◆ Pet Cat Chapter 3: High School Arc
“Miyu~! Are you ready~?”
“Yes!”
Miyu looked very happy as she grasped Rinka’s hand that was extended
to her.
Yes, the two of them had married and started living together. So precious. May their love last forever—is what a certain cat wished would happen. There she goes again, really... Sorry about that.
Anyways, the two finished wearing their brand-new sailor uniforms
for high school.
“If we late on our first day of high
school, we would both failed as pure and proper students!”
“Pure? Proper?”
Miyu pointed at Rinka’s hair. Proudly, Rinka puffed out her chest.
“Looks good, right?”
Beautifully dyed blond hair interwoven with a pink wig—quite a bold
fashion for a high school debut.
Nevertheless, Miyu smiled looking very happy.
“Yeah! It suits you really well! You look
so cool, Rinka-chan!”
“Hehe~ I know right? Alright then, let’s go
show off.”
“Yeah!”
When Mama-san appeared and said “Oh my... You’ve both become so
lovely,” even Rinka couldn’t help but be embarrassed.
“Rinka-chan, Miyu’s still a child despite
her look, so I’m counting on you to take care of her.”
“Of course, I’ll make sure to properly walk
Miyu to school!”
“Geez~ Mom, stop saying weird things~”
Blushing, Miyu leaves with Rinka who waved her hands while smiling.
After seeing them off at the entrance, Mama-san and I returned inside.
Now then, today’s weather is perfectly clear. Moreover—Moreoveer!
The high-school they enrolled in is pretty close! Just 15 minutes’
walk! Hurrah!
I hopped out the window exhilarated with joy. My yuri watching life
has now just begun!
A perfect victory! Happy ending! (to be continued)
“I’m the only one with different high
school.”
Hinano unusually sulked.
During the days of watching the smooth start of Miyu and Rinka’s
high school life, Hinano came to visit our home after school.
She began petting me as soon as I sat in my usual spot under the
bed. It felt so good...
The three relaxed in Miyu’s room together just like that.
It seems Hinano alone ended up going to a different high school in
the city. Well it’s because she hadn’t studied after all... I mean, it wasn’t
just the studying that she didn’t do.
“We got scholarship recommendation from the
badminton club after all.”
Miyu added with a smile while Rinka nodded in agreement. Hinano grumbled
down on the desk.
Yes, those two had received offers of sports scholarships. It’s the
kind of scholarship that halves their tuition fees. Amazing! As expected of the
best fourth in the prefecture!
On their last summer vacation of middle school, the pair went to
observe classes, and after thinking it over, they decided to attend the same
high school together.
The sport that brought them together now strengthened their bond
even more. Isn’t that wonderful? (※Excluding Hinano.)
“High schools are amazing. The club senpai
are all so skilled, it’s totally different from middle school. I’m really
excited! You too right, Rinka-chan?”
“Yeah well, enough about badminton. Cause
it might be a dark history for her, no?”
Rinka dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand.
At that time, I felt like, huh, something was off... But I couldn’t
put my hand on what it was.
“So Hinano, how’s your school? Like, you
even go to school at all?”
“That’s rude.”
Hinano furrowed her eyebrows.
“I got a part-time job, y’know?”
““Part-time?!””
Sandwiched between the two’s combined shock, Hinano’s face scrunched
up even more.
“I’ve decided not to join any club in high
school. So I thought, why not work part-time instead? Got into this shop called
Pop Pink Cat in Harajuku.”
“What!? Pop Pink Cat!? THAT brand store
famous for being the holy land for gyarus? No way! Wasn’t the competition for
part-time jobs there super high!?”
Hinano’s mood seemed to improve slightly at Rinka’s surprised
response.
“Yeah, I’m working as a clerk there.”
“No waay… Did you even went through the
interview? Or was it connections? Bribes? Or more shadier methods?”
I could definitely understand Rinka’s surprise.
Hinano, of all people, doing a part-time job... I wonder if she’ll
be okay. I mean, we’re talking about someone who get tired from just running
two meters... Can she even use polite language...?
Tsk tsk, Hinano snapped her fingers and
said with a smug face,
“You might not know this, Rin… But I have a
pretty face.”
“You’re totally deluding yourself... You
think so too right Miyu!?”
“Yeah! You’re amazing Hinano-chan. Hey,
Hinano-chan! What kind of work did you do? Hey! Hey!”
“Ah-Uh...”
Suddenly turned into a ball of curiosity, Miyu began shaking Hinano
vigorously. Hinano—who have just started her part-time job—explained about
things like serving customers, product management, and restocking shelves. Wow,
she’s actually working...
Let’s pray that the place she’s working isn’t a black company. Black
companies are no good…
“Oh yeah, you said you had something to
talk about with us today. So was it about your job?”
“Nope, my job doesn’t really matter.”
“But it was a huge shock though…”
Hinano alternately looked between Miyu and Rinka’s face.
What could this be?
Seeing Hinano having difficulty saying something is only giving me
bad feelings… Could she have… killed someone or something?
“You see...”
Though the part-time job news earlier was surprising,
—But the next bombshell that Hinano dropped was truly explosive.
“Let’s stop the friend-kissing thing.”
Eh?
Both Rinka and Miyu were dumbfounded.
Just when I wondered what in the world she just said—
“...Because, we’re already in high school
now. We’ve been doing this for five years already, so we don’t need anymore
practice, right? We’re like masters at it now.”
At these words, both of them fell silent.
Rinka opened her mouth first,
“So we’re ending it...just like that? …Wasn’t
the whole thing started by you Hinano? You’re...You’re always so selfish...
Huh...wait a sec...don’t tell me you got a boyfriend?”
“That’s not it, but...”
But?
“…I want to do something more
heart-throbbing. If I just stayed content with friend-kissing, I feel like I’d
never find a boyfriend in my life.”
Ugh, Rinka made a discontented face.
“I don’t think...that’s true... Miyu, don’t
you have something to say too?”
When the conversation turned to her, Miyu says while scratching her
cheek,
“But if she says she doesn’t want to do it
anymore, we can’t force her. So...thank you for everything, Hinano-chan, I
guess?”
“Gimme a reason why!”
Rinka was adamant. It seems like she really doesn’t want to stop the
friend-kissing at all.
