Chapter 2
A few days after Mahiru’s birthday, the day came when the results ofthe regular exams held at the beginning of December would be returned.
In the second half of their second year, the mood was about to get slightly thorny for full-fledged exams, and the class was in an uproar over those who were happy and disappointed when the exam results reached their students’ hands.
As 6r as Amane was concerned, starting a part-time j ob had caused his grades to drop, but he was relieved to see the evaluation he’d actually gotten on hand.
If my grades were goingto fell so blatantly because of this, I would have been disappointed in my own patheticness, and I would’ve betrayed Mahiru’s and Miyamoto’s expectations for me ifthey’d taught me how to study, so I’d be unable to see their feces anymore.
"By the way, how was it, Amane-san?"
"Don’t try to peek at people's grades. Also, the rankings are posted, so you should know.”
As Itsuki poked his head out from beside Amane, who was reassured by the listed scores and rankings, Amane sighed and flipped his report card over on his desk.
Amane knew that Ituki wasn’t really trying to look at him, and his grades weren’t embarrassing to be seen, but he should be careful about his appearance just in case.
“Your overall score and ranking are pretty high. You're one year higher than last time, right?" “Thank goodness."
“You're really working hard.. You're working part-time, aren't you?”
"It's precisely because I'm doing this that I take it so seriously every day. It's because I don't have much time to study that I've improved the quality.”
If we can't secure enough, well have to improve the quality. The students around us should be getting serious about their studies soon, so we probably won't be able to ignore them.
She's always been an understanding person when it comes to studying, but considering the amount of time the people around her are going to spend studying, it's as if she doesn't have time to spare.
I'm the one who chose to work part-time, so I don't want to miss out on the effort, but I do tend to study less, so how to cover for that is the challenge from now on.
“You're casually raising your grades, aren't you?”
"Same goes for you.”
For some reason, Itsuki's grades had gone up as well. He was in the rankings posted on the bulletin board, and he was in a higher position than the last time I saw him.
She usually made fun of him, and he looked like he was joking around, but the nature of Itsuki that Amane thought of was thoughtful and earnest at heart
It was obvious that he could do it if he tried, but he didn’t dare, and that he was acting like he was just trying to defy his parents. In fact, regardless of whether he was doingit or not, his friend Amane understood that Atsuki was at least an extremely clever man.
"Yeah. Dad's so loud, it's time to look into the future."
"I don't want to think about this time next year;’
Chitóse was the one who continued in a pathetic voice while holding her report card in her arms, and behind her, Mahiru was smiling, eyebrows lowered in confusion.
Incidentally, Mahiru was still in first place, and since Amane, who was usually by her side, was well aware of her efforts, it was only a few words.
Chitóse, who seemed not to have expected the results, wilted and handed Itsuki her report card without hesitation, had an awkward expression on her fece as Itski’s eyes followed the words on the report card.
"Tch.. Yeah, we've avoided the worst-case scenario. I feel like we're making up for it in an insanely good field."
"Ugh, I'll do my best next time."
"But your score is better than before, and I think you've learned how to solve it I think it's progress.”
"Mahiru~n.”
Mahiru was letting Chitóse, who seemed to be moved by Mahirou’s cover, cling to her and let her do as she pleased.
No, it might be more accurate to say that she’s catching Mahiru so she can’t runaway, rather than letting her do as she pleases.
Mahiru, who was extremely caring to those close to her, seemed to have some thoughts about Chitose’s grades as well, and it was a beautiful smile on her fece.
Enough to make Chitóse retreat without thinking.
"M-Mahirun?"
"Don't worry. I still have a year left, so I'U just have to work hard. The rest depends on Chitose-san's motivation and goals. I'm goingto be with you from now on as part of my review” “..Continue?”
“Of course. It's not a day's worth of hard work, it's just a continuation. If you spend the night doingit over and over again, it will be etched into your memory."
“That's not studying overnight."
“It's a path that everyone will take once they become examinees. Let's do our best towards our goal."
“Eeek!”
