I tried to confess my feelings to the girl I like, but I got too excited and ended up proposing. Was her response OK?! ~

Episode 14

A few minutes after Eriko-san left to call Mana, the two of them entered the room.

Mana’s expression seemed gloomy, but Eriko-san had a beaming smile.

“Look, I brought him.”

“Sora-kun, why did you come? I’m sure I wrote in the letter that you didn’t need to come…”

“Huh? Oh~”

It seems I had misunderstood.

While the letter I saw did indeed say that the tear marks made me think it wasn’t what she truly meant.

“Sorry! I did read the letter. But, you know, I couldn’t help worrying if something happened to Mana.”

“No, I’m really happy you came. It’s fine now. By the way, did you talk to Eriko-san about something?”

Upon hearing that, I glanced at Eriko-san who was leisurely sipping her coffee as if it didn’t concern her.

“Um, it’s just about Mana’s parents! I was asking if they’re not coming back or something like that! That’s all.”

“I see.”

Although she said that, I can see a slightly unconvinced expression on her face.

“Eriko-san, is it okay for us to leave now?”

“Hm? Oh, sure. I’ve said everything I needed to Mana, and besides, I got to see your face.”

“I see. Then, we’ll excuse ourselves. Let’s go, Mana.”

“Yes. Eriko-san, let’s talk leisurely next time. Next time, I’ll come here myself.”

“Got it. I won’t come over to your place anymore then. But make sure you keep your promise, okay?”

Promise? What’s she referring to?

“Yes. Well then, excuse us.”

The two of us left the house and started walking slowly.

I thought we had gotten used to being alone together recently, but now, I feel a bit awkward in this space.

Thinking that we should talk about something, Mana spoke up first.

“Your hairstyle! It suits you, well…”

It seems Mana is a bit nervous too.

“Thanks, I wanted to look like a guy you’d like, so I got it cut today.”

“I see. I liked your previous hairstyle too, but I also like your current one. And now I can look you in the eyes properly when we talk, so I’m happy.”

There’s still some nervousness apparent in her.

“Mana, did you leave the house without Eriko-san’s permission?”

When I asked, Mana slightly shrugged her shoulders.

It seems this is the reason for Mana’s nervousness.

I could pretend not to know, but I felt that wouldn’t be right for Mana.

“I’m not blaming you or anything. But, you know, getting married isn’t something us minors can just do on our own, do you understand that? That’s why on that day, you came to my house so early in the morning.”

“I understand, I’m sorry…”

Mana said quietly, looking down.

“It’s okay, you don’t need to apologize. I just wanted you to question your actions a bit from that time.”

“Yes, I knew it myself. But even if I had talked to Eriko-san about marriage at that time, she probably would have stopped me. So, while I regret it, I don’t feel sorry.”

I see.

It’s a very Mana-like answer.

“Let’s end this conversation! Let’s hurry home and eat?”

“Yes, let’s go home quickly.”

“I’ll help with cooking today.”

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

“When I came home today and Mana wasn’t there, I realized something. How amazing it is to have Mana nearby. So, I want to spend as much time as possible with you today.”

Even I find that line cheesy.

But I wanted to convey it.

I realized that what’s happening in front of me right now isn’t something to be taken for granted.

I have parents, but Mana doesn’t really have any, even though she thinks she does.

Mana might not realize it, but if she were to hear such things, I felt I needed to pour my love not just for her but also for her parents into her.

“Hehe, that’s true. I also want to be with you today, Sora-kun.”

Well, it seems Mana is stable and cute today as well.

Her traumas are also a part of her for me.

I love everything about Mana, including that.

For now, it’s fine like this, but I feel there will come a day when Mana needs to know the truth.

And at that time, I’ll be by her side.

And we’ll overcome it together.