Chapter 50: The two of them are the most comfortable

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Translator: Soafp

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Meanwhile, after hugging Ginji at the school gate and declaring, “Genji is mine,” Sora was still in a panic, tugging on Ginji's sleeve as they headed toward the classroom.

“Hey, hey, Sora! You're stretching my shirt!”

“Muuuuuuu…”

Sora puffed up her cheeks, turning back to look up at Ginji with slightly teary eyes.

“W-what's wrong?”

“Nothing…..”

He didn't know exactly why, but Sora was clearly in a bad mood. Ginji was curious about her earlier declaration, but the atmosphere didn't feel like he could ask. Plus, there was something else that had been on his mind.

“Geez… I was gonna praise you, too.”

“Praise me?”

Ginji placed a hand on her head, and just that simple gesture was enough to melt away the prickles in Sora's heart.

“You socked it to Shiki, right? That was something else.”

“Eh? Ah… I did that… to Aika-chan…”

“You told her how you felt, straight to her face. You did good. That felt great to watch.”

Sora looked surprised at Ginji's smile. Though she had occasionally spoken her mind while looking down, she had never before stood up to Aika so boldly and loudly.

“…I can't believe it.”

“That just means you've grown. Come on, let's get to class before we cause more of a scene.”

Ginji turned on his heel and started walking, and Sora walked beside him. They were already the center of attention, but at this point, who could possibly wedge themselves between the two? Some boys from the unofficial “Watch Over Takagi-chan Group” even toasted their canned black coffee in celebration.

As the two walked on, Ginji leaned in and spoke quietly to Sora.

“And, uh, maybe be a little more careful about stuff like that.”

“Stuff like what?”

Not understanding his meaning, Sora moved closer and asked again. Ginji's nose turned red as he brought his face near her ear.

“I know you were pretending to be a boy until recently, but don't go hugging people like that.”

“…Oh. You didn't like it? I'm sorry.”

Sora hung her head, looking disheartened. Ginji scowled and looked forward.

“It's not that I didn't like it. It's just… it makes my heart race, you know?”

“…It made your heart race?”

“…”

Clack clack clack clack — Ginji's footsteps quickened in response to her question.

Whatever grumpiness Sora had earlier was gone now. She smiled and hurried forward to peek at his face, only for Ginji to walk even faster. The two of them entered the classroom in a bit of a rush. Of course, no one could hear their conversation, but everyone definitely saw the mood between them.

Even during break time, Sora and Ginji stayed close together. Ginji's friends hung around them at a considerate distance so as not to overwhelm Sora.

Though the group was smaller than Aika's entourage, there was no denying the class was now split in popularity between the two factions.

A few girls shot them disapproving looks, but since Ginji and Sora didn't react at all, nothing came of it. Only Mio gave them a probing glance, while Aika laughed with her followers as if she had no interest at all.

Then came lunchtime—Sora's “devoted caretaker” time. Naturally, to avoid being seen, she left the classroom with her things and took a quiet route to the usual clubroom in the club building.

“Phew… I'm a little tired. Better than yesterday, though.”

“Don't push yourself. If it gets too much, I'll ask the others in class to give you some space.”

“I'm okay. I know they don't mean any harm, so I don't feel stressed. Still, this time alone with you is the most relaxing.”

Sora, sprawled across the desk, turned to face Ginji with a slightly spoiled expression. Seeing her like that made Ginji clench his jaw.

Being alone with her made it impossible not to think about her “Genji is mine” declaration and the feeling of her hugging him that morning. Though he tried hard to keep things casual, looking at Sora's totally relaxed face made him feel his cheeks heating up.

“Well, I'm honored. I feel the same. Being with you like this… feels pretty good.”

“Ehehe… Alright! Time for my devoted lunchtime service! You didn't bring a lunch, right?”

“I got a LINE message last night, yeah. You sure you're okay making it, even though you're tired?”

“Of course I am! Leave it to me. Actually, I prefer making a lot. That way, I've got more options to choose from. Though I couldn't make that many dishes this time since I had other stuff to do.”

With that, Sora cheerfully pulled it out of her bag.

“…You overdid it.”

With a thud, she placed a three-tiered lunch box on the desk.