Animate SS: Crowd Control is Key

"Huh? Do I get lonely when Amane-kun goes to work?" Mahiru uttered.

When Ayaka called her to have lunch together, Mahiru quickly found herself being posed such a question, prompting her to repeat it back with an inquisitive tone. Amane had plans to eat with Itsuki and Yuuta today, resulting in them each eating separately. Ayaka had invited Mahiru to dine in the cafeteria, where they both spread out their lunchboxes and began eating. However, Mahiru's hand paused when Ayaka suddenly posed that question, her chopsticks losing all motion.

"You know, since he started working because I recommended him, I'd feel bad if you ended up feeling anxious or lonely without him around," Ayaka explained.

"Hm…" Mahiru began thinking. "Of course, to say I'm not lonely would be a lie…but I don't intend to hold him back just because of that. After all, it's Amane-kun's choice, so it wouldn't be right for me to restrain him."

Ever since Amane started his part-time job, Mahiru had found herself spending more time alone at home. There was a part of her that earnestly awaited his return each day, often wishing he would come back earlier. Yet, despite these feelings of loneliness, she never thought of wanting to do something about it. She didn't want to be an obstacle holding Amane back from pursuing his goals. Should she act in such a manner, Mahiru would instantly be disappointed in herself for allowing it to happen.

"If it's something Amane-kun has decided to do, it's only natural that I should support him, right? After all, he's working hard to accomplish a clear goal he has in mind."

"Even if he doesn't tell you why?"

"If he chooses not to tell me, then he must have his reasons. I don't expect him to tell me every little thing, nor do I try to pry into his business."

"…You aren't worried or anything?" Ayaka asked further. "Worried…well, um, I would be upset if he entertained another girl's advances, but I can't imagine Amane-kun would ever be unfaithful."

Mahiru was confident that Amane was not the type to tread dangerous paths, so she had no worries in that regard, especially concerning infidelity. She knew of no one who engaged with her as sincerely as Amane did. His deep affection and his nature to cherish those he opened his heart to was something she understood all too well.

As a result, when Mahiru firmly replied, "So, no, I am not worried," Ayaka responded with a strangely delighted smile, almost as if chuckling with satisfaction. Mahiru wondered if she was just imagining the soft laughter that seemed to echo in response.

"It's like, you really trust Fujimiya-kun a lot, don't you?" Ayaka observed. "Hehe, but of course. I know Amane-kun's personality very well." "You're totally head over heels for him. It's super obvious."

"…I-Is it really that obvious?"

"More like, anyone who can't see that from our conversation must be blind.

There's not even any room for anyone else to step in. That's just how lovey-dovey you guys are with each other."

"L-Lovey-dovey…"

Ayaka briefly averted her eyes and flashed a knowing smile, then quickly turned back to Mahiru with a bright, cheerful expression.

"I mean, it's also like you only have eyes for one another. You don't even notice anyone else around you."

"But that's only natural. We are in a relationship, so there's absolutely no chance I would look at other men. And even if one were to try to approach me, I wouldn't respond to him…" Mahiru trailed off near the end. "Um, why are you smirking?"

"Oh, it's nothing—I'm just once again struck by how deeply you love Fujimiya-kun," Ayaka answered. "But I do wonder if he knows just how deep…"

The latter part of Ayaka's statement was uttered in a volume barely audible to Mahiru, and her tone, almost as if she were sticking her nose where it didn't belong, struck Mahiru as oddly discomforting. Sensing occasional comforting glances from those around them, Mahiru looked at Ayaka and let out a sigh.

"…I can make things manage on my own…" Mahiru said, referring to her lonesome.

"But now that Fujimiya-kun has a job, other people might see it as their chance now that he isn't with you as much as before. So I just thought I'd try to subtly keep them at bay, as the one who gave them that false hope in the first place."

Grateful for Ayaka's thoughtfulness, Mahiru showed her appreciation, but internally she was puzzled as to why that would give others an opportunity to approach her.