159 - Saki and Shizuku (Patreon)

RAW

Saki and Shizuku arrived at the rooftop and sat side by side on a bench near the fence.

"Phew, it's actually pretty hot when you're directly under the sun," Saki said, shading her eyes with one hand as she looked up at the sky.

Beside her, Shizuku squinted slightly against the sunlight, turning her expressionless gaze toward Saki.

"This warmth in my body is the result of my growing emotions for you, Saki-senpai."

"Yeah, yeah, an adventure, an adventure," Saki replied dismissively, opening the bento she had brought and placing it on her lap.

"Oh, there's fried shrimp today!"

"Hmph, you casually brushed aside my passionate pathos, didn't you?"

"Shizuku-chan, your pathos is so intense that if I took it head-on, I'd get burned."

"Hmm, I suppose I am quite the sinful woman."

Looking satisfied with herself, Shizuku followed Saki's lead and placed her own bento on her lap.

"Oh, your bento looks really good, Shizuku-chan."

"These are sweet and sour simmered chicken wings."

Shizuku's voice carried a slight hint of happiness at the compliment.

"I'll trade one for your fried shrimp. What do you say?"

"I'm in."

Accepting the proposal, Saki picked up a fried shrimp with her chopsticks and placed it on top of Shizuku's rice. Seeing this, Shizuku declared, "Deal concluded," and handed over one of her chicken wings in return.

Saki took a bite of the sweet and sour chicken wing and smiled in delight.

"Mmm~ it's so tender and delicious!"

"My mother insists that the pressure cooker is humanity’s greatest invention."

"Haha, your mom's exaggerating. But I have to admit, this is good enough to be recorded in history."

"Hmm, Saki-senpai's fried shrimp is quite impressive too."

"Right? I think my mom fried it this morning."

"Deep-frying in the morning… Is your mother a superhuman?"

Shizuku widened her eyes slightly in surprise, staring at Saki’s bento.

Saki laughed in amusement.

"My mom sometimes puts an insane amount of effort into making bentos. It happens more often after she's had a night shift."

"So your parents both work?"

"Yep. My dad has a regular office job, and my mom's a nurse."

"I see, a nurse. That explains why you’re so good at taking care of others, Saki-senpai."

"Am I really that good?"

"Yes. I could even call you 'Saki the Big Sis'."

"Haha, I'd rather you didn't."

Saki laughed, slightly embarrassed, and continued eating.

For a while, the two of them ate in silence.

Then, just as Saki finished her last fried shrimp, she spoke up.

"Shizuku-chan, why did you decide to get close to Ayaka?"

Shizuku's shoulders flinched slightly at the question. She paused, lowering the pickled plum she had been about to eat back onto her rice.

"Did Aya-senpai ask you to find out?"

"No way. Ayaka wouldn’t ask for something like that. And even if she did, I’d tell her to ask you herself."

"So this is your own question, Saki-senpai?"

"Of course."

Saki nodded firmly. Shizuku kept her expression blank as she stared at the pickled plum in her bento.

"……"

"You like Otsuki-kun, don’t you?"

As Saki pressed further, Shizuku let out a small sigh.

"You didn’t hear that from Aya-senpai, did you?"

"Nope. That was just my guess. Though, when I checked with Ayaka, her reaction made it painfully obvious."

"Aya-senpai isn’t capable of maintaining a poker face."

"Haha, she'd get mad if she heard that. She’d probably say, 'I can totally keep a poker face!'"

"Indeed."

At Saki’s words, the corner of Shizuku’s mouth lifted ever so slightly before her face returned to its usual neutral expression. Then, she spoke in a slow, deliberate tone.

"The reason I want to be friends with Aya-senpai… is simply because she's a good person."

"Is that the only reason?"

At Saki’s question, Shizuku raised her gaze and stared at her.

"Is there supposed to be another reason for wanting to be friends with someone?"

"Good point. Sorry."

Accepting Shizuku’s words, Saki nodded and apologized. Seeing that, Shizuku lowered her gaze back to her bento.

"…At first, I did think about evaluating the so-called 'thieving cat' who stole Haru-senpai from me."

She continued speaking while idly poking at the pickled plum with her chopsticks.

"If Aya-senpai had turned out to be an irritating vixen who seduced Haru-senpai with her unnecessarily large breasts, I would have put her in her place with my Super Shizuku Special Ultra Forehead Flick. But… Aya-senpai turned out to be just a good person with unnecessarily large breasts."

"Unnecessarily large breasts, huh…"

Saki chuckled at the traces of resentment in Shizuku’s words.

"If a 'thieving cat' turns out to be an adorable little kitten, it’s only natural to want to play with her, right?"

"I see."

Saki nodded and crossed her arms, thinking.

"Still… no matter how cute a kitten is, a 'thieving cat' is still a 'thieving cat,' isn’t it?"

