CH 10.8

-Usano’s POV-

It’s almost dark.

Next time…..I’ll call out Nanba-kun when he comes out of an attraction.

I’ve been secretly following them for a whole day.

I repeatedly follow them to the entrance of the attractions and wait for them at the exit.

If I get in line behind them, I might be recognized at the turn of the line and if I fail to be in the same group as them on the attraction, I might lose them.

—I don’t want to disturb him when he’s alone with his little sister.

That was my excuse for not talking to him.

At the school festival and at the shopping district, I was able to go with the momentum but the more I set myself up like this, the less I am able to step forward.

-0-

I envy Watanabe-san and the others.

It must have been a real coincidence that they were here today.

As for me, I might have gone here for nothing.

Gununu…..I know……it’s not their fault.

But…..gununu……

Onigawara-san used to make fun of Nanba-kun.

I can’t believe those girls met him by chance.

-0-

This time last year, I was the only one who knew how good he was.

I’m happy that he is recognized by everyone but I also feel a little sad.

I know that I’m only being selfish.

-0-

By the way, Nanba-kun, I think you and your little sister are a little too close.

Are all siblings in the world like this?

I don’t think so…….

-0-

Couples, families, and groups of friends pass in front of me.

Haa…..what am I even doing?

I did this stalker-like thing……on the spur of the moment but it’s just vain.

I’m sure Shiratori-san wouldn’t do something this miserable……

「Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!」

As I gazed blankly at the exit of the cat toy coaster where Nanba-kun and his little sister were supposed to come out, I saw a little girl with a headband walking around crying.

Normally, people in the park would call out to her but unfortunately, there was no one around.

In fact, there were no guests in sight.

It was almost time for the catwalk parade to start but even so, there were too few people around.

Did something happen?

「Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!」

If I call out to that girl, I might lose Nanba-kun coming out of the attraction…..

「Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!」

Ah, mou!

It can’t be helped!

I can’t leave her alone.

「What’s wrong?」

「Mama’s gone….uwaaaaaaaaaaaa」

「Eh……」

I looked around but there’s no one there.

「It can’t be helped……I’ll take you to your mama.」

「Really…..?」

「Yeah, really.」

I’m going to miss Nanba-kun with this.

I’ll be wasting my whole day but……it’s okay.

If I leave her for that, I would have no face to show to Nanba-kun.

Yeah…..anyway, it’s not like I’ll have the courage to do so in the first place.

So, it’s okay.

-0-

I shook the little girl’s hand and she stared at my head.

「Do you want it?」

She nodded her head in response to my question.

Well, that’s okay. It’s my last day of coming here.

I have no use for it even if I take it home with me.

I put the limited edition nekomimi headband on the little girl’s head.

「Eee thanks. I’ll give you this in return.」

The little girl gave me the black headband she’s holding.

My heart, which had been feeling a little down, was relieved a little.

I put it on and my whole body felt warm.

Was it because I was touched by the little girl’s act?

Now, I only need to make sure to get this girl back properly.