Days passed, summer vacation was finally over and the second semester had begun.
The sports festival would start this Sunday, but the school seemed to be disregarding that as they were still holding classes like usual. For us second years and the third years, in addition to our regular exams, we had to take various mock exams held by different organizations, so we would be especially busy this semester. That held true for the teachers as well, as they had to prepare a lot of things for those exams.
"It's time, Maki. Let's go."
"Mm."
I left my house with Umi, who came to pick me up as usual. Even though it was already September, the summer heat was still lingering around, so we were still wearing our summer uniform. Some of the girls had started wearing their autumn uniform though.
In any case, the most memorable season for me was about to arrive.
"Umi."
"Hm?"
"Soon, it'll be a whole year since then."
"Yeah."
It had been almost a year since we first met each other. Our first year anniversary as lovers was still quite far off since it was on December 24th, but I think our first year anniversary as 'friends' was also an important thing to mention.
"It feels like it was just yesterday that we became friends. Before I knew it, this much time had passed…"
Umi smiled happily as she waved her hand that was enveloped with mine around.
Back then, I didn't know how to make friends. Umi approached me when I was all alone. We befriended each other almost immediately, becoming conscious of each other in no time and now we had become the so-called 'idiotic couple'. I was able to experience all this thanks to Umi.
It was also thanks to her that I got to know Amami-san and the others.
"…Maki."
"Hm?"
"Everyone's relationship will stay the same. No matter what happens."
"Yes. No matter what people say about us, we'll never change."
We held each other's hands tightly as we intertwined our fingers.
It was the next day after we found out about the edited picture of Amami-san and I.
Yesterday, Nitta-san invited the whole group to go to a nearby restaurant and spent the rest of the day as usual.
So far, nothing has changed between us. We went to school together. Then, if our schedule allowed it, we'd eat lunch and spend our after school time together.
Amami-san, Umi and I might become the subject of a bad rumor circulating among the students, but that wasn't enough to distance ourselves from each other.
Then again, if we did distance ourselves, that would be the same as admitting that the rumor was true. Also, that would drive Amami-san and Umi apart again.
Umi's opinion about me was the thing that mattered the most for me, but I didn't plan on slighting everyone else's opinion of me.
Amami-san was Umi's best friend and one of my closest friends.
I didn't want our relationship to break down because of rumors spread by god knows who.
As we were walking on our normal route to school, suddenly someone pushed me lightly from behind.
"Yo, you idiotic couple! Have you kissed each other this morning?"
"Morning, Nina."
"Morning, Nitta-san."
"Morning~ Wait, don't just ignore the question! Well, not that I expect you two to answer…"
We met up with Nitta-san along the way and we went through the school gate together. Amami-san and Nozomu weren't with us because both of them went ahead of us. The former was busy with the installation of the backboard and the latter had morning practice like usual.
Nozomu was fine since the rumor didn't directly mention him, but I was worried about Amami-san's state. I hadn't heard anything from her since we went home from the restaurant yesterday.
After promising each other to meet up at lunch time, the three of us went to our respective classrooms.
As soon as I entered my classroom, I could feel everyone casted their gazes at me. I pretended not to notice it since I was used to this kind of situation. This was my safe haven because at least I was familiar with the people in here.
Though I didn't expect that this place would be this peaceful.
Anyway, Amami-san seemed to have finished her errands and was happily chatting with Arae-san over at the latter's seat. She should be fine for the time being, Arae-san and her group should be able to protect her.
"Amami, Maehara's here already…"
"Hm? A-Ah…"
Arae-san noticed me and casually urged Amami-san to go back to her seat, which was next to mine.
I met Amami-san's eyes with a slight hesitation when she approached me.
Naturally, the eyes of the rest of the class were focused on the two of us. But, due to a certain someone clicking her tongue and saying, "Don't you guys have something better to do?" they immediately turned their gazes away.
She ended up helping me, but was it really okay for her to act like that? Well, I guess one could interpret her action as good or bad depending on the situation.
"G-G-G-G-Good morning, Maki-kun! It's another hot day today, huh? Even though it's September already…"
"A-Ah, y-yeah. I-It's hot today, isn't it?"
"M-Mhm! E-Ehehe…"
I kept trying to tell myself to act like usual, but it was really hard for me to do so. It seemed like she felt the same way, so it was inevitable that our interaction went on awkwardly like this.
If Umi or Nitta-san was here, I knew that it would go differently, but, well… Once again, I realized the importance of those two people in our group.
I could hear Arae-san's sigh from a distance and I felt bad about it. In any case, I decided not to think much and to just be focused on the upcoming classes.