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

Mahiru always respected Amane’s wishes, and said that she was fine taking it slow. Amane cast aside his hesitation, and embraced her.

Her delicate body froze in his clutches, and perhaps she understood he was hugging her, for she immediately relaxed.

She was seated on his legs as he suddenly pulled her over, and leaned on his chest as she lifted her head towards him.

The caramel-colored eyes showed shock, confusion, and some hope.

“Erm, it’s the first time I’ve fallen for someone. I thought I wouldn’t be like this…I thought I couldn’t do this at all.”

“…Is it because something happened in the past?”

“Ahh, yeah.”

Amane embraced Mahiru firmly, not letting her go as he gently nodded.

He said he was hesitant about liking someone, for somewhere in his heart, he refused to recognize her feelings. That was because back in middle school, his friends betrayed him, and their words stuck in his heart like a wedge.

“It might be really stupid…but I used to think of some people as friends, but they betrayed me, and mocked me for being of no value…I was the only one who treated them as friends, but they just used me. Even I found it stupid.”

Back in his hometown, Amane’s parents were famous for being relatively well off.

While his household was not as rich as Mahiru’s to hire a nanny, they were much richer than the other families. Amane himself never boasted of his wealth, but the items he had were of good quality.

A few classmates gathered around Amane, probably out of jealousy, or wanted to use him, or both.

“I think you should be able to understand somewhat, Mahiru…when your parents have money, the people around you will start to be greedy, and want to get some benefits.”

“…Yes.”

They got along really well with Amane. It started at the start of middle school, but they really did, and were so close, they could be considered friends.

They were so close, Amane felt that he could get along with them even after he got to high school.

But when he saw them slander him, his heart broke.

“I was stupid and immature to not see their real personality. I get the logic, but even so, I’m still scared of trusting others.”

Amane was scared that if he trusted others, would he too be betrayed by others again?

“I know not everyone was like them. Maybe some of them really wanted to be my friends. But…once the doubt kicks in, it’s not going to disappear that easily, right?”

“…Yes.”

“So I left my hometown, wanting to stay alone peacefully at a place where nobody knows of my parents.”

Of course, Amane’s parents had enough of his depression, and gave him encouragement, and cheered him up. However, having considered how painful it would be for him to harbor such scars of his hometown, they sent him to Shuuto’s Alma Mater.

They were unable to leave their hometown because of work. Amane did not want them to worry, so he chose to stay alone, and met Mahiru at this place.

“…Those who betrayed you were really foolish, Amane-kun. You are so kind and outstanding after all.”

Mahiru reached her hands towards Amane, showing a tragic smile, and Amane too smiled.

“Back then, I thought I would never like anyone else…though I never expected that to change so quickly.”

Amane stared at Mahiru again.

His heart felt warm, embarrassed, and doting. Mahiru was the first ever person to illicit such feelings, and might be the last.

Such were the feelings he had for her.

“…Back at the start, I didn’t think you’re cute.”

“I know. You told me to my face.”

“Well, sorry about that…when we first met, you were dishonest, aloof, and not cute at all. I thought we just had a mutual benefit…but before I knew it, I started to be dissatisfied about this.”

At the start, Amane did not want to get too involved with her.

When exactly did this change then?

“I started to want to know more about you, wanted to touch you, and wanted to treasure your. I wanted to have you. It’s the first time I had such thoughts.”

“…Yes.”

“I was enduring this the entire time, thinking that I couldn’t do it…you said this was fine, so it’s not that I thought of giving up, but that I wondered what I could do to be a match for you? You took the first step however, Mahiru, before I could do anything.”

“Fufu…I too have been enduring this. You are so handsome, and I worried if others would snatch you away. I was worried if you would like me.”

“I guess you’re the only one who’ll like someone like me.”

“Mmm. Again with such words…”

Mahiru looked displeased, as though deriding him for belittling himself again. Once she saw his expression however, she blinked several times.

At this point, Amane was not showing the good-for-nothing face Mahiru had criticized him for, but a serious, resolved look.

“…So starting from now…I’ll work hard to ensure that nobody says you chose wrongly.”

“Eh?”

“I’ll work hard to be a good man, and not let anyone belittle your choice. It’s somewhat difficult…to not look inferior next to you, Mahiru, but I do want to stand with my head held high.”

Amane wanted to be an outstanding man, someone who could stand proudly next to Mahiru, that nobody would blame Mahiru for.

It was not just for her sake, but for his too, for him to have some confidence.

And the first step should start from these words.

“I like you, Mahiru…will you go out with me?”

He muttered as he looked at those clear caramel-colored eyes, and they turned moist as though a membrane was laid over them. The tears did not fall however, merely showing his silhouette.

She closed her eyes, as though hiding them and smiled at him.

“…Yes”

Her answer was feeble, elated, and shivering. Amane would be the only one to hear her however. Once she agreed, she buried her face into his chest again.

She wrapped her arms around his back, holding him firm, and did not let go.

I am not letting you get away again, she seemed to imply, which left him a little embarrassed. He too wrapped his arms around her little back, and embraced her firmly.

―I’m definitely not letting go.

He wanted to treat her dearly, to dote on her, to love her.

It was the first time he felt such feelings after his heart resonated with Mahiru’s.

“I want to make you happy, Mahiru.”

“You cannot guarantee it?’

Mahiru impishly asked as she slowly lifted her head. Amane smiled as he brought his lips to her ear.

“This is my wish. I wish to personally make you happy, Mahiru. My resolve is…that I will definitely treasure you, and make you happy.”

“…Yes.”

Once she heard the passionate oath, Mahiru nodded with a sweet smile that was melted by these feelings.