During the period Mahiru was being the waitress, what worried Amane most was not her captivating looks.
Neither was it when people would harass her for her beauty and try to converse.
The most worrying was when someone would try to impose one of Man's three great desires upon her.
It happened at noon, ten minutes before their shift ended.
A male customer had been eyeing the female workers the moment he entered. It was not uncommon as there were pretty girls serving them.
However, Amane saw that the customer was sizing them up, and had a feeling that he had to keep an eye out.
He served the dish, took the tray, and was about to head for the counter...when the customer reached out for Mahiru.
Mahiru had just served the man some food, and turned back. It happened right at that moment, and of course, she could not see what went on behind him.
The customer reached for the waist beneath the skirt, no, the buttocks. Amane took a step forward.
Amane had been nearby, and the customer was slow, which was why Amane had a chance to reach out.
"Dear customer, please do not casually touch our staff."
He slid the tray between Mahiru and the customer's hand, before the latter could touch, and reminded with a calm expression.
Calm as he might appear, it was the opposite within. He was a little miffed that his cute girlfriend was being wooed, and he was further incensed about this act of sexual harassment.
Mahiru turned around once she heard that. She determined what the customer intended to do as the tray blocked the hand, and her cheeks shuddered as she took a step back.
Amane strafed to protect Mahiru, and did his best to show a tender smile.
The shop quietened down unwittingly. Amane sensed the stares upon him, but he was so furious, he did not care.
At the same time, he remained calm.
The customer failed in his attempt, and could possibly excuse himself.
The surrounding customers might have noticed so, for they were staring at the hand. The customer however did not do anything, and Amane could only let it be if he said it was a coincidence.
The customer did not commit the cardinal sin of touching Mahiru, but Amane noticed something the former could not absolve himself of.
"Dear customer, may I know where your entrance permit is?"
The sudden change of topic caused the man to widen his eyes.
"And also...how did you enter? You are not wearing the band indicating your entrance permit."
All visitors entering this school had to wear a band indicating that they were allowed into the school. It was a one time use, but was extremely sturdy.
There were dangerous cases and thefts in recent years. Thus, the students needed to wear a band indicating their names on their necks during this cultural festival, colors differing by year. Ordinary visitors had to wear a band.
The school imposed restricted access to certain areas, a measure to prevent visitors from entering.
U-uh, it caught water, andbroke, the man was speechless once this was pointed out, and Amane chuckled.
"How strange. The band is waterproof since there is a likelihood of sweat. The pamphlet did mention that if you lost your band, you may register at the main office. Which student from which class requested for your permit? You should be able to answer so, no?"
"W-well."
"...Enough nonsense."
Amane stopped smiling, and turned towards the staff that was observing.
"Sorry, may someone please call for the student council or a teacher? I don't think it's good to have an unwelcomed outsider loitering around."
"Already done. Our patrolling homeroom teacher is coming here."
"Good work."
Amane heaved a sigh of relief as Kadowaki had quickly responded and acted swiftly. He shrugged, sorted his attitude, and turned to smile at the man who failed to molest.
Naturally, Amane knew that his eyes were not smiling.
"Dear customer, the issue at hand is not the act, but the matter of an outsider entering without permit. Apologies, but the people at the main office shall question you."
Amane calmly narrated what would happen to this man, and the homeroom teacher arrived, and went to the man. Amane pulled Mahiru back by the arm, and sighed.
"I heard there are more visitors compared to past years."
"It's no wonder suspicious people got past the security when there's so many people here."
The cultural festival of this school was a lot fancier and grander in scale compared to others, which was why many external parties wanted to visit.
*Suspicious people, *Mahiru lowered her eyes once she heard so. Amane realized that he misspoke, and he exerted a little more strength in his palm.
"...You alright?"
"I-I am fine. It shocked me, but luckily he failed."
It seemed Mahiru had noticed Amane's worry, for she hastily shook her head. She would not give such a look however if she was really fine.
"Sorry, I should have been more careful."
"But you were busy. It was simply because I was too careless..."
"Careless or not, such guys will always be on the prowl. That's why we have to pay attention and stop these guys."
She might be more wary, but there were some instances that would simply occur. After all, there was no stopping these molesters.
She seemed to be blaming herself for being careless, but anyone could have done it if they wanted to. She did not do anything wrong.
"You didn't go anything wrong. The weird ones are those who think that those with pretty faces and nice bodies deserve it for being too attractive. Anyone should be respected, no matter their genders."
"...Yes."
"So don't say it like it's your fault."
Amane muttered, and Mahiru lowered her eyes, looking a little perturbed, before she leaned onto his arm.
"...You never touched me much, Amane-kun. I do not wish to be touched by anyone else."
Mahiru shivered as she whispered, and Amane held her hand again to encourage her.
They did this while walking, so the surrounding stares were vexing, but everyone in school knew that the Angel was dating, so it did not matter. Amane was uncomfortable to be looked at, but he started to get used to it.
"Not much? I don't remember doing anything like that."
"You do occasionally cling onto me when I wake you up."
"Can you please don't remind me now? I'm not a pervert, you know?"
Amane inadvertently looked towards Mahiru when the shocking truth was revealed, and sensed that some life was creeping back onto her devastated face, for she gave an impish smile.
"I do not think you are a pervert to touch your girlfriend's body."
"So you say..."
"I do not mind."
"Don't pamper me. I'll do it."
"Are you not wanting to now?"
"I'm a guy. Of course I'll want to, but it's too early."
Of course, Amane had his own desire to touch, but he knew how fragile a male's sanity was, so he made sure not to touch too much.
He also knew very well that Mahiru would not dislike it, and instead would like to be touched. She said that sharing the warmth was a comfortable feeling, and said that she would feel blissful to be touched.
But if he really could do so, he might overdo it, so he had to endure.
Mahiru might have noticed what Amane was thinking while the latter looked aside, for she giggled, and firmly latched onto his arm.
"Please understand that I do not mind."
"...I know that."
He knew she was agreeable to this as she liked him, but his heart was besiege as she said so once again.
He quietly swore to himself to touch all he want when he could bear responsibility. He saw her smiling happily next to him, and rubbed his palm upon hers.
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