“I told you the reason earlier. We’re
already high schoolers and all. Moreover, I’m going to a different school, so
this is the perfect opportunity. Let’s disband kissing friends.”
Hinano declared with her arms wide open. Then, she stood up from her
seat.
“Well then,”
“Hinano—”
Rinka called out trying to stop her, but she didn’t turn around.
“Goodbye, Miyuyu, Rin.”
After saying that, she left them behind.
Left alone with each other, Rinka let out a groan while throwing
herself backwards.
“Ugh! What’s up with her, seriously?
Just...selfishly deciding on her own like that...! If she’s so frustrated being
the only one not attending the same school, it’s all because she didn’t study!
Aah, I’m so pissed off! Thank god we’re not in the same school! I’m so sick of
being jerked around by her!”
“...Yeah”
“And Miyu, say something too! Why’re you
always so understanding at times like this?”
“Well I...felt a bit lonely, I guess?”
Miyu looked down.
“I think Hinano-chan doesn’t feel that
heart throbbing feeling the same way I feel whenever we kissed...”
Rinka pursed her lips and stared out the window.
“...Really, she’s so...”
Is this real...?
Does this mean I can no longer see high school girls kissing each
other again...?
Still, despite everything, I remained optimistic. Even without
friend-kissing, I think the relationship between these three wouldn’t change
from before. Especially between Miyu and Rinka, they’d probably continue to
kiss each other secretly—is what I thought.
However, I was wrong. What should’ve been a strong bond formed
through kisses began slipping away from their hands like a fraying thread——
Had the power I beckoned to keep them together already expired?
Two months later. As their first official tournament approached, the
first incident happened.
“What is the meaning of this!?”
I peer into the high school gym. Truth be told, to secure this safe
spot, I had to fight in a fierce territorial dispute against stray crows and
engage in a bloody feud with that persistent security guard-san, but let’s omit
that out since it’s not really relevant here.
Anyway, it happened during their club practice. Rinka approached a
senpai with an angry look on her face.
Intimidated by the tall and dyed haired Rinka, the senpai stepped
back.
“It’s just as written there.”
“But I am Miyu’s partner. So why is Miyu
paired with a senpai from second year?”
“…That’s because the coach decided that
would be better.”
“I don’t like beating around the bush, so
I’ll go ask directly!”
“Ah! Wait! Haguro!”
Eeek... So intense…
The female coach who came from a sports university had a cool short
haircut that somehow resembled Maegawa-senpai from middle school. Rinka
confronted and questioned her head on. With her arms crossed, the coach calmly
stated:
“Haguro-san, I don’t know what things were
like in middle school, but everyone here is skilled, right?”
“...And?”
“If you just keep your middle-schooler
mindset, you’re gonna run into problems—both your hardware and software. Don’t
expect everything to go how you want. At least develop enough skill to convince
everyone first.”
“What do you mean by that?”
With all this brewing tension, everyone halted their practice. Among
them of course was a visibly concerned Miyu.
“…It seems like you didn’t understand,
Haguro-san. I’m saying that with your current skill level, you can’t be paired
with Hanazaki-san.”
“――”
Those words clearly caught her off guard.
“I...was the one who taught Miyu badminton...
I’m…the one who is better, and yet!”
“Physical attributes are inborn talent. No
matter what happens height cannot be changed, but Hanazaki-san has worked hard
all this time make up for that. Do you understand that properly?”
Her earlier
words echoed back—
“If you just
keep your middle-schooler mindset, you’re gonna run into problem.”
At that pont, Miyu stepped in.
“Um…that’s not true…because I’m short and
have no stamina, I’ve been holding Rinka-chan back all this time, so Rinka-chan
hasn’t been able to move how she wants—”
“Hanazaki-san, you’re a scholarship student
too, right? Then, you should understand what’s best. Pointless consideration
only hurt the other person. Three years of high school are short. Stop playing
friends and focus on honing your own skills.”
Rinka stayed silent and clenched her fists.
“Is it because of the way I look?”
“Huh?”
Rinka glared sharply.
“Because I dress like a gyaru, no matter
what I do you think I’m not taking it seriously. I gotta say I’m seriously sick
of it being like that even in high school now,”
The coach coldly looked at her.
“Whatever your fashion is, I do not care
and I do not concern myself with it. Aren’t you the one bringing strange
prejudices here?”
“That’s not—”
Rinka faltered.
Everyone here were stoic to their club activities and had never
commented about Rinka’s hair before, but she’d always been worried about it by
herself.
“Now, let’s resume our practice. There’s
barely any time left until the summer tournament. Hanazaki-san, head to the
court and hit the shuttles.”
Miyu stood listlessly as she stared at Rinka.
“Rinka-chan——”
Hanging her head, Rinka stood alone, gripping her racket tightly.
Just like Hinano had said earlier—they couldn’t stay like they were
forever.
But even though change and moving forward shouldn’t be a terrible
thing, Rinka’s back looked extremely lonely.
The summer match ended, and although Miyu was the only first-year to
become a regular, she wasn’t able to produce the expected results.
And from that day onward, Rinka stopped coming to the club.
Since both ended up in different classes, it was hard for Miyu to
meet up with Rinka outside the club.
Moreover, Miyu is so busy with morning and after-school practices. With
all of that, she couldn’t find the time to catch Rinka. She also sends her
messages on LINE frequently but the responses are sparse.
“…Alright!”
But my master Miyu isn’t one to just sat idly and wait; that’s more
me.
On a rare holiday, she made her decision and started preparing to go
out.
“Then, I’m off!”
Miyu left the house waving her hand. Naturally, I slipped out after
her.
It looks like we’re heading towards Rinka’s house.
If she can’t do it at school then confront her directly at her
house! Quite decisive of her! She’s surely going to be the top!
Summer break was over yet the sun still shone fiercely. Miyu wore a
sleeveless one-piece dress along with a cute wide-brimmed hat.
Along the way, she suddenly stopped when she saw that park—the place
where they first kissed.
“...”
I wonder what she’s thinking when she stared at that park.
A memory from five years ago. I, who spent most of my time sleeping,
remember it as if it was yesterday, but what about Miyu?
“Ah”
I too nearly let out a meow in surprise.
There, across from the park, Rinka is seen walking on the road. She
seems to have noticed Miyu too and stopped. Their eyes met with the park
between them.
“Miyu.”
“Rinka-chan... I need to talk with you.”
