"What's going on, Fujimiya?"
After the morning games ended, they returned to the classroom, and unsurprisingly, Amane was questioned by the boys in this class.
Mahiru was the unattainable flower, the one admired. That Mahiru borrowed Amane in front of everyone, under the pretext of being an important person. Amane understood that the boys found it unfair, but he too was troubled to be suddenly interrogated.
"E-even if you ask."
"Why are you with Shiina-san!? As her important person!?"
"Anyway, when did it start?"
"You didn't interact at all, right!? You only started eating together recently, didn't you!?"
"What does Shiina-san see in you!?"
"We don't understand at all!"
Every single question had him on the brink of giving up.
Truth be told, though he had expected to be questioned, the boys' interrogation was much more intense than he anticipated. He hardly had the time to eat lunch.
Of course, the boys were not the only ones who reacted. The girls did not join in, but they too gave Amane some looks. Some appeared to be sizing him up, some looked delighted, and some even looked relieved.
It was likely due to their biggest competitor Mahiru liking Amane.
The sizing looks in turn were probably wondering,that Mahiru had fallen for this guy? How is he like?
All the stares in class were gathered upon him, and he was already groggy from the attention.
On a side note, Itsuki and Kadowaki were a little away from the other boys "Ahh" giving wry grins. Chitose too looked at them, looking strangely excited. Amane really hoped these people would come save him.
"Please do not bully him excessively."
The first to reach out and save him was the other person involved, Mahiru herself.
She might have gone off to buy isotonic drinks, for she arrived late in the class. There were PET bottles in her hands, and they were covered in sweat as the weather was a little hotter.
Once her eyes met Amane's she showed a gentle smile.
Thanks to that, the boys shot murderous iooks at him, and he was really stressed out.
"Amane-kun will be troubled if he cannot have lunch during noon break."
Only intimate people would call each other by names. It appeared Mahiru was no longer intending to conceal how she usually addressed him.
She did not mind even though she was the center of attention from both boys and girls. One boy finally had enough, and went towards Mahiru...he was the one who confronted Amane up close.
"Shiina-san! You said Fujimiya's your important per,"
"Amane-kun is the important person to me."
Mahiru confirmed decisively, showing the smile no different from usual.
Mahiru confirmed decisively, and showed a smile no different from usual.
Once the boy saw that Angel's peerless smile, he was momentarily intimidated. Though he lost some morale, he continued asking, perhaps due to the support of the surrounding stares.
"E-erm...in that case, lovers?"
"Even if that is so, is there anything you wish to say to me?"
"No, what I mean is...if you're lovers...why someone like Fujimiya?"
"Someone like Fujimiya?"
"Ah, no, erm, that unimpressive looking Fujimiya, doesn't seem suitable, to be dating you, Shiina-san. There are better."
"Really?"
Amane gave a thousand yard stare, thinking that the boy had stepped on Mahiru's nerves.
There were still people looking, but it was incomparable to before, still relatively fine.
You should have gone first, Amane.Such was the implication in Kadowaki's words, and Amane could not refute it.
"I can tell, somewhat, but are you really on such good terms with Shiina-san, Fujimiya?"
Kuju looked a little doubtful. Perhaps he had sensed a little change in the relationship between Amane and Mahiru.
"Hm, well, we started getting along since last year."
"So you've been hiding this the entire time? Well, I can understand from the commotion during noon break."
He gave Amane a sympathetic look.
Kuju, Hiiragi and Amane were all in the same class, but the former two could not approach when Amane was surrounded and interrogated.
They were not on good terms with Amane, and their decisions were sound, but Amane really hoped that Itsuki and Kadowaki would help him out a little.
"But it's really amazing. It sure felt good seeing Shiina adamantly dump those useless guys."
"Rather than calling them useless, I just think this incident really shocked them too much..."
"Hm really? But if he's a guy, he should have just confessed outright to a girl he likes. They didn't do that, they harassed Fujimiya, and badmouthed him. They're bums. They dared not risk yet wanted to get her, and kick up a fuss when they couldn't get her. That's not just being useless, that's just being immature."
"Ugh."
"Kazuya, some of those words hit Fujimiya in his sore spot."
But if he's a guy, he should have just confessed outright to a girl helikes. These words accurately stabbed at Amane's heart.
"Yep, because I'm getting anxious for Fujimiya."
"Shiina-san has clearly stated that she likes you."
Amane knew that.
Mahiru did this much, and Amane could no longer lie to himself. He could be certain that Mahiru clearly had feelings for him.
...I know this much.
Amane knew very well how cowardly he was. He was running away, for fear of being rejected.
"Fujimiya, do you like Shiina?"
"You can't tell, Kazuya...?"
"In that case, why don't you just confess to her? Given her attitude, it's obvious Shiina likes you."
"...I know. She made this step, and I too have to step up."
Amane understood that it would be embarrassing of him to not do anything when she went this far.
He also understood that as Mahiru had expressed her feelings, he should respond with sincerity. He already decided his answer; all that was left was how to convey it.
Hiiragi gave a determined Amane a delighted smile.
"Yeah, that's how it is. Anyway, let's knock down the opponents during the cavalry battle."
Those guys are definitely going to aim for us.He was happy for some reason, and Amane could only give a wry smile.
"I'll get a heavy responsibility, you know?" Kuju grumbled deflatedly, for he was to be the rider, but he just sounded despondent rather than annoyed, and Amane was a little relieved.
"How about you learn from Kazuya, Fujimiya? Let's knock down a few more of them."
"I'll try my best."
Amane felt he should show some manliness, fend off all the hands reaching for Mahiru, and possess her for himself.
Anyway, I'll explain things properly when I get hom.
Thus, he would have to ensure things go smoothly in the afternoon match. Amane pumped himself up, and the other trio exchanged smiles.
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