Chapter 9: Letting Go of Oneself

With Nangoda Shogo’s departure, the atmosphere among the old classmates returned to harmony.

They didn’t linger at the store entrance but walked inside together.

The shop was called Linye, specializing mainly in sukiyaki.

Sukiyaki, essentially a beef hot pot, caters to most tastes.

Though it wasn’t quite mealtime at five p.m., the restaurant was lively, with many customers already seated.

Thanks to their reservation, they were led by a staff member to a private room.

“Tsuki-chan, why are you wearing a mask today? You never used to,” asked Miyagi Wakaba, the liveliest personality in the group and the usual initiator of conversation, showing genuine concern.

“Because I don’t want my students to recognize me on the weekend. If they see me with Ryoichi-kun on the street, it would definitely become the talk of the school,” Tsukikage Tsuki replied. She had thought up this excuse the night before, inspired by Sugawara Ryoichi’s masked profile picture—it struck her as a handy trick.

Though she wore a mask, familiar faces could still recognize her at a glance.

But with a mask and hat disguise, unless someone was face-to-face and close, no casual acquaintance would know it was her.

“Really? I thought it was a couple’s matching look...” Asai Mai expressed surprise upon hearing the reason.

“Wearing masks as couple’s outfits? That’s so strange,” Tsuki said dryly, finding Mai’s comment silly but amusing.

If wearing masks counted as couple’s outfits, then the whole city would be filled with them.

“It’s mainly because you two look so good in masks together; the couple vibe is super strong!” Mai insisted, undeterred by Tsuki’s teasing.

“Is that so...” Tsuki blushed slightly, nervously brushing back her hair and casting a sidelong glance at Sugawara Ryoichi.

Couple vibe so strong... She hadn’t expected others to see them as such a perfect match.

Their conversation led them to a sliding door with a small wooden step. The female staff removed her shoes, stepped up, and gently slid the door open.

“Wow, it’s beautiful—just like the photos online,” Nangoda Risa exclaimed, delighted by the private room’s decor.

Hearing her praise, the usually silent Sugawara Ryoichi also took a moment to examine the room.

The room was atmospherically styled in traditional Japanese fashion, with a large table in the center surrounded on three sides by bench seating connected to the walls, not the usual kneeling cushions. It felt comfortable.

Though he had learned to sit seiza-style out of respect, he preferred sitting directly on the seats when he could.

“Please wait a moment; we will serve your meals shortly,” the staff said politely before leaving and sliding the door closed.

---

“Before the food arrives...” Nangoda Risa broke the silence once the outsiders had left, looking toward Wakaba and Mai.

“Yeah,” the other two nodded in response.

“What is it?” Tsuki, sensing a secret plot, grew curious.

“Three,”

“Two,”

“One.”

“Tsuki-chan, congratulations on finding a boyfriend!” The three exclaimed in unison, eyes fixed on Tsuki and Sugawara Ryoichi sitting together.

“*Clap, clap, clap!*” Their enthusiastic applause filled the private room, creating a lively atmosphere.

“Don’t do that! There are other customers here—it’s too embarrassing...” Tsuki, caught off guard by their little act, hurriedly tried to stop them.

Sugawara Ryoichi, one of the main parties involved, wasn’t embarrassed at all. Instead, a faint smile tugged at his lips, finding the scene amusing.

Friends from high school were far more precious than those made in university.

Because friends made in youth often did silly things together, naturally deepening their bonds.

Once in college, as everyone matured, they tended to restrain themselves socially, avoiding foolishness.

“You’re so shameless! You found such a handsome boyfriend but waited so long to bring him to meet us,” Miyagi Wakaba teased, feeling relieved to let off steam at Tsuki’s embarrassed expression.

“If your boyfriend wasn’t impressive, that would be one thing, but he’s a total hunk, and you’ve been hiding him all along—that’s just unfair,” Nangoda Risa added, joining in the playful complaint.

Although she had stayed quiet earlier because her brother was present, seeing Tsuki’s boyfriend had truly stunned her.

Tall, handsome, refined, stylish, polite, a Waseda University alumnus, adorably mismatched height, strong couple chemistry—he had so many qualities she couldn’t even list them all.

Compared to him, her brother was utterly hopeless.

“Exactly, exactly,” Asai Mai chimed in, joining the chorus of teasing.

“Eh...” Tsuki, though prepared for many scenarios, hadn’t expected this round of teasing and found herself at a loss.

---

“It’s not Tsuki’s fault—it's mine,” Sugawara Ryoichi finally spoke, breaking his silence.

Since this was their close-knit girlfriends’ gathering, he usually stayed quiet, not yet familiar enough with most of them. But when his girlfriend was under fire, he had to defend her.

“Yours?” Miyagi Wakaba’s gaze shifted to him, surprised he’d taken the blame.

“I’m in university, and my studies are already heavy during the week. I barely make it to the weekend and just want to go on a private date with Tsuki,” Sugawara explained, nodding under their watchful eyes.

“Well then, if that’s the case, it’s understandable,” Wakaba conceded after a moment’s thought.

He’s handsome and justified; whatever he says goes.

“Eh?” Tsuki was shocked to see Wakaba, normally the one stirring up the mood, let this slide so easily.

“University pressure is definitely heavier than high school. I haven’t been to Waseda, but I can imagine,” Nangoda Risa added, nodding in understanding.

Because of their different ambitions, the four had split up across various universities.

Though at different schools, Japan’s relaxed approach to elementary through high school contrasts sharply with the strict university environment, so she could roughly imagine the pressure at Waseda.

“Just wanted to go on a private date with Tsuki...” Asai Mai, more reserved but intrigued, studied the couple and wore a knowing expression.

With such a beautiful and well-shaped girlfriend like Tsuki, no wonder he didn’t want to attend reunions—he preferred their alone time.

If it were her, she’d undoubtedly prioritize a private date over any party.

“Oh~” Seeing Mai’s suggestive look, the others caught on and teased with playful noises.

Though girls often acted reserved and ladylike around handsome guys, they all knew Tsuki’s boyfriend well and weren’t pretending—what was the point? Were they trying to steal him?

“Don’t be like that...” Tsuki groaned, weary under their meaningful gazes.

Perhaps girls were generally shy and reserved, but when gathered, their boldness grew remarkably.

Here they were, before even starting their meal, already letting themselves go.