On a perfectly normal day—
"FUUUUCK YESSSSSS!!!"
Kuroki's scream pierced through the neighborhood, sending birds scattering into the sky.
"It's finally Golden Week!" he shouted, grinning like he'd just won the lottery. "You know what time it is~~!"
He sprinted downstairs, nearly slipping on the last step, and raided the kitchen cabinets like a raccoon on a mission. Chips. Cookies. Instant noodles. A sacred offering to the gods of laziness.
"It's time to be a NEET."
He bolted back upstairs, dumped the snacks on his desk, and changed into his prized possession: a baggy white shirt that read Certified NEET. He slid on his glasses with dramatic flair.
For those who don't know—
Golden Week is a major holiday period in Japan, spanning several national holidays: Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day.
In other words…
A free vacation.
Especially for someone like Kuroki.
"Time to do what I do best," he muttered, plopping into his chair. "Haven't had time to game since school started."
He powered on his computer.
Ping.
A notification lit up his phone.
"Ugh. Who is it now?" he groaned.
He checked the screen.
"Tsk. It's Satsuki."
He opened the message.
[Hey, can you get something for me?]
"Get something? What is she talking about?" he muttered, typing back.
What do you mean?
Ping.
Another message.
She wanted something from the shopping district—and even sent a picture of the exact item.
[Please 🙏😔]
She was practically begging.
"Ugggh, whyyy… I was just about to chill…" he sulked.
He stared at his monitor. Then at the snacks. Then at the message again.
"…Fine."
With the enthusiasm of a man marching to his doom, he put on some pants and crocs and headed out.
"I'm off," he called half-heartedly.
Outside, he wheeled his dusty bike out of the garage.
"Man, it's been a while," he muttered, wiping the seat with his sleeve.
He hopped on and began pedaling toward the shopping district.
—
"Hmm hmm hmm~"
As he rode, he passed small stores and food spots lining the street. The scent of grilled meat drifted past him.
(Oh, a ramen place.)
He glanced to his left. Maybe I'll try it sometime.
As he approached the shopping district—
"Ah! Watch out!"
He had taken his eyes off the road for just a second.
When he looked forward again—
He was heading straight toward a girl.
"Ah, shit!"
He jerked the handlebars to the right, barely missing her.
He skidded to a stop, heart pounding.
"P-pant… pant…"
He turned toward her in a panic.
"A-Are you okay?"
And then he saw her properly.
Slim figure. Pale skin. Long jet-black hair flowing down her back. A calm, soothing presence.
"…Aohana Mari?"
Shock flashed across his face.
"What are you doing here?"
He quickly got off his bike and rushed toward her.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
She giggled softly.
"I'm fine. Thank you for worrying, Ichinose."
She brushed her hair aside and gave him a bright, effortless smile.
Kuroki felt his face heat instantly.
"S-So… what are you doing here, Kuroki?" she asked.
"Ah—I'm just… getting something for a friend." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Oh? Is that so?" she said, smiling again.
Why does she keep smiling like that…
His face turned red. Sweat beaded at his temple. He quickly looked away, pretending to be very interested in the pavement.
(God, why am I so anxious?)
"Mmm? Kuroki?"
"Y-Yes?" He lifted his head.
She was suddenly very close.
"Mmm…"
She placed her hand gently on his forehead.
His brain shut down.
"That's strange," she murmured. "You're not sick… but your face is really warm."
"I-I'm fine! Completely healthy!" he blurted, panicking. His voice cracked embarrassingly.
She tilted her head slightly.
"I see."
When she pulled her hand away, he immediately looked down again, staring at the ground as if it held the secrets of the universe.
"All right, let's go," she said, walking toward the shopping district.
"Y-Yeah. Let me park my bike."
He rolled it to the rack, hands trembling slightly. His heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst through his chest.
(Why is my heart beating this fast…?)
"Kuroki!" she called.
He looked up.
She was waving at him, smiling warmly.
"Come on!"
"O-Okay!"
He finished locking his bike and hurried over, subtly trying to hide his flushed face.
(I need to calm down. It's just Mari. Just Mari.)
"You sure you're okay?" she asked, glancing at him with concern.
He still couldn't meet her eyes.
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine."
"Okay," she said gently.
They walked side-by-side toward the shopping district.
What was supposed to be a simple errand for a friend…
Had turned into something far more complicated.
And for the first time in a long while—
Kuroki's heart didn't feel focused on games, snacks, or staying inside.
It was focused on her.