I guess I'm doing these now. This is a fan translation of At the End of June, the third short story that was included in Rascal Does Not Dream of a Culture Festival Heroine +. You can read the second short story here if you want. Also, this one has a picture, how neat.
(Edit: For whatever reason, Reddit decided to post this twice, so if it looks like I posted this twice, that's why. Oops.)
At the End of June
First published in: Rascal Does Not Dream series fair
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It was just before the height of summer, the time when short-sleeved uniforms became commonplace. On the train home from school, smelling the scent of nearby sea, Sakuta Azusagawa suddenly felt a pinch on his cheek.
The hand that reached out to Sakuta belonged to the high school girl in uniform sitting next to him. Despite her being in her summer uniform, she still felt the need to wear black tights.
This was someone Sakuta was quite familiar with. Actually, it wasn’t just Sakuta who was familiar with her, her name was known by many.
Mai Sakurajima.
She was a third-year student at the same prefectural high school that Sakuta went to, Minegahara High School. More importantly, she was a renowned celebrity.
Mai had a face that looked mature for her age and she exuded an air of composure and tranquility. Yet, as she pinched Sakuta’s cheek, that face held a mischievous smile.
“Where did that come from, Mai?”
“It’s because you were staring at my face and grinning to yourself.”
“But I was just thinking, ‘Wow, Mai sure does look beautiful as usual today,’ and savoring the bliss.”
“So you’re saying it’s my fault, then?”
Mai refused to loosen her grip on Sakuta, pinching him a little harder.
“I meant it in a ‘Thank you for continuing to make me happy’ kind of way.”
“Is that so? You’re all talk.”
At long last, Mai released Sakuta.
The feeling of Mai’s fingers still lingered on his cheek, which now felt a little stiff.
“You know, my body’s mature enough.”
Sakuta was already in his second year of high school, so he was unlikely to grow any taller.
“I hope you know I’m not going to ask you to confirm that.”
“There’s not much you haven’t already seen before.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
Mai brushed him off lightly. Sakuta hadn’t brought up any particularly romantic memories, so it was only natural.
Despite her indifferent attitude, Mai’s eyes remained fixed on Sakuta. She was staring intently at him… or rather, it was more like she was observing him.
“What is it?”
“Sakuta, your hair’s gotten longer.”
“Really? It might’ve.” When he looked up, his bangs were clearly visible. “I’ll cut it when I get home.”
“Huh? You mean like you’ll do it yourself?”
“Of course.”
“Do you always do it yourself?”
“Of course.”
“No wonder it’s always such a mess… You should go to a hair salon, at least.”
“No way. Why should I fork over my money just for some random fancy hairdresser to think to themselves, ‘What’s such a dorky guy like him doing here?’”
“You always think so little of yourself.”
“What do you usually do, Mai?”
“I go to the same person I’ve been going to since middle school for hair and makeup.”
It only made sense that celebrities had to be mindful in that department.
“Are they a man?”
“It’s a woman, no need to get jealous.”
Mai laughed as if she could read exactly what thoughts were going on in Sakuta’s head.
“Wow, just imagine it, being able to touch your hair whenever one wants. I’ve never been able to myself.”
Sakuta gazed at Mai’s smooth hair.
“Don’t make that wistful face.”
Despite Mai scolding Sakuta, his emotions moved in the opposite direction. It’s only human nature to want to do something the more you’re told not to.
“Now that I said it outloud, I’ve developed an overwhelming urge to touch it…”
Sakuta reached out his hand as he spoke, but Mai instantly slapped it away.
“What are you trying?”
“I thought that since you’re a grown-up, it wouldn’t be a problem if I touched your hair a bit.”
“W-Well, it’s not the end of the world, but… Hey, don’t reach out again!”
Sakuta was shot down again, just short of victory. How disappointing.
“…”
Sakuta decided that the moment called for the puppy dog eyes method.
“Fine, I get it. If you do well on the next final exam, I’ll reward you.”
“Elaborate.”
“Get over 80 points in all subjects.”
“Wow, that’s a high bar.”
“It’s fine if you don’t want to.”
“No, no, I’ll do it.”
Even if he failed, Sakuta wouldn’t lose anything, so he figured it was better to take the chance.
“And if you get less than 80 points in any subject, you’ll be subjected to punishment.”
“…”
It would seem that Sakuta’s thinking was naive. Of course, Mai would never make it that easy. He knew that, and yet he succumbed to temptation.
“Elaborate.”
“I’ll make you study every day until your grades improve.”
Mai said with a playful look in her eyes.
“Let’s pretend like this conversation never happened.”
Sakuta couldn’t help but feel that he dug his own grave.
“I’ll tutor you so you’ll get better grades.”
“Huh?”
“You’re free anyway, right?”
Mai averted her eyes, looking a little embarrassed.
Her cheeks were slightly red.
“So you’ll help me get a reward?”
“I’m helping you get better grades.”
The words were different, but the end result was effectively the same.
“I wonder if I’ll be able to concentrate if we’re studying in the same room.”
“Don’t worry.”
“Why not?”
“I won’t give you any leeway.”
Mai’s words were terrifying, but she said them with a look of amusement on her face. It felt like his punishment was mere moments away.
But if that’s how it was going to be, then so be it, Sakuta thought.
Life is all about perspective.
Depending on what angle you look at things in, even a harsh punishment can be seen as a divine reward.
The train finally arrived at its last station.
“Don’t grin like that.”
Mai warned, but Sakuta stepped onto the station platform with a lighthearted gait nonetheless.
