Animate SS: The Awareness of Being Loved

Ever since Mahiru had spent the night at Amane's house, there was a slight shift in his attitude. That said, it wasn't as if he had drastically changed, and Amane's affectionate demeanor and devotion to Mahiru certainly remained intact. However, his attitude towards Mahiru had changed, just a tiny bit, nothing more. Mahiru would have a tough time putting this difference into words if asked, but if she had to describe it, then the most accurate way to say it was that Amane had become slightly less reserved and the way he carried himself exuded an air of confidence.

Ever since they began dating, Amane had decided to be confident, and worked hard to back that up, walking with his head held high when by Mahiru's side. His initial feeling of eagerness was replaced with genuine self-assurance, and it became second nature for Amane to stand beside Mahiru confidently.

Mahiru now understood that Amane becoming accustomed to doing so was not out of arrogance, but instead from the true confidence he had built up from the realization that she loved him from the bottom of her heart—in the same way Amane loved her.

"You know that you're dearly loved, don't you?" "...Yes, I do."

Back when they were changing clothes for Physical Education class, Chitose had inadvertently discovered Mahiru's hickey, which was hidden rather well with concealer under her clothes. Chitose brought up the topic over lunch, and Mahiru couldn't help but avert her gaze.

A few days had passed since Mahiru had been marked, and since it had already faded considerably, she naïvely thought that a moderate amount of concealer would do the trick. But Chitose's eyes could not be fooled. Mahiru was grateful to Chitose for not causing a ruckus in the middle of the changing room, but part of her hoped that she would've pretended to not see it in the first place.

"I can't tell whether he's getting bolder or wimping out when it counts the most. He's definitely keeping things discreet though," Chitose said.

Although Chitose hadn't pressed for the nitty gritty details, Mahiru wasn't confident in her abilities to deceive Chitose nonetheless, so she remained cryptic. Chitose only smiled bitterly in response, both impressed and exasperated.

Mahiru herself, though, couldn't deny that she felt just a little… disappointed at the time. She was delighted that Amane, who was trying his best to restrain himself, had touched and kissed her in his yearning for her. And as his lover, Mahiru was ready to advance onto the next step in their relationship. It wasn't as if she suddenly wanted to rush ahead, but deep inside, there was a faint glimmer of hope that Amane would show that he loved her fully as a woman.

However, after Amane shared his feelings with her, and his vow, all of Mahiru's disappointment was completely swept away. She was truly touched by the deep love he harbored for her, and the realization that Amane cared so much for her filled Mahiru with a burning, overflowing sense of happiness.

Mahiru felt so delighted that she wanted to shed a tear at Amane's decision, a firm choice he had made while taking the future into consideration. A few moments later, she spoke.

"...Amane-kun is always thinking about me. I could not be happier."

"I know that all too well," Chitose replied. "I'm painfully aware how much Amane loves you, and anyone can tell from a glance that he cherishes and adores you, Mahirun."

"I'm fully aware of that myself."

If she wasn't truly loved, the option of waiting—or enduring—wouldn't have crossed Amane's mind.

No matter how often others liked to call Mahiru pure or innocent, she was well aware that high school boys could have strong sexual desires. She could even sense from their everyday interactions that Amane desired her from the bottom of his heart. But even so, Amane had chosen to endure said desires silently, and not rashly act on them. Out of his respect for her, he vowed not to cross the line until he could take full responsibility.

There was no way Mahiru would think she wasn't loved after seeing how Amane treated her with such care and attention—putting her at the forefront of everything that he did. In return, it was only natural for her to cherish Amane, just the way he was, from the bottom of her heart, too.

"...I have to get the same feelings across to Amane-kun. I won't lose to him when it comes to this."

"No, no. You've probably got the message across plenty already. Just make sure you don't go overboard and bring everyone around you to their knees."

"...Why would that happen?"

"Weeell, so many people already get caught in the crossfire when you two flirt with each other. Anything more could prove deadly. That's why!"

Chitose fanned her face with her hand, signaling, Winter's coming, but it's so hot in here… and Mahiru could only hang her head in embarrassment, finally realizing how openly she'd been flirting with her boyfriend.