CH 173

Chapter 173 – Way of Calling

After joining the guild, as the matter we had to do was finished, Hana, Claire, and I left the Guild Master’s room for the time being. As we walked in the corridor, I saw some familiar faces when we passed the leisure room.

“Rei, Yui, and Shinonome-san too”

When I called them, the three who were inside the leisure room directed their gazes towards us.

A beautiful girl with semi-long cerulean blue hair that shines when illuminated by the light as her characteristic– Kurosaki Rei. Beside her was a lovely girl with long cherry-colored hair and jade-colored eyes as her characteristics– Kasai Yui. And the last one is a woman with a gentle demeanor akin to an older sister– Shinonome Kaori.

Apparently, the three were in the middle of discussing something over a cup of tea. But when they noticed us, they stopped their conversation and Shinonome-san replied as a representative.

“Is the discussion over? If you like, please have this.”

Suddenly, she offered us a bag of cookies. And after looking at each other, we sat down beside them.

“Then, I’ll take the offer.”

“Excuse me~”

“Thanks for the cookies”

When the six of us sat beside each other, the conversation continued, as Rei and Yui opened their mouths with great interest.

“What are Hana-chan and Rin talking about in the Guild Master room?”

“It’s actually about joining the guild, Yui-senpai.”

“…. Then, in the end, did you two decide to join the guild?”

“Yes, Hana and I decided to join the guild. That’s why, once again, I’m looking forward to working with you”

Hearing my words, the faces of the two brightened.

“Yes! I’m looking forward to working with you too!”

“Un, me too. Feel free to call me senpai.”

“Hou, which mouth said that”

“Mu~”

I grabbed Rei’s cheeks, who said that smugly, and stretched them. Although she made a voice like she was resisting it, she actually looked delighted with it.

Then, at that moment, Shinonome-san murmured as if she was in trouble.

“Even though I’m glad you two joined, with this, there are two Amane in the guild, making me troubled over how to call you two. As follows, could I call you Rin-kun and Hana-chan from now on?”

“Yes”

“Of course!”

Thinking that it certainly should be done, Hana and I nodded without hesitation. And looking at this, Shinonome-san for some reason displayed a mischievous smile.

“Now, since I decided to call you two with that… There is still another person here who called Rin-kun by his last name, right?”

“….”

Immediately, five of us looked at the remaining person– Claire, who looked troubled. Looking at this reaction, for some reason, even I became restless too. And I have a feeling that the development is going to be bad…

“Ah, it seems everyone’s drinks have already emptied. I’ll refill them for you–”

“Hey, don’t run away, Rin-kun.”

Shinonome-san firmly grasped my hem as I tried to leave the place. T-this person did that knowing what would happen….!

As a result, a strange atmosphere started to flow in the place. Claire, who kept being stared at by everyone, exhaled as if she had given up. And then, she turned her deep blue eyes that looked like the deep sea toward me. Perhaps because her cheeks were slightly flushed, the depth of her eyes seemed to increase.

“Tsu”

I do think I should say something here, but the words didn’t come out well. Simultaneously, Claire finally opened her mouth.

“E-etto…. Then, err…. Can I call you Rin-kun too?”

“…. Aa”

“T-thank you very much”

After calling my name, Claire looked away from me once again. While I thought I was finally able to see a different reaction from her, unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to enjoy it. That is because—

(The sound of my heartbeat is…loud)

Even though she merely called me by my name, my heartbeat surprisingly quickened. I’m certain my face has turned red too right now. Damn, you aren’t a junior high school student, Rin! It made me want to retort to myself like that.

“Onii-chan?”

“Mu… Rin-senpai….”

“Romantic comedy, objection!”

And finally, the words from those three entered my ears.