Does a family name containing the character for Summer (Natsu) mean one is incompatible with winter?
For some reason, Natsukawa Masuzu suddenly pondered this question.
"I'm a vibrant Summer Girl—naturally I don't suit the entire winter~"
Though mocking herself like that, her heart felt no lighter. On the contrary, it grew emptier and lonelier, like vines that had lost their support, scattered messily on the ground.
Not wanting to meet people who knew her, after the opening ceremony, Masuzu left Class J early claiming illness, wandering like a delinquent child.
She considered going straight home, but after approaching the school gate several times, she ended up like a pitiful wandering ghost, roaming the campus while avoiding everyone's gaze, praying someone would come looking for her.
Though, that was essentially impossible.
"How stupid..."
She didn't know how many times she'd scolded herself like that.
From morning to night, from the school building to the small forest, she finally curled up in a hidden gazebo, watching the gradually dimming sky.
It wasn't that she disliked solitude, but when thinking of others, solitude like this turned into loneliness.
That loneliness was like oxygen-deprived air, suffocating unbearably, even soft breathing painful.
"...Someone like me shouldn't hope too much."
A surrendering sigh fell softly, carried by the cold wind.
Masuzu buried her face in her knees, slowly tightening her arms. Her slender shoulders trembled slightly, for a very long time.
Suddenly, as if deciding, she wiped her eyes and stood, walking out of the gazebo.
Since she was hated, and she wouldn't forget what Yuu said just because the world had changed, and there were so many girls who could give him happiness. Her existence wasn't even worth the bonito flakes on takoyaki.
Better to be decisive—for a while, not see him, think of him, miss him, or care. Wait a few days, see if he cared about her.
If Yuu didn't care, then Masuzu would fulfill his wish and immediately distance herself.
Transfer schools, or return to Norway...
As long as she was gone, as long as she truly said goodbye to the past, and truly became free...
Yuu would be happy, right?
"This is the development Yuu hopes for in his heart... I know that."
Besides, Masuzu would only keep bringing trouble and dislike to him.
Clenching her cheek muscles, Masuzu smiled relievedly. She chuckled softly at the dark night sky, where raindrops fell on the grass though it wasn't raining.
She left the complicated forest path, unconsciously redirecting her steps toward the Service Club on the second floor where the light was on.
Since when, her body had become far stronger than before. Though shivering outside all day, she felt no discomfort at all. Though surroundings pitch black without streetlights, she could still see the stone path underfoot, and wouldn't fall into bushes.
She wasn't good at sports, even considered a frail girl due to illness. But lately in PE, she felt much easier than usual, and if serious, could easily break previous records. The difference was clear.
Since this change was so unreasonable, Masuzu didn't think much, automatically linking the reason to Yuu—maybe during their dating period, he did something to her, improving her fitness?
As for the specific method, Masuzu didn't care.
She'd confirmed her virginity proof was still there. It wasn't a setting where they grew stronger together through intimate communication—so no issue.
...If it was, she'd make him take responsibility no matter what.
"Otherwise, I actually have no capital to keep bothering him."
Standing under the Special Building, Masuzu stopped, looking up at the warm light only on the second floor, unable to hold back a smile.
"Right now, he must be having fun with his two girlfriends and sister, right?"
"Maybe eating dinner in the club room, or playing console games brought by his sister..."
"The Service Club is also their sanctuary, like the warm Tenkuji family home I once visited. As long as I'm there, I won't feel lonely alone anymore."
"So, I shouldn't step foot there either."
"Have fun, everyone."
Masuzu said softly. She exhaled slightly trembling white breath, and slowly turned.
...After this full day Cultural Festival, they must have created many beautiful memories.
So, same as always. Only she had nothing.
Masuzu left the Special Building. In her heart, she still had one last hope—that Yuu upstairs would see her sadly departing back, then invite her up to warm together.
That way, maybe she could immediately discard all day's anxiety and despair, and continue shamelessly by his side.
...Unfortunately, hopes never become reality.
Just like she thought she could hold the final circle, but because she couldn't hold back saying those words today, she started retreating herself.
The quiet empty air accompanied her to the central courtyard.
