Chapter 12: Uneasy After School

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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[Miyabi PoV]

The cold air slowly crept into the classroom, and I could feel the chill spreading from my feet.

Gray clouds covered the sky outside the window, and the occasional gust of wind shook the tree branches. It looked like it could start raining at any moment.

I rested my elbow on the desk and let out a sigh.

“Oh, come on, how long are you going to sulk, Miyabi?”

Aoi's voice came from beside me. She sounded both exasperated and gently concerned.

“But… it was an important book.”

I muttered, my cheek pressed against the desk.

“You went out of your way to lend it to me…”

It had been during lunch break. I took my eyes off it for just a moment. But when I came back, the book that was supposed to be on my desk had vanished.

“Well, yeah, I did lend it to you.”

Aoi said, crossing her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“But I already told the teacher, and maybe whoever took it will change their mind and bring it back.”

“And… if they don't?”

“Don't worry, my dad always buys three copies—one for spreading the word, one for keeping, and one for lending. I'm sure if I explain the situation, he'll let me borrow it again.”

Her words lightened my mood a little, but the frustration still lingered.

“…Thanks, Aoi.”

“Seriously, Miyabi, you're way too serious about everything.”

Aoi chuckled softly, giving my head a light tap.

Just then, the classroom door slid open.

“Yo!”

A cheerful voice echoed in the room. I turned to see Godai-senpai and Takamatsu-senpai standing there.

“…Senpai?”

I straightened my back in surprise, and Aoi widened her eyes as well.

With a bright smile, Goudai-senpai walked into the classroom slowly.

He carried an air of calmness and ease, exuding a sense of confidence.

On the other hand, Takamatsu-senpai ran his fingers through his hair with a casual grin. As the captain of the soccer team, his well-toned physique was evident even through his uniform.

“We had plans to talk after school, right?”

Takamatsu-senpai said, standing in front of Aoi.

“Ah, yes.”

Aoi replied, a bit flustered, but obediently.

“Since we're all here, why don't we head home together?”

Godai-senpai suggested casually.

“Huh?”

I couldn't help but ask.

Originally, it was supposed to just be Aoi and Takamatsu-senpai having a conversation. So why was Godai-senpai suddenly involved?

“Nah, it's not like we're having a serious discussion or anything. We can talk while we walk, right?”

Godai-senpai chuckled lightly. His demeanor was as relaxed as always, as if he was trying to brighten up the atmosphere.

“I don't mind”

Aoi said, glancing at me.

“Miyabi, want to walk with us?”

“…Yeah.”

I hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded.

I had just started dating Godai-senpai, and I didn't really know how to act around him yet. I wasn't used to being alone with a guy, and honestly, I wasn't sure what kind of conversations to have.

But that's exactly why I thought it might be a good chance to talk more, even if just a little.