The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

Chapter 89: Karaoke and Practice

So, shall we hear an explanation of what happened two days ago?

It was two days after Amane went out with Mahiru.

Amane, Itsuki and Kadowaki went out for karaoke, and once they entered the booked suite, Kadowaki immediately smiled at Amane.

Amane steeled himself for Kadowakis questions but he felt awkward after all.

On a side note, it appeared Itsuki had known from Kadowaki, and was giving a ah, busted, face, yet clearly not hiding his joy.

Amane got himself some melon soda from the self-service kiosk, had a sip to quench his throat, and said reluctantly.

Its not really some big relationship. Mahiru and I are just neighbors, Itsuki and Chitose found out because of an accident. Its a coincidence that were neighbors though. Some things happened thereafter, and our relationship got closer.

So you two got closer, and went out together.

Sorta.

Objectively looking, Amane and Mahiru were no mere acquaintances. They were clearly friends, or even lovers.

Amane felt that he had to deny this with all his might, for the sake of Mahirus honor.

We dont have that sort of relationship youre thinking of, Kadowaki.

I dont think its exactly what you say, Fujimiya.

I say.

Theyre not just on friendly terms, seriously. Shiina-sans been cooking for him every day.

Eh?

Itsuki threw a bomb, and Amanes cheeks froze as he glared at the former.

Itsuki.

Its a matter of time until everything gets exposed. Better to say it out quickly.

Itsuki might be correct here, but Kadowaki would surely be mistaken since he suddenly heard that Amane had been eating Mahirus cooking every day.

A commuting wife?

No. Im living by myself, so we split the costs evenly. Its just more convenient for her to cook.

You believe it?

Its not convincing at all

You too Kadowaki?

Amane and Mahiru were definitely not lovers, but Amane strangely lost confidence when Kadowaki glanced aside at him dumbfoundedly. Well, Amane hardly had confidence to begin with.

Normally speaking, girls dont go to those they dislike, and they dont enter a boys room if theyre not comfortable with it. Its a different case if the girl wants to be attacked however.

For some strange reason, Amane had a feeling that the last quip was out of personal experience, and started to wonder how tricky the girls Kadowaki knew of were. Kadowaki was right however, and Amane could not deny it completely at all.

Girls, especially those as wary as Mahiru, would never approach boys on their own volition. It appeared that Amane did become close with Mahiru, but that was miraculous by itself. He knew very well that he had received preferential treatment from her.

Amane however did not think he had enough charm for a girl to fall for him. He had the nagging feeling that Mahiru got close to him, and trusted him, to the point where she was actually relying on him.

Fujimiya, youre strangely stubborn and lacking in confidence sometimes.

Yeah.

Itsuki and Kadowaki gave stunned looked, leaving Amane very uncomfortable.

So, do you like Shiina-san or not, Fujimiya?

The moment Amane tried to pass this off by sipping at the melon soda, Kadowaki suddenly delivered a haymaker, resulting in him nearly spitting out the soda.

Whats with that out of a sudden?

Ah, you look very wary, so since you two are basically living together, I think you do like her somewhat. Actually, I can tell from your eyes and mood that you really like her.

Cant I like her?

Kadowakis really an observant one, Amane bitterly thought as he nodded honestly, and for some reason, Kadowaki gave a wry look.

N-not that you cantbut well, looks like theres lots of tough issues to tackle.

I havent thought about going out with Mahiru.

Uh huh, and you dont understand, just like the last time. Look, even Itsukis giving you that look.

Well yeah. I feel like giving him a kick in the back.

I get what you mean.

Dont agree with each other on this

Amane was confused as to why Kadowaki agreed with Itsukis urge to kick Amane in the back.

But see, were worried about you. You should take the initiative.

Dont put me in a spot.

No no, Shiina-san has opened her heart to you. Take the initiative to conquer her.

Mahiru does like me to some extentI think that its not that she likes me outright, but that she mostly relies on me.

Itsukis words might sound easy, but it was never going to be that simple.

Amane knew that Mahiru did have feelings for him. He would admit that Mahiru treasured him more than any other boy.

However, he did not think it was fondness as a girl.

Instead of a love between boy and girl, it might be more akin to trust and reliance, for they knew everything about each other.

See, youre saying that with that look?

Whats attractive about me anyway?

Amane refuted, and Itsuki immediately slapped him in the back.

Ow.

Sorry, but you realllllllllllllyyyy have no confidence in yourself. You always try to run away when the stakes are highest.

Even if you say so, I cant help it. Its habit.

You should start changing that habit. You really look down on yourself.

Mahiru always says that.

Shiina-san sure has it tough, huh?

Were having it tough just looking at them. This guys really stubborn about such things.

Shut up.

Amane was starting to feel he was the one at fault after so many people had criticized him.

It was due to his personality, nothing he could do; it was not that simple to correct it. The painful memories would never vanish easily. It was not easy to forget at the drop of a hat when it happened not too long ago.

He understood he was cowardly, embarrassingly cowardly, but he was powerless to correct it.

Im not going to force you if you think thats fine. If you really like Shiina-san though, and you want to date her, put in effort.

You think I can do that?

Coward.

Shut up.

Alright alright. But I think you can be a little more confident, Fujimiya. Seriously, youll be very popular at school if you dress up like you did two days ago. Want some practice?

Practice?

Since you can do it before Shiina-san and me, I guess that means you can do this before those youre close with. Say, its rare that we get to play on vacation, right?

In other words?

We have wax over here.

Kadowaki pulled out a male makeup set from his bag.

Amane met Kadowaki in the eyes, and found the latter giving a very genial smile. Faced with the elegance of this smiling Prince however, he felt a shiver up his spine.

Shall we?

No, forget about it.

Come on, dont worry.

Wait, lets have karaoke. Were here for karaoke, right?

Of course. Ill leave it to you then, Itsuki.

Leave it to me.

Youre joking right?

Amane asked timidly, and was met with a hearty smile.

We can stop if you hate itbut its time for you to start getting used to stares. Better to give some bitter medicine.

Hey waitwoah!

Itsuki grinned with comb and wax in hands. Amane tried to backtrack, but there was nowhere for him to escape in a karaoke suite.

Kadowaki prepared to sing with a smile on his face, and Amane looked on as Itsuki messed with his hair.