An abrupt, shrill alarm jolted Natsukawa Kanade awake.
Perhaps due to his sleepless night of overthinking, he had fallen into an unusually deep slumber, accompanied by a long, vivid dream. But now, awake and groggy, the contents of that dream slipped from his grasp. Who was in it? What had happened? It was all gone in an instant.
Not that it mattered. A dream was just a dream, after all. Even if it was inspired by his real-life troubles, reality was what counted. He still had no idea what to do about his predicament.
Despite hours of effortful contemplation the previous night, he had come up empty-handed. Eventually, Hikigaya Hachiman's concerned look had snapped him out of his daze, prompting him to ask for a half-day's leave to rest. This reprieve allowed him some much-needed sleep.
Yet, as soon as he woke, his mind resumed its frantic pace, replaying the same unanswered questions. His thoughts circled back to the idea of seeking advice.
But who could he turn to?
This wasn't a matter he could discuss with just anyone. It had to be someone who knew him well, could be trusted to keep the matter private, and was capable of offering genuinely helpful advice.
After considering his options, only two candidates emerged: Hikigaya Hachiman and Megumi Kato.
But Hachiman was out of the question. As a staunch believer in unwavering principles, Hachiman's sense of loyalty and focus would likely clash with Kanade's own uncertain and conflicted emotions. Consulting him might not only fail to yield helpful advice but could also strain their friendship.
Kanade shuddered at the thought of ruining another relationship.
That left Kato. She had an unparalleled ability to observe and understand people. But why did Kanade feel confident that she would empathize with his plight?
Wait, why do I believe that? he wondered.
As a girl, wouldn't Kato find his indecisiveness and inability to commit utterly repulsive? If he shared his turmoil—his fear that he might not be capable of being faithful—wasn't it entirely possible she would reprimand him before cutting ties altogether?
Even "Saint Megumi" wouldn't be an exception. In fact, her moral compass might compel her to "correct" his wayward thinking.
Kanade's heart ached at the thought. He had grown too attached to the friendships he had built, the bonds he had cultivated with these girls. And if he couldn't fully commit to one, how could he maintain his relationships with the others?
Unless…
Unless they leave me first.
If they fell for someone else, Kanade would have no choice but to let them go. He would never stand in their way.
Yes, that's it, he thought grimly. If they move on, I won't have to hurt anyone else.
Having reached this conclusion, Kanade resolved to maintain a safe, platonic distance. He would stay close enough to be a good friend but never so close as to risk giving the wrong impression. He would wait until they found happiness elsewhere.
The clarity brought him some peace, and he closed his eyes for a brief moment. When they reopened, they were filled with determination.
Feeling revitalized from his rest, Kanade stood, ready to face the afternoon. He began changing into his school uniform when a sharp knock at the door interrupted him.
"Come in," he called absentmindedly, too preoccupied to care who it was.
Still caught up in his thoughts, Kanade barely noticed the door open or the sound of footsteps approaching.
But the visitor noticed him.
There he stood, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers.
"Eek!" A familiar voice let out a startled yelp.
Kanade turned to see Shiina Mahiru standing in the doorway, her hands covering her eyes—but not tightly enough to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Why… why are you only wearing underwear?!" she stammered, her voice high-pitched with embarrassment.
"…?"
Kanade blinked, processing the sound of her voice. A girl? Here?
His mind clicked into focus, and he spun around to face the visitor fully.
Their eyes met—or, more accurately, his gaze locked onto Mahiru's through the gaps in her fingers.
"…"
"…"
Kanade's first thought: Should I say good afternoon now?