CH 14

To Her

School completely closed down, and for whatever reason that I cannot hope to comprehend, I found myself at a family restaurant with Natsukawa and Ashida. Since time had progressed quite a bit, I sent my Mom a message, saying that I didn’t need any dinner. To my shock, I got back a message along the lines of ‘Don’t get captured by the police’, practically saying that any crime is okay as long as I don’t trouble her…

We arrived at a table, and finished ordering food. Right as we received water for the three of us, Ashida broke the ice. Because she hurried to put on her normal uniform, I could see wrinkles all over. Even Ashida seemed a bit annoyed, let alone Natsukawa…Scary.

“For starters, sorry that we listened in on the conversation between you and your older sister. We were searching for you, and saw you head up to the rooftop, so…”

“Ahh, I see. Well, it’s fine.”

“Y-Yeah…sorry.”

I do faintly remember saying some embarrassing stuff, but that’s related to only me and my older sister, so there’s no real reason to dwell on that here. I tried to hide my shame with a deep voice, when Ashida approached my face with hers, whispering something to me.

“So, about Aichi today…Wasn’t it a bit too crazy?”

“Yeah, sure was.”

She was crazy cute as always. Ashida must have heard that nuance in my voice, because she gave me a blank stare. I guess she must be used to this, always around me and Natsukawa. Her guessing ability is on another level.

As for the Natsukawa in question, she had her arms crossed, her face averted in a clearly spoiled mood. She’s even pouting, what is going on? How cute can you be.

“Aren’t you a luxurious guy, Sajocchi. Being accompanied by two girls, heee?”

“Ah, yeah…”

Now that she told me directly, only then did I realize what kind of situation this was. I’m eating dinner with two classmates of mine. What is going on? I don’t even know why I was pulled here in the first place. Natsukawa was still looking outside the window. Ashida saw that, grew annoyed, and tapped Natsukawa on the lap.

“Aichi! I’ll be the one to say it then!”

“…G-Go ahead?”

“I really want you to be the one to say it! But at this rate, you won’t ever be able to, so I’ll just do the deed for you!”

“Urk…”

Why’re they both on edge? Is this some kind of fight? It’s rare for Ashida and Natsukawa to be so against each other. From my point of view, it almost looks like they’re trying to steal me from the other…Yeah, not happening. Excuse me, dear employee? Why are you looking at me like that? I’m not the one causing trouble, am I?

Thinking about it, I’ve seen this kind of bothered expression from Natsukawa many times. Rather than angry, it’s more like she’s fed up with me…I guess that makes sense. After everything I did to her. But, Natsukawa today was different. Never before was she this straightforward towards me with her anger. It’s almost revigorating.

“Well, you’re right. It felt like something was off. Even this noon, what was that about?”

“……”

“A-Ahh…my back hurts…”

“Uuu…!”

Looking at Natsukawa’s regretful and awkward expression, I could tell that she must have had some reason for it. Not to mention that it really reeks of her not wanting to talk to me about it. Ahh, her scent is overwhelming.

“Ah…Um, Sajocchi.”

“W-Wait a second!”

Right as Ashida spoke up, she was interrupted by Natsukawa. Eh? Is she that desperate not to explain things to me? If so, there’s really no need for her to force herself. I’m not a demon, you know. If it’s just more trouble for Natsukawa, then I don’t need to know…But, if it’s only troublesome for me, then come!

“That’s enough, Aichi. Today, you really took it too far.”

“I-I feel bad, but…!”

I’m really happy that Ashida’s my actual ally in this case, but if she’s that hesitant to say it, it must be something troublesome, right? Be it Big Sis, or Natsukawa right now, there’s so many things I don’t really understand, but I’m not that angry either…I know, if I just pull out myself, then everything should be resolved, right? I’m an adult after all.

“Um, you don’t have to force yourself, you know?”

“…Eh?”

“It must be hard to say, right? Don’t worry about it. Everything will be fine as long as I don’t talk about something vulgar with Koga or Murata, and I’ll be more careful with my choice of words towards Big Sis.”

Then again, I never had any plans of spending more time with that irregular group of girls, nor do I particularly like insulting Big Sis in that way. Leaving out my exchanges with Natsukawa, every conversation today was just exhausting. I don’t want to go through that ever again.

Just like Yuuki-senpai said, if all of these problems are related to my attitude, then it’s my responsibility to deal with it. Either that, or it’s slowly starting to take a trip into the right direction. Things won’t stay this awkward and unorganised forever. I’m sure that Natsukawa must have been irritated by this, being so close to me. That’s why, if I just take the fall here—

“—I-It won’t be fine!”

“!?”

Eh, wha…? I-Is she angry after all? Even Ashida is looking at her in shock. I didn’t think that the day would come where Natsukawa showed so much detest towards me. Fine, if you’re going that far, then I’ll stick around until the bitter end……She’d probably hate me even more if I said that.

Ashida gave Natsukawa a criticizing gaze, who showed an awkward reaction in response, only faintly opening her mouth.

“A-After all…if I left you alone, you will do something weird again…”

“Cute—No, of course I won’t.”

“Sajocchi, your true feelings are leaking. Why are you calmly commenting on that now?”

A goddess? An angel? No, she’s a goddess. What kind of cute reaction is that. What am I supposed to do here? Draw circles three times and bark? I’ll do that. I can even pay you money?

“Something weird? For example? What would make you angry, Natsukawa?”

“T-That’s…”

“I mean, you don’t need to say it.”

“Wha…W-Wait…! Can’t you have a bit more concern!?”

“If it’s about you, I’m always all ears, Natsukawa.”

“W-Wha…!”

“O-Ohh…Been a while since I heard that from Sajocchi.”

Ah, crap, I didn’t mean to say that. All these habits I acquired over the years won’t vanish that quickly. Saying this sort of stuff just comes out naturally. In that meaning, I guess it really would be better for me to keep my distance…But, staying away too far would be bad as well. I don’t know how to properly draw the line here. I’m not even clinging to her that much, not to mention that that situation with Inatomi-senpai is still in my head.

All I knew is that I messed up, so I waited for her insults. I guess it really is my fault for staying around her.

“T-Then—”

“Huh…?”

O-Ohh? That isn’t the reaction I expected. Isn’t she going to call me gross like always? Why does she seem so determined now?

“—Then…C-Come visit my place!!”

“………”

……Eh? ……!?!?!?!?! (*Can’t be put into words)

“A-Aichi…Do you plan on killing Sajocchi!?”

“…? Ah…!? Ahhhhhhhhh!!!?”

“Wha…!? Why are you two agonizing over it now!? I’m the most embarrassed just watching you two! Hey, listen to meee!”