Chapter 46: What kind of relationship?

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Translator: Soafp

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After the incident during lunch break where Sora turned into a cat, the boys no longer charged at her. On the contrary, when boys from other grades who didn't know the situation approached, there were even those who stepped in to stop them. For Ginji, this was a huge relief.

“…Kinda scary.”

“It's fine now, right?”

Sora no longer had a reason to hide behind Ginji, and that left her feeling a bit complicated. Meanwhile, Aika's entourage cast sharp glances at the two of them.

“Isn't she just flirting with the boys?”

“Clinging to Momoi like that, so shameless.”

“She only pretended to be a guy because she couldn't compete with Shiki-san as a girl.”

“Why is Momoi even with someone like her…”

Eventually, the whispering turned into blatant gossip. But both Ginji and Sora were used to that by now.

In fact, Sora even felt more at ease with girls keeping their distance, unlike the boys who used to approach. Ginji, too, just yawned and brushed off the comments, having no interest in girls who gossip.

Surely, there were girls genuinely curious about Sora, but in this tense atmosphere, no one was brave enough to talk to her. As a result, Sora found herself watched from afar by boys and avoided by girls.

Still, the attention she got remained high. Aika often glanced at her but never made any move to talk.

Aika looked pale, and Mio was concerned. Even her followers were trying to be considerate.

Seeing all this, Ginji felt reassured that today would probably pass without any drama.

Then came after school. As usual, the two of them prepared to ride home on Ginji's bicycle, but a problem arose.

“…Skirt.”

“Oh, right…”

Unlike when she wore pants, now with a skirt, Sora had to be more careful.

“Wanna walk instead?”

“No, I want to hurry or the meat at the supermarket will sell out. I'll figure something out.”

She tried adjusting her skirt while mounting the bike where Ginji had wrapped a cushion on the rear seat. But it didn't go well.

“Like this, maybe?”

In the end, she sat sideways and clung tightly to Ginji. Unlike straddling the seat, the sideways position made it hard to keep balance, so she naturally had to hold onto him tightly.

“H-Hey!”

“It's fine. This way it won't flip up. Besides, we're having dinner at your house today, right?”

Ginji couldn't tell how serious she was, but Sora looked quite earnest. Trying not to focus on the soft sensation pressing against his back, he began to pedal slowly.

Of course, Sora was fully aware of what she was doing. It wasn't so much that she wanted Ginji to notice her, but more that she simply wanted to cling to his back.

“…Hey, Ginji?”

The view on the gentle downhill slope reminded her of the first time they went home together.

“What is it?”

“The sunset's beautiful, huh?”

Just like the first time they rode together. But somehow, the scene before her eyes now looked even more beautiful.

If she could paint her feelings, it would be today's sunset. As she visualized the scene in her mind, she rested her head gently on Ginji's back.

“Yeah. It might be even prettier than last time.”

…So he's thinking the same thing. Her heart fluttered. She was glad she had braved wearing the girls' uniform today.

Did he notice her feelings, even just a little? From the way his silhouette glowed in the sunset, it was impossible to tell. Well, for today, she'd let it slide.

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Later, at Ginji's house.

“Tetsu, I need you to stay calm. The truth is…”

“Oh, Tetsu-kun, excuse me for intruding. I'll be using the kitchen, okay?”

Sora greeted casually, as if nothing had happened, in her girls' uniform. Tetsuya was a little surprised, but quickly returned to his usual blank expression.

“Sora-senpai, thanks for your hard work. …You told Aniki, huh?”

“Yeah. Sorry for causing trouble.”

“It's fine. Good for you, bro.”

Sora walked into the kitchen while Tetsuya nodded in satisfaction. Ginji looked between them, mouth agape.

“You knew?!”

“I'm not good with girls, you know. I figured it out right away when we met. But Sora-senpai's a good person for you, so I don't feel uncomfortable around her. Also, she changes so much when dressed as a girl. You two really suit each other. Take good care of her.”

“Y-You idiot! It's not like that! We're just friends!”

Now it was Tetsuya's turn to be dumbfounded.

“You're kidding, right?”

“What part?”

Later, in accordance with her “devoted helper” promise, Sora made katsu curry all by herself and sat next to Ginji, placing pickled red ginger on the side.

“Ginji, do you like your curry with sauce? Or ketchup?”

“Not really picky, but if I had to choose—egg yolk, I guess.”

“Huh, interesting… Okay, one yolk coming up. Mind if I mix it?”

She brought an egg from the fridge, separated the yolk, placed it on the curry, and pulled out a spoon.

“I can mix it myself…”

“Promise, remember?”

“…Right.”

Sora smiled and prepared the spoon, and Ginji fell silent. He had thought they were being pretty close at school, but apparently, she'd been holding back.

Watching with his usual blank expression, Tetsuya quietly observed. Even Ginji felt embarrassed being seen like this by his younger brother.

More importantly, why was Sora so calm about all this? Ginji was seriously puzzled.

“Tetsu, this is—”

“Don't stop. I don't mind.”

Ginji gave him a look that clearly said “Help me,” but when he glanced at Sora's bright smile, Tetsuya responded with a look that said, “No way I'm interfering. I like living.”

“I mixed it. Now, say ‘Ahh.'”

“…Ahh.”

Tetsuya thought to himself:

Why aren't these two already married?