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DLC 3, 2 – Keita Amano and Aguri Route

DLC 3, Chapter 2 – Keita Amano and Aguri Route

Translator: your_pingas

I, Keita Amano, am finally facing the moment to bid farewell to my past as a lonely passerby high schooler. At the same time, this moment is also one of the most important events in my life – sending a friend request to Tendou-san.

Even though I wanted to draw the line based on personal reasons initially, it caused suspicion and misunderstandings for other people. It’s a huge event that dragged everyone in. Also, with that development, this evolved into a situation that no one had expected.

When I noticed it, I, Keita Amano, already-

-started going out with Aguri-san.

*

A day in August, 10:15 AM.

Riding on the escalator heading toward the men’s clothing area in a department store, a high school girl two steps ahead turned back and smiled at me.

“That’s all! Produced by Aguri, this begins Amanocchi’s plan to abandon his otaku-ness part 3, [Amanocchi, let’s buy some clothes]! Yay!”

“Fufu.”

Today’s just the usual. Aguri-san’s having fun while I protested because she exploited my gaming time as we toured around the store.

However, Aguri-san ignored my reaction just as usual as she continued.

“The OVA of the first episode, [Amanocchi, let’s get a haircut] is super popular!”

“What is super popular!? I still remembered that I nearly got a dangerous mohawk haircut!”

“Hiya, that was just a joke! Didn’t everyone in the Game Hobby Club laughed when they saw Amanocchi freaking out?”

“I can’t bring myself to see everyone in the Game Hobby Club anymore!”

I walked to the next escalator as I pouted angrily.

However, uncharacteristically, Aguri-san looked like she was a bit worried. She moved her head away and continued.

“Well, …if we ignore the second episode, [Amanocchi, let’s have a party]…”

“No, you absolutely can’t ignore that! You just threw me into a group of university students that I didn’t know! Also, the fact that everyone there was really nice to me just made that even more awkward! Don’t just casually skip over that silently hellish event! In the end, that professor with a strong perfume scent had to walk me home too. …You can’t ignore all that!”

Sweat appeared on my forehead when I even just thought about what happened on that day. That was a hellish day. It’s literally the top 3 of my worst trauma ever.

Even Aguri-san continued with a sad expression.

“…That was such a tragedy. …If it wasn’t for Tasuku noticing Amanocchi’s SOS signal, I don’t even know what would’ve happened…”

“Yeah! Meanwhile, the organizer was sleeping at home, Aguri-san!”

“Ah, that’s because I’m bored with Amanocchi’s real-time messages.”

“How evil! By the way, why are we even doing the third episode if you think it’s boring!?”

“It’s because thinking about it, perhaps the next time will be more interesting, right?”

“I-It’s hard to say…”

“Maybe Amanocchi’s body will suddenly enter a growth spike when you’re trying clothes out. Then, you suddenly become more energetic, …or something like that?”

“Why do you have these weird hopes for me!?”

“Why? …Now that Amanocchi has said it-“

We finally got on the escalator that connects the 4th to the 5th floor.

I sighed and asked Aguri-san.

“Aguri-san, in the end, who do you think I am…?”

That was my question.

Aguri-san looked at me lovingly. …After that, she confessed her overwhelming feelings to me.

“A stinky otaku- ah, no, my dearest boyfriend.”

“You ruined it all with 2 words! The last part didn’t help at all!”

“A-Anyway, let’s shop for clothes with Amanocchi, no, let’s start [Amanocchi, let’s buy some clothes]!”

“Hey, wait, Aguri-san!?”

Aguri-san dashed down the stairs as if she was hiding something. So, I could only give up and chased after her.

…It looks like today will be a difficult one too.

*

It’s been 2 months since I started going out with Aguri-san.

However, the truth is that-

“Ah, ah, I actually want to come here with Tasuku instead.”

“Is it really okay for you to say that!? You shouldn’t say that in front of your ‘beloved boyfriend’ even if it’s just by name, right?”

