◆Riran◆
Sigh... I really did it now...
Just because Sanada is popular (?), I was so anxious that I went to school even though I wasn't at my best.
As a result, I caused trouble for so many people...
And on top of that, I caused trouble for Sanada again... ugh.
“Kuonji-san, are you alright?”
“Ah, yes. I’m fine... I’m sorry for causing trouble for you too, Sensei.”
“Please don't worry about it. It’s only natural to be worried about your Fated Person while you’re resting.”
“............”
“Eh?”
“It’s Sanada-kun, isn’t it? Kuonji-san’s Fated Person.”
Why does she know that!?
“I’ve seen hundreds of children over the years. I can tell by the students' reactions, actions, gestures, and words.”
“I-Is that so... Just out of curiosity, which of our actions gave it away, mine or Sanada's?”
“It was yours, Kuonji-san. You were very easy to read.”
Of course. I had a feeling that might be the case.
I see... I see... Am I really that easy to read?
I guess I really do like Sanada.
“...Then, has it been leaked to my classmates too...?”
“Rest assured. Almost no one in the class has realized it yet.”
“I-Is that true?”
“Ryuguuin-san seems to know, though. Also, Kurashiki-kun and Jumonji-san are suspicious.”
Rion is one thing. That was leaked because of my own carelessness back then.
...Wait? Isn't it basically all my fault that it's being leaked? Gununu.
Suddenly, my smartphone vibrated.
...Eh, Sanada?
Akito: Are you okay?
“!”
Eeeh~, why so sudden~.
Wait, this is no time to be grinning, Riran. I have to apologize first.
Riran: I’m okay. Sorry for the trouble.
Akito: Don't worry about it.
So blunt! But so kind!
I was prepared to be brushed off, but just how kind is this guy?
He’s always being kind like this everywhere, and that’s why other girls end up liking him. Honestly.
Riran: I’ll repay you next time.
Akito: I don't need it. Just focus on getting better for now.
Riran: Sorry.
Aaaah, I love him.
Even though I love him this much, I hate this personality of mine that can't be honest in front of Sanada.
“Kuonji-san. Is it Sanada-kun?”
“Ah.”
T-This is bad. We’re in the middle of a lesson...!
“You don't have to hide it. I could tell from your hundred-faced expressions.”
Maybe I should learn how to keep a poker face. Where can I learn that, anyway?
“Honestly... I understand Sanada-kun is worried about you, but I wish he would show some moderation.”
“S-Sorry. It’s because I replied...”
“Don't let it bother you. A happy aura was overflowing from your whole body... I’ll let it slide this time.”
Sanzenin-sensei is truly a goddess. Thank you so much.
...Wait, I can't just depend on that kindness.
Riran: By the way, aren't you in the middle of a class right now?
Riran: Make sure you pay attention to the lesson.
...Did that sound a bit too much like a mother?
...Ah, a reply came.
Akito: It’s self-study time right now.
Just because it's self-study doesn't mean it's okay to mess with your phone.
...Was he that worried about me? Oh no, I'm so happy. *Grin*.
Wait, NOOOOO! I have to warn him properly!
Riran: Sanzenin-sensei is right next to me, you know.
Akito: Curse you, are you going to tattle on me?
Sorry, it’s already been found out.
...I’ll tease him a little.
Riran: If you don't want to be tattled on, study seriously.
Akito: Alright, fine.
Akito: (Dog looking dejected stamp)
Hah? What’s with that dejected stamp? Is he trying to act cute?
Seriously, I wish he’d stop with the sudden cuteness. My heart can't take it.
The dejected dog looked just like Sanada... and without thinking, I sent the next stamp.
Riran: (Patting a dog stamp)
Sigh... I’m really feeling the happiness right now.
“Kuonji-san. I’m sorry to interrupt while you’re radiating a sugar-sweet aura like boiled-down syrup, but we’ve arrived at your house.”
“Eh? ...Ah. S-Sorry.”
“No. Well then, please make sure you recover from your cold properly before coming to school next time. Get well soon.”
“Thank you very much.”
As I got out of the car, Sensei gave a small bow and drove away.
...She’s such a cool adult woman. I admire her.
I watched until Sensei’s car was out of sight, then I entered the house.
“I’m home.”
Even as I said it, Cal-onee-chan is at university so she wouldn't be home...
Just as I thought that, someone popped their head out from the back.
“Oh. Welcome back.”
“...Wait. Eh, Mama?”
W-Why is Mama here...?
Her long blonde hair was tied in a loose braid and draped over her shoulder, a familiar hairstyle.
She had the same Scarlet eyes as me and my sister.
But she isn't half-Japanese; she is a proper British woman.
Mama held a ladle in her hand and gave a cheerful, bright smile.
“I received word that my precious daughter collapsed from a cold. I couldn't just stay at work, so I left early. I’m making porridge now, so wait just a bit, okay?”
“Y-Yeah.”
Ugh. I caused trouble for Mama too... I’m so useless today.
“Don't let it worry you.”
“...Eh...?”
“We’re only human. We cause trouble and make mistakes sometimes. The important thing is not to make the same mistake twice. Think of this time as being bitten by a dog and just forget about it.”
...As I thought, I’m no match for Mama.
It’s like she’s a psychic or something, seeing through everything I’m thinking.
“Now, go wash your hands, gargle, and get changed.”
“...Yeah. Thank you.”
I wonder if I’ll ever become a mother like Mama.
I’ll have three children, and the partner will of course be... wait! W-What am I thinking, how shameful...!
Fleeing from Mama’s grinning gaze, I hurried into the bathroom.