Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051597934651646/episodes/2912051598133552421
The locker room after school.
Spotting Houtarou’s back ahead of her, Seika broke into a light jog to catch up.
“Achi-kun, let’s go home together!”
“Sure.”
At his casual agreement, Seika’s lips broke into a wide, carefree smile.
(Yesssssssss!)
She struck a grand victory pose in her mind and wagged her invisible tail so hard it felt like it might snap off.
Her excitement was at its peak—this was the classic romance-comedy scenario of walking home with the person she liked.
But even as they started walking, the image of his childhood friend’s secret rendezvous from earlier kept flashing through Seika’s mind.
(But still, I’m really curious about his relationship with Shiojiri-san!)
Still harboring those mixed feelings, she glanced over at him.
She noticed that Houtarou was walking at an unnaturally wide distance from her.
There was enough space between them for about three people to fit.
“Why are you walking so far away from me!?”
“It’ll start unnecessary rumors.”
“Unnecessary, you say?”
“If people see us walking home together, we’ll become the perfect target for rumors among our classmates. That would be a hassle for both of us, wouldn’t it?”
Houtarou’s words, spoken matter-of-factly while he kept his eyes forward, made Seika’s heart flutter sweetly.
(Nyaaa)
At first glance, his attitude seemed cold, but in reality, he was being considerate to prevent her bad reputation from spreading any further.
(No way, he’s too kind! I love Houtarou-kun so much!)
She struggled desperately to keep from collapsing onto the asphalt in sheer joy.
Seika hurriedly pulled her face back into a composed expression, having just been melting with happiness.
But the thoughts of a girl in love quickly took a negative turn.
(Wait. But I could interpret this another way, too. Maybe he’s worried she’ll get the wrong idea.)
Could it be that he’s keeping his distance not out of consideration for me, but out of loyalty to his real girlfriend?
He’s a mature young man, jaded by the world and at the mercy of his parents’ circumstances.
Since he’s so much more emotionally mature than other boys his age, it wouldn’t be strange at all if he had a girlfriend.
(If he really does have a girlfriend, I’d die.)
Pushed to the brink of despair by her own wild imagination, Seika slumped her shoulders in defeat.
Even though they were walking side by side, Houtarou didn’t speak to her at all.
All she could hear was the steady rhythm of his footsteps; he wouldn’t even meet her gaze.
(Does he not care about me…?)
She flattened her invisible ears against her head and continued walking with heavy steps.
Soon, the entrance to the familiar apartment building came into view.
(We’re here. I wanted to stay with him longer!)
She got into the elevator and stepped out onto the second-floor common hallway.
When they stopped in front of their respective rooms, Houtarou briefly raised his hand.
“See ya.”
“W-wait a second!”
“What’s up?”
Seika hurriedly raised her voice at Houtarou’s back as he tried to enter his room.
Houtarou turned around, looking puzzled, his hand still on the doorknob.
(Work, my 530,000 IQ brain! Come up with the perfect excuse to stop him!)
As Seika’s internal computer ran at full speed, a spark of inspiration suddenly struck her mind.
“I had curry today! I have some leftovers! I was wondering if you could help me use them up!”
“Curry… is that okay? I’d appreciate it, though.”
“Of course!”
“Thanks.”
Houtarou’s expression softened slightly, and he disappeared into his room.
The sound of the door slamming shut echoed through the hallway.
Left alone in the hallway, Seika threw both hands high into the air.
(Yesss!)
She danced a dance of joy and triumphantly opened the door to her room.
But the moment she stepped into the entryway, Seika froze solid.
(……What about the curry? I’m going to make it now!)
To begin with, she hadn’t even started making curry, and she didn’t even have the ingredients.
Her brain, boasting an IQ of 530,000, had come up with a completely impulsive plan.
Seika frantically pulled out an apron and dashed into the kitchen.
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