“Ah, a wild Amanocchi appeared.”

“I’ve always been here! It’s more like how did you think that I wasn’t here!?”

“Ah, Amanocchi, my schedule won’t be affected whether you’re here or not.”

“Hey, then it’s fine for me to go back, right!?”

“That won’t do. I won’t have a mannequin for clothes then.”

“Mannequin!?”

I dropped my shoulders helplessly and followed behind Aguri-san.

-Even though I already understood this before, this is still how the relationship between Aguri-san and I goes.

Nothing has changed after we became lovers instead of close friends. Although both of us know that we’re dating, honestly, we don’t want to do that at all. Aguri-san is still fully dedicating her love to Uehara-kun. As for me, I’m also working hard to get closer to Tendou-san.

This isn’t a normal situation, to say the least. In a sense, both sides aren’t that sincere. However, unbelievably, both Aguri-san and I aren’t guilty about this at all.

(I feel like this will be our relationship even if we met differently in another world…)

In summary, we’re something like soulmates, maybe “soul family members”? Although both of us treasure each other, we just can’t switch to that love mode.

Well, but you can’t say that we don’t suit each other-

“Ah, Amanocchi, Amanocchi, let’s check out that clothing store!”

-Aguri-san grabbed my wrist as she dragged me over. Honestly, the others must feel like we must be boyfriend and girlfriend. However, in reality, I don’t really feel anything special.

Though, there are fewer concerns than when we were just friends.

However, compared to the girl next to me, I’m more worried about the things I’m seeing.

“Uh, what’s up with that store? Why is it filled with skeletons? Isn’t that too much?”

“That’s right, Amanocchi! Instead of saying it’s too much, …it’s more like they suit your style!”

“Since when is that my style!?”

“Ah, it’s Amanocchi’s fault for not getting a mohawk haircut, okay?”

“You- well, yeah, I probably will fit really well into these clothes stuffed with skeleton ornaments if I actually got it.”

“So, why don’t we try it out!? You should at least try it before making any decision!”

“Stop. Isn’t that just torture if I end up not buying anything- HEY!?”

With that, Aguri-san dragged me into the store. The clerk guy smiled and welcomed us to the store. His clothing is really bright and sharp. …Ugh.

“Welcome, please take your time here.”

“Hello.”

Aguri casually walked deep into the store as she smiled at the clerk. …To me, the first condition of buying clothes alone is a store without any staff members trying to talk to you. I feel like that’s what a thief would think…

“I’m sorry, clerk-san. Do you have those more edgy tops here?”

“Ah, hmm, …how about this one?”

“Oh, the first one already has holes on it. …That’s nice. It’s very edgy!”

“Also, you can see both nipples from this hole.”

“Oh, let’s buy it after trying it out then.”

“No!”

I can’t help but interrupt after noticing that the conversation is going for a bad turn. However, for some reason, Aguri-san shot me a “this guy’s an idiot” look.

“Sigh, Amanocchi, you…don’t need to care about that now. Think about it, the Game Club doesn’t have those non-mainstream characters yet, right?”

“No, this is irrelevant to non-mainstream characters, right!?”

The clerk-san next to us joined in as well.

“No, I feel like this suits you, young man. You got nice nipples.”

“Clerk-san!?”

“Isn’t this nice, Amanocchi? You can be free for once, …I mean your nipples.”

“Why!? Clerk-san, I’m sorry, but I don’t have fetishes like this at all!”

The clerk backed down in sadness after seeing my immediate rejection of the dangerous t-shirt.

“I see. Oh, …but I’m terribly sorry. Right now, our store doesn’t have jeans that can show your bottom part yet…”

“Isn’t that even worse!? No, come to think of it, that’s a crime, right!?”

“Amanocchi! It’s too impolite to complain about the goods right here! Where are your manners!?”

