Chapter- 37

"...Hey, Rie-chan! Is this guy your boyfriend?"

　"Huh?!"

　While we were hugging each other like that, one of the people who was with Rie started talking to us. I felt like their expression clearly said, "I'm interested!" ...But the other four were also looking at us!

　When asked, Rie-san froze up. Maybe she had forgotten the person she was having a fun conversation with just a moment ago?

　"...Umm, we're not dating. Not yet."

　"That's it!"

　"Hmm, I guess I'll leave it to your imagination."

　The girl who had been talking to her earlier leaned forward with sparkling eyes. I wonder if she was the mood maker?

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　"Kyaaa!!"

　Just that was enough for the girls to join hands and jump up and down. Girls really do love talking about love.

　"Um, I have a question for you boyfriend! What was it like when you first met?!"

　"...I don't want to say that. Meeting someone is something special after all, right? I could tell you about something normal, but... I guess you guys know more than I do."

　...I can't say that our meeting was a good one. It would be fine if Rie talked about it herself, but there's no way I could spread the word about it.

　"You're being humble again! So how do you spend your days off? What are your plans for tomorrow and the day after?!"

　"...Unfortunately, we haven't had a chance to spend a day off together yet. I have a part-time job starting tomorrow."

　It's only been three days since we met. I haven't had a day off yet. But I was afraid that telling her would make her think I was easy to get, so I answered like that. It's not a lie.

　"So, you know what? I think I wouldn't be able to resist wanting to spend time with someone I like..."

　"That may be true. But I've been relying on you since before I met you, and there are people who rely on me."

　…Besides, it's not like I don't have time to spend with Rie. I've continued working part-time jobs because I had free time up until now.

　"...You're doing well. Now, my last question...What do you think of Rie-chan?"

　The girl's mood changed completely. It was as if she was telling me that she would not forgive me if I lied.

　"That's right... Someone I want to protect, right? I want to do even the smallest of things for her, I want to see her happy, smiling face, I want to be by her side forever. That's the kind of person she is."

　"...I see. Yeah yeah! Rie-chan, you've found a great person!"

　"Is that so? I'd be happy if that were the case."