“Haa— I see. So that’s what happened. *munch munch*”
“Exactly! Ane-san’s words either woke me up, or rather, awakened me! *munch munch*”
“I already loved Riran-tan before, but now I love her even more! *mgh mgh*”
“Either talk or eat, pick one.”
In the break area at the edge of the shrine grounds, I listened to what had happened earlier.
Hmm, as expected of Riran. Based on her own past and experience, a sense of compassion was born from her desire not to let others have regrets.
“So, I’ve decided to stan both Senpai and Ane-san from now on. If there’s merchandise, I’ll complete the set.”
“Who on earth would make merchandise of us?”
“I feel like Nei-chan-senpai would do it if we asked.”
“Hey, cut it out, don’t be an idiot.”
If they talked to Neika about that, she would definitely make something as a prank.
Still, to think all this happened in the few minutes I was lining up at the grilled skewer stall.
“Riran, you actually have a talent for being a natural charmer.”
“Are you really the one saying that, Akito?”
“Are you really saying that, Senpai?”
“Out of all humanity, that’s the number one thing I don’t want to hear from you, Onii.”
“Huh? I’ve never done anything like that, though?”
“““……”””
Wh-What’s with those cold stares?
I’ve never charmed anyone... right?
“Well, it’s not like Onii’s denseness just started today.”
“That’s true. Akito can be sharp at times, but he’s also really dense at others.”
“But I suppose that’s part of Senpai’s charm.”
“““Right—?”””
They’ve really bonded. Even though the atmosphere was so tense just a moment ago.
I really don’t understand what girls are thinking.
Then, Noa, who was the first to finish eating her takoyaki, clapped her hands together.
“Man, I didn’t think my heart could feel this peaceful just by changing my perspective.”
“What do you mean?”
“Until now, I saw Ane-san as the woman standing next to Senpai just because of the power of the Red Thread.”
Hey, were you really thinking that?
Look, Riran’s face is twitching.
“But now, I’ve established the mentality of watching over my favorite ship together, so I actually want the two of you to get even closer.”
“Even closer...”
If we get any closer than this, there’s only *that* left.
Riran must have thought the same thing, as she looked at me and turned bright red.
“Riran-tan with a bright red face is so cuuuute...”
“Ane-san, you’re so innocent when you’re in front of Senpai.”
“Be-Be quiet. *nom*”
She bit into her cotton candy and looked away.
Hmm, cute. Her slightly childish side is also cute.
“Wait, that’s right. Noa-chan, don’t you still like Akito?”
“Yes, I do like him. But, how should I put it... after seeing the two of you at the surprise birthday party the other day and today... I realized that I simply can’t win.”
As Noa said this, she didn’t look frustrated; rather, she looked refreshed.
“...Are you sure about that?”
“Yes! Or rather, feeling this way right now feels more natural to me. I’m in the position of a fan watching over my favorite idol.”
“...If you’re okay with it, Noa-chan, I won’t say anything else, but...”
I see... she certainly doesn't look like she’s forcing herself.
In terms of time spent together, Noa has been with me far longer than Riran.
Even so, I couldn't see any shadow on Noa's face or expression.
Watching Noa like that, she clenched her small fist in front of her chest.
“Thinking that I can see my favorite ship up close next year is giving me a lot of motivation to study! I’ll play hard today and work super hard starting tomorrow!”
“I’ll do my best too!”
“O-Oh, I see...”
“Go-Good luck. Ahaha...”
Riran and I both gave forced smiles.
The reason might be improper, but working hard is a good thing. Yeah, good luck to both of you.
“So, with that said... Senpa—i♡ I want to eat yakisoba~♡”
“Ah, me too—♡”
“...Fine, I get it.”
They’re going to be studying hard for their entrance exams starting tomorrow.
I should treat them well today.
The two of them walked ahead happily, and Riran and I followed behind them.
Then, Riran spoke to me quietly so they couldn't hear.
“So, Akito. If things hadn't turned out this way, what were you planning to say to Noa-chan?”
“...What are you talking about?”
“It was obvious. The way you looked at Noa-chan wasn’t kind like before; you had eyes that showed you had made up your mind.”
...I really can’t keep secrets from Riran, huh?
It’s going to be tough after we get married.
“...I was going to reject her harshly. Even if it meant she would hate me.”
“Just as I thought... you were thinking that it would be a pity to keep her heart bound to you, weren't you?”
“Yeah. But it doesn't seem like there’s any need for that concern anymore.”
I never thought it would end up like this.
But if everything was resolved peacefully, then that’s for the best.
“Concern, huh...”
“Riran?”
“I wonder if that girl found a compromise point just so you wouldn't hate her.”
“...Eh? A compromise point...?”
“Rather than being rejected by you like this, she avoided being rejected by becoming a fan of both you and me. By doing that, she can stay with you longer. Even if she can’t date you or marry you, she can stay by your side for a longer time.”
“Th-That is...”
“You can’t say for sure that’s not it, right?”
True... but if that’s the case.
Noa... she’s a shrewd girl.