“Eh!? Why am I the one being scolded!? Even though I’m an otaku, …this is, …this is! Ahh…!”

“I’m sorry for the troubles my boyfriend caused.”

“It’s okay. After all, exhibitionism always has its critics, no matter which generation.”

No, wait, eh, what’s wrong with the conversation? Why does this feel like I’m a child between two adults talking? Hmm? Did I mess something up? Is this really trendy in the world right now? Seriously? If that’s the case, …I’m…sorry.

“Well, let’s go to another place.”

“See you next time.”

Aguri-san walked outside the store casually as she dragged my wrist again. …She’s tough. If it was me, I could never just go and not buy anything after talking to the clerk for so long…! Is this…the world of normies!?

Aguri-san looked around the men’s clothing area as she mumbled.

“Ah, ah, if it’s Tasuku, I bet that t-shirt would look so good on him.”

“I don’t understand your standard of deciding whether something looks good or not. Also, do you have to add that ‘if it’s Tasuku’ on everything?”

“Oh, what’s wrong, Amanocchi? Don’t tell me you’re jealous-“

Aguri-san poked my waist with a devilish smile. I looked at her with a dead fish’s eyes and mumbled.

“Ah, if only Tendou-san did that to me instead…”

“Uwah, that just makes me super mad! It’s not even jealousy. I’m just really pissed right now!”

“See? So, from now on, both of us are banned from comparing each other to our truly loved ones.”

“I got it. Well, in the end, Amanocchi isn’t even comparable to Tasuku.”

Yeah, honestly, it’s very impolite to put Tendou-san and Aguri-san together.”

Aguri-san and I stared daggers at each other. …I take what I said back. The two of us really don’t get along. She’s the only person that I can have such a “normal” argument with. Chiaki and I, well, we just half-jokingly called our relationship a rivalry.

In the end, we went around the men’s clothing. Nothing raised Aguri-san’s attention aside from that first store. We got on the escalator and moved to the 6th floor. It has clothes for both men and women. Just as the escalator’s about to reach the top, Aguri-san let go of my arms. …This subtle loneliness on my waist should be just a physical issue, right?

“Well, I’ll check out the women’s section first. Amanocchi, you can look around by yourself.”

“Eh, no, wait. Didn’t you drag me out here to get clothes for-“

“Well, I’ll see you later!”

Aguri-san directly walked away and ignored my protest. …Honestly, I don’t feel like buying clothes at all…

“…Sigh, I’ll walk around.”

My voice sounded a bit helpless. Anyway, I started picking clothes for myself in the store.

However, my tastes are the exact opposite of Aguri-san’s. Basically, I go with the safest route, like uni-colored t-shirts. At least without any dangerous English words on it. I’m the kind of guy that won’t choose vibrant clothes printed with characters. In the end, I’m a pretty mundane person.

(Sigh, the ending is probably going to be, “Uwah, that seems to suit Amanocchi very well.” Or “Alright, put that back. This one looks…” Something like that. Sheesh, I think I can imagine it already.)

I mean, I don’t hate this. However, …even though we’re pretending to be couples, isn’t it too weird for us to not be worried about our zero progress? This whole thing sounds just as fake as we first heard it a few months ago.

At this point, I can’t but mumble to myself.

“…Ah, …I guess this feels like she’s my onee-chan.”

Yep, right now, this is the closest word to describe the relationship between Aguri-san and me. Onee-chan. Sounds good, onee-chan.

So, indeed, I don’t have any feelings for Aguri-san. Yep, I didn’t betray Uehara-kun, and my feelings for Tendou-san are true-

Just as I’m repeatedly nodding to reaffirm my feelings-

“It’s fine. You have a slim body. You’ll look good in any clothes!”

“R-Really?”

I looked forward. Aguri-san’s trying out a halterneck in front of the mirror. She’s talking to the tall clerk next to her.

For some reason, I feel like that clerk looks really similar to Uehara-kun. Is that why Aguri-san’s tone sounds a bit embarrassed?

