Chapter 122: Separate Actions after School (1/2)

“Amane-kun, I have to go somewhere after school. Can we go home separately?”

It was a certain day in July, after school, when Amane planned to return home with Mahiru as usual, only to hear her say such words.

Mahiru was usually the one who wanted to return home with him, so her request had him surprised, and he had to stare at her face.

Whenever she had something to do, Mahiru would often go along with Amane. Since she politely refused to, one had to wonder if it was something she did not want him to know of.

Looking at her expression however, he knew she was not guilty of anything, and was not worried.

Summer nights often came late, and she should be fine if she did not stay out too long. Nevertheless, Amane really wanted to go home with Mahiru.

“Oh, got it. I’ll see you later.”

Since he knew Mahiru would spend time with him at his place, he respected her wishes.

It seemed she was a little relived that Amane would accept this, and then she widened her eyes warily, as though she had realized something.

“…Please do not return home with other girls.”

“You think I will?”

“I do not, but there is a likelihood that other girls will ask you out, Amane-kun…I cannot say that I disallow it, but I dislike that. Some did talk to you just a while ago…”

It was a miracle that Amane did not make any noise.

…Wait, is she jealous?

Given his usual attitude towards Mahiru, he could not imagine anyone asking him out, but it appeared she was worried about this.

To wit, the girls who spoke to Amane were probably cheering them on, saying things like “Do your best”, and there was no need to worry.

Mahiru appeared a little uneasy, and lifted her head towards Amane uneasily, in a pleading manner. Amane found this adorable, and wanted to pat her head, but he disregarded this notion as there were onlookers.

The last time he did this, the onlookers were petrified by Mahiru’s smile. He would not repeat the same mistake again.

“Don’t worry, my heart’s all yours, Mahiru. I’m not going to accept anyone else’s invitation. At most, I’ll end up dragged along by Chitose.”

“…That will do.”

It appeared Chitose was still within limits. There was no way Chitose would fall for Amane however, and neither would Amane fall for Chitose, not with Itsuki around. Mahiru would probably be fine if it was Chitose.

It appeared Mahiru was somewhat relieved to hear Amane say this, for the tension was sapped from her shoulders, and she lifted her head towards him with a somewhat bashful look.

“And, erm, it will be bad if you misunderstand, somehow. I shall tell you where I am going.”

“You don’t have to keep it a secret?”

“Y-yes.”

She said it was not a secret, but Amane felt Mahiru was stammering. It seemed she wanted to continue however, so he patiently waited for her to do so.

“E-erm…I am going to buy something.”

“Really? That’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“Chitose-san and I…e-erm, will be buying swimsuits.”

“…Swimsuits?”

It was true that entering July, the shops were starting to sell swimsuits.