"Man that was harsh..."
Amane had a bath, washed away the dirt on his body, and once done, he leaned on the welsofa, feeling comfortably fatigued from the exercise.
As expected, he was attacked furiously during the cavalry battle.
Though it was expected, the aggressive bumps caused Kadowaki and the others much trouble.
"This is youth huh?" Hiiragi said excitedly, giving a bloodthirsty grin. Perhaps he liked such competition after all.
Amane's team did not survive till the very end as they faced the incoming onslaught. Thanks to their rider Kuju's heroics, they got more headbands they imagined.
Kuju contributed the most, but Mahiru, observed in the opposing ranks, smiled at Amane.
And just like that, the afternoon matches ended, followed by the closing ceremony. After the usual cleanup, Amane returned home.
Too many things happened, and he ended up all weary, but the day did not end.
...I have to say this.
Mahiru mustered such courage to reveal their relationship publicly, and chose to establish a relationship with Amane.
His pride as a boy would be ruined if he dithered and did not reciprocate those feelings.
But how am I supposed to do it?
He made up his mind, but once he thought about how he had to confess, he was hesitant and troubled. Perhaps this was the reason why he was derided as a coward.
It was the first time in his life that he had really fallen for someone. it was no wonder he was troubled, given that he had to confess to such a person.
Girls surely wanted to be confessed to under such a romantic atmosphere. How do I convey my feelings to make her happy?These frustrations would never garner any answer as they continued to swirl in Amane's mind.
While he put his hands on his forehead, wondering what to do, he heard the door unlock.
He shuddered, for the sound indicated the arrival of the girl who caused him frustration, the girl who unlocked the door using his key.
it was the first time in his life that he was really tense hearing the sound from the door.
The door was then shut and locked.
The slippers echoed off the floor, and a sound seemingly encompassed the air...appearing at the entrance was the familiar girl with the flax-colored hair.
"Amane-kun."
The faint red lips formed a gentle arch, a gentle expression.
She showed a expression similar to the usual, as though the buzz at school never happened. No, her smile was sweeter than usual, and his heart pounded faster.
One had to wonder if she noticed how shaken Amane was, for she sat next to him as usual.
The distance between them was smaller than a fist.
She was about to position herself again, and the soft silky hair fluttered, the shampoo fragrance flung violently towards Amane.
It appeared Mahiru too went home to wash away her sweat. One could notice that her smooth milky white skin was showing some redness.
Once he realized that Mahiru had just left the bath, Amane tensed up more than before. Mahiru in turn showed him a beautiful smile.
"Amane-kun, I feel you have lots of things to say to me, or ask...but may you listen to me before then?'
"O-oh?"
Now what?Amane wondered, and straightened himself. Mahiru lowered her head towards him.
"I apologize for blocking your retreat, Amane-kun. I am really sorry that many were looking at you, when you hated it."
"Hm?"
"Erm...I knew very well this would happen."
Once he saw Mahiru lift her head awkwardly, Amane understood what she was guilty about.
She knew very well her influence, and till this point, ensured that everything she did would make her adored.
That Mahiru declared Amane to be the important person to her, in front of everyone, and surely that would cause confusion. Amane knew that she did it even though she knew this would happen.
"Well, I know you did it even though you knew what would happen."
"Are you not angry, Amane-kun?"
"Nope."
"I see. Thank goodness."
Amane in turn had resolved himself, for Mahiru did it despite the consequences. He knew how serious she was, and did not dislike it at all.
"I know I was a little forceful. I wish to apologize if I made you unhappy, Amane-kun...but if I did not do so, you probably will not understand."
Of course, Amane's parents had enough of his depression, and gave him encouragement, and cheered him up. However, having considered how painful it would be for him to harbor such scars of his hometown, they sent him to Shuuto's Alma Mater.
They were unable to leave their hometown because of work. Amane did not want them to worry, so he chose to stay alone, and met Mahiru at this place.
"...Those who betrayed you were really foolish, Amane-kun. You are so kind and outstanding after all."
Mahiru reached her hands towards Amane, showing a tragic smile, and Amane too smiled.
"Back then, I thought I would never like anyone else...though I never expected that to change so quickly."
Amane stared at Mahiru again.
His heart felt warm, embarrassed, and doting. Mahiru was the first ever person to illicit such feelings, and might be the last.
Such were the feelings he had for her.
"...Back at the start, I didn't think you're cute."
"I know. You told me to my face."
"Well, sorry about that...when we first met, you were dishonest, aloof, and not cute at all. I thought we just had a mutual benefit...but before I knew it, I started to be dissatisfied about this."
At the start, Amane did not want to get too involved with her.
When exactly did this change then?
"I started to want to know more about you, wanted to touch you, and wanted to treasure your. I wanted to have you. It's the first time I had such thoughts."
"...Yes."
"I was enduring this the entire time, thinking that I couldn't do it...you said this was fine, so it's not that I thought of giving up, but that I wondered what I could do to be a match for you? You took the first step however, Mahiru, before I could do anything."
"Fufu...I too have been enduring this. You are so handsome, and I worried if others would snatch you away. I was worried if you would like me."
"I guess you're the only one who'll like someone like me."
"Mmm. Again with such words..."
Mahiru looked displeased, as though deriding him for belittling himself again. Once she saw his expression however, she blinked several times.
At this point, Amane was not showing the good-for-nothing face Mahiru had criticized him for, but a serious, resolved look.
"...So starting from now...I'll work hard to ensure that nobody says you chose wrongly."
"Eh?"
"I'll work hard to be a good man, and not let anyone belittle your choice. It's somewhat difficult...to not look inferior next to you, Mahiru, but I do want to stand with my head held high."
Amane wanted to be an outstanding man, someone who could stand proudly next to Mahiru, that nobody would blame Mahiru for.
It was not just for her sake, but for his too, for him to have some confidence.
And the first step should start from these words.
"I like you, Mahiru...will you go out with me?"
He muttered as he looked at those clear caramel-colored eyes, and they turned moist as though a membrane was laid over them. The tears did not fall however, merely showing his silhouette.
She closed her eyes, as though hiding them and smiled at him.
"...Yes"
Her answer was feeble, elated, and shivering. Amane would be the only one to hear her however. Once she agreed, she buried her face into his chest again.
She wrapped her arms around his back, holding him firm, and did not let go.
I am not letting you get away again,she seemed to imply, which left him a little embarrassed. He too wrapped his arms around her little back, and embraced her firmly.
--I'm definitely not letting go.
He wanted to treat her dearly, to dote on her, to love her.
It was the first time he felt such feelings after his heart resonated with Mahiru's.
"I want to make you happy, Mahiru."
"You cannot guarantee it?'
Mahiru impishly asked as she slowly lifted her head. Amane smiled as he brought his lips to her ear.
"This is my wish. I wish to personally make you happy, Mahiru. My resolve is...that I will definitely treasure you, and make you happy."
"...Yes."
Once she heard the passionate oath, Mahiru nodded with a sweet smile that was melted by these feelings.
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