The next day, Natsukawa Kanade woke up early, went to a specialty shop, and picked out a few gifts before heading to Eriri's house.
While browsing his phone, he saw a message from Kasumigaoka-senpai sent at 3 a.m.:
—Junior, are you free this weekend?
Of course he wasn't.
He had promised Eriri to help her with her manuscript.
Even though he didn't know if it would take one or two days, he preferred to decline right away.
If by chance he had half a day free, he'd use it however he wanted.
He wasn't a master of time management, and he didn't plan to sacrifice all his personal space just to accompany girls.
At least not yet.
—Big sis, you should take better care of your rest. Don't stay up late, not even on weekends. It's bad for your health.
After sending the message, he focused on choosing the gift.
Eriri had a sweet tooth, but when visiting someone, you had to consider not only their tastes but also those of the elders.
So, thinking of everything…
Sakura cake was perfect!
Even though cherry blossoms aren't Japan's national flower, they represent the samurai spirit.
Giving sakura cakes can express respect and thoughtfulness.
With the gift ready, he headed to Eriri's house.
It wasn't his first visit, but it had been a while, so he wanted to make a good impression.
The house was easy to find: atop a hillside, in a residential area of villas with spacious gardens.
At a glance, it was clear the residents were wealthy or noble.
—Turn one more corner… Ah, there it is.
He stopped in front of a gate with blooming cherry trees.
It was early summer, and petals were falling everywhere.
It was 8:50.
Ten minutes before the agreed time, but Kanade always arrived early.
He didn't want to seem late.
—Hope my aunt isn't home right now…
It wasn't that he disliked seeing elders, but Aunt Sayuri always talked about how Eriri should marry a good man.
If she brought it up again, Kanade would probably bury himself in the garden out of embarrassment.
But there was no way to avoid it.
What comes, comes.
He rang the bell.
—Coming~~!
A clear female voice echoed from afar.
A bad feeling crept over him.
The door opened.
A woman very similar to Eriri appeared, wearing an elegant kimono and twin ponytails.
Her hair was dark brown.
As expected… no escape.
Still, Kanade smiled politely.
—Good morning, Aunt Sawamura.
—Ah, it's you, Kanade-kun. Long time no see. Are you here to see Eriri?
—Yes. This is a sakura cake. Please accept it as a token of my gratitude.
From what she said, it seemed Sayuri didn't know he was coming.
Had Eriri not told her?
He didn't have time to think about it.
Sayuri invited him in.
—Don't be so formal. Come to the living room, Kanade-kun.
She accepted the gift with a smile.
Not because of the cake, but because the boy her daughter kept mentioning had shown up on his own.
In recent days, Eriri had been crying and complaining.
Sayuri couldn't help her, only prayed silently.
Now, Kanade was here.
Take the chance, Eriri!
—Kanade-kun, please wait in the living room. I'll go call Eriri.
Kanade nodded and sat obediently.
Soon, a conversation could be heard from upstairs.
It wasn't clear, but he caught words like "get up," "go out," "no way," "stupid mom"…
She's not up yet?
Didn't they agree to meet at this time?
Did she forget to set the alarm?
But it wasn't a big deal.
He was in a comfortable room, not out on the street.
He could wait.
After a while, Sayuri came down alone.
—Kanade-kun, I have some matters to attend to, so I won't keep you.
Eriri had already gotten up, but seemed shy.
—Don't worry, Kanade-kun. Just go to her.
—But… please be kind and more tolerant with Eriri.
That girl always seems hypocritical, which worries me a lot…
She didn't know what had happened between them, but seeing her daughter's guilty look, she figured she'd done something foolish.
Still, she was relieved they had reconciled.
It'd be better if they grew close right away!
Even though Eriri hadn't graduated yet, Sayuri was already leaving "treasures" to ease future concerns.
—Anyway, I'll leave Eriri to you, Kanade-kun.
She gave a slight bow.
Kanade quickly stood and bowed as well.
—Aunt, you're very kind. I'll take good care of Eriri…
That look, as if entrusting him with her daughter's life, unsettled him.
He wanted to confess that Eriri had rejected him, but couldn't say it.
What if Sayuri just wanted him to be a good friend?
Wouldn't explaining be unnecessary then?
After Sayuri left, Kanade waited a bit before approaching Eriri's door.
He wouldn't follow the aunt's words: "You can go straight up."
That would be rude.
No girl would be happy if a boy she didn't like took advantage of her.
So he simply knocked on the door.
—Eri, are you okay?
—Mmmmm…
A strange sound was heard, followed by noises like things falling.
Then, silence.
After waiting a while with no response, Kanade sighed.
—I'm coming in…