Chapter 115: Going to school (1/2)

“Feels like people are looking at us.”

As the distance to school decreased, many stares were directed towards Amane, and he grumbled tiredly.

There were various stares ranging from those wondering who was the man holding Mahiru’s hand, to envy, curiosity, and also, some admiration

It was to be expected, but he found such stares to be more unbearable than he imagined.

Luckily, not all the stares were negative. He was still unused to them however.

He had always preferred to live a quiet, unimpressive life, so he felt restless about these stares.

“It is to be expected. You look like a new person after all, Amane-kun.”

Both of them held hands as they went forth, clearly intent to show that they were lovers. Obviously, there were other boys looking at them.

However, the Amane at the sports festival seemed very different from the Amane walking alongside Mahiru at this point. Nobody said it, but their eyes were clearly looking curious.

“Is there really such a big difference?”

“Hm. How do I express this? Your hairstyle did change, and so has your appearance. More importantly, your back has straightened, and you look confident. The impression you give is really different.”

“Sorry for being so unmotivated all the time.”

“Please do not berate yourself…you have changed, Amane-kun. I do like both sides of you, but I hate it when you berate myself.”

“I don’t want to be hated. I’ll take note of this.”

“That is good.”

Mahiru smiled as she leaned her body onto him, and more stares gathered upon them.

Amane’s face nearly cringed in the face of these venomous glares. Once Mahiru showed the absolutely Angelic smile towards their surroundings, the murderous glares vanished completely.

In a certain sense, the Angel was truly the strongest person, for she was capable of silencing those around them.

Amane felt unsettled even though the stares had somewhat changed, and held her hand as he looked forward. They were about about to arrive at school, where he would be basked under more stares. His gut started to ache.

“With all the stares like this now, how am I supposed to enter the classroom later?”

“Please give up on that notion…or do you dislike this?”

“Not at all. I decided that I’m going to change.”

Ever since Mahiru confessed to him, Amane understood that he could no longer live like before.

He decided that he could not embarrass himself, even though he was by her side. He told himself that he should be mentally prepared to tough it out, rather than not work hard, and make sure he could be a match for Mahiru.

“…is that so?” Mahiru answered once she heard his words, and exerted more strength into her fingers.

“Huh, Mahirun?”

Amane noticed that Mahiru’s ears were blushing next to him, and he wanted to talk to her, only to hear a voice behind him.

He turned around once he heard the familiar voice and affectionate nickname, and saw Chitose standing there with her eyes widened.

She looked stunned at Mahiru, and then at Amane.

Once she saw their hands held together, “Ohhh~” she leered away, skipped towards them, and slapped Amane on the back.

“Morning~ So you made it this far, bor?”

“Shut up.”