9S:Volume2 Illustrations

These are novel illustrations that were included in 9S.

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“Amane~, let’s eat together today~”

Amane saw Chitose leer away as she brought Mahiru over, and his face twitched when he recalled Mahiru’s words days ago, I have my solution.

It was true however that Chitose could to bring Mahiru along under the pretext of eating together with Itsuki. There would be some jealousy around them, but that should not be cause for suspicion.

Mahiru was pulled over by the hand, showing her usual angelic self with a smile on her face. It might have been Amane’s imagination, but she seemed delighted to have accomplished her goal, and he had the urge to cup his head.

“Ah, do I sit here?” “Please do not say so. It is my suggestion to sit with you, please do not mind.”

You cannot run away. Mahiru was clearly implying so. Chitose had agreed to do this with Mahiru…or rather, Amane had the feeling that it was Chitose’s idea. He glared at Chitose, who was grinning, or rather, leering away, yet she tried to whistle elsewhere.

Itsuki might have been informed by Mahiru, or perhaps he was delighted to be able to eat with Chitose, “Why don’t we eat together?” He gave the usual hearty smile. While Amane had agreed to it days ago, the envious looks around them had him on tenterhooks.

“Eh, you’re intending to have lunch together, Shirakawa-san and Shiina-san?”

It appeared Kadowaki too wanted to join in, and his sudden appearance had Amane’s gut wincing slightly.

“I do have such intentions.” “I see. That makes things interesting, huh?”

Kadowaki noted nonchalantly, but Amane did not think it was an appropriate time for things to get interesting. Kadowaki did not look opposed to this, and instead, was merely surprised that Mahiru would be joining them for lunch.

Amane had nowhere to escape.

“…Just give up Amane. You’re surrounded.”

Itsuki whispered softly such that Kadowaki could not hear, and Amane could only let out a long, lethargic sigh.

“You brought a bento, Mahiru-san?”

Amane and Itsuki usually ate at the cafeteria, so Mahiru and Chitose, who usually ate at the classroom, went along. The boys bought their lunch, sat down at their usual seats, and Kadowaki noticed Mahiru brought a bento.

Just to note, Mahiru was seated directly opposite Amane. Chitose had prompted Mahiru to sit there, giving Amane no chance to escape.

“Nn, it is dinner leftovers though.”

Part of the dinner leftovers were used to make Amane’s breakfast, and sometimes, Mahiru would take some for her bento, which she probably did on this day. In fact, the bento box was filled with teriyaki chicken balls from yesterday’s dinner.

“Eh? You made it?” “Yes. It is not something impressive however.” “You shouldn’t lie, Mahirun~ Aren’t you good at cooking?” “How about you take cooking lessons from Shiina-san, Chii?” “You’re cruel, Ikkun.” “Shiina-san, you just need to teach Chii how to flavor. She can cook at least…but she’ll always make the flavors weird.”

Chitose was in no way incapable of cooking, but she always had the urge to try out new, fancy flavors, and ended up with a whack sense of taste. Will be great if she doesn’t have such a habit, even Itsuki too often commented.

“Mahirun, hold a personal cooking class with me~ I’ll get Amane to taste for poison.” “Hey, what do you mean poison!? That’ll cause Shiina trouble out of a sudden, right?” “Nn, I do not think it is a hassle. It does sound interesting to cook with Chitose-san.” “Wahhh I love you Mahirun! Looking forward to it~! Make sure you have time for this, Amane~!”

Chitose sat next to Mahiru, and clung onto the latter with a beaming face. Mahiru too smiled as she accepted this outcome. Amane in turn noted how they were on such good terms―only to realize something.

Did I get invited out for a date in front of everyone?

Amane looked towards Chitose, who continued to chat happily with Mahiru. He had no idea if it was Chitose’s trap, or just a coincidence. However, all the peers around them had pricked their eyes, and when Amane met them in the eyes, there was an unspeakable jealousy from them, which caused his face to cringe.