“…………”

The guy that can’t help but strike up a conversation when he seems like an acquaintance chatting- isn’t me, of course. I just went on with my business and chose my clothes- that should’ve been the case. However, I don’t know why. I can’t do that no matter how hard I try. Instead, I hid between the clothing racks and observed those two.

…It’s fine. There’s no reason for me to do this if Aguri-san’s buying things alone. Even though I don’t, …well, …the problem now is-

“Also, this is just one in our series. I would recommend the sleeveless one here. You have such elegant shoulders. I bet this one suits you.”

The clerk said that as he put the clothes in front of Aguri-san, he lifted her wrists like nothing was wrong.

“Eh, oh, …you’re right.”

Aguri-san looked a bit freaked out. Her movements were unnatural.

…………

…………

Then.

“Hey, excuse me.”

When my shoulder was patted, I thought someone was about to scold me since I’m doing something wrong for a moment. I hastily turned around. In the end, …I saw a girl that I used to miss.

She still has her warm smile as she continued.

“Oh, it’s really you, Keita-kun! Ah, it’s been a long time! Are you doing well?”

“Ah, you’re Yumi-chan, wait, Sakuma-san?”

That’s my classmate in elementary school before I became a lonely gamer. When we met again, I wasn’t thinking and just called her as I did before. However, it’s not polite to call her that again when we grew up. So, I quickly corrected myself.

However, she- Yumi Sakuma has never changed since elementary. She patted my shoulder like a guy.

“Why are you freaking out? That’s super funny! You can just call me Yumi-chan, Keita-kun!”

“Eh, ah, sure…”

I can just laugh emotionlessly.

No, I don’t hate her for doing that. It’s just that, …on the other hand, we’re not that close.

So, with such an awkwardly distanced acquaintance, I can’t be as intimate and warm as she is. Indeed, I can only talk with a polite and humble attitude…

“Hiya, Keita-kun hasn’t changed at all. I knew you when I saw you.”

“Ah, r-really?”

“Yes! It’s more like you still look like a girl right now. You have pale skin and slim wrists-“

Sakuma-san said that as she grabbed my wrist. …I remembered. She has always been like this since elementary school. She doesn’t mind any skinship, …but I’m not. In fact, I’m super anxious right now. I’ve never been good at these kinds of things ever since I was born…

At this point, a question mark suddenly popped out in my head.

(The skin contact is the same, but why don’t I mind when it’s Aguri-san?)

Sakuma-san and Aguri-san should be the same type of girls. …She can’t help but smile after seeing me lost in my thoughts.

“Hiya, you’re really Keita-kun. I missed that bunny-like look of yours, you know?”

“R-Rabbit?”

“Yeah, that’s what every girl said back in elementary.”

“Uh, …hey, does that mean I’m a herbivore…?”

“Oh, yes. You look adorable, but you run away whenever we get close. However, you’re too docile to be called a wolf. I feel like you would’ve died if we left you alone.”

“…………”

I ended up listening to everything she said even though I don’t want to. Well, indeed, I wasn’t aware of my manliness in elementary. …Wow, …girls already knew this at that time. Seriously? Girls…are amazing…and scary.

Just as I’m looking into the distance, Sakuma-san suddenly reached her hand out to my head.

She suddenly patted me before I could react. The girl laughed cheerfully.

“Hiya, this is nostalgic. Uh, I think it’s in 3rd grade? That trended for a while among the girls in the class.”

“Eh, what is?”

“Who can pat Keita-kun’s head first.”

I didn’t even know that such a horrible game existed. Obviously, this can’t mean I was popular among girls. Seriously, this already counts as bullying, right? …I’m grateful that I didn’t know such a cruel fact! I want to cry even when I hear it after all these years.

“Well, in the end, no one managed to pat Keita-kun’s head. Everyone got bored with it.”

“…I-I see.”

