She shared the news one night as we leaned against the old playground slide where we used to play.
“Thanks for supporting me, Reiji. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.”
“Don’t be. If they didn’t see Misora’s worth, then those judges were just blind.”
Misora was stunning and talented, but more than that, she was a girl who could bring me peace simply by being by my side. It was unbelievable anyone could turn her down.
“No, actually… I did pass at first, but I turned them down.”
“What?”
Even in the dim light of the streetlamp, I could see her face flush red. She looked away for a moment before taking a deep breath, then met my gaze with a look of resolve.
“They said I wouldn’t be allowed to date if I became an idol. They told me I wouldn’t be able to hug you or let you pat my head anymore. So, Reiji… I’d rather be next to you than be an idol.”
With that, Misora hugged me. Wait—did she really mean it that way? I mean, sure, we’ve been renewing our marriage contract, but we’re supposed to be best friends! I always thought Misora was an amazing girl, one who could definitely become an idol, but that was… just my feeling as her friend… wasn’t it?
Ah, I get it now. Somewhere along the way… I’d really fallen for Misora as a girl…
I wondered if Misora would pick up on my hint. I hugged her back tightly, staying close, and decided to express my honest feelings during this once-a-year moment.
“I love that Misora chose me over being an idol. What I’d like to change… is our ‘best friends’ status.”
Misora, still clinging to me, nodded with a soft smile and replied:
“I love that Reiji still likes me even though I’m the dumb girl who turned down the offer. What I’d like to change… is your cluelessness. Though, I guess that goes for both of us.”
We laughed awkwardly, promising to work on it together—to work on not being so oblivious and to redefine what “best friends” means.
“I hadn’t realized until now, but it makes perfect sense. I’ve loved Misora as a girl all along.”
“I always thought of us as best friends, too, but during the audition, I realized… I’m in love with you, Reiji!”
That night in the park, our usual contract was renewed, but this time, it was more than just words. For once, it was sealed with a kiss. We stayed that way for a while until we broke apart, breathless.
“Our goal for next year is for me to treat Misora as my real girlfriend.”
“I’ll make that my goal too. I want to be your real girlfriend, Reiji.”
“‘Let’s get married when we’re grown up’—Annual Contract Renewal, Ninth Edition.”
This renewal felt heavier, but it was the kind of weight that brought happiness.
After that, our time together as an official couple was so much fun. We’d always enjoyed being together as friends, but as a couple, it was exhilarating.
There were new goals: hold hands on the way to school, call each other’s names while patting each other’s heads, go to the beach. Thank you for always being by my side. I was thrilled to be in the same high school with you. When you protected me at the beach, my heart raced.
"Annual Contract Renewal, Tenth Edition."
"Annual Contract Renewal, Eleventh Edition."
Our goals, the things that made us happy, and our hopes for the next year—they were all filled with joy. In April of our third year of high school, we were planning to attend the same college, to keep being together… but the twelfth renewal marked a turning point.
Eventually, even our happy relationship as a couple was approaching its end. I was in Misora’s room, looking around at her neatly arranged things, including the stuffed animals and trinkets I’d given her. Though it was her room, seeing pieces of myself there made me happy.
“‘Let’s get married when we’re grown up’—this is the twelfth renewal, but… how about we change the contract this year?”
With that, she pulled out a piece of paper.
Misora held the paper up for me to see, using it to hide her face shyly, her eyes peeking over it as she spoke.
“We’re still young, haven’t started our careers yet, but if we’re going to be together forever, does timing really matter? Starting sooner is fine too, right?”
“I’m a bit surprised, but I’m so happy. Let’s submit it together when we both turn eighteen.”
We’ll talk to our parents, overcome whatever challenges might come up, and make it happen together.
Since this was the last renewal, we decided to make a small change in the wording.
“‘Let’s get married when we turn eighteen’—Annual Contract Renewal, Twelfth Edition.”
With a shared smile, we made a new promise, a real goal for the future.
“‘Let’s become a happy family’—Annual Contract Renewal, First Edition.”
[The End]
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