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

“What are you intending to do…?”

“…Do you really want to know?”

“Of course.”

“You will not be angry?”

“Are you going to tick me off or something?”

Judging from the tone, it appeared to be related to Amane, so he had to ask.

Naturally, Mahiru would never do anything to hurt others, and Amane never had to worry about this. However, what was she intending to do?

He stared at her for quite some time, and her face was flushed, probably out of embarrassment, her index fingers stick onto each other as she fidgeted, looking apprehensive.

“…I want to get along with you at school, Amane-kun.”

She probably was referring to them acting as strangers at school.

“Say.”

“It feels like I am the abandoned one.”

“Ugh.”

Amane’s heart weakened when he saw Mahiru say with a crestfallen look.

Back then, Amane would chat with Chitose as normal, so he could at least communicate with someone who knew both Amane and Mahiru. He really could not talk with Mahiru directly. Whenever Chitose came to talk to Itsuki, Mahiru would be left behind.

Mahiru had friends in her class, but they never got along with her as much as Chitose did, and surely she would feel lonely. Of course, this loneliness was hidden in the angel’s smile, but Amane was sufficiently acquainted with Mahiru to determine it.

Amane understood this, and hoped to do something for her, but it was not something he could easily nod and agree.

“…But honestly, won’t it be unnatural for the Angel to suddenly get friendly with us plain looking people?”

“I have thought about it, and I have my solution.”

“You thought about?”

“Of course…you look down on yourself more than I do. Your self-denial is a huge problem. I shall do my best to ensure you gain confidence.”

“Seriously, what are you thinking…”

Amane noticed how Mahiru was scared of being alone, but he never expected Mahiru to enthusiastic involve herself with him.

This sense of closeness was something they could not imagine at first, and he did not know whether to be elated or concerned.

“…Are you not willing to talk to me at school…?”

“Not that I dislike it, but someone like me…”

“Amane-kun.”

Mahiru interrupted by calling his name. She sounded stern, as though reproaching.

“Do not say ‘someone like me’.”

You always have a habit of belittling yourself, Amane-kun. She seemed infuriated as she poked her index finger at his nose.

“If you say that next time…eh, I shall, continue to point.”

“Point?”

“I shall point it out, and as punishment, I shall pat your head until I am satisfied.”

“That’s a reward, right…?”

“Eh?”

“Ah.”

Amane accidentally blurted, and his face twitched.

It was a reward to receive Mahiru’s headpat, but he should not have blurted it out.

For once Mahiru saw Amane freeze, her face reddened, and she was flustered.

She never expected her punishment to be a reward. An overly cute punishment would not be a punishment, yet it was so like Mahiru.

Amane too stopped talking as he had just stated his true thoughts, or rather, his desire. Silence loomed.

They fidgeted hastily, and their eyes wavered. Mahiru then seemed to have made up her mind as she opened her arms towards Amane.

“…Y-you’re doing this?”

She probably wanted him to enter her clutches, to headpat him.

His head would overheat if he did so, so he did not. While the proposal piqued his desire greatly, Mahiru herself did not have any guilty thoughts, and had no intention of suspecting Amane of anything. It would be inappropriate for him to remain in close contact with such guilty thoughts.

He gulped, but he never followed through, “Please allow me to refuse.” he shook his head, and spoke formally.

He really could not enjoy the softness with a nonchalant look.

“Don’t do that to a guy. If you want, go look for Chitose.”

“…I do think Chitose-san is more dangerous, you know?”

“If she sexually harasses you, just beat her. If I’m going to do anything perverted, beat me all you want.”

“I will not doubt you since you are able to say so. A-anyway, I shall headpat you with all my might the next time you say so.”

Ultimately, it appeared Mahiru had no intention of changing the punishment. Amane noticed that if he was punished, his shame and sanity would be at risk, so he swore to himself never to belittle himself before her.