4-12: Clandestine Meeting of Kindred Souls (4/4)

4-12: Clandestine Meeting of Kindred Souls (4/4)

In other words, it was only because he was able to produce results that she was saying that. It was such an outspoken thing to say that Frire found herself speechless for a moment.

Come on, now I might not have the vocabulary to say anything grand, but youre still being too self-deprecating. Youve been helping me out for awhile now too. And didnt you say it just now? That you didnt want others finding fault with my efforts?

But, thats

Im telling you that those words made me happy, so just accept my gratitude, okay? You helped me because you wanted to, right? Im not grateful to you because you produced results. Im grateful because you felt that way and decided to help.

As she said that, she dug into her new burger.

Even the simplest cuisines of this world truly were delicious.

Then she noticed a pair of eyes looking at her, so she turned back to the boy and noticed the astonishment written all over him.

What? You ate that much. Dont tell me you want more.

He had already had his fill with the mountains of burgers and french fries on his tray, but Frire knew full well how bottomless the boys appetite was, so she couldnt help but doubt that even all of that might not have been enough to sate him; however

Shirayuki, what do you think? For a moment, I actually thought she was hitting on me there.

The master appears to have no ulterior motives.

Her lack of ulterior motives is actually worrying, though Just how can someone remain pure to this extent? It makes me not want to fix her, actually, and instead try to prolong this state of her for as long as possible.

Agreed, conditionally, but I still request that you take care of her.

Damn This might actually be enough to move my heart.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Before Frire knew it, her terminal and her student started having a conversation by themselves that she couldnt understand all that well.

What are you two talking about?

When asked, they just said that it was nothing, while Shinichi went back to his usual attitude and resumed talking in his usual teasing manner.

More importantly, Ill accept your earlier words at face value. It feels surprisingly good actually. From here on, continue to make me feel glad that its me helping you, okay? Its incredibly rewarding.

Hmm I feel like you mean something else, but anyhow Dont overthink it, okay?

Despite that she could still see the strange sense of exhaustion and sorrow on his face.

Is that why you sometimes play with the people around you?

It was as if he was acting like a thoughtless boy his age whenever he did that.

Its a hobby of mine that happens to be practically beneficial.

With a smirk, he responded with his usual smile, and she simply replied, youre terrible, and smiled herself. She thought to herself that she would tolerate him a little more from now on.

Well, in that case, from tomorrow onwards is a route that you pretty much arranged. Tomorrow, on the 13th, well be mostly traveling, while on the first day in Hokkaido, the 14th, well be touring famous places as a group, but on the second day, the 15th, were free, so feel free to have fun(play around) as much as you like with the members of that group.

Ah

Frire told him to go and have fun with the girls from tomorrow onwards, but on Shinichis face was visibly written the words I messed up.

Hmm? Whats the matter? Why you making that face?

Shinichi hesitated a bit, but with a bitter expression, eventually managed to articulate what he needed.

Uh, you remember how I told you I had a request? Sorry, but the 14th, no, even just the evening of tomorrow (13th) will be fine, but can you take me with you guys?

For a moment, silence fell on the two of them, and the indescribable expression written on their faces was unusually painful to behold.

After all, Shinichis request was basically an order. There was no rejecting it.

He might have given it indirectly, but he was basically saying, Im going somewhere else, so prepare an alibi for me.

Frire could understand that much, so she sighed exaggeratedly, then held her head.

Since he was going this far, then there was probably something that needed to be done, and there was no point in trying to stop him.

Sigh Right after I tell you to stop worrying and you bring this up? Just where and what are you planning to do!?

But of course, Frire never expected him to give a clear answer.

Shinichi could understand how she felt, so he felt sorry that he had to bring this up so suddenly and made a deeply apologetic face.

Umm Theres someone I want to greet Its a friend of mine that I dont want to fight with as much as possible.

Shinichi said those words with nostalgia, familiarity, and a tinge of fear.