After speaking with Ayame-san's father, I returned to the study room, hoping I hadn't kept her waiting too long.
"Tomoki-kun, are you ready to continue?"
I thought she'd ask where I had been, but I guess I made it back just in time. Lucky me.
"Of course! Bring it on."
She started by explaining my strengths and weaknesses based on the test. Afterward, she outlined what I should focus on moving forward and how I should study. She told me that studying like today, consistently, was key—otherwise, I'd forget everything I'd just learned.
"For now, let's stop. Good job, Tomoki-kun. So, what do you think? Was I helpful?"
"Helpful? You were amazing! The materials you prepared and your explanations—seriously, they were incredible. Thank you again. I don't even know how I could repay you."
"Fufu~ That's okay... Well, I mean... if you really want to repay me… can I ask for something selfish?"
"Huh? Of course! Whatever you want."
"Whatever!? You really shouldn't say something like that to a woman, okay?"
"Okay, cool. Sorry?" — That caught me off guard.
She took a deep breath.
"Come closer."
"Sure." — Maybe she wants to play a prank or something?
"Closer."
"..." — I moved in until we were almost touching. Now I was really nervous.
"Close your eyes."
"..." — I closed them. Was she going to draw on my face or something? Not gonna lie, part of me was expecting a kiss.
"Tomoki-kun… why do you trust me so much?"
That… wasn't the question I expected. But I can answer it easily.
"You're my friend. And you've helped me so many times. Of course I trust you." — And my eyes were still closed.
"Really? What if I told you I only helped you because I expected something in return? Would you still trust me?"
"Yeah, I would. If that's the case, then I want to know what your wish is—more than anything. Come on, don't be shy."
She didn't say anything at first. The silence dragged on. I could still feel her presence right in front of me. Is she hesitating? Maybe I need to encourage her.
"Tell me your wish, my lady. Because I'll grant it! Unless it's expensive... because I'm kinda broke—"
Suddenly, she hugged me. Tight.
"Hug me."
Something had definitely happened. I just want to give her a little peace of mind.
"Sure." — I hugged her back.
"Tighter."
At this point, I'm sure she can hear my heartbeat. But her wish comes first.
"Is this comfortable for you? Let me know if it's too much."
"It's perfect. Hey… one of the maids told me you met my father. Did he say something to you?"
Ah… now it make sense. I can tell her relationship with her father—and maybe her whole family—is complicated. But should I really tell her everything he told me? It was heavy stuff.
"He showed me his garden and asked what I thought of you, just like your mother did. I hope I gave him a good impression."
She slowly let go of me and stepped back.
"I see… Sorry for all the trouble. I guess my parents couldn't contain their curiosity about you."
"That's okay. I think all parents are like that."
"Hey, Tomoki-kun—you can open your eyes now."
Just then, Sasaki-san entered the room.
"Excuse me, lunch is served in the dining room."
"Tomoki-kun, you can go ahead. I'll tidy up here."
"I can help you."
"It's fine. I can't have a guest doing chores. Don't worry—I'll be right there."
"Okay, I'll be waiting."
Sasaki-san guided me to the dining room. Still, I felt guilty leaving Ayame-san behind to clean up.
...
"Why did you lie to me…"
♦♦♦
While waiting for Ayame-san, I sat at the table with Akane-san, being served by Sasaki-san and a few maids. Only Ayame-san and her father were missing. Her absence made me more nervous than I expected. Especially because—
"So, Morikawa-kun, how was your study session?" — Akane-san asked.
"Yeah, I feel like I really improved thanks to Ayame-san's help."
"Fufu~ I'm glad to hear it."
After talking to Elian-san—Ayame-san's father—I couldn't help feeling awkward around Akane-san. Her kind smile now felt a bit too unreadable.
Eventually, Ayame-san arrived.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No problem. If anything, it's my fault you were late."
"Well then, let's eat! We can't keep our guest waiting, right? I hope you enjoy it." — Akane-san said.
Everyone began eating, and I tried my best to copy their manners. I really hope that I wasn't embarrassing myself. That said—wow! This steak is incredible.
"So, do you like it?" — Akane-san asked.
"Yes, it's delicious!"
"I'm glad. Feel free to ask for more if you'd like."
"Thank you!"
I ended up asking for seconds. I just couldn't resist. Other than that, nothing particularly notable happened during the meal—everyone ate quietly.
Well… there was one thing that bothered me. Where was her father?
Not that it was surprising.
"Ayame, why don't you give our guest a little tour of the house?" — Akane-san suggested.
"Great idea, Mom! What do you say, Tomoki-kun?"
"Sure, sounds good to me."
And so, she showed me around her mansion. The kitchen, another living room, the maids' quarters, Akane-san's office, a storage room, another living room with a fireplace, and the garden—yes, the same one where I talked to Elian-san.
They even had a basement. It was the only place that wasn't sparkling clean like the rest of the mansion.
"We don't use it much, so the maids only clean it about once a month."
"It's still cleaner than my bedroom."
"Hee~ Now I want to see your bedroom one day."
"If you want, you can come visit my humble home, my lady."
"It'd be my pleasure, my lord."
Who knew a dusty basement would give me a chance to invite the girl I like over?
Still, there was a strange contrast between the spotless luxury upstairs and the slightly neglected basement. It gave off a weird vibe… kind of spooky, honestly.
But it's not like I'd be visiting it again anyway.