Uh. I got some school work to finish. It got a little dragged out so...

After thinking for an explanation, thats all I could come up with. I couldnt find the energy to elaborate it to her. I mean, theres clearly no reason for me to explain myself to her. Although Im thankful for what she did, I would rather repay her in some other ways than have her act like this with me.

Fuyu stared at me for a long while. Its like shes trying to verify whether my answer was truthful or not.

But since I decided not to get into whatever she was trying to do, I acted normally and started talking off my shoes to enter. Following that, I walked toward her and stopped just a step before crashing into her.

While our houses corridor was enough to fit three people, we were still technically in a conversation so it was rude to just leave her alone here.

And so, I met her gaze and waited for her to finish silently staring at me.

I wonder where her courage came from when shes still trying to run away from me earlier?

A few seconds later, the girl finally opened her mouth. However, her next words werent a reply to my answer.

Youre too close, Onoda-kun.

Its because you suddenly became silent, Yuuki-san. I cant just wait until you answer me, right?

I I suppose.

Alright. Shall we enter then? I kind of like to rest my feet.

Un. We shall.

I thought she would still pursue what she brought up earlier but what is this? She easily let me steer the conversation away from it.

Moreover, the last few exchanges sounded like a conversation between an awkward couple; the girl being too soft while the guy was too rough.

Adding to that, Fuyus apron on top of her uniform and the fact that she waited for me here, she fitted the young housewife role.

Well, if I pointed that out to her, I should expect her anger again. With a lot that happened today, I just wanted to rest and relax. I still have to tell my girls what I couldnt tell them earlier so I better behave here and just hope that Fuyu will go home without going ballistic with her suspicion again.

Upon entering the living room, Fuyu started speaking again before I could raise a question.

Akane is in your bedroom. She fell asleep sniffing your blanket that still has your scent.

So thats how she put her to sleep, huh? No doubt, Akane would be satisfied with that.

I see. Thank you for always taking care of Akane, Yuuki-san. Can you tell me how I can repay you for the trouble? I put on an embarrassed smile which the girl once again scrutinized.

A second later, she dropped it and replied, I dont need anything. Just dont hurt that girl. She already suffered enough seeing you with different girls for years. Dont make that mistake. You wont see someone as persevering and loyal as her.

Yeah. Its really hard to hate this girl when shes like this. Its all about Akanes happiness for her. Although her meddling with us was annoying, I couldnt really blame her because I gave her the reason to doubt. For sure, shes convinced that I was the one she saw that day.

From what I could deduce, this girl would only rest her doubt if either I confessed to her about that incident or I let her in with our secret. However, both will result in her anger at me growing and the total collapse of her trust.

And if that happened, shed probably convince Akane to leave me. But Akane being Akane, that girl would choose me over her friend; their friendship would be broken.

Mhm Ill remember that, I answered without making any promises.

Fuyu, looking disappointed, averted her gaze and walked away to the kitchen where one of the stoves still had a fire on without replying.

Shes still in the middle of cooking.

Thinking about my plans to befriend her, I started deliberating whether to start with that now. Helping her in the kitchen was definitely a chance to do so However, it still depends on whether she would accept my help or not.

Thats why I first went up to change and check on Akane before drawing out how I could approach Fuyu and close our distance.

Five minutes later, I went down and silently walked to the kitchen.

The girl noticed me but she didnt bother telling me off. I mean, this was still our house. She still had her manners with her.

While she was stirring the pot of soup, I started conversing with the girl, Yuuki-san. How can I help?

The girl glanced at me for a while before pointing at the dishes. You can prepare the table. Is Akane still asleep?

I nodded and started doing that before answering her question Mhm, shes peacefully sleeping. I cant bear to wake her up. Ill get her later for dinner.

Alright.

And with that, apart from the clanking sound of the plates and cutlery as well as the faint sound of the soup shes stirring, silence reigned between us.

I committed to finishing the preparation first before bringing up another point of conversation. This time, I will be enacting my plan to befriend her.

Yuuki-san, I know its late and its probably hard for you. But I think I also want to become your friend.

You think?

Fortunately, she answered quickly. However, its filled with doubt.

Yes. Ill be honest with you. Its pretty hard to know how I should behave in front of you if every time youll look at me either with suspicion or fear. Thats why I think its best if we get to know each other better rather than continue with that.

Onoda-kun, I already know you. And youre the same, you know me. With those eyes of yours, I doubt you still failed to get a read on my personality. Uh. Except for secrets, obviously.

So, she meant to say that she also managed to read my personality? Thats also probably why she became this stuck up on trying to find dirt on me

You might be right. However, Yuuki-san, we both care for Akane. And honestly, I admire your friendship with her. A lot. Thats why I dont want to become the rift between you two.

What are you saying? Do you believe our friendship will break because of you?

Yes.

From where I was standing, I saw Fuyu freezing up. She stopped stirring the pot and her grip on the ladle tightened. Even if I couldnt see her expression, she was definitely affected by what I said.

And given that she couldnt say anything back, she also came to the same conclusion.

At this point, I walked close to her and held the hand she was using to stir the pot. And before she could react to it, I already pressed closer to her ear and whispered, I dont want to see that happening, Yuuki-san. I dont want Akane to lose a friend because of me. Thats why Can you give me a chance?