This time, Chitóse let out a scream, but Mahiru didn’t seem to care. She was holding Chittose’s hand with a charming s mile, no matter who saw her smile.
ChthoUy also seemed to understand that the university she was aiming for was dangerous at this rate, and although she didn’t shake it off, she turned to look at me asking for help, so Amane and Ittsuki both averted their eyes.
She hadn't abandoned him. It was an unavoidable path for her. It wasn't the same as the Lion's Child Drop, but it was a necessary trial for her anyway. That was how it was.
"..Mahiru, you're such a spartan to the person you love."
“You must know that spoiling her isn't good for her.”
"I have an idea."
“Oh? You're so naive, Shina-san?”
“No, you're pretty harsh, Mahiru. It was very salty at first."
“I can't imagine it"
There was no way for Itsuki, who was cackling and shrugging his shoulders, to know, but Mahiru really was the first to respond to Amane with salt.
From Mahiru’s point ofview,she could understand being wary ofa man she didn’t trust seeing her weak side, and once she’d opened up to him a little, the self-indulgent side caught her eye this time, so it was only natural that it would be harsh
In fact, she should be praising Mahiru for her persistent reprimand for her kindness and length of spirit.
“I don't think she'd showit to anyone else. I knew she was thinking about me and saying it, and it was a sound argument, so I didn't make a sound."
"That's how self-indulgent Amane was."
“Shut up. I'm doing fine now.”
This is something I'm proud of.
You could say there was a huge difference between her and the person she’d been a year ago, and I was sure Mahiru would approve of her.
She cleans things without rolling them on the floor, she can cook as well as anyone else, she's better at her personal effects than she used to be, she studies hard, she trains her body, and she'll be able to see a lot ofthings from the bean sprouts. I'm sure she'd flip over if she heard that from me a year ago.
“It's all thanks to your wife. ..So what's sweeter to you now?”
"Maybe it's because I understood why Mahiru was so strict and improved, and because I was able to maintain it without her scolding me. There's no need to be stricter with the people who can do it than necessary, and besides."
"Besides?"
"Actually, it seems like she wants me to rely on her because she's too independent Sometimes, she headbutts me for what I do.”
From Mahiru’s point ofview, she seemed to want him to rely on her more and fewn over her more, but there was no way she’d be able to do something as embarrassing as leaving Amane’s femiiy affairs to him all the time
Since she was already a part-timer and tended to leave cooking to others, Amane would stand in the kitchen and cook on his days off, and he usually took care of his own house in his free time. That was only natural, but it seemed complicated for Mahiru.
"Ah. I want to be needed."
"If we're going to spend time together, we should share the burden, and I usually work part-time and leave a lot of work to you, so if I had more free time outside ofthat, I'd do it I wish Mahiru would just relax a little, but she's a little miffed."
“Hmm.”
"Why are you grinning like that?”
“No, no. You're a cute wife and a surprisingly good husband."
“What do you mean by 'surprising'?”
“So you admit your relationship?”
For the time being, I decided to point my elbows at Ituki.
“Stop trying to hide your embarrassment by elbowing me."
“Hey, Amane-kun, don't be so rough."
"Yeah, that's right!”
Mahiru and Chitóse must have finished their discussion, as they softly reprimanded Amane when they saw that Amane was ready to attack.
Amane had absolutely no intention of doing it seriously, but it didn’t change the feet that it was an attack, so it was only natural that he would be told that he couldn't, so he had no choice but to obediently back down.
“Ugh.. Sorry.”
"Well, at times like this, it's usually times when you're teasing me too much. It's rare for Amane to get serious, so I think we're just messing around."
“Tch. Are you trying to side with me?”
“I'm on Mahirun's side.”
I thought it didn’t have to be an ally of his boyfriend’s, but Chitóse, who seemed to see right through him, said, "Ikkun teases me too much sometimes, and he’s the one who went to fight back on his own.” Her amused expression suggested a calmer viewthan you’d expect from her, and Amane was convinced that she understood well, so Itsaki fell silent as he listened.