“Say Itsuki.” “Hm?” “I feel like I’m going to get slaughtered. Is this really alright?” “It’s fine. Sorta.”

Amane really could not calm down when he was glared at by Mahiru’s fans, the boys who hoped to woo her.

They did not unleash any murderous intent towards Amane, since it was Chitose who started it. It would be scary if Mahiru herself said anything after they got along openly. “Why him…” that would be the first thing that would think,

“Isn’t that fine, Fujimiya?” “…I wouldn’t be so envied if I’m like you.”

If it had been Kadowaki, a multi-talented handsome chap who was a match for Mahiru, the others would know their place and retreat no matter how jealous they might appear.

“I’m rather jealous of you though, Fujimiya.” “What’s there to be jealous?” “Lots of it.”

Kadowaki gave a wry smile as his words hinted at something, but Amane had no idea what it was.

“Well, I can somewhat understand what Yuuta’s thinking.” “Seriously?” “People often have treasures they don’t know of, and desire things they can never get. Chii often has things she can’t get.” “Like?” “Like something Shiina-san has that Chii doesn’t…” “You’re thinking something weird there right, Ikkun?”

It appeared Chitose heard Itsuki’s words, for her face had a bright smile, but there was no smile in her eyes.

Amane sensed that Itsuki had just stepped on a landmine, and watched their intimate interaction unfold, before glancing towards Mahiru.

Mahiru looked a little confused when Itsuki and Chitose started their lovers’ spat, but once her eyes met Amane, she smiled. Shown in those eyes were not the angelic smile, but a smile more akin to the bashful one at home, and Amane too averted his eyes bashfully. “Were you shocked?”

Amane saw Mahiru give an impish smile at his own place, and smiled wryly.

“More than shocked, I want to say, you’re really enthusiastic.” “Recently, I am starting to realize that I have to be a little forceful towards you, Amane-kun.” “Sorta.”

Mahiru was so enthusiastic. for she knew Amane would try to run away. However, he never could as there was a perimeter around him. Amane was shocked as he never expected Mahiru to take the initiative. He was relieved for the time being, for she merely talked to him, and not enact any skinship. If Mahiru did that innocent skinship as she would do at his house without any self-aware, blades of jealousy would be flying at Amane. Mahiru probably relied on Amane as she found him most reliable, but the people around them might not feel this way.

“I shall work hard without affecting your life, Amane-kun. If anything happens, please tell me.”

Mahiru knew of the effect she had, and it appeared she would try not to approach Amane too suddenly. Amane felt that she was being too sudden, but he remained silent.

“I’m fine for now, though there are some envious looks.” “I see. Erm…do you dislike i-it if I talk to you at school…?”

It seemed she was still concerned about Amane’s initial unwillingness.

“Well, not really. I know you’re scared of loneliness. I can’t just leave my friend aside, and you’re tired too, right, Mahiru?” “…Friend.” “No, nothing.”

Amane was curious to know why Mahiru’s face changed from uneasiness to displeasure, but it appeared she had no intention to talk. Mahiru turned her head aside, and Amane, having sensed that her mood was ruined, started to pat her head.

“…Please do not think that you can solve everything with headpats.” “Nope, but I think you will be happy.” “It is the case…but please do not try to fool others with this.” “I won’t do this to anyone other than you…”

Ultimately, the only girl Amane was on good terms with was Chitose, but there was no way he could do that to her, and he did not think she would be happy. Also, Amane would only do that to Mahiru, and did not want to do so to anyone else. He wanted to dote on Mahiru, and never planned to do so to anyone else.

While he was serious in what he just said, Mahiru had her head lowered as she whacked Amane with the cushion. It appeared those words did not improve her mood.

Amane thought it might be good to stop, and did so, but Mahiru headbutted his elbow. It did not hurt at all, but he started to feel skeptical, for Mahiru had been aggressive recently.