It looks like I’m already rated as an overwhelmingly negative game in elementary. …This is depressing.

Sakuma-san patted my head as she smiled, “Hehe, this is a victory after 7 years.” …It looks like the game carried out in secret is finally over. Thank god.

Sakuma-san released her hand and saw someone behind me. She dashed away like a typhoon.

“Ah, there’s my boyfriend! I’ll be leaving! Goodbye, Keita-kun!”

“…Goodbye, Sakuma-san.”

Even though I waved at her with a smile, my words still sounded awkward. However, Sakuma-san didn’t notice it and just dashed to her boyfriend excitedly.

…I’m really bad at dealing with her, after all. Even though Aguri-san is, …yeah, there must be some decisive difference here. …What is it, though…?

“…Oh, right, Aguri-san.”

I suddenly remembered that I was observing the awkward atmosphere between Aguri-san and that guy. Just as I’m about to turn back-

At that moment-

“…………”

-I saw a gal staring at me extremely angrily. It wasn’t until the next second that I realized she’s my girlfriend (temporary). I couldn’t recognize her for a moment because of how uncharacteristically pissed off she got.

The clerk next to her already disappeared. I was relieved. Even though we’re just meeting up, I can’t bring myself to look at her for some reason as I walk.

“Hey, …you’re not going to buy the one recommended by that handsome guy?”

Just like that time, Aguri-san looked away awkwardly as she answered.

“…That doesn’t fit my taste.”

I don’t know whether she’s talking about the clothing or the clerk.

She continued questioning me calmly before I could even tidy up my mind.

“You too, Amanocchi. Is that really okay? You’re not going to play with that VERY close girl for a while longer?”

“Close girl? Ah, …that’s not true at all.”

“It’s very unconvincing when she patted your head…”

“No, no, no, that was just to conclude that 7-year game…”

“What is that? I don’t understand that at all.”

“Ha? By the way, why are you mad, Aguri-san?”

“I’m not mad. I can’t be mad. There’s no reason, after all.”

“I see. …Well, come to think of it, Aguri-san, are you sure you’re not going to buy-“

“No! What do you want!? You’re really annoying, Amanocchi!”

“No, but you were having so much fun with that-“

“That has nothing to do with you, right, Amanocchi!?”

“I…guess so.”

“…………”

“…………”

Both of us lowered our heads subconsciously. …What’s with this mood? Although I often argue with Aguri-san, …this is the first time we’re experiencing such a tense atmosphere. …What’s happening?

…Nope, this isn’t going well.

“…I’m sorry, Aguri-san. I feel like I just said something weird back then.”

After I apologized, uncharacteristically, Aguri-san did the same thing.

“Hey, …sorry, Amanocchi. I was acting strangely back then too.”

“It’s fine. …Anyway, let’s go to another place for now.”

“Yeah, …sure.”

Both of us got back together and headed toward the other floors.

However…

“…………”

After that, no matter which store we went into, …for some reason, we couldn’t recreate that lively mood in the beginning.

*

“Well, I’ll see you at the restaurant after an hour.”

It’s been 30 minutes since we separated from each other.

“…Ah, there’s still half an hour.”

I stared at the roof that extends for 3 floors dazedly as I sighed.

To recover the mood and to stop us from worrying about each other, we suggested we split. It should be a good thing. …However, I realized there’s nothing in this department store that takes me an hour to buy. I’m a hikkineet, after all.

I already went through all of the outlets and some other stores in 30 minutes. …But, it looks like this is my limit. It’s more like I don’t have the energy to visit different shops anymore…

I slowly took out my phone from my pocket and stretched my back before starting to kill time.

(Well, let’s go with a mobile game. …Glad I brought my phone with me.)

Also, it looks like Mono-san is online as well. I messaged him, and both of us decided to clear the limited-time event.

This is a pretty tough boss. However, Mono-san and I have cooperated with each other since this game’s launch. We can complete a third of the mission in one stroke. I slowly exhaled after the third battle.

