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

It was one thing if they were alone together, but if he were to do the same to Mahiru at school, he might be labelled a disgusting guy in addition to his reputation as a gloomy one.

He intended to pretend to be a passer by at school. He was not particularly keen on letting others know his feelings for Mahiru.

However, Mahiru was strangely peeved for some reason.

“Look, even if you make that face.”

“…Amane-kun, are you not cutting your hair?”

“What’s with this out of a sudden? Well, I’ll tidy it up from time to time, but I don’t really cut it short.”

“It is a pity…”

“Say.”

“But your handsome side is a secret only to me. That is fine too.”

Amane had a feeling that Mahiru was being sweeter to him than usual, as though she was showing affection to him.

Usually, he could handle it, but since he already realized his feelings for her, this attitude from her might cause him fatal damae.

“…What’s cool about that?” He muttered to hide how embarrassed he was being. At that moment, Mahiru showed a peeved look, and slapped his thigh.

He knew what she wanted to say, but he dared not look at her in the eyes due to the shame.

“I get it I’m sorry I’m sorry. I look handsome to you, is it?”

“It is not good of you to think so, but I shall leave it be.”

Mahiru accepted his apology for the time being, and reached out towards his bangs.

His clearer vision reflected her serious eeys.

“Are you not belittling yourself too much, Amane-kun? You are rather handsome after all.”

“…I’m embarrassed to hear you say that to me directly.”

“You often say so to me. Perhaps you should try enduring that shame too.”

I too am embarrassed. She said confidently, and Amane recalled that when he called her cute, her face really was blushing.

She would feel embarrassed whenever she was praised, and because she was so adorable, Amane earnestly praised her for being so. Whenever he did so, she would feel embarrassed. Surely it was not a good feeling to her.

“…You’re the only one who’ll call me handsome.”

“You should have a little more self-confidence, Amane-kun. The person who consoled me has to have some confidence.”

“…But.”

“Amane-kun, you helped me, and gave me confidence. I am really grateful to you…I hope you can muster some confidence. You are a kind, handsome, outstanding.”

“…Oh, uuhh.”

Amane unwittingly felt bashful the moment he was praised.

He was never praised before, and his heart felt unbearable when the girl he liked praised him.

Of course, he was elated. The emotion called embarrassment took precedence however.

One might say his embarrassment was the majority, and he was restless. He reached out to ruffle Mahiru’s head to divert his attention, and to disguise his emotions.

“Wait, A-Amane-kun…”

“Shut up.”

“…I-I am fine with this, but you will mess my hair up.”

Amane felt that his actions might be too violent to a girl, so he hastily switched to a different gesture, gently combing her hair. Mahiru then earnestly leaned her head over.

Please pat me more. Her voice sounded like a background noise, but it was probably a delusion on his part.

Despite that, Mahiru did not look unwilling, and Amane continued to comb the smooth glossy hair.

…Is she fawning over me?

She never had one to fawn over, and at this point, she finally had someone understand her situation and true thoughts. Perhaps she had the urge to.

In that case, he felt that he should dote on her more. He buried his immoral thoughts to touch her back in his heart, and gently patted her head as she wished.

Once he was done, Mahiru lowered her completely beetroot face. Amane got too carried away, and he too was blushing once he was done. This was the outcome to be expected after all.