"Akazawa-san, you shouldn't tease Amane-kun too much, either. He gets a little childish when he's with you.”
“You're not on my side, Mahiru."
“I am neutral, you know?”
“Mm.”
It’s true that Mahiru often says things from a fundamentally neutral point ofview, regardless of her emotional state, so it makes sense that just because she’s her boyfriend doesn’t mean she’ll be protected, but that aside, I’d like to object to her assessment of me being childish.
I wanted to say that Itsuki's side was the one teasing me like a child, but Mahiru poked my cheeks as if to reprimand me, so the dissatisfection that was about to come out of my mouth melted away and slipped through the gap between my lips as just a sigh
Even she knew she was weak to Mahiru, so she sighed to let out what little irritation she still had left, and Ituki, standing next to her, was smiling.
It’s not a bad idea to think that it’s okay to put this in.
"Anyway, Mahiru, congratulations on maintaining first place."
Seeing Ituki's face now seemed to increase his aggression, so he erased his existence from view and turned back to Mahiru, who smiled faintly.
"Your efforts are as incredible as ever, or rather, I don't feel like I'll be able to catch up to you. You really are amazing."
"Thank you very much. But it's just a matter of time, so I learned it before everyone else..." "Mahirun sometimes refuses to accept compliments from people close to her."
"Ugh.”
“Thank you for saying you don't know me very well, but you just smiled and brushed me off without saying anything more. I'm saying it's amazing because you're really amazing."
just as Chthose said, Mahiru had a habit of not accepting much praise, even though she told Amane not to be servile. It was close to saying that she accepted it, but only took about forty percent of it
Effort may not be the most natural and perfectionist thing in the world, but for someone like her, who strives to reach new heights, there are times when she doesn't take it at fece value because of her modesty. She seems to be taking care of herself, but she comes out like this every once in a while.
I'm impressed that Chitóse hasa go od eye on Mahiru and understands that part of her.
“..I'm happy. Thank y ou very much.”
"Yes, yes.”
“Who are you, Chii-san?”
“I'm Mahirun's best friend."
"Nowthat you mention it, I can't say anything."
“You can say more, Chitóse.”
“I won't ride you there either, Amane-kun."
"Mahiru told me not to be servile. You need to acknowledge yourself more, Mahiru."
"..Geez."
Since he had accepted it so obediently, there was nothing to complain about from Amane, but if he wouldn't accept this, I was going to praise him a lot later.
Mahiru shuddered for a moment, as if seeing through Amane’s gaze as well, but decided to think of it as a trembling of joy
"Congratulations on getting fourth place, Amane. The power of love is great"
"Thanks. There's still a lot of room for effort, and I need to study hard without focusing on my part-time job. The school rankings are a passing mark, so 111 have to learn more for next year."
"You ignore the power of love, huh?”
"It's tiring to keep butting in. Well, putting aside Ai, I'm really grateful for Mahiru's efforts, and I think I need to do my best."
"You really have more vitality than before, or rather, you've gotten stronger;’
“It's partly because you've gotten physically stronger. I'm painfully aware that nothing can start without your stamina. All that's left is motivation and willpower."
If anything, it was thanks to Mahiru that Amane, who had been on the lethargic side, had become so active, so he was grateful for her existence.
It was thanks to Yuuta and Ituki, who had consulted me when it came to improving my stamina, and also helped me exercise from time to time, so I couldn't help but think that I really did have a hard-to-find friend.
That aside, it's not like I don't feel the same way about Itsuki, who's been teasing me a lot, so I'd like her to forgive me for acting like this every once in a while.
"It's nice to be young.”
"We're the same age..."
“Unfortunately, I'm still younger than you.”
His birthday was in February, so that meant he was the youngest person here. In other words, he was also overflowing with energy.
“Then Ituki has more stamina than me, so do your best. Fight.”
"Almost! We're almost the same age!"
“Hehe."
"I'll check on Ikkun later. Anyway, the mock exams and regular exams are over, so I wonder if I'll be able to take it easy for a while.”