“…Amane-kun no baka.” “What now?” “How hard do I have to work…” “I don’t understand what you’re saying, but you’ll be worn out if you work too hard, so keep it in moderation…” “This is something I can only achieve by working hard.”

Mahiru lifted her head towards Amane, her vengeful eyes looking beyond his shoulder, yet bashful and somewhat expectant. The moist eyes were up close, and Amane’s eyes started to waver.

“So, what do you want me to do for now, Mahiru?” “…First, continue with the headpats.”

The word ‘first’ would imply that she had other things she wanted him to do, but it appeared she had no requests for the time being, so Amane again patted Mahiru on the head, trying his best to coax her.

“It’s going to be Golden Week soon.”

Amane muttered as he stared at the calendar on the shelf.

He was busy with various things during April, as it was the start of their school year. April was ending by the time he realized. Students and working adults alike would look forward to this Golden Week, which was right around the corner.

Amane did not dislike studying. He did not find it tough, no matter how troublesome it might seem. Thus, he was not particularly happy about Golden Week. The only thought he had was that he had more time to relax.

Unlike last year’s, Amane would not be too bored, for he had Mahiru next to him. One day was taken away however when Chitose arranged for a “poison taste test with Mahiru’s cooking class”. It would be ridiculously troublesome rather than boring.

“Another long vacation…” “Hm? You dislike it?” “Not really. I just don’t know how to spend the time.”

It appeared Mahiru was the same. Neither of them liked to go out, so they never had any plans.

“I’m glad to have a break though. Means that I have nothing to do.”

Amane’s studies were still decent as he never scrimped on his preparations and revisions. He did not want to spend his vacation studying. He had no plan in particular when it came to his hobbies of strolling and reading. He would only do so in the spur of the moment, and never did plan for them. The same for his games. He really had no plans.

“…Amane-kun, are you free?” “I’m rather bored”

At this point, his only plans were to taste test for poison, and go for a karaoke session with Itsuki and Kadowaki. He had a lot of free days in this one week vacation.

Let’s just relax at home. He muttered to himself, only to find Mahiru looking up at him unflinchingly.

“What is it?”

It appeared Mahiru had something to say, and once his eyes met hers, she reached her hand for the cellphone on the table. Or rather, the phone cover.

Her phone cover was a flip case, and it had slots for stuff like cards. She pulled out a little plastic bag with a zipper, which contained several folded pieces of paper. She took one out, and showed it to Amane.

It was not something so long ago to be nostalgic about. It was the ‘‘I’ll do anything you say coupon’ Amane gave her more than a month ago.

She handed over the coupon, which had the bear illustration Amane felt he drew decently. After that, she looked up at him unflinchingly.

“May I use it?” “Give your command.” “…I want to spend one day with you during Golden Week, Amane-kun. I want to go shopping, to play, and so on.”

Is that fine? Mahiru asked apprehensively, and Amane gave a wry smile.

“No seriously, even without that, I’ll go shopping with you if you give me a holler.”

Amane probably had to accompany Mahiru in that getup, but he was willing to do so as long as she requested. He felt she did not need to use the coupon. You don’t have to use your request on this little thing, so he chuckled, but Mahiru shook her head with a serious look.

“I shall use it…promise that you will do everything I ask of you on that day.” “Well, i-f you say so. What do you want me to do though…” “…C-carry some bags.” “Alright alright I’ll listen to you.”

How heavy is the stuff going to be? He felt like retorting, but he nodded since she said so much.

Mahiru disliked going out, but she probably had some occasional urges to go out and enjoy herself. Amane felt that if possible, he would accompany her no matter how unwilling she might be. After all, he too was bored.

He thought it would be a bad thing of rumors of that man showed up again, but it would be stupid of him to not go anywhere if he was scared of this little thing.

