♬
Because the apricot blossoms bloomed on my birthday
I napped in the shade beneath the filtered sunlight
Could I turn to dust along with the insects' remains?
The mint pond, the lighthouse at the fishing port
Today is so much like yesterday
To change tomorrow
You must change today
I know, I know it all, but
♬
A familiar melody began to play.
Ichinose tilted her head up slightly and sang. Melodious notes flowed from her lips, her long hair fluttering as a warm, dazzling radiance spread over her.
Her long pink hair swayed gently with her singing, her clear, lilting voice spreading out. A gentle smile graced her eyes and brows, making her look like an angel bathed in soft light.
When Ichinose finished, Natsukawa gave her an approving round of applause.
"Ichinose, that was really good! You seemed like a completely different person."
Ichinose's cheeks grew a little warm, and she said with a lively smile,
"Really? Thanks for the compliment!"
Natsukawa's gentle voice rang out.
"Ichinose, do you like this song? Your voice is gentle yet powerful. It was as though you'd woven all that confidence and kindness of yours into the melody. It was heartbreakingly beautiful!"
This was Natsukawa's praise.
It really did feel better sung by a woman.
Even Natsukawa had been deeply captivated by Ichinose just now. That settled it! I had to make Ichinose mine!
Ichinose said happily,
"If you keep praising me like that, Natsukawa, I'm going to get embarrassed!"
"Well, I actually really love this song. It's helped me a lot in my life. I took some time off school back in middle school, and when I heard this song, I fell in love with it."
"Huh? Even someone as trusted as you took time off school, Ichinose? That really makes me curious."
Ichinose herself didn't know how she had ended up revealing her time off school in front of Natsukawa.
Ichinose said sheepishly,
"Well, anyway, now's the time for a fresh start! Sorry, even if you're curious, Natsukawa, I can't tell you! And please keep the fact that I took time off school a secret!"
"Of course, no problem. We're friends, Ichinose. It sounds like the reason you took time off is a bad memory for you, too."
"Sorry, I was being presumptuous earlier. Prying into someone's past out of curiosity can trouble and hurt them!"
"If you ever do want to talk about it, I'll listen as your friend! Of course, just like the song says, let go of those unhappy memories! Whatever happened before, the trusted, confident, cheerful Ichinose you are now is the most beautiful. Just keep being happy like this!"
In fact, Natsukawa knew about the past behind Ichinose's time off school that she couldn't speak of.
Because of her younger sister's anticipation for her birthday, Ichinose had once stolen a hair accessory for her. Her mother had later discovered it, explained why it was wrong, and taken Ichinose to kneel before the shopkeeper and apologize. The shopkeeper had eventually forgiven Ichinose, but the incident had left her psychologically scarred. Learning that her actions had hurt someone else, she had refused to forgive her past self and sealed those negative emotions away in her heart...
Natsukawa wouldn't let the incident in the original story where Ichinose was framed happen. Even if she still felt conflicted inside, he believed the day would come when she would tell him about it. He would also slowly talk her through it and help resolve this knot in her heart.
"Yes! Natsukawa, I'll do my best!"
Ichinose's heart was in turmoil. Although she had accidentally revealed a little of her tainted past, Natsukawa didn't mind at all.
Natsukawa really is such a gentle, understanding friend. But if he knew what really happened, would he leave me? After all, the fact is that I'm a criminal...
Looking at Natsukawa's sincere eyes and gentle smile, Ichinose slowly grew more resolute.
No, he wouldn't!
Natsukawa was my first close friend when I stepped out of the darkness and decided to start over! When I resolved to make more friends at my new school, he encouraged me, too!
He wouldn't leave me!
Sorry, I still can't tell you about the crime I committed. I hope I can keep this gentle image of myself intact and show you my best side, Natsukawa!
Even if my past comes out one day and you grow disgusted with me and leave, Natsukawa, I'll win you back!
"Ding! Affection +10"
Ichinose returned to her lively self and said with a sweet smile,
"Well, hehe, Natsukawa! That person's back on the screen just now looked a lot like yours."
"Huh? Really? Maybe it really was me! I can sing this song, too. I know a teeny-tiny billion other songs by him, too."
Indeed, this song was also very popular in Sakurajima in this anime world.
This song had existed in his original world, too, and was said to have brought hope to countless people who had lost faith in life.
It hadn't originally existed in this world, but once Natsukawa came, it did.
It could also be considered one of the works Natsukawa had plagiarized in the early days of establishing his chain company.
Ichinose said with a smile,
"I don't believe you! But the original singer really has never shown his face. Apparently, it was a song released by an artist under an anime company to promote it! The original singer wears an anime mask in every recorded song video he releases."
"Hey, so you like listening to this artist's songs too, Natsukawa? Let's sing some of his other songs later."
Although drinking alcohol wasn't allowed at school, there was a wide variety of drinks and snacks.
Natsukawa and Ichinose sat and chatted about school life and how they were getting along with their classmates. Along the way, Ichinose also indulged her curiosity by asking about Natsukawa's relationships with girls in his class whom he knew, such as Hiyori.
Learning that Natsukawa was only friends with them made Ichinose considerably happier. After all, she had been the first, and she was special.
After they had chatted for a little while, Ichinose seemed to think of something.
Ichinose took a sip of her drink, placed her hands at her sides, and sighed.
"Well, Natsukawa, there's actually something troubling me in Class B, too."
"Even you have worries, Ichinose? Still, I'm sure you'll be fine. After all, everyone in your class really likes you! Our class doesn't have that kind of atmosphere. If only you were in our class! Class B being so united is thanks to you, too, isn't it?"
Ichinose waved her hands and said happily,
"Oh, come on, Natsukawa, you're praising me too much. Actually, I also..."
"Well, anyway, everyone in Class B trusts me, but I always feel there are things I haven't done well enough. I'm so afraid of letting my classmates down."
"Ichinose, don't worry. Just trust your instincts and be yourself. Since they're willing to trust you, they'll definitely be understanding, too!"
"Yes, you're right. I'll do my best! Natsukawa, actually, the school held a club information session last week. Although club recruitment runs until July or August, I still haven't joined any clubs."
"Taking part in club activities should help the class, right? But I haven't joined a single club, so I keep feeling like I'm not doing well enough for the class."
"So that's what it was? This sort of thing is entirely up to your own interests. I haven't joined any clubs either, actually. So you don't need to worry, Ichinose."
Before you continue