CH 19

Since then, I’ve been going to Saito’s house to borrow books, and nothing unusual has happened so far.

It’s not surprising. We don’t walk side by side, and it’s not like we had any kind of relationship.

If there was something that changed, it’s that I started to talk to her a little longer in front of her house since I no longer had to worry about being seen.

The two of us are book lovers. The time passed naturally as we exchanged impressions of the book we read.

Another thing that changed, is that I’ve slept less, and as a result, I’ve been getting small complaints more often, but this is not a problem.

I was about to leave school and head to Saito’s house in order to enjoy more books.

[Ah, rain…]

As I walked out of the school’s shoe lockers, I saw it was pouring outside.

The sound of rain hitting the ground echoed in the air.

It was sunny in the morning, so when did it start to rain? I’m not exactly fond of sunny days, but the fact that it’s raining lowered my spirit.

I had just taken out my folding umbrella when I saw Saito standing at the entrance.

She looked up at the sky and stood there as if she was troubled.

[Did you forget your umbrella?]

[…. Yes]

I could only think of one reason why she would be here, so I asked her, and I seemed to have hit the mark.

Normally, I would never talk to someone in such a public place, but this time, Saito’s eyebrows were furrowed as if she was in trouble, so I couldn’t help but call her.

It is indeed hard leaving someone in trouble, especially if it is someone you know.

I wondered if I should go buy an umbrella, but I remembered that there was no convenience store nearby.

There was only one way I could help her, but it was not the most comfortable solution.However, I have no choice.

[…. Do you want to join me?]

[No, thank you. I’m fine]

I suggested the only option, but she bluntly replied to me in a cold voice.

[Then how do you plan on getting home?]

[That’s….]

Saito stuttered. If she had some way home, she would’ve left ages ago. If she hadn’t left, that means she didn’t.

She still doesn’t know how to rely on people. When you’re in trouble, I wish you would rely on me. Or I won’t have any chance to return the favor.

[Come on, let’s go]

[But….]

I opened my umbrella and urged her to come in, but she was still reluctant.

She seemed to be worried about me. Maybe she’s worried that it would start a rumor, or that I’ll get into trouble.

[Just to be clear, I’m not trying to do the umbrella cliche. I’m doing it for myself, I can’t borrow the books today without you, can I?]

[…. Then, please]

It’s a bit forceful, but after I gave her a reason, she slowly walked into my umbrella.

The distance between us is closer than I thought. Her shoulders are right next to mine, and if I move even a little bit to the side, I’ll bump into her.

A soft floral scent entered my nose. She smells sweet and nice, it’s the same as when I lent her my shoulders before.

Inevitably, I felt uncomfortable to be reminded that she is the opposite sex, so I picked up the pace to her house.

[Now, the book, please]

[….. Please wait a moment]

When I arrived at her house, or rather, her apartment, she glanced at me and went inside to get the books.

I don’t know if she lives alone. The only thing I could see from her room is that it’s not exactly populated, and it has that lonely atmosphere.

I waited at the front door of her house, and she opened the door. In her hands were a book and a few pieces of clothing.

[Here you go]

[…. What’s with the clothes?]

[It’s my fault that your shoulders are wet, right? Please change your clothes]

Apparently, she noticed that I was leaning my umbrella towards her when we walked.

The umbrella I had was a folding umbrella. There was no room for two people, it was barely enough for one person.

I secretly tilted it towards her so she wouldn’t get wet, but I didn’t realize she knew.

[N-no, I’m just going to leave…]

[No. What will you do if you catch a cold? I’m not saying this for you. I’d feel bad if you catch one because of me]

I had no choice but to nod my head when she gave me a worried look, and said it the same way I did to her before.

[…. Got it]

When I reluctantly tried to take off my clothes, she turned her head away.

[Wait until I am gone!]

When I looked at her, her cheeks were tingled with vermillion and her voice was rather flustered.

Unlike girls, boys don’t need to hide their chests, but I guess she’s not immune to bare skin, so it was understandable if she’s flustered.

Her cheeks turned slightly red as she turned away and walked hurriedly to the back room.

The fact that she seemed sluggish is because she’s embarrassed.

Her ears, which I could see from the back, were slightly red, so I could tell she’s very embarrassed.

I watched her go into her room, and looked at the clothes she gave me.

The clothes she gave me were a bit bigger than her own size, so I could probably wear this.

[…. Are you done yet?]

Perhaps she heard the sound of the clothes rustling stop, as I was called from the other side of the door.

[Yeah, I’m done]

When I said that, she peeked from the door, and had a relieved expression.

I guess she was relieved I changed my clothes already.

[Then, I’ll be borrowing this, thanks]

[It’s okay, be careful]

[Sorry for the trouble]

When I left her house, I could smell her scent from the clothes, which I hadn’t noticed before.

It was somehow unsettling to be conscious of the fact that the clothes had her scent.