There were people cleaning bonfire remnants, and many couples flirting in various corners, spreading hormones as if school was a night garden.
Masuzu sighed deeply. She raised her not-very-energetic palm, rubbing her cheeks hard twice.
After cold muscles rubbed red, she walked with an expression like nothing happened. Found empty stone steps and sat, propping cheek daydreaming at the night sky.
Maybe someone would ask—
After repeated disappointments, why still linger at school, not leave immediately?
Good question.
Masuzu suddenly bowed head, staring coldly disgustedly at a passing couple until they fled embarrassed back to the school building, then her expression slightly eased. She snorted softly, then switched to the next target couple, continuing to glare.
(Heh heh heh~ To vent heart's grudge and depression, must rely on this couple-hunting activity...)
"Oh, Natsukawa-san? Didn't you go home early?"
Hearing someone greet, Masuzu discarded her low cold smile, turning head indifferently.
It was a classmate.
"Yeah, but I came back after feeling better. Shame I missed the Cultural Festival, couldn't help you all—sorry."
"Don't worry, health more important." This enthusiastic classmate hesitated, pointing to the school building, suggesting, "Maybe still some fried chicken left in class—wanna eat?"
"No, I don't like that food." Masuzu averted gaze. Her expressionless profile radiated cold don't mind me attitude.
"...Alright, then take care."
The enthusiastic classmate wisely turned to leave, but seeing her keep looking back worriedly, maybe she'd find the teacher in class to worry about her.
So troublesome.
Sighing soundlessly, Masuzu slightly turned, answering as politely as possible: "I know. My driver's waiting outside. Thanks for concern, Nogizaka-san."
"Eh?" After surprise, this Nogizaka-san smiled relieved. She held chest saying, "Oh, good!"
"Then—see you tomorrow, Natsukawa-san!"
She bowed politely, then ran off with very graceful steps, no longer frequently looking back worriedly.
For some reason, she looked quite happy?
"How ridiculous..."
Cheek on palm, Masuzu looked back at the central courtyard ahead, muttering half-lidded.
Just greeted by a usually non-interacting classmate—need to be that happy?
She wasn't talking to someone she one-sidedly liked...
Though embarrassing, Masuzu thought—if one day Yuu voluntarily worried about her, she might also be happy like a dog petted and fed by its master.
Thinking about it, seemed no reason to blame that person earlier.
With heart somehow brighter, Masuzu no longer death-glared couples. She blankly stared at the clear yet deep night sky, letting herself fully surrounded by this quiet darkness.
No more overthinking, no more considering. She just leaned on the cold hard stone steps beside, as if wanting to melt into ink-like color, truly forgetting time's passage.
Unfortunately, such solitude didn't last long.
Seemed school dismissal time. Many started pouring out the school building with backpacks, and on way to gate, saw her sitting alone at central courtyard edge.
Some ignored, some walked away curiously, and some male students hesitated, then bravely approached to greet.
"Natsukawa-san..."
"Sorry, I want to be alone."
Drove one away—another came.
"Any problems? I can be your trash can..."
"My problem is too many trash cans in Japan—I don't know how to sort."
"Natsukawa-san, today's Cultural Festival..."
"I went home early today—not interested."
"Hey, woman..."
"Hey, male creature—know what this is? High-level anti-harassment alarm that sends emergency signal directly to nearest police. Meaning—if you dare one more step—I'll press. Go—understand?"
"..."
In short ten minutes, Masuzu didn't know how many young wolves wanting to approach the despairing girl in festival remnants she'd driven off.
If not truly unwilling to yield to greeters, Masuzu would've long changed spots to daydream. Why stay here inviting flies and mosquitoes?
"Haaah... fine—go home."
But interest sufficiently eroded. Seeing school building lights extinguishing one by one, fewer students exiting gate, Masuzu stood boredly, patting dust off her butt.
What to do after home?
...First—remove all wall photos.
If she could forget Yuu, then life ahead spacious—no need worry anyone, no need care lost memories. If couldn't forget—she could give herself reason to stay by his side, though he'd hate her more.
"But in the end, even if I held back then—I'd surely say it again facing the same in future..."
Masuzu shook head. Lip corners curved mockingly—but slightly bitter.
