ALL NOVEL chapter 4
There’s definitely something fishy going on, Towa thought suspiciously.
“Serving means serving. It’s about letting my body be used by my master until they are satisfied. When I think about that… Ahh!!”
The words Ayana spoke during lunch break, and that excited expression as she imagined something, lingered in my mind. Eventually, Ayana returned to her usual self after that incident, and like an esper, she sensed what side dish I desired even a bit and offered it to me with an “aah.”
I didn’t like the attention from others, but when I accepted the offered side dish and honestly said it was delicious, Ayana was delighted. I wanted to see her smile, and more than anything, I was happy that she was pleased in such a way.
“If you’d like, shall I make Towa-kun’s bento too?”
“I’m fine. It seems making bento is one of Mom’s daily enjoyments.”
“…Mm.”
Ayana’s bento was delicious, and I was almost about to agree to her proposal, but when I happened to see Mom happily making bento in the kitchen when I woke up early one day, I couldn’t bring myself to agree. The bento she made every day was truly an expression of unconditional love, and I truly appreciated it.
Although Ayana pouted for a while, when I explained it this way, she smiled gently and agreed, saying she could make it anytime if I wanted.
Now, there were many things that piqued my interest during lunch break, but now it was after the time had flown by since then and the closing ceremony had just ended. I usually went home with Shuu and Ayana, but I was taken away by Iori immediately after the closing ceremony. Watching Iori appear and disappear like a storm, I couldn’t help but think she was a woman of action, but apparently, it wasn’t amusing for those around… especially for those who held unfavorable feelings towards Iori and Shuu, who were close.
“Isn’t Sasaki getting too cocky lately?”
“Yeah, why is that guy so close to Honjo-san?”
“Should we teach him a lesson?”
Their voices were loud enough for me to hear. When I looked over, it was a group of boys with handsome features, seemingly high in pride. It made sense; they seemed to be jealous of Shuu, who was plain compared to them, being so close to the beautiful Iori.
Regardless of who likes whom, it’s each person’s freedom, and it’s not something others should meddle in. I thought to leave them alone, but as things seemed to be heading towards a dangerous direction, I approached the group to intervene with a sense of support.
“Well, don’t get too worked up about it.”
“…Towa?”
I murmured as I put my hand on the shoulder of the guy who had his back turned.
The name of the boy who turned around was… probably Somya. I started speaking loud enough for Somya and the other boys to hear.
“Who likes who is up to that person. It’s not for outsiders to comment, and you guys understand that getting physical won’t lead to anything good, right?”
They weren’t stupid. It was clear they didn’t find it amusing that Shuu was popular, but they also understood that taking it out on him wouldn’t benefit them in any way. They just wanted to vent irrational anger. There might be someone among them who liked Iori, but as long as Iori favored Shuu, targeting Shuu would only incur Iori’s wrath.
“I get it, but…”
“But to have that guy…”
Their momentum had calmed down from earlier, but the jealousy towards Shuu still lingered.
Honestly, when I spoke up, I half-expected to be punched, but upon further thought, Towa’s presence could be said to be central even within the class. His exceptional appearance attracted people regardless of gender, and many were drawn to his outwardly kind personality. And to top it off, his actions to protect Shuu as a close friend were seen favorably by classmates. …Well, now I have this suspicion that they might already be up to something.
“Don’t take it out on someone out of jealousy. Don’t lower your own value with such trivial matters. I’ve spent time in the same class with you guys and know you’re good people. With good looks and a decent personality, you’re bound to be popular with girls, right?”
It wasn’t my true feelings, but I made sure to uplift them. Perhaps because Towa’s communication skills were exceptional, as seen in the game, he appeared as a handsome guy with many friends who was considerate.
Seemingly, Somya and the others had calmed down at that point. Thinking it was all right now, I was interrupted by the voice of another third party.
“Saying bad things about others will never lead to good results. It’s been a while since we’ve been in this class, but I, along with everyone else, consider you all important classmates.”
“Onmuna-san…”
The one who interrupted was Ayana.
Ayana smiled at me and then returned her gaze to Someya and the others.
“Shu-kun… is not particularly good at interacting with people, to put it kindly. However, for me and Towa-kun, he has been a childhood friend since long ago. I have a desire to protect him, and I also don’t want you all to make choices that you’ll regret,” Ayana’s words were very polite.
Being stared at so directly and hearing all this, there was no inclination to argue. In fact, even though Someya and the others had a look of disapproval, they seemed to be nodding at Ayana’s words and trying to change their attitude towards Shu.
“I don’t know all the details, but I’m glad to see Honjo-san caring about Shu-kun. It’s not just us. There are others who see the good in Shu-kun too.”
Saying this, Ayana smiled gently. Looking at her face, Someya and the others standing in front blushed simultaneously and looked down. It seemed like they were captivated by Ayana’s smile. …Wait, is it just the boys, or are the girls also gazing absentmindedly at Ayana? No, it’s not my imagination. Ayana, what a formidable girl.
“Ahem! Well, it seems like the conversation ended nicely, Someya and others! How about karaoke? Singing out loud can be refreshing in times like these!”
One of Ayana’s female friends suggested, and all of Someya’s group nodded in agreement. The tense atmosphere from earlier disappeared, and it felt like things had returned to normal.
“Truly impressive, Ayana.”
“Oh no, we are not unrelated to this… Ugh.”
Perhaps it was thanks to Ayana’s presence that things settled so smoothly. Some people see me, Ayana, and Shu as close friends as a point of contention. However, seeing Ayana like that, no one in the class would think of harassing Shu. At least, I believe this class is now okay.
With people drifting apart and Shu still needing time under Iori’s care, especially since we, who are not part of any club, have nothing to do after school.
“What will Ayana do? Will you walk home together?”
“Yes! Shall we hold hands on the way back?”
“Well, that’s a bit…”
“Oh, if holding hands is embarrassing, how about linking arms?”
So, leave that to Shu…
“What’s wrong?”
“Well, yeah…”
…Let’s just check something.
I put on my bag and headed towards the shoe lockers with Ayana. Passing through the school gate to a less crowded area, I opened my arms wide and said to Ayana,
“Here. Shall we link arms?”
“! Excuse me.”
Without any hesitation, Ayana linked her arm with mine. It was difficult to unlink naturally, and Ayana even pressed her body against mine as if wanting more contact. Not just the sweet scent typical of women, but also the bold soft touch from Ayana’s good figure.
Normally, I would have been thrilled, but in a way, this was also part of an investigation.
(…This isn’t something that happens with ordinary childhood friends. There must be “something” after all.)
It seems like there will be a lot to investigate once we get back.
“Hmm?”
“Ah… Towa-kun♪”
…Cute, huh?
Feeling a gaze, I turned my head and saw that. The impact was truly high.
During the rest of the way, Ayana was considerate enough to maintain some distance when students were in sight, but she would lean in close when no one was around. However, every time I tried to distance myself, I would hear a sound like a click of the tongue… I wonder what that is.
“Good things about Shu… There’s no such thing, right? Stupid. A precious childhood friend? I’ve hated him since “forever.”