“You’re such a nice partner, Mono-san. Who in the world is this person…?”

I never thought there would be such a compatible person in this world.

Suddenly, my inner otaku started imagining things half-jokingly. “What would this person look like if she’s a same-age girl as I am?”

“…Hmm, the ideal type would be like Tendou-san. …That’s impossible.”

Even though it’s a good thing to set your imagination free once in a while, Tendou-san just doesn’t match Mono-san’s image.

However, suppose I exclude the “ideal” factor and think about Mono-san’s face. …In that case, I feel like it’s unbelievably close to a certain seaweed girl I know for some reason.

“…No, no, no.”

That’s too impolite to Mono-san. I gave up on that idea quickly.

However, if I exclude both of them, I don’t there’s anyone I know that matches Mono-san’s description. I’m a bit shocked by how few girls I know.

The 4th battle started as I pondered in silence.

By the way, Aguri-san didn’t even come into my mind when I was considering what Mono-san could be like.

“Well, Aguri-san isn’t even remotely close…”

She’s not an ideal girl like Tendou-san, nor is she a compatible partner like Mono-san.

However, under the strings of fate, Aguri-san became my girlfriend.

…Actually, I shouldn’t be satisfied with my current situation, and that’s true. I was dragged out to accompany her shopping trips during the weekend, and I have to kill time on my phone in a place like this. Aguri-san is never my ideal girl. She’s not even my partner or friend. If I have to describe it, my feelings for her should be similar to what I have for Sakuma-san. I can’t deal with her due to our awkward distance.

…………

…Theoretically, …that should’ve been the case. …However, right now, …unexpectedly, I feel-

“…………”

-At that moment, my finger suddenly stopped clicking on the screen. It caused a fatal mistake, and we spent extra time completing the quest.

Mono-san quickly sent me a message after that.

[Thanks for today, see you.]

…Her quest ended for now. Also, I bet she realized my slip-up just then.

I gently sighed and checked the time. Then, I made my way to the restaurant at the top.

Aguri

“Ara? Isn’t this Aguri!? It’s been a while, right!”

“Ah, Mikamika.”

When I split up with Amanocchi to try out some clothes on my own, I bumped into Mika- Mika Domon, she’s a classmate with a close relationship with Tasuku.

I’m holding a pretty plain pair of jeans in my hands right now. I quickly put it back onto the shelf and greeted my friend.

“Wow, it’s been a while, Mikamika! Are you doing well? You’re here to buy things?”

I answered energetically. Mika’s answer is brimming with energy as well.

“Yeah! Ah, it’s been a long time since we saw each other!”

“Yeah! It’s because I don’t really go home with Tasuku anymore-“

“…Ah.”

Both of us stopped at this point as if we noticed something.

…Of course. Although it’s an accident, …I can’t go home with Tasuku anymore after I started going out with Amanocchi. Naturally, I distanced myself from everyone in class F.

“Ah, hey, why don’t we find a place to sit down while we’re chatting, Aguri?”

Mikamika brought me to the bench next to the escalator.

I agreed as I sat down with Mikamika. My shopping trip is on hold now.

Unlike the benches in the school, the ones in here feel cold. I can’t help but feel a bit nervous. Is it because I’m with a friend I don’t normally see during the weekend?

(Even though I don’t really care whenever I’m with Amanocchi…)

At this point, I’m so defenseless that I wouldn't care even if he suddenly showed up on the girl’s side of the public bath. To me, Amanocchi is already a must. That’s why…

“But that sure freaked me out. I can’t believe Aguri is going out with Amano.”

“Ah, well…”

“But, seriously, why did you choose him?”

“Ah…”

….Why is the conversation topic going to him? What should I do? Not even I know. To me, she’s literally asking me, “What do you think about oxygen?” All I can answer is, “No, even if you ask me-“

So, I can only reply to her with a confused expression. As my friend, Mikamika probably thinks that something must’ve happened. She slightly frowned and continued asking me.

