...
"I don't feel comfortable being surrounded by women. Every day at school, I'm the only guy in the classroom. I'm thinking of transferring to an all-boys high school."
"Yeah, that sounds rough. But... do all the girls try to talk to you?"
"Yes... On my first day, they all tried to flatter me and invited me to hang out. It was scary."
"Incredible... I mean, I've only had two girls talk to me at all."
"I think that's because of your friend... Morikawa-kun."
"Oh... You're right. He is pretty popular."
"No, I wasn't talking about Satou-kun."
"Huh? Then who were you talking about?"
"I don't dare say... Sorry."
"It's cool... I was just curious. But can't you give me a hint?"
"No, I can't. Sorry."
"That's okay... I mean it."
"So, Morikawa-kun... Don't you feel afraid of women? Or at least cautious around them?"
"To tell you the truth, not really. But I am aware of what's in the news."
"Do you know how to feel safer around women?"
"Before I answer that, I need to know—what exactly are you afraid of?"
"Okay..." - he takes a deep breath - "It's being forced to... you know... without consent."
"I always wondered... is that even possible? I mean, we're the ones who... you know."
"You do know there are drugs that can force someone, right?"
"Oh, that way... Sorry. I just hear the headlines, I never watch the full reports."
"You really should be careful, Morikawa-kun. Before you know it, you'll end up kidnapped."
"Thanks for the warning. But still, I don't think it'll happen."
"Why do you trust women so much? Even after hearing all this?"
"Let me ask you something. Who raised you? Your father?"
"No... I barely see him. He has to share his attention with my siblings. My mom raised me most of the time."
"See? Same for me. That's why I know there are a lot of good women out there. It's just that, with so few men, crimes committed by men are almost non-existent."
"Isn't that... normal?"
"Trust me, it's not. But yeah... That's just my perspective."
"Okay... So do you have any tips on how to handle girls?"
"I don´t have exactly a tip, but if you feel uncomfortable, just say so. But be as polite as you can. You don't want to be hated, right?"
"You have a point... but I don't have the courage to say it."
"Well... that's why I'm here. In the auditorium, I'll bring up your concerns. Maybe we'll get some results."
"You're right. Thanks for listening to me."
"Don't mention it."
Finally, it's over. Today, I heard the concerns boys have about women.
Rather than being about women themselves, it's more like most of them just don't like social interaction in general.
Surprisingly, the main reason seems to be—
"Hey, Tomoki. You done?"
"Yeah. How about you?"
"Me too. So, what did you think after hearing everyone?"
"Everyone has their own thoughts about women. But I realized one thing in common... and it even applies to me."
"What is it?"
"Overprotection... from mothers."
"!?"
"Even I was surprised, especially when I realized how overprotective my mom can be."
"Now that you mention it, you're right. My mom always says how dangerous women can be. That's why I'm not allowed to go out alone."
"And since we, as men, are fewer than women, we've become less socially active. That's why we're a little weak in that area. Trust me, I've experienced it."
"Seriously, the more time I spend with you, the more I understand the real problem. But what do you mean by your experience?"
"When I was a kid, I was really quiet. My mom said she was worried because I barely talked."
"And how did you change?"
"Friends... One was a guy who always played with me, even though I didn't talk much. And the other... completely changed my view on friendship."
"...How?"
"One day, she asked why I was always so quiet. I said, 'I just don't know what to say.'"
"Were you shy back then?"
"Yeah... I didn't know how to start conversations, tell jokes, or keep up with other people's hobbies. But she told me, 'Just say it! Come on, whatever comes to mind!' "
"Then?"
"I said, 'Your eraser is funny...' out of nowhere. Everyone didn't know how to react, but then she picked up her eraser, drew a face on it, and said, 'What do you think? Funnier now, right?' "
"She sounds like a really friendly girl."
"She is. She's super popular, and I still don't know how I became friends with her. But thanks to her, I realized how fun it is to talk without overthinking. It took time, of course... but without them, I'd probably still be the guy who just watches others and convinces himself he's trying without really trying."
"I see... I get it now. We need to interact, not isolate ourselves. I hope we can build better relationships with girls—at least in school."
"Me too. But man, talking to everyone is exhausting."
"Our job's done for today. Honestly, I think the girls' side is way more exhausting."
"When you put it like that... I guess I can't complain. Wait— you were concerned about the girls' problems too?"
"Tomoki, what do you think I am? A heartless guy?"
"From someone who said a month ago, 'Women just want to satisfy their desires' this is a huge step."
"Okay, I admit I was really short-sighted. But Tomoki... in your case, you really need to be careful about your actions."
"...I know. I've realized that recently."
"Did something happen?"
"You were right..." - I mumbled.
"Sorry? Say that again."
"You were right, okay!? A girl confessed to me... I think... and it completely caught me off guard."
"Told you! Usually, a guy would either reject her or keep her around because she's cute or rich."
"Wow... that kind of guy sounds like a total scumbag."
"Yeah, and I know you're not that kind of guy. That's why I warned you."
"But you know, Ryuichi... I don't think what I did was wrong. Sure, things are a little awkward now. But I realized that if I really want to treat women fairly and respectfully, I need to be honest—that I'm only looking for friendship or something casual."
"That won't solve everything. But at least you're becoming more mindful. That's progress."
"Well, it's getting late. I'm heading out."
"Before you go... here. Take this."
"What's this?"
"My review of your essay. I think it'll help you."
"Thanks! I was feeling pretty confident about what I wrote, so— F!?"
"That's my way of encouraging you. Just a small detail. Bye!"
"That guy...!"
He really reviewed my whole essay. With detailed comments on every argument. In a way, he's definitely smarter than me.
Anyway, maybe this will help me finally read Ayame-san's book properly. Otherwise... I'll never finish it.
...
[... usually, a guy would either reject her or keep her around because she's cute or rich.]
To be honest, it's not like the thought of keeping her didn't cross my mind. For the first time, a girl tried to confess to me — a girl who's cute and shares the same hobby as me. Isn't that wonderful?
Not only that, she's even willing to accept a polygamous relationship if I wanted one.
Imagine it — all that beauty around you. A paradise, right?
Sigh — then I take a deep breath.
I know a good old couple who always worked together, fought together, laughed together, ate together — and sometimes, scolded me together. Now I realize how much I miss them.
I know a friend who always cheered me on, no matter what I tried to do, even when I failed miserably. I hope he meets a wonderful girlfriend someday.
I know a girl who showed me the beauty of life and helped me realize the joy of growing as a person. I've never once regretted falling in love with you.
I understand it's all in the past — but I'll never forget them.
[...you're not alone...]
Ayame-san, you don't know how much that meant to me. In that moment, I had to admit it — I have feelings for you.
That's why I couldn't accept her confession. Because I realized that if something happened to either of you, I would prioritize helping you, Ayame-san.
You're my friend, and I'll always cherish that. You've helped me so much, and I'll do my best to return the favor — because I know I'll need your help again.
Return kindness with kindness — that's just common sense. Because when your worst time comes... you'll need it most.