My Seatmate is Apparently My Wife from My Past Life; She Still Loves Me in This Life as Well

As we stepped outside after settling the bill, the faint traces of the just-set sun painted the sky with a gentle night hue. Despite it being April, the lingering scent of winter had been swept away by the spring breeze, making it warm enough to be comfortable in short sleeves.

Looking at the streetlights that were starting to flicker on here and there, I realized we had stayed longer than intended. Checking the time, it was about the hour when I usually started thinking about heading home.

Though it wasn’t intentional, the timing was just right. Going home wasn’t a hassle, but that was the usual case. There was no point in whining about it—in fact, staying out this long was already akin to whining.

I turned to the slightly delayed Kamidama and called out.

“Well, shall we head home? Which way for you, Kamidama? Towards the station?”

“You’re going to walk me home? How kind.”

“It’s not kindness; it’s just the decent thing to do…”

Even if Kamidama was a crazy girl, no decent person would let a female classmate walk home alone at this hour, regardless of any ulterior motives. Plus, if it were discovered the next day that she got caught up in some incident, I’d feel terrible.

So, it wasn’t kindness but a kind of self-preservation. At least for me, that’s the case.

“Saying that it’s natural to do such things is a virtue, Uraku. You’re too self-deprecating.”

“Sorry, but this is just who I am. Deal with it.”

“What a bold way to brush it off…”

Well, it’s fine, Kamidama said as she seated herself behind me. It seemed riding double was a foregone conclusion. Complaining now wouldn’t help since I had already agreed once.

Maybe because it had been a while since I talked to someone for so long, I stifled a yawn and pressed down on the pedals. If a cop spotted us, we’d get a lecture, but oh well.

…Right? Now I was feeling a bit uneasy, but there was no turning back as I smoothly pedaled on.

“So, which way is it? It’s not too far, right?”

“Well, yeah, that’s true…”

Kamidama gave a slightly hesitant response, her voice tinged with a rare bit of uncertainty.

Strange—though I didn’t know Kamidama well, this was definitely unusual.

“Oh, sorry. I guess you don’t want me to know where you live?”

“Huh? No way. I actually want you to know where I live, Uraku. I always want you to come over.”

“Really… I definitely won’t be visiting, but why the hesitation then?”

“Well, today’s goal was to find out where you live, Uraku. If you take me home first, I can’t accomplish that…”

But reversing the order would be a hassle for you, Kamidama added. True, that was the plan.

This girl was here to find out where I lived. I’d forgotten all about that, and honestly, I hoped she’d forget it until we got home.

“If it comes to that, I’ll just secretly follow you home afterward…”

“No, that’s creepy! Plus, that completely ignores my consideration for you!”

“It’s fine. If I don’t get caught, it’s not a crime, remember? You taught me that!”

“It’s totally not fine, and stop making up past events! It makes me sound like a villain!”

Unbeknownst to me, I had been labeled a devilish type who corrupts innocent girls. That’s too much. What kind of person was I in Kamidama’s past life?

“Hehe, you were really a bad boy, you know.”

“Really…? That means I’m nothing like that now.”

“Oh? I don’t think so. Not at all.”

Kamidama laughed softly, clearly enjoying herself. I had no idea where she saw the malice in me, known for being harmless… well, whatever.

I wasn’t a perfect saint either. People’s views of others depend on their perspective, and a person’s goodness or badness changes depending on how they’re seen.

For example, classmates might see Kamidama as a perfect beauty, while I saw her as a crazy girl. It’s all relative.

“Alright, fine. I’ll take you to my house first.”

“…Is that okay?”

“Why are you surprised? I just don’t want you following me. It’s self-preservation, too.”

“Hehe, you really are kind.”

It’s not kindness, but… Kamidama seemed like she wouldn’t listen no matter what I said. Even if I protested, she’d just smile and say, “Yeah, yeah, I understand.”

Even though our time together was brief—far too short—I understood that much.

Kamidama Kagari was that kind of girl.

Since that was decided, it’d be better to hurry a bit. There’s no point in staying out too late over something like this.

I put more strength into my legs, speeding up the pedaling rate.

At that moment, a voice called out.

“Hey, you high school couple! Stop right there!”

It was a clear, authoritative voice. Looking back slightly scared, I saw it was our homeroom teacher, Ms. Takatsuki.

Crap, I thought, and instinctively pushed down on the pedals.

“Hold on tight, Kamidama!”

“W-wait, you’re not stopping!? Uraku!”

“Unfortunately, I’m supposed to be a bad boy.”

“Oh, that’s unfair. You only act like that when it’s convenient.”

“Shut up. People are just the right amount of unfair.”

It was just an excuse to avoid trouble, but Kamidama, after a brief pause, only said, “I see.”

She didn’t seem angry or intent on blaming me—in fact, her tone was cheerful.