16 Chapter 16: Breeze (2/2)
”Most guys would have confessed to me by now. He never did… Maybe that's why I like him? Hehe, it's really weird… ”
”But what if that changes? What would you do then?”
”…I don't know…” Nariyuki paused for a moment, thinking what to say next.
”Thanks for trusting me with this.”
”You're the first person I told about this. Thanks for listening.”
”Well, I guess we're even now.”
”Hehe. Please don't blackmail me with this information.”
”If you don't do your best then maybe I will.” Nariyuki laughed but Hiroisora wasn't sure if that was a joke or not.
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I went outside the building to clear my head. I guess I'm overthinking things about Hiroisora acting the way she has lately. I agreed to this act not only for Nariyuki, but for my family as well. Maybe Hiroisora has fallen for me. Hahaha. Impossible. I mean, she must be allergic to guys the way she turns them down. Or maybe she's just afraid to be hurt. Either way, I'm sure she's just taking this act seriously in order to help Nariyuki. She's been her first friend in school after all. I just can't help but feel conscious around her. Maybe I'm the one who's…
---
I went back inside the room. Everyone was still enjoying and singing. I saw Hiroisora and Nariyuki talking in a corner of the room. As I was approaching them, they seemed to have panicked a little.
”What do you want, Takaiyama-san?” Nariyuki asked anxiously.
”I was just wondering why you both are here away from everybody. Are you hiding something?”
”Nothing!” Hiroisora answered quickly. It looks like I hit a chord. I want to pry. Must resist temptation.
”Ok. It feels like this has happened before.” I laughed a little but they were not amused.
---
After an hour has passed, we decided to call it a night. Everyone said their goodbyes while we were standing outside. Each of the other members went their separate ways, while Nariyuki, Hiroisora and I were the last ones to leave.
”I'll be going this way. Make sure to walk her home, Takaiyama-san.” Nariyuki commanded me.
”He doesn't have to, Kosui-san.” Hiroisora was a little embarrassed by Nariyuki's suggestion, rather, order.
”I was planning to, anyway. We go in the same direction.” It's true that we'll go in the same direction, but I didn't plan on walking her home, initially. Now that Nariyuki said it, I realized that I should do it since it is a little late now.
”You don't have to, Takaiyama-kun…” I wonder why Hiroisora is being shy about it. I mean, walking together alone can't be any worse than when she's acting like we're a couple in front of everyone.
”Just let him do it. Despite his looks, he won't do anything to you.”
”What do you mean 'despite my looks'?”
”You know very well what I mean. You better not do anything to her.”
”Of course I won't!” Getting used to Nariyuki's personality is exhausting.
”Well, I'll be going on ahead now. By the way, Takaiyama-san.”
”What now?”
”Make sure you have protection—”
”We're not going to do anything!” Hiroisora and I didn't let her finish. After chuckling for a while, Nariyuki left.
”I guess we should go now as well.” I told Hiroisora.
”Okay.” She replied timidly.
While we were walking, we were both silent. When I look at her, she seems to be thinking about something. She looks to be deep in thought, so I didn't disturb her. I didn't notice how long it took when we reached her house. It's big when you see it from the outside. We stood in front of the gate and rang the bell then waited for someone to open the gate.
”You know, you're the first guy I brought home.”
”W-what?” Where did that come from?
”Hehe. You were quiet the whole time. I didn't want to end today like that…”
”Oh? I'm sorry. I was silent because I saw you were lost in thought. I didn't want to disturb you, so…”
”I was? I just thought that maybe you were irritated to walk me home, which was why you were silent…”
”Of course not. I also wanted to make sure you get home safely. It is late already.”
”Thanks…” Is it too hot out here, or is she blushing? ”So, um, did you have fun tonight?”
”Yeah. I did.” I wanted to ask her something earlier. Now is a good chance. ”By the way, can I ask you something?”
”Sure. What is it?”
Before I could ask her, the gate opened.
”Good evening, Kari-sama.”
”Oh. Good evening, Eli.” Crap. It's Elizabeth-san. This is not good. I told her that Hiroisora is my girlfriend, but Hiroisora is only pretending we're in a relationship at school. She doesn't know of my agreement with Elizabeth-san. If Elizabeth-san says anything about me being Hiroisora's boyfriend, my cover will be blown. What do I do?!
”I see that your boyfriend walked you home. How very nice of him.” Damn it! I'm dead!
I nervously and slowly looked at Hiroisora. She was looking at me. Her face was saying something like, ”How come Eli knows we are acting like we're in a relationship?” I thought my heart would explode when she was about to answer.
”I have a wonderful boyfriend, right?” She smiled at Elizabeth-san.