Chapter 43: The Angel and Hatsumode (2/2)

“Shouldn’t he think of being more popular?”

“Amane’s the type to be fine with just one. He might find it a hassle to have too many.”

“Oh my.”

Shuuto wanted to coax Shihoko, but her delusions were further fueled.

Well, it was true that Amane would rather have a single person next to him than to be popular amongst many…so Shuuto said, and Amane himself agreed with this sentiment. But would it not seem that Mahiru was that special someone at this point?

He could only turn his cringing face aside, away from Shihoko’s radiant smile.

Why does she have to let her thoughts run wild? He wondered, but he was aware others would view them in the same vein.

At the very least, Mahiru was special to Amane, or so he could admit.

But while that was fact—

He glanced aside at Mahiru, making sure she did not notice him, and sighed.

Well, I can say I like her.

He felt he was fond of her.

But he felt there was a distinction from it being outright love.

“Mom, what you think of doesn’t exist. Enough nonsense and get the car ready.”

“Such an unpleasant kid…well, that’s fine, Shuuto-san, shall we get going?”

“Of course.”

It appeared Amane successfully diverted the topic, for the duo began preparations to move out.

He left the choice of shrine to his parents, and watched their backs depart for the parking lots right outside the apartments.

“…I got all my stuff in my bag, so I don’t have to prepare much. What about you, Mahiru?”

“Eh, they are all in this bag.”

“I see.”

Suddenly, there was the two of them, and he felt a little restless. Filled with such emotions, he checked if the windows were locked, and unplugged the unnecessary appliances.

He switched off the living room lights, and looked towards Mahiru again.

As expected, she was really a beauty, even if he did not look at her too intently. Though he never managed to praise her before his parents, there was no doubt to anyone that Mahiru was a real healing sight as a kimono beauty.

“What is it, Amane-kun?”

“Nn, well, it really does suit you. Like an innocent beauty in kimono. Really cute, really pretty, I think.”

He learned from Shuuto to lavish women with praise when it came to fashion, and he should have done so the moment he saw her, but it was too awkward for him to do so before his parents.

So once he stated his honest thoughts, Mahiru blinked a few times, her face gradually flushed as she pursed her lips.

Amane recalled that Mahiru made the same reaction moments ago, and made a wry smile.

“Ahh, you don’t want to be praised? Sorry.”

“Th-that is not the case, but…Amane-kun, you are rather,”

“Rather?”

“…Nothing.”

She turned her face aside, and though Amane was confused, it appeared she had no intention to talk more, so he just gave up and went to the corridor alongside her.

Having considered that they would be walking, she was not wearing geta, but boots, a Japanese-Western style. Despite that, he could see how cute she was.

Shalan shalan, the hairstick ornament shook as she put on the boots, and then she silently moved towards Amane, who went ahead to hold the door.

They were being closer than they thought. It was rare for Mahiru to take the initiative to approach, and she gently tiptoed.

She wants me to listen? So he wondered as he bent down at the door. Mahiru cupped her hand before her mouth in a ring, and approached his ear.

“Amane-kun.”

“Nn?”

“Erm…Amane-kun, you look dashing too, I guess?”

After the little whisper, Mahiru darted past Amane, and hurried into the elevator hall. Bam, and Amane slammed his forehead into the door.

“…That was sneaky of her.”

That was retaliation, and Amane’s heart was pounding wildly.

Thanks to her, Amane took quite a while to cool his sizzling face down, and was met with his parents’ skeptical looks at the parking lots.