yet.”

Sato-san is as carefree as ever.

“I hope it’s not too difficult a class.”

I wonder what she considers an easy class.

I’m probably going to be called on during class and struggle with answers, or even fumble with taking notes. How troublesome.

I took a deep breath.

I adjusted my breathing quietly so she wouldn’t hear.

Then, I spoke in my usual manner.

“From now on, it would be good if you did some preparation so that you’re ready when called on.”

She blinked in surprise and nodded immediately.

“Oh, yeah. You’re right.”

“Yeah. We’re third years now Sato-san, so it would be a problem if the class stopped every time you are called on by the teacher.”

I intended to sound indifferent, but my voice still came out flustered.

It’s really strange. I don’t know why I’m so restless.

“Yeah. I remember you helped me out before, Yamaguchi-kun.”

Sato-san, at this timing, brings up something from before.

That was just a whim, nothing more. Yet she was persistent.

“I haven’t thanked you properly yet.”

She even mentioned that, which made me frown.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“No, I want to repay you.”

Sato-san puffed out her chest.

“I want to be able to help you with answers when you’re called on.”

Honestly, I thought that’s an impossible way to repay me.

I’d need to be in a situation where the teacher calls on me and I’m stuck, and Sato-san would need to know the answer that I don’t. It’s not something that happens often, I can say for sure.

But I can’t just pretend not to know on purpose.

The answers Sato-san gives are likely to be wrong and unreliable.

I turned my gaze away from her, still frowning.

“Well, good luck, Sato-san.”

“Yeah, I’ll do my best.”

From the seat to my right, I could hear Sato-san’s voice.

It sounded different from before.

“I’m glad we’re sitting next to each other again.”

Her casual words made my shoulders tense up.

“… Huh?”

There’s a window to my left where the sunlight streams in. The midday sun suddenly made me feel hot.

“Why do you think that?”

Even though I knew what her answer would be, I asked anyway.

Maybe I’ll get an unexpected answer—though that thought was nonsensical.

There’s no way that would happen.

What kind of answer would I want, anyway?

And Sato-san, oblivious to my swirling thoughts, answered.

“Because it gives me a chance to thank you. I really wanted to repay you.”

As expected, it was the answer I anticipated.

Even as we advanced to the next grade, Sato-san remained unchanged, making me feel like I was dreaming.

Is this a dream? More like a nightmare. It feels like I’m sweating, restless, and gasping in an unpleasant dream.

But the seating change is real, and Sato-san is again sitting next to me.

And I am—

I’ve been restless the whole time. Unable to fully settle into a gloomy mood, I’m being troubled by the strong sunlight from the window seat even in early spring.

A little while after the Geography class started, I could hear snoring from the seat to my right.

Glancing sideways, Sato-san had her face buried in the desk. Her eyes were closed, and her red lips were slightly parted.

The sunlight from the window must have been just the right warmth. The back seats are less noticeable to the teacher, and she feels relaxed. Plus, the Geography textbook is full of unfamiliar words for her.

I sighed quietly.

At this rate, I wonder when her repayment will come. I shouldn’t expect anything. I never did, anyway.

However, her sleeping face looked so innocent that I struggled to avoid looking at it. I peered from behind the textbook on a whim and felt exasperated each time.

She must be having a good dream. I’m envious.

I’ve been restless, feeling hot and uneasy.