Episode 44 – As I was leaving

Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093075629868223/episodes/16818792436789601779

We couldn’t linger too long at school after classes ended.

It was summertime, and even though the sun set late, I felt it was inappropriate to keep a girl behind too late.

So, we wrapped up the study session before dusk and decided to leave the library.

“That’s why you add vinegar before cooking. Then the rice gets this nice sheen…”

“Don’t you pour it on after cooking?”

“If you do that, you’ll end up with vinegar rice that barely goes down your throat.”

Perhaps because of the time, there weren’t many people around as we headed toward the school entrance.

Voices of students busy with club activities could be heard from outside, but the school building itself was deserted.

(Come to think of it, where exactly is Sakurazaka’s house?)

It was getting late. Should I walk her home?

But some girls might not want others knowing where they live… Walking her partway wouldn’t help if we were going in opposite directions.

I didn’t have to walk her, but that made me worry too.

Was there some way to casually, naturally walk her home?

(Hmm…)

Just as I was pondering this—

“Fufu, who could it be?♪”

Suddenly, out of nowhere.

My view was blocked, and a strange, warm sensation washed over me.

Plus, the elegance peeking through that mischievous line.

This… was probably it.

“Is it you, Shiori-san?”
“Yes, it’s me, Shiori.”

Perhaps because I guessed correctly, the darkened view cleared instantly.

Turning around, I saw a beautiful girl radiating an air of maturity and refinement.

“You stayed this late, Shiori san?”

Her lustrous silver hair, like mithril.
A beautiful face retaining traces of innocence, and a figure that would make any woman envious.

───Karuizawa Shiori.

The daughter of a major cosmetics company president, an excellent student, and the student council president beloved by her peers.

Like Yuzuki and Kirishima, she was one of the ‘Three Great Beauties’ of our high school.

“I had some student council work left… But honestly, I’m a little bummed you weren’t more surprised.”

Shiro-chan pouted, her cheeks puffing out in frustration—utterly adorable.

“Uh, um… Student Council President-san?”

As I was melting over the gap, Sakurazaka beside me looked slightly surprised.

Then, Shiori san turned to Sakurazaka and offered a demure smile.

“Sakurazaka-san, right? Nice to meet you, I’m Karuizawa Shiori.”

“N-nice to meet you…!”

Sakurazaka bowed her head vigorously, likely nervous.

It was understandable to be nervous around someone like the Student Council President, someone you could only ever see from afar.

Plus, Shiori-san was practically an unattainable flower, equipped with all sorts of special abilities.

“Actually, you knew Sakurazaka’s name?”

“Well, you know, she’s top of the class just like Irie-san. And, I am the student council president, after all.”

“I see.”

“Because I’m the student council president.”

“Hmm.”

Well, if she’s the student council president, it can’t be helped.

“More importantly, Irie-san… You seemed quite troubled earlier. Is something wrong?”

“Eh? Was Irie-senpai troubled?”

She really is a senior. So perceptive about people’s moods.

Even Sakurazaka, walking right beside me, hadn’t noticed.

“If you’d like, I could listen to your concerns?”

Shiori leaned in close, her expression suddenly filled with genuine concern.

True. Maybe hearing someone else’s opinion would be better than mulling it over alone.

I whispered softly into Shiori’s ear—

“(How can I find out a girl’s address?)”

“(Shiori-san is shocked by this incredibly serious crime consultation)”

If I could at least figure out the general direction, I could walk her part of the way.

“(…Still, the reliable senpai understood Irie-san’s dilemma.)”

“(You understood?)”

It felt a bit awkward saying it myself, but I thought I’d been pretty vague.

“(So basically, you want to walk her home because it’s dangerous, but you’re worried she might not want you pinpointing her house, so you’re looking for a compromise?)”

She really understood it all. Shiori-san is truly terrifying.

“(If that’s the case, leave it to your dependable senior.)”
“(…Is that okay?)”
“(Yes, solving my cute junior’s worries is part of a senior’s duties, after all♪)”

With that, Shiori pulled away and turned back to Sakurazaka.

Having been left out of their earlier whispering, Sakurazaka tilted her head cutely.

Shiori took Sakurazaka’s hand and spoke.

“My mother is coming to pick me up from school later. If you’d like, I could give you a ride to your place?”

“N-no way! I’m fine on my own!”

“You say that, but it’s getting late. This area has a lot of residential neighborhoods, and I think it’s dangerous for a girl to be out alone, don’t you?”

Sakurazaka seemed to realize she had a point and fell silent.

Then, for some reason, Shiori slowly leaned closer to her ear—

“(Actually, my cute junior is worried about you. If I let a girl go home alone… he might come crying to me out of concern…)”

“(Huh!?)”

“(So, to prevent my cute junior from becoming any cuter by abandoning his dignity as a man, if you don’t mind, wouldn’t you let me walk you home for Irie-san’s sake too?)”

Suddenly, Sakurazaka’s whispering gaze shifted toward me.

Hmm, what could they be talking about? I sincerely hope it’s not gossip.

“(I-If that’s the case then…)”

“(Hehe, it’s settled then.)”

The whispering ended, and the two pulled away from each other—

“Then, please leave this girl to me.”

“I’ll make sure to escort her back without compromising senpai!”

What on earth were they talking about?
I was shocked to realize my dignity had been weighed on the scales without my knowing.

“By the way, would you like a ride home too, Irie-san? It’s on my way back, so I can drop you off?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I need to go shopping on my way home.”

Just as I was leaving, I got a message from my idiot sister saying, “I’m in the mood for curry today!”
The fridge is looking pretty empty too, so I really need to go shopping tonight.

“Oh, in that case… perhaps next time.”

“I’m sorry, about Sakurazaka too… thank you for your concern.”

“Not at all, don’t worry about it.”

As I felt a twinge of guilt, Shiori-san leaned close to my ear again—

“(Next time, it’d be nice if it was just the two of us.)”

At Shiori-san’s words, my face flushed bright red without me even realizing it.

Then, pulling away, Shiori-san flashed a mischievous smile, turned her back, and started walking away.

“Well then, Irie-san. Goodbye.”

“I-Irie-senpai! Thank you so much for today!”

Following Shiori-san’s lead, Sakurazaka started walking after her too.

I watched their backs as they walked away—

“Hm?”