CH 83

The preparations for the barbecue were all done, and all that was left was to wait for the girls, who had gone into the house, to return.

Kenichi, who had become bored, began to play around with his dexterity, cutting carrots into flower shapes and making rabbits out of them beside me.

The perfect handsome guy who can do anything. …… I’m good at wasting time.

As I watched Kenichi, I suddenly remembered something that had been bothering me, so I looked around to make sure no one else was around.

“Kenichi. I’ve been thinking about something. ……”

“Hmm? What is it, Towa?”

“Isn’t Fuji-san really scary today……?”

Yes, …… Fuji-san is scary today.

She has always had a moderately cold look in her eyes, but today, just the mere sight of her made me shiver.

I even had a feeling that if I were to make a careless comment, I would be killed the very next moment…….

But Kenichi tilted his head at my words and looked like he had no idea what I was talking about.

And then, with a smirk on his face he said…

No~, isn’t she cute and twinkly?”

And then he said something completely different than what I was thinking.

“Eh……, didn’t you say she was a thorn in your side?”

“Really? I mean, she looks like she’s having a good time.”

“Are you serious?”

Is this what they call a lover’s filter?

They say that love is blind, but I can’t believe he’s lost sight of reality to this extent….

In addition, he is looking at the direction that Fuji left with fascinated eyes. …… This is a serious condition.

“In the meantime, Kenichi, you should get a CT scan, even though it’s probably too late now since you’re already a mess.”

“That’s awful, man!”

So, this is what happens to people who are affected by love?

I don’t like it. I feel sorry for them.

“Well, it’s not like I’m hiding my feelings, is it?”

“…… Hiding my feelings? That’s ……”

“Yeah!”

“I don’t get it. ……”

“Haha! You’re in love and you know it, right?”

The smug face with the gleaming teeth…. I want to punch him so badly.　 But before that, what’s so special about that icy cold stare?

She looked like she was about to bite me…

“A festival is a special occasion. I’m sure you can’t help but get excited about it. You’re looking forward to it, aren’t you?”

“No, not at all. I don’t like crowds in the first place.”

I responded immediately, without hesitation.

To be honest, part of me is looking forward to it.

I’m interested in the atmosphere …….

But I don’t need to tell Kenichi that.

I’ve done a little research beforehand.

It is very easy to imagine what Kenichi’s reaction would be if I told him ……. I’m sure he’ll give me an annoying grin.

As I was thinking about this, Kenichi looked at me with the same expression I had imagined, even though I hadn’t mentioned anything about it.

“Haha! So, that’s what this is all about.”

“Hmm?”

“You want to hide it, right?”

“… That’s not true.”

He’s right on the money.

He is the same esper as always.

But because I don’t like to admit it… I sniffled and showed a grumpy look.

Well, but I want to hide my feelings, so my attitude changes to hide my embarrassment.

There are differences in the movements, but I think I’ve sort of got that down…

I don’t know if that’s what Fuji’s attitude is, but I’m skeptical.

“And summer is the perfect time to wear yukata, a wonderful outfit that makes slender people look beautiful. …… It’s the perfect time to wear it generously!”

“Oh, I get it, slender …… like Fuji-san, no, clothes that make women look beautiful are great! Yeah, yeah!”

“Yeah? What’s wrong with your reaction? You don’t have to wrap it up in that kind of obviousness. You don’t have to be so subtle about it. Kotone is really flat! But that’s why clothes like yukata look good on her~.”

“Well… Kenichi…about that…….”

“And you know what? It’s the best way to dress a girl.”

“Kenichi…………”

“And when it comes to yukata, there’s nothing like spinning the belt around and acting like a cop ……. This is a man’s dream, isn’t it? But in Kotone’s case, even if the yukata came off, it wouldn’t have any destructive power!”

Kenichi is holding his stomach and laughing.

He looks like he’s having a lot of fun. ……

I watch Kenichi in silence. I’m sure his expression will be pale …….

The reason being…

“…… Kenichi. Come here for a moment.”

Yes, there’s a demon there.

“……?”

A hand was placed on his shoulder and he slowly turned around with a smile on his face and his mouth twitching.

And when he saw the demon behind him, he let out a short scream.

“…… Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to do anything to you.”

“Um, aren’t …… your eyes frozen? No~ I’m sure the gentle Kotone-sama is a ……”

“……Hmm. I’m going to teach you some conversation skills straight from my mom.

“Hiii!? Towa! Please help me!”

Kenichi is grabbed by the neck and is about to be taken away.

He reached out to me for help, a pleading look on his face.

Well, I’m a man, too.

I feel that I owe Kenichi a debt of gratitude and I feel that I have to repay it.

That’s why I smiled at him with a sales smile that I had developed during my part-time job.

Kenichi’s face brightens for a moment.

But then he must have realized the meaning of the smile, because his …… expression gradually became tense.

“Hey, Kenichi.”

“To …… wa?”

“It’s nice to be loved. I’ll take care of this and you can flirt to your heart’s content!”

“…… Thanks, Tokiwagi-kun. You understand what I’m saying.”

“Towa, you’re the woman’s friend!?”

I saluted Kenichi as he was being dragged off into the house. I think I heard a short scream coming from the house…., but it was probably just my imagination.