◆5 [Choosing a First Gift]
Ousaki managed to get the fabric bag she had been looking for. Since she needed to buy more than 5,000 yen worth of Nagumo Hiroki-related products, she carried a bag with the Tōshin store logo. She probably already had everything, but Ousaki looked so happy, humming a cheerful tune as if she were in the spring of her life.
—Nagumo-kun, didn’t you want to buy something? Even though you stood in line for so long.
—Sorry, I’m a little short on money.
—Huh? If you’re a fan, shouldn’t you be willing to pawn your wife to buy Nagumo products? …Oh, are you planning to buy something for Yua, maybe?
—Yeah, something like that.
I decided to stick with that excuse since saying I didn’t have such plans would probably upset Ousaki. It seemed I’d have to buy a gift, even something cheap… Knowing Ousaki, she’d probably ask Yua directly: “Did Nagumo-kun give you something?”
—Hmm, so you were thinking about Yua even while being with me.
It was a statement that could easily be interpreted as jealousy, but Ousaki smiled. In fact, she seemed even more pleased than when she had successfully purchased Nagumo merchandise.
—Well, it would bother me a little if she got too smug just because I bought her a gift. It’s the least I could do.
Despite her biting words, Ousaki’s smile didn’t fade. It seemed treating Yua well would also keep Ousaki in a good mood.
Today, I was able to see an unexpected side of Ousaki, my uneasiness toward her had lessened, and although all we did was stand in line, it felt like a worthwhile experience.
As I thought about how I could now head home without worries, we made our way back to the station.
—Huh? Where are you going, Nagumo-kun?
Ousaki, who had been standing in front of a coin locker, tilted her head in confusion.
—Aren’t you heading to TK Dome?
Now that I think about it, she mentioned she’d treat me to a burger earlier…
—Oh, right, that’s true.
Ousaki’s satisfied smile remained as bright as ever.
It was the first time I saw her smile so much about something unrelated to wrestling. I really didn’t want to do anything to cloud that expression.
—My sister is home alone right now, so I need to check in with her.
—Oh, Nagumo-kun, you have a sister too?
Now that I think about it, both Ousaki and I have sisters, another thing we have in common besides wrestling.
When I contacted Tsumugi via MINE, she replied: “I’m fine since I’m not watching horror movies.” It was as if she only needed me when watching horror movies. …I hope she needs me for other things too, right?
—Why do you look a little down?
—Well, you know, teenage girls can be a bit challenging sometimes.
I thought Ousaki might find me annoying, but she nodded in agreement. It seemed she had her own thoughts about her sister too.
Feeling relieved after contacting Tsumugi, I let Ousaki treat me to a meal.
At the fast-food restaurant Ousaki took me to, I was offered an incredibly hearty burger that made me wonder if I could even finish it. Afterwards, we decided to stroll around the area since we were already out.
Near TK Dome, there were shopping facilities full of people our age, including some couples.
For some reason, I began to feel uncomfortable being there alone with Ousaki.
To begin with, I had never gone out alone with Yua somewhere. Tsumugi had always been with us.
Although I had told Yua about this outing and it was really just about shopping, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty.
—Ousaki-san, could we maybe… buy something here that could be a gift for Takarai-san?
I finally made that suggestion.
I wanted to ease my guilt by turning this outing into something for Yua’s benefit.
—Oh, that sounds good! Want me to help you pick something?
Guided by Ousaki, who seemed overly enthusiastic, I climbed the escalator toward the shopping facility.
With Ousaki’s help, I chose a bracelet made of colorful glass beads from a Mexican-themed store. It had a simple design that wouldn’t violate school rules for being too flashy, and it was reasonably priced, so I was satisfied with my purchase.
Having bought a suitable gift for Yua, I felt my discomfort dissipate.
—Nagumo-kun.
Ousaki said while glancing around.
—Do you feel guilty, thinking being here with me is like a date and that it’s unfair to Yua?
—…Well, something like that.
There’s no point in hiding it.
—You’re getting ahead of yourself.
Ousaki elbowed me in the ribs.
—But still, for Nagumo-kun, who held back from buying his beloved Nagumo products to spend money on a gift for Yua, I think it was a good gesture.
—You’re praising me, but you don’t seem that happy about it.
—Well, it feels like, no matter what happens, one of them is being underestimated.
Ousaki said. Being a fan of both Nagumo Hiroki and Takarai Yua, she must have felt conflicted about only being able to choose one.
—Ah, if only Nagumo-kun had a job, then you could’ve bought both.
—Don’t make it sound like I’m useless.
I’m doing my best as a student.
—Nagumo-kun, why don’t you just stop studying?
—Who told you to dismiss my existence completely?
—Because then you’d have more time for Yua. You could also get a part-time job.
—It’s precisely because I study that I can help Takarai-san with her exam prep. My studying actually gives me more time to be involved with her.
By the way, is Ousaki doing well on her exams? I’ve never heard anything about her having good grades.
Ousaki didn’t seem convinced by my very reasonable argument, shaking her head in disbelief.
—Studying must be incredibly boring for Yua. Even if she seems like she’s having fun, it’s only because she’s with you. Tch!
Don’t click your tongue after saying that…
—Nagumo-kun, you only show Yua things you like. The limit of Nagumo-kun is being unable to do something that makes Yua enjoy herself.
It was a painful truth.
Although Yua followed the things I liked, I hadn’t really done anything on my part to make her happy.
—You need to take more initiative, Nagumo-kun. Only professional wrestlers can afford to be passive and just take hits.
For me, studying is my only strength, so I’m resistant to doing anything that requires action before thinking.
However, I could see the point in what Ousaki was saying.
Studying was my main priority, but that was before I met Yua.
Without Yua, Tsumugi and I wouldn’t have turned out as we are now.
To bring some stability to Yua, who doesn’t have a safe place outside of school, I might need to change the values I’ve held up until now.
—That’s why I’m willing to give you some credit for thinking of Yua even while you were with me.
Ousaki smiled softly, a smile free of any sarcasm.
—But just that isn’t nearly enough.
—I know.
Ousaki often points out harsh truths, but somehow, she’s highlighting my weaknesses, which is actually helpful.
—Don’t just leave it with a good response.
This time, she didn’t show the stern expression she had when criticizing me at the family restaurant. Instead, she raised the bag she was holding.
—As a fan of Nagumo, I’m supporting you, even if it’s just a little.
For today, Ousaki, who usually only cooperates when our interests align, seemed like an ally.