"A world tour, huh? That's a great dream, versatile, fits everyone," Takizawa said, nodding approvingly with a smile. "Leaving familiar places, soaking in new cultures, broadening horizons. If I get the chance, I'll do it too."
"So, Takizawa-kun's got an ideal now?" Hidaka asked, her tone playful.
"Exactly!"
"I just tossed that out… too casual, no?"
"Life's full of uncertainties. You never know who'll sway your path," Takizawa said, feigning drama. "Now, thanks to Hidaka-san, my future's bright."
"Then you've got a tentative travel buddy," Hidaka said, bowing politely.
"Deal, we'll coordinate," Takizawa echoed, bowing back and grabbing a letter.
"From 'Pompadour Nii-kun.' Greetings, hosts. I'm an ordinary student, never great with words. Lately, I've got a gnawing worry… I've got a crush on a classmate. She's beautiful, top grades, plays the violin gracefully—truly outstanding. We're friends, but I haven't confessed. If I fail, we might not even talk anymore."
Takizawa read the second letter.
Hidaka listened, cradling her thermos.
"Luckily, she's set on a music career, aiming for a grand stage. I wanted to support her, get closer over time. But recently, she seems smitten with someone else—distracted, sneaking phone glances. I peeked; it was a guy's photo. She caught me and shooed me away, embarrassed. I've never seen her so lovestruck.
"Though just a glimpse, the guy was clearly handsome. I'm down, can't talk to friends about it, so I'm asking you, especially Takizawa-sensei, with your charm, wit, and insight on romance from past episodes. Please help… I swear I won't let Alfredo die again! Thanks!"
Huh? What's that last bit? That's your attitude?! Takizawa grimaced.
"Another plea for help. What now, Takizawa-sensei?" Hidaka propped her head on her hand.
"Summing up, his crush has a crush, and he's panicking," Takizawa sighed. "He's held back but thought he was her closest guy friend—Pompradur Nii-kun's confidence is shaken, right?"
"It's Pompadour," Hidaka corrected.
"First, Hidaka-san, as a girl his age, any thoughts?"
"You're dragging me into this? My school bans dating," The model student said, feigning reluctance.
"Hah, love's been a core theme of human history. Discussing it explores life's meaning. No need to be shy—speak boldly!" Takizawa urged.
"None," Hidaka said instantly.
"?"
Copying my move?
"You're in your vibrant youth—how's there no spark?" Takizawa pressed, skeptical. "Tall basketball captain, cool glasses-wearing disciplinarian, rich student council president, younger boy-next-door… none caught your eye?"
"Those types belong in romance novels or games, not reality. What, you've got a sharp-tongued heiress, clingy kouhai, tough female teacher, or hidden-chuunibyou beauty around you?" Hidaka shot back.
"Nope, but you gotta meet them," Takizawa said seriously. "Your circle sets your limits. How do you connect with great partners if you don't meet them? Dating agencies exist because people don't invest in expanding their social reach."
"You didn't deny my list. So, you're hunting for those types?" Hidaka teased.
"Not about my tastes—your first love, Hidaka-san."
"Don't have one."
"Not even a hint?" Takizawa rubbed his hands. "Someone helping with a stack of homework, covering your class duties, a sunset hallway goodbye, fingers brushing in the library… nothing?"
"Those everyday moments happen a few times."
"Any special feelings?"
"Nope."
"?"
"Young crushes seem dazzling, but years later, they're just okay. It's inexperience and rose-tinted memories," Hidaka said airily.
"You haven't even graduated high school…"
"Dependency, excuses, avoidance—useless. Strength is what matters in this world. Agonizing over 'like or not' is pointless," She said firmly.
"What a waste," Takizawa sighed.
"No matter how successful a woman is, people fixate on her love life. You're that gossipy, Takizawa-kun?" She huffed.
"Childishness is precious, even essential. Detours teach you shortcuts. School romances have a purity later loves can't match—bittersweet, thrilling, unforgettable. That's proof of youth."
"But most regret not working harder when life was easiest—studying, honing skills, growing. When they're stuck, they realize they should've done differently. A fleeting memory, fading with time, everything changed—is that worth it?" She countered sharply.
Too upright, aren't you?
"I'm a man with no regrets," Takizawa met her gaze, smiling confidently.
"That's fake bravado. Today's you cleans up yesterday's mess, troubling tomorrow's you," She said, puffed up.
"But it's fun."
"When you're struggling, you'll…" Hidaka stopped short.
Homeless, exposed to the elements—he'd been there.
By logic, he should've clung to that pain, fought back, claimed a piece of the world.
He succeeded—crossing Tokyo U's red gate was a student's triumph.
Yet he went full slacker. At this crucial college stage, he should focus on studies, network, hustle, build wealth.
Lying flat was reasonable?
So strange!
"Maybe…" Hidaka paused, "you've got a shining, powerful youth memory that fuels you, no matter the future?"
His vibe screamed fulfilled extrovert.
"Yeah, a long, heavy experience. Can't go back, though," He said softly. "Even revisiting, it's another world."
"I'm curious," Hidaka said earnestly. "What love story props up your wild ways?"
"…Wild? I just follow my heart. My first love? Bitter," Takizawa squinted, reminiscing. "She sat in front of me. One day, she was chilly, so I lent her my shirt. Oddly, seeing her smile in it shook me—couldn't help falling. At first, I was nervous talking, then avoided her eyes, wanted to give gifts, and eventually, thought of confessing."
"Did you go for it?!" Hidaka, despite her poise, was all gossip now.
"I did. Asked her out, roped in friends as cover. My bros, bless them, bailed with excuses, leaving just me, her, and one girl there for fun."
"I was out of moves, thinking of retreating, but that girl got a call from her parents and left. I felt fate—gods was helping me!"
"That dinner, hair slicked maturely, British-style coat, scarf, standing tall, pockets full of saved-up allowance. Candlelit buffet, my handsomest moment, fattest wallet, favorite person, grandest confession! Everything perfect!"
"Did you say it?! The killer line?!"
"Nope. Toughest moment of my life—heart pounding in my ears, shaking me. Went to the bathroom, tried calling a friend to calm down… all busy tones."
He continued.
"Back at the table, I maxed out my charm, steering the talk, setting the mood, edging toward 'going out.' She mentioned liking someone before. Jealousy burned, but I stayed cool, nearly snapping steel cutlery. Finally, I said it."
Hidaka leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation.
"I said, 'I feel the same. I think I like you.'"
She burst out laughing, pounding the table, her mature facade gone. "Then? Then?!"
"No then. I just remember dazedly heading home," Takizawa said, smiling. "Days later, she avoided me. Then a seating change—one end to the other. Barely spoke after."
"…"
"Before graduation, I asked for her photo, sketched her portrait, framed it, and gave it to her. No clue if she tossed it—probably did. If she got a boyfriend, it'd be hard to explain."
"…Takizawa-kun."
"What?"
"…That's it?"
"?"
"That's just a crush, a failed confession! You treasure that embarrassment? I got my hopes up for nothing!"
"What?! How dare you insult my youth!"
***
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