"Itsuki, Fujimiya, let's eat."
It was noon break at school, and Amane was about to eat with Itsuki as usual, only to hear a familiar voice.
Kadowaki had a hand raised, showing the usual hearty, genial smile.
It appeared that Kadowaki took a liking to Amane after the conversation days ago, and would come to talk from time to time. While they merely greeted each other before this, it appeared something was different on this day, for he dropped by with wallet in hand.
"I'm fine with that..."
"Itsuki's fine with that, right?"
"How are you sure that I won't refuse you? Well, doesn't matter now. It's surprising to see you do this."
Itsuki might have been surprised by this, since Kadowaki hardly interacted with Amane. The latter might be the most surprised however.
"Amane, Yuuta's emotionally attached to you or something?"
"Emotionally attached...I'm not a dog."
"Yuuta's actually like a dog. Once he trusts you and gets closer, he'll wag his tail or something. He's like a golden retriever."
"Don't call me a dog so openly."
Kadowaki retorted at Itsuki, but Amane certainly agreed that he had the vibe of a golden retriever. Amane started to laugh.
Kadowaki looked a little miffed when he saw Amane's shoulders shaking. He appeared to be pouting, rather than his mood actually being ruined.
"Don't laugh, Fujimiya."
"O-oh, sorry."
"You think so too huh, Amane?"
"I just thought that since you mentioned it..."
"Well, you're still the way you are, Fujimiya. I just want to get along since I think you're a good guy."
"Yep, it's good that more people know about Amane's good points. Come ask me."
"Who do you think you are?"
Kadowaki retorted at Itsuki, who slapped his chest proudly. He walked over, exchanged looks with Amane, and showed a dazzling smile.
Any girl would be conquered by him if he showed that smile. All Amane could do was to show a wry smile.
"...Can I ask something?"
"Hm?"
"Is it really alright for you to be with an ordinary guy like me? It doesn't benefit you, right?"
Kadowaki might had interest in Amane, and just wanted to be a friend, but Amane did not think there was no benefit to Kadowaki doing this.
He had so many friends, so why did he seek out Amane to be a friend, of all people?
Of course, Amame knew that people did not necessarily make friends by simply weighing pros and cons. He too made friends through instinctual feelings, yet he did not understand why Kadowaki chose him.
Kadowaki was stunned to hear Amane's words, and gave an incredulous look.
"You didn't make friends by weighing pros and cons, right?"
"You're right."
"Isn't that alright? I'm talking to you because I want to get along."
Kadowaki's smile remained like the clear skies, and narrowed his eyes.
"...Oh."
"I have thought about it, and I have my solution."
"You thought about?"
"Of course...you look down on yourself more than I do. Your self-denial is a huge problem. I shall do my best to ensure you gain confidence."
"Seriously, what are you thinking..."
Amane noticed how Mahiru was scared of being alone, but he never expected Mahiru to enthusiastic involve herself with him.
This sense of closeness was something they could not imagine at first, and he did not know whether to be elated or concerned.
"...Are you not willing to talk to me at school...?"
"Not that I dislike it, but someone like me..."
"Amane-kun."
Mahiru interrupted by calling his name. She sounded stern, as though reproaching.
"Do not say 'someone like me'."
You always have a habit of belittling yourself, Amane-kun.She seemed infuriated as she poked her index finger at his nose.
"If you say that next time...eh, I shall, continue to point."
"Point?"
"I shall point it out, and as punishment, I shall pat your head until I am satisfied."
"That's a reward, right...?"
"Eh?"
"Ah."
Amane accidentally blurted, and his face twitched.
It was a reward to receive Mahiru's headpat, but he should not have blurted it out.
For once Mahiru saw Amane freeze, her face reddened, and she was flustered.
She never expected her punishment to be a reward. An overly cute punishment would not be a punishment, yet it was so like Mahiru.
Amane too stopped talking as he had just stated his true thoughts, or rather, his desire. Silence loomed.
They fidgeted hastily, and their eyes wavered. Mahiru then seemed to have made up her mind as she opened her arms towards Amane.
"...Y-you're doing this?"
She probably wanted him to enter her clutches, to headpat him.
His head would overheat if he did so, so he did not. While the proposal piqued his desire greatly, Mahiru herself did not have any guilty thoughts, and had no intention of suspecting Amane of anything. It would be inappropriate for him to remain in close contact with such guilty thoughts.
He gulped, but he never followed through, "Please allow me to refuse." he shook his head, and spoke formally.
He really could not enjoy the softness with a nonchalant look.
"Don't do that to a guy. If you want, go look for Chitose."
"...I do think Chitose-san is more dangerous, you know?"
"If she sexually harasses you, just beat her. If I'm going to do anything perverted, beat me all you want."
"I will not doubt you since you are able to say so. A-anyway, I shall headpat you with all my might the next time you say so."
Ultimately, it appeared Mahiru had no intention of changing the punishment. Amane noticed that if he was punished, his shame and sanity would be at risk, so he swore to himself never to belittle himself before her.
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