Walking to school with Kanade, who was in a cheerful mood, reminded me of the days before she was forced into hospital life in early elementary school, and it was very enjoyable.
“If we walk together like this, I wonder if we look like a couple to outsiders?”
However, I felt a little weary of Kanade’s silly... typical high school girl romantic questions.
“There’s no way we look like that.”
“Ehh, why can you say that so definitely?”
“...Because if people compare your appearance with mine, not many would think we’re a couple.”
Human beings are creatures that look for things that match their own level.
A man full of flaws like me is not suitable to be next to a perfect human like Kanade.
“That’s not true. Ak-kun is very wonderful.”
Apparently, Kanade was dissatisfied with my theory.
“...This is from the field of psychology, but there’s something called the Mere Exposure Effect.”
For the time being, I decided to show off the knowledge I possessed.
“As for what kind of effect it is, by repeatedly coming into contact with a specific person... in other words, by repeatedly meeting and having conversations, your liking for the other person increases, and even their appearance starts to look better to you.”
“...And?”
“The reason you’ve come to overevaluate me is exactly because of that phenomenon.”
“Hmm.”
Kanade didn't seem very interested.
“Ak-kun. I think you're probably wrong about that.”
No, it seems she was interested after all. She was just dissatisfied with my theory again.
“...Why?”
“Because we haven’t been meeting repeatedly, have we?”
...That’s true.
“It’s a reunion after several years. A fateful one.”
I don't really know why she used inversion for emphasis there.
“Well, anyway, Ak-kun is a very wonderful man, okay?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“...No, but, I might not want everyone else to notice that.”
“Why?”
“...Fufu. Why do you think?”
I have no idea.
While having that conversation, we arrived at school.
“...Um.”
“The shoe lockers are this way.”
Since Kanade had only stepped into the school building once before, she seemed to have lost her way.
I decided to lead the way to the classroom, serving as her guide.
“Thanks.”
“I can only do things like this.”
“That’s not true. You’re always helping me.”
...That wasn't true at all.
In the hallway, Kanade and I walked side by side, matching our pace.
Occasionally, Kanade’s gaze from beside me would pierce my cheek. It wasn't unpleasant. But I did feel a little embarrassed.
...I half-wanted to reach the classroom quickly, and half-didn't.
“Good morning~!”
At a normal walking speed, neither fast nor slow, we arrived at the classroom.
Hearing Kanade’s energetic voice...
“Ah...”
The classmates sent intense stares toward us as we stood in front of the classroom door.
“...See. It's unexpected, isn't it?”
“True, true...”
Even though Kanade had given a lively greeting to try and fit in with the classmates.
The classmates didn't respond and were instead absorbed in whispering among themselves.
...It was a bit late to notice, but the intense stares from the classmates were a type of curious gaze.
The people they were directing those curious gazes at were indeed the two of us.
...This is an unpleasant atmosphere.
It feels bad enough just being put on the spot, but when you become the subject of gossip, it feels even worse.
“...Morning, Ichinose-san.”
One girl who had been absorbed in the gossip... Kadokura-san, came up to us while still directing a curious gaze.
The curious look she showed... had emotions that seemed to mock us hidden here and there.
“Hey, are you two dating?”
...I unintentionally remembered the talk I had with Kanade while walking to school.
It seems that just as Kanade said, from an outsider's perspective... we looked like a couple.
...Should I deny it immediately? If strange rumors spread that she's dating someone like me, it might affect Kanade’s future student life.
No, but Kanade was the one asked... and if Kanade doesn't answer, the strong-willed Kadokura-san might direct a different kind of anger at us.
...To see how Kanade was doing, I stole a glance at her.
“...Ugh.”
A strange sound escaped my mouth as I was startled.
Kanade was smiling.
Even though it was obvious the other person’s purpose was mockery, and I, standing next to her, was in a state of confusion... she was smiling as if she didn't care about any of it at all.
“...S-So, which is it?”
The pressure emitted from that smile was so strong that Kadokura-san took a step back.
Kanade kept smiling and hadn't answered Kadokura-san’s question, but...
“Hmm.”
It seemed she finally felt like opening her mouth.
“Which do you think?”
“Eh?”
“Do we look like we’re dating? The two of us.”
...An unexpected counter-question.
Kadokura-san was taken aback.
“...I don't think you're dating.”
After a while, Kadokura-san answered.
“You two don't match at all.”
Hearing that answer, I thought to myself.
Then why did you ask if we were dating in the first place?
That question only works if you feel even a little bit like we might be dating... if not, then a normal person wouldn't have any impression other than 'what a mean person'.
In other words, haven't you just ended up exposing your own pettiness?
...Well, I won't point that out deeply, though.
In reality, we aren't dating.
And thanks to her making a fool of herself, Kanade’s honor was protected.
...Surely, Kanade must have wanted this outcome too.
Thinking that, I glanced at Kanade again and...
“...Is that so?”
...Seeing Kanade glaring at Kadokura-san with cold eyes, I felt cold sweat drip down my spine.