Didn't know how many times regretted impulsive morning words, how many times dissatisfied with herself like that. Increasingly felt deserved Yuu and his sister's hate. And feelings gradually heavier—unable escape self-hate vortex.
She understood—time to choose.
"Sorry, excuse me..."
Just as pondering most important—someone suddenly spoke behind, cutting her thoughts.
Again! Someone! Greeting! Bastard!
"Tch!"
Masuzu couldn't hold impatience. Clicking loudly—she death-glared coldly.
"So annoying! Please go home—pee—mirror—then come greet me—okay? Don't think la—"
Before finishing—she slowly opened mouth—freezing like stone statue.
Like a chicken with choked neck—mouth open but no sound.
Before her—the familiar handsome youth also slightly stunned blinking. After confirming the one she scolded was none other than him—he slowly raised index finger—politely awkwardly pointing to school gate.
"Uh—then I'll go?"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After the Service Club bonfire party ended.
Since Special Building trash bags already taken—they had to carry all trash when leaving—to sort at home later.
"Nothing left inside—right?"
After turning off lights and all electronics—and asking everyone—Yukino finally exited the pitch-black Service Club—locking the door.
The corridor quiet dimly lit—only a few pale white lights illuminating the path ahead.
Descending stairs—Yuu walked front. Darkness-fearing Sora tightly held his hand. His two girlfriends naturally could only walk behind.
This suited Yuigahama's wish.
She secretly approached—whispering to best friend's ear: "Yukinon—about what we discussed..."
"Wait!" Yukino hurriedly covered her mouth—then pulled out phone—quickly sending message.
「Too quiet here—our secret talk will definitely be heard. Let's communicate by phone only.」
Electronic screen light reflected her white cheeks pink—and serious gaze implying shame.
Nodding strongly silently—Yuigahama also pulled phone—replying faster than her.
「I feel Yukinon more aggressive than this morning~ So—thought of what gift for Yuu-kun?」
「Not yet—but I think not just gift—but also some punishment... In virtual research club earlier—he basically forgot we were waiting outside—to play games with Yuuki-san.」
「WHAT??? Too much!! No wonder you came out so late. Thought you wanted more alone time with Yuu-kun... Turns out this! (／‵Д′)／~ ╧╧」
「...Is that my image in your eyes, Yui.」
「Ahem, Yukinon—hear my explanation... Anyway—let's discuss when—and what punishment and gift for Yuu-kun! We're leaving school soon!」
「You have no intent to explain at all...」
Though hearing slightly strange sounds behind—but turning and seeing just girls chatting by phone—Yuu didn't care much. He continued front holding sister's hand.
Leaving Special Building—exiting dark quiet small forest—they walked through central courtyard with many students leaving school building. They'd gather at school gate—then disperse to various roads or waiting cars.
But before that—Yuu noticed the slim figure with waist-long silver hair.
She sat alone on stone steps in central courtyard corner. Her whole self like a soaked small Persian cat—radiating vulnerable gloomy gray aura—but proudly untouchable.
At least while walking behind her—Yuu saw her mercilessly reject two approaching male students—then continue blankly staring at night sky.
"What's that girl doing there..."
Yuu hesitated momentarily. He turned seeing his two girlfriends still staring at phones heads together. He suddenly handed his trash-filled plastic bag to Sora.
"I see someone I know. Hold this a bit. I'll greet."
Night already late—and Masuzu a beautiful girl alone outside—no friend to go home with—emotionally and logistically impossible to ignore. He at least had to approach and ask how she was.
So—without much thought—Yuu walked toward distant Masuzu—though Sora stared confusedly.
Night enveloped her slim body. Only insignificant overhead light illuminated her smooth beautiful long straight silver hair—yet still beautiful like spilled starry river to earth—gently fluttering behind in night breeze.
He thought a moment—to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding—decided greet more politely:
"Sorry, excuse me..."
Before finishing—Masuzu suddenly turned—immediately scolding:
"So annoying! Please go home—pee—mirror—then come greet me—okay? Don't think la—"
Yuu: "..."
Winter cold wind blew dust and leaves between them—but couldn't dispel the suddenly descending awkward silence.