Shown in the basin mirror was an unfamiliar looking self.
Amane was wearing the usual school uniform, but the region above the neck was drastically different from before. He could not say that he had never seen it before however, for this was an image he would occasionally show Mahiru. He was rather uncomfortable about not wearing plainclothes.
He fiddled with his fingers, fiddling with the bangs that were no longer blocking his eyes.
The good thing was that boys did not need to put on makeup like the girls, but Amane really was unused to dolling himself up like this.
"...Amane-kun."
A voice came from behind.
Through the mirror in the washroom, he saw Mahiru call for him after she was done preparing for school.
He turned to look at her, and found her looking a little gloomy.
"What's wrong?"
"...Do you not dislike it?"
"Dislike what?"
"...That hairstyle?"
"Oh, this?"
Mahiru seemed a little hesitant as she expressed her worry.
He showed this hairstyle to her, the one he refused to go to school with. Mahiru was worried that the others would associate that man with Amane.
This was something Amane himself wanted to do, so he did not dislike it.
It would be a lie to say that he had no hesitation, but he felt that since he made up his mind to stand next to Mahiru, he had to dress himself up and not bring her to shame.
He was not astoundingly handsome, but Itsuki and Kadowaki had vouched for his looks, so it should not be much of a problem. In any case, Amane hoped that nobody would say she had bad, unrefined taste in men.
"I don't really hate it. Do you, Mahiru?"
"...Not really...just that I am feeling a little conflicted."
"Conflicted?"
"...I may not have you for myself."
Mahiru shriveled as she said such adorable words. As she was really cute, he chuckled, and patted her head while ensuring he did not ruin her hair.
"So do you want to possess me for yourself?"
"I should be the one saying that...sometimes I feel like I'm about to die when you suddenly fawn towards me."
It should be said that Mahiru's skinship was more destructive.
Amane's heart would throb and race whenever he unwittingly felt that soft body, or sniffed at the floating sweet fragrance, or the sweet, intoxicating smile that was shown without restraint.
Again at this point, Amane's heart pounded wildly as Mahiru was too adorable. She buried her face into his chest, and probably realized it too.
"...This sudden attacks are highly potent."
Mahiru grumbled softly, and leaned her cheeks onto his chest.
"...But since your heart is pounding so much, I shall forgive you today, Amane-kun."
It appeared Mahiru was delighted that Amane's heart was pounding wildly as she muttered and rubbed her face onto his chest.
That gesture was similarly adorable, *calm down calm down, *so Amane nearly groaned as he muttered so, patting Mahiru on the head to quell the impulse gradually forming in his heart.
Five minutes later, Mahiru was done recharging.
She was blushing slightly, and her eyes were a little moist. Amane's heart would be in jeopardy if he stared directly at her. He managed to purge his anxiety however, for she appeared to be contented.
"Let us go then."
There was more than sufficient time, and no matter the amount of skinship they enjoyed, there was no way they would be late.
Nevertheless, Amane felt it was time for them to go, so he gave her a holler. "Yes" she smiled back.
I'm already worn out since morning.
He did not dislike it, on the contrary, he was elated. It was for this reason that he would endure, and felt fatigued. He could retaliate if it was a rest day, and let her fawn around until she melted away. They could not do so however as they had to go to school.
It appeared Mahiru did not notice his fatigue, for she was completely energized.
Early in the morning, and Amane was troubled and strangely fatigued in various ways, but it was not vexing to him. He showed a wry smile, took whatever he needed, and left along with Mahiru.
It was the first time he left home with her while wearing the school uniform, and he was strangely emotional about this. he locked the door, lowered his head towards Mahiru, and found her looking a little uneasy.
Her hand was timidly tugging at his hem.
"...Shall we hold hands?"
"Yes."
It appeared Amane got it right. "Damn, she's cute." he muttered towards an apprehensive looking Mahiru, and interlocked his fingers with her slender fingers.
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