“So, where are we going?” “Erm, I-I have not decided.” “So you haven’t decided.” “…Because, I do not know, what places you do like.” “Eh, me?” “…We have the opportunity to go out together, and I want to go to a place we can both enjoy.”

Can we? Nobody can ever reject her when she tugged at his sleeve and asked while looking up.

Grr. Amane felt suffocated. He looked around, combed his hair up, and sighed.

“…Well, I intend to go along with you anyway. Hm, in that case, there’s a place I want to go to.”

It was an unbearable place to go alone, but Amane wanted to visit it.

“Where?” “Don’t laugh at me.” “I will not.” “…A cat cafe.”

Yes, a cat cafe with lots of kittens.

Amane liked animals, but he could not raise any in his apartment, so he could only read the magazines or see others raise them. The surrounding stares would be unbearable if he entered the cafe alone as a boy, so he could not.

With Mahiru around, Amane did not have to worry about the stares from others. There would be another kind of stares, but he felt he should be able to relax. Also, the sight of Mahiru playing with the cats would surely be cute, so he thought, but obviously, he could not voice it out.

“…E-erm, if the two of us, go together, it won’t be that awkward. Can we?” “O-of course! Then, erm…let us go together.” “…Oh.” Amane was grateful and yet embarrassed by Mahiru’s agreement. He felt his cheeks searing, but he managed to endure it. Once he saw Mahiru looking unconfident, he smiled at her.

“So what are we doing after that?” “After that, we will go shopping together…ah, I want to go to a game center. I have never been there before.”

As expected, the princess-like Mahiru was interested in a game center, as she had never been there before. In that case, he should bring her there and show her how it was like. The dolls she liked might be in stock again, and she would be happy to catch them together with him.

“Let’s go there then. Cat cafe, food, shopping, game center. Pretty much.” “Yes.”

Amane heaved a sigh of relief as they had decided on the schedule to a certain extent. Mahiru lifted her head, her face turned towards him.

“I am really looking forward to it.”

Amane nearly lost his breath once he saw the shyness borne from her overwhelming happiness.

“I wish for the holidays to arrive soon.”

Mahiru whispered, sounding as though she was really looking forward to go out. With a sweet smile, she happily embraced the cushion.

Amane stared blankly at her smile, and then felt his heart pound wildly. “…Yeah.” he answered hoarsely.

The Angel’s sudden attack was very bad for the heart.

“Mahirun’s first cooking class~!”

It sounded like there was a BGM of some cooking show lasting a few minutes when Chitose declared that, and Amane never concealed his disdain as he looked at her.

They had Mahiru’s cooking lesson on the first day of Golden Week, at Amane’s place. The reason was that it was a place convenient for Mahiru and Chitose to gather, and a place Amane could enter. Chitose had her parents around, and she could not make much noise. Amane himself was unwilling to enter Mahiru’s place. The only choice left was his place.

“Yay~” Chitose got agitated as she put on the apron. Mahiru smiled wryly as she put on her apron.

“Please welcome our teacher for the day Mahiru Shiina-san!” “Like hell you’re welcomed. You’re the one who got invited here.” “And here we have our poison…guest, I invited. The very picky eater Amane Fujimiya-san!” “Shut up. This is my house anyway.” “You’re ruining the mood.”

Early in the morning, Amane was not as lively as Chitose.

It was just past 9am. Everyone chose this time, so that they could have lunch after the cooking class ended. The timing itself was not an issue, but Amane had difficulty dealing with Chitose’s upbeat mood as he had just woken up.

“…Sorry. It is early in the morning.” “No no it’s fine. I get to eat your cooking after all. More important, watch out for Chitose and make sure she doesn’t add in weird stuff.” “You really distrust me, huh?” “Did you forget what you did for Valentine’s?”

Amane could never forget her pranking him with that chocolate.

Of course, the normal ones were fine, but that the jackpot and the eccentric flavors certainly were so shocking, Amane had vivid memories of them. Chitose said they were edible, so her taste buds were not too reliable.

