The relationship between me and Hijiri, huh?
I think there's no doubt that we are friends. However, we're not as close as friends of the same sex. We talk when we see each other, and it's not awkward when we're alone, but I don't think we can call it a deep relationship.
"Hime-chan has said she wants to marry me, but I have no intention of doing so."
"...I don't think Hijiri sees me as that kind of person."
"I'm not the only one. Yohei is the same."
...Me too, huh?
Well, that's true. I've never thought about wanting to become Kiyoshi's lover or anything like that. In fact, I didn't think there was any room for such a thought.
There's no way I'm a man worthy of Hijiri-san. Because I'm convinced of this, I'm actually quite grateful that I don't have to harbor any strong ulterior motives or evil feelings.
If that wasn't the case, I was sure I wouldn't even be able to maintain the distance we have now.
"But I've never liked a boy before. I don't know what that feels like."
"I see...So you don't have a boyfriend, Hijiri?"
"Isn't it too late now? If I had a boyfriend, I wouldn't eat cake with Yohei's fork."
"...If you noticed, then don't use it. I'd be the one having trouble knowing how to react."
"By the way, there's no one like that in the past either, so don't worry, okay?"
"No, no. I don't think it's a problem."
Well, it's a bit tricky to say whether I would actively like to hear about my friend's dating history, so maybe it's easier to approach her if she doesn't have a past.
Or rather... it seemed like the tableware was being used intentionally.
That kind of thing makes me really nervous, so I wish he would stop.
"Ufufu. Sorry~♪ But, after using it, I realized... I felt normal even when I indirectly kissed Yohei."
"Well, I'm glad you didn't think it was gross."
"That's right. The tableware of a male classmate... normally I think he would be reluctant to use it, but Yohei didn't seem to mind."
In other words, it's not like they have a bad impression of him.
I'm honestly happy about that. Perhaps as friends, we've built a relationship of mutual trust.
That was a good thing, and I began to come to terms with it.
"Well, if it's Yohei, I guess it's fine."
"Eh? So it's fine?"
"Yeah. I think it would be nice to get married."
Yu, loose.
Now that I think about it, I remember that this person had a very easy-going personality.
"It's not like I think of you as the opposite sex, but I do like you normally... I think you're the best out of all the boys I've met, so I guess that's fine too."
And I was surprised that it was rated higher than I expected.
I certainly thought he wasn't disliked, but... even this level of favorability seems to be the highest it's ever been for Hijiri.
"Of course, I might change my mind later, but for now I don't mind it that much."
It seemed that Kiyoshi was not opposed to getting married.
I don't dislike it, so it's fine. I can't really say that.
(...Hmm, this might be getting difficult.)
How should I put it, I felt like I could marry Hijiri if I wanted to.
I feel like this person would probably accept me if I pushed him...it seems like he already has that much of an opinion.
This has made things even more difficult.
(Whether I choose Hime or Hijiri... it's up to me.)
To be honest, I feel like giving up on thinking, "How arrogant of me to think like that."
But seeing the attitude of the two of them, it was not in his character to not face this.
If it's just overthinking, a misunderstanding, or a misunderstanding, then that's fine.
But if the Hoshimiya sisters' feelings are genuine...then I want to respond to their feelings properly.
I thought that was the maximum sincerity I could show.