ALL NOVEL 11: Huge Emotions
“No, wait, stop… wait, you’re too fast… waiiiit…!”
Leaving behind a wail that sounded like a dying monster, we managed to shake off Miss Takatsuki and quickly made it near my house. Unexpected circumstances had us going faster than ever before.
Though there’s no time inconveniences, there was a big physical one. Simply put, I was exhausted. Breathing heavily. Miss Takatsuki is way too persistent – well, that’s her job, and it’s wrong for me to complain when I was the one breaking the rules…
But that’s that, and this is this.
As an indoor person, I wasn’t used to this much exercise. I felt like I had just done the most physical activity of the year.
I got off the bike and started pushing it while taking long, deep breaths.
“I don’t want to exercise for a while…”
“Ahaha, good job. Sorry for making you do something crazy because of me.”
“Yeah, seriously.”
It’s not entirely her fault, but half of it is Kagari’s fault! I grumbled immaturely, and she patted my head like I was a pet dog.
Hey, do you think that just makes everything okay?
For a moment, the magnanimous part of me almost nodded in agreement, but I quickly dismissed that.
Being a pushover isn’t trendy anymore. Wait, am I the heroine?
What a poor-selling romantic comedy… I shook off her hand as my thoughts drifted.
Then, pointing at one of the houses lined up in the residential area, I said,
“Look, this is my house. Satisfied? You are, right? Now go home… hey! What are you trying to do with the intercom?!”
“Huh? Well, I have to greet your parents as your girlfriend, right?”
“Why are you saying that like it’s obvious?”
“Oh, would fiancé be better?”
“No! I have issues with our relationship, but it’s not that it needs upgrading!”
It’s the opposite. I’m saying don’t upgrade our relationship without a plan.
We’re barely acquaintances beyond classmates.
Please close the distance more carefully and thoughtfully.
“Because if I don’t step in quickly and strongly, you’ll run away…”
“You’re talking like a warrior now…”
Her language was completely that of someone ready to battle. What does “step in quickly and strongly” mean? Isn’t that what you do before delivering a powerful attack?
I felt like a random mob being overpowered by a hero.
“But maybe I was too hasty… it’s getting late, so I’ll greet them another time.”
“Don’t worry, that chance will never come.”
“It’ll come on its own, so it’s okay?”
“Hey, don’t act like my feelings don’t matter.”
Maybe it was a mistake to tell her my address… but it was inevitable. Even if she was joking about following me, she would have found out soon enough.
I could sense her seriousness.
This girl is really scary… The more I know her, the more I realize how scary she is, and it’s totally a disadvantage for me.
“Your actions are too spontaneous. At least make your jokes more obvious.”
“Jokes? I’m not joking. I was even thinking I could walk here every morning.”
“It seems a terrifying plan was being hatched without my knowledge…”
Walking here every morning… Having a beautiful girl wake you up every morning might sound like a dream, but with Kagari, it wouldn’t be a simple, sweet scenario.
Plus, it might disrupt my household…
I’m not joking, this girl’s pushiness could seriously mess things up at home.
I need to logically fend her off and drive her away.
After thinking for a few seconds, I decided to logically repel Kagari.
“No matter how much you like walking, there’s a limit… and your house is a bit far from school, right? It wouldn’t make me happy if you pushed yourself.”
“Hehe, that’s not true. My house is less than ten minutes from here.”
“What?”
“My house is less than ten minutes from here.”
“I see.”
My attempt at logical rebuttal got turned around, and she gained the upper hand. Seriously? The debate lasted less than a few seconds.
Not only that, but when we went to check, her house was indeed less than ten minutes away. I couldn’t say anything.
This must be what complete defeat feels like.
“By the way, Kagari, I didn’t know you lived alone.”
“Yeah, my house isn’t that far away, but I insisted and got my own place.”
“Can you just get a room because you’re being selfish?”
It dawned on me that Kagari might actually be from a wealthy family. Assuming she wasn’t just a regular girl because of rumors was a mistake.
“But if that’s the case… sorry. I should have ended things earlier. Living alone means you have a lot to do, right?”
“Hehe, that’s true, but don’t apologize. I wanted to spend time with you.”
“…Alright. If you say so. See you tomorrow – but don’t come pick me up tomorrow! I’m not joking!”
“Eh…”
Kagari stood in front of what I assumed was her apartment door, pouting unhappily. She really planned to come in the morning…
I’m glad I warned her.
As I sighed in relief, Kagari spread her arms wide.
“…What?”
“Okay, compromise. Hug me?”
“How is that a compromise…?”
“Because if I can’t see you in the morning, I’ll be sad… If not, I need you to hug me to make up for it.”
“How does that make things equal…?”
Despite my feeble protest, Kagari didn’t waver.
Her hazel eyes seemed to be saying, “Hurry up!”
I felt there was no escape.
Instinctively, I knew this was the best compromise.
I sighed.
If this is all it takes, it’s a small price to pay.
“There, satisfied?”
“Hmm, a little tighter.”
“You’re demanding…”
Kagari, slightly shorter than me, had a slender, delicate body that felt like it might break if I hugged too tightly.
So, I hugged her gently, carefully, making sure not to hurt her.
When I complied, she hugged me back softly.
It felt surprisingly comfortable, and her scent made my heart skip a beat.
“Alright, happy now?”
“Hmm, half a century more…”
“That’s too long… how long do you plan to live?”
“As long as you’re alive.”
“That’s a huge emotion…”