“Hey, Aguri. You can rely on me if this is something you had to do, you know?”

“Eh? A-Ah, …how should I put it? Right now, I don’t…”

Indeed, I had to do it. What a great question, Mikamika! I super had to! Yes!

It’s because I still love Tasuku the most right now! This is absolutely not a lie. So, I ended up in this situation because I have no other choice. It’s…totally unlike what I imagined at all. So…

“…Aguri?”

“…Ah, well, …right now, …I, …sigh.”

…Hmm, what’s happening? I definitely did this because I have no choice. That’s how I convinced myself too.

I…should’ve said that.

However, I feel really disgusted about the fact that I’m about to say it.

The Amanocchi inside my heart stops me every time I’m about to say it.

Even though I still really love Tasuku right now, …even so, …my chest really hurts when I say I just “had to” date Amanocchi to my friends. Also, I really hate myself for saying that. …What the hell is happening?

I can answer Mikamika with a faint smile.

“F-Forget about that. How’s Tasuku doing? Is he the same in the classroom?”

“Uehara? Ah, surprisingly, he isn’t that different from usual. He just half-jokingly teased himself without showing many signs of depression.”

“I-I see. That’s great to hear…”

I’m a bit relieved. It’s great that Tasuku can still laugh with his friends as he did. I don’t want him to feel pain because of me. …No, actually, I want him to feel pain, …but before that, the most important thing is that he should be happy.

Mikamika continued after seeing my slightly relieved look.

“Look, you still love Uehara in the end, Aguri!

“Eh, ah, that’s-“

“Hiya, I’ve always felt weird about this! It’s because there isn’t!”

“Eh, …isn’t?”

“Yes! Instead of saying the reason you chose Amano, …it’s more like Amano has nothing superior to Uehara!”

“…………”

I’m lost in thought. However, Mikamika didn’t notice my subtle change and continued.

“When you think about it, it’s weird to switch your boyfriend from Uehara to Amano, right? That’s why we feel pretty strange.”

“Is it weird…?”

It is! It’s because don’t you think switching from Uehara to Amano is like changing from a Ferrari to a light van? It’s weird, no matter how you feel about it. Ah, I’ll be frank here! That gaming otaku is just using Aguri’s-“

“THAT’S NOT TRUE!”

Without thinking, I snapped and yelled even though we’re still at the store. Everyone around us looked at us shockingly before leaving. …Mikamika froze for a moment as well.

…W-What are you doing, Aguri?

I hastily waved and turned back to normal.

“Ah, well, …ah, right! I’m really not threatened by him or anything. Uh, …Amanocchi- Amano-kun has Amano-kun’s good points as well. That’s why we ended up like this. Yes.”

“I-I see. Hey, …I’m sorry. I feel like I said something I wasn’t supposed to as well.”

“Ah, it’s fine. In reality, Amanocchi is indeed a disgusting virgin otaku asshole.”

“No, no, no, I didn’t go that far…”

I grabbed Mikamika’s hand. …Ahh, she’s a friend you haven’t met for so long. What are you doing, Aguri?

“…………”

Only silence remains between us. …The mood’s awful. …This is really bad.

Mikamika mumbled something.

“…Hey, Aguri? Don’t tell me you-“

However, that’s not what I’m focusing on. I’m not even listening to what Mikamika is saying. Instead, my eyes floated as I thought about it myself.

“I feel like…I just grabbed a pair of jeans that’s totally not my style at all.”

Just as I’m lost in thought, my phone started vibrating. It’s the alarm signaling that there are 5 minutes before I have to meet up with Amanocchi. …Thank god.

Mikamika is still saying something on her own. I interrupted her and stood up.

“I’m really sorry, Mikamika! I have to go see someone else. See you!”

“Eh, ah, really? Well, see you, Aguri.”

