The next morning, I was at the entrance of Niizuma-san's house. It was now 7:30am. I only needed to get to school by 8:30am, and it was about 10-15 minutes from Niizuma-san's house to the school. I still had some time to spare... but it wasn't good to be there at the last minute. On the other hand, the girl would have a lot of preparations to make, so it wasn't good to be there too early. I thought about it and decided to arrive 10 minutes early.

　…Okay, I've decided! I'll count to 10 and press the bell. …One. Two. Three.

　"Oh? Mamoru-san, come in... Rie! Mamoru-san has come!"

　"Really?! I'll be there right away!!"

　"Ah, there's no need to rush. We still have plenty of time."

　…My mind was in a state of utmost panic. Why did you open the door while I was preparing myself, Rika-san?! …I couldn't say anything, and all I could do was reply to the voice of Niizuma-san that I heard.

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　"Ufufu. That girl was really looking forward to meeting you, Mamoru."

　"Wh-what are you talking about, mom?!"

　"Ha, ha, ha. I was looking forward to meeting you too, Niizuma-san."

　Of course, I don't take social niceties seriously. Besides, it would be better if you quickly forgot about me. Because if you remember me, you will inevitably remember Kuzuhara.

　"R-Really...?"

　"Huh?... Uh, yeah."

　"...I see. I'm happy."

　…And yet, when the newlywed came out of the house, she was smiling happily. …Yeah, I thought so.

　"...You're cuter when you smile."

　"Huh?... Ah, well... School!! That's right, I have to go to school!! See you, Mom. Come on, let's go, Sugita!!"

　"Eh? Ah, wait, so, I'm off now, Rika-san."

　"Oh my, have fun, you two."

　Niizuma-san pulled me by the hand as hard as she could and we made our way to school. I think I blurted it out, but maybe it was a good thing. Because... I got to see her biggest smile ever.

　…But it's been a while since I've been able to say "I'm off." My parents both work, so we say "See you later" more often than "See you later." …Yeah, it's nice to have someone see you off.

　"School! Sounds fun!"

　"...Yep, that's right!"

　I hope that you, who looked back and said this with a smile, will always be smiling happily. I thought this as I looked at the girl I wanted to protect, who was walking a little ahead of me. Because, just by doing that, I can make myself smile too.