“Well, it's a normal class.”
Sadly, class isn't over just because the exams are over. I don't think 111 have much time to take it easy, since I'm busy preparing for entrance exams. The easygoing period has already passed since I started correcting and explaining my mistakes after returning the answer sheets. "Please rest more."
"I thinkall of humanity thinks so.”
“Anyway, it'll be Christmas in about two weeks. What are your plans?”
“Ah.”
Hearing her say that remindedme ofChristmas for the first time.
Yes, since Mahiru’s birthday was in early December and she was also wearing a round robe during her exam period, she had been focused on that, but December was the time when most events were packed.
It shouldn’t have been that kind ofday,butthe day when the families of the world celebrated and lovers confirmed their love for each other awaited not long after.
It was an extra-large event that would normally never be forgotten, but the past month had been so busy that its existence had slipped out of my mind.
"Ah.. I was so focused on Mahiru that I forgot."
“It's our first Christmas together, and you forgot about it.”
“N-No, I'm really sorry, Mahiru. I didn’t plan anything at all."
Even I wasn’t sure how to feel about telling her that Christmas was unplanned for now, but I didn’t want to lie to her, so I told her honestly without trying to cover it up, and the Mahiru in question shook her head as if she didn’t mind at all
“Honestly, I was out of my mind, too. ...Um, because of what happened the other day, I got carried away, or rather, all my thoughts were taken away.”
It seemed that she hadn’t thought about it since herbirthday was so close on top ofthe fact that she basically couldn't think about events that much, so she wasn't sure if she should be relieved or if she could worry about it compared to a typical relationship between lovers.
However, I can at least tell from her expression that she's not dissatisfied, so I should be able to make up for it.
“What should we do this year? Spend Christmas and Eve together?”
Last year, Itsuki and Chitóse had a Christmas party where they rolled into Amane's house. It was because ofthat that they found out about their relationship with Mahiru, but there was a part of it that helped them deepen their relationship, so it seemed like a good Christmas as a result.
When asked what to do this year, Amane and Mahiru both met 6ce-to-fece and lowered their gazes in annoyance.
“Hmm. Honestly, it's always just the two of us."
“There's no substitute for anything, is there?”
To put it bluntly, being alone with Amane and Mahiru wasn’t all that special. If it was just the two of them in Amane’s room, that would be a different story, but unfortunately, he avoided bringing them into his room as much as possible.
It's not like there's anything going on because it's just the two of us, but I can see that Christmas will be pretty much the same as usual for the time we spend at home. ItH probably be as extravagant as possible.
“We're a married couple now, aren't we?"
“Shut up. Mahiru, do you want to go out somewhere or something?”
“As long as I’m with you, I'll go anywhere.”
“..You say that right away."
“Ehehe. In other words, we'll be spendingtwo days together as husband and wife.”
“Hey, heyi'
“Do you two have plans to go out together?"
"Ah, I thought we could wait until we heard what Amane and the others were planning. Honestly, it's not like well be able to take it easy around this time next year. Spending time together, having fun with everyone, both are good."
The feint loneliness in her voi ce was probably due to the feet that she was thinking about the future and feeling depressed, but perhaps she sensed that the amount of time we were all gathered was steadily decreasing.
It was expected that this time next year would be the cornering season for everyone but the recommended group, so this would probably be the last Christmas where we could get together without thinking about anything.
Mahiru, who seemed to have thought about that, looked around at everyone for a while, then slowly opened her closed lips.
“..Ifyou're all okay with it, I'd like to spend some time with everyone. Of course, if you two have plans for a date, I think you should prioritize that."
“As long as you two are okay with it.”
Even Amane thinks it would be better to play while he can before he loses his composure, so as long as the four of us spend time together like last year, I think that's fine.
I had two days off on Christmas with Eve anyway, and we both had the day off, so as longas we could spend one of them together, that should be fine. Mahiru seemed to like spending time with Chitóse and the others, too, so I wanted to live up to her wishes.
"Then cheer up! At Amane's place!”
