Chapter 74: The Angel’s Determination (1/2)

“Itsuki, Fujimiya, let’s eat.”

It was noon break at school, and Amane was about to eat with Itsuki as usual, only to hear a familiar voice.

Kadowaki had a hand raised, showing the usual hearty, genial smile.

It appeared that Kadowaki took a liking to Amane after the conversation days ago, and would come to talk from time to time. While they merely greeted each other before this, it appeared something was different on this day, for he dropped by with wallet in hand.

“I’m fine with that…”

“Itsuki’s fine with that, right?”

“How are you sure that I won’t refuse you? Well, doesn’t matter now. It’s surprising to see you do this.”

Itsuki might have been surprised by this, since Kadowaki hardly interacted with Amane. The latter might be the most surprised however.

“Amane, Yuuta’s emotionally attached to you or something?”

“Emotionally attached…I’m not a dog.”

“Yuuta’s actually like a dog. Once he trusts you and gets closer, he’ll wag his tail or something. He’s like a golden retriever.”

“Don’t call me a dog so openly.”

Kadowaki retorted at Itsuki, but Amane certainly agreed that he had the vibe of a golden retriever. Amane started to laugh.

Kadowaki looked a little miffed when he saw Amane’s shoulders shaking. He appeared to be pouting, rather than his mood actually being ruined.

“Don’t laugh, Fujimiya.”

“O-oh, sorry.”

“You think so too huh, Amane?”

“I just thought that since you mentioned it…”

“Well, you’re still the way you are, Fujimiya. I just want to get along since I think you’re a good guy.”

“Yep, it’s good that more people know about Amane’s good points. Come ask me.”

“Who do you think you are?”

Kadowaki retorted at Itsuki, who slapped his chest proudly. He walked over, exchanged looks with Amane, and showed a dazzling smile.

Any girl would be conquered by him if he showed that smile. All Amane could do was to show a wry smile.

“…Can I ask something?”

“Hm?”

“Is it really alright for you to be with an ordinary guy like me? It doesn’t benefit you, right?”

Kadowaki might had interest in Amane, and just wanted to be a friend, but Amane did not think there was no benefit to Kadowaki doing this.

He had so many friends, so why did he seek out Amane to be a friend, of all people?

Of course, Amame knew that people did not necessarily make friends by simply weighing pros and cons. He too made friends through instinctual feelings, yet he did not understand why Kadowaki chose him.

Kadowaki was stunned to hear Amane’s words, and gave an incredulous look.

“You didn’t make friends by weighing pros and cons, right?”

“You’re right.”

“Isn’t that alright? I’m talking to you because I want to get along.”

Kadowaki’s smile remained like the clear skies, and narrowed his eyes.

“…Oh.”

“Yep. It’s a good thing to build relationships.”

Itsuki grinned away as he said this, and quickly turned his eyes elsewhere.

Over there was Chitose, who was beaming away, “Mahirun’s really cute after all.” hugging Mahiru, who just let her be.

It was normal to see Chitose go for some skinship, and everyone in class might have been used to it, for they were staring at this scene between girls, smiling, or looking jealous.

Amane saw that they were already used to it, yet Itsuki showed a wry smile at their tomfoolery.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Itsuki smiled away as he tried to misdirect them, leading them towards the cafeteria. Amane and Kadowaki too followed suit.

“I have decided.”

They returned home, had dinner, and Mahiru suddenly said these words. Amane blinked in surprise.

“What’s with you out of a sudden.”

“I had enough.”

“O-okay. I don’t understand, but since you’ve been enduring, I think it’s fine for you not to.”

It appeared Mahiru had made up her mind about something, but Amane did not understand what exactly she was referring to.

Despite that, she did work hard, could endure, and was never stubborn. Since she said she had enough, Amane would accept that, and even take the initiative in praising her.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Make it count.”