"That may be true, but…"

"Honestly, doesn’t it hurt to be around Ayaka and Otsuki-kun when they’re together?"

"That’s… not… true."

For once, Shizuku’s response lacked her usual certainty. She kept her head down, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

From that, Saki could sense the inner turmoil Shizuku was struggling with.

"Wouldn't it be easier if you just decided to dislike Ayaka?"

"Absolutely not."

Shizuku immediately raised her head to reject the idea. Though her face remained expressionless, there was a hint of indignation in her voice.

"It's true that I feel some resentment toward Aya-senpai for taking Haru-senpai away. I won't deny that. But at the root of it all, it's my own weakness that caused this. It’s my fault for never confessing my feelings."

Her eyes sharpened as she voiced her thoughts.

"Aya-senpai had the courage to take a step forward in her relationship with Haru-senpai. I couldn't do that. I won’t deny that I feel jealous. But disliking her because of that would be despicable. Her courage is something to be admired, not a reason to resent her."

Even as she spoke, her face remained expressionless.

But to Saki, it looked like Shizuku was desperately convincing herself of her own words.

"Aya-senpai is a good person. Even when I tease her, she just gets flustered but remains kind. She’s a senpai I genuinely want to be friends with."

"Shizuku-chan… that's pretty cool of you."

"Hm?"

"That way of thinking is really admirable. I don’t think I could do the same."

"…Did you fall for me? Is this the start of a dramatic yuri romance?"

Saki burst into laughter at Shizuku’s joke.

Meanwhile, Shizuku, chewing on a pickled plum, remarked, "My charm might open a new door for you, Saki-senpai."

"Nah, I think I’d rather keep that door shut," Saki replied with a grin, finishing the last of her bento.

"Anyway, changing the subject a bit—what kind of person is Kazuaki-senpai to you?"

"Kazu-senpai?"

Shizuku placed her hands together in thanks after finishing her meal, then casually met Saki’s gaze.

"Is this about his confession?"

"Yeah. If you think it’s none of my business, you don’t have to answer."

"It’s not like that."

She shook her head and then turned her eyes toward the sky.

"Kazu-senpai is... a very charming person, I think."

"Oh? So there’s some potential?"

Saki leaned forward slightly at Shizuku’s unexpectedly positive response.

"Well... I’m not sure about that."

"Something’s holding you back?"

"Kazu-senpai is definitely a great person. That much is true. But to me, he’s..."

"He’s...?"

Noticing Shizuku hesitate, Saki urged her to continue.

After a brief pause, Shizuku spoke, her voice slightly unsure.

"Kazu-senpai is... like an older brother to me."

"Ahh, I see now."

Saki nodded in understanding as she noticed a faint blush on Shizuku’s usually expressionless face.

"Kazu-senpai is a dependable and kind older brother. So, I’ve never really thought about him as a boyfriend..."

"Right, you like him as a brother, so you can’t see him as a romantic partner. That’s what you mean?"

"...Yes."

Shizuku nodded slightly, and Saki leaned back against the bench’s backrest with a thoughtful hum.

Shizuku and Ishikura had known each other since childhood, having trained together at the same karate dojo for as long as they could remember.

Their bond was incredibly close. Even though they weren’t related by blood, Ishikura had become like a real older brother to Shizuku. When a relationship reaches that level, it becomes difficult to see the other person as a romantic prospect.

That was when Saki suddenly realized something.

Perhaps the reason Haruto had been so oblivious to Shizuku’s feelings was because they were too close. Just like Ishikura was like a brother to Shizuku, Haruto must have seen Shizuku as a little sister. That could explain why he never noticed her romantic feelings.

Saki felt a small sense of clarity. While Haruto wasn't particularly dense when it came to Ayaka, he had been completely oblivious to Shizuku’s affections. Now, she understood why.

"It’s that problem of being too close," she murmured to herself.

Shizuku spoke up in a quiet voice.

"I'm scared... of my relationship with Kazu-senpai changing."

"Yeah, that makes sense."

Saki nodded repeatedly in understanding.

Having someone who had always been a dependable older brother suddenly become a boyfriend—it was a drastic shift. Feeling uncertain and afraid of that change was completely natural.

Saki sympathized with Shizuku’s fears, but at the same time, she wanted to encourage her to take a step forward.

"I know what I’m saying might sound annoying to you right now," she prefaced before turning to Shizuku.

"But don’t you think... you need a new love?"

"Are you saying I should forget about Haru-senpai?"

"Well, to put it simply, yes. It might sound a bit harsh, though. But the longer you hold on to your feelings for Otsuki, the more painful it will become. And even if you're okay with Ayaka now, eventually, you might start feeling frustrated or resentful to the point where you can't take it anymore. If that happens, you'll explode, Shizuku."

As she spoke, Saki looked at Shizuku with concern.

