383 - Story About Buying My Classmate Once A Week

Unchanged Days with Sendai-san Chapter 383 Morning arrives, and then night falls. When night comes, morning follows once more. There are no questions about the predictability of this routine. I don't question the presence of Sendai-san in this routine either, believing she should remain where I can see her. Even when being touched by Sendai-san in the darkness where we can vaguely make out each other's forms, nothing changes. That's why today, just like any other day, I find myself having breakfast with her. "Let's eat." Our voices synchronize as we take bites of toast slathered in butter and jam. Even though there was less jam, it's still delicious. Across from me, Sendai-san, who prepared today's breakfast, also seems to enjoy her toast. The soft-boiled eggs and sausages plated before us are her handiwork too, so they, like always, must taste good. "Did you sleep well, Miyagi?" Her gentle voice drifts over, and I respond with a "So-so." I didn't sleep too deeply. But considering what happened yesterday, it's only natural. I ended up undressing in a room that wasn't completely dark, and afterward, without thinking, I called her Hazuki. Consequently, I didn't know how to face Sendai-san during dinner yesterday. My gaze kept evading hers, and I couldn't really look at her. Even after retreating to my room, I couldn't shake off the thoughts — did I overthink things, did Sendai-san find it odd — and the endless conjectures kept me from a restful sleep. I bite into the egg white and take another bite of toast. "Would it help you sleep better if I became your body pillow?" She smiles and suggests something ridiculous. "No need." "Why not?" "There's no room." "Then maybe I should buy a bigger bed." "No need. I won't sleep with you. Did you sleep well, Sendai-san?" "Not really, since Miyagi wouldn't sleep beside me." Just like always, Sendai-san does nothing but indulge in silly remarks as she sips orange juice from a black cat-themed mug. "It's absurd to sleep together." "But we could have just drifted off as we were." "It wasn't time to sleep yet. We hadn't even eaten dinner yet." To her, it may have seemed natural to drift off to sleep, but without dinner, it simply wasn't feasible. There had been enough time since then to bathe and have a meal, making it customary to spend the night in our respective rooms, a fact that should not be contested. "If Miyagi would have stayed with me, I wouldn't have needed dinner." "That's nonsense." Even though I appreciate the delicious dinner and breakfast she prepared, there's no need for indulgence towards someone like Sendai-san, who constantly spouts nonsense. I glare at her and reach for a sausage. "It's true about not sleeping well and not needing dinner if you stayed. But, buying a bed isn't necessary; a tight squeeze is fine because it means getting close to Miyagi." "Like I said, I'm not going to sleep with you." "Then let's sleep together in winter. It'll be warm and pleasant." Sendai-san says something that makes me want to sigh, all while beaming at me. Watching Sendai-san like this, it's hard to believe she's the same person from yesterday. If yesterday's version of her persisted, I'd be left in perpetual confusion, possibly leading me to say more unnecessary things. So it's preferable for her to remain predictably silly as usual, even if today's comments are particularly excessive. "Sendai-san, just eat quietly." I tap her foot with my toe to silence her. But she's silent for only a moment before looking at me with a renewed, “Oh, by the way, are you alright, Miyagi?” “Alright in what way?” “About Sunday.” Her words almost make me sigh, but I swallow it down. A message from Mio-san sent last night flashes into my mind. "Would this Sunday work for Hazuki and Shiori-chan's birthday party?" The dreaded message was dropped into our group “Strange Birds” consisting of Sendai-san, Maika, Mio-san, and me, indicating that Sunday―this weekend―would be when celebrations for my birthday, along with Sendai-san's, were to be held. “Even if I'm not alright, it’s a promise.” I had been asked about open days in advance; saying I was busy would just result in another message asking for alternative dates, so there's no escaping this promise. Though I’m reluctant, declining isn't an option. Moreover, Mio-san is an important friend Sendai-san should cherish. While Sendai-san’s closeness with Mio-san has its complications, refusing isn't allowed. Regardless of my irritation or frustration, Sendai-san should cultivate meaningful friendships. “...Also, Maika is looking forward to it.” Maika will be attending the birthday party too. When she discovered Sendai-san and I spent our birthdays alone together, she didn't pry. She was the same when she found out we were roommates. Maika is always kind. And because I don't want to trample on her excitement, I have to accept the reality of one birthday being celebrated twice. "I see. Mio is really looking forward to it too.” “Is Mio-san always this high-energy at university?” “Not always. There are times she feels down.” “Really?” Imagining a hyper Mio-san is easy, but a dejected one doesn't come to mind. “The other day, she was upset because a café part-timer quit after just a week.” “Why would Mio-san be affected by that?” “Though she's usually carefree, she has a strong sense of responsibility. She kept reflecting, thinking, ‘Was it my poor teaching that made them quit so soon?’” “Now that you mention it, she taught me very patiently when I worked part-time.” Ever since our first encounter, I've found Mio-san challenging. She was assertive and heedless, never restrained. Seemingly more carefree than even Sendai-san, I couldn't fathom part-timing together. Yet, I've met Mio-san repeatedly, eventually working alongside her. And I've realized, Mio-san is considerate and kind-hearted. Her only flaw is a broken compass when it comes to measuring interpersonal distance. "Mio-san is a good person." Though certain traits of hers still irk me, I don't dislike her. "...Would you want to work at the café again?" Sendai-san mumbles and takes a sip of her juice. “No, I wouldn't.” “Even if it was just us two?” “No. Are you planning to increase your part-time work during winter break, Sendai-san?” I have no urge for part-time work, not even with Sendai-san. There’s nothing I desire enough to work for, preferring to spend winter break here at home. “That’s the plan.” Her predictably unexciting answer rolls forth, accompanied by “I’m not planning to go home, you’re staying too, right?” I affirm with a “Not going home.” "How about we go for a New Year’s shrine visit next year?" "You asked last year too, but no, it’s too cold." Though a New Year's shrine visit is not exactly a festival, remembering the recent festival brings back the memory of being made to wear a yukata. Just like back then, Sendai-san might suggest something ridiculous like, "It's New Year's, let's wear kimonos together!" so I can't casually say "I'll go." I take a sip of orange juice and add, "I’ll stay at home."