[clum! '96 #23] Sugar Candy

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July 1996. It was the season when the humid heat of a Saga summer made the gymnasium floor damp and sticky.

With the Chutairen (Junior High School Athletic Tournament) just around the corner, the Hekisho Academy basketball team was wrapped in an unusual fervor.

During the brief time for independent practice after the full team practice had ended, there was a scene of Rikka and Kazuyori practicing individually—clumsy, yet somehow warm.

“Rikka-senpai, I’m going to check your shooting form. ...Excuse me, I’m stepping in.”

Ever since that incident, Kazuyori’s voice had taken on a tone that was surprisingly cautious, yet far warmer than before.

He always guarded “Rikka’s personal space” as if measuring it with a ruler, putting every action into words so she wouldn’t be startled.

“...Yeah, go ahead. What should I fix?”

When Rikka set up for her shot, Kazuyori stood not directly in front of her, but intentionally a little to the side and behind. It was his own way of ensuring he didn’t make her feel pressured.

“Your right elbow is open just a few millimeters too far. ...May I press your elbow inward just a little with my fingertips now?”

“...Yeah. It’s okay, go ahead.”

Kazuyori offered a small “Excuse me” and gently pressed Rikka’s elbow with his thin, supple fingertips. His touch was of the utmost gentleness, as if he were handling fragile glasswork.

Once practice settled down, the two took a break at the edge of the gym.

As Rikka caught her breath and wiped the sweat from her neck, Kazuyori brought a large plastic bottle of chilled sports drink and paper cups from the club room refrigerator.

“Here you go, Rikka-senpai. Let’s have some together.”

“Thanks, Kazuyori. ...You’re as prepared as ever.”

When Rikka smiled, Kazuyori sat down next to her, leaving a little distance, and began pouring the drink into the paper cups. He handed the first one he poured to Rikka gently.

“Senpai, your enthusiasm for the upcoming Chutairen... according to your horoscope, this month is a time of ‘challenge’ for your sign, Leo. I’m sure it will go well.”

“Haha. Kazuyori, haven’t you been getting a bit too into horoscopes lately? ...But thank you. When you say that, I really feel like it’ll be okay.”

Rikka gazed at her underclassman, who was trying so hard to create a sense of “safety” right beside her.

His overly polite way of speaking, his excessive sense of distance—Rikka was beginning to understand, not through logic but with her heart, that all of it was his “love” for her.


“...Oh, Rikka-senpai. There’s a piece of towel lint on your cheek.”

The moment Kazuyori said that, instead of reflexively tensing up, Rikka narrowed her eyes slightly and leaned her face toward him on her own.

“Huh, where? Can you get it for me?”

Kazuyori’s heart gave a great thud.

She had leaned in toward him on her own. That trust was a reward more valuable to Kazuyori than anything else.

“...Y-yes. Excuse me...”

With trembling fingertips, Kazuyori brushed away the lint at a distance where he was barely touching Rikka’s white cheek.

The two stared at each other at close range.

The “fear” of the past was no longer there; instead, an atmosphere like a summer twilight, bittersweet and a little poignant, dominated the space between them.

“...I got it. ...Senpai, you’re very beautiful.”

“...Geez. Kazuyori, don’t just say embarrassing things so casually.”

When Rikka turned her face away, blushing, Kazuyori also stood up with his face bright red, saying, “Oh, I’m sorry! My true feelings slipped out!”

Jin watched the scene from the shadows of the club room, looking as if he were exasperated, yet somehow relieved, thinking, “...What are those two doing?”

“Rikka-senpai! I’ll be cheering for you the loudest at the Chutairen! You just look forward and take your shots!”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you. ...If you’re watching, Kazuyori, I’m sure I won’t be afraid.”

The distance between the two was frustrating and careful, like taking one step forward and half a step back.

Facing the grand stage of the Chutairen, they were trying to turn even their “past wounds” into a “strength” they could share together.

Outside the gymnasium, the intense chorus of cicadas poured down as if to bless their immature and straightforward youth.

【This time's bonus】

Nose: “Ohhh, finally I can do the bonus without any worries~”

Inagi: “Kazuyori, good luck~”

Nose: “Oh, we decided to remake the icons this time, so...”

Nose: “A version with just the two girls being cute~”

Inagi: “Cute...! ”

Nose: “And one with all seven of them standing and holding hands~”

Inagi: “Kagome Kagome?”

Nose: “And one where they’re all sleeping while holding hands~”

Inagi: “No, they’re just closing their eyes, right? You can’t sleep like that.”

Nose: “Since we went to the trouble of making them, it seems we’ll be using them in rotation.”

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