“You’re going to listen to what she has to say tomorrow. That’s your punishment.”
“Ah...”
I’d slapped that “punishment” on Sajocchi because I was ticked off that he'd scared Aichi. Aichi herself hadn’t been too keen on the idea, but I’d been a bit calculating. I figured it would be a good way to bring the two of them closer together.
“...Alright.”
And he actually agreed to it. To think he’d use his compliance on that... well, if my meddling ended up giving him the push he needed, I guess it was fine. It helped that Aichi was so soft-hearted, though.
“...” “...” “...”
The three of us fell into a sudden silence. I suppose it was because we’d finally settled on a plan to solve Sajocchi’s problem thanks to Aichi’s suggestion. It was that kind of “okay, let’s go with that” silence.
But, hmm... I felt like we were missing out on a golden opportunity here.
“Are you sure about this, Aichi? You could’ve made Sajocchi treat you to all sorts of things instead.”
“T-That’s not...”
“I’m game for that anytime, though.”
“You, stop wasting your money!”
“Must be nice, Aichi. You’ve got yourself a cash cow!”
“I didn’t mean it like that!” Aichi panicked. The way Sajocchi was so into the idea was definitely a result of his devotion to her. Or maybe he just had the ulterior motive of wanting to see her flustered. But when Sajocchi did it, didn’t it come off as a little creepy?
“Well, I wouldn't mind treating Ashida to a little something either.”
“Wh-Eh?! What?! Wh-Why?”
Wait, what?! What did he mean by that?! Was he cheating?! Was Sajocchi stepping out on her?! Was I an option too?! No, that was bad—I’d feel way too guilty toward Aichi! Why so suddenly—
“I mean, I didn't think you’d take this so seriously. I guess I felt a bit bad...?”
“Eww, what’s with that...”
Even as I said that, a part of me was actually a little happy. Sajocchi was grateful to me. He usually treated me pretty roughly, so it was unexpected. I wish he’d show that honest side of himself more often.
“—Even if that weren't the case, well...”
“That’s true... I might be okay with it too, if it’s for Kei’s sake.”
“...Huh?”
When I looked up, Sajocchi had a nonchalant expression, while Aichi was looking at me with incredibly kind eyes. It was the same way she looked at Airi with such affection—Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha?! Even Aichi too?!
“Wait, what is with you two! Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?!”
“Well, you know? I guess my instincts just can’t fight it.”
“What are you even saying... Kei always takes care of me, and she works so hard in her club that I can’t help but want to support her. In fact, it’s easier for me to show my gratitude if she acts a bit more selfishly.”
“I bet the guys in class feel the same way.”
“W-Wait, guys...!”
Ah, it was hot...! My face was burning! My face had to be beet red right now! Why did they both have to say stuff like that so suddenly?! They could have done it when the mood was lighter! We were just talking about Sajocchi’s troubles! This wasn't the time!
“Kei... come here.”
“Aichi, your Older Sister Switch is totally flipped right now, isn't it?!”
And Sajocchi was laughing! What was with that exasperated laugh?! He never made faces like that! What was going on?! Was I dreaming?!
“Well, look, we’re just saying don't hold back. Natsukawa will be happier that way.”
“You should be grateful to Kei too!”
“I’ve thought this for a while, but Natsukawa, don't you like Ashida a bit too much? It feels a little... like that.”
“Wh-What do you mean 'like that'?! It’s only natural for friends! I-It’s not like it’s just because it’s Kei—”
“Eh?”
“N-Never mind!”
“?”
It wasn't a dream. These two had suddenly started flirting. Should I say ‘thanks for the treat’...? My plan had gone off the rails, but the result was alright. Where was I supposed to direct this feeling of bliss? Toward Airi? Maybe I should just fuss over Airi while she was all fuzzy with sleep.
Get it together, calm down.
I slapped my own cheeks to wake myself up. Aichi was looking at me with exasperated eyes. Whatever, I didn't care!
As I kept doing that, ignoring their looks as if they were seeing something strange, I felt like I’d finally regained my usual self. Honestly, these two... I couldn't let my guard down for a second.
“...Phew.”
“You didn't have to slap your own face like that.”
“It’s your fault, Aichi!”
Ah! Don't give me that wry smile! It’s seriously embarrassing! Sajocchi, you’re just as guilty! Gratitude or not, you shouldn't go around making girls other than Aichi's heart flutter like that! Are you listening, Sajocchi?!
...Wait, Sajocchi?
“......”
When I took my eyes off him for a moment, Sajocchi had fallen silent again, looking deep in thought. Aichi had decided on his punishment, and I suppose that was a heavy task in its own way. Things were probably still awkward with that girl, so it wasn't like he could just change his mood instantly.
“...Ah, sorry. Even though we’re supposed to be hanging out.”
“It’s fine. Airi’s fallen asleep anyway. We’ve reached our quota.”
“Wait, it was a quota?”
“Playing with Airi is 'exercise.' Constantly dealing with her at full power is... a bit much.”
“I guess Natsukawa’s athleticism wasn't just natural talent, then.”
“Stop it, you’re making me look bad.”
Actually, I was glad to know the reason. I used to wonder why she was so sharp during PE even though she wasn't in a sports club, but so that was the secret. It never quite made sense to me, so I was really relieved to know.
“If that’s the case, call me again! I’ll help out!”
“R-Really...?”
“Maybe about four times a week!”
“You don't need to come that often!”
I was actually the one coming here to get recharged by Airi! I didn't feel tired at all today! It felt more like I was the one having my full power handled. But if we were going to tire Airi out, then actually—
“Sajocchi should come too!”
“Eh?! Th-That’s...”
