Volume 2 - CH 2.8

Minato Interlude

Translated by 64990022

The Angel in Plight

Minato Interlude

“Minato, what do you think?”

Sternly, she brought up the topic while pouring milk into her coffee. 

We were at an eat-in cafe near Shiho’s house. It was probably the best place to stop by after school and have a chat. The design, the price, everything.

“About what?” I asked back, and then took a bite of the soufflé cake that came with the drink.

White patterns trailed in the glass as Shiho’s straw stirred. 

She wasn’t the type to put syrup in her coffee.

“About Hiura-san”

“Ngh..!”

Almost choked on cake, I covered my mouth in panic, the other hand reaching for the hot milk tea to slosh it down.

“You’re deliberately trying to surprise me,” It was more of a fact than an accusation, knowing Shiho. 

“What? Why is it so surprising?”

“Shiho. I’m getting mad.”

“Hiii. Ehehe, sorry, sorry.”

You don’t look guilty at all…

I sighed for her to hear

“But, they’re very close,” she stated.

“…”

“Body touching… they’re even used to indirect kisses.”

“…”

Hiura Aki-san.

She had once helped me with the little scuffle in the gym. She was a strange person, but cute nonetheless. Same class as Io, a good friend of his…

[TN: See the vol 1 Minato-Yamabuki match for the gym incident]

“They’re close, that’s it. Why do I have to concern myself?”

“Ah, you’re acting strong.”

“I-I’m not! I…”

I don’t have a right to say in his relationship. With the past Kyoto trip, one thing was clear.

I still didn’t know him at all.

I didn’t know he had a sister, or how he was like with his actual friends. Up until now, it was him helping me with my problems. Just because he told me his past didn’t mean I would suddenly become close to him.

“Didn’t I say? I don’t know…”

“But when you figure things out, it might be too late, you know? Early bird gets the worm.”

“It’s less than a week left, why haven’t you studied for midterm yet, then.”

“Wow. Souffle cake is so delicious.”

So she can run away like that when the conversation gets ugly. What a sly girl.

“So, you’re not curious about her?”

“I’m not…”

“Hmm, is that so?”

The truth was, I do. I tried not to, but there was no helping it. But I was really trying not to, so that doesn’t count as a lie.

“Umm, I’ve asked if Io like Hiura-san or not. But it seems that you’re not interested…”

“Eh?” My heart dropped.

What did he answer, naturally, I was curious about that. However, another thought preceded that; Shiho didn’t know about Ayaha-san, what if she asked inappropriately…

“What did he say?”

“Fufu, now you wanna know?”

“Shiho.” This was no time for jokes.

“Hn? Minato?” Shiho instantly mirrored my straight face and blinked several times.

Misinterpreting my concern, she dissolved into a warm smile. “They’re totally friends, that’s what he said.”

“How was he like when saying that?”

“Hm? Hmm, he seemed uninterested, no surprise, no embarrassment, surprisingly so.”

I was terribly relieved by Shiho’s affirmation. Perhaps the “Who do you like” question was common enough it didn’t remind him of his past. Maybe that was an unnecessary concern.

“But I didn’t get to question Hiura-san, though.”

“I appreciate your concern, but next time, don’t.”

“Ehh～ Yessir, will do.” Contrary to her words, she didn’t look the slightest bit satisfied. Although she would still adhere to my request until the end. That was who she was and why I love her.

“Ah… Mikage-san.” Shiho gestured to the cafe entrance. The name hooked my attention. “Her house’s around here, it seems. I saw her here often too,” she added.

She bent down by the display shelf and scrutinized the sandwiches. Her hair bobbed as she swung her head up and down.

Shiga Prefecture, a dingy cafe in a train station. Even in a place like here, her presence made it as exquisite as any fairytale setting.

“Ahh, cute. Nothing short of Kuze’s Top. Our Minato’s better, though,” As if she was a beauty pageant judge, Shiho muttered.

“Stop it. And on what basis are you judging her?”

“By how close we are!” 

“…”

You can’t let me win only because I’m your best friend…

Idly, I stare at Mikage-san’s profile. 

Did she get a consultation with the Angel? What was her reason to do so? I could have easily asked Io about them, but I still couldn’t bring myself to. My conflicting feelings compelled me to do both things at once.

But one thing, she was earnest. Her image overlapped with when I cornered Io a while ago. Also, she’s—

“She’s amazing…” After seeing her off, Shiho whispered.

“Yeah.”

“I had talked with her once, I was spellbound. My heart was pounding… If I was a boy…!”

That, I could agree on. Otherworldly atmosphere, the smoothly changing facial expressions, and that look…

Talking with her was like a dream.

“Ah!!!”

A customer receiving a tray tripped over a signboard and lost his balance. A loud clang followed. Coffee burst from the broken cup, pieces scattered in all directions.

What should I do? Let it to the waiter? Would a handkerchief do any good? Do I have a tissue?”

However, my hesitation soon became meaningless.

“Are you all right?” Mikage-san had returned to the store.

Contrary to the horrified customer, Mikage-san took out a handkerchief and even a hand towel. She immediately began collecting the shattered pieces. Before the panicked waiter would come, she had already begun wiping the floor.

Her white towel was stained coffee-brown, her clothes stained a little, too.

“Sir, are you hurt?” asked the waiter.

“Um! Thank you very much…!” thanked the waiter.

“No worries. Good thing I wasn’t that far.” she bobbed her head politely before leaving the store for the second time.

Cooly, without frustration, without asking for return, she walked away. If it was me, I’d have felt incredibly flattered.

“That’s… just like her.”

“Yeah, amazing.”

Of all people to help, she was the furthest from the scene, yet she was the first one to jump in.

“Ahh, talk about popular people. Not just the boys, she’s taking the hearts of girls like us too,” complained Shiho.

“I know, she’s the ideal samaritan.”

“Although she refused every confession though, having someone she liked already.”

“Yeah.”

Someone she liked… surely, that was what the letter to the Angel was about. If so, then, take care of her, Io.