Chapter 55-2
After exchanging a brief greeting with Teacher Kitano, Teacher Mizuki divided the bouquet of flowers she had brought into small pieces and distributed them to each child individually...Ryosaku and the second graders also stood in front of Teacher Suzuki's grave.
First, Teacher Kitano and Teacher Mizuki all lit up incense sticks, and then the second graders, who were Teacher Suzuki's last students at K Elementary School, spoke one by one in memory of their nostalgic teacher. They offered incense sticks and prayers.
Finally, it's Ryosaku's turn.
As he stands in front of the grave, a female child calls out to him from behind.
It was Lisa Tanaka, Mieko's best friend.
"Takada-san...I have something to ask of you."
"You asked me to...? What?"
"I want you to hold my left hand. Take it with Ryosaku-san's right hand."
At this time, Ryosaku's nickname changed from "Takada-san" to "Ryosaku-san."
Then, Mayuko Takeda, the leader of the Mieko group, said.
"Ryosaku-san... please understand Lisa's feelings. Lisa... was so envious when she saw Mieko-chan walking home every day holding hands with Ryosaku-san. Please do me a favor as well. Hey, please do that."
"Yeah, I understand. It's OK."
When Ryosaku squeezed Lisa's left hand with his right hand, just like he did with Mieko...Lisa had a dreamy, happy expression on her face, as if she were looking into the distance. Eventually, she came to her senses, crouched down on the spot, and burst into tears.
"Lisa-chan... what happened? Did I... squeeze too hard?"
When Ryosaku spoke with concern, Lisa said,
"Well...... it's nothing. But I..." she said, wiping her tears...
"Ryosaku-san, I'm sorry for asking such a strange request,'' Lisa said, staring at Ryosaku.
"Lisa...you..."
Mayuko also looked worried...and, as if sensing Lisa's intentions, she spoke to Lisa.
"Ryosaku-san, please understand Lisa's feelings. Well...I won't force you to do it. But for now...just for now, please be by Lisa's side. Right...? Okay. right?"
Ryosaku realizes once again that Lisa has always wanted to hold hands with him, just like he and Mieko used to do... and has mixed feelings about it.
(Lisa-chan...did you really love me that much...)
Ryosaku felt helpless.
From Lisa's words in the schoolyard, he had been slightly aware of this matter.
Of course, that made him extremely happy, but at the same time, despite his feelings for even the slightest bit, he felt that Mieko, who was probably suffering in the midst of a difficult situation, was searching for him. Because he felt sorry for Mieko.
Even so, Ryosaku held hands with Lisa, who was still in tears, and together they lit incense in front of Teacher Suzuki's grave.
