{The Happy Ending for Satou-san and Me}

Satou-san changed her contact information.

She deleted her account and acquired a new ID. The ID, which combined her name and birthday in a complex way, was something I helped her come up with. Thanks to that, I was also able to find out her birthday.

And it seems she only shares her new contact details with those she considers “true friends.”

Among them, I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to receive it. This is a source of immense pride and happiness for me.

Satou-san was still the same as ever since then.

Her hairstyle, a simple ponytail with no flair, remained unchanged. She still had her usual clumsy and slow ways, and her lack of perceptiveness hadn’t changed at all.

Still, it seems Satou-san is making an effort in her own way.

Recently, she has been trying to review and prepare for her classes. She mentioned wanting to be able to quietly give me answers when the teacher calls on me during class—what a low-probability wish. Well, it’s good that she’s motivated to try.

Also, her running form has improved recently. She’s still the slowest among the girls in the class, but she’s not lagging behind as much as before. She mentioned that there will be a basketball class next time and asked if I could teach her. Of course, I plan to help her, though starting from dribbling will be challenging.

As for me, classmates have started asking about my relationship with Satou-san.

When asked if we’re dating, I’m always at a loss for how to respond.

Currently, we’re not officially dating. I answer that we’re not yet, but I don’t really like this response. I particularly want to emphasize the “not yet.”

When asked if I like Satou-san, I nod without hesitation.

Because it’s the truth.

I’m not entirely sure how Satou-san feels about me.

What’s certain is that she doesn’t seem to dislike me as I steadily build up my chances. However, whether she fully understands what I’m trying to do is questionable. Even during the confession, she simply nodded when I told her to.

So today, I decided to directly ask her.

Towards the end of lunch break, just before the bell rang, Satou-san returned to her seat next to me.

She had been playing tag in the schoolyard as usual and came back breathless.

Sitting at the back of the second row by the window, she fixed her disheveled ponytail and glanced at me with a smile. It was a cheerful, bright smile.

I pretended to be absorbed in my textbook while leaning on my elbow, but I couldn’t help but turn towards her because of her smile.

“You seem to be having fun, Satou-san.”

“Yeah. I’m trying to play as much as possible before the rainy season comes and we can’t play outside,” she said.

Satou-san, talking so innocently, looked childish but cute.

Maybe I’m the only one who thinks she’s cute, but that’s fine with me. It’s probably only me who feels nervous around her in the class. Even so, it’s a lot more enjoyable compared to before.

Nervous but determined, I carefully chose my words.

“Satou-san.”

“What is it, Yamaguchi-kun?”

“How about going to see a movie this Sunday?”

It was a safe choice on my part. For a first outing, a movie is a common but reliable option. I had checked the new releases at the convenience store this morning.

“Sure, that sounds good.”

Satou-san readily agreed.

I was a bit taken aback by her straightforward response.

“Yamaguchi-kun, is there a particular movie you want to see?”

“Well, yeah… there is a movie I want to see.”

“I’m not very familiar with movies. What kind of movie do you want to see?”

“It’s a sci-fi movie. Are you interested? It’s been advertised in the recent commercials.”

“That sounds interesting. I’m looking forward to it!”

That’s not exactly what I was hoping for.

I’m happy she’s looking forward to it, but there’s something else I wanted her to be excited about.

Satou-san is still dense. I thought she might not understand, but it turns out she didn’t understand at all.

The future seems quite challenging.

I sighed and explained.

“Um, Satou-san.”

“What?”

“That was actually an invitation for a date.”

Satou-san blinked in surprise.

After a moment of thought, her face turned bright red.

“Oh, I see… Sorry, I didn’t realize.”

“It’s okay.”

Despite my words, I felt a bit sulky.

I was somewhat hurt. It was shocking that she hadn’t realized that going out together meant a date. Satou-san can be so troublesome.

But even with Satou-san’s lack of awareness, she doesn’t seem to have any objections to treating our Sunday outing as a date.

I want to look forward to the promise itself, so I respond.

“Since that’s the case, please wear something cute this Sunday.”

“Okay. I’ll try my best to look cute.”

Satou-san awkwardly nodded, still blushing from the mention of a date.

I decided to push further while I had the momentum.

“If possible, I’d prefer if you wore a skirt.”

“A skirt? Yamaguchi-kun, do you like skirts?”

“Well, it’s not so much about liking them. I just think they’re cuter.”

“Is that so… But I wear a skirt every day as part of my uniform.”

“That’s not quite what I meant…”

The future is still daunting.

But I don’t think it’s entirely hopeless. Maybe. I’m still reasonably happy.

Eventually, there will be another seating arrangement change.

It’s unlikely that we’ll sit next to each other again. We might end up far apart. But I’m not too worried.

Because being next to Satou-san isn’t limited to just during class anymore.

Next time, I want to be able to stay by her side, no matter the time or situation, forever.

End of first arc