第90話 礼奈との再会 - I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me

"Is that girl... could it be Reina?" "Yes. We're meeting at noon in front of the main gate. She's coming to see me, but for some reason, I already have a feeling I'm going to get a stomach ache." Natsuki rubbed her belly as she said this. It was likely just an excuse, but pointing that out would be tactless. "I'd be happy if you could meet her for me. It feels wrong to send her back after she came all the way." —Thump. Suddenly, I can hear the beating of my heart. Am I nervous? Truth be told, it's been quite a while since meeting someone made me feel this anxious, even if the timing caught me off guard. The situation is completely different now compared to when I wrongly believed I was being cheated on. "Just this once, I might let you take my place. What do you say?" These words, too, are probably Natsuki's way of atoning for her cold behavior towards me. Realizing this, I can't help but look up at the ceiling. "W-well, maybe after this lecture." "It just ended though. Besides, Reina will be here during lunch break." Natsuki, slightly exasperated, fishes out her phone. "Well, I'll go ahead and contact her." "Hey, wait a minute." I hurriedly try to stop Natsuki, who had begun tapping away on her phone. She looks at me with curiosity, a hint of confusion in her expression. "Why? Are you really that nervous?" "Yeah, I am." "Well, I already sent the message." "Too fast!" With a swipe speed that even Shinohara would envy, she managed to message Reina in that brief moment. She must've already had their chat open. If I back out now, it'll seem like I'm rejecting Reina, and that's the last thing I want. It seems I have no choice but to brace myself. "Alright then, I'm off to the restroom." "Are you really in pain?" "Such a lack of delicacy. You don't ask a girl that." With those words, Natsuki left the lecture room, leaving me to my thoughts as I slowly packed up. "Your choice of words is a bit dated..." I could almost hear Natsuki's retort from somewhere far off. ◇◆ The start of lunch break marks the busiest time on campus, with students flocking out in search of food from every building. It's no surprise, really. There are several dining options on campus, but my favorite is the main cafeteria. The balanced meals, with plenty of vegetables, are especially popular among students living alone, creating swells of people after twelve o'clock. But today, I'm walking against the current towards my destination—the university's main gate. The person I'm looking for— As I quicken my pace, it gradually slows down again. The standing figure in my sight stirs memories tucked away. She's waited for me multiple times at this gate. And many times, after we met, she'd soften her cheeks with a gentle smile. "—Ah." Our gazes meet. Rena Aisaka, her ash-gray hair swaying, exclaims softly in surprise upon spotting me. After a brief moment of hesitation, she approaches but hesitantly. "Yuuta-kun." "O-oh." I stop in my tracks and raise a hand in response. I know it seems awkward. Reina slightly lifts the corners of her mouth upon witnessing my awkward gesture. "We've been messaging, but it's nice to see you in person." "Same here." In response, Reina looks at me with surprise. "Really?" "Yeah, really." "You're not just matching my mood, are you?" "Uh, well, maybe a little." Annoyed with my sluggish thinking, I give my temple a light pinch. What is going on with me? While I'm not the most socially adept, I pride myself on being able to carry on a conversation even with strangers. Recently, influenced by those around me, I believed this ability might have improved. Yet here I am, struggling to find the right words. Is it simply nerves? A year-long relationship with a now ex-girlfriend. I'm aware this tension isn't from romantic feelings, but there's a nostalgic aspect to it that leaves me feeling strangely nostalgic. "It's been a while since we met here." "Yeah. About half a year, maybe?" "It's been that long already, huh? Time flies. At this rate, we'll be starting job hunting before we know it." "Ugh, that's the last thing I want. I need to escape reality for a bit." Reina nods with a smile, agreeing with my words. Despite the initial awkwardness, there's comfort in the gradual flow of conversation. Even in the past meetings, Reina and I never let awkward silences break our rapport. During our relationship, the quiet moments between us were comfortable, and even now, restarting our connection, it remains unchanged. "Since we're here, how about grabbing lunch?" "Weren't you here to meet Natsuki?" "She's the one who suggested you come, Yuuta-kun. I'll thank her later, so it's fine." It seems Natsuki really did message Reina after all and perhaps even after leaving the lecture room. "Well, alright then. Shall we?" I answer and step over the campus gate. On the nearby main street, numerous dining options are lined up. The prices are slightly higher than the campus options, so I usually avoid them, but today might be an exception. As I glance to the side, Reina scans the area, exploring potential places to eat. "I wonder what to eat. Maybe something a bit more stylish—" "How about ramen?" Pointing to my favorite ramen shop, I realize I've made a blunder. I spoke at the exact moment Reina was about to suggest something stylish, picking the literal opposite. Just as I think to retract my suggestion, Reina smiles gently. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind some ramen!" "Wait, really?" I can't help but ask, and Reina nods without hesitation. "Really. I'm just happy to share a meal with you, Yuuta-kun, after all this time."