In the center of the park, the two reunited as if they hadn’t met in
a long time.
“You’ve gotten tan, Rinka-chan.”
“...And you haven’t Miyu. You play
badminton indoors, after all.”
Miyu was searching for words.
Probably, she doesn’t want to hurt Rinka’s feelings.
“Rinka-chan, have you...gotten tired of
playing badminton?”
Miyu smiled with a lonely face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice it sooner. I
just kept assuming you’d always play with me. Really, I’m so childish......
This is weird, I didn’t come here to say that...”
Rinka—dressed maturely along with a light makeup—appeared as though
living in a separate world from the black-haired and fair-skinned Miyu.
“But maybe, you actually didn’t want to,
and only entered the same high school for my sake because of the doubles
scholarship... If that’s the case then I...I…...”
“This place, it’s so nostalgic, huh? We
first played badminton together right here, didn’t we?”
Tears flowed down Miyu’s cheeks.
“Yes...”
“You know? Back then, I don’t really play
badminton before that.”
“...Huh?”
“I wanted something in common to get along
with you, so I asked my big sis and she taught me badminton. But really,
playing with you was definitely fun. It’s rare for me to get passionate on
something like that, but maybe seeing how well you do made me got carried
away…H-Huh? Aah! M-Miyu?! I’m just kidding! Ignore all that!”
Rinka patted Miyu’s head as she started crying again.
“I’m sorry, Miyu. I’m like this. So
thoughtless, sorry.”
Those words seemed to be saying she wouldn’t return to the badminton
club anymore.
But that’s likely the truth.
Perhaps Rinka had lost interest in playing badminton since long ago,
perhaps since middle school.
But because Miyu was there, she continued with it——
“...Rinka-chan”
“I may have said things like not caring
about what people think or the like, but it’s all lies. I always felt stiff and
suffocated; like I wasn’t belong there. Really, the one worrying the most about
it all...was me.”
“That’s...”
“Seeing Hinano started working part-time,
maybe it’s time I have to find my own path too... The ugly duckling which
thought itself as a swan needs to return back to its flock.”
If only,
If only they had still continued their kissing-friends, perhaps Miyu
could have stopped Rinka’s words with a kiss.
But now they were no longer kissing-friends, just normal friends.
“Badminton suits you, Miyu. More than being
with me.”
Rinka hugged the sobbing Miyu for a while as their shadow become
one.
With an apologetic smile, Rinka left towards the train station.
That smile of hers...looked like that of a stranger’s.
By the time Miyu crying while looking at pictures in her phone
recalling memories became less frequent, she had advanced to second year and
made new friends.
Rinka and Hinano never came over to our house again.
I kept thinking that even if I couldn’t see them kissing again, the
three could still somehow return to being friends like before but...
Amidst the busy passing days, their wonderful memories gradually
faded away.
Then one day, an incident took place like a storm.
“Huh?”
In the middle of chatting with her classmates, Miyu suddenly shot
up. (Please overlook how I’ve been peeking into high school girls like it’s
normal. It’s just what cats do.)
“Like I said, you know that gyaru from
class 2-4 named Haguro?”
A new friend she made during second-year class shuffle pointed her
phone while laughing.
“A senpai from college told me over LINE,
they saw her walking around hotel district with some sketchy person today.
Crazy, right? Like, she’s whoring or something? ......Wait, really? She’s
Hanazaki-san’s childhood friend? Umm...my bad.”
Miyu pressed that girl.
“Where did they see her? Tell me in detail.”
“Uhm...”
Hearing the location, Miyu quickly dashed off, her sailor uniform
fluttering.
“Wa-Wait! Hanazaki-san! Third period is
about to start!”
As soon as she confirmed Rinka is not in her classroom, Miyu ran out
of the school. Skipping class for the first time ever!
I thought she’d head straight to the station but instead she made
her way home. With her athletic legs forged from badminton practices, it would take
her only five minutes to get there. Her parents were at work so no one was
home…
Wait, oh no! If she goes back home and finds me not there…! Eek! I
better hurry!
Fuuh, that was a close call. Miyu leapt inside her room almost at
the same time as I slipped in through the window and put the lock back again.
She was just too fast... I thought my heart would stop…
Miyu immediately changed from her sailor uniform into casual clothes
and traded her school bag for a purse bag.
Then, hesitating for a moment,
“...Sorry Tama-chan. I’m scared going
alone, can you come with me?”
Huh? Wai—Huh!?
Following her call, I got tossed into the bag!
W-Whoa, seriously?! My vision spun around as the bag swayed back and
forth. M-Must secure my footing! Wheeze... wheeze... it’s so dizzy here...
h-hang in there...
I stick my head out of the bag and tried to grasp the situation. Oh
wow, we’re at a station with so many people. A woman walking by pointed at me
and exclaimed: “Kyaa! So cute!”
My master had a....grim expression on her face this whole time. Of
course she would be—how could Rinka be doing something like paid dating...
Their kissing practices for their supposedly future boyfriends
turning out like this is...
Miyu hopped onto a train carriage, but suddenly,
“Oh shoot! I forgot...”
What’s wrong Miyu-chan!?
“I didn’t pay the cat fare. Sorry
Tama-chan, please hide...”
I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing as cat fare normally!
The train rattled and shook as it carried us towards our
destination.
Thinking about it, could we actually track down a single person just
based on that information from senpai’s sighting alone...? There might be a lot
of shops there...
“...If it comes to it then, Tama-chan,
please track Rinka-chan by her scent.”
Such high expectations, master!
I’m just an ordinary pet cat with no skills!
Arriving at
Harajuku, Miyu got dumbstruck by how crowded the place is. Me too.
Man, there are
so many humans...
“...Tama-chan, can you smell Rinka-chan
anywhere?”
Umm… I’m not really sure…
Seeing my whiskers curl backward (※This is a sign of fear), Miyu
lowered her head and murmured: “Thought so...”
But hold on! If we’re in Harajuku then maybe…
“Oh yeah!”, Miyu seemed to have the same thought with me as she
started searching something on her phone.
That’s right: Pop Pink Cat. The place where Hinano works part-time. Maybe
we can ask there, the employees might know something.
With a force like diving into a pool, Miyu began striding into the
busy crowds ahead.
“It’s amazing how you’re working part-time
in such crowded place every day, Hinano-chan...”
