Entering February, rumors of the 'mysterious boy suspected to be Mahiru's boyfriend' seemed to have quelled.
One major reason was that Amane did not meet Mahiru outside again. Amane was spotted picking her up, kicking off the rumors, but no other news happened thereafter, so it seemed the flames were extinguished for the time being.
Despite that, there seemed to be common understanding that 'the boy was not Mahiru's boyfriend, but someone close to her'. There were also baseless rumors spreading that Mahiru had interest in that boy...which she denied with a smile that would not allow them to probe further, and that somehow calmed down.
Chitose seemed to have witnessed that scene on the corridor, and according to her, Mahiru was giving off an 'unspeakable intimidating aura', so it seemed the latter really hated it.
That was to be expected, but he was a little sad to know that she was vehemently denying it. At the same time, he felt it was to be expected.
There was no love between them, and their relationship was in question just because they were acting a little familiar; surely she would be furious.
Amane himself could only show a wry smile.
"Speaking of February?"
"End of year exams."
"Hey, why is a high school boy in his blooming stage having such boring thoughts?"
It was after school, and Chitose popped by at Amane's house, uninvited actually; she could not hide how dumbfounded she was to hear that answer.
He heard that she wanted to discuss something; perhaps it was just him, but it seemed she wanted to play with Mahiru.
In any case, Mahiru was brewing tea in the kitchen. Amane and Chitose were the only ones in the living room.
"I don't know if any high school boy has a blooming stage, but I think it's an obvious thought for students..."
"Any high school boy enjoying his youth should be talking about Valentine's, right?"
"I don't know. I'm not enjoying my youth."
"Don't kid around~"
She knew the rumors were not true, but she leered away at him, so he glared back.
Nevertheless, she did not stop smiling, so he could only give up.
"So, what are we discussing?"
Chitose said that she came to Amane's house to discuss with Amane and Mahiru, leaving out Itsuki.
"Nn. I'm wondering what chocolates to give to Ikkun. In middle school, I just melted the chocolate and hardened it again, but I think as a high schooler, I should look to do something a little trendy."
"Then Shiina's suggestion should be enough for you."
Amane could not cook, and if anyone was to ask him about chocolates, he could only say that he did not know, just Itsuki's likes at most. However, she spent more time with Itsuki than he did, and already knew about these things, it seemed.
"I can ask Mahirun, but you are somewhat a guy anyway, Amane~ I want to hear what a boy has to say."
"What'd you mean somewhat I'm a real guy here."
"I do think a boy will act on a girl when two of them are alone."
"Ehh~ Valentine's going to be a big turning point. You sure you don't want any Valentine's chocolate, Amane? Look at the popular Yuu-chan for example, he'll receive quite a lot, you know? Aren't you jealous?"
"Eh, no, that'll cause diabetes."
It was likely the prince Kadowaki would receive lots of chocolate, but he would gain lots of excess fat if he ate them all.
"Besides, it's a hassle to repay all these gifts. Including the obligatory chocolate and the heartfelt chocolate, Kadowaki's probably have to deal with dozens of them, and he has to repay them three times worth. Isn't that too much for a high schooler's wallet?"
"So you're taking it that you have to repay three times worth? Great. Well, you don't have to worry about repaying me, I'll give you chocolates. How do you like it?"
"I don0't really hate or like sweet stuff...something not too sweet, I guess."
"Got it. I'll add different things inside."
"Don't add anything strange in."
"Don't worry, it's edible."
"Say."
He did not know what she was going to add, but it seemed Chitose had no intention of delivering a normal delicious chocolate.
"Mahirun, who are you giving yours to?"
"All the girls I interact with in class."
"You're not giving to any boy?"
"...If I do give obligatory chocolates, there will be a commotion..."
"Ah~"
One could easily imagine the boys getting all fired up, and after that, a meaningless melee between them.
To the ordinary boys, chocolates from the Angel would be a god's present to them. If she gave them any, there would be quite the uproar going on. One had to wonder which was the terrifying one; Mahiru's popularity, or the imagination of the boys.
He understood with a wry smile that there would be no trouble if she did not give any.
"I will give to you, Chitose-san."
"Yay, I love you, Mahirun. I'll give you some too~ the best chocolate for you unlike what I'll give Amane."
"Oy you."
Chitose grinned away as she latched onto Mahiru.
At the very least, he was relieved that she was not sexually harassing Mahiru, but he could not let those words past him. He glared at Chitose fiercely, and the latter showed a dumb face on her face.
"Just kidding~ I'll make sure yours is edible too, Amane."
"Feels like this edible is completely different from being delicious..."
He saw that Chitose was clearly planning some mischief, and felt a migraine as he held down his forehead. Chitose clearly showed her joy "Look forward to it." as she giggled at him.
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