第76話　甘い記憶、苦い記憶 ① - I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me

The Ferris wheel shook with a clattering sound. Inside the gondola that ascends into the autumn sky where dragonflies circle, Reina, sitting in front of me, let out a small "eek." Her gesture, epitomizing a young university student, made me unconsciously loosen my lips into a smile. It’s been almost a year since I met Reina at the university festival. The one-year anniversary since we started dating is also approaching. This place is a famous theme park in the area. Having gone on dates almost every week, this is probably the third or fourth time we’ve come here. Depending on how often we go on dates, I can safely say we've covered all the nearby dating spots. But among them, the enjoyment of this theme park never fades. "I was surprised... maybe it was the wind?" She mused. "Probably. We've ridden this so many times, but this is a first," I replied, shifting my gaze out the window. Though it seemed like a few more minutes before the gondola would reach the top, the expansive view was already visible. This panoramic view from within the confined gondola was something I truly loved. ── I've been having such a long dream, or so it felt. A vision where Reina and I fight for some reason, with tears streaming down her cheeks... a scene right out of a drama. Could such a thing happen in the future? Honestly, I simply couldn't imagine it. Reina and I have never even had a fight. As with any human relationship, there are times when our opinions don't match perfectly, but by one of us yielding slightly, a serene atmosphere always flows between us. "Yuta-kun," she called. "Hm?" "I had a dream, you know." "Oh? What kind?" I asked, piqued with interest, turning my gaze back to Reina. Fingering through her hair, she looked at me sidelong. "It was strange, with a lot of things happening, and then... Yuta-kun, you got really angry." "Me?" "Hehe, your expression was something else," she giggled. "What’s that supposed to mean? Can’t really see myself getting angry." The last time I recall being truly angry was back in my second year of high school, during an argument with Sakashita. ── Though you could say, in a way, we're still at odds even now. Unlike back then, there's no sense of violence, but the cold war within our club persists. "Hey, Yuta-kun, has anything happened recently?" Reina asked suddenly. "What? No, nothing at all. Why do you ask?" "Just... a girlfriend's intuition," she said, sticking out her tongue playfully. Her gesture soothed me, and I couldn't help but smile. "Seriously, nothing." I reiterated, directing my gaze outward once more. Telling Reina about the current situation would only burden her with guilt. We’re happy just being in this space together; I wouldn't want to ruin it. Lulled by the warmth of the evening sun, I quietly closed my eyes. "What do you like about me, Yuta-kun?" she suddenly asked. "Huh?" I started, losing my balance, my elbow slipping off the window sill. "Wah!" "Oh no, are you okay?" "Yeah... I'm fine. But what was that about, out of the blue?" "Well, it just got me curious. It's been a while since we last rode this Ferris wheel. Remember? It was here that we first—" We shared our first kiss when we reached the top. The jolt it sent through my body is something I still remember vividly. Blushing slightly, Reina turned her face away. "What are you looking at?" I teased. "...I suddenly felt embarrassed." "Haha, no need to act shy now." "Don't tease me!" she pouted, puffing her cheeks. This expression struck a chord within me, making my body tense up reflexively. "I guess... I like that about you," I admitted. "Huh? You mean my clumsy moments?" "Ah... something like that," I laughed awkwardly. Putting it into words felt somewhat embarrassing—her graceful demeanor, her well-arranged features, her kindness, her warmth, how she always thinks of me. There are so many things I love about her. Surely, Reina must feel the same way. "I'm really glad I’m with you, Reina," I confessed. "Hehe, me too." As the gondola approached the top, we leaned in, exchanging a tender kiss within the orangey glow of the setting sun. "Yuta-kun, can I visit your place today?" she asked. "Of course." There's turmoil within the club, but what of it? I have been blessed with a wonderful partner, which is as precious, if not more, than being well-regarded in the club. That’s enough. It’s all I need. As the sunlight waned, clouds began to spread across the sky. The gondola started its descent.