Chapter 98: The Angel and the Devilish Smile (1/2)

Ultimately, the gaming party lasted until evening.

Amane could not concentrate after having studied for so long, so he stopped to join them for games. However, the long study time was not the only reason why he could not concentrate.

What does she mean by working hard for those who work hard?

Mahiru’s little muttered swirled in Amane’s mind.

Amane knew that Mahiru loved to act for others, but when she said so, it appeared that she had feelings for him.

As far as Amane knew, Mahiru’s fondness of him was not in the sense of a boy-girl relationship.

But once he heard her say so, he started to delude, wondering if she viewed him as a boy, and was willing to devote her utmost to him.

No, if she’s taking care of me and giving her all for me because I’m too rotten, that I can understand.

Amane could not do housework, so it was possible interpretation of that. No, if he worked hard, he could at least live normally; at this point however, he was completely reliant on Mahiru.

One had to wonder if Mahiru was implying that she had the urge to keep taking care of him, or that she was taking care of him because she liked him.

Amane liked Mahiru, and naturally he hoped the situation was the latter. He did not think it came out of nowhere, but once he thought of the possibility of her liking him, he found it impossible, in various ways.

“Amane~, you fell out of the arena.”

“Eh?”

As he was distracted by his thoughts while playing, he made a mistake, and his character fell off. It was game over for him as he had no remaining lives.

Itsuki, Chitose and Kadowaki were fighting.

Amane did not know of Kadowaki’s abilities,  but he usually would not have lost that easily. In other words, he was so distracted by Mahiru’s words.

“You’re spacing out man. Guess you can’t concentrate after studying so much.”

“…Maybe. You want to play, Mahiru?”

“No thank you. I think it is about time to cook…”

Mahiru had a look at the time, and Amane did the same. It was almost 7pm, and might be a little too late to prepare dinner.

“Ahh, seriously, it’s that late now…I got to go home. I can’t stay overnight.”

“Yeah. Chii wants to stay over at Shiina-san’s place, but there’s no change of clothes, and she doesn’t have permission. Also, I don’t think Chii can wear Shiina-san’s clothes.”

“Hey what are you saying now Ikkun?”

“Height of course.”

The couple’s arguing amicably like usual, and Mahiru smiled at them.

“Please stay over next time.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. If you say beforehand.”

“I’ll stay over at Amane’s palce then…”

“Feels like you just want food.”

“Ah busted.”

But Shiina-san’s food is good, Itsuki smiled without any ill intent. “If Mahiru agrees that is,” Amane sighed.

Mahiru would have to cook more than usual, so Amane could not make the decision unilaterally. If she refused, they would have to eat outside, or at the convenience store. But that would feel like a boys night out, and might not be a bad thing.

Mahiru agreed with a smile. Amane had a feeling Itsuki would soon be staying over.

“Will you be joining us next time, Kadowaki?”