After school. I'm walking briskly towards 'Amaryllis'. Upon entering, I spot Miyanoshita sipping juice at a table in the back. That's a relief. It seems all is well. From today on, we'll meet up and spend time together after school. Nothing unexpected should happen. But I can't fully relax, feeling somewhat uneasy. However, seeing Miyanoshita allows me to finally calm down. I exhale a relieved sigh. "Miyanoshita." "I've been waiting for you, Yuuki-san." She smiles cheerfully. Is she glad we're together? Or does she feel reassured? Perhaps it's a bit of both. "Yuuki-san, where shall we head to now? I recommend a hotel that begins with 'Lo' first." "*Cough*!?" I'm caught off guard and end up coughing violently. Our conversation wasn't overheard by other customers, right...? "Hehe, I'm just kidding." "You..." "It's half serious, though." "Look..." "Shall we get going?" "No, we're not." The person who shook like a scared kitten due to a stalker just days ago has vanished. She had returned to her usual mischievous self. ... or maybe. Maybe it's just bravado. She doesn't want to show too much fear and worry me. So, she's acting normal. "What's the matter? You're staring at my face so intently." "Ah, no..." "Haha, got it. You're smitten with me, right? So when will we start dating? Feel free to confess anytime! Hey hey, come on, bring it on!" ... In the end, Miyanoshita might not be thinking about anything special. "We're not making any detours, let's head straight home." "Eh..." "With the situation as it is, isn't it better to head home before it gets too late?" "That's true, but... buuu. I'm finally with Yuuki-san after all." Miyanoshita pouts her lips. Indeed, she mentioned being a latchkey kid. Since there's nothing to do at home, she must want to spend more time with me. At this hour, she could invite friends over... But considering there might be a stalker around, that might not be an option.

"I understand you want to have fun, but... if we go out now, we'll definitely be back late, right? We should avoid that." "Yes, you’re right... Okay, I understand." Miyanoshita is very understanding. So much so that you wouldn't think of her as a grade schooler. That's why I feel guilty for making her hold back. It's contradictory, but... I feel like she could be more selfish if she wanted, given her age. But her upbringing and current circumstances probably don't allow for it. Especially since Miyanoshita is very smart. "Next Saturday... i don't have part time work, so we can go then." "Eh?" "You want to go out or have some fun, right? I'll keep you company on Saturday if that's alright with you. Or should we not?" "Yes we should!" Miyanoshita shakes her head vigorously from side to side. And then, their eyes sparkled brightly. "Saturday, right?! Got it! I'll make sure to keep my schedule clear!" "Understood." "I'll clear my schedule no matter what! Even if my friends invite me out, I'll say I have a date with my boyfriend and decline!" "Cut it out!" Miyanoshita really does look better with a smile. This has nothing to do with romance. I just like her smile. Bright. Sparkling. Like a sunflower blooming in the height of summer. Just being there makes everything around her brighter and fills others with warmth. She's such a wonderful person, more than I deserve, really. ...That's why I must protect her at all costs. "So, shall we think about what to do this Saturday now? That's okay, right?" "Well, we can definitly do that." "It's decided then! Excuse me, could we get another orange juice, please? And for Yuuki-san?" "I'll have an ice tea." "An ice tea as well, please! And, could you give us one of those couple's straws?" "We don't need that." "Why...? It's not impossible, is it...?" "You're making such a hopeless face..." I can't quite grasp the extent of Miyanoshita's seriousness. "Senpai, I'd like the normal version of our order, please." "Alright, alright, I got it. Hehe, you two seem close." Senpai takes the order with a bright smile. She looks at us with excessive kindness, as if she's misunderstood something... Well, it doesn't matter. It's too much of a hassle to correct her, so I let it be. To me, Miyanoshita is a valuable friend. And a partner with whom I've weathered many intense battles in online games. I am okey with it like that, for now.