“That means I’m not needed, no?”

 

After school, I went over to class 2-5 because Susami was waiting for me.

 

I thought it would be better to talk to her in person, so I went over to her class…

 

“How could you mix it up to your convenience like that? “

 

 

 “Ugh…this…I feel bad for doing it…I really do”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Susami gave me a sly smile and spoke in such a tone that made me feel guilty.

 

And the fact that I am indebted to her makes it even harder on my mind.

 

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. It was just a last-minute mistake, no? Just leave it to me.”

 

“A-ah…I’ll be counting on you.”

 

“But I presume that I told you that Rika would come even if I wasn’t going to be there.”

 

“I-is that so…? I don’t think so…”

 

“I know Rika better than you do.”

 

“I-I see…”

 

Honestly, When she says it like that, I have no words to counter her.

 

“By the way, what are your plans for the outing? Satsuki and Natsume were calling it a double date?

 

“A-a-ah. Of course, I didn’t tell Tachibana that.”

 

 

 “Hmm…”

 

Susami put her hand under her chin and was in thoughts with her chest slightly puffed.

 

She is as elegant as always, these gestures make her look very graceful.

 

 “Where are you guys going to go?”

 

“Just going around the town. I haven’t heard any specific plans.”

 

“Ahh…so that’s how it is…”

 

For some reason, Susami widened her eyes, looking as if she just realized something.

 

What the heck…is going to happen…

 

 

 “ Just be honest with yourself. It’s good that you’re considerate but sometimes it’s the moment and the excitement that counts.”

 

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

Why am I being lectured like this by a girl the same age as me?

 

Well, she is quite strange, Susami.

 

 

 “Ah, Chitose…and, Kusuba-kun?”

 

Suddenly, I heard a voice coming from the hallway. Susami and I turned around at the same time.

 

 Before I knew it, only Susami and I were left alone in the class.

 

 

 “Ah, Rika. You’re still here?”

 

 

 Susami casually greeted Tachibana, as if our exchange had never happened.

 

 That switch…was terrifying.

 

“Yes. I have something to do in the library.”

 

As Tachibana said that, she looked over to me and Susami one by one.

 

She seemed somewhat uncomfortable, which was unusual for her.

 

 

 “Ah, what are you two…doing here?”

 

“No, it’s nothing. We were just talking.”

 

 

 “Oh, I see…What were you talking about”

 

 

 “It’s nothing important.”

 

For some reason, Susami seemed strangely happy while Tachibana had a dark expression on her face.

 

And me, I couldn’t look Tachibana in the face because I felt guilty.

 

“Oh. We are really close. Aren’t we? Kusuba-kun?”

 

“A-ah. Yeah.”

 

 I felt I was being told to agree with her by looking at the way she looked at me, so I decided to just go along with it.

 

I mean, I don’t think we’re that close, but we’re not distant for sure.

 

“Ah…yes…”

 

It seemed that Tachibana wasn’t feeling well.

I thought that the cold would be completely gone by now…

 

“Anyway, Rika. I look forward to going out with you guys.”

 

“Huh? A-ah. That’s right. But I’ve only heard of the time and place right now.”

 

“It looks like Natsume thought of quite a few plans this time. Mhm, I’m looking forward to it.”

 

Damn…Susami’s acting was just so intentional…

 

And she looks like she is enjoying it.

 

Don’t play with other people’s guilt like that.

 

“Well then, I’ll get going now. I look forward to seeing you on the day out.”

 

Susami casually said that as she quickly left the classroom without hearing Tachibana call out to her.

 

She has a really fast pace.

 

“…Let’s go home?”

 

“…Yes.”