Magic

The one who popped up was Saiga. With his natural hair flip and confident demeanor, he’s certainly the class’s opinion leader.

Kisaragi tilted her head.

“Huh, I have a date with Ryoma.”

What are you casually saying?

“Don’t decide my plans without asking.”

“Nope. It’s annoying. Once I go home, I won’t be able to come to school for three days. Are you saying the perfect Godai Ryoma should let me have a bad time during that?”

“What kind of logic is that…”

Looking to Saiga for help, he had a somewhat awkward expression, tongue pressing against his cheek, looking away.

“Uh, seems like Ryoma is busy. How about settling for me?”

What a unique pickup line.

Kisaragi, blinking at Saiga’s offer, then laughed out loud.

“Haha, what’s that. You’ve become quite amusing, Naomichi.”

“Well, I’ve polished my sense of humor. How about it? Want to come with me?”

“Not bad, but sorry. I don’t compromise.”

“…Well, yeah. That makes sense.”

Saiga shrugged, hands behind his head.

“Come on, Ryoma, let’s go.”

“Have fun, Ryoma.”

“Why is it like that?”

Now, trying to go out with me suddenly, I don’t understand what Kisaragi is thinking… And Saiga’s mentality too. It’s scary.

As I mulled over these thoughts, Kisaragi pulled my arm and dragged me out of the classroom.

…Well, I didn’t have any plans.

──I wondered if Kisaragi and Godai-kun are dating?

──They look good together.

──Godai-kun is the only one who can stand next to Airi.

There were various speculations, which I thought might not be good for Kisaragi.

Just as I was leaving the classroom, I made eye contact with Kinoshita, who was surrounded by girls.

“Ah… Godai-san ──”

Her eyes seemed to plead, but this was the phase where she needed to strengthen her bonds with friends, even if it meant throwing her into the deep end.

Hoping her friend-making would go well as planned, I gave her a thumbs-up.

…Kisaragi, why you so strong.

†

“Ahhh, taking a break is important!”

Chofu Station. The city center where even express trains stop, and the closest station to our school.

Walking confidently through the department store, Kisaragi stretched contentedly.

Her figure, apparent even through her uniform, was highlighted.

She should be cast in bronze and made into a statue for everyone’s happiness.

“Have you been taking breaks recently?”

She turned around, asking casually.

Taking breaks, huh? I hadn’t thought about it much.

“If I take a break, I feel like I won’t get back on track, so I don’t think about it much.”

“Still unhealthy as ever. You should have a hobby. Also, update your Instagram.”

“It’s a tool for posting pictures when you feel like it. It’s not an obligation.”

“Even so, updating once a month? Are you a magazine?”

“There’s no point in putting effort into something with no demand, especially with only one follower.”

“One follower is enough for your demand.”

“What a unique insult…”

That one follower is saying something. Though Airi’s influencer account doesn’t follow me.

It’s an account called “A.” The account “A” follows “Go.”

Kisaragi’s other account.

“That ‘A’ account is so naggy. Always pushing for updates.”

The comments are mostly complaints.

“It can’t be helped. Your photos are always random. Don’t suddenly post slugs. I screamed in the studio.”

“I thought hydrangeas, rain, and slugs were a great combo.”

“It’s still May!! And you know I’ll see it!”

“You said to take and post freely… Also, don’t check in the studio.”

“It’s your fault for posting at that time.”

“Turn off Instagram notifications… You must get a lot anyway.”

“I turned off all notifications for Airi’s account.”

Huh? …What?

“So, you mean? Instagram notifications = my photo notifications?”

“…”

She turned away.

“No wonder your likes come so fast. Maybe I should become a photographer.”

“Don’t get conceited!!!!”

Kisaragi yelled. People stared. “Is that Airi?” I heard. Phones aimed at us. Hey, get permission first. I approached a rough-looking guy.

“If you want to take a picture, ask for permission.”

“Huh? Oh, s-sorry!! Can I take a picture?”

“…Sure.”

A mini photo session started. How annoying…

After taking pictures with a few people, Kisaragi returned with a strange expression.

“What’s wrong? Not happy with how you looked?”

“That’s not it… I’m just used to getting my picture taken without permission.”

“Hmm? Did I interfere?”

“No… Sorry, for standing out.”

“I’m used to it.”

I’ve been involved with Airi’s activities from the start.

I stepped back once she could handle things on her own.

“Hey, Ryoma. What have you been doing lately?”

Kisaragi looked up at me, lightly touching her lips, as if thinking.

“The usual.”

“The usual I know is being my lackey.”

“At least call me your cameraman. Probably the same as before.”

“I see.”

“Kisaragi?”

When I furrowed my brow, curious about her meaning, she shook her head.

“It’s nothing. I just feel like I don’t know anything about you when I’m not around.”

“…Isn’t that the same for everyone?”

“It is, but sometimes I don’t like it. You wouldn’t understand.”

She stuck out her tongue playfully.

“I’m hungry. I want pancakes.”

So free-spirited.

“You’re the same ‘usual’ I know.”

“True. I haven’t changed in front of you.”

Saying that, Kisaragi started walking beside me.