Chapter 111: Oath with the Angel (1/2)

“Man that was harsh…”

Amane had a bath, washed away the dirt on his body, and once done, he leaned on the welsofa, feeling comfortably fatigued from the exercise.

As expected, he was attacked furiously during the cavalry battle.

Though it was expected, the aggressive bumps caused Kadowaki and the others much trouble.

“This is youth huh?” Hiiragi said excitedly, giving a bloodthirsty grin. Perhaps he liked such competition after all.

Amane’s team did not survive till the very end as they faced the incoming onslaught. Thanks to their rider Kuju’s heroics, they got more headbands they imagined.

Kuju contributed the most, but Mahiru, observed in the opposing ranks, smiled at Amane.

And just like that, the afternoon matches ended, followed by the closing ceremony. After the usual cleanup, Amane returned home.

Too many things happened, and he ended up all weary, but the day did not end.

…I have to say this.

Mahiru mustered such courage to reveal their relationship publicly, and chose to establish a relationship with Amane.

His pride as a boy would be ruined if he dithered and did not reciprocate those feelings.

But how am I supposed to do it?

He made up his mind, but once he thought about how he had to confess, he was hesitant and troubled. Perhaps this was the reason why he was derided as a coward.

It was the first time in his life that he had really fallen for someone. it was no wonder he was troubled, given that he had to confess to such a person.

Girls surely wanted to be confessed to under such a romantic atmosphere. How do I convey my feelings to make her happy? These frustrations would never garner any answer as they continued to swirl in Amane’s mind.

While he put his hands on his forehead, wondering what to do, he heard the door unlock.

He shuddered, for the sound indicated the arrival of the girl who caused him frustration, the girl who unlocked the door using his key.

it was the first time in his life that he was really tense hearing the sound from the door.

The door was then shut and locked.

The slippers echoed off the floor, and a sound seemingly encompassed the air…appearing at the entrance was the familiar girl with the flax-colored hair.

“Amane-kun.”

The faint red lips formed a gentle arch, a gentle expression.

She showed a expression similar to the usual, as though the buzz at school never happened. No, her smile was sweeter than usual, and his heart pounded faster.

One had to wonder if she noticed how shaken Amane was, for she sat next to him as usual.

The distance between them was smaller than a fist.

She was about to position herself again, and the soft silky hair fluttered, the shampoo fragrance flung violently towards Amane.

It appeared Mahiru too went home to wash away her sweat. One could notice that her smooth milky white skin was showing some redness.

Once he realized that Mahiru had just left the bath, Amane tensed up more than before. Mahiru in turn showed him a beautiful smile.

“Amane-kun, I feel you have lots of things to say to me, or ask…but may you listen to me before then?’

“O-oh?”

Now what?  Amane wondered, and straightened himself. Mahiru lowered her head towards him.

“I apologize for blocking your retreat, Amane-kun. I am really sorry that many were looking at you, when you hated it.”

“Hm?”

“Erm…I knew very well this would happen.”

Once he saw Mahiru lift her head awkwardly, Amane understood what she was guilty about.

She knew very well her influence, and till this point, ensured that everything she did would make her adored.

That Mahiru declared Amane to be the important person to her, in front of everyone, and surely that would cause confusion. Amane knew that she did it even though she knew this would happen.

“Well, I know you did it even though you knew what would happen.”

“Are you not angry, Amane-kun?”

“Nope.”

“I see. Thank goodness.”

Amane in turn had resolved himself, for Mahiru did it despite the consequences. He knew how serious she was, and did not dislike it at all.

“I know I was a little forceful. I wish to apologize if I made you unhappy, Amane-kun…but if I did not do so, you probably will not understand.”

“Ugh…”

Amane groaned when Mahiru had indirectly called him a coward.

Of course, Amane realized his own cowardice, but his heart would rattled when the person who adored him said so openly.

He cautiously looked towards her eyes, and found a mischievous glint in them.

It appeared those eyes were hoping for something, as though yearning for Amane to take the step forward.

Amane gulped, and slowly spoke.

“Erm, say, Mahiru.”

“Yes?”

“…Do you really like me, Mahiru?”

“Yes, I do…I like you, Amane-kun. I view you as a male.”

Mahiru smiled and affirmed Amane’s cautious little question.

Her answer was just as he expected, but he felt his heart pounding wildly. It felt as though his boiling blood was flowing throughout every corner of his body.

He had vaguely sensed her feelings, but he ignored it all this while.

It was to be expected then that he was overjoyed and excited to receive her feelings.

He froze, seemingly enduring the exhilaration that overwhelmed him. Mahiru too showed a wry smile at him, and one had to wonder what she was thinking.

“Actually, I am not hoping for you to answer me immediately, Amane-kun.”

“Eh?”

“I simply wish to convey my determination. I like you, Amane-kun, and I wish to continue living with you…I am content with conveying these feelings.”

It appeared Mahiru had misunderstood, thinking that Amane was troubled, for she showed a gloomy, crestfallen smile.

“I simply wish for you to like me more, Amane-kun, until your hesitation is all swept away.”

Mahiru’s expression showed much confidence, and nobody other than Amane might have seen such an expression. Once he saw that she was about to stand up, Amane reached his hand out, and pulled her towards him.

―Now that she said this much, I have to give her a reply. I can’t embarrass myself by not giving her one.