“Ugh.”
If I were to put it into words, that was the kind of sound that came out of my throat.
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
Ichikawa peeks at my face with a worried expression.
That's right, currently, it’s just the two of us on our way home. We are inside the train.
You might think I’ve gotten quite used to the way home with amane-sama, right?
However, being alone like this feels like it’s been a little while in terms of perception, and my heart is beating strongly, making my blood pulse through my veins.
And then, a message that converts those heartbeats into a full-on pounding appeared on my screen.
Erina: 『You haven't forgotten about the plan, have you?』
Scary!
No emoticons, no emojis, no stamps, and even the long vowel marks she usually uses in conversation are gone!
That’s what caused that “Ugh” at the beginning.
What the? I thought we were talking quite happily just a moment ago, or was I mistaken?
“Hellooo, Konuma-kun?”
Ichikawa waves her hand back and forth in front of my eyes.
“Sorry, it’s nothing.”
I immediately try to fix my composure.
“Really? You made a sound like a frog being stepped on.”
“I’ve never heard a sound like that before...”
“Ahaha, I haven’t heard it either, though.”
Ichikawa laughs innocently and looks out the window.
Probably, the reason Erina-san is angry is because of this natural angel.
She’s likely thinking, 『I bet you're getting along better with Amane-chan than with Erina, aren't you?』 or something like that.
I mean, isn’t Erina-san supposed to be in her club activities right now?
If she’s taking the trouble to LINE me during a break, she must be considerably angry.
Well, from Erina-san’s perspective, I suppose that’s only natural... Just as I was thinking that, my smartphone vibrated again.
When I quietly check the screen,
Erina: 『Let's have a strategy meeting today. Be in Kichijoji.』
A message like that arrived.
I mean, isn’t this way too different from her usual self? Which one is the real Erina-san?
“I said, Konuma-kun.”
The area around my upper arm on my uniform is pulled tightly.
“Yes!”
When I look to the side, Ichikawa is grabbing my hem and pouting.
“You seem kind of spacey.”
She says that while pursing her lips.
That sulky expression looks so natural on her that it makes me feel flustered for some reason.
“S-Sorry.”
“It’s not ‘sorry’, do you have something on your mind?”
“Ah— no, it’s not really my own worry, it’s more like someone is consulting me about their troubles...”
Somehow, it feels like I’m being interrogated for cheating.
I mean, why do I have to be the one acting so hesitant... It’s not like I have anything to apologize to Ichikawa for even if I’m listening to someone else’s worries...
“Someone?”
“A person.”
Wait, is it strange for a human to consult me about their worries?
“You mean a friend?”
She tilts her head like that.
Apparently, the way I said “someone” caught her attention.
She’s probably thinking, 『Who is this someone? What kind of relationship is it?』
Oh dear, it really does feel like I’m being scolded for cheating...!
“Rather than a friend, more like an acquaintance...?”
When asked again, I start to wonder what the relationship between Erina-san and me actually is.
“Would someone consult a mere acquaintance about their worries?”
“No, I mean, don't they? I don't know...”
“I’m scared because Konuma-kun seems like the type to hurt people naturally without any malice.”
I was called “natural” by the natural angel... and in a bad way, too.
I guess I’m more like a natural devil then.
No, no, that description fits Erina-san better.
That person’s body contact is seriously a lethal weapon... If it weren’t me, they’d fall for her in seconds. By the way, I fell for it in an instant.
“I think that person would surely be happy if you had the confidence to call them a friend.”
She pats me on the shoulder.
“Since they trust you enough to talk about their worries. Yuri said so too, right?”
“I guess so...”
“That’s right.”
Ichikawa, smiling gently while illuminated by the setting sun from outside the window, really looked like an angel.
“Is there anything I can do?”
She asks while tilting her head.
Regarding this matter, the moment I consult her, the strategy would probably be considered a failure. (Though Azuma has already become suspicious.)
“No, nothing in particular...”
“Hmm, I see. That’s a shame.”
Ichikawa pursed her lips once more.
『Next station, Kichijoji. Kichijoji.』
The in-train announcement plays.
“Well then.”
Just as Ichikawa stood up, I lifted my waist at the same time.
“Hm?”
Why are you standing up too, Konuma-kun? Aren’t you going to stay on until Shinjuku? Are you a stalker? Ichikawa tilts her head with an expression that says all that.
“Ah, I also have a bit of business in Kichijoji.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, it’s still early, but...”
After all, Erina-san, who is doing club activities now, will come trotting over once she’s finished.
This really isn't worth the effort at all...
“Hmm, in that case, to kill some time, shall we go to a CD shop or something!”
But since I got to see that angelic smile, I'll count it as a win.