"Since we're here, how about you come over to my place today?"
The moment those words left my mouth, my heart started pounding loudly. Could this be called nerves, or something more than that?
In my previous life, I never invited friends over to my house, let alone invited a girl over. The mere thought of it made me tense up even more. And now, not only was I inviting someone over, but it was Nina-chan, of course, it would make me feel all kinds of nervous. But to my surprise, Nina-chan didn't seem fazed at all. Instead, she looked thoughtful for a moment.
"To your place, huh? Hmm, let's see..."
She glanced up at the clock on the wall.
"...I'd like to go, but I have a curfew."
"Curfew? What time?"
"It's May, so I have to be home by 5 PM."
Five PM because it's May? So, does that mean in August it would be 8 PM or something?
No way, that's not how it works.
I quickly shook my head to dispel the absurd thought and nodded instead. "Oh, I see," I responded, realizing that it was probably one of those "be home before dark" curfews that most parents set, which makes sense for her age.
But I had a solution to that.
"It's fine! My dad can drive you home."
"Really? Your dad's an exorcist too, right?"
"Yeah, and he's strong."
"Stronger than you?"
"Yup, stronger than me."
As I nodded confidently, Nina-chan seemed to consider it for a moment longer before giving a slight smile.
"...If you're going to say that much, then sure, I'll come over."
"Really? That's awesome! Let's go!"
Excited, I grabbed my backpack. Nina-chan did the same, and we both headed out of the classroom, just as our homeroom teacher was coming up the stairs.
The teacher smiled at us, clearly pleased to see us leaving together, and gave us a parting greeting.
"See you both tomorrow."
"Bye-bye, sensei!" I waved back.
Next to me, Nina-chan quietly murmured, "...Goodbye."
"Yes, goodbye," the teacher responded warmly.
I blinked, surprised that Nina-chan had actually spoken. Up until now, she'd always stayed silent when leaving school. But today, she had responded. Maybe it was the excitement of coming over to my place? Or perhaps she was just starting to feel more comfortable around people. The teacher responded with a kind smile, not missing a beat.
"...What?" Nina-chan asked, noticing my lingering gaze.
"Nothing at all," I replied quickly, suppressing a grin.
As we made our way downstairs, I shrugged off my surprise and acted like everything was normal. At the shoe lockers, Nina-chan suddenly seemed to remember something and asked,
"By the way, doesn't your family have a curfew for you too, Itsuki?"
"My family?"
A curfew... Did I have one? Thinking back, I remembered what my mom had told me a while ago.
"I'm supposed to be back by 6 PM."
"Isn't that pretty late?"
"Late?"
The room was littered with Hina's toys and dolls, her things taking up most of the space. As for me, the only thing I really had was the case for Raikou Douji's relic on my desk.
It wasn't that I didn't want anything; it's just that the things I was interested in weren't exactly typical for a six-year-old.
"So, does your dad stay home a lot?" Nina-chan asked.
"No, not really. He's only home today because he has a break from work."
"Oh, I see. That's kind of like my mom."
"Yeah, I guess that's what it's like being an exorcist."
When I said that, Nina-chan smiled and nodded in agreement. Then, her expression became more serious as she lowered her voice slightly.
"So... are we going to practice Condensation Magic here?"
"Yeah. Is that okay?"
"...It's fine, but... it's my first time being in a boy's room, so it's a bit... nerve-wracking."
I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy at her awkwardness. I had been nervous about inviting her, but it looked like she was just as anxious about being here.
Wanting to ease the tension, I tried to reassure her.
"Don't worry. Hina and I share the room, so you're not really in my room alone."
"...What does that have to do with anything?" Nina-chan deadpanned, her expression incredulous.
Okay, maybe that wasn't the best way to put it. I winced, feeling the weight of my failed attempt at reassurance.
"Well... never mind. Let's just get started."
Just as we were about to begin practicing magic, the door suddenly swung open. I turned, only to see Hina standing there, her arms crossed defiantly.
"What's up, Hina?"
"I'm staying here to play too."
"You're staying?"
Huh?
Well... I guess that's fine.
Turning back to Nina-chan, I gave her an apologetic smile.
"Looks like we'll have company."
"It's fine. Let's just get started," Nina-chan replied, looking more relaxed now.
Hina, for some reason, decided to plop herself down between us, pressing her head into my chest as if trying to get my attention.
"What's wrong, Hina?"
"Nothing."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, nothing."
Okay then...
"Alright, Nina-chan. Let's ignore her and start practicing."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's fine."
But no sooner had I said that than Hina tugged at my shirt even harder.
You said it was nothing!