Head Over Heels From The Scarf I Lent Her Chapter 9

It was a short walk from the Italian place to the theaters, which seem busier than usual.
Maybe it’s because Men Over Flours is such a hit.
According to the schedule, there’s exactly 10 minutes left until the theater doors open.

“It looks like we’re right on time.”
“Oh, good. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s my first time coming to a cinema as well.”
“You’ve been missing out. The atmosphere here is totally different compared to home. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”
“I never knew…”

Seeing her eyes light up made Tooru feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

He much prefers her bright smile over her gloomy expression.

After getting their tickets from the box office, they headed inside.
You can really tell how popular Men Over Flours is just by the herd of people at the vending machines.

The two of them were also squished together because of the people. Being so close to Satsku and catching her scent made Tooru’s heart race.

Fortunately, Tooru literally stands out due to his height, so they probably wouldn’t lose each other in the crowd. But if they do, it feels like they’ll be separated forever. So, he gently places his hand on her shoulder, causing her to blush bright red.

“Umm…”
“Sorry. Bear with me for a moment, alright? I don’t want to lose you in this crowd.”
“… alright.”

Satsuki looks relieved to hear so. He was afraid she’d hate him for it, but he’s glad that wasn’t the case. In fact, it seems like it even calmed her down.
And with his hand on her shoulder, they arrived in front of the vending machines selling fountain drinks and popcorn in various sizes.

“What is this?”
“Well, you’ve just gotta get popcorn and drinks when you come to the theaters, right? Since we just ate, why don’t we get a small?”
“I’ll let you pick… sorry.”
“Oh, that’s right, it’s your first time. Let’s go with the small then.”

Tooru sticks enough money into the machine to buy a cola for himself and a tea for Satsuki.
Then, they wait for the movie to start with their snacks and drinks in hand.

“I’m pumped for the movie.”
“Same for me. And a romance film at that too. Though it’s slightly embarra.s.sing for some reason.”
“Hahaha. I know what you mean. But I get to watch it with you, so I’m sure it’ll be great.”

She looks up at Tooru then smiles and says, “Me too,” in a voice so faint, it’s almost unnoticeable.
A chime rings, signalling that it’s time to head in.

“Shall we?”
“Let’s!”

The tickets were for fairly decent seats—a center row and right in the middle of the screen.
After they sit down together, Tooru sticks his drink in his cupholder, holding his popcorn in his lap.
Watching and learning, Satsuki does the same and digs into her popcorn.
Just as the rest of the audience fill the house, another chime plays signalling the start of the film.

It’s a pretty typical chick flick. A cute girl dresses as a guy, gets into an all-boys school, and falls in love with a cla.s.smate. And even though it’s technically a reverse harem, the heroine gets together with a guy after some ups and downs.

Tooru guessed that much from simply seeing the poster.

But, as the movie reached its climax, he glances over at Satsuki…

Tears. Like the ones he’s seen before. She holds a handkerchief to her cheeks as she silently weeps.
Tooru fixed his gaze on her—a scene more fleeting the ones on the big screen.

What if he ever made her cry?
No matter what, it’d hurt him too. To hurt a girl who adores him so much would be absolutely shameful.

Tooru promises himself to never make her cry like this. And then, he looks back at the screen.

The final scene of the film shows two people kissing.

“That was such a great movie.”
“Yeah, it was good.”

Satsuki, still sobbing uncontrollably, sits down on a bench and Tooru takes the seat beside her.
She wets her handkerchief and applies it to her red, puffy eyes. Her tears keep rolling, spilling down onto her skirt.

“I never knew romance films could be so wonderful.”
“You like it that much?”
“I do. Two people in love and getting together—it’s like fantasy, but yet possible. It’s like a dream.”

You’re the one like a dream, he almost said. But, not only shouldn’t he b.u.t.t into her feelings, saying that would be the same as confessing to her.

She continues to weave her words.

“Sometimes, I wish I were the heroine in a tale like that. It’d be so… never mind. Sorry for saying something so weird.”
“Naw, it’s not weird. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to be a character from a manga.”
“You too?”
“Yeah.”

His gentle, calming tone gives her rea.s.surance.

“Thank goodness. I thought I would sound like a total weirdo. We’re like two peas in a pod then.”
“That we are.”

They chuckled together. It seems like Satsuki has finally stopped crying too.

“I’m all good now. Thank you.”
“Hmm, let’s sit for a little longer; your eyes are still quite red.”

Satsuki dabs the wet handkerchief at her eyes again. She looks more relaxed now, as if the cool water is very soothing.

“Say…”
“Hmm?”
“Are you this nice to your cla.s.smates as well?”

What a surprise question.

He wasn’t planning to treat the girls in his cla.s.s especially nice or mean. It’s not like he can get a decent girlfriend with Satsuki around either.

Not to mention, Tooru didn’t understand her motives behind the question. How should he answer? What answer is she looking for? Frankly, the question is making him feel a little awkward.

“I… don’t know. Well, I’m not mean to them, but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly nice either…”
“Is that so? I imagined that you’re always so kind. Your cla.s.smates sure are lucky…”

So exaggerated, Tooru thought.

“How about your cla.s.s? Have you made any friends?”

He’s wondered about this before too. It’s been a week since school has started for her, so she’s bound to have made a friend or two, right? so thought Tooru in this moment.
Satsuki made a long face in response. It was too late by the time Tooru realized he stepped on a landmine.

“My father and sister are very strict about the people I meet. The boys come talk to me once in a while, but I’m not particularly interested.”

He had totally forgotten about Amane.
But, knowing how Amane is, it wasn’t very surprising for Tooru to hear. You could say even say that Amane is indirectly attacking her sister again.
As for the boys talking to her, they definitely have ulterior motives. There wasn’t much Tooru could do.

“… hey, Satsuki?”

Satsuki looked up, fl.u.s.tered by Tooru suddenly calling her by her first name.

“Umm, yes?”
“Satsuki, may I be your friend?”
“Huh? But…”
“Feel free to say no. It’s just that… not having a single friend would be too lonely.”

She grips her handkerchief with all her might.
This is all Tooru can do for her. Please, just laugh.
Satsuki eases up a bit, then speaks up.

“… with pleasure.”

Another stream of tears rolled down her cheek. But this time, it’s different—these are tears of joy. The proof is in her smile.
Tooru feels like he’s finally given something back to her, even if it really is trivial. Just as long as it makes her happy.
There’s no way to completely take her mind off of Amane. But to think that someone out there is hurting this sweet, brave girl…
It’s unforgivable.

“I won’t be able to come visit your cla.s.s at school or anything… if you’re alright with that.”
“Yes. I wouldn’t want to be a burden to you either.”

Satsuki nods. Tooru nods back in return. He feels as if he had connected with her, even if only a little.

“Let’s go home, shall we? My mouth is watering just thinking about your cooking.”
“Geez, you’re hopeless. I’m going to go all out tonight.”

The girl gets up from her seat with her face free from fraught.

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