"Okay, but it's my house every time."
It's good that we decided to play with everyone right away, but as usual, the venue seems to be fixed on Amane's house.
Even though Mahiru was almost always with her, she lived alone, and there was a wide-open space for that, so she had perfect soundproofing measures, and it was close to everyone’s houses, so that was the most convenient way to put it
"No, putting Ikkun in Mahirun’s house would be problematic, and it’d be a problem for Mahiran too. My house is cramped, and Onii-chan and Dad are annoying in the first place, so they'll definitely barge in.”
“Sounds plausible."
She seems to get into fights a lot, but she seems to be loved as the youngest child ofthe Shirakawa family for some reason, and when she hears her boyfriend and a couple of friends are coming, she'll probably come to check on them. She's been to Chitose's house with Ituki once, but since she said this and that back then, she doesn't seem to like it.
Then all that's left is Ituki's house. When our eyes meet, I see a slightly troubled, reserved smile on his fece.
“As for my house, well, how should I put it? Mom probably wouldn't mind, and I'd lend it to her if Dad wasn't around. Probably because she's here."
“I’m sure my existence would be off-putting."
“Tth.”
"The truth is the truth, after all.”
The relationship between Daiki and Chitóse, who were Itsaki’s fethers, couldn’t be said to be good flattery, or rather, they had heard from the people in question and understood that there was a feud with no malice, so Amane couldn't say anything
Ittsuki called out to her reproachfully and worriedly, then shut his mouth when he noticed that Chitóse had a quiet, calm look in her eyes
For a moment, the look in his eyes was one of resignation, a feint hint of resignation even though he hadn’t thrown it out, and when his eyes met Amane’s, he wore his usual expression. "So I'm sorry, but can we go to Amane's place?"
Since she had no intention of revealing what she was holding inside, as a stranger, Amane shouldn't step in.
That’s why, just as Chitóse had intended, Amane also acted like he had no choice but to wear his usual expression.
“Well, I don’t really mind. As 1 ong as you two aren’t worried about it”
“As long as I’m with you, I’ll go anywhere."
There was no longer any trace of her previous expression.
"Don’t flirt with other people."
"Whaaat? It’s a little late for that. You can flirt with Amane and the others too, you know?” "Who's going to flirt in public?”
"If we’re not in public, weil be flirting."
“..Shut up. We’re lovers, so what’s wrong with flirting with me?”
"Hohooo!”
"Hahaaahn."
"Maybe I'll ban it."
“I'm sorry, prefect. Please forgive me."
"Be careful next time.”
"Haha."
As Chitóse raised her voice, intending to prostrate herself on purpose, Mahiru also let out a small laugh from her usual calm expression.
"Hehe, you two are so close.”
"Mahirun, you can ride too, you know? You know, like spinning the sash."
“Coming...?”
"I won’t do it Don’t make me the villainous prefect in the first place. Ill never rough up Mahiru or her kimono."
She was probably referring to the scene where she undid the sash of a woman’s kimono, which had apparently been in an old historical drama, while spinning a woman around like a pawn.
Given Amane’s personality, it was impossible for him to do that, and imagining him roughing up his kimono sash and getting hurt came first. He could see Shihoko scolding him for it, since he was involved in clothing-related work.
“You’re serious about that, aren't you?”
“Who will commit violence? I won't treat things poorly.”
“It's this Amane guy who shows his goodness without regrets in a place like this.”
“There's nothing good about this. It's just normal sensibilities."
"I'm glad you're normal, Mahirun,"
“If it wasn’t obvious, I probably wouldn’t have looked at you.”
"Are you dissing me?”
"T’m rnmniimpntinu vnu I'm nraisintr vnu.”
I couldn't complain when she laughed at me in a cute, cool voice like I'd rolled a bell, and although I stared at Mahiru, I couldn't sense any malice from her at all, so I helplessly closed my mouth.
Chitóse cackled at Amane like she couldn't stand it, so Amane shut her up with a sharp glint in his eye before letting out a big sigh.
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