Report 18

Plot
Attempting to console Chizuru, Arata says she can learn to make friends gradually: however, she responds that she does not believe that anymore, and that the current year is her last chance. As it is the third and final year of high school, Arata believes he understands her: when he was a kid he too used to think that his life goals would just fall into place little by little, but ended up losing his faith in his ability to make adult life work for himself.

A quiet melancholy sets over the conversation. Realizing it is getting late, Arata says they should go home, however Chizuru abruptly asks him for his phone. He does not understand what she means and asks her to elaborate; she awkwardly repeats that she meant to ask if she could have his phone number and that she would like them to become friends, but frustratedly adds that Arata must really be an idiot for not getting it. Trying to compliment her for saying it well this time he pats her on the head, however she is startled and slaps his hand away.

As she takes out her phone, Arata panickedly clasps his hands over hers to hide it, mistakenly thinking based on memories of his school years that it would be confiscated if a teacher sees it. Chizuru finds his distress amusing, and giggling she tells Arata that she also finds him an interesting person. This makes him realize that she is simply a very honest girl and that she can smile perfectly well when she does not try to force it. Ryō has been observing the scene behind the corner, smiling to himself as Chizuru and Arata exchange numbers.

Trivia

 * The events in this chapter took place on April 8th, 2013.