“Ahaha, it’s a prank after all. I should be fine if I cook normally, probably.” “That probably at the end makes me worry, okay. Idiot…please make something I can eat.” “Okay, got it.”

Leave it to me~ Chitose rolled her sleeves as she said confidently. Amane was unnerved by her, but he believed that Mahiru should be able to sort her out, so he decided to watch them silently.

Mahiru would never compromise on whatever was to be served for consumption. Since it was a cooking class, she would devote herself to cook normal food. They should be fine.

She led Chitose into the kitchen she was well familiar with. The dishes’ names were probably the menu for the day Just to note, they were going to make quiche with salad, prawn bisque, and the remainder to be sauteed. It probably was to satisfy how Amane wanted to eat his prawns.

It probably would not be weird in any way, but Amane worried that Chitose might add strange stuff into the quiche.

“…I have a feeling someone has been doubting me…”

Chitose gave a displeased look, for she probably noticed Amane’s skeptical look. Amane then looked away from her, and sat on the sofa.

To be honest, Amane had nothing to do. He was invited here as the poison tester…his own house. Amane himself could cook if Mahiru was helping, but it was Chitose’s turn to cook. Amane could not move as Mahiru had asked him to to sit.

Thus, Amane was bored.

He looked towards the kitchen, as saw the two girls in aprons talk intimately as they began cooking.

They had different body sizes, but they were pretty girls, and they were in his house, cooking. Any boy will find it a tantalizing proposition, so he thought as he listlessly looked over at them.

Will that prankster of a cat do anything? Once again, he was griped by uneasiness, but as he was really bored, he slowly closed his eyes. It would take a few hours, and he should be fine with a little nap. After all, it was his house, and the only one who would scold him…was Mahiru.

Haaa. Amane yawned, and leaned his body onto the sofa. By the time he realized it, Amane had a whiff of sweet scent.

It was a familiar scent, one unspeakably sweet, like milk and flowers. It was a comforting smell, and Amane unwittingly inhaled lots of it.

In his hazy consciousness, he brought his face close to the source of that scent, and felt a warm, soft feeling. The feeling of skin was comfortable to feel. Amane brought his face close to enjoy it, only to feel it shaking.

“…E-erm, it is very itchy…”

He heard a perturbed soft voice next to him, and felt his legs slapped on. His hazy consciousness started to awaken as he opened his heavy eyelids…the silky milky color appeared in his eyes.

He looked up timidly, and within inches was Mahiru’s perturbed, bashful face.

“…Mahiru?” “Yes.” “…Good morning.” “Good morning…but it is now noon.”

Amane had a look at the digital clock on the shelf. It was past noon. He realized he had slept for a long time, but he had no idea why Mahiru was next to him.

“I sat next to you, and you leaned over.”

Mahiru answered as though she was answering his question, and her face reddened slightly.

It seemed Amane had buried his face near Mahiru’s shoulder. Her collar was a little opened, which exposed some skin. This might have been a case of sexual harassment, so Amane hoped she would scold him if she got angry. She instead lowered her eyes bashfully.

He hoped she would be angry, but given her reaction, he was left troubled. He felt like he was forgiven, and it did not feel relieving to him.

“Erm, sorry for making your uncomfortable.” “No-not at all!” “I think Mahirun’s seeing it as ‘Amane-kun’s sleepy and fawning over me’.” “Chitose-san!”

Chitose appeared to be watching from afar, and she was grinning, or rather, leering as she quipped, leaving Mahiru’s face all the redder.

“Say, when did you two start calling each other by name?” “…Chitose.” “Don’t glare at me. You’re the careless one here, right?”

Amane could only shut up. He had fallen asleep, and let his guard down. He called Mahiru by her given name despite Chitose being around. It was his carelessness.

“But I heard from Mahirun. I already know you two address each other by name.” “Say, you.” “So-sorry.” “No, I’m not blaming you, Mahiru.”

