It seems that Mei's spilling of tea on Hime's clothes was not a mistake after all, but was intentional.
(It just seemed unnatural.)
The tea that was spilled was iced tea, so there was no risk of burns.
The cup didn't fall off the table, so it didn't break.
The bath was already prepared. If they were going to eat dinner now, it would have been better to wait a little longer.
When you think about it, the fact that dinner preparation was delayed in the first place seems strange.
Because Mei said that she had planned to invite me.
That's why he came to pick me up early. But still, it took so long to prepare dinner... It wasn't exactly unnatural, but when you combine it with the other circumstances, it still felt strange.
Seeing it in writing like this makes me feel it again.
Considering it was a mistake, the damage was minimal, and the follow-up was perfect...
It seems all of this was a ploy to get me alone.
It seems like Mei has something she really wants to say to me.
"Is there something you want to tell me?"
"Yes, that's right."
"...Does that mean it had to be just the two of us?"
"Of course. It has to be just the two of us."
I can tell without asking.
You can tell from the atmosphere that it's a serious matter.
(No matter what people say, I'll hold my head high. I have nothing to feel guilty about.)
I took a deep breath once.
Make up your mind and make up your mind.
I think Mei-san, Hime... or maybe just her. I think everyone, including Hijiri-san, will have something to say about their friendship with the Hoshimiya sisters.
To begin with, the two of them are not of a status that a commoner like me could get involved with.
There's no doubt that Mei, who is likely taking care of the Hoshimiya sisters, doesn't find me very pleasant.
I would like to believe that they wouldn't ask me to cut off all ties with them, but I can easily imagine that they would give me some harsh criticism.
"Young lady is not worthy of someone of your status."
"Please don't deceive my lady."
"It's troubling that they're giving away common people's food like sweets without permission."
I can't help but feel like something like that will be said.
No matter what she says, I'll try to keep my arguments to a minimum... I'll try not to upset Mei as much as possible, while still maintaining a good relationship with the Hoshimiya sisters.
They are both very important friends to me.
It's no exaggeration to say that Kiyoshi and especially Hime are a source of healing for the soul.
There's no way we could cut ties.
Therefore, she wants to keep her relationship with Mei, whom the Hoshimiya sisters adore, as peaceful as possible.
After making that decision, he looked up again.
"Yes, I understand. Please tell me anything."
I'm ready now.
Perhaps Mei could sense his serious feelings.
"...It's difficult to say, but this is probably the only time I can say it, so I'll take this opportunity to tell you."
She also looked straight at me with a serious expression.
She stared at me with her pale eyes, then slowly opened her mouth.
His solemn gestures created a serious atmosphere.
He spoke in a cold voice.
Those words were――
"Thank you for becoming friends with my young lady...th-"
--Ah, what?
Even though I was prepared, the words that came out were a surprise: "Thank you."
"thanks so much"
There's no way I'd misheard.
As she expressed her gratitude for the second time, Mei bowed deeply.
Ninety degrees. Not only was her hair whorl visible, but she also bowed beautifully, even showing the hairline at the back of her head.
What was spoken seriously were not words of negation.
It was an unexpected "thank you"...