Remarkable indeed...
On the other hand, Miyu had been so focused with her club since
entering high school so she’s not much used with something like this.
Somehow, after getting swept by the masses, lost among similar
places, we finally arrived at the store. Now then, hopefully there’s some kind
of clue...and there is.
“Welcome! ...Huh? Miyuyu?”
“Hinano-chan?! What about your school?”
“I should be asking you that. But don’t
worry, I’ve calculated my attendance days.”
Hinano dressed in the brand store attire appeared twice as stunning
as her usual self. Along with her name tag showing “Hinano♡”, she’s almost like
a charismatic sales clerk itself.
“Umm...actually, it’s about Rinka-chan...”
Miyu got straight to the point.
After hearing the situation, Hinano stared blankly at the ceiling
for a moment, then—
“I might know the place.”
“Really?!”
I popped my head out with a “nyaa!”. Hinano made an even more
dubious face.
“Why is the furball here too...? Well
anyway, I guess I can tell you.”
Hinano asked the cool lady in back: “May I take my lunch break a
little early?” and got an OK.
Wow, she’s using polite language... That’s impressive, so she can actually
grow up…
“...I feel like that furball has rude
thoughts just now.”
Her sixth sense remained unchanged as ever.
Anyway, Hinano pulled Miyu’s hand and led her to the back area—a
rather cramped break room.
“It’s a lie that Rinka-chan is doing
those...those kinds of things...right?”
Perhaps because she felt relieved after seeing Hinano, but Miyu
appeared far more uneasy than before. Her pupils were starting to get moist.
“But you know...”
Hinano’s tone sounded cold.
“What if that person is really her
boyfriend?”
“Eh......?”
Miyu’s expression showed she hadn’t considered that at all.
“But, taking Rinka-chan around during a
weekday afternoon...that’s definitely sketchy.”
“And what if Rin’s happy with that?”
“That’s...”
Hinano kept her uninterested face through it all.
“Why are you looking for Rin so
desperately?”
“Because she’s an important friend.”
“Just that?”
Miyu didn’t understand what Hinano was trying to get at.
“She’s an important...friend. When I just
transferred here and had no friends, she invited me to play—and it made me
really happy. So now, I want to make sure she doesn’t feel lonely.”
“...Fine, I’ll tell you.”
“Really!?”
“But on one condition. If you can make my
heart race, I’ll tell you.”
“That’s...”
They were alone in the office together. Although I was present, no
one else was around.
Hinano caressed Miyu’s cheek.
“You can’t?”
“...Hinano-chan.”
Miyu started moving her face closer to the provocatively smiling
Hinano.
“Wait.”
Just before their lips touched, Hinano placed her palm between them.
“We aren’t kissing-friends anymore,
remember? Even so, will you still kiss me?”
“But that’s because Hinano-chan—”
“Miyuyu, would you kiss a ’normal friend’
like me?”
With seductive eyes, Hinano fixed her gaze on Miyu.
I couldn’t tell what she was trying to make Miyu say or do.
“I—”
Nevertheless, Miyu chose to be honest with her feelings, and held
Hinano’s hand.
“I like you, Hinano-chan.”
“...As a friend?”
“I’m not sure. But you are definitely
important for me. We started kissing because of the ’kissing-friends’, but I
feel like it became more than just that... Then all of sudden you told us to
stop, so I.......”
“......Hey, Miyuyu.”
Hinano lifted Miyu’s gripping hand towards her lips.
“You know that kissing is actually only for
someone special to you right?”
“…Yeah...like…a lover.”
She took Miyu’s finger and brushed it against her own lips.
“You can’t choose two at once, Miyuyu.”
“...But I—”
Miyu shook her head.
Perhaps this is something she would eventually have to decide on her
own.
But she didn’t want that, instead she just kept wishing that those
fun and happy times could go on forever—But Hinano felt differently.
“Hey, make my heart throb okay? Hey~
Miyuyu~”
As Hinano embraced her and ran her fingers through her hair, Miyu—
“I—”
—confronted her true feelings.
About her six years of memories, from elementary to high school,
and about that person who was so precious to her—
to such feelings deep inside her heart, she gave it a name.
“—I love Rinka-chan.”
“...!”
Hinano quivered at the declaration.
Just like that time at the park when they were grade schoolers, her
eyes sparkling with excitement.
With a smile as if happy from deep inside her heart, Hinano stroked
Miyu’s cheek,
“I see……I’m glad.”
“But you know,”
“Mm!?”
Miyu suddenly pressed forward for a kiss. Hinano eyes spun at the
sudden action; even I was taken aback!
Hinano’s tried to push away for a bit, but Miyu firmly held onto her
wrists while forcefully maintaining the kiss. Eventually, Hinano lost strength
and surrendered herself to Miyu.
Slowly Miyu pulled her face away. A bridge of saliva stretched
between them, with their expressions deep red like they just came out from a
hot bath.
“Why...?” Hinano asked after coming to her senses.
“You said you love Rin.”
“But I also love you too Hinano-chan.”
“Wha—”
Hinano was at a loss for words.
None had ever more honest than Miyu herself.
“Why do I have to choose only one? I want
the three of us to always be together forever. It’s okay if you ended up hating
me for this, but if that’s not the case, then there is no need for us to force
a choice or give up on anything. It’s fine to just stay like this. Surely among
the things that change as we grow up, some things won’t change.”
“But...that isn’t normal...”
“I don’t care.”
Miyu strongly declared.
“I love both Rinka-chan and you.
Rinka-chan, who brought me out there, and you, Hinano-chan, who taught me so
many extraordinary things. You made me into what I am now.”
Miyu says so while patting Hinano’s head. Casting her eyes downward,
Hinano began to speak.
“All this time, all I wanted was my heart
to race. But I couldn’t find it—”
Yeah.
“So I thought, If I disappear from our trio
then Miyuyu and Rin would date each other and become happy, then by just
watching you two would definitely make my heart beat faster—it seemed like a
good idea, and I choose to go to a different school for that. But then being
alone made me wonder what I was doing... But still, I kept going because Rin’s
smile when she said ‘I love you’ to you is still sparkling within my heart...so
why—”
Hinano clung tightly to Miyu, burying her face in her chest.
“I didn’t know being told ’I love you’
could make my heart race this much. But it’s not just from anyone, I’m sure.