Mahiru misunderstood that Amane was reproaching her for accidentally blurting this, and hastily shook her head. Chitose grinned away, looking really happy.

“Well for me, I’m happy that Mahirun and Amane are getting along, you know? It’s not a bad thing.” “You’re thinking too much. It’s not what you think.” “Hm~?” “What?” “Nothing nothing~ nothing at all~”

Chitose said it was fine, but actually, she was seemingly hesitant to talk. He did not intend to express herself in words however, and merely shrugged. It was futile to pursue the matter.

Next to him, Mahiru lowered her eyebrows slightly.

“…Mahiru?” “Ah, no, it is nothing.”

Once Amane spoke to her, she seemingly reeled back as she hastily smiled, and shook her head. Amane could not ask any further, and kept quiet.

“…We are done preparing lunch. You will eat it, I suppose?” “Of course I will, but seriously, I slept till noon…?” “A long time did pass? We had time to see your sleeping face.” “…You didn’t prank me, right?” “Of course we didn’t~”

Chitose insisted that they never pranked him, but Amane could not really believe her, probably because of her usual antics.

“What’s with you, boy?” “You did something else?” “Nothing~? I did nothing at all~” “You serious? Mahiru, this fellow didn’t do anything?”

He looked towards Mahiru for confirmation, and the latter lowered her eyebrows, showing a wry smile as the conversation was suddenly directed at her.

“Chitose-san really did not do anything…” “I see. If she did anything, I wanted to twist my fists on her temples.” “No violence~!”

Chitose said while laughing away. Amane could only sigh speechlessly.

It was finally lunchtime, but as Amane had fallen asleep, it did not feel that much time had passed. Chitose appeared to have done it properly this time, and there was salad, quiche, bisque and sauteed prawns. The vibrant colors put together resembled a lunch at a cafe.

“Ahh, looks good…how is the taste, Mahiru.” “It is fine. Nothing strange was added. I tasted it.” “That’s good.” “You’re the overthinking one, seriously~. I did cook them properly together~”

You’re being rude, Chitose noted angrily, but it was no wonder Amane was somewhat suspicious of her when she would say one thing and take him by surprise in another. He could eat with ease however, since Mahiru was supervising.

“Ah, the quiche is from Mahiru. I made Ikkun’s share.” “You’re dumping the whole thing to him…” “I made it the size of a palm. It’s fine. Hehe~ I wonder if Ikkun will be happy.”

Chitose grinned happily, and Mahiru smiled at her.

Chitose was a girl who cared for her boyfriend, mischievous streak aside. Amane felt a warmness in his heart as he thought of how Itsuki got a good girlfriend. However, she had a tendency of overdoing things, and it was still a little dangerous to thoroughly trust her.

Chitose grinned away, and Amane smiled, clapping his hands together as he looked at the dish prepared before him.

“Then, itadakimasu.” “Please do. Enjoy the food~”

She’s really a girl after all. A bashful Chitose too was quite attractive. “…Erm, I am really sorry.”

Once Chitose left, Mahiru suddenly apologized to Amane.

Amane had no idea why she had to apologize, and he widened his eyes towards her, who was next to hi. She wriggled and fidgeted, her eyebrows lowered.

“…About the prank.” “Prank?” “…Chitose-san never did anything to you, Amane-kun…but I…” “Eh? You did?”

Chitose did mention that she never did anything, and Mahiru said that Chitose never did anything. However, Mahiru never said that she never did anything. Amane never thought about what Mahiru would have done to her, so he unwittingly absolved her from the possibility. It appeared she did though.

She might be feeling guilty when she decided to confess, and she looked a little restless.

“What did you do?” “Erm, I poked your cheek…” “…Is that even a prank?” “A-and then I ruffled your hair while seeing you sleep, Amane-kun.” “You like to do that huh, Mahiru?” “…Y-yes.” “Is that it?” “…Yes.”

