Vol. 1 Chapter 16 – The Half That Was Sleeping

“…Um, shouldn’t we be going soon?” (Yuuto)

Several minutes had probably passed since it was decided that Nagisa and I would take the exam together. I still couldn’t stand up because Nagisa’s head was on my lap.

“But I haven’t put on my ‘meeting everyone’ face yet.” (Nagisa)

“How much longer do you think it’ll take?” (Yuuto)

“Hmm… A little longer?” (Nagisa)

Her vague reply made my anxiety grow. If we stayed too long, Mom and the others would inevitably start to wonder.

“Yuuto, your hand has stopped.” (Nagisa)

“Yes. I’m sorry.” (Yuuto)

The shame from my actions moments ago was immense, and every time I tried to stop patting Nagisa, at least with the hand that was doing it, she would firmly prompt me to continue.

…What was this space? It was just too sweet. The atmosphere, the distinctly feminine scent of the room that would never exist if I were just spending time in my own room. I felt like I might get carried away by the mood they created and end up holding her hand or something.

As I was thinking such things, Nagisa, who had only been showing me the back of her head, changed her position and looked up at me from below, trying to meet my eyes. If I responded and met her gaze, I might genuinely misunderstand and take her hand, only to be reported to Akari and subjected to something far worse than mere ridicule, so I hesitated, then fixed my gaze on the ceiling.

I regretted turning on the room lights earlier. It was probably obvious that my cheeks were flushed. It couldn’t be helped. She had never been in this situation before, and until recently, the only girls I ever talked to were Mom or Akari.

“I won’t ask why you looked away.” (Nagisa)

Her voice was slightly teasing.

“I’d appreciate that…” (Yuuto)

Nagisa probably knew I was embarrassed.

“Hey? Yuuto~” (Nagisa)

Her voice was cloyingly sweet, as if she were in a daze.

“…What is it?” (Yuuto)

I felt like I was going crazy.

“Heehee, it’s nothing, though?” (Nagisa)

If she was saying that genuinely, it was terrifying. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and looked at Nagisa. A mischievous smile played on her lips. A smile that seemed satisfied now that our eyes had finally met. My head had probably gone completely haywire. All those actions, as if she held something dear…

“Yuuto~!? You’re late~!” (Akari)

It was Nagisa who reacted faster to Akari’s voice, which came the moment the front door opened. Before I knew it, she had pushed my hand away, composed herself, and was perfectly ready to greet Akari. Incidentally, her tears had already vanished. What on earth was all that time just now for?

“Honestly! What are you two doing!” (Akari)

Akari, poking her head through the open door leading to the hallway, puffed out her cheeks, asserting her anger. I hadn’t noticed because she hadn’t made a sound when she came in, but Murai-san was also behind Akari.

“Sorry, sorry. The TV angle was bothering me, so I was having him adjust it a bit.” (Nagisa)

She said it with an expression that suggested the earlier events were nothing at all. Actresses were terrifying creatures.

“Ah~. So that’s why Aoi-kun’s face is red. I thought maybe we’d interrupted something.” (Hinata)

My heart leaped at the sharp Murai-san’s words, but I too maintained my poker face and stood up.

“Isn’t it funny that Aoi is red?” (Akari)

Leaving my tactless childhood friend behind, we left Nagisa’s house.

In the living room of my returned home, food was already prepared, not just on the usual four-person dining table, but also arranged on the low table in front of the TV.

Without anyone saying anything, the three girls sat in front of the TV, while Mom and I sat together at the dining table. We ate while a variety show featuring many comedians played on TV. Nagisa was also on that program, and we got excited watching her with her “on-air” persona.

After finishing the meal, we cleaned up together, and then the scene shifted to my room, where Akari and Murai-san started a fighting game match, with Nagisa and me watching.

I was out because I’d used up all my energy from the earlier events. Nagisa wasn’t that interested in games in the first place.

The two of them sat on the sofa. Nagisa, as if it were the most natural thing, sat next to me on the bed. It might have been my imagination, but I felt like the distance between us was closer than before. No, it definitely was. We were so close that if I moved my hand even slightly, it would touch hers. I pretended not to notice and explained what was happening on the screen.

Just as Nagisa was gradually understanding the rules and starting to enjoy watching, I excused myself for a moment.

I moved to the living room and sat next to Mom, who was watching TV while sitting on the sofa.

“What’s wrong?” (Mother)

“No, nothing in particular.” (Yuuto)

It didn’t feel like a proper answer, but Mom didn’t press the issue.

“I’m going to be in a play. The one Hokujou Yuuya is coming to see.” (Yuuto)

Being mindful of Murai-san and Nagisa in my room, I avoided using the word “Dad.”

“What? You want me to come see it?” (Mother)

“No… It’s just an update.” (Yuuto)

She asked with a smirk, probably knowing I wouldn’t say something like that.

“Well, I’m going to see it anyway. It’s my son’s big moment on stage, after all.” (Mother)

“That’s up to you… but I don’t think it’ll be anything that impressive… I’ve never acted before, and it’s fine as long as Nagisa stands out.” (Yuuto)

“It’s the first time you’re doing something like this, Yuuto, and that’s growth, isn’t it? If I can see that, that’s enough for me. For me, and for that person too.” (Mother)

Saying so, she beckoned me closer with her hand, making a gesture for me to lean in for a whisper. I leaned my ear closer, concentrating on Mom’s words.

“It’ll be fine. Half of you is Hokujou Yuuya’s blood, after all.” (Mother)

The son of a famous actor doesn’t necessarily become a famous actor. While thinking that, I accepted Mom’s words. I didn’t think I had any talent for acting.

However.

When it was decided that Nagisa and I would stand on stage together.

Something inside me had started to move.