A Refined Profile
On Saturday morning, Subaru sat at the dining table, silently nibbling on bread as usual. His mother, Mio, cheerfully spoke to him.
“Subaru, you’ve got plans for today, right?”
“…Yeah.”
Though Subaru answered curtly, the thought of his promise with Chiharu came to mind. Looking slightly uncomfortable, he opened his mouth.
“…Hey, Mom, since I’m going out to get a haircut today. Can I have some money?”
Mio’s eyes widened briefly, “Hm?” before smiling knowingly and pulling out her wallet.
“Here, this is your pay from yesterday. Use it for the salon, okay?”
Mio placed a few thousand-yen bills on the table. Subaru frowned slightly as he picked them up.
“Why do I have to go to a salon…? Isn’t it the same wherever I cut my hair?”
Grumbling, Subaru was quickly met with Mio’s sharp retort.
“Get rid of that messy fringe already. It’s unsanitary.”
“…Did you have to put it like that?”
Though annoyed, Subaru said nothing more, knowing his overgrown bangs were indeed bothersome.
As Mio enjoyed her coffee with a radiant smile, Subaru muttered quietly, “…Ugh, she really doesn’t hold back in the mornings.” Then he resumed eating his breakfast…
By early Saturday afternoon, Subaru was walking toward the meeting spot near the station, looking a little weary. The station area was bustling with weekend crowds, and the lively atmosphere made him feel slightly out of place.
“…It’s as crowded as I thought.”
Mumbling, he glanced around, when a particularly bright voice reached his ears from a distance.
“Subaru-kun! Over here!”
Chiharu stood there, waving energetically. She wore a bright yellow dress and white sneakers—a casual yet stylish look. The light breeze made her dress sway gently, and the tote bag on her shoulder added to her effortlessly cool style.
“Subaru-kun, you’re late! Come on, let’s head to the salon!”
“I’m right on time, though.”
Checking his watch, Subaru gave her a slightly exasperated look, but Chiharu paid no attention, happily reaching to tug on his arm.
“Today’s the day we make you look really cool!”
“…Why me?”
Despite his complaints, Subaru stood still as if resigned to his fate. After a moment of watching Chiharu, he let out a small sigh.
“Well… I might as well use this as a chance to change.”
His words carried a quiet determination, almost as if directed at himself. Subaru’s aversion to salons and indifference to his appearance stemmed from his fear of how others saw him. But if Chiharu’s persistence could help him break free from that… maybe he could take a step forward.
Passing through the station, Chiharu and Subaru walked toward the salon. Chiharu wore a calm smile as she strolled beside him. Her soft demeanor, as always, had a strangely soothing effect on Subaru.
“Subaru-kun, your hair’s gotten really long. Let’s get it cleaned up today.”
Though Chiharu’s words were gentle, they carried a hint of determination. Subaru furrowed his brow and sighed.
“…It’s fine, isn’t it? Even if it’s long.”
“It’s not fine. If you get it properly cut, Subaru-kun, I’m sure you’ll look amazing.”
Chiharu’s soft voice carried no malice. As she naturally looked up at him, Subaru averted his gaze before speaking.
“…I just don’t feel comfortable in salons. I never know what to say, and I’m not interested in trendy hairstyles.”
“Haha, that’s so like you, Subaru-kun.”
Chiharu chuckled lightly, adjusting her pace to match his as she peered into his face.
“But, you know, just getting it neatly styled might change your mood a little.”
“…Change, huh.”
Subaru muttered under his breath, still looking displeased. Yet Chiharu’s words struck a chord, stirring a faint unease in his heart.
“I know you don’t like salons, but it’s okay. I’ll be right there with you.”
Chiharu’s voice was calm and reassuring. Her words didn’t forcefully pull him along but simply stayed close by his side, leaving Subaru without the will to argue.
“…It’s not like I’m scared or anything.”
“I know.”
Chiharu smiled warmly, slowing her pace slightly.
“But I think if you get your hair properly cut, it’ll give you more confidence. And I’d love to see that version of you, Subaru-kun.”
“…I won’t change that much.”
“That’s not true.”
Chiharu added her words with a gentle smile. Her expression held no pushiness, only warmth, as if she genuinely believed in Subaru.
“If you get your look together, I’m sure you’ll turn out amazing, Subaru-kun.”
Caught off guard by her words, Subaru turned away and mumbled softly.
“…Well, since I’m already here, I guess I’ll trust you.”
Hearing those words, Chiharu smiled as if relieved.
“That’s the spirit, Subaru-kun.”
Time passed leisurely as Chiharu’s gentle words and smile slowly brought small changes to Subaru’s heart. Her quiet kindness made him feel a bit more positive without even realizing it.
“…Seriously, I’ve got no choice.”
Mumbling, Subaru took another step toward the salon, carrying a small sense of anticipation…
When the stylish exterior of the salon came into view, Subaru stopped in his tracks. The large glass windows revealed a bright, welcoming interior, with light music playing inside.
“…Are we really going in here?”
Subaru instinctively took a step back, but Chiharu gently pushed him forward with a calm smile.
“It’s fine. This place is great, and everyone here is really nice.”
Encouraged by Chiharu’s reassuring voice, Subaru reluctantly opened the door. As they entered, a cheerful hairstylist peeked out from behind the reception counter, flashing a bright smile.
