As sneakily as possible to not get noticed by anyone else, Sachi and I moved to where I pointed her. Nonetheless, the scenery didnt change much at all. Were still in the middle of the woods with only a little sunlight shining down to brighten the place.

Sachi didnt comment on that and simply looked around her. Finding how neat it was, she turned to me with a questioning look, Onoda-kun, wont you quit being this capable? Im loosening my reason to be doubtful.

Hmm? What are you talking about?

I blinked my eyes a few times, acting oblivious to what she was talking about. But well, what shes doubtful about was probably still my willingness to spend time with her rather than go to my girls.

Her walls are crumbling. Most likely, she expected me to not put too much thought into this. Or just like our previous encounters, Id just take her words at face value before pushing it to the back of my head.

But then again, this is normal when shes not really following me closely like Kanzaki or Komoe. She had no idea that I normally acted like this around girls.

And if I looked back to the most recent instance when I was alone with somebody else other than my girls, I could point to Watanabe. When that girl helped me out cleaning the room for the Disciplinary Committee, I was also mindful of how I acted. Still overly considerate even though I kind of spooked her out.

This... Its not like this earlier. I dont know if my memory is jumbled but. its cleaner, I think? Sachi answered, pointing in front of us. Specifically, the whole place.

Oh. You think? Maybe I cleaned it up. Who knows? I put on a teasing smile which immediately made her fume.

Frustrated, Sachi nudged my shoulder by bumping her forehead on it. Then, as her weight transferred to me, she grabbed onto the hem of my shirt.

This is why I said quit being so capable. No wonder girls cannot help but fall for you.

Yep. Her misconception was still that high. In any case, theres a bit of truth in it. My girls loved how I acted around them. Most of the time, my priority was for them to enjoy their time first and foremost.

For Sachi to also point this out... then that just further added to the proof of what Arisa said. That Im too considerate to everyone and its one of the factors why theyll eventually fall into my clutches.

It happened with Izumi. No. Its not just with her, it really happened with everyone including Ayu and even Yayoi-san. Or most recently, with Shiina and Sara.

Does that apply to you as well? I eventually replied, keeping the same tone I used earlier.

Sachi didnt answer instantly but instead, she continued bumping her forehead on my arm. Once again, that part of her head gradually turned red. I mean, even if her forehead was hard, she was hitting my well-built muscles. I could feel a slight pain from it but thats all.

As I was about to stop her, Sachi raised her head and pouted, ... Dont ask me about that. What would you do if I said yes?

Nothing. What good will it do? Will you be happy that I made a move on you just because I became aware that youre slowly falling for me?

I dont mean it like that. But youre right, that does sound cheap. For both you and me...

Or in more easily understandable terms, it just doesnt feel right to do that. Not only will it appear as though Im only taking advantage of her, but my considerate image in her head will also shatter like glass.

But then again, I was a bastard through and through. I probably did that already on someone else...

At this point, since were left standing here, I grabbed her hand and guided her to sit on the ground. Its a grassy spot that could cushion our butts from being stained by the soil.

And instead of sitting side by side, I put her in front of me. I opened up my legs and pulled her within the space that opened up.

Why?

Because the tree trunk wasnt as thick as earlier. Its impossible to sit side by side anymore.

Although reluctant at first, Sachi settled down but shes being careful not to lean on me. Her head looked at her left and right, checking out my outstretched legs.

After around half a minute of adjusting to our current position, she glanced back at me, perhaps to check on my reaction as well as the position of my arms.

Is she afraid that I will hug her out of nowhere? Maybe.

Thats why to assure her that I wont do that, I placed my hands down on my things and let them rest there.

A while later, I opened my mouth again, bringing up a question still related to our conversation.

Have you ever been in a relationship before, Sachi?

This question didnt come out of nowhere. Its something that has been on my mind ever since she first approached me.

She gave off the same vibe as the girls Ive stolen before. She knew how to approach a guy and she could also draw the line on how close she should be to someone. And apart from her consideration of me, shes also someone who wouldnt easily assume things based on a few interactions. Even now, despite her attempts to get close to me, she still held some apprehensions. As for the specifics, I had no idea.

Only Sachi would know about it.

No. I dont think so. Her reply was quicker than I thought. I was expecting her to think it over first.

I tried to check her facial expression and saw a bitter smile slowly fading from her lips.

Thats quite an answer. You dont think so? Not yes or no?

Are those the only choices? Uh... Then maybe. You see, Ive been close to someone once but I didnt believe that we were in a relationship. Neither did he.

Close to someone. A best friend or a childhood friend?

Un. Something like that.

I see. So, its the same situation as Nami and Tadano or Ogawa and Hina. Or maybe not? Maybe its closer to Enomotos relationship with Nikka-senpai.

Ah. Wait. Its also similar to my relationship with Akane Although I didnt leave somewhere far from her, I became too distant and I was probably close to a stranger to her with my change. But still, our situation was better since we were living next to each other. In the end, Akane won me back to her side.

Where is he now?

Gone. He went to Tokyo for high school. We promised to contact each other. Guess what?

He didnt fulfill that promise.

He did at least for the first few weeks.

Ah. Most likely that guy found a new group of friends, huh? Or maybe a girlfriend too. Hence, he decided to just cut off the girl which might be a cause for their disagreement.

Once again, Sachis bitter smile peeked out. Shes truly affected by it.

These days, we only exchange messages once every three or four days. Its not even a whole conversation. Its more like a greeting that will end after one reply.

Thats why Im not a fan of promises. Technically hes still upholding it but is there even a point for it anymore?

Sachi continued. Looks like asking her about it provided her an outlet to dump what shes holding back inside.

Hmm. Youre right. Have you told him about this yet? That youre unhappy with how your communication dwindled to the point that its almost nonexistent anymore.

No... what good will it do?

For starters, it might open his eyes that hes neglecting his promise to you.

Im not helping that guy out with this, am I? Well, my words are for this girl. To help her sort out her feelings. She did say theyre not even a thing. Just close friends. But from everything Ive experienced, I could see that Sachi held at least a little bit of hope that they could be more than that.

As for her interest in me... well, its genuine. Otherwise, she wont even come here and act this happy to see me fulfilling my promise. She either needs closure or acceptance that theyve already grown apart.