Shizuku lowered her gaze slightly and muttered in a weak voice, "So, it's a Shizuku Explosion."

"That does sound like some kind of ultimate move... but yeah, something like that. Before it comes to that, moving on to a new love would be better for you, and it would also help maintain a good relationship with Ayaka."

"Hmm..."

Still expressionless, Shizuku let out a contemplative hum.

Saki continued in a gentle tone.

"Of course, I know it's not easy. And I mean no offense to Kazu-senpai, but the fact that he chose to confess at this timing... it might actually be a good opportunity for you."

"A good opportunity...?"

Repeating Saki’s words, Shizuku slowly lifted her head and met Saki’s gaze.

"But... isn't that unfair to Kazu-senpai? It feels like I'm just using him for convenience..."

"Well, yeah. But wouldn’t that still be better than triggering a 'Shizuku Explosion'?"

"I guess... But how am I supposed to see Kazu-senpai as something other than a big brother and start considering him as a potential boyfriend?"

"Yeah, that's the biggest problem."

Saki crossed her arms and pondered over Shizuku's question.

Changing an impression once it's been formed is no easy feat.

Especially since Shizuku had spent years viewing Ishikura as an older brother figure. Shifting that perspective and seeing him as a romantic interest would be an incredibly difficult challenge.

As Saki racked her brain for a good solution, Shizuku, who had been deep in thought, suddenly clapped her hands together.

"A date. When it comes to romance, it's got to be a date."

"A date? With Kazu-senpai?"

"Yes. I'll force myself to do couple-like things with Kazu-senpai and shatter my preconceived notions."

"Ohh, I see."

Saki was impressed by Shizuku’s bold, no-nonsense approach.

"But going on a date alone right away might be dangerous. If Kazu-senpai turns into a wolf and tries to attack me, it could be bad. So, I’ll start by inviting him to a triple date instead."

"That's actually a great idea. A group setting lowers the pressure compared to a one-on-one date."

As Saki praised her plan, Shizuku placed her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest proudly.

Her expression remained blank, but there was a noticeable spark of energy that hadn't been there before.

"During this date, I'll determine whether Kazu-senpai is a worthy samurai for me."

"That's the spirit, Shizuku! So, uh, who are the other two couples for this triple date?"

"The first pair is Haru-senpai and Aya-senpai."

"Ohh, you're including them, huh?"

Considering Shizuku’s emotional state, Saki thought it might be better to leave Haruto and Ayaka out. But it seemed that avoiding them wasn’t an option in Shizuku’s mind.

"Okay, so what about the last pair? Do you have any friends who would be up for it?"

When Saki asked, Shizuku, for once, broke her usual blank expression and looked at Saki with a puzzled face.

"What are you talking about? The last pair is you and Tomo-senpai, of course."

"Me and Akagi?!"

Saki's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected pairing.

"Wait a second. I don’t have that kind of relationship with Akagi."

"What are you saying? You two looked pretty close last Saturday."

"That was different! That wasn’t a date—Akagi is just a friend."

Hearing Saki call Tomoya "just a friend," Shizuku narrowed her eyes slightly.

"You don't get to sit on the sidelines, Saki-senpai. If I’m diving into the chaos of romance, then so are you."

She let out a mischievous chuckle.

Saki gave a strained smile.

"Wait, hold on. Like I said, Akagi and I—"

"Are you scared?"

Shizuku’s words cut her off.

"...Huh?"

"Could it be that you're afraid to invite Tomo-senpai on a date?"

"It’s not that I’m scared! It’s just—"

"Saki-senpai is scared! Hey, hey, hey! Saki-senpai is scared! Hey, hey, hey!"

Shizuku suddenly started taunting her at full force.

Veins twitched on Saki’s temple as she tried to protest.

"I—I'm telling you! Akagi and I aren't even—"

"Saki-chaaaan! You're trembling like a baby deer! Saki-chaaaan! Your legs are shaking! Saki-senpai is scared! Hey, hey, hey!"

"Arghhhhh!!! FINE! I’ll go on the date with Akagi, okay?!"

Unable to take any more of Shizuku’s relentless teasing, Saki finally gave in.

"Oh? Are you sure? You don’t have to force yourself if you’re scared."

"Shizuku, you..."

Saki's cheeks twitched as she glared at her.

"I am NOT scared! I can ask Akagi out on a date anytime, no problem!"

"Is that so? Then it’s settled—this Sunday, we’re all going on a triple date at the amusement park."

Shizuku spoke as if testing Saki’s resolve.

"Bring it on! And you better properly invite Kazu-senpai too! No chickening out!"

"Hmph. Of course. Asking Kazu-senpai on a date is as easy as boiling tea with my belly button."

"Uh… that sounds really hard, actually."

"Hm?"

And so, the plan for a triple date this Sunday was officially set in motion.