“Welcome! Chiharu-chan, it’s been a while!”
The hairstylist, who seemed to be Chiharu’s regular, was a friendly-looking man with a warm demeanor.
“Ah, so today’s appointment is for Subaru-kun, right? First time? Don’t worry—you’ll be fine!”
Taken aback by the stylist’s easygoing smile, Subaru gave a small nod, clearly unsure of how to respond.
“…Yeah, something like that.”
Chiharu stepped forward and added casually to the hairstylist.
“He’s not used to salons, so just give him something that suits him.”
Smiling, the hairstylist gave a thumbs-up.
“Leave it to me! I’ll clean him up and make him look great—no worries.”
Although still a bit tense, Subaru felt some of his nerves ease thanks to Chiharu’s soft smile and the stylist’s cheerful attitude.
Sitting in the styling chair, Subaru stared at his reflection in the mirror. Once the cape was draped around him, he felt strangely out of place and sat stiffly.
“…This feels really weird.”
“Haha, you’ll get used to it soon.”
From the waiting area, Chiharu smiled kindly at him. Meanwhile, the hairstylist picked up a pair of scissors and began speaking casually.
“Your hair texture is really nice. Soft and easy to style.”
“Oh… is that so?”
Though slightly flustered, Subaru gradually became more comfortable with the conversation. The stylist’s light jokes and small talk helped ease his nerves.
“Since we’re here, I’ll give it a finish with some movement—something refreshing. Let’s make it feel like a new you from now on.”
“…Sure, I’ll leave it to you.”
In the mirror, Subaru could see Chiharu smiling as if she were just as excited about the process as he was.
“Looking good, looking good! You’re definitely going to turn out amazing.”
“…You’re exaggerating.”
Despite his words, the corners of Subaru’s lips lifted slightly. As the sound of scissors filled the room, his hair gradually took on a more polished and lighter appearance.
“How’s this?”
With a final touch of wax to style the hair, the reflection in the mirror revealed a refreshed, well-groomed Subaru. His previously heavy hairstyle was replaced with a breezier look that accentuated his features.
“…It’s not as bad as I thought.”
Subaru muttered softly, and Chiharu clapped her hands in delight.
“Wow, you’re like a different person! See? A little care makes such a big difference!”
Flustered by Chiharu’s innocent enthusiasm, Subaru looked away.
“You’re overdoing it…”
Even so, he stole another glance at his reflection, feeling a quiet sense of pride. It was just a haircut, but somehow, it gave him a bit more confidence.
Watching Subaru, Chiharu gave him a gentle smile.
“See? Cutting your hair can change your mood a little, right?”
“…Maybe… yeah.”
Subaru responded quietly, though inwardly, he found himself agreeing with her…
As they left the salon, Chiharu’s cheerful voice broke the silence.
“Hey, how about we go shopping for clothes next? Now that your hair is done, let’s pick out some new outfits!”
“Huh? Clothes? I don’t really need—”
Subaru openly showed his refusal, but Chiharu, with a gentle smile, waved it off and took his hand.
“Come on, just a little. I’ll help you find something that suits you.”
Her kind persuasion left Subaru with no choice but to reluctantly follow her to the shopping mall.
Once inside, Chiharu immediately began scanning the racks, quickly picking out clothes.
“What about this? I think it’ll look great on you!”
She held up a simple white shirt and slim-fit pants. Subaru frowned as he took them from her.
“This kind of thing doesn’t suit me…”
“Of course it does. Now that your hair’s sorted, give it a try!”
Chiharu’s encouraging smile spurred Subaru to head to the fitting room.
When the curtain opened, Chiharu clapped her hands enthusiastically.
“See? I knew it! You look amazing!”
Subaru glanced at himself in the mirror, visibly surprised.
“…It’s not bad, actually.”
The simple shirt transformed his look, complementing his fresh hairstyle and giving him a polished, refined appearance. Chiharu beamed with satisfaction.
“See? My taste isn’t wrong, is it?”
“…Well, it’s not terrible.”
Subaru mumbled, averting his gaze to hide his embarrassment, though a hint of happiness slipped into his voice…
After finishing their shopping, the two stopped at a café for a break. Chiharu laughed cheerfully, sipping her drink through a straw.
“You know, shopping together like this feels a bit like a date, doesn’t it?”
Subaru blushed at her words and turned his face away.
“…Not really.”
“Haha, you’re blushing.”
Chiharu’s soft smile left Subaru momentarily speechless. He sipped his coffee to cover his awkwardness.
“…It’s not so bad, I guess.”
Hearing his quiet remark, Chiharu smiled even brighter…
By evening, as they stepped outside, the setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them.
“Today turned out great, didn’t it, Subaru-kun?”
Chiharu spoke contentedly, while Subaru shrugged lightly, a faintly satisfied look on his face.
“Yeah… I’m beat.”
Despite his words, there was a spring in Subaru’s step.
Glancing at a shop window, Subaru saw his reflection—hair trimmed, dressed sharply, and looking far more polished than before. He paused briefly to take in the image.
“…I guess I’ve changed a little.”
Staring at his reflection, Subaru’s lips curled into a small smile. Chiharu pretended not to notice and spoke gently.
“What should we work on next?”
“…Enough already.”
Laughing, the two began walking again. Their retreating figures seemed to embody the beginning of a new chapter.