“Wow, what a coincidence to run into you here!” When I turned around, I saw that it was Koyanagi-senpai. She was wearing an outfit that suited her mature demeanor, but she still looked like a little girl. There was no mistaking that it was Koyanagi-senpai. Wait... Why is Koyanagi-senpai here right now?! We hadn’t seen each other at school or outside until now. If this is fate, isn't it trying a bit too hard...? “Um, hello,” I said. “Hi there,” Koyanagi-senpai replied with a smile that seemed to praise me for a well done greeting. And yet she still looked like a little girl. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t fool anyone into thinking she was an adult. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?” Koyanagi-senpai looked apologetic when she noticed Suzu. Today Suzu was wearing makeup, so Koyanagi-senpai probably didn't realize she was an elementary school girl. She probably thought we were on a normal date. As for Suzu herself... "......" ... she was making a very complicated, subtle, and bizarre expression. She looked sulky, lonely, and surprised, all at the same time. All sorts of emotions were mixed together, and I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. "Since we're here anyway... Yes. Just wait a moment," Koyanagi-senpai said. "Huh? Okay," I replied. Koyanagi-senpai left us for a few minutes and then came back. “Here, have some,” she said. “French fries?” “It's a thank-you gift for last time. Thank you for the help.” “I didn't do anything that special...” “Don’t worry about it. I was really happy, so I want to return the favor. That’s what it means to be a big sister! Tee-hee!” “Um... Well then, thank you very much.” “You're welcome. I really wanted to give you something more proper, but I never expected to run into you here...” “This is more than enough.” “But... Oh, I have an idea. Here, good boy.” For some reason, Koyanagi-senpai patted me on the head. She was standing and I was sitting, so it was the perfect height for her to do that. It made me want to cry. “S-Senpai...?”

“He he♪ It's important for big sisters to properly praise their little brothers when they do something good.” “You did that the other day, too...” “It's my way of showing you how I feel... Oh.” Koyanagi-senpai's phone beeped. Probably a text message. “Sorry, I’ve got to get going.” “Oh, okay. Thank you for the fries.” “You’re welcome. Eat them both together. I’m sorry for interrupting you two.” “...” Suzu didn't respond, just bowing her head slightly. “Well then, see you later.” Koyanagi-senpai waved good-bye and left the shop. “...” “...” It was just the two of us again. For some reason, it was very awkward. Suzu was glaring at me. On top of that, her cheeks were puffed out. I thought she'd grown up, but... She was still a kid at heart. “…Who was that person?” Suzu asked. “Um... that was the senior from school. I never thought I’d run into her here...” “Are you really acquainted with her? Are you friends, best friends... or lovers? Is that what you meant when you said you didn’t know her at all?” “No, it’s true. I really just met her the other day, and we haven’t seen each other at all after that. That’s why I was so surprised.” “Hmph... it doesn’t seem like you’re lying. My 'Naoto radar' isn’t going off.” What kind of strange function is that? “Even so, she was awfully physical with you, right?” “I can’t deny that, but I think that’s just how she is. I’m sure she treats everyone like that.” Koyanagi-senpai liked to act like a big sister, but her words and actions were childish. She didn't seem to be very aware of the differences between boys and girls. That’s probably why she came so close to me. “Wait a sec...” Suzu suddenly tilted her head. “A senior from school?” “That’s right.” “From elementary school?”

“Why would I call someone from elementary school a senior?” “Wait, then... you’re not saying that she’s a high school student, are you?” “And a third-year, at that.” “...” Suzu’s mouth opened and closed several times, as if she was in shock. “I know, right? It’s amazing that someone like that exists,” I said. “W-What on earth... That person is so unfair. And if she’s a third-year high school student, that means she’s a legal loli!” Seriously, where do you learn these words? “More importantly, I’ve never heard that she was like that! What’s up with that cheating appearance of hers?! She’s a third-year high school student, but that’s ridiculous!” “I know, right?” “And she’s so similar to my character arch-type!” “That’s not something to worry about.” “I thought being an elementary school student was my advantage, but I never thought someone would come along to rival me...” “I don’t think being an elementary school student is much of an advantage at all.” “I-I can’t just sit here and do nothing! I need to come up with a countermeasure as soon as possible!” “There is nothing between me and Koyanagi-senpai!” “But isn't she irresitable for a lolicon!?” “I’m not a lolicon.” “Let’s put that aside for now.” Don't just put that aside like that. Are you trying to force me to admit I’m a lolicon? “Hmph... this is bad. You’re too logical for your own good, so I’m worried that you’re going to say something like, ‘Well, she’s legal, so it’s fine,’ and decide to go out with her!” “I told you, we’ve just met.” “It didn’t seem like you two had just met! I’m sure that senpai has her eye on you!” “No, no, she doesn’t.” “Yes, she does. You’re so handsome, after all. And you’re so thoughtful, always looking out for me. You’re very aware of your surroundings and have a wide field of vision. Not many people are like that.” “Um... Thanks for the compliment.” Even though that probably wasn't her intention, hearing her praise me like that made me a little embarrassed. Suzu didn’t miss my reaction. “Huh? Are you.. kufufu... blushing?” “...Not at all.” “You don’t have to hide it. I mean, your ears are bright red, so it’s obvious.” “Really?” “Ehehe♪ You’re blushing over something like that. You’ve got to toughen up a bit, you know? If I really wanted to, I could list a hundred things I like about you. You’d probably die of embarrassment.” “I’m sure you’re serious...” “Wait, this isn’t the time to be teasing you! I can’t believe I’ve got such a strong rival... Ahhh!” “It’s really no big deal, and I’m sure nothing will come of it...” I didn't pay much attention to Suzu's paniced state, and instead focused on eating the fries that Koyanagi-senpai had treated me to.