Chapter LXXVI: The Polaroid Mind, Part 7
It's a calm Saturday afternoon as Asahi and Natsuki head out for a much-anticipated hangout. They start their day at a cozy little café downtown, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the soft chatter of patrons. Asahi, true to his coffee addiction, orders his usual iced coffee, while Natsuki opts for a sweet caramel latte.
Sipping their drinks, they share stories and laugh about the latest memes. The conversation flows effortlessly, a testament to their deep connection.
"Have you heard the new song by that English singer with the orange hair?" Natsuki asks, her eyes lighting up.
Asahi nods enthusiastically.
"Ed Sheeran? Yeah, 'Shape of You' is stuck in my head! The beat is just so catchy."
Natsuki giggles.
"I know, right? I tried singing it in the shower, but I don't think I did it justice."
Asahi laughs.
"You should give yourself more credit. I bet you sounded great. You always do during our jam sessions."
They reminisce about their band practices, sharing inside jokes and funny mishaps. Asahi tells her about the time he broke a guitar string mid-performance and had to improvise with just five strings.
Natsuki laughs.
"I remember that! And you still managed to pull off a great solo. You're like a rockstar, Asahi."
"Thanks, but you're the real star," Asahi says with a grin. "Your voice can turn any song into magic."
They continue their conversation, delving into unique experiences they've had.
"Remember that time we got lost in the city after a gig?" Natsuki asks.
"Oh, how could I forget?" Asahi replies. "We ended up in that weird little alley with all the neon lights and street performers."
"Yeah! There was that one guy playing the saxophone like his life depended on it," Natsuki adds.
"He was incredible. I think we stood there for an hour just listening."
Asahi nods.
"That was a surreal night. We should go back there sometime, maybe bring our instruments and join the fun."
Natsuki smiles.
"I'd love that. We could make it a tradition, exploring new places and making music."
After their coffee, they head to a nearby fast-food restaurant. They indulge in burgers and fries, savoring the comfort food as they chat about school, friends, and their future plans. The fast-food joint buzzes with life, and they relish the simplicity of the moment.
Feeling energized, they decide to hit the local billiards hall. The clatter of balls and the hum of competition fill the air. Asahi, surprisingly good at billiards, teaches Natsuki a few tricks. She picks up quickly, and soon they are engrossed in a friendly match, laughter and playful banter echoing around them.
"You're a natural," Asahi says, lining up his next shot.
"Or maybe you're just a great teacher," Natsuki counters, winking.
As the sun begins to set, they make their way to the school rooftop. It's a special place for them, a quiet haven above the city where they can let their guard down. They both bring out their guitars and start jamming, the soft strumming of strings blending harmoniously with the sounds of the city below. They play their favorite songs, creating a private concert just for themselves.
Time flies, and before they know it, it's late. Asahi insists on walking Natsuki home. They talk and laugh along the way, the streets illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights. When they arrive at Natsuki's house, her grandmother opens the door, smiling warmly.
"Thank you for bringing her home, Asahi," she says. "Would you like to come in?"
Asahi hesitates, glancing at the darkening sky. Just then, the heavens open, and a heavy downpour begins. Realizing he has no choice, he accepts her offer with a sheepish smile.
Inside, the house is cozy and welcoming. Natsuki's grandma leads them to the living room and offers Asahi a towel to dry off. She then prepares some tea, the warm, fragrant steam filling the room.
"So, Asahi," she begins, "what's new with you?"
Asahi takes a sip of his tea, feeling the warmth spread through him.
"Well, school has been pretty hectic. But we're managing. And I've been trying to spend as much time with Natsuki as I can."
Natsuki blushes slightly, but her grandmother beams.
"That's good to hear. You both seem very happy together."
They chat about various topics—school, future plans, and the latest music. Asahi shares stories about their band practices and upcoming gigs, and Natsuki's grandma listens intently, clearly pleased to see her granddaughter so well cared for.
"Grandma, did you know Asahi's band is planning to record a new song soon?"
Natsuki says excitedly.