I’m happy that it came from you, Miyuyu. Maybe it wasn’t that I wanted to make
my heart race, but rather, I wanted to be confessed like this.”
“Yeah, I love you, Hinano-chan.”
“I love you too... Although I still don’t
really know what love is, but this throbbing in my chest must be it.”
Pressing their foreheads, the two smiled at each other.
“It’s so rare for you to be this honest
Hinano-chan, Ehehe~”
“That’s because you set up the mood.”
Stretching herself up a bit, this time Hinano went ahead and placed
her lips on Miyu’s.
“I love you.”
Hinano’s words carried a beautiful resonance.
“Rin should be at a club named lyslys. If
you go there, she’ll definitely be happy. No such thing as being a bother at
all. She probably won’t listen to me, so you should go see her by yourself.
This time, you protect Rin, okay?”
“Yeah.”
Miyu nodded, but...
“Um...Hinano-chan?”
“What is it?”
“Well…if you keep hugging me like this, I
won’t be able to leave?”
“Yeah...just for a little bit longer.”
After being told “I love you” for a while, Miyu was finally set free
and headed towards the club. Good thing she wore her casual clothes.
Still stuffing me within the bag she carried, Miyu looked anxious
yet mustered her courage as she began to enter the club.
“Hold on, we’re not open yet.”
Miyu flinched nervously in front of a bouncer who stopped her. A
flashy woman with a, Rinka level 100! kind of vibe stand over her.
“U-Umm, I-I heard my friend is here, so...”
If it comes down to it, I can be a distraction while she sneaks
in... Alright, Miyu! Dash inside while I leaps out...
“Friend?”
The woman scanned Miyu from head to toe and tilted of her head.
“Hmm...friend...a friend, huh? Don’t you
have the wrong place? A friend of someone like you wouldn’t be here.”
“Umm, her name is Haguro Rinka...”
“Huh? Rinca? No way, really? Oohh, so
you’re Rinca’s buddy? In that case, just go on in. No charge or anything. Just
go on, go on.”
She cackled cheerfully with an innocent, cute smile.
Huh, we got in easier than expected... Well, I guess that’s a good
thing.
Inside, the disco lights sparkled and shone even before the opening
hours, making the hall seem like outer space. It’s super pretty, but extremely
painful on my cat eyes.
Miyu’s eyes were lit up with curiosity. As expected of a girl born
from inquisitiveness.
Deeper inside the hall was Rinka,
humming while being surrounded by magazines and sketchbooks.
“Rinka-chan!”
“Huh? Mi-Miyu?”
Seeing Rinka safe and sound, Miyu breathed a deep sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness you’re okay...”
In the end, Miyu’s main purpose in coming here has accomplished. The
smile she emanated at seeing her friend unharmed was truly precious.
“Why are you here? Wait, huh, how? And what
about school?”
Miyu chuckled seeing her bewilderment.
“I skipped it.”
“Heeh? You’re so bold. Did you turn into a
bad girl too?”
“Maybe I have.”
Like it was only natural, Miyu sat down beside Rinka.
As if that sad separation between them had never happened.
Perhaps, this was all thanks to the courage Hinano gave her.
The Miyu right now was surely invincible.
“Hey, what’re you doing, Rinka-chan?”
“Mm...secret.”
“Eehh.”
“I mean, it’s embarrassing. I didn’t want
you see me working at my stuff...”
“Ehhh, whyyy?”
As Miyu whined childishly, Rinka smiled resignedly and scratched her
cheek.
“I mean, you’re always saying how cool I
am, right? Well, I didn’t wanna ruin that image. Though, it’s too late now, I
guess.”
“That’s not true at all! Rinka-chan is
always cool to me! I always look up to you!”
“...I’m not...as great as you think.”
Rinka’s smile turned self-deprecating.
“I realized it, you know? That you kept
getting better and better at badminton, and I felt left behind. I should’ve
worked even harder, but I couldn’t even do that. Not giving it my all is the
most uncool thing ever. I even got into a fight with the coach in the end.”
“Rinka-chan...”
Miyu’s expression looks pained, even on the verge of tears.
Seeing that face, Rinka messily ruffled her own hair.
“Ahhh geez, I told you already, don’t make
that face... geez, it’s alright now, don’t worry about me. I got it, I got it
okay? You win. So here—”
Rinka showed Miyu the papers on the desk.
They were fashion design sketches.
“You drew these, Rinka-chan...? Wow, that’s
amazing! You can draw like this!?”
“Still got a long way to go. The lines are
messy, and I’m basically copying others. But I think I’m slowly getting better
at putting the images in my head down on paper. After all, I’ve been skippin’
club and school to focus on drawing.”
Huh, you started from scratch and already became this good...?
Rinka-chan, you’re amazing.
“I wanted to find something I could be
serious about...like how you are with badminton. So I tried various things and
wondering what would be good, but in the end, I realized maybe I could do
something with my love for clothes and fashion. I asked my big sis and her
friends for advice. Then, while I’m helping out at this club, some designer
have been teaching me all sorts of things.”
Just then, a young woman emerged into the hall. She looked extremely
eccentric, with her hair dyed in three colors; her outfit was brightly colored
from top to bottom too. Is she the one that was spotted with Rinka today? She
certainly looks...strange.
Seeing Miyu, she gave her a gesture of “take your time” and left
with a wave of her hand. Her friendly smile is somehow giving a nice person
impression. You really can’t judge people by appearances—I’ve learned that
lesson well from Rinka and Hinano.
“So, Miyu, I’m sorry...even though I made
you join the club and all. But I feel like I may have found something I can
really dedicate myself to more than badminton. Maybe I’ll gave up on this and
try something totally different again, who knows...But I will definitely find
something that fit for me.”
“Yeah... Rinka-chan, yeah!”
Miyu looked really happy after hearing those words.
Even if they couldn’t be together in the badminton club anymore,
just seeing Rinka happy seemed to make her happy too.
“Thank you for telling me all this,
Rinka-chan. I’m really glad.”
“I haven’t even done anything yet though,
so saying stuff like this is totally embarrassing. It’s like I’m just trying to
justify quitting the club...”
“No! that’s not it at all!”
Miyu stated firmly with confidence.
“Because it was your decision to do this,
then it must be the right thing! I’m absolutely certain!”
Among the things that stay the same even as we grow up, some things
do change.
