The next day, when I went to school, Riran was already there.
She was talking happily with Ryuguin about something... but as soon as she saw me, her face turned bright red and she looked away.
Well, I understand how she feels. Two people who were at each other's throats even at school are now dating... it's not something to be ashamed of, but it's emotionally embarrassing, so to speak.
"Ah, Sanada-kun. Good morning."
"Yeah, Ryuguin. Good morning."
...If I don't greet Riran here too, she'll probably pout later.
"...Good morning."
"O-Oh... Good morning..."
...Don't make a maiden-like face like that. It makes me even more embarrassed.
As I realized my own face was turning red, Ryuguin looked at us with eyes that seemed to be watching something heartwarming.
"Fufu. Really, you two are so cute."
"Don't tease us."
"I'm not teasing. I really think so."
Ryuguin approached me smoothly and chirped in my ear like a little bird.
"I heard from Riran-chan. Congratulations."
"You heard? Thanks. ...But sorry, it would be a big help if you didn't tell anyone else about this."
"I know. Then, just one word from me."
Ryuguin placed her hand on my shoulder—.
"If you make Riran-chan cry... I'll really make you cry."
She whispered in a voice filled with a chilling, dark emotion.
I don't know what this emotion Ryuguin is hiding means.
Is it as a fellow woman?
Or as a best friend?
Or perhaps, because of feelings even deeper than that?
I don't know.
I don't know, but I have only one answer.
"Don't worry. I will make Riran happy."
"...Mm, I'll leave it to you."
*Thump.* Lightly punching my chest, Ryuguin returned to her seat.
"???? What were you talking about?"
"Don't worry about it. It was like a declaration of resolve."
"That makes me even more curious."
I shrugged my shoulders like an American and sat down at my seat.
Immediately after, a message flew in.
Riran: Come to the usual place at lunch.
Akito: Got it.
The usual place. In other words, the top of the stairs.
I wonder if she has something to talk about regarding this weekend.
This weekend. I've been invited to Riran's house for dinner.
Moreover, it seems her whole family knows about the relationship between Riran and me.
That we are connected by the Red Thread of Fate. And that we are dating.
An invitation to dinner in that state... I feel nothing but anxiety.
As I sighed in my heart, the front door of the classroom opened, and Ryuya and Neika entered together.
"Hey-o, morning everyone!"
"Morning-morning~"
The two of them greeted everyone they passed. The classmates also returned the greetings.
Just like always. It was so 'usual' that you wouldn't feel even a hint that *that* had happened.
"Hey Akito, morning!"
"Akky, Rila, morning!"
"O-Oh. Good morning..."
"Y-Yeah. Good morning, both of you..."
In contrast, we were the ones acting suspicious.
"What's wrong, you two? It's Monday, you know? Let's get the tension up!"
"Wait, Akky hates both rain and Mondays, so it's probably hard for him to get his spirits up."
"Ah, I guess so."
""Hey-o!""
Ah, no. It's not the same as always. Somehow, both of them are overdoing it.
It's at a level that only I, who am usually close to them, would notice, but there's no mistake.
"You two don't have to push yourselves too hard."
"Eh, what are you talking about? Ryuya doesn't knooow☆"
"Meow-hat are you talking about? Meow."
Should I smack these guys?
The two of them, perhaps sensing danger, whistled and moved away.
Well, I was worried about what happened after that, but it seems it was a needless fear.
Riran seemed to think the same, as she turned around and smiled at me.
Well, the crisis for those two is over.
The problem is... me.
***
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