The next day, after receiving advice from Hiiragi-san at my part-time job. I was so nervous I couldn’t press the doorbell at Saito’s house at all.

    (Calm down. Just act like usual…)

    I told myself in my mind and took a deep breath and repeated.

    I realized that I was starting to like her, but it was somewhat awkward and I didn’t know how to face her.

    I rang the doorbell hesitantly, aware that the sound of my heart thumping isn’t calming down at all.

    [Yes]

    The door opened and revealed her from the inside. Saito looked as usual, with her tied back in a single knot, wearing a loose hoodie and denim shorts.

    In the past, the only objective impression I had would have been she was good looking and amazing.

    However, maybe it was because I was aware of my own feelings for her that she seemed irresistibly cute. She was still a beautiful girl with a simple and expressionless face, and she had a certain charm that attracted me.

    When I became aware of her as a love interest, I realized once again how attractive she is.

    She has beautiful eyes and ripe fruit-like lips. And to top it off, she has beautiful black hair that shimmers with a lustrous shine.

    I almost fell in love with it, and my heart pounded like crazy.

    [Is something wrong?]

    [N-no, it’s nothing]

    I’ve been looking at her for too long, and she tilted her head and stared at me curiously. She’s still as blunt as ever, but I was a little happier that the thorniness was gone slowly and softer than before.

    There was no way I could say I was admiring her, so I faked composure, and she let me inside.

    [Please, come in]

    [A-ah, yes]

    Somewhat nervous, I raised my voice and went inside.

    I went straight into the room and sat down at my usual seat. As I was going through my backpack to get my books, I heard a stomp and the sound of someone sitting next to me.

    When I turned to look, I saw her sitting in her seat with a hint of red in her cheeks.

    […Eh?]

    [What is it?]

    When I looked at her in surprise, she glared at me with a squint and a slight Tsun tone in her voice.

    [N-no, but sitting next to me…]

    [Am I not allowed to sit next to you?]

    [I don’t mind…]

    [Then, it’s fine]

    When she said so in a strong tone, I had no reason to refuse, so I nodded my head. When she heard my approval, she turned away from me in a good mood, opened her book, and started reading.

    I couldn’t help but be confused by her sudden behavior. I looked at her again, wondering what was going on, but there was nothing unusual about her. Her expression relaxed a little as usual, and she was happily reading a book.

    I don’t know what her intention was, but I didn’t want her to approach me at this time. While I’m trying to be as usual, when I get close to her, I begin to worry about various things.

    I could smell her sweet floral scent that I didn’t get when we were face to face, it was really bad for my heart to have her somewhere in my reach.

    In addition, I didn’t care too much before, but now that I was aware of her as the opposite gender, I couldn’t help but be cautious of the distance between us.

    I was curious, I wanted to see how she was doing, so I glanced at her. When I did, I saw she was also looking at me, and our eyes met.

    [What’s wrong?]

    [N-No, it’s just…]

    I hurriedly looked away, but I was surprised to be seen glancing at her. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was really embarrassed to be caught. My cheeks began to heat up and I felt my face burning.

    […Is that so]

    She rolled her eyes in slight surprise, then softened her expression and smiled with a chuckle.

    I think it was because of my sudden panic that she thought it was amusing. She looked at me with a grin and a happy smirk on her face.

    [What are you laughing at?]

    [Hm? It’s nothing though?]

    I was kind of embarrassed that she laughed at me, so I said it more forcefully, but she didn’t stop and laughed with a devilish smile, like she was teasing me.

    I was a little frustrated by that, but I couldn’t help but pay back her soft smile.(?)

    [Ah, that’s right. Tanaka-kun]

    […What is it]

    The frustration of her teasing smile when our eyes met still lingered, and I couldn’t help but blurt it out.

    [Umm…]

    [Hm?]

    [Do you have any books that you recommend, Tanaka-kun? I’d like to borrow it if possible]

    [Ah, there is. Okay then, I’ll bring it tomorrow]

    [Thank you]

    I’ve been lent so many books, so it’s not a big deal if I lend a book or two myself.

    I nodded my head in approval and she bowed down as thanks.

    [I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I’m curious to know what kind of things Tanaka-kun likes…]

    [Y-Yeah]

    She sounded a little uptight because of her nervousness. With her cheeks slightly dyed in vermillion, she had an embarrassed and shy expression that made my heart pound.

    I could be wrong, but that look on her face makes me wonder if she sees me as someone of the opposite gender. Such a thought came to my mind, and my face became hot again. (TN: Wow, maybe our boy isn’t as dense as we thought?) (EDN: Bet in the next chapter he’ll prove you wrong)