As Kurebayashi finished her trip down memory lane, I just sat there trying to process everything she said. I went into this expecting Sakakibara Daiki to have done something detestable to make someone like Kurebayashi dislike him.
But it looks like the only mistake he made was betraying Kurebayashi's expectations. Sure, it seems like a minor error on his part. But to Kurebayashi, who had really high hopes for the club, him leaving the club like that was unforgivable. Now I understand a bit more why she acted the way she did when I said I wanted to join.
And now that I think about it, didn't Mr. Hirashi tell me something about Sakakibara Daiki being a member of the volunteers club? I honestly can't remember clearly.
"I'm terribly sorry for my long chatter. I did not intend to take up your time so much."
"Nah, it's alright with me. At least I now know what happened between you two."
I look down on my empty plate and briefly consider the thought of ordering another set of cupcakes. Conversations always make me crave for something sweet. Maybe I'll get some on the way out.
"Earlier, when I saw you together with him, I must admit… I felt a bit scared."
"Scared? What do you mean? He doesn't look scary at all. But then again, it is scary how good he looks."
"Hmhm… That's not what I meant, Sugiyama-san. I was scared because I thought he might have said something to you that would make you reconsider joining the volunteers club as a full member."
She casts her eyes down. I guess even Kurebayashi can feel shame after admitting to something so selfish. Well, not that I don't understand where she's coming from. I would probably feel a bit of paranoia as well if I were in her place.
"He didn't really say anything about you or the volunteers club. And even if he did, it wouldn't have made me not want to join. I'm not that easily swayed by words."
She lifts her head back up, a hopeful look on her face.
"Then… Does that mean you'll still join as a member?"
"Hmm… I don't know. I mean, you did flat out reject me when I said I wanted to, right?"
"N-no, I didn't…! I mean, I did not intend to make it seem like a rejection."
"You sure? Because I felt pretty rejected. Now I'm afraid that if I applied, you might reject me again."
"I-I will not! I swear I will accept you into the club with open arms."
It's kinda refreshing to see Kurebayashi so flustered. It's also been so long since I've teased someone like this. Before, I would tease my brother a lot to get some pretty hilarious reactions from him. Though looking back on it now, I wish I hadn't done it to him so much. If he were still alive, I wonder if I'd still end up messing with him as much as before. Bah, it's useless to think about that sort of stuff. I've had my momentary fun with Kurebayashi. Time to apologize.
"You don't have to take me so seriously, you know? I'm just kidding."
Upon hearing this, Kurebayashi let out an audible sigh of relief and is visibly more relaxed. Did she actually believe what I said? Is she the gullible kind? Or am I simply unaware of how convincing I can sound?
"S-still, I did leave a lot of things unsaid that day. I'm truly sorry for not offering a proper explanation to you. It's just that…"
"Yeah, no need to say anything else. I understand completely now."
"Thank you… I suppose we can move past it now with this resolution."
"Works for me."
I take a quick glance at my phone to check the time. It's now almost 7:30 pm. Wow, I didn't even realize we've been here for over an hour already.
"We should get going. It's already getting a bit late."
Kurebayashi agrees and we both stand to leave. As we pass by the front counter, I once again see all the treats the cafe has on display. Damn, I'm really tempted to buy a box of cupcakes. But if I bring one home now, it would disrupt my evening routine. Guess I'll have to find a workaround so I can visit this cafe again sometime.
Upon stepping foot outside the cafe, I'm greeted by the glaringly bright lights of the nearby shops and the bustling crowd of people navigating the streets of the shopping district. This part of town really is a far cry from the quiet, almost serene surroundings of the residential areas.
"Which way are you going, Sugiyama-san? I will be crossing here to go over to the other side of the block."
"I'm going the opposite way. That's good bye then."
"Yes, it is. Thank you once again for agreeing to accompany me on such short notice. And also for listening to what I had to say."
"That's hardly worth thanking me for. Seriously, it's no big deal."
"I suppose so. Regardless, I'm still thankful to you. And, if you would allow me one more question…"
She pauses for a bit; seemingly unsure whether or not to say what's on her mind. Standing in the middle of a rather busy street surrounded by bright store signs and the noise of traffic would usually make me feel uneasy. But in this brief silence, I feel all my attention gravitating towards her. Watching, waiting, anticipating the moment her lips part to speak.
I'm aware of how weird I am, but this seems like a whole new level of weirdness that I was previously unaware of. Even I'm creeped out by me.
"Sugiyama-san, why do you want to join the volunteers club?"
Ah, there it is. The inevitable question that I knew would come sooner or later. I never really did find an answer to that question. At least not yet. I guess I was just hoping she wouldn't ask me. But now, face to face with the very moment I've been dreading, there's only one thing I can say in response.
"I honestly don't know. But when I think of an answer, I'll be sure to tell you."