Suruga-Ya Special: A Momentary Scene on a Day Off

In general, Itsuki didn't stay home during the weekends. The reason for this stemmed from the fact that he didn't want to see his parents, which in itself was a common reason for a rebellion. However, it wasn't only because of a rebellious phase that he did so, but also as an act of stepping up his attitude against his father. The worst part was that his parents scolded him early in the morning, putting him in low spirits, and since he didn't have a shift at his part-time job today, he ended up wandering around the nearby shopping center he often went to in order to escape.

As he was walking, all of a sudden, a familiar flaxen-colored hair flickered into his vision. Focusing his eyes, he clearly realized that it was the figure of his friend's girlfriend. She stood alone beside the fountain situated in the center of the mall, so for a moment, Itsuki didn't recognize her, but as he approached her, he was able to confirm her because of unmistakable beauty.

"…Huh? Shiina-san. Are you alone?" "Akazawa-san."

She called out to him a little timidly, but Mahiru seemed to feel somewhat relieved to see an acquaintance of hers, likely because of her being susceptible to being wooed when standing alone.

"I am with Amane-kun, but we are moving separately for the time being. I was hesitant to ask Amane-kun to accompany me due to the location I wanted to go to."

He was immediately convinced once he noticed Mahiru shaking the carrier bag hanging from her wrist, showing a wry smile. It was obvious why Amane was nowhere to be seen, considering it showed the logo of a well-known undergarment brand.

"Ahh, I see. As expected, even he's a little reluctant."

"The moment I propose the idea, he refuses with all his might and tries to escape."

"That's just like him. He's still a little naive in that way."

"I think it's better than him being overly used to it. Isn't it nice? It's just how Amane-kun is."

"I guess so. Thinking about it another way, I can't imagine Amane being unfazed by it."

"I feel like your perception of Amane-kun is a little skewed, no?" "Isn't that my line?"

"Fufu."

He felt like Mahiru's perception of Amane was a little more biased, but Itsuki let out a smile seeing them act out a proper relationship as lovers.

According to Amane, Mahiru was also a little timid, but Itsuki didn't think he had the liberty of being able to say that about others. He assumed that Mahiru was better than him in that regard, but when she was in front of Amane, it may be a different story. Itsuki thought as much, but then, the smiling Mahiru was escorted away.

"Excuse me. She's my girlfriend."

After hearing such a familiar voice, Itsuki couldn't help but laugh. "I know that all too well."

"Huh, Itsuki? What're you doing here?"

It seemed that he initially mistook Itsuki for a pick-up artist. Such a response was unavoidable, as he couldn't see Itsuki's face from the direction he came from. In fact, he was even moved by the fact that Amane was able to keep people in check by asserting that she was his girlfriend, and with added confidence.

Itsuki gave Amane a smile, the latter of which didn't even try to hide his surprise, and the former shrugged his shoulders.

"It really is just a coincidence. I saw Shiina-san standing here alone, so I just asked her what was wrong, and that's all."

"So that's what it was. …Thank you." "I've got no clue why you're thanking me."

"I'm sure you did it to repel any pests anyway."

Amane seemed to have noticed Itsuki's intentions and let out a laugh. Itsuki didn't do it to make Amane indebted to him, and since he soon regrouped with them anyway, it didn't matter if Itsuki approached her or not.

"I just happened to see her and reached out. That's it."

"In the end, you prevented Mahiru from being hit on by pick-up artists, so I'm thankful."

"You're so disciplined, even about a coincidence."

"Please accept my gratitude as well. Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to talk with you." Mahiru was acting rather disciplined and respectful herself, to which Itsuki scratched his cheek.

What can I say… I find it a little strange to be so courteous.

He thought it would've been better if he hadn't noticed his meddling, or if he'd just brushed it off lightly, but despite such thoughts, it was unmistakable that Amane, who understood his personality and had predicted the reason for his actions, felt happy.

There was something embarrassing about Amane saying it out loud, so Itsuki decided to take his leave with his usual smile, "Oohh. I enjoyed it as well. Let's talk about Amane again," and said so with a big wave of his hand. He felt bad if he were to disturb them, and even more than that, he couldn't help but be embarrassed to be seen through so easily.

Itsuki waved his hand and turned his back to them, to which Amane retorted, "Wait a minute, what were you talking about?"

"I-It's nothing, okay?"

"There's something strange about this atmosphere…!"

While it wasn't akin to a lover's quarrel, Itsuki still couldn't help but burst out laughing at the excuses thrown around and the attempted deception that had ensued.

They're on such good terms.

As he let out a bright laugh, he felt a sense of lightness rise from deep within his chest. He had a row with his father in the morning, and was left feeling a little depressed ever since, but bumping into them had brightened up his mood. He hummed to convince himself that he was in a good mood as he listened to their voices moving further and further away from him.