Amami-san and Nozomu. Originally, the relationship between them was a little complicated. But, they managed to get past that thanks to them being friends with Umi and I. Nevertheless, it was still surprising to know that their relationship had taken a step forward at this point of time.
As far as I knew, Amami-san still had no interest in love, or at least, she wasn't interested in anyone yet. Umi and Nitta-san hadn't said anything about it and Amami-san herself hadn't shown any suspicious actions either… Well, actually, maybe she had shown it and I was just too busy staring at Umi to notice.
"So, when does this start, Nozomu?"
"Well, this picture is a recent one… I had a game the next day after the sports festival. She came to cheer on me back then. Alone."
"Ah… So that's how you get that picture…"
During that day, I was with Umi, chilling at my house. I guess Amami-san took that chance and sneaked out to cheer on him by herself. The game was held at the same stadium as back when all of us went to cheer on him during the summer tournament, so it wasn't hard for Amami-san to get there since she probably remembered the route.
From his expression in that picture he showed me, it was obvious that he didn't expect Amami-san to be there. The latter still had her usual cheerful smile, meanwhile Nozomu was completely nervous.
I was tempted to ask him various questions, but it seemed like even Amami-san was keeping this a secret from her best friends, Umi and Nitta-san, so it felt like I couldn't just come forward and ask.
Perhaps, sensing that I was feeling troubled, Nozomu let out a wry smile.
"Well, I can understand why you're making that face. I mean, I was just as surprised as you back then. Like, after the sports festival ended, I didn't expect anything to happen, but suddenly, on the next day, she was there, cheering for me. I remember I threw one good shot and we won the whole thing, but the rest of the day was a blur for me."
"I see… Anyway, are you sure it's okay for you to tell me about this? Isn't this supposed to be a secret between you two?"
"Nah, personally, I don't think so. From her perspective, she's just cheering on a friend on the weekend, you know? It isn't like any of us confessed to each other or anything. That's probably why she didn't tell anyone about it either. I mean, even you wouldn't tell any of us about how your weekend goes, would you?"
"I mean, I would, but you guys wouldn't like it if I told you how much I flirted with Umi, would you?"
Well, putting the talk about Umi and I aside, Amami-san and Nozomu usually wouldn't hang out together without the rest of the group. The fact that she went out of her way to approach Nozomu by herself meant that something had changed from her side.
Maybe this was because of the incident that happened before the sports festival? I knew she was affected quite heavily by it, but… Honestly, I couldn't connect that incident to this matter at all…
Besides, the Amami-san I knew wasn't someone who'd do something like that.
"She asked to take a picture with me as a sign of reconciliation. She told me that she's sorry for rejecting my confession without even trying to understand my feelings. Not only that, she also said that she wanted to be proper friends with me… What do you think, Maki? Do you think I have a chance?"
"U-Uh, I don't know… I mean, I don't understand what's on her mind either. Also, all things considered, you don't seem that happy about this whole situation?"
For Amami-san, this was just a matter of her stopping to have a negative impression on him, but it was still a big step forward.
To put it simply, Nozomu had gone from 'just classmates' to 'friends' and there was a chance that this relationship could become even more intimate. Amami-san was someone that he liked since his high school days started, so it would be normal for him to jump in joy over this development.
But, he didn't seem particularly happy for some reason…
"…Anyway, I want to ask for your opinion as someone who already has a girlfriend."
"I see, so that's how it is… Well, let's just think about it positively. It's a good thing that the relationship between you two improved, even if it isn't really that big of an improvement. But, as I said the other day, you need to take it slowly. Don't rush it, or things will get messy."
"Right, I don't want to self-destruct again and end up wasting all my efforts so far… But, you know, sometimes, I just can't help thinking about what if one day we actually started dating… It's hard…"
"Ah, I see…"
As a fellow guy, I understood his feelings completely. When a girl you had a crush with approached you, it was a normal reaction if you were unable to stop thinking about her for a while.
I knew this because I went through the same thing before I went out with Umi.
Nozomu was similar to me, we always overthink about certain matters. Mainly me with my studies and him with his club activities.
And in this case, I guess it was what they usually called 'lovesickness.'
Anyway, while I was glad that he went out of his way to ask me for advice, I only managed to go out with Umi because I was lucky. I honestly didn't know what kind of advice I should give him.
"…You know, Nozomu… There's actually someone who's more qualified than me for this…"
"Huh? Well, it isn't like I'm doubting you, but—"
Just as I was about to say the person's name out loud, someone tapped my shoulder from behind.
"Oi~ What are you two doing? I'm back~ Nothing happened, right? …Huh? Why do you two look so surprised? What are you guys up to now?"
"Nothing. Right, Maki?"
"Yeah. We're just having a man-to-man conversation."
"Ew, can you two not? This is a public place, keep your perverted conversation away from here."
Guess we had to stop our discussion here. It was almost time for the second batch of the fireworks to be shot. Aside from Nitta-san, everyone else who went to the toilet had already started to come back.
That included Umi, who immediately sat down next to me and held my hand tightly.
"So, Nina told me that you were having a conversation with Seki? What are you two up to?"
"Nothing, really…"
"Hmm… Well, I won't pry. I understand that there are certain things that could only be shared between guys."
"…Sorry."
Since Amami-san was involved in this matter, it would be inevitable that I'd come to Umi for her advice, but for now, I wanted to respect Nozomu's wishes.
I didn't know what would come out between those two, but I sincerely hoped that everything would turn out smoothly for both of them.