Chapter- 24

Rie's point of view:-

　It was after school that I finally managed to call Mamoru. He had club activities, but I was always watching him, so I didn't have time to worry about it. But starting tomorrow, I won't have these withdrawal symptoms! He actually said he'd talk to me about it! He knew I had club activities, but if I remember that, I can do my best!

　Just as I had hoped, I performed brilliantly today. I was able to move just as well as the second-year seniors! It was my own legal doping to make up for the one-year gap! ...And there's more. If I could perform better today...Mamoru-kun would praise me. Thinking that makes me put in even more effort. ...But just when I got to that state, the club president stopped me. She said that pushing myself too hard is bad for my body. ...She's true. Since I have the opportunity, I'll give it my all while Mamoru-kun is watching.

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　After club activities, I headed to the library where Mamoru was supposed to be waiting. There weren't many people there, so I was able to find it quickly. At this point, I had two options. First, I could talk to Mamoru. The advantage of this option is that I might be able to talk to him for a long time, but the disadvantage is that I might get in the way of his studies. The other option is to wait until he finishes. The advantage of this option is that I'll be able to watch him, but the disadvantage is that I won't be able to talk to him. ...Yeah, I'll choose the second option. It looks like Mamoru finished his studies soon after. I'd like to savor his company more, but the library closes at some point, so it can't be helped, right?

　And so we decided to go home. I hadn't noticed it yesterday because I was too busy, but Mamoru was nonchalantly walking on the side of the road. He even matched his pace to mine. I was next to the person I loved. He was looking at me and caring about me. I guess this must be what they call happiness.

　...Oh, come to think of it, my mom had told me to call Mamoru again today. Thinking that, I called out to him, and our voices met perfectly. We understand each other!? ...Well, what we said afterwards was different, though. But then Mamoru gave me a suggestion that made me not care about that at all!! What, what, what! I had Mamoru's contact information in my hands!! Does this mean I can contact him anytime, right!? Does this mean we can talk forever, right!? I somehow managed to stop my body from dancing, and tried as hard as I could to keep from showing my grin by forcing my cheeks together, but I wonder if he noticed?