The Assassin Girl Who Stayed by My Side in Another World… Somehow Followed Me Back to Modern Japan - Chapter 22: I’m Better Than That Thing

Chapter 22: I’m Better Than That Thing

Just like yesterday, I was walking to school with Aira again today.

And of course… well, maybe “of course” is a bit much, but yeah—she was hiding her presence as usual.

Unlike yesterday, though, we didn’t need to stop by the convenience store, so we actually got to school a little earlier.

Looks like neither Honoka nor Hayato are here yet.

…Not that I expected Hayato to show up.

He said it was just a cold, but who knows if he’d recover in a day. It’s not like you can just will a cold to disappear.

Well, it’s not like me worrying is gonna help anything.

Might as well kill time with a game. I’d already started one this morning when I woke up, so I could just pick up where I left off.

Besides, I was bored.

Just as I pulled out my phone to play, Aira suddenly clung to the hand holding it.

…Pretty sure she was still jealous of my phone.

Honestly, I thought that was just a half-asleep, early-morning thing.

Guess not.

“……”

There were a few other students already at school, so maybe that’s why she stayed quiet—but even without hearing or seeing anything, I could feel it.

That unmistakable jealous pout kind of vibe.

She was clearly sulking because I pulled out my phone.

…Which is weird, because I totally used my phone yesterday too.

And Aira even watched the screen with me.

So like—what gives?

Why’s it suddenly not okay today?

There’s no way, right?

I mean, I really doubt it…

But maybe Aira’s acting like this because the game has a cute girl in it? Some beautiful heroine or whatever?

…Nah. No way.

To her, it’s just a flat image on a screen. Just a character.

Besides, Aira’s like a hundred times cuter anyway.

Obviously—as a daughter.

Still, even if I didn’t exactly hate the situation, I couldn’t just let it keep going like this.

So I glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then reached up with my free hand and gently patted Aira’s head—a quiet little signal for her to let go.

…Probably.

But yeah—her chest was definitely pressing against me.

I know I’m supposed to ignore it. I get that.

But seriously… how am I not supposed to think about the underwear I bought her yesterday… or the bath from last night?

…Back in the other world, stuff like this never even crossed my mind.

I used to wash her underwear all the time—unless she specifically asked me not to.

…Which, for the record, she never did. Not once.

“!”

As those thoughts ran through my head, Aira suddenly hugged me tighter—pressing her whole body against my arm like she was trying to melt into me.

Why?!

Why is she clinging even harder instead of letting go?!

…Did I not get the message across properly?

Okay, fine. Plan B.

“I-I’ll put my phone away, so… can you please let go?”

I whispered it super quietly—like, barely above a breath—just to make absolutely sure no one else heard.

“…No.”

Aira whispered back just as quietly—right up against my ear.

I almost let out a noise, but somehow managed to hold it in.

…Seriously, I’ve been thinking this since yesterday, but could she please stop whispering right next to my ear while hiding her presence like that?

It’s honestly bad for my heart.

And her voice being so cute only makes it worse.

Like—why?!

Why is she saying no?!

…Wait. Maybe this isn’t even about the phone?

Maybe she’s not jealous after all?

Whatever the reason, I really needed her to let go.

“…Am I being annoying?”

“?”

Just as I was about to say something, Aira suddenly asked that.

…And hearing her say it like that—my adorable daughter, no less—there was no way I could tell her to stop.

“…Do whatever you want.”

“Mm. I love you, Hiroto.”

“──.”

I didn’t say anything.

Just turned my head and stared out the window—away from where Aira was.