Chapter 66: The Angel and the Reduced Distance (1/2)

The following day, Mahiru remained the same.

It seemed that she had recovered from the previous day’s incident, and sat next to him with a usual expression. She did not appear to be in agony, but rather extremely calm.

But, the little difference was that…the distance between them had reduced.

In the past, there was a space of at least two fists even though they were sitting next to each other. On this day, she was close enough to touch his arm.

Her fragrance was closer than before, and Amane could feel his body warmth.

Because of that, he recalled that he did embrace her tightly the previous day, and also the softness and fragrance from her. He was troubled. Back then, she looked really feeble, and he just could not help but embrace her. In hindsight, that act was really bold.

She did not dislike it, and instead, sought for an embrace from him.

Her gesture indicated that Amane received her trust, that she could rely on him…but while he was delighted with this, he felt awkward.

…I want to seize the opportunity now that I experienced this.

Amane really welcomed her fawning over him, but he started to wonder if she liked him as a boy.

It would be great if that was the case.

He could no longer fool himself completely again; he realized he was captivated by Mahiru. He was worried, wondering how he should keep his distance from her.

Perhaps he could touch her normally? But to what extent? He never expected himself to have such troubles.

Fortunately or not, Mahiru was oblivious to Amane’s worries, and leaned by his side with a peaceful expression.

Amane wanted to suppress his impulses, and was suffering as a result.

Mahiru had a psychological trauma due to her parents, and probably was against having a boy-girl relationship. He did not want her to know his feelings. Given her personality, he did not think she would despise him, but he was frightened at the thought that she might distance him.

He wanted to embrace her up front again, to touch her, to kiss her…but as a girl, the only emotion she might feel was fear if a boy she had yet to date started to have such thoughts.

He dared not express such emotions to her as he wanted to treasure her.

“…What is it, Amane-kun?”

“Ugh, nothing.”

“Really?”

Mahiru noticed that something was on Amane’s mind, and tugged at his sleeve. He shook his head, making a poker face.

After all, he could not say that he was thinking of something guilty, and wanted to change topics.

“Ah, right. We’re going to be in our second year soon.”

“Yes.”

He mentioned this, as there were only a few days left for their spring vacation. Mahiru seemingly forgot her doubts as she went with the flow.

“We will have to change classes then, no?”

“Change classes? It’ll be easier for me if I get in the same class as Itsuki and Chitose.”

“…Yes…I am looking forward to it.”

“Looking forward?”

“I wonder if I will be in the same class as you.”

Mahiru gave a little bashful smile, and Amane wanted to bang his head onto the sofa armrest, and also to scratch his chest.

“…I won’t talk to you, you know?”

“That may be so, but I will be relieved. And…you will keep an eye out for me, no?”

“Not to the point of being a stalker, no.”

“…I will not be angry about you looking at me, Amane-kun.”

Please look at me more, that was what Mahiru said so innocently, and looked so innocent that a sheepish Amane dared not look at her directly.

She meant for him to watch over her, but to him, it seemed to imply more.

Since she did not intend otherwise, it was pointless for him to second guess.

Hmph hmph, he snorted to purge his own thoughts, and shrugged.

“If I’m to look at you, everyone else will find that disgusting. I’m like this after all.”