Matsuda-kun.
Inside the nearly empty movie theater.
While I was eating popcorn from the popcorn tub sandwiched between Miyukis legs that were perched atop my thighs, I turned my head at her call.
Why?
I want a massage.
No.
But you said I could do whatever I want today.
Its past midnight.
Miyuki, who had a pouty expression at my firm refusal, tightened her calves, tightening the popcorn tub until the opening was covered.
I slipped my hand in during that mont, pulled out a piece of popcorn, and popped it into my mouth, and then I smirked at Miyuki.
.....
Did she find incredibly an?
Miyukis face scrunched up in irritation.
She seed like she wanted to curse at , her mouth moving as if to start, but then she gave up on the massage and tried to put her leg down.
However, when I began gently massaging her calf with one hand, she broke into a broad grin.
Im only letting it slide this ti.
Mhm. And, my mom said she wants you to have a al with us next weekend... is that okay?
Thats fine. Shall we go now?
The credits havent finished rolling yet. Is it botherso to massage ?
I can do it anyti.
But I want it now...
Suit yourself.
By that ti, the remaining few had also left, leaving just the two of us in the theater.
The projectionist must still be around, I wonder what kind of face he is making.
Probably an annoyed one.
By the ti all the credits had rolled, we finally stepped out of the theater.
The rain that had stopped earlier had started to fall again.
At tis like this, I should probably suggest she stay over at my place...
Did your mom say anything when you went ho today?
About what?
Like how youve been staying out too often lately... Sothing along those lines.
Ah... She didnt really say anything...?
It seems Miyukis conduct has been so irreproachable that her mother had nothing specific to complain about.
I shook my head as I said,
Stay over tonight as well.
Ive already told her I was going to see a movie with Matsuda-kun...
Just tell her youll stay at my place.
That wont work... you dummy... Instead, Ill co over early tomorrow...
So youll stay over? Then we can go to the academy together.
How on earth do you hear what I say and co up with that kind of response...?
I just want to be with you that much.
As I laid my feelings bare, Miyukis face filled with joy but also a hint of worry.
Her expression seed seriously contemplative.
I couldnt help but chuckle lightly and tapped her thigh gently.
Dont worry too much. I was just saying it.
Youre just saying it... really?
Well. Why dont you pick up whats behind you?
Behind?
Miyuki turned her head towards the backseat.
Spotting a few writing utensils scattered carelessly, she asked.
Its a pen and a chanical pencil, isnt it?
Yeah. Theyre a gift.
All of a sudden...?
I plan to erase all traces of Tetsuya from Miyukis life and plaster my own all around her. Ill start with the trivial things, like the stationery she bought and used with him. When I go to Miyukis place this weekend, I should also replace that Maneki-neko hanging on her door.[1]
Its to encourage you to study hard.
I an... Id be thankful to receive it, but... isnt this gift a bit out of the blue...?
I noticed last ti that your writing instrunts were worn out. Use these from now on.
When did you see that...? Thank you. Ill use them well, Matsuda-kun.
And when you get ho, eat a lot of salmon.
Salmon? Why?
Without answering, I took advantage of a red light to gently massage the inside of Miyukis thigh.
Realizing that I was suggesting foods good for muscle soreness, her face flushed a deep red.
Lets buy that strawberry cake you like on the way ho.
...Okay...
Keep it in the fridge and have it tomorrow. Dont eat it today.
Ah, got it... Ill take care of it...
Miyukis voice trailed off, her brow slightly furrowed. It seed to hurt when touched. By the ti she goes to school, shed be mostly better... but I felt a twinge of regret. Why? Because I wanted to see her limping slightly in front of Tetsuya.
Matsuda-kun... the lights turned green... lets go...
There arent any cars behind us.
Still, we have to follow the traffic rules...! Co on, start driving...
Alright. Enough nagging...
After one last tap on her thigh, I watched Miyukis body tremble slightly as I gripped the steering wheel.
Her body is becoming more honest.
No, this line seems like sothing that would co out of a hypnosis or training-thed novel.
***
Hello, Tetsuya-kun.
Hi, Miyuki. Feels like its been a while, doesnt it? Did you rest well yesterday?
Yeah... Sorry, I couldnt go for a walk yesterday.
No, its my fault for calling you all of a sudden without considering how you were feeling. Are you feeling better now?
Im much better.
Tetsuya, who had been sitting in the back seat, stuck his head through the space between the driver and passenger seats.
Matsuda, did you have a good rest over the weekend?
I rested well.
Really, I did rest well.
Together with Miyuki.
I quickly managed my expression after catching her flinch out of the corner of my eye and chided Tetsuya.
Remove your head, I need to see the rearview mirror.
Then Miyuki lightly hit my wrist.
What do you an by remove your head? Do you have to talk like that?
Remove your head or move your head, isnt it all the sa?
Thats crude... Hurry up and say it nicely.
No. Miura, remove your head out of the way.
Matsuda-kun, do you realize how childish you are? Are you in elentary school? Youre past puberty.
I know its childish.
But I enjoy this bickering with you, what can I do?
I responded with a snort instead of words and drove off to the academy, watching Tetsuya try to calm an irritated Miyuki.