This must be what that means, I think.
Rinka, who always called herself an ugly duckling, had probably
found a place where she belongs now.
“I’m so relieved you didn’t get caught up
in anything dangerous.”
“Huh? Me? Why would I...”
Rinka tried to laugh it off, but seeing Miyu’s serious expression—
“...I see, thank you, Miyu.”
“Yeah.”
Miyu hugged Rinka tightly, and then,
“Rinka-chan, I love you.”
“Huh.......Huh!?”
Even in that hall, Rinka’s red face was all plain to see.
“Wait, Miyu, what do you...”
“I realized it all along. That I always,
always loved you, Rinka-chan.”
“W-Well, I mean...I...like you too...but
that’s...”
“I love you, Rinka-chan.”
Uuu, after getting quiet for a bit,
Rinka looked away and said this while pouting,
“...Love you too, Miyu.”
Afterwards, the two continued talking for a long time as if
reclaiming decades of time even though they only separated for just a few
months.
Then Miyu started helping out at the club, seemingly refreshed and
having fun at it. Getting along well with the designer, staff, and Rinka’s big
sister, she received handshakes and hugs, being told to “Come by again!”
Also, throughout the help, Rinka kept getting teased by her seniors.
They say something like, “You got such a cute girlfriend, don’t make her cry!”
and “What a nice couple~” making her to turn deep red every time.
I tried to crawl out from the bag but got caught by gyaru onee-sans,
and getting doted on until I was thoroughly exhausted—but it’s irrelevant here,
so let’s leave that out. Though I haven’t felt this feeling in a long
time...it’s like getting surrounded by a bunch of grade schooler Rinkas and
Hinanos...
And so,
After Miyu’s first truancy ended, on a day nearing the end of summer—
The three cheerfully headed out together to a pool.
—to the after school nighttime pool.
“This way, this way~”
Miyu gleefully led the way, with Rinka and Hinano happily followed
after her.
“Never thought you’d come up with something
like this.”
“Miyuyu’s turned into a bad girl, huh?”
“Fufufu.”
Miyu smiled holding a key in her hand. She apparently borrowed it
from a friend in the swim club. Since the club mistakenly booked the pool until
late into the night today, there were no security guards around.
Still, sneaking into the school at night is pretty bold and daring.
And, as usual, I’ve snuck out to tag along. After six years of
enduring! I finally get to see them in swimsuits! Woohoo~!
Slipping through the back gate, the three tiptoed into the girls’
locker room while stifling their giggles. I narrowly squeezed through the door
before it was shut.
Lit only by the emergency lights, the three began changing in the
dark. But with my cat eyes, I could see it all clearly. This is bad...
“Yeah, we didn’t get to go to the beach
this year at all.”
“But Rinka-chan, you got pretty tanned,
didn’t you?”
“It’s cause I got into helping at some
event. Have to keep continuing my learning.”
“I went to a beach with Mina, but no
swimming.”
“Mina?”
“Maegawa Mina. Remember her? Our senpai
in middle school badminton club.”
Pffft! Rinka spurted.
“Wait, why’re you two close enough to go to
the beach!? What happened!?”
“Nothing really...? At her middle school
graduation, she confessed to me, but I turned her down saying I like Rin and
Miyuyu. Then she said let’s just be friends then. Seems she had already found a
girlfriend though...Huh, didn’t I already told you this?”
““First time I’m hearing it.””
Hmm, I see..., Hinano tilted her head. “With
that kind of thing happened, I figured nothing would progress with our kissing
friends relationship so, well, that’s why I bailed.”
“I didn’t know that... Hinano, you’re
really full of mysteries...”
“No mysteries. In the end, I just got drawn
back in by Miyuyu again.”
Fufu, Miyu, the first one finished
changing, giggled and hugged Hinano’s shoulders.
“But we did progress, right?”
“Y-Yeah... we did... I’m glad.”
“Why are you blushing?”
“Shut up.”
Hinano’s swimsuit is a pink and white triangle bikini. Though she’s
flat, her small head and nice figure give her a cute 2D girl-like charm.
“Alright! Let’s swim!”
Rinka stretched making a cracking sound. She wore a black flare
bikini with the halter neck tied behind her neck, emphasizing her bust size
even more—leaving me throbbing seeing it.
“It’s gonna be fun! Let’s go!”
And my master Miyu had sunflower colored bikini adorned with frills,
fitting her healthy and sporty body well. Her long legs especially stood out,
surely guaranteed to capture all eyes on a beach without fail.
But for now, it’s only the three of them. (And one cat who snuck
in.)
The night pool had a somewhat chilly atmosphere, and the dark water
seemed ready to swallow me up. Oh no, this is bad... I retreated to avoid
gazing in too much. I felt like some past trauma could resurface if I don’t do
this.
At this rate, I might miss out on leisurely viewing them flirting in
the water... Ugh, what a waste of this once-in-a-lifetime chance...
But then in the next moment—
The lights suddenly turned on.
Not any blinding neon lights, but a fantastical illumination that
bathed the pool in an ethereal blue glow from within. The rippling waves
scattered the light, instantly recoloring the surroundings into a blue world.
I was transfixed by the sight. No longer the thick, rejecting mass
of water from before, it had transformed into a dazzling night pool, adorning
the darkness of the night.
It’s a paradise just for them.
“The lights looks so pretty! Whoa, the
water’s cold!”
“You’ll get used to it once you’re in. Come
on Hinano.”
“I’m sneaking into another school’s pool...It’s
getting exciting.”
Holding each other’s hands, the three leapt into the pool.
”Ahaha!”, they laughed together, bodies
pressed together, the water embracing them.
Truly the most precious sight in the world.
Oh, I just realized now, I’m peering into the pool without any fear.
Even though it had terrified me so much before. Wow, this must be the power of
yuri... Yuri heals trauma...
They splashed water at each other, kissed, swam freely across the
wide pool, then kissed again.
Miyu took lots of photos of everyone with her newly bought
waterproof phone, to preserve these memories forever.
The three—who were no longer just kissing friends, but lovers who
had shared kisses—held hands at the poolside with their feet soaking in the
water as they gazed up at the stars.
“Thank you, Rinka-chan, Hinano-chan.”
“What’s up with the sudden?”
“I just felt like saying thanks.”
Miyu kissed Rinka’s wet lips.
