Does uneasiness spread to the other person?
The closer we get, sometimes the less clearly we can see the other person. The larger the area of the hearts in contact with each other, the more blind spots in the hearts will increase. Before we know it, it might become an enormous wall. And then when we notice, clearly intending to be by the side, we have already drifted so far away that we can't even reach with our fingertips.
—Sometimes, there are times when I can't see you.
The sound of splashing water suddenly brings me back to my senses. Looking down, the water droplets dripping from my hair create ripples in the hot water.
"Ben, did you fall asleep in the bath again?"
For a moment, I'm a bit dazed and don't know where I am. I blink my eyes. A doubtful voice comes from the other side of the frosted glass.
"Ah, I'm awake."
"Really! Ben, you always fall asleep in the bath. It's good that I came over worriedly to check."
It seems my mother didn't hear my reply. She sighs and mutters.
"Blake is being made to drink by Bella and Carl. If you want to stop them, go sooner."
"What?"
Hearing this sentence, I doubt my ears for a moment. My originally somewhat groggy head becomes clear in an instant.
"Mom, I'm telling you!"
"Wait, don't go. Mom, you have to go and stop them properly!"
I hurriedly jump out of the bathtub. My mother's leisurely voice fades away gradually. Although I feel a bit dizzy when getting up, now is not the time to care about this. I rush out of the bathroom hastily without drying my hair much and dash into the living room.
"Welcome back, Ben."
Opening the door and looking inside, Blake and Carl are chatting and laughing beside the dining table. Hearing the hasty footsteps, Blake slowly turns his head. Seeing his usual smile, I feel relieved for the moment.
"Hey Ben, this guy can drink quite a lot."
"What do you mean quite a lot? Stupid Carl. He's only twenty years old!"
I stride towards Carl who is waving at me casually and knock on his head without mercy. Although I haven't told Bella and my mother about Blake's age yet, Carl who already knew him originally can't not know.
"Ah, come to think of it, that's true... But, don't worry about it."
"Normally one would worry about it!"
Carl has always been so careless. I really should make him be more careful.
"But this guy..."
"Ben! My sister she..."
"Hmm?"
Just as Carl is about to say something, he is hurriedly interrupted by Blake. Although I have some doubts about his reaction, I still turn my gaze to Bella who is unusually quiet.
"Ah, look, she's fallen asleep again. Carl, you're responsible for taking her to her room."
Looking at Bella who is lying on the table, I can't help but sigh deeply. Every time she drinks with Carl, she is like this. I'm already tired of seeing this scene and have nothing to say.
"Blake, don't worry about those two of them."
"Ah? Is it all right?"
"They won't stop until one of them collapses from drinking."
I shrug at the worried Blake and then compare Carl and Bella. Where did so much beer go? It can't be seen outside the refrigerator anymore.
"Carl, if you don't remember tomorrow... You know the consequences, right?"
"Don't make such a scary face. The alcohol is going to wear off."
Carl says with a smile that it's all right, all right, and easily carries the drunk Bella on his back. His steps don't show at all that he has drunk so much.
"Well, what about Blake?"
"Ah?"
"What do you mean 'ah'. Don't laugh. Don't be perfunctory with me."
"You're too strict."
Blake shows a wry smile and spreads out one hand. I sigh deeply. I count with my straightened fingertips. Seeing the number is more than expected, my shoulders slump.
"Stupid."
"Sorry."
I narrow my eyes and look at Blake who is apologizing. Helplessly, I pick up the empty cans rolling on the table. After throwing Bella into the room, Carl probably won't come back again. Sure enough, it's still this pattern.
—My sister and Carl have a really good relationship.
I hear a small laugh. Why have I been hearing such a nostalgic voice since just now? I should have been thinking about Blake's matters, but memories of the past flashed through my mind. Someone I can't forget—Is it because of that sentence?
"Ben."
"Hmm? What is it? What's the matter."
Blake who suddenly hugs me from behind turns around. He leans his cheek close as if about to stick to me. His body temperature which is a bit higher than usual makes me feel a bit itchy.
"You look completely awake but actually you're drunk, right?"
"... A bit."
Even his coquettish voice and the weight leaning on my back feel lovely. I really like him quite a lot.
I used to think I liked indulging Blake. Maybe it's because he only shows me things that others can't see, giving me a sense of superiority.
"You must be tired today."
I temporarily gather the beer cans on the table to one place and then turn to Blake. In front of me is an extremely happy smiling face.
"I'm very happy. It's rare to sit around the dining table like this usually. And most importantly, being able to be with Ben like this, I'm really very happy."
"An exaggerated guy."
Seeing his smile that almost makes me melt and the kiss gently landing on my forehead, my chest tightens.
"But."
It's really very happy—Although I often feel uneasy too, the happiness of being with Blake is enough to make up for these.
"But?"
Blake is curious about my suddenly interrupted words and tilts his head to ask.
"... Well, I like you."
"Why say this all of a sudden."
Although his eyes widen in surprise for an instant, soon a small smile appears and he hugs me tightly.
"When you say this, I feel even more drunk."
But, seeing his smile that looks like he's about to cry as he says this, there is a memory in my heart that makes him uneasy. A long time has passed. I thought I had already forgotten it, but it's still deep in my mind. —No, that's not right. It's not like this.
Actually, it's not always there. I really did forget. But since Blake has been by my side, her voice sometimes surfaces.