...Now that I think about it, it feels like this is the first time I've revealed something close to my true self to Hijiri.
I was always conscious of showing my good side. I tried to be as careful as possible so as not to be disliked or ruin our relationships.
However, after this conversation, I realized that if I only showed that, it could lead to misunderstandings with Hijiri... so I decided to show my ugly side as well.
Ozora Yohei is a calculating and treasonous person.
He is not a kind person at heart, but rather a selfish person who is kind to others for his own sake.
I told Hijiri clearly with my own mouth.
What did she think about that?
"Oh no. I'm so disappointed in you."
...Well, I guess that's the case.
It's my fault. I wasn't lying to myself, but I was intentionally saying and doing things that would only give people a good impression, which is why they were so disappointed.
Or so I think.
"--But even I'm not that obedient and cute."
... Perhaps it was me who was having an illusion.
Saint was laughing.
As always, he has a relaxed and easy-going smile.
Even after hearing my story, she remained calm, which gave off an air of mystery.
After all, Hime is easier to understand.
And Hijiri can't read at all.
I thought they might be disappointed or disillusioned, but surprisingly that doesn't seem to be the case.
"I feel relieved now. I know that Yohei is a real human being."
"...I don't really think of myself as inhuman though."
"Hmm, I wonder. I just thought it was a little strange."
Apparently, Hijiri had felt something was off about me.
I didn't intend to show anything strange about myself, but...no, maybe that made it seem unnatural.
"I always thought that boys who aren't boyish are really convenient for girls. Isn't it strange that they do everything for you without giving you anything in return?"
"I didn't intend to do anything for you."
"No, I'm doing my best. You have a beautiful girl like me so close to you, right? And I'm actually quite relaxed around you. I'm close enough that you'd accept me if I pushed you. And yet I don't do anything, so doesn't that mean I'm doing my best? I trust you enough to give you something in return... See, if you wanted it, Yohei, I'm within your reach."
Saying that, Hijiri reached out his hand to me.
"If you want to touch it, then touch it."
I feel like that's what he's saying.
But I can't bring myself to reach out.
Because it would risk ruining your relationship with her.
"But that's not what I'm looking for."
"So what do you want?"
"...Hime's feelings, I guess."
"Hmm... So, the reward Yohei received was Hime-chan's smile?"
No. It's not that pretty.
The reward I want is...
"Can we say that this is a sign of love from Hime-chan?"
--That's it.
Hime's favorability. Or perhaps her affection. To gain that, I act like that kind of person towards Hijiri.
"I'm sorry. I'm not thinking about it for Hijiri's sake... I just have strong feelings for her."
All of my principles of action converge on Hime.
That's how much I've been captivated by that girl.
...As I was talking, I finally understood.
That I have a strong attachment to Hime.
That's why I don't ask anything of Hijiri.
Towards me like that, she was laughing, as expected.
"...Ufufu♪"
And he seemed happier than before.
It's as if he was pleased with my answer.
"You and Yohei seem like you'd get along well."
"...Is that what you just said?"
What a strange person. Seriously.
I never thought that something that was supposed to be denied would be affirmed.
"Yeah. I know that you're more beautiful than me... I think so too, so I thought we'd get along really well."
No, that's not it.
It's not like Hijiri has any qualms about being rejected.
He is happy that Hime is being affirmed.
"Isn't it okay? Even though he's calculating and has a dark side, it doesn't change the fact that Yohei is very kind to me."
His belly is pitch black...are you trying to say he's scheming?
Of course, I'm not really that worried about it.
"I really feel comfortable when I'm with Yohei. Is this what it means to have similar values?"
"...Well, I guess that's true."
"Yeah. So I don't mind at all... Don't worry about it, just take good care of Hime-chan."
...This guy is more of a sister complex than I thought.
I never thought he'd be happy when someone told him that his sister was more important to him than him.
It seems that Hijiri dotes on his younger sister too much.