I parked the car in the lot and, as I headed towards the school gates, I noticed Miyuki adjusting her uniform shirt. She was trying to cover the kiss mark I had left near her collarbone during our first ti together. Even though it was in a spot that wasnt visible, she seed self-consciously aware of it.
The classroom door slid open with a sound.
Entering, I was greeted with hellos from the class, including the girl nicknad Bread Girl. The students, looking rather deflated, offered their greetings in a subdued tone. It seed the post-cultural festival blues had hit, bringing a case of the Mondays with them.
Sitting at my desk, exchanging chit-chat with the chubby kid in front of , I was puzzled when Miyuki, who had been talking to the class vice-president about the after-party of the cultural festival, approached and held out her hand.
What?
Give so of the chocolates we were eating in the car.
Why?
I want to share them with my friends.
Theyre in the car. Ill give you the keys, and you can go get them yourself.
Its hard for to walk, you know?
Her brazen attitude left montarily dumbfounded before I lowered my voice.
I saw you walking just fine earlier. What are you talking about? And do you think its the weekend? The ti for indulging every little whim has passed.
Im struggling here.
So?
Im really struggling.
She looked at with eyes that seed to ask, Are you really going to refuse a request from ?, her lips curling up slightly on one side. Its almost as if shes trying to train ...
This ti, though, Ill let it slide.
With a face full of annoyance, I stood up and muttered softly.
This is the last ti.
Okay.
Despite my warning, the fact that shes still grinning foolishly makes it clear she really enjoys this tsundere-like reaction from . If she keeps racking up this kind of karma, shell have a hard ti over the weekend... Just so you know, Ill give you a piece of my mind.
Though whether Ill be able to scold her or not is another matter.
As I was about to trudge out of the classroom, I hesitated upon overhearing Tetsuyas question to Miyuki.
Uh... Miyuki, whats that chanical pencil you have? Is it new?
Ah... this? I got it as a gift.
A gift?
Yeah. The knob on my old one was hard to press, so... I switched to the one I received as a present.
You should have said sothing... we could have gone to buy a new one together.
Im sorry. But Tetsuya-kun, do you still have so of the jelly we were eating in the car?
Yeah, I have so left. Ill give it to you.
Hearing the slight hurt in Tetsuyas voice, I left the classroom.
Watching him, unable to even ask who the gift was from for fear of overstepping, I felt it was his fate to be left out.
***
Matsuda hubae-nim, did you have a good weekend?
Chinami greets with a vibrant smile, full of energy despite it being Monday. Its a nice sight.
I did, thank you. And how about you, Sensei?
I had a great weekend, too. How did the cultural festivals competition turn out? I went to see it with Renka in the evening, and it seed incredibly tense... You guys won first place, right?
Of course. Have you ever seen a festival planned by the heroine not take first place? Its a love cody standard.
Yes.
Wow...! Congratulations!
How did the skewer shop do?
We made a profit. We divided it among all the mbers who participated. Oh, and by the way, I overheard sothing while cleaning around the coachs office today... It seems the coach is going to officially recognize you as a full mber soon.
Is that so?
Is that so? You dont sound very excited... Dont you think its a great thing?
Imitating my indifferent tone, she places her hands on her hips. She frowns as if shes about to scold , but its so playful it ends up being more cutelike a Maltese pup yapping and fussing.
If it happens, it happens. If not, it doesnt.
Matsuda hubae-nim, the coach is acknowledging you despite the trouble youve caused. Its also an opportunity to learn even more about kendo than you do now. Arent you happy?
If I beco a full mber, does that an I have to quit being a manager?
Chinami slowly nodded her head.
That seems to be the case.
Then I dont want to do it.
What?
I like learning about Sangdanse from you while doing the managers work.
Huh...? You prefer being a manager?
Chinamis large eyes blinked twice. I gave her an awkward smile and continued talking.
It would be more accurate to say that I enjoy doing it with sensei.
Really...? While Im happy to hear that, I wish your skills would improve significantly...
Do you dislike having around, Sensei? Would you prefer it if I disappeared?
What...? How can you say such a thing without batting an eye...! Where in the world is there a master who dislikes their disciple...!?
Then, that settles it. I learn much faster from you than from the club. Its impossible not to improve with one-on-one instruction. If the coach asks, Ill say I want to continue being a manager.
Isnt the managers work difficult for you?
No. Its fun.
Matsuda hubae-nim, you are an odd one.
Wouldnt that also apply to you, who willingly does all the nial tasks?
Its because Sensei treats well that Ive been trained by her.
Trained...?
If that word is a bit much, should I say influenced instead? Anyway, youre okay with it, Sensei?
Well, I do like having you around, Matsuda hubae-nim...
Decision made. Now, to commorate our true teacher-student relationship, shall I give you a massage? Your shoulders seed stiff when I saw you dealing with Miuras induction just before...
As I step closer to Chinami, flexing my hands, she rolls her eyes and then answers.
Im fine for now, so Ill just take your offer in spirit. Co on, lets get to work.
Whats on the agenda today?
First, lets check the condition of the protective gear. After that...
Chinami chatters away about todays tasks. Theres a trace of joy in her voice.
It seems shes sowhat moved by my decision to continue as a manager.
Ill make sure you beco even happier later on.
*
{ TN: 1. Maneki-Neko: A common Japanese figurine that is often believed to bring good luck to the owner.
You can support the translation and read 5 chapter ahead on /Devill }
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