Th-that, I... I haven't...
Shioyaki Lemon almost instinctively wanted to say something.
Something like 'I'm not ready yet,' words fitting the current ambiguous atmosphere.
However, just as she was about to start babbling instinctively, Imaizumi Keita in front of her suddenly returned to his previous state.
His eyes, which had been full of concentration and depth just moments ago, reverted to their usual carefree and calm demeanor.
His expression also changed from serious back to that somewhat nonchalant look.
"How was it?"
Imaizumi Keita spoke, his tone so light as if everything just now had been an illusion.
"Now you believe my method works, right? The effect is immediate."
"…"
Shioyaki Lemon was stunned by his sudden change.
The atmosphere that had seemed to draw her in just now vanished without a trace.
Her pounding heart began to slow, and her heated blood gradually cooled.
Shioyaki Lemon first let out a long sigh of relief, her taut shoulders slumping.
That's good... it really was a demonstration...
But then, an inexplicable sense of emptiness and loss welled up, filling her heart.
Why... did she feel a little disappointed?
It seemed to be because, for a moment, she had really been anticipating something.
Thinking of her embarrassing display just now, Shioyaki Lemon's cheeks began to feel warm again.
She looked up at the culprit in front of her, who was acting as if nothing had happened, and a wave of shame and annoyance surged within her.
"You, you guy..."
"Thump, thump."
Shioyaki Lemon mumbled and raised her elbow, gently nudging Imaizumi Keita's ribs twice.
"Ouch! Lemon, what are you doing?"
Imaizumi Keita exaggeratedly cried out in pain, his body naturally stepping back, his face full of an innocent expression.
As if he really didn't know why Yakishio suddenly started elbowing him...
"Hey, you can't blame me for this, can you? It's all your fault for not believing me at first."
"Who cares about you! Idiot Imai-chan!"
Shioyaki Lemon completely ignored his twisted logic, Shioyaki Lemon completely ignored his explanation, and elbowed him again, hiding the rising panic in her heart.
"Who told you to demonstrate it that way! You scared me!"
"Yes, yes, my fault."
Imaizumi Keita raised his hands, surrendering and admitting his mistake without hesitation.
Seeing his demeanor, much of the shame and annoyance in Shioyaki Lemon's heart dissipated.
She stopped her
She recalled the feeling of her heart skipping a beat, the dizzying sensation as all the blood rushed to her head when
That feeling... it seemed different from the nervousness and longing she used to feel when seeing Mitsuki.
When facing Mitsuki, she always subconsciously wanted to show her best side, and would overthink every word he said.
But in front of Imaizumi Keita, she could be very relaxed, she could laugh, she could be playful, and she could even, as she was now, be somewhat unreasonable and vent her anger on him.
And just now, when he teased her with those ambiguous words, she actually... really felt a flutter in her heart and happiness because of it.
Could it be that she really felt as Imai-chan said, towards him...
Shioyaki Lemon secretly glanced at the boy beside her, who was lazily yawning, and that vague thought in her heart became incredibly clear at this moment.
Perhaps... it was there.
This kind of affection that surpassed ordinary friendship.
The two didn't dwell on the topic and walked further along the science museum's tour route.
Imaizumi Keita occasionally explained some interesting exhibits, while Shioyaki Lemon mostly listened quietly, only occasionally humming, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
After turning another corner, they finally saw Ayano Mitsuki and Asagumo Chihaya standing in front of an interactive exhibit.
At this moment, the atmosphere between the two was completely different from when they first met.
Asagumo Chihaya was practically hanging onto Ayano Mitsuki's arm, her face beaming with a bright and satisfied smile, looking up and excitedly telling Ayano Mitsuki something.
And although Ayano Mitsuki's face was still slightly flushed with unnaturalness, the tenderness and amusement in his eyes were undeniable as he listened attentively.
Their intimate appearance exuded a sweet aura that could be felt even from a distance.
Seeing Imaizumi Keita and Shioyaki Lemon approach, Asagumo Chihaya suddenly let go of Ayano Mitsuki's arm excitedly and ran over to greet them.
"Imaizumi-kun!"
Asagumo Chihaya's eyes sparkled, filled with gratitude.
"Thank you so much! I never knew that Mitsuki felt that way about me... That guy is such a blockhead!"
"If it weren't for you, there might have been a huge misunderstanding between us!"
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Shioyaki Lemon, who was just wearing a faint smile, and secretly felt relieved.
That's good; looking at Shioyaki-san, she didn't seem to have any other emotions at all.
Asagumo Chihaya looked at the two standing side by side and couldn't help but feel emotional again.
This is great...
Originally, she had always been a little worried whether Mitsuki still liked Shioyaki-san, his childhood sweetheart who he had spent more time with.
After all, that kind of bond built over many years wasn't easily replaced.
But looking at how Imaizumi-kun and Shioyaki-san were getting along now, the atmosphere between them was so natural and harmonious.
Moreover, Shioyaki-san's gaze would occasionally fall on Imaizumi-kun unconsciously.
It was obvious that Shioyaki-san liked Imaizumi-kun a bit more.
Imaizumi-kun is truly a super nice guy!
Not only did he help her solve her relationship troubles with Mitsuki, but he also managed to win over Mitsuki's childhood sweetheart, completely resolving her future worries!
It was simply wonderful!
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