The girl of my first love, whom I met again after seven years. I'm falling in love with you for the second time. - Chapter 48: The School Festival of Saijo High (5)

Chapter 48: The School Festival of Saijo High (5)

“Yoshizumi-kun, there you are. Is the tea okay?”

“Yes, it’s warm and tasty.”

I handed her a cup of sweet tea.

“Thank you. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this. Have you ever tried this before?”

“A lot… I got scolded a bunch as a kid for pairing this with cotton candy and caramel apples.”

“Hoh. You were quite the glutton, weren’t you?”

“Well, that was a while ago. There were certain… circumstances.”

It was when my family and Haruka’s family would go to festivals together. Haruka-chan felt sick and had to leave early. She handed me her cotton candy and asked me to hold it for her.

‘Hiroto-kun, I can’t eat this, so I’ll give it to you.’

But my mom, not knowing the situation, scolded me, saying, ‘Why are you eating two at the same time?!’ 

Luckily, my dad explained everything and saved me. I sort of miss those days.

Reminiscing about the past, I unknowingly started to smile.

“What’s wrong, Yoshizumi-kun? What’s so funny?”

“Sorry, I was thinking of something that happened in the past. On another note, isn’t your cotton candy a little… too big?“

“Yeah… the senior who made it told me, ‘I made it special just for you!,’ but this is a little too much. I won’t be able to finish it.”

“The senior who was making them… he was staring at you the entire time, wasn’t he? That’s probably why it turned out like this.”

I paused, adding, “Don’t worry, I’ll finish the rest. You don’t have to worry.”

“Really? I was wondering what I’d do if there were leftovers. Here you go!”

Aizawa-san offered me the cotton candy, bringing it right to my mouth.

“Oh… uh, no, it’s okay. You can eat first.”

Was she seriously trying to feed me? Does Aizawa-san even realize what she’s doing? This feels like something Nishikawa-san would dare her to do…

“Ah– I’ll try it first, then.”

Aizawa-san nodded with an apologetic expression. 

She seems to have no issues with what she just did… I should try and change the subject.

“Speaking of which, what instrument do you play in the orchestra?”

“Mmm… I play the violin.”

The violin, huh?

“A violin? Wow.”

I was genuinely surprised. Aizawa-san playing the violin… It reminded me of the last time I heard one—when my mom used to play for me.

“Is there something interesting about that, Yoshizumi-kun?”

“No, it’s nothing. I just felt the instrument was unique. How long have you been learning it?”

“Ever since I was a child. I’ve also decided to study abroad for a bit.”

“Study abroad? You, Aizawa-san? That’s… quite sudden. Are you leaving Saijo?”

It’s a shame… I’ve grown to be quite fond of her.

“No! It’s just a short-term program during spring or summer break. I received the invitation recently.”

“Oh, I see. That’s good to hear. Still, studying abroad—you’re really amazing, Aizawa-san. Is this part of your plan for the future?”

“Yes. I’ve been considering attending a music university in Japan or to study abroad. I thought the program might help me narrow my options.”

I should feel happy for her; but for some reason… I feel relieved.

“I see. That sounds like a great opportunity.”

For some reason, Aizawa-san’s mood shifted. She avoided meeting my gaze, suddenly looking a little uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry, Aizawa-san. It seems like I touched on something you didn’t want to discuss.”

“No, it’s nothing… anyways, I can’t eat any more cotton candy. Would you mind taking it?”

She’s barely eaten any… I’m a bit worried.

“Sure, I’ll have some. Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry for giving you my leftovers.”

“No need to apologize. I haven’t had this in a long time, so it’s actually a treat for me. Thanks.”

“Really? I’m glad to hear that.”

There’s something about her… 

It makes me want to protect her. 

I’m probably not in a position to say this, but I don’t want Aizawa-san to be sad. If anyone makes her unhappy, I don’t think I’d ever forgive them.

“Come to think of it, Yoichiro-kun was caught wearing cat ears and a dress earlier. He probably forgot to take it off and has just been wandering around.”

“Haha, really?”

Thank goodness. She’s back to her usual cheerful self, even if I had to force it a little.

“Well, I should get going. The festival committee is waiting for me. I’m sorry for leaving you like this, Aizawa-san.

“No worries. I had fun spending time with you, Yoshizumi-kun. I do wish that we got to visit every stall…”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll look around as I go back. I really enjoyed our time together, but I should check up on my classmates now.”

“I see, I’ll go too. Aya-chan and the others might be waiting. If they’re not, I’ll give them a call.”

“Then, shall we go together?”

Still, studying abroad, huh…

I really need to start thinking about my future too…

Come to think of it, Ko-chan was also talking about university…

Wait. Ko-chan… said Toko University has a program for baseball scholarships… and mentioned their family home hasn’t changed… could he know about Haruka-chan?

I’ll reach out today and ask… but for now…

“Of course!”

Aizawa-san and I walked back to our class stalls.