“...”
Aichi instinctively glanced toward Sajocchi. Sajocchi awkwardly looked away. Hey, hey, what’s with the cold feet? You can legally enter Aichi’s house, you know? Legally. To be honest, Aichi didn't seem to mind the idea at all, so don't go looking away now of all times... What a waste.
“......Well, if Natsukawa is okay with it.”
“He said it, Aichi!!!”
“Your voice is too loud.”
Sajocchi gave me a look that said, “Don't say anything unnecessary.” Don't glare at me like that.
Was this a more sensitive issue for Sajocchi than I thought...? From my perspective, I felt like they’d be in a great place if they just became honest with each other... especially Aichi. She’d been doing well lately! Do your best...!
“...Ah,”
“...’Ah’?”
“You... have to be able to hold Airi properly...”
“...”
Whoa... what was with that destructive power...? That upward glance. Sajocchi turned beet red and froze up. His brain must be having a total meltdown right now. I don't think I could ever pull off a gesture like that. Is this the difference in feminine power...? Maybe I’ll have a smoothie tomorrow morning.
“......” “......Hey.” “Wh-What is it...”
Sajocchi wasn't moving. No way, I thought, and nudged him. Isn't it crazy to do nothing after Aichi said something like that? This was his chance to show his manliness. Getting cold feet here was seriously not an option.
“I-I get it... I’ll hold her.”
Whoa, if you just go by the words, he sounds like a playboy! It’d be tacky to point it out, though; Sajocchi seemed to have zero composure right now.
“............Can you do it?”
Aichi asked with a slightly huffy look. Was it a “I won't forgive you if you don't hold Airi properly” kind of vibe? Her Siscon side was flaring up, but what was Sajocchi going to do?
“...I'll be fine. I’ve been watching you hold Airi-chan this whole time.”
“...! ......”
Aichi flinched. She actually recoiled a bit, her face turning bright red. Sajocchi, who was looking away as he spoke, didn't notice.
Hehehe! This is good, this is real good!! I love this stuff! I wish I could’ve watched from further away, though! I don't know what to do with myself! Why am I even here?! I can't move! Yay!
“So—Natsukawa?”
“I-It’s nothing... It’s nothing!”
“O-Oh...”
Aichi tried to play it off. She was looking down a bit, probably trying to keep Sajocchi from seeing her face, but she wasn't hiding it at all. It was fine, though, since Sajocchi couldn't bring himself to look at Aichi properly either. Seriously, I wondered where the cool Sajocchi from a while back had gone.
“Th-Then............ here.”
Aichi readjusted her hold on Airi and prepared to hand her over to Sajocchi. As she was moved, Airi let out a sleepy, curious mumble: “...Nng?” So cute. I kind of wanted to take her myself, but I guess that was no good. Calm down, my right arm...! Ruining the mood here would be a lifelong sin!
“...Right.”
Sajocchi approached Aichi and reached out. He looked understandably nervous. Come to think of it, while Airi had climbed on him before, he’d never actually held her. Had he been holding back for some reason?
“...There... we go.”
“Mmgh...”
“...”
Sajocchi managed to hold Airi successfully. As he sat back down on the sofa, he held Airi close and patted her head and back, just as Aichi had done. Oh... Sajocchi was being a big brother. What a fresh sight... This had to be rare, right? Was it okay to take a photo? I felt like I could watch this for a long time—no, forever.
“Hey, Ashida—wait, Natsukawa too?”
When I instinctively reached for my phone, Sajocchi gave me a look like he wanted to complain. Glancing to the side, I saw Aichi also holding her phone with a weird, overwhelmed expression. Sajocchi started looking uncomfortable. Yeah, you’ll just have to endure it, Sajocchi. I wouldn't forgive you if you gave Airi back now.
“...Pet Airi some more.”
“O-Oh... okay.”
Instructions from Aichi. While looking a bit bewildered, Sajocchi focused his attention back on Airi and started gently petting her head and back, giving her little pats. Airi murmured “Mmh...” and rubbed her cheek against Sajocchi’s chest. She looked so content. M-Must be nice... I wanted Airi to act all spoiled with me like that too.
As I was thinking that, Aichi suddenly moved.
“Eh?” “Eh?”
Both Sajocchi and I let out a sound. Aichi moved to sit right next to Sajocchi. Um... wait? Aichi? Was she leaving me behind...? What was she planning?
“...” “............Hwa.”
Sajocchi, don't make weird noises.
Aichi sat down right next to Sajocchi and started petting the head of the Airi he was holding. Sajocchi was clearly acting suspicious, probably unable to handle the lack of distance between him and Aichi.
Um, what was this, a married couple? What was I being shown? I mean, it was what I wanted, right? But Aichi’s sudden change was something else. She’d moved to Sajocchi’s side like she was possessed. Her Older Sister Switch was in full-throttle. From the outside, they looked like a young married couple, and if it weren't for Sajocchi’s obvious agitation, it would’ve been perfect... Shouldn't he be getting used to this by now?
Ah, Sajocchi had reached his limit. He was giving me an intense “Help me” look. Couldn't we keep this going a bit longer? Ah, no? Fine, fine... I’ll help you out.
“Hey, Aichi—don't leave me behind.”
“Eh—Ah?! Wait?! I... I...”
“Sajocchi’s at his limit, so let’s go back to how things were, okay?”
“—!!? Ah... ah......”
Aichi noticed Sajocchi’s face right next to hers and turned beet red. She was so surprised she couldn't even get her voice out. Can I say it one more time? What exactly am I being shown here?
“—...I want to get out of here.”
Wow, you actually said that right in front of me?
Wait, what?