"Good morning!"

　"Whoa!"

　A girl started talking to me and Niitsuma-san. At the same time, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and I let out a strange scream. When I turned around, there was...

　"Oh, Touka! Good morning!"

　"Um, Shita-san, right? Good morning."

　"Wow! But... Ahaha, that's scary!"

　"Huh!"

　I never spoke to him, but Shida-san seemed like a cheerful person. Even when he laughed at my failure, it didn't sound like an insult. I guess that's what they call personality. ...I'm embarrassed about my failure, so I hope he doesn't bring it up again.

　"Come on, Touka! You're just a nuisance to Sugita!"

　"Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to cause any trouble..."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

　Shita-san stopped speaking and turned to look at me. Her eyes were serious, and it seemed like she was staring at something.

　"...Yeah, it looks like it'll be okay this time. Let me introduce myself again. I'm Shita Touka. Rie's friend... No, Rie is my best friend. So, I'll never forgive you if you make Rie sad, okay Sugita-kun?"

　"...Of course. I'm Sugita Mamoru. I would never do anything to hurt Niizuma-san."

　I felt like everything was packed into Shita-san's last words. But my answer to that was already decided yesterday. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to his house, right?

　"...I believe in those words."

　"Yes. I promise to do everything I can to make you smile."

　"Huh?!"

　"...Are you saying things like that unconsciously, Sugita-kun? Or are you a playboy? I'm suddenly getting worried."

　When I declared that, I heard a surprised voice from beside me and Shida-san gave me a blank look. ...No, why!

　"Oh, that's right. It would be better if I wasn't there, right? It would be better for my two best friends to go to school together, so I'll go first."

　"! N-No!!"

　"Huh?"

　When I tried to go to school first, Niizuma-san stopped me. I was surprised and looked at Niizuma-san, and she was bright red. But she was holding my hand tightly, and although I could forcefully shake her off, I didn't want to.

　"Hmm, so you were unaware. That's the most troublesome thing... but it looks like it would be the most interesting to watch, so I guess it's okay."

　Shita-san was muttering something like that, but I didn't notice because I was paying attention to Niizuma-san. Why is Niizuma-san holding me?! It's not like she has any business with me or anything.

　"Well, I'll go first!"

　"Eh, wait, Shita-san!"

　"Well then! see you later!"

　With that, Shita-san left. …But Shita-san is Niizuma-san's best friend, right?! You're just leaving your best friend alone?!