After I rolled down my sleeves and adjusted my geta, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
“Nice one, big brother!”
“You’re so cool!”
“Looking closely, isn’t that guy actually handsome?”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“He’s a young man with quite a lot of backbone, isn’t he, Grandma?”
“Indeed he is, Grandpa.”
Ugh… This is embarrassing. I’m not used to being the center of attention.
I bowed repeatedly to the people around me and made my way back to the others.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I-It’s okay. …Thank you. You were really cool.”
“Y-Y-Yes! Seeing Senpai’s cool side like that… I’m so moved!”
I didn’t really do anything worth such high praise… but being complimented feels nice.
“Not bad, Oni-chan. Saying they were your ‘precious people’ so clearly like that. Riran-tan and Noa are totally head over heels.”
“Hm? Kotono is one of them, too.”
“…………I, I see……”
Huh, did I say something wrong? I don’t think I did anything to deserve her looking away like that.
…Well, whatever. More importantly.
I took a look at Riran and Noa in their yukatas.
First, Noa.
She wore a white-based yukata featuring a pattern of red and pink morning glories.
Her obi was yellow, with a faint spiral pattern drawn on it.
Her hair was tied in a side-tail, held in place by a glass morning glory hairpin.
Next, Riran.
Hers was black-based, with a pattern of light purple lilies.
Her obi featured a white-to-purple gradient with tiny flowers embroidered into it.
Since her hair was short, she didn't wear a hairpin, but as usual, she wore her red anemone earrings.
“Riran, Noa. It suits you both. You’re cute.”
“T-Th-Thank you……”
“I-It’s……”
As expected, was being that direct a bit too much?
But… Riran, Kotono, and Noa all looked incredibly good. I could understand why people would want to call out to them. They were simply too cute.
To think I’d be walking around a summer festival with these three…
Up until last year, it was just Kotono and Noa, and it felt more like being a bodyguard.
But this time was completely different.
My girlfriend Riran was here, and I had also learned about Noa’s feelings.
Because of that, I felt a bit awkward—or rather, nervous.
“S-Should we start moving? You’re hungry, right? Let’s get some food first.”
“Yes, yes! I want to eat takoyaki! Akito-senpai, thanks for the treat!”
“Oni-chan, I want fried chicken!”
“Don’t just naturally assume you’re mooching off me.”
Well, it’s a yearly occurrence, so I didn’t really mind.
“What about you, Riran? I managed to squeeze some money out of my old man, so I can buy you a fair amount.”
“O-Oh, no. I’d feel bad.”
“Don’t worry about it. Dad dotes on Kotono and Noa way too much, so he gave me more money than necessary.”
“…In, in that case, maybe some cotton candy……”
“Sure thing.”
That’s a bit unexpected. I didn't think Riran was the type to eat cotton candy.
Thinking that, we climbed the shrine stairs and headed toward the grounds.
There were so many people going up and down. I’d have to make sure we didn't get separated.
I glanced back for a moment.
Riran and Noa were whispering about something. Were they fighting? It didn't look like that, but…
“Riran-senpai, are you doing that on purpose? Did you say cotton candy on purpose? Aren’t you being a bit too calculated?”
“What are you talking about…? I’ve always decided that when I come here, the first thing I eat is cotton candy. It’s big, fluffy, and delicious, you know?”
“I’m saying that choice itself is what’s calculated…!”
“Why am I being scolded over cotton candy…?”
Hmm. Should I step in and mediate…?
“Oni-chan, don’t worry about it. That’s just their way of communicating.”
“I-Is that so?”
“Yeah. …Ah, a fried chicken stall!”
“Don’t run!”
I chased after Kotono toward the fried chicken stall.
The sound of the chicken frying. The golden-brown batter. The aroma—perhaps they used garlic—was incredibly appetizing.
My hearing, sight, and smell all seemed to be screaming at me to eat.
“Mister! Five pieces of fried chicken, please! With tartar topping!”
“You got it! Oh, what a cute young lady. I’ll give you an extra piece for a one-coin 500 yen!”
“Really!? You’re so cool, Mister!”
“Guh! You sure know how to say the right things! Alright, one more piece for free!”
Five pieces with tartar topping for 500 yen was already reasonable, but giving two extra pieces was something else.
I handed over 500 yen from my wallet and received the fried chicken in a paper pack.
“Here, Kotono. It’s hot, so eat slowly.”
“Okaay! …As planned.”
“Stop that wicked smile.”
I knew she was saying those things on purpose. What a devious girl, toying with people’s hearts. Big brother is worried about your future.
Kotono stuffed her cheeks with the fried chicken, looking like she was enjoying it.
It smelled so good. I was getting hungry myself…
As I was debating whether to buy some for myself, a piece of chicken was suddenly thrust in front of my face.
“Here, Oni-chan. Since you paid for it, you can have one.”
“Oh, thanks. *Munch*”
Oh… Ohhh! This really is delicious.
The chicken was well-seasoned, and the frying was perfect. The tartar sauce provided a great accent.
I see, this really is good.
“! S-Senpai! I’m hungry too, so let’s hurry up!”
“Y-You’re right. I want to eat my cotton candy soon, too.”
Ah, oops. I kept them waiting.
“Sorry. Well, shall we go?”