Chapter 13: The Angel and the Cliche Development (2/2)

Once he sealed the damp cloth with the tape he bought, Amane found Mahiru looking down at him.

“You are unexpectedly useful here.”

“Well, I can treat some injuries here and there. Cooking’s impossible though.”

He shrugged in a joking manner, and she too giggled back.

All this while, she had maintained a stiff look. It would be great if she could relax because of this.

Seeing her a little relaxed, Amane was relieved, and took out a pair of jersey pants from his bag.

“Here.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t give me that look. Your legs are exposed, and you can’t wear your tights when there’s a damp cloth. I haven’t worn this. Relax.”

A large bundle of tape was wrapped around her ankle, and it would be difficult for her to wear her tights, let alone unnatural. It was better if she wore his pants to shield against the cold and exposed upskirt.

Once she realized he did not mean anything else, she took his pants obediently.

Mahiru put on the pants, and Amane took back the blazer he had lent her. He removed the parka he was wearing, and handed it over to her.

“Here, wear this.”

“No, why?”

“You want others to see me carrying you?”

He could not let an injured person walk back alone, and he did intend to carry her back.

After all, they were returning to the same place. It would be efficient to carry her back, and beneficial to her injury.

“Ah sorry, you mind carrying my bag? I can’t carry my bag if I carry you.”

“Is there an option to not carry me?”

“You twisted your ankle, so just do as I say. It’s one thing when there’s no one around, but since I’m here, just make use of my good legs.”

“Legs?”

“What? You want me to carry you in my arms? Carry you like a princess?”

“Do you really have the strength to carry me home?”

“Are you underestimating me? … Well, I don’t have confidence about that.”

He was fine with the idea of carrying Mahiru horizontally, but it would be taxing for him to walk her back to the apartment while carrying her. Also, it would garner too much attention, and thus, it would be better not to do so.

He knew Mahiru was making a little joke, and did not get angry just because he was belittled. He chuckled, seeing that she should be fine given how she was in the mood for such a joke.

“Look, once you’re done, put on the hood and the bag. Also, I’ll carry your bag once I lift you up. I can’t do that right now.”

“… Sorry.”

“It’s fine. As a guy, I’m not so despicable as to leave an injured person behind and go home.”

He knelt down, turning his back on her, and she cautiously shifted her body onto him.

Even through the parka and so many garments, Mahiru’s body felt so soft and delicate.

He made sure her hands were latched onto him tightly, but not strangling him, slowly stood up, and lifted her up.

As expected, she was really light.

While she had always nagged at him about this and that, her body was so petite, one would worry if she ate well. Well, it might because she had a petite figure to begin with.

He could smell a faint sweet scent, and was starting to be overwhelmed with anxiety as she continued to latch onto him nervously. He did his best to remain steadfast though as he went home.

The sight of a person carrying someone on their back would attract lots of stares, but luckily for them, Mahiru’s face was hidden and lowered, and Amane did not attract much attention.

“Alright, we’re here.”

He carried her to her entrance, and intended to only go this far as he heartily walked away.

She probably was not that injured since she was able to support herself off the wall and stand upright, her injury probably was not bad. Luckily, the following day would be their day off, so a few days of rest should be sufficient for her to recover and walk properly again.

“You don’t have to worry about my dinner today, so just rest well. How about you live on some supplements too?”

“No need. I do have some leftovers.”

“That’s good. Bye then.”

Luckily for him, he did not have to worry about her dinner. Also, it was great that she could walk on her own.

Amane saw Mahiru go to her door and open it, and he too frisked for his key.

“… Erm.”

“Hm?”

He looked towards her as she spoke to him. She was clinging onto her bag firmly, timidly looking up at him.

Her slightly faltering eyes left him a little skeptical. Her eyes wandered around, looking a little awkward, but it seemed she made up her mind as she stared intently at Amane.

“… Thank you very much for today. You really helped me out.”

“Ahh it’s fine. I just did it because I wanted to. Take care of yourself.”

Amane himself would be troubled to be too concerned about Mahiru, so he merely brushed the matter aside. He saw her lower her head towards him, and unlocked his door.

He then remembered that his parka and pants were still with her, but assumed that she might return them in a few days, so he entered his apartment without looking back.