Volume 2 - CH 4.8

Chapter 4: If I Bring the Glass Closer

Part 8

At last, we were on our last day.

It was as if someone had set up a trap for me, rigging an anvil of attention above the door, waiting to let loose the moment I entered the class. That split second of scrutiny I was subjected to when I walked through the door was more intense than the day before.

“Phew…”

I fished out and began rereading Konomi Kuchiru’s novel.

[TN: Io’s favorite writer, mentioned somewhere in vol.1]

But for the better part of the time I had, I ran my eyes through the text, my mind wandering off to Mikage. And also a little about Ayaha.

When lunch came, Mikage would come to pick me up.

I felt like she looked a little glum today.

“Yaa, good to go?”

“Yea.”

When I stood up, someone came in between me and Mikage.

It was Hiura.

“G’day, Mikage.”

“Hiura-san?”

Hiura scowled at her accusingly. “I’ll go with you too.”

“I’m afraid that’s not an option. Sorry.”

“I don’t care. I’m going.”

She lowered her head, lifting her shoulders. Her posture reminded me of an angry cat, ready to pounce. I couldn’t see her face, but she was probably baring her fangs.

“This is between me and Akashi-kun, not you, Hiura-san.”

“Akashi’s problem is also my problem.”

The murmur around us became louder. Of course, pitting Top Three with Plus Four and you’ll get this attention.

I looked at Mikage. We both knew why Hiura was here.

“Hiura.” I put my hand on her head, and gently pull her away.

“What,” she demanded, less aggressively than a second before.

She really acts like a wild cat, doesn’t she? I mused.

“I’ll be fine. Today’s the last day.”

“I’m worried about you, you know that?”

“I know, I know. Thanks.”

She stared at me, contemplating. 

“Hmph,” she grumbled and shook off my hand.

“Do whatever you like.” Dismissively, she walked away.

The two of us exchanged glances and quickly left the classroom.

◆　◆　◆

“She really likes you a lot,” Mikage noted as she set down her tray.

“She’s a busybody, despite her carefree looks.”

“Didn’t expect her to admit that she’s worried about you though.”

“I’m surprised by that too.”

For the better or worse, Hiura only says what she thinks. In other words, she was genuinely worried. I might have to apologize to her later at this rate.

I sighed. “Last time.”

“Last time.” Mikage nodded.

One week—five weekdays, to be exact.

This would be our last lunch.

“Thank you. I had fun.”

“Yeah.”

A lot happened. I’ve got the chance to get to know her.

My initial goal was to find out why she was avoiding Shida’s confession. But even so, that was still an awful long way to go.

And yet, even if Shida got to confess, I no longer felt that that would suffice.

“What ‘bout you?”

I cocked my head.

“Akashi-kun, did you have fun?”

Ahh, now that I’ve come to know her. To know what kind of girl she was.

“Well…can’t say I didn’t enjoy it.”

And until I got to the end, I felt like I would have to learn a great deal about her.

And if the time comes, what could I do? What should I do?

Well, that’s until I learn the whole store. For now…

“Oh, really? Good to hear.”

For now I only hope that everything will go well.

Shida, Mikage, I wish happiness for them both. I want to do something right. Will you let me do this, Mikage?

“I’ll mail you on Sunday night about the second condition.

“Okay…”

“There’s no preparation needed, so do whatever you like.”

“Alright. I’ll be waiting.

“Hmm, s’pose I should say this.”

“Hm?”

“Let’s prioritize the coming test, yeah? I don’t want to be accountable if anything happens.”