I have a childhood friend.

Her name is Ayaka Rindo, a girl my age who is not only beautiful, athletic, and academically brilliant, but also possesses exceptional communication skills.

As for me, my looks, grades, and athleticism are all average or below, with nothing noteworthy to boast about; I'm just an ordinary person you could find anywhere.

Despite this stark contrast between us, when we started junior high, Ayaka confessed her feelings to me.

I accepted her confession, genuinely wishing at the time that we could be together forever.

But–––