Chapter 139: Album (1/2)

It was late in the morning when Amane woke up, as he was either fatigued from the journey, or his parents’ words. To be precise, it would be noon in an hour.

He picked up the blanket that fell off without him knowing, and folded it as he yawned.

…We still haven’t made plans for today.

Mahiru suggested that the four of them would go out together, but Amane had not informed his parents of that. He intended to rest up days after they returned home.

He felt it was fine for him to wake up even though it was almost noon, but he felt it was lazy of him even though it was summer vacation.

He slowly got up, got changed, tidied himself, and went to the living room. Of course, Mahiru was already in the living room, gathered around the table with Shihoko and Shuuto.

They appeared to be looking at a large book, and Mahiru’s eyes were sparkling as she looked on.

“Morning. What are you looking at?”

“Ah, morning.”

Mahiru’s expression was devoid of fatigue, and once she greeted him, she continued to look at that thing.

Amane wondered what it was, and looked over, only to cover his own face.

“…Say, why are you looking at my photo album when I’m not around…?”

Amane muttered once he spotted a familiar looking child covered in dirt.

His parents really treasured memories, and would take photos to commemorate. It was not strange to have an album. The problem was that they showed it to Mahiru.

Depicted in the opened album was himself during his childhood, and most of the photos showed him being more adorable, innocent, and reckless than he was at this point.

Amane had the urge to click his tongue, and glare at Shihoko who was proudly and happily displaying the album that showed images of himself covered in mud, on the verge of tears.

“Eh, you want to see yourself in cute photos? Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

“I’m not. I’m saying, don’t show them to her on your own.”

“…May I not?”

“Not that you can’t, but well, I’m embarrassed.”

“These are adorable.”

“Calling a boy adorable isn’t really a praise.”

He was fine with her calling him cool, but it was not flattering to be called adorable.

He knew she meant that he was adorable as a child, but he could not be happy about it.

He turned his head aside, and sensed the trio laughing.

“Isn’t it good though? Mahiru-chan looks so mesmerized here.”

“She definitely wants to laugh.”

“B-because we have you here, Amane-kun…”

“Shiina-san really likes you. As a parent, I’m glad to see someone so reliable next to you, Amane.”

Amane spotted Mahiru close her eyes and shrivel once Shuuto said so.

She probably was embarrassed to be praised. Nevertheless, Amane was the one who felt more shame, for his black history was revealed without him knowing, and his embarrassing photos were shown to her.

He plopped onto the sofa, showing his unhappiness, and his parents smiled at him.