Even at school, I could barely speak up.
“How come I don’t have a Doraemon (ドラえもん)?”
I can’t tell you how many times I thought that.
I was a slow runner, too, and I couldn’t help envying the Dekisugi-kuns in my class—the kids who seemed to be good at everything.
“Ugh…”
That was my catchphrase.
Looking back, I feel a little embarrassed by that version of myself.
If I had to put that feeling into one word, it would be miserable.
I felt like I was at the very bottom of my class.
And I think I’ve carried that feeling with me for a very, very long time.
It had been quietly controlling me.
I only realized it after I grew up.
I’ve felt this way for as long as I can remember.
“Wait, seriously?!”
Even now?
It was scary to become aware of my own feelings.
And yet, it also made me happy.
I finally noticed myself.
After crying so much, it felt as though a rainbow had appeared.
Maybe I can just stay Nobita.
Be kind. Be empathetic. Take things one step at a time, even when I’m scared.
And what about this?
“Why don’t I feel drawn to shōjo manga?”
Maybe that’s okay, too.
Nobita, who can understand people’s feelings.
Nobita, who is scared easily, but still has a strong sense of justice.
When your heart finally begins to thaw, can it really feel this good?
Come to think of it, Nobita once caught a cold after playing with a snow spirit, and the spirit came to his rescue. I’m glad it did!
I think I like fashion a little more than Nobita does, though. ♡
So I’ll keep moving forward, one little step at a time, even when I’m scared—
and I’ll do it in style. ♡
