Chapter 44: Holding the Angel’s hand (2/2)

Shihoko’s voice was loud and lively, easily distinguishable.

Both of them approached the parents as though prompted, and Shihoko widened her eyes, her hand on her smiling mouth as she stared at them.

“Ara ara.”

“What.”

“You naturally held hands there, didn’t you?”

Upon hearing those words, he realized his mistake in holding hands before Shihoko.

Would this mean Mahiru was a special someone to Amane? Shihoko implied with a smirk, but it was not a joke to Amane.

“…I just don’t want her to get lost there. It’s easy to trip over in a kimono.”

“Of course. It is difficult to move around in kimono, and she needs an escort. I did the same with Shihoko-san.”

Shuuto was understanding, and did not find anything amiss about him holding Mahiru’s holding. Like Amane, he gently held Shihoko’s hand.

It would not be tiring if he could hold the hand as nimbly as his father did, but he could not do so because of his personality, so he was grateful that Mahiru held his hand obediently.

Upon seeing that Shihoko diverted her attention to Shuuto, Amane heaved a sigh of relief, but Mahiru did not release the strength in her hand.

Kyuu, it was controlled, but he understood that she was unwilling to let go, he whispered to her, asking what it was about, but she did not answer, her slender fingers still holding onto Amane’s.

“Mahiru-chan Mahiru-chan, I’m getting some hot drinks. Which do you prefer, Oshiruko or Amazake?”

“I shall have Oshiruko.”

Shihoko interrupted him from asking and letting go, so he could only continue to hold Mahiru’s hand.

“Then what about you?”

“…Amazake for me.”

“Yes yes.”

But he was fine with Mahiru not hating him at least, so he restrained the slight itchiness arising in his heart as he told Shihoko what he wanted, before holding Mahiru’s hand again.

Soon after, Shihoko returned from the shop, and handed them their orders. They could not eat without letting go of their hands, so both decided to let go for the time being and rest.

His parents savored the Amazake together, beaming away.

While they were not alone in their own world, they were getting all touchy-feely. Amane was not in the mood to talk, and drank the Amazake he had just received.

It was drinkable in sips, and nutritious, but what Amane enjoyed was the sweetness and richness of the rice that spread in his mouth, and he could not help but sigh in relief and amazement.

He really could not give up on choosing the Oshiruko, but given that it was the New Year, and considering the mood, he chose the other. Given his personal preference, he was correct.

He glanced aside at Mahiru, and found her looking poised, sipping the Oshiruko from the paper cup.

He saw her enjoy the Oshiruko that much, and was increasingly yearning for it. It was troubling to him.

“Is the Oshiruko nice?”

“It is delicious.”

“I’ll like to have some?”

“Sure. May I have some too?”

“Of course.”

Since they had this chance, they decided to exchange drinks and have a taste. Amane took the cup, and brought the slightly viscous red bean Oshiruko to his lips.

There was the distinct scent of red beans, and he took it to his lips. As expected, there was a sweet, rich scent, a little too sweet for him, for he was not the type to like sweets in the first place.

It appeared Mahiru liked sweets, and this sweetness was perfect for her.

“It is delicious.”

It seemed Mahiru too was fond of the Amazake, her eyes relaxed as she smiled.

“…You two just did that so naturally.”

Shihoko muttered, having watched over them.

“What now?”

“Don’t mind us…it’s a cold day, you’re lucky.”

“Obviously it’s better when the weather’s hot.”

“Might be the case for you two, but for us…huh?”

Shihoko asked Shuuto, who too was watching them. He gave a calm…somewhat wry smile, “Of course.”

Amane’s shoulders shivered awkward in the face of that incredulous stare, and Mahiru looked mystified as she stared back at Amane.