Todays classes felt surprisingly long.

Maybe its because Ive gradually begun to look forward to the study sessions with my friends after school.

I headed to the cinema with Yukimura and the others.

It feels exciting going out with everybody Ki-Kiyotaka-kun

Speaking reservedly, Airi also expressed her excitement next to me.

In spite of the thought that shes as innocent as a child, I also felt the same way.

What can I say? Im childish too.

Yeah true. Its not an unpleasant feeling.

Ehehehe Kiyotaka-kun.

Whats the matter?

Huh? What do you mean?

You called my name right?

D-Did I call for you!? I-Im sorry, its not like that at all!

I didn't think I misheard, but Airi denied having called out for me.

We arrived at Keyaki Mall and headed straight towards the cinema.

Haruka had ordered the tickets in advance, so she handed them out to everyone one by one.

Ive been looking forward to-

Ayanokji-kun!

A voice called out to us from in the distance. Maya Sat, why is she here

Are you by any chance going to the movies right now? Ah! That super popular one!

She spoke excitedly after seeing the movie ticket in my hand.

Actually, I came to see that movie, too. Karuizawa-san and the others came too!

Looks like it.

Several girls approached in a crowd from behind Sat.

Were you invited by Karuizawa?

Nope. When I was talking about how I wanted to go to the movies during our study session, Karuizawa-san said she wanted to go too, so we decided to go together. Since its a rare opportunity, lets go watch it together!

Having said that, Sat grabbed my arm with both hands.

Fuaa!?

Behind me, Airi makes a sound somewhat similar to a scream.

He-Hey, stop it.

Eh? How come~? What does it matter.

Sat spoke casually, but her face was a little red. It seems like shes trying hard to overdo it.

What a coincidence, Yukimura-kun and Ayanokji-kun. Hasebe-san and Sakura-san as well.

Karuizawa spoke, giving off a bit of a condescending attitude.

It wasnt a coincidence at all. I had told her just the night before that I would be going to the movies. However, I didnt expect Karuizawa to come herself.

What an unpleasant coincidence. Im going inside.

With of look of resentment, Keisei handed over his ticket and went inside the cinema.

In which case, Ill go as well

Separating myself from Sat by force, I followed after Keisei and the others.

The inside of the theater was packed full with enough students to entirely fill all the seats. The fragrant smell of popcorn and roasted hot dog stimulated my nostrils.

We had reserved the five seats in the highest row at the very end, counting from the right.

Sat, Karuizawa, and the rest of their group appeared to be concerned about what to buy at the shop and hadnt come in yet.

Um, K-Kiyotaka-kun.

As I sat in my seat, Airi quietly whispered in my ear from the seat next to me. Since all of the other students around us were chatting happily, I didnt think she needed to speak so softly.

Whats the matter?

Kiyotaka-kun well has been getting along really well with Sat-san recently, right?

Considering what had just happened, it would be impossible not to think so.

However, if I dont strictly deny something when it isnt true, itll be hard to stop if the rumor spreads.

Its just a misunderstanding. Sat and I were paired for the finals so weve studied together a couple of times.

B-but, people dont usually walk a-arm in arm?

That wasn't arm in arm, that was being latched onto.

I feel that, if you dislike it you could shake her off

Airi responds with a timid, yet accurate retort. That certainly may be the case.

I had become passive while going with the flow of things, but it's not a good idea to accept misunderstandings like this.

I see. I don't think there will be a next time, but Ill be careful.

A-And Besides

Theres still something else

Before the pairs were chosen, you went somewhere alone with Sat-san, right?

That being said, when Sat had asked me to follow her, Airi did seem to be looking at me in the classroom.

B-between you two, is there anything

No.

Saying no might be a lie, but at most I was only asked for my contact information.

Airi and I have also exchanged contact information, so this isnt something for me to feel guilty over.

Not convinced?

N-no. S-sorry. I'm asking you all kinds of strange things Did I make you uncomfortable?

Not at all. If theres something you are worried about, you can tell me any time.

L-leave it to me! I will properly keep my eye on you, Kiyotaka-kun!

No. Its stressful to have you observed me so closely

I couldn't bear to deny Airi, who had made a slightly triumphant gesture, so I swallowed the words.

Nothing special happened after that, so I enjoyed the movie in peace.

Although there was something somewhat odd about the content of the film.