Chapter 163: Self-Confidence (2/2)

If he said so however, he would be deemed the pervert. He kept the thoughts to himself as he saw those two chatting intimately…”Eh, Shiina-san?” There was a voice from nearby.

They turned around, and found a few male classmates looking at the girls.

They seemed to be enjoying the festival too. Some were wearing masks, some holding cotton candy bags, and they clearly were having fun.

Itsuki was the first to respond, giving the usual hearty smile as he waved towards them.

“Woah, you guys are here too?”

“You’re definitely here if Shirakawa-san’s here, Itsuki. Oh, Fujimiya should be here too.”

“Over here.”

Amane merely raised his hand, and did not wave at them. The boys broke into a commotion.

“Eh, a yukata?”

“Can’t I?”

“No, you look good in that…”

“Just wearing it like normal clothes.”

Amane did not do anything other than wear yukatas, and was looking really normal. However, it seemed they felt the yukata gave a little mood compared to usual.

Amane felt indescribably awkward and ticklish as the boys stared at him, and he started to grimace. He was relieved however when Mahiru leisurely strolled towards him.

“Ah, it has been a while…or not. I believe we met at the closing ceremony. Everyone looks energetic.”

“Woah…Shiina-san in yukata…”

All the classmates were mesmerized, without exception. It was to be expected, so Amane did not mind as he too looked at Mahiru, who noticed his stare, and blushed.

Their classmates froze at this mere sight, and one could clearly see how adorable Mahiru was.

“S-Shiina-san, the yukata suits you.”

“Thank you very much. I am glad to hear this.”

It seemed Mahiru would only be embarrassed whenever Amane praised her, for she accepted those praises with the beautiful outdoor smile.

“You wore it yourself?”

“Yes. But Amane-kun’s mother prepared this for more…”

“Mom sent it over because she wants to see you in that, don’t mind her. She dotes on you so much that she’ll do anything.”

Shihoko probably would prepare another kimono in the coming year. She had a few at home, and her parents, Amane’s maternal grandparents, had more in stow. Thus, Shihoko would surely pick them to her heart’s content.

Good going, please continue, so Amane quietly thought to himself once he realized that he would be able to see her in more kimonos.

“But I really do feel apologetic about this.”

“It’s fine. Our old place’s basically yours.”

His parents really welcomed Mahiru, saying that she could take their place as her hometown. They probably would be sad to hear her being so courteous.

Once she understood this, she bashfully nodded away, and put her head on his chest. He stared at her with happiness, and then looked over at the one who approached them.

In hindsight, he was the one who questioned Amane during the sports festival, but it did not matter to Amane at this point.

After all, they were mere outsiders to Mahiru, and there was no room for them to interject.

Man, have I gone rotten for feeling superior about this?  So he wondered, but he had no intention to budge.

“We’ll be leaving soon then. Sorry for disturbing your fun.”

And Chitose’s done with the fried squid, so he added as he looked towards the latter, and found her staring at him excitedly.

He nonchalantly pulled Mahiru over by the waist, and gave them a smile reserved for strangers. Mahiru appeared shocked, but was obviously bashful and delighted as she instinctively clung onto Amane.

“See you at school then.”

“Ah, ye-yes…bye.”

Mahiru said with a smile, and the boys could not follow, giving conflicted expressions as they saw the group leave.

The group then went onto the road filled with stalls. Itsuki then stood on the other side, away from Mahiru, bringing his face close.

“You did that on purpose didn’t you, Amane?”

The voice was soft enough for Mahiru to not hear amidst the buzz and the music.

“What do you mean?”

“Like, your current posture, and the hometown thing.”

Itsuki was smart, and had good instincts.

He clearly pinpointed Amane’s resolve and plans.

“Maybe?”

“…You’ve gone stronger.”

Itsuki muttered, looking either dumbfounded or impressed, so Amane took it to be the latter, giving a smile that spoke volumes.