CH 16

After clapping his hands together, Asahi headed straight towards the kitchen to wash the dishes.

Unless there existed special circumstances, such as a study session with a cool and blunt beautiful girl, it was best to wash the dishes as soon as possible after eating.

Washing while the dirt was still floating would save one’s time and keep the sink clean.

Ideally, you should wash the utensils you use while cooking, but this was not possible depending on what you were cooking.

Since it was a stir-fry dish today, I didn’t have time to take my hands off the stove, and so there were a good number of dishes waiting to be washed in the sink.

“…So, why are you still here, Himuro?”

“I don’t have the nerve to leave right away, after getting treated to dinner.”

“You don’t have to worry about it. After all, you bought the ingredients for the meal.”

“That’s natural. If it weren’t for my injured hand, I’d be the one doing the dishes.”

“If it weren’t for the injury to your hand, I don’t think this situation would be possible in the first place.”

“…Indeed, that’s true.”

Apparently she would be staying until the dishes were done, she sat on the sofa and flipped through the pages of the novel she had brought with her.

Judging from the cover and the title, it was definitely a romance novel, but it didn’t really fit her image.

I felt the same sense of discomfort when I heard rumors about the “Ice Lady” who often read romance novels during recess, and I actually remember my classmates making a fuss about it.

“Did you get your knowledge of sharing an umbrella from a novel?”

“That’s right, but what of it?”

“I just thought that the ‘Ice Lady’ also reads romance novels…”

While washing dishes with my hands, I talk with my mouth in my spare time.

Since the distance between us mentally and physically had narrowed, I thought I should ask some questions of my own.

The moment I said the words “Ice Lady”, Fuyuka’s expression tensed slightly.

“My bad, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“…No, it’s fine. I at least know what I’m being called.”

After I apologized sincerely, Fuyuka shook her head slightly and immediately corrected her expression.

However, the freezing cold chill I felt for a moment did not disappear for a while.

She, who always kept her distance from everyone, never spoke to anyone beyond what was necessary, and always maintained a straight face. A lady that was as cold as ice.

It was a nickname that had now spread throughout the school, but I’m sure it was not something she felt good about hearing.

“Don’t worry about it too much. I also called you a neighbor who meddles too much.”

“It’s not the same…”

“I don’t mind it. It’s all true anyway, and I made it to be this way.”

For some reason, Fuyuka backed me up as I reflected on the fact that I had said it without thinking properly.

Hearing her cheer me up, I was once again concerned about Fuyuka’s behavior as the “Ice Lady”.

However, I’m not going to and also can’t dig up her past.

Instead, Asahi decided to ask one simple question.

“…Am I good?

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’ve never tried to get involved with anyone before. I’m just wondering, how about me?”

“…Of course I wasn’t planning on getting involved with you either. And yet, you’re the one who..”

“Oh, I see. Is it because I forcefully approached you?”

Looking back, Fuyuka had refused to get involved with others even when she had collapsed with a high fever.

Please leave me alone. Asahi had been told clearly.

It was only because Asahi chose to ignore it and nurse Fuyuka that this situation was even happening at all.

“My bad, for being too nosy.”

“…You don’t have to apologize for that either.”

“Really? It’s bothering you, right?”

“At least you’re aware.”

Since he was aware that he had imposed his good intentions on several occasions, Asahi thought it was natural for her to be annoyed.

Even though I know that much, I still meddle, and because of that I don’t expect to be thanked in the slightest.

However, in the end, everything was left to the impression of the receiver.

It was not only about the bad impression that this rule applied to.

“…I don’t think it’s a bother. Rather…I’m quite thankful for you. Um, you have been helpful in various things…”

Fuyuka gave a small sigh of dismay and then slowly opened her mouth.

She turned her face away, and I couldn’t see the expression that came with her broken words and the color that dyed her snow-white skin.

The only thing I could figure out was that there was a definite warmth in Fuyuka’s tone.

Fuyuha’s true feelings were conveyed in a honest and straightforward way, and Asahi forgot to tell her that he had finished washing the dishes for a while now and just stood there in a daze.