Chapter 186 - The Coming Day, in the Real World
"—Kasuga-kun?"
"…"
"Hellooo? Ha-ru-kun?"
"…Hm? Ah, wha—sorry, what is it?"
I called out to the young man who had been spacing out for a while.
Finally reacting to the words from right beside him, he flashed a smile in a flustered attempt to cover it up. Shijo Kaede, rather than pouting at his behavior, simply lowered her eyebrows apologetically.
"I'm sorry, was this a bad idea after all?"
It was just past noon when I, breaking my promise to wait until next month, ended up calling Haru out on this last day of April.
Since it was a Sunday, the usual group of four had gathered. The conversation got lively around a certain topic, and it all started when Toshiki muttered something like, "I wonder if we could get Haru to come, too."
I contacted him, not expecting much, and of course, he turned me down at first—
"It's nothing like that. I'm the one who said I was free until the evening."
His smile as he said that was, well, beautiful today, too.
It was like he was used to smiling… or something. It was a shame we weren't close enough yet for me to tell if it was genuine or just for show.
"I was honestly surprised and happy you showed up, man. But are you really not free tonight? It's gonna be awesome, I swear."
"Sorry, but tonight is the one time I'm absolutely, seriously busy."
In response to Toshiki, who was watching him from across the table, Haru shut him down completely, as if to say, "This is non-negotiable."
The original invitation was also about tonight, but he'd been like this from the start. It was only because Shoko had picked up on his words, "I absolutely can't tonight, of all nights," that we were able to meet up outside of university for the first time…
"…Hm, what's wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Your ice cream is melting, you know?"
We were still far from today's main event, this was just the opening act. Still, I was genuinely happy that he had finally joined our usual group at our regular cafe spot. I found myself smiling as I watched his profile, so much so that he tilted his head at me curiously.
To distract him, I pointed at the drink in his hand, where the toppings were beginning to melt. Haru, who had been spacing out again, let out a small "oops" and picked up his spoon-straw as if he'd just remembered it.
I'd never seen him eat dessert at the cafeteria, but seeing him order one, mimicking Shoko and me when we were doing whatever we wanted, I guess he has a surprising sweet tooth.
I saw him put the ice cream in his mouth, his cheeks softening for a moment before he tried to hide it, and for a split second, I thought he was 'cute.'
"Well, anyway—I guess it all makes sense now, why you guys called me. It was this kind of gathering, huh?"
As he started to break apart the contents of the cup, where the line between drink and dessert was blurring, Haru looked around at everyone and said that.
That was because, in the process of inviting him to today's event, we had also revealed part of the reason why I had approached him in the first place.
"Um, I'm sorry, okay? I really wasn't trying to spy on you or anything…"
"I know. And I wouldn't mind either way."
It was a complete coincidence. One day during a break, I happened to see him on his phone, looking up an online article about the Sword Saint. Even without looking closely, I could tell how passionate he was, and I sensed he might be 'one of us.'
—In other words, that he might be an Arcadia fan, just like us.
"Let me say it again, I'm not on an 'otaku' level yet, okay? It's only been a little over two months since I started getting into it."
"But you like it, right?"
"Well, yeah."
"Then you're one of us. Welcome."
When Toshiki prodded at his somewhat defensive words, Haru nodded without denying it. Seeing this, Mizuki offered her hand, and he accepted with a wry smile, though he didn't seem displeased.
My best friend since elementary school isn't the type to normally offer handshakes, but with the exception of one field, she's a far more hardcore Arcadian than I am.
She was probably just genuinely welcoming a new friend with whom she could talk about her hobby in the real world. I remember when I introduced her to Shoko and Toshiki, she acted all cool but was actually very happy.
Though, when it comes to Haru, I'm more interested than Mizuki is—well, I'm not completely sure about that yet.
"That makes it even more of a shame. I know you have plans, but since it's your first Four Pillar War, you must've wanted to watch it live, right?"
"…Yeah, well, I guess so."
"Huh, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
When Shoko tilted her head at his hesitant reply, he immediately put on a forced smile. I wonder if he's doing it on purpose, acting all mysterious at times like this?
He doesn't need to do that, he's already plenty attracti—
"Ngh, cough…!"
"Whoa, hey, what's wrong? You okay?"
My own runaway thoughts surprised me so much that I started choking. It's not like I see him as a romantic interest, which is precisely why I shouldn't be thinking such things.
Though surprised, Haru immediately prepared a paper napkin in one hand and checked on me. I gave my chest a light pat and smiled back, saying, "I'm fine."
See, he can be considerate like this, so smoothly… Well, he's just that kind of guy.
If I look at him with stars in my eyes too much, I'll quickly start getting the wrong idea about myself. And for me, that's a no-thank-you.
If Haru turns out to be the kind of person I hope he is—in many ways, it's best if we can be friends on equal footing, without any extra feelings involved.
…Of course, the other three watching me from the side couldn't care less about my inner thoughts. Whenever Haru wasn't looking, they would shoot me knowing smirks.
Toshiki and Shoko are one thing, but Mizuki is just cruel. She, of all people, should understand my particular 'passion' better than anyone.
"Well… yeah. I'll just watch the archives later at my own pace."
"Oh, then let's get together again for that! They're gonna stream a stupid number of perspectives anyway, we can rewatch it a bunch of times and still have fun."
Just as I was glaring back at the still-smirking Shoko and Mizuki, Toshiki made a convenient suggestion.
That's right. It's a shame that the player I'm looking for won't be participating, but even I end up digging through the archives countless times whenever a Four Pillar War is held.
So much so that my parents get mad at me for "watching videos all the time."
It's the world's greatest form of entertainment, unparalleled by anything else. I wish they'd cut me some slack for getting a little absorbed in it.
"If everyone's cool with it, I'd be more than happy to."
I'm looking forward to it—Haru says, expressing his feelings honestly.
I can't say I know everything about him yet, but I hope I can get to know this boy, who has so many good qualities, even better. The thought brings a smile to my face.
Then, the observant Haru tilts his head again, asking, "What's wrong?" When I smile back and say it's nothing, he just blinks, looking puzzled.