When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 15: It's Like A Dream, But It's Bad For My Heart—3.

It’s Like A Dream, But It’s Bad For My Heart—3.

I pondered for a moment.

For a manga beginner like Ayame, something like an isekai with implicit genre knowledge wouldn’t work. A work with meta elements wouldn’t be ideal either. Since I’m recommending it to a girl, a plot with suggestive themes is out of the question. In that case…

“How about this one?”

After some consideration, I headed to the bookshelf and picked out a particular work.

“Amagami Nyanko no Shio Musubi”—commonly called “Amanyan”. It’s a straightforward, classic romantic comedy, so I think even a beginner could enjoy it. It’s also quite popular among women.”

“Wow! The illustrations are wonderful!”

“It’s not just the art, the story is great too. You should give it a try if you’d like.”

“Will you lend it to me?!”

“Yeah. Once you’re done reading it, tell me what you think.”

“Yes! Thank you so much!”

As I handed over Amanyan, Ayame took it with a smile, looking as if her tail would wag if she had one.

Seeing her this happy made me feel happy too.

As I smiled to myself, Ayame began fidgeting in front of me. Her gaze kept darting around, always returning to Amanyan in her hands.

It seemed like she couldn’t wait to start reading.

Amused by the sight, I suggested,

“Why not start reading it now?”

“Is it okay?!”

Ayame beamed with a wide smile, but then quickly seemed to snap back to reality, shrinking a little in apology.

“But, your assignment isn’t finished yet…”

“It’s fine, just for a little bit. Thanks to you helping me, I have some time to spare. Plus, I’d be happy if you could read the manga I recommended.”

“Well then, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

It seemed she was really eager to start, as Ayame eagerly plopped down on the cushion. Her excited expression was like that of a child being taken to an amusement park.

She had always had this refined image, but the more I got to know her, the more I realized how unexpectedly cute she was.

As I reflected on this warm thought, Ayame patted the spot beside her.

“Won’t you read with me, Tetsu-kun?”

“Eh?”

The unexpected invitation caused me to let out a silly-sounding reply.

“Huh? Together?”

“Yes. Since this is my first time reading manga, there might be parts I don’t understand. It’d be really helpful if you could explain them to me.”

“I-I see…”

“And also, you like this manga, don’t you? I think things you enjoy are even more fun when you share them with someone, don’t you?”

“Th-That’s true…”

“Then let’s read it together!”

“I-I guess so…”

Partly swept along by the moment, I sat down next to Ayame.

She smiled contentedly and opened the pages of the manga.

***

Thirty minutes later.

Ayame closed the “Amanyan” manga with a soft pat.

“It was really interesting!” she said.

She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling like they were filled with stars.

“The artwork is beautiful, and the characters are so lively! Not to mention, the story was wonderful! It was sweet, sparkling, and a little bittersweet. My heart was fluttering the entire time!”

“I’m glad you liked it,” I replied, smiling.

“Yes! Thank you so much for letting me read such a wonderful story!” she exclaimed excitedly.

I returned her smile, but inside, I was still a bundle of nerves.

From the moment I sat down next to Ayame, I had been on edge. Her beauty was so close, just a tilt of my head and I could almost touch her. Her warmth was radiating from her shoulder against mine, and the delicate scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air. For someone like me, who wasn’t used to being around girls, it was all too overwhelming.

Though I had fantasized about situations like this, when it actually happened, all I could do was feel flustered. The content of the manga hadn’t even registered in my mind.

Ever since spending time with Ayame, my heart had been racing every time we interacted. It was wonderful, but honestly, it was hard on my heart.

In the midst of these luxurious worries, Ayame hugged “Amanyan” to her chest, her smile softening like a gentle breeze.

“I’m really glad I could learn to love something you love, Tetsu-kun.”

Her smile was so genuine, so full of trust—it was the first time I had seen her like this.

Without thinking, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized.

She had made my heart race countless times already, but this moment? It was the most overwhelming yet.