Part-1 Ch-01 Ep-06

 『Kagami POV』

When I returned to the library after getting up to use the restroom, I spotted Nagase over by the classical literature shelves.

For some reason, I felt curious, so I walked over.

Well, saying “for some reason” is probably a lie. The truth is that I wanted to talk with Nagase one-on-one. Ichinose is always attached to her side, after all.

“Looking for something?”

“Ah, Kagami-kun. Nope, my concentration ran out, so I thought I’d read something connected to what I’m studying right now.”

“You’re pretty studious.”

“Nah, not really. Oh, but if you were to reach up for a high shelf book and make my heart go doki-doki*, Kagami-kun, that would be a nice little scenario…”

[T/N*- Common anime trope/sfx used to show quick heartbeat from blush]

Hearing that ridiculous joke, I let out a sigh.

“You were planning to make me do that in front of Ichinose, weren’t you?”

“How did you know!?”

It isn’t “how did you know.”

It was obvious. It has been like this nonstop since the very first day of school.

“Haah… listen.”

I leaned in close and loomed over her.

If I put my hand on the shelf beside her face and looked down at her, she would have no escape.

I needed to make things clear early on, or Ichinose would definitely end up irritated.

“Let me make this clear, I’m not into that sort of—”

“What are you doing?”

A voice cold enough to freeze my spine made me whip around.

“What are you doing to my Mari, Kagami-kun?”

The intensity alone felt like it could send me straight to the hospital, so Nagase quickly tried to smooth things over with a cheerful, “Ah, Maki-chan, this isn’t what it looks like!”

“I’m heading back to my seat.”

All I could do was hurriedly retreat from the scene. Some time after that, the results of the academic ability test were posted.

1st place: Ichinose

2nd place: me

10th place: Nagase

Leaving me aside, those two were genuinely impressive.

While staring at the ranking list, Nagase muttered something incomprehensible. “At this rate I can’t use the ‘please tutor us, Kagami-kun’ strategy. Grrrr. The downside of raising her stats too high is hitting me now.”

She is smart, but truly an odd one.

“You’re amazing.”

Still studying the ranking sheet, I spoke honestly to Ichinose, who was standing beside me.

“Of course. If I couldn’t beat Mari at studying, she wouldn’t rely on me for lessons or when she really needs help, right?”

“Hmm.”

I am gradually beginning to understand how this girl thinks.

Ichinose briefly shifted her gaze away from the ranking list toward Nagase, who was a little distance away celebrating happily with some classmates.

“Why not tell her that directly?”

“I always tell her.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“What is it then?”

Ever since that incident in the library the other day, she has been noticeably harsher toward me.

I let out a wry smile.

Yeah, I really am starting to understand how her mind works.

“That girl is trying to match us up.”

A murderous aura surged instantly, and Ichinose fixed me with a glare overflowing with intimidation. The tension was so sharp that my stomach twisted.

I swear I have absolutely nothing to do with this.

“You’ve got it rough too, huh, Ichinose.”

For now, I offered a small attempt at comforting her, even if it was just a gesture to calm the situation.

“I have no intention of giving up.”

“Heh. You two are both pretty interesting. I guess I’ll just sit back and observe, then.”

“Stop it. We’re not a sideshow.”

I looked straight at Ichinose.

In Ichinose’s field of vision, I was there… yet I wasn’t.

She did not see me at all. Anyone could tell simply by watching. That was how it was.

If that’s the case, then fine.

In a way, it makes things easier to understand.

From now on, I will simply enjoy observing these two from the sidelines.

“Ugh, fine, do whatever you want.”

“I will.”

The connection with Ichinose that had been severed on that day long ago was now being spun back together again, although in a completely different shape from before.

(End of Chapter 1)