Chapter 70: The Feelings to be Treasured (2/2)

“…Anyway, can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“I think that if you wouldn’t treasure her that much if you dislike her, right?”

“Shut up. Is that bad?”

Itsuki probably understood everything from Amane’s attitude. No way was Amane able to hide his feelings.

Amane answered with a pout, and slurped the ramen.

Itsuki seemed to have expected this, instead of simply stating that as a joke. He nodded understandingly in seemingly praise.

“Well, I’m happy for ya. It’s great to have someone you treasure.”

“Really?”

“It’ll be great if you succeed.”

“…I think it’s fine if it doesn’t work out. As long as she’s happy, I’m fine with that, even if it’s not me.”

Of course, Amane hoped that the ‘it’ would be himself, but if Mahiru would be happy choosing another boy, he should give her his blessings.

He hoped to personally grant her happiness, and would willingly bury his emotions if that was what it took. Mahiru really deserved her happiness. She suffered so much, and if she still could not be blessed greatly, it would be a letdown of the hard work she put in.

“…You coward.”

“Shut up…even I want her to be happy.”

“Just say it to her man.”

“Like I can, you idiot.”

Amane would never confess without being certain that she liked him as the opposite gender. His was not so shallow-minded.

Mahiru herself seemed rather cautious when it came to dating, and they probably could not go out with a half-hearted, probing mentality.

There was no way Mahiru would agree to it, considering what her parents said. Amane felt that they would not end up dating if neither side planned to settle down together. Thus, he would not easily convey his feelings.

“…Man, you’re really pessimistic.”

“Shut up. Whatever, I’ll make her fall for me in my own way.”

“…If only there’s a third party that’ll say everything.”

“What?”

“Nothing…well, good luck. I’ll cheer you on.”

A dumbfounded Itsuki cheered Amane on for some reason. The latter frowned, but he graciously accepted those words.