“Thank you for coming into my life. I’m really
grateful to you for teaching me so many fun things.”
“If that’s what you mean, then I should be
the one thanking you.”
This time, Rinka kissed her.
“Without you Miyu, I’d would’ve been a way
more boring person, full of myself and always being ignorant. But I could
change because I met you......So being beside you is not embarrassing at all!”
“Ehehe, Rinka-chan... I love you.”
“I love you too, Miyu.”
“Why don’t we get married when we become
adults?”
“Eh... T-That’s, isn’t talking about that
now too sudden? We both haven’t even decided anything about our futures yet...”
Hinano hugged Miyu tightly.
“If Rin doesn’t want to, then I will. Let’s
be happy together.”
“Yeah, I love you Hinano-chan.”
“I love you too, I love you too. Miyuyu.”
“Now hold on, who said I don’t want it?
Rather, I don’t think casually saying stuff like that is okay...”
“It’s not casually for me. I’m fine with
right now even.”
“Liar! I know you live on instinct!”
Rinka pinched Hinano’s cheek and stretched it. Their eyes met with
the smiling Miyu’s.
While embracing both their heads, Miyu said:
“Then, let’s live together, all three of
us. We’ll be together forever, kiss every day, even when we’re grannies. Do
lots of new things, make fun memories, and keep loving each other, even decades
from now. How ‘bout it, Rinka-chan?”
“Mm...”
Rinka wrapped her arms around Miyu’s back.
“...Yeah.”
Hinano kissed both of their cheeks.
“Well, I guess I gotta get along with Rin
too.”
“I’ll drown you in the pool.”
“I’d rather drown in a sea of love.
Specifically Miyuyu’s.”
The night passed by for them as they continued to chat away.
Before catching colds, they dried their hair then left the pool.
They waved their hands, said goodbyes, reluctant to part, looking
back again and again, laughing together.
This was the story of their summer night—and from now on, they would
be blessed to be happy together, forever after.
―However.
Back then, we couldn’t have known what kind of resolve Rinka had
made.
As it would seem, the happy ending was still far away.
It began with a phone call.
Rinka had officially quit the badminton club, and have been
frequently skipping school too, but she kept doing her best, with Miyu
supporting her.
Surely those were happy days.
However, it couldn’t stay that way forever.
That day had been heavily raining since morning, so feeling bored, I
watched the usual daytime dramas as always. It’s the perk of being cats-nya.
I’m home~, My ears perked at hearing the
familiar sound of Miyu opening the door. Ah right, she had no club activities
today because it’s the closing ceremony.
She will officially become a second-year starting next year! I
rubbed my cheek against her feet.
“Ahaha, I’m home Tama-chan. You’re being so
clingy today, huh?”
Held in her arms, I let out a “nyaa” feeling a bit
embarrassed. Because Miyu’s body now already belongs to Rinka and Hinano, I’m
content with just getting petted like this occasionally. Really.
Miyu changed into casual clothes in her room. It looks like she
didn’t have any plans today, so she flopped onto the bed and fiddles with her
phone.
I too plopped down next to her. My tongue sticking out unconsciously
since I’m relaxed and my muscles loosened. It’s pretty much always sticking out
at home.
After a while, Miyu got a phone call.
My ears perked. It’s from Rinka.
“Hellooo, Rinka-chaaan~”
Miyu’s voice brightened up.
It’s a call from her lover after all.
« Hey, umm. »
“Yeah?”
Rinka’s voice was stiff.
Sensing something, Miyu get up and sat on the bed.
« I...was thinking whether I should
tell you this or not.... »
“What what, is it some secret?”
She smiled jokingly, but she couldn’t form a full smile.
What could this be?
« I’ve thought about it. »
“Uh huh.”
« I wanted to be with you for as long
as possible too, so that’s why, if possible, the sooner would be better. »
“...Sooner? What do you mean?”
« In this field, most people are young
and started as kids, so I realized I really gotta study properly if I wanna
make it. And well, this time I’m gonna be serious about this, so— »
“...Okay.”
« You met that person too the other
day right? Yeah, that really cool one. She started her own freelance design
firm, and offered me a job there; asked if I wanna work with them. I could get
involved with the industry there, and learn while working too. »
Miyu held her mouth. Then immediately raised a cheerful voice.
“I see! That’s amazing, Rinka-chan! Really!
To start working already, that’s incredible! It’s the first step towards your
dream!”
« Yeah......Thanks. But— »
But.
Miyu waited for the words that followed.
With the same earnestness as checking exam results.
« If I work there, I’ll probably have
to live-in for a while. No time to come home, cause they seem to put the living
quarters at their office. And it’s not around here either, it’s in ■■,
so... »
A name of a city so distant you’d need to take the Shinkansen from
here.
Miyu gasped.
“I...see. But...it’s a chance...to make
your dream come true. And, hey, we can still meet on New Year’s or Obon right?”
« Don’t know. Sounds like I’ll be
super busy for a while. »
Over the phone, a clicking sound of a door could be heard.
And of a heavy rain striking the concrete.
« The night pool was fun. Remembering
it made me happy. Thanks for inviting me. »
Miyu hesitantly asked:
“Rinka-chan, are you heading out?”
« ......Actually, I’ve been invited
for a long time now. Just couldn’t make up my mind. »
“.....”
« We finally got to be like this...and
I didn’t want us to be separated. So, I’m sorry. »
“....Why are you...apologizing?”
« I’m leaving...now. Don’t think I can
come back for a while. »
The sound of rain echoed as if emphasizing the distance between
them.
“Okay. But—”
« I have a request, Miyu. »
“....What is it?”
« Please don’t come see me off. »
Those words seemed distant.
“....Why?”
« Because...it’ll be lame, you know? If you
came, I’ll probably just cry. And I shouldn’t be like that when I’m finally
going to fulfill my dream. So yeah, hehe, at least let me leave with a smile,
‘kay? »
Miyu remained silent for a while.
“Rinka-chan...”
« I’m going now. I’ll be cheering you doing
your best no matter where I am. So when I came back... »
“...Yeah.”
Rinka took a deep breath and...
.....But she couldn’t get the words out.
« .......When I’m back...I’ll...say it
properly. »
Tears streamed down Miyu’s cheeks.
Yet still, she smiled.
“Yeah...I’ll be waiting.”
Fearing that she might break into sobs if this continues, the call
quickly ended.
