Part 2

I never would have thought there would be a pitfall trap in a place like this… It’s such an open, flat area, and yet I didn’t notice at all. It must have been made by professionals, like those from a hidden camera prank show.

It’s good that you were able to get out safely… Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?

Mhm, I’m okay. Thanks for lending me a hand.

I’ll fill in the pit later so that no one else falls in.

Your clothes and shoes are all muddy. Why don’t we head back for now?

Mm… I’ll show you the ropes some other time. I’m just glad the souvenir is safe.

Souvenir?

While weeding, I was making a wreath with white clover. I was thinking of decorating the dorm’s door with it. Here it is…

Wow, that’s amazing! What a lovely wreath. How nostalgic… When I was little, I made one with Momiji too.

I made them into bracelets and crowns. Though, I wasn’t as skilled as you, Nagi-kun.

Then…

Shunin, give me your finger.

My finger? Like this?

(He’s holding… a white clover ring?)

The pinky… is too loose, so the finger next to it… Mm, that’s perfect.

As thanks for saving me from the pit… and, to show my usual gratitude.

…No, scratch that. It’s a bit too childish. Instead, I’ll take something more practical out of my wallet now, so please wait a bit…

N-No need! Then it’ll become extortion!

This ring makes me really happy! Thank you so much.

…My pleasure.

I’m back~.

I’m home.

Ah, welcome back!

…This is it, Netaro-san! The iconic scene that would be remembered in JPN romance drama history!

Hoooh-, so the protagonist in this cafe scene is wrapping a straw wrapper around his lover’s ring finger. What’s that supposed to mean, exactly??

He’s pretending it’s just a game, but he’s actually measuring the ring finger. He’s planning to prepare an engagement ring later and surprise his lover with it!

What a roundabout lad~! One could just ask for the size directly, no?

That won’t make for a good drama. This is a common trope in romance dramas.

Humans are peculiar and complicated creatures indeed~! I’m curious to see how this guy’s love story will unfold!

……

………….

……………….

(The ring finger…..)

The pinky… is too loose, so the finger next to it… Mm, that’s perfect.

Ah, wh—whh—wha………….

! Nagi?

(In other words, I’ve become the kind of guy in romance dramas who, under the pretext of thanking someone for saving me, secretly measures their ring finger size…)

(If I try to explain now… No, that might just make things worse... Shunin doesn’t think of it that way. Probably. Surely. But—)

You’re hiding under the futon, what’s the matter?

I-I’m…okay.

(What… have I done. I want to crawl into a hole—)