Chapter- 39

"That's right... Then how about Rii-chan?"

　"...Rii-chan. A name that Mamoru-kun thought up. ...Yeah! I like Rii-chan!"

　When I said that, Rie-san sighed and then smiled happily. I know it was a simple thing to say, but I'm glad she liked it.

　"...Hey, Mamoru. Is it okay if I, um, call you Ma-kun?"

　"? Of course."

　"Ma-kun!"

　"what happened?"

　"Hmm, I just called."

　Rie-san called out to me happily. Every time she called out, a gentle smile appeared on her face, and behind her, Kanakana-san and the others looked at me with kind eyes.

　"M-you!"

　"…what happened?"

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

　"Exciting. ...Ma-kun?"

　"Wh, what is it, Rie-san?"

　"...Boo! Ma-kun!!"

　"...Um."

　…I know that Rie wants me to do something. But I don't know what it is. While I was confused, my eyes met with Kanakana's. Then she started moving her mouth clearly.

　"Good, good, nice, good, good."

　…Isn’t it okay? What?! What does it mean?! I have no idea…

　"...I'm sorry Rie-san. I know you probably want me to do something, but I don't know what it is you want. I'd appreciate if you could tell me..."

　"Oh, sorry. It's nothing so important, but I'd like you to call me Rii-chan again."

　"I see... Rii-chan."

　...I'm nervous about calling you again! I can really feel the expectations of you... Don't get your hopes up just from the way you call me!

　"Yeah! Thank you, Ma-kun!"

　"Hehe, you're welcome. But, if this is enough for you, please don't hesitate to ask me anything."

　But seeing Rie-san's smile made me happy that I was able to tell her without feeling embarrassed. More than any other person's words.That expression The smile of someone you love I am especially happy.

　"...Okay, can I have one more?"

　"Hmm? What?"

　"Um... I want you to call me Rie."

　"...Rie?"

　"~!!!"

　That alone made Rie's face turn red and she hurriedly looked down. However, even her ears were red and she couldn't hide it.

　"...What's wrong, Rie ?"

　…For some reason, the desire to tease Rie-san even more rose up within me, so I purposely whispered in her ear. Of course, I said the name a little louder.

　"...Mamoru-kun is so mean. Enough, enough! Enough!!...I love you."

　"I love you too."

　"...Huh?...Huh? What?...Huh?!...Whaaat?! Now!...What did you just say?"

　"Hmm? It's about time to go home."

　"...Huh? Maybe I misheard something? Am I hallucinating?"

　Rie was visibly depressed, but I wanted to tell her again when we were alone. …I hadn't really intended to say this yet, but when Rie told me she loved me, I couldn't hold back. If she hadn't whispered it to me just before, I might have screamed it out loud... If that had happened, there would have been no way to hide it, so it was a blessing in disguise.