Just like that, Miyu remained looking down.
Drip...drip... Droplets of overflowing
tears dampened the sheets.
“Rinka-chan... Rinka...chan...”
Starting tomorrow, they won’t be able to meet for quite a long time.
From how Rinka spoke, it won’t just be a month or two. It could be a
year, two years, or maybe even more.
Yet Rinka still decided to pursue her dream with pride in her chest.
Surely that’s something to celebrate.
“Rinkacchan...”
But.
Crying while clutching her phone at her chest, Miyu looked very sad.
They both probably wanted to at least meet and say a proper goodbye.
Hold hands, embrace each other, and maybe even kiss. But Rinka said she wanted
to leave while looking cool, so Miyu tried to respect her feelings.
Sheesh.
Honestly, humans are so complicated and troublesome.
If they wanted to meet, if they wanted to say goodbye, then just do
it!
Just like when a manga you’re hooked on suddenly stops updating—
—People you’ll never meet again exist too.
I slipped into Miyu’s chest and take her phone in my mouth. Oof,
heavy!
“Tama-chan?”
And just like that, I darted out of her room.
“Where are you going!?”
I leapt out into the entrance, opened the door, and bolted out with
the phone still in my mouth. I raced down the apartment stairs, my paws
stinging as I dashed through the landings and out into the open.
If Rinka had just left earlier, then I know exactly which the
Shinkansen she’s going to board is. This pet cat isn’t just lazing around bored
you know. I’ve perfectly memorized the schedules. I can definitely make it if I
run now. No, I WILL make it!
Glancing back to confirm Miyu chasing after me in slippers yelling: “Tama-chan!”
in panic, I pushed myself to run even faster.
I can’t let her catch me, full speed ahead! Carrying this heavy
phone even though I hardly ever get any exercise... On top of that, my opponent
is the badminton club’s star. I’ve got no choice but to believe in the
difference of our species!
Aaah, even though I’ve pretended to be a proper cat all this time...
Do this and it’ll reveal I’m no ordinary cat.
I might get abandoned for being creepy, understanding human speech
and all.
The nice home, warm food, and kind master...I’ll lose it all,
everything.
But―
―Who cares about that!
I died once already, and Miyu gave me a new life.
Moreover, I have vowed to give it my all for her happiness.
―However.
Seeing the apartment’s outside from the entrance, I was stunned
speechless.
That’s right, as if blocking my path, heavy raindrops poured
relentlessly.
My fur stood on end. I felt nauseous remembering that piercing cold
of that time when I was drenched in rain. No matter how waterproof the phone
is, running through this rain insane. I don’t even know whether I’ll make it to
the station on a sunny day, but this...
Rain is so scary.
In the end, no matter how hard I try, Rinka will surely come back on
her next break and they’ll meet again safe and sound. People don’t just die so
easily, and nothing disastrous will happen. Just need to endure a bit of
loneliness.
There’s no need for me to try so hard―
“—Tama-chan, you can’t go out! It’s cold so
let’s go back!”
Miyu had caught up. At this rate, she’ll scoop me in her warm arms and
take me back inside. That’s right, we can think about excuses later.
Miyu would be sad too if something happened to me, so there’s no
need for me to push myself like this. See, I can still turn back now―
I glanced at the phone in my mouth.
The lock screen showed Rinka, Miyu, and Hinano smiling together side
by side at the pool.
Flashback to Miyu crying on the bed.
No, this is wrong.
Miyu needs Rinka by her side.
Not me.
That’s why―
I dashed out into the rain.
I run.
The large raindrops possessed monstrous destructive power for a tiny
cat like me—after all, I’m smaller than even a one-year-old toddler. It felt
like machine gun fire.
I run.
My drenched limbs were unbearably heavy. My fur soaks up lots of
water, making it feel like a prisoner’s ball and chain.
I run.
With the wet asphalt threatened to make me slip at every step,
there’s no doubt that it’ll be the end if I fall at this speed. But I can’t
slow down or I’ll miss the train. My heart feels like it’s about to explode.
I run.
A pet cat sprints through the rainy city. But my heart isn’t cold in
the least. Because I’ve been showered with plenty of affection. I’ve been loved
enough already. So it’s okay. I am not cold!
I run. I run. I run.
I can barely see ahead now, even had no idea where I’m running
anymore. But I know for sure that I’m getting closer to my destination. It’s
okay. Not cold. No cold at all.
I don’t know why I became a cat, but if there’s any meaning in Miyu
taking me in,
It has to be to make Miyu happy——
Just then, my vision opened up.
A crossing in front of the station.
I couldn’t hear any cars because of the rain.
Headlights shone over me. Oh crap!
I tried to leap away but my front paws slipped on the wet asphalt.
Crap—the approaching car closing in slow motion.
Death the second time doesn’t scare me.
But the thought of possibly breaking the phone and not being able
deliver Miyu to Rinka’s side is so frustrating.
Imagining the impact, I squeezed my eyes shut.
Then, I felt it.
Something embraced me.
This warmth…I know it.
Without slowing for an instant, she picked up both me and the fallen
phone—my master, drenched in rain, smiled to reassure me,
“I’m so glad... I made it in time... to
save you, Tama-chan.”
The station...is right in front of us.
I could only hear...voices.
“Miyu? Why are you here?”
I didn’t have any strength left to open my eyes.
“I dunno. But I’m sure Tama-chan brought me
here.”
Even though she’s drenched too
“What’s with that? I told you not to
come... No, sorry, that was selfish of me.”
She’s warm
“Uh-huh, I’m the one who should
apologize... But, I wanted to see you. I wanted to see you and properly say
goodbye.”
So...warm
“...Aah, really, I can’t do this, Miyu.
When I see you, I just started crying. Even though I’ve been trying not to cry
in front of you this whole time.”
My consciousness
“Yeah.”
fades away.
“The truth is, I hate us parting. I always
wanted to stay by your side. Maybe I could work hard in badminton, and be
together forever. But that’s not right. If I do that, I’ll end up hating
myself. So, I’ll do my best.”
Miyu is
“Yeah.”
With my last ounce of strength
“When I come back”
I opened my eyes
“Yeah.”
She’s
“Let’s get married. I love you, Miyu.”
crying, yet smiling.
“I love you too.”
What I saw
was the most beautiful smile in the world.
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