Mahiru was looking downhearted, and clearly she was showing remorse, but Amane wanted to retort, saying that it was not really a prank. What Mahiru did was mere skinship rather than a prank. If that was a prank, then anything he did to her would have been pranks, and he would be troubled by that.

“Look, I’m not angry. If that makes you happy, that’s fine. I just got careless sleeping in front of others.” “Th-thank you…” “I think it isn’t fun to see the sleeping face of someone like me though…” “…I-it is cute.” “You’re the only one who’ll say a boy’s sleeping face is cute.” “Of course not. Chitose-san said so too.” “She clearly wants to mess with me…”

Chitose definitely said it was cute out of her own bemusement. The cute she spoke of was different from Mahiru’s, and Amane hoped that Mahiru would not trust her that much.

“…I could not help myself as it was really cute.” “Help yourself?” “I poked you however I want.” “Is poking a guy’s face really something to be happy about?” “Very.”

Amane himself would say his cheeks were harder than a girl’s, and there was no point poking. He had no idea what Mahiru was interested in, but if the act itself was something she would be happey about, he had nothing to complain about.

“Well, I get how you feel, since your face is fluffy and nice.”

Amane pulled the same prank Mahiru spoke of, right back at her. Despite that, it was a problem if he was too unrestrained. All he did was to poke her fluffy cheek with his finger.

Mahiru’s face was soft like a girl’s, fluffy and nice. She had no excess fat, and her flesh was tender. She did maintain her skin well, and it was moist and smooth, so nice to feel.

Since you touched me, I’ll touch you back, Mahiru. Amane excused himself as he gently pinched Mahiru’s cheek. Her face was fluffy and bouncy.

Mahiru looked displeased as she lifted her face towards Amane, so Amane could not go overboard. He poked his finger on her belly to coax her. Yes, his actions were gentle and cautious, as though he was dealing with a kitten.

“…Nn.”

Mahiru immediately sheathed aside her displeased look, and showed a lazy smile, as though she had something in her mouth. Her mouth was sweet, so perhaps there was lots of honey in her mouth.

…She really lets her guard down.

Mahiru was showing such a face after a boy touched her, and Amane was worried by how lax she was. However, he found it awkward once he thought of how she would never let a boy touch her in the first place. Once he realized he had some preferential treatment, he had the urge to slam his head into the back of the sofa.

He reached his hand for her chin, trying to suppress his uneasiness and impulse. This time, he tickled her chin as though she was a kitten, and she let out a little shriek.

“…Wh-what is it?” “Just some practice for the cat cafe.” “What are you thinking, using a human as practice…” “You’re like a cat, Mahiru. Well, like a dog and a rabbit too.” “What do you mean…” “That’s what I mean.”

It was recently that Amane realized that Mahiru had elements of all three animals. When they first met, she was a very wary cat, but once their relationship improved, she would approach him like a dog meeting humans. To those she was familiar with, she would smile and follow. She was like a rabbit, for Amane felt that rabbits appeared terrified of being alone. Thus, he added that.

Well, you want to be doted. Amane stroked her chin before she got sick of it. “The head feels better though.” Mahiru muttered, so he patted her hear anyway. He felt she was like a dog in this sense, but he did not say it.

“…If I am a cat, dog or rabbit…you are a wolf, Amane-kun.” “Do I look the kind to attack females?” “No, I do not mean that. Wolves are said to care for their companions, those of their pack. Wolf packs are formed through families, so it might be a little different in this sense, but you really do treasure those you can open your heart to, Amane-kun.” “…It might be as you say.” Amane’s social circle was really small, and one could use both hands to count the people he was on friendly terms with.

“E-erm…I wish that is the case.” “Wish for what?” “…No, it is nothing. Your hair is fluffy like a wolf.” “…That’s not unique to a wolf though.”

It appeared Mahiru had more to say, but she did not. She ruffled Amane’s hair, and Amane let her be without asking any further.