The Fourth Period Is Modern Chinese (Continued)

"Your worries are unnecessary... and you won't be alone from now on, either."

Then she gave a helpless smile.

"...Yeah! You're right!"

I thought that from now on, I would probably worry myself sick and fall into a slump all on my own. Rather than "probably," I knew for certain that was what would happen.

But that was fine. That was enough.

Because I had decided that I would stay closer to them than anyone else, and spend longer with those two than anyone else.

Because I wanted to talk with Koyuki about everything—what made him infuriating, what made him useless, what made him gross, what made him annoying, and what made him lovable.

Just as I began to feel a little better, Koyuki lightly patted our hands, which had remained joined the entire time.

"...I think he's probably still somewhere nearby."

At that, I glanced out the window. It was still a little too early to call it evening.

If I went after him now, I didn't know whether I could catch up. But if I put it off any longer, I probably wouldn't be able to say it.

Koyuki slipped her hand out of mine. Then she gently placed it on my shoulder. There was no strength in that hand at all—only a tenderness that seemed unsure whether it was all right to touch me.

"...Well then, I'll be right back!"

"Yeah."

I hitched my schoolbag up firmly and strode forward.

The clacking of my indoor shoes gradually picked up speed.

I knew I shouldn't do this, but I absolutely couldn't stop.

So I—

Even knowing it was against the rules, I broke into a full sprint down the hallway.

Those eyes were fixed squarely on him.

I never thought I'd actually have free time...

Under the clear