Come to think of it, that’s right.
If Shirato’s name came up, it wouldn’t be strange for Yunagi to become a topic of conversation too.
Or rather, from others’ perspective, the fact that Yunagi and I are friends is probably more peculiar.
But of course, on the surface, I’m just ordinary friends with her too.
I hadn’t anticipated being directly questioned about it, but staying calm and responding naturally was the appropriate approach here.
Or so I thought.
“No, she’s good friends with Shirato and often comes to our class.”
“…I see.”
Mikura-san seemed to accept that more easily than expected.
Well, it’s not like she’s a spy or detective.
Even if she found it unnatural, she probably wouldn’t pry excessively.
If anything, I’m likely the one overreacting.
If I act confidently, nothing will happen.
“…Aoto-kun, um… I wonder if you… l-like someone like Yunagi-san?”
“Eh…”
Well, the conversation took a strange turn again.
Just as I thought before, Mikura-san might currently be involved in romance herself.
And she might be trying to gauge what makes a woman attractive from a male perspective through me, since we’re relatively close.
If that’s the case, I’m quite interested in the man Mikura-san has feelings for.
But that’s a delicate matter.
Even if I knew who it was, it’s not necessarily good for me.
I’ll refrain from pursuing it.
Though I am curious. Very curious.
“Hmm, well, I wouldn’t say I like her, but I do think she’s attractive. She doesn’t seem to have many flaws either.”
I subtly emphasized the “many” parts.
Yunagi is indeed the perfect beautiful girl, but she can be a bit pushy.
Well, that might actually be one of her strengths too – that’s the scary thing about her.
“I-is that so…”
“Yeah. But I think the same could be said about you, Mikura-san.”
“Eh? Wh-what do you mean?”
“Our types are different, but I can’t think of any flaws you have either. I think you’re very attractive too.”
“Tha-! …Is that so! Eh, ehehe…”
“Yeah. So, I think you can have confidence. Though I might sound presumptuous saying that.”
“N-no! Not at all! I’m really happy…!”
“I see. That’s somewhat reassuring.”
“Y-yeah! And, Aoto-kun, you’re… um… really wonderful too…!”
“Ahaha, thank you.”
While we were talking, my café au lait had disappeared.
Mikura-san’s coffee seemed to have only a little left too.
Probably time to wrap things up.
It’s almost past 8 PM.
“U-um”
“Hm? What is it, Mikura-san?”
“Ah, Aoto-kun… um… what do you think about dating!”
For some reason, Mikura-san asked this with an intensely serious expression.
Today, she seems more emotionally volatile than usual.
“What do I think, you ask?”
“W-well, um… if you’re interested in it, or if you’re positive about it.”
“W-well. That’s tough. I’m positive about it in general, but I’m not really interested myself.”
I decided to answer honestly.
I think dating is everyone’s personal freedom, but I’m not proactive about it.
“I-I see…”
“Probably because I don’t think I’m suited for it. I’m too free-spirited.”
“F-free-spirited…”
“Yeah. I like reading books alone, watching movies, and thinking more than anything else. I’d hate to have that time reduced by dating someone.”
“I-I see…”
“So well, even if someone dated me, it would probably be boring. No demand or supply – it works out perfectly.”
“Th-that’s not…”
After saying that much, I realized I’d been talking more than I intended.
Maybe I’ve become more talkative because I’ve had more opportunities to think about romance lately.
But essentially, that’s how it is.
I can’t properly become Yunagi’s boyfriend, and I don’t intend to accept her feelings.
So really, I should probably reject her more firmly.
…No good.
I should stop thinking about this for now.
It’s not a simple problem I can think about while talking to someone, and I’m not that skilled anyway.
“What about you, Mikura-san?”
“Eh! Wh-what about?”
“That kind of thing – dating. Do even someone like you yearn for it?”
“N-no… well”
Mikura-san looked extremely unsettled and hesitant, her eyes darting around.
I wonder, did I ask something bad?
“I-I am interested but…”
“Wow. That’s somewhat surprising.”
“But it might be impossible.”
“Impossible? What do you mean?”
“…I might not be acknowledged.”
After saying this in a serious tone, Mikura-san completely lowered her head.
She’s usually so resolute – what could be wrong?
For someone like Mikura-san to say it’s impossible, she must have fallen for someone really unattainable.
Well, if it’s a man she likes.
Even if he were that kind of person, it might not be surprising.
“It’ll be fine. If it’s you, Mikura-san, I’m sure he’ll notice you too.”
“…Ah, yeah.”
My ordinary consolation didn’t seem very effective.
While feeling concerned about Mikura-san who seemed even more depressed, we decided to leave the café.
“Well then, thank you for today, Aoto-kun.”
“Yeah, same here. It was fun. Let’s talk again after you read more books.”
“Y-yeah.”
We walked together as I saw Mikura-san to the station.
After one last farewell, I decided to head home too.
“Ah, Aoto-kun!”
Suddenly called from behind.
When I turned around, Mikura-san was facing straight toward me, her hands clenched.
“What’s wrong?”
“…Um, see you at school.”
“…Ah, yeah.”
Mikura-san smiled somewhat awkwardly before turning toward the station and walking away.
I feel somewhat worried.
But when it comes to romance, I’m completely inexperienced.
I hope her troubles get resolved.
Thinking this, I headed home and took my smartphone from my bag.
Several message notifications were displayed.
As usual, or as expected, Yunagi’s messages particularly stood out.
‘Yunagi: Want to call’ ‘Yunagi: Look quickly’ ‘Yunagi: Love you’
Same as always.
Thinking this, I somehow felt a little more energized.
‘When I get home, just for a bit’
I replied only that and put my smartphone away.
Maybe I was embarrassed to see the reply that would undoubtedly come immediately.