"Really? That's wonderful!" her grandma replies. "What's the song about?"
Asahi smiles.
"It's about finding light in the darkest times, inspired by our experiences and the challenges we've faced."
Natsuki's grandma nods approvingly.
"That sounds beautiful. I can't wait to hear it."
The rain continues to pour outside, creating a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Natsuki's grandma, noticing the time, excuses herself, leaving the two of them alone.
Natsuki looks at Asahi with a smile.
"Thanks for staying. I know you didn't have to."
Asahi grins.
"No problem. I actually enjoyed it. Your grandma is really nice."
They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the rain pattering against the windows. Eventually, the storm lets up, and Asahi decides it's time to head home. Natsuki walks him to the door, and her grandma sees him off with a warm goodbye.
"Take care, Asahi. And come visit us again soon."
"I will," he promises, waving as he steps out into the now gentle rain.
Natsuki watches him go, a smile playing on her lips. Asahi turns back for a moment, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of gratitude and affection. Then, with a final wave, he disappears into the night, the echoes of their day together lingering in the air.
It's a typical weekday morning at school, and Kota is feeling a bit restless. Akiko, Hanako, and Himari are at the guidance counseling office for a discussion, leaving Kota with some time on his hands. He sits at his desk, idly scrolling through YourBook, but his mind keeps wandering to Asahi and Natsuki. He's noticed them spending more time together lately and can't help but feel a pang of curiosity.
Unable to contain his thoughts any longer, he turns to Gin, who is slumped over his desk, looking half-asleep.
"Hey, Gin," Kota says, nudging him gently. "Do you know what's going on between Asahi and Natsuki?"
Gin, groggy and clearly not in the mood for gossip, opens one eye and mumbles,
"Why don't you just ask Asahi yourself? I don't think there's anything weird going on with them."
Kota frowns but decides Gin is right. There's no point in speculating when he can get the answers directly. He waits until the bell rings, signaling the start of the break, then approaches Asahi, who is packing up his books.
"Hey, Asahi," Kota begins, trying to sound casual. "Can I ask you something?"
Asahi looks up, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Sure, what's up?"
Kota scratches the back of his head, feeling a bit awkward.
"I've noticed you and Natsuki hanging out a lot lately. Are you two... you know, together?"
Asahi chuckles, shaking his head.
"No, we're just friends. We like hanging out and playing music together, but that's all."
Kota studies Asahi's face, looking for any sign of dishonesty, but all he sees is sincerity. "Alright, I believe you. I was just curious."
"Yeah, no worries," Asahi says with a smile. "Natsuki and I are really just good friends."
Feeling satisfied with the answer, Kota nods and returns to his seat, picking up his phone and scrolling through YourBook once more. But his mind keeps drifting back to Asahi's words, wondering if there might be more to their friendship than Asahi lets on.
Meanwhile, Asahi decides to take a walk. He heads out of the classroom and makes his way to Natsuki's classroom. As he arrives, he sees Natsuki sitting by the window, engrossed in a book. He walks over and taps her on the shoulder.
"Hey, Natsuki," Asahi greets her.
Natsuki looks up and smiles. "Hey, Asahi. What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to see how you're doing," he replies, taking a seat next to her. "Kota was asking about us earlier."
Natsuki raises an eyebrow.
"Oh? What did he ask?"
Asahi chuckles.
"He wanted to know if we're together. I told him we're just friends."
Natsuki giggles.
"Well, that's the truth, isn't it?"
"Yep," Asahi says, grinning. "But I think he still has his doubts."
"Let him wonder," Natsuki says with a wink. "We know what's real."
They spend the rest of the break chatting and laughing, their easy camaraderie a testament to their strong friendship. Asahi's curiosity about their relationship is put to rest, and he feels a sense of contentment knowing that he and Natsuki share a bond that doesn't need labels to be meaningful.
Back in the classroom, Kota glances up from his phone, watching Asahi and Natsuki through the window. He sees them laughing and talking, and a small smile plays on his lips. Maybe they really are just friends, he thinks. And if there's more to it, he's sure they'll figure it out in their own time.