When I looked back, a car was parked very close by. A man in his late twenties rolled down the driver's window and stuck his head out. "What's going on? Why are you in such a hurry?" "...Sensei..." So it seems that this person is Miyanoshita's homeroom teacher? "And who is that over there...?" "I accidentally dropped something, and this kind person here was helping me look for it." While saying that, Miyanoshita winked at me from an angle only I could see. Understanding her plan, I nodded slightly. "Yes. She dropped her wallet and scattered some coins, so I was helping her pick them up..." "Ah, I see. Thank you for helping my student. By the way, I'm her teacher from her school." "I..." "Sensei, isn't it about time to leave? You need to get there before the students, right?" "Oh, right... See you later. Be careful on your way to school." "Yes." The car drives off. Miyanoshita looks after it with a smile... "Haa..." As soon as it was completely out of sight, she let out a weary sigh. "Miyanoshita, that was..." "That's my class's teacher. He's an adult, but he tends to worry a bit too much. Thats why... this is my way of handling him right now..." In other words... Basically, unlike her friends, it seems like Miyanoshita doesn't trust her teacher. ...Is that what she is saying? Hmm. I feel like I've learned something very important. "Yuuki-san, let's split up here." "Are you okay?" "Even a stalker wouldn't attack in the morning, especially in a crowded place like this. Besides, if we stay together any longer, it might cause trouble for you, Yuuki-san. Just like right now." "I... even so, I don't mind." "Huh?" The words naturally spilled out of my mouth. "If it's for your sake, I don't care what happens to me." "..." Miyanoshita's cheeks turned red.

She gazed at me with an absent-minded look. Then, with a startled expression, she averted her gaze. "Dropping a line like that out of the blue... That's a foul!" "Huh? Why?" "...Because you're too cool, it's hard not to be captivated, okey?" "Well... sorry?" "Geez, Yuuki-san, you really don't understand at all! Do you know how much you captivate me, consume my thoughts, and completely mesmerize me?" Yeah, no. Not even slightly. Actually, I think it's better not to know. To be able to clearly perceive the affections of others as if they were your own... It could be an extreme way to put it, but I think that would be close to a curse. "Just..." "Just?" "Please, never do anything reckless." "Even if you say that..." Ignoring the question of romance in our relationship... Miyanoshita is a precious friend. If it's for her, I am prepared to expose myself to danger to some extent. Even if I lose something, I don't mind. Those are my true feelings... However, it seems that Miyanoshita does not want that. She then says in a lonesome or sad manner: "It's so heartwarming to see someone I love working hard for me. But... if that person gets hurt because of it, I would be so devastated..." "...Ah..." "So please, don't push yourself too hard." I felt Miyanoshita's sincere feelings. I see. Yeah, that's right. Just as I think about Miyanoshita, Miyanoshita is also thinking about me. If I go through a tough time, Miyanoshita will also feel the pain. Right now, our feelings are not one-sided. To some extent, it's a state of mutual consideration, or rather, a state of back-and-forth exchange. I must not force my feelings onto others. "Yes, that's right. Thank you for setting me straight before I made a mistake."

"N-no..." Miyanoshita waves her hand sideways in a flustered manner. "Yuuki-san, I'm sorry for being impudent, even though you've been worried about me." "There's no need for you to be sorry. On the contrary, thank you for saying that, Miyanoshita." "...You're welcome." Miyanoshita looks down to the ground. Her ears are as red as an apple. Is she feeling embarrassed? "For now... I promise. I won't push myself too hard, if possible." "What do you mean by 'if possible'?" "If danger were imminent for you, I probably couldn't keep the promise. That would be absurd." "Oh, Yuuki-san..." "But I'll make an effort to prevent that and talk with you in advance. I promise." "Yes, please promise me." Miyanoshita gently smiled and extended her little finger. "Let's make a promise." "Pinky promise?" "Yes!" Seems a bit old-fashioned... But in a way, it’s just like Miyanoshita. We interlocked our pinkies. "Pinky promise" "If I lie," "We'll get engaged! ♪" "That’s not right!" "Yep, we made a pinky promise. No going back now, okay?" "I feel like I've been tricked..." "I have no idea what you’re talking about." Miyanoshita plays dumb. I knew it, she's definitely a little devil. But oh well. Miyanoshita is a very important friend. I definitely want to protect her. So…… Let's get back to that bad feeling I had earlier.