“Ah, sure! I’m glad that I met you! Well, see you!”

I bid farewell to her with a smile as I quickly dashed away from Mikamika. I got on the escalator.

After she disappeared from my sight…

“…Ha.”

I covered my chest and sighed deeply. Then, I squatted down and mumbled to myself.

“…That’s not true, right.”

…In reality, I wasn’t saying that to Mikamika. …Actually, I bet I’m just retorting her unreasonable comment for Amanocchi, or…

I can’t help but feel annoyed about the question I don’t understand. So, I just went all the way up to the restaurant without turning back.

Keita Amano

“Ah.”

We met up on the top floor. For some reason, we stopped when there’s still some distance between us.

“…………”

We promised each other to meet on the top floor. However, for some reason, both of us kept our distance as if we’re unfriendly acquaintances.

…But it’s not like we can just stand here forever. I walked toward Aguri-san and spoke up nervously.

“Hey, w-where are we going for lunch?”

“Eh? Ah, well, lunch, right? Let’s keep it cheap, okay?”

“You’re right.”

“…………”

“…………”

What’s with this mood? This is literally like how I felt when I met Aguri-san for the first time. …We’re familiar with each other, but not really. It’s that subtle distance.

I scratched the back of my head a bit frustratedly. Then, I pointed at the floor plan in front of us and spoke up.

“Let’s check out the restaurants there, Aguri-san.”

“…………”

“…? Aguri-san…?”

“Ah, okay, sure. L-Let’s go…”

“…Aguri-san?”

Nope, she’s not listening to me at all. She just stood there like she’s thinking about something.

However, we’re at the center of the path. I can only hold her hand to avoid causing any trouble. We walked away from the floor plan.

“…!”

“?”

Unlike when she’s dragging me, …for some reason, I can feel a sense of determination from Aguri-san’s hand.

Just as I turned around in disbelief, I found out that her face…

“…Eh, hmm?”

…For some reason, her face looks really red, as if she’s embarrassed. In the end, after seeing her rarely shown expression, I can’t help but…

“Ugh…”

I wasn’t aware that I’m holding a girl’s hand until now. The embarrassment finally got to me.

In the end…

“…………”

Both of us just stood in front of the floor plan silently.

“Tck.”

-We quickly let go of our hands and took a step back from each other as if this is taboo.

…What the hell’s happening? I’ve never felt anything, whether we’re holding hands or arms. It should be the same for Aguri-san too.

Isn’t this like…we’re lovers-

“Ah, lovers.”

-Aguri-san seems to have the same idea. She unconsciously conveyed her thoughts out loud.

After that, both of us looked at each other…and burst into laughter.

“What the hell are we even doing?”

“Seriously. …Ah, …I’m hungry.”

“Same!”

We finally returned to normal. She took a step closer and observed the map with me.

“Ah, I’m fine with Japanese food or noodles!”

“I see. With Amanocchi’s suggestion in mind- let’s get Tamagoyaki!”

“That was decided by your own expectations!”

“Well, Tamagoyaki, let’s go!”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait-“

Aguri-san ignored my protest and turned around.

Suddenly, she-

“…Ehehe.”

-She returned to usual. …However, this time, she held my hand a bit embarrassedly.

“Sheesh, …you can’t be helped.”

In comparison, I can only stand right there. …Then, I gently smiled at her.

…Both of us are far away from being true lovers.

…Our feelings to our truly loved ones aren’t lies.

However.

“Very well, let’s check out the other stores after Amanoacchi paid for our meals!”

“Alright, alright, I know- my ass. Why do I have to pay for you!?”

“Ah, I’m so glad that I have such an outstanding boyfriend.”

“This is the only time you actually sound like a girlfriend!”

Perhaps in 10 years, 20 years, or even 50 years later, both of us will still be spending our usual and joyful days like this.

I don’t think a future like this is too bad. However, of course, it’ll be a long time before I think about that.