We're in a library, so keep your voice down.
But Hime's voice carried well, so it was easy to hear.
"I was thinking of borrowing some reference books so that my sister could study at home, but it seems like everyone else is thinking the same thing, and they've all already been borrowed."
Perhaps he has already read my intentions.
He told me before I could ask why he had suddenly come to the library.
"So, I had come all the way to the library and I felt a bit bad about leaving so soon... But then I was browsing and I found an interesting book, so I started reading it."
Saying this, Hime showed me the book she was holding.
The contents are... well, I don't really understand. It seems like a difficult academic book.
"Sorry for interrupting your reading."
Maybe there was no need to come looking for him after all.
I feel so sorry, like I've gotten in Hime's way. Maybe it's because I feel guilty that I might be overprotective, but I'm feeling awfully negative today.
"No, no. You can always read the book, so don't worry about it."
But Hime is cheerful.
As always, she looked happy and stared straight at me.
"Chatting with Youhei is more precious time."
"No, no. You can talk to me anytime."
"That's not true. The only time I can chat with Youhei is when he's around."
...I'm not just saying that as flattery.
Hime is honest. I'm not the kind of person who can say things she doesn't really mean with such a bright expression.
For better or worse, this kid doesn't fake his emotions.
Because of this, I become expressionless when it comes to things I'm not good at, but when it comes to things I like... my expression becomes relaxed.
And now Hime was smiling very gently.
That's why this is true.
"I'm much happier talking with Yohei than reading books."
I don't want you to think I'm a nuisance.
More than anything, this time of conversation is very important.
That's what Hime told me.
I was definitely engrossed in the book until just now.
But since I arrived, all of her attention, which was supposed to be on the book, has now been directed towards me.
Proof of this is that Hime's eyes haven't left me since the beginning.
The person Hime was crazy about right now was me.
I see. That's why she was so happy when she found out I was looking for her.
It's a deep, heartfelt affection. There's no way I wouldn't be happy about that.
"But then the next question arises: why didn't I just go back to an empty classroom?"
Hmm? No, I hadn't thought that far.
However, it seems that the clever Hime is able to think in ways that I can't.
"If spending time with Yohei is more important than books, then why is she reading in the library? She should have gone straight home to where Yohei is, instead of wasting time in the library. This creates a contradiction."
"I, I guess so."
I thought he just felt like reading a book or something like that.
However, Hime seemed to want to give a proper explanation about this as well.
"Naturally, I thought, 'I want to be with Youhei-kun,' too... but then I suddenly thought, 'Now that I think of it, it's just you and I, Youhei-kun, right now.'"
"Well, it was certainly just the two of us."
"Yes. Since we were alone together, I thought this was a good opportunity."
"An opportunity... perhaps?"
"Yes. I thought it would be a great opportunity for the two of you to become closer."
In other words, that incident was the reason Hime was in the library.
It seems that this girl hadn't forgotten about my arranged marriage to Hijiri-san.