Chapter 97By the Side of the Goddess, Part 7
"'You will get news from that girl tomorrow and tell us.' That's your punishment."
"Oh..."
That was the "punishment" I suddenly proposed to Sajocchi for scaring Aichi. Aichi was reluctant at first, but I think it would be good if Aichi and Sajocchi could become closer, with a little calculation.
"...Understood."
You understand, Sajocchi. We will use this punishment for that... ...Well, if our pushing will help Sajocchi by pushing him back, then that's fine... ...but I'm sure this is mostly because Aichi is so nice... ...right?
"..."
"..."
"..."
Swing and the three of us were silent for a while. That was because Aichi decided to take a punishment that could solve Sajocchi's problem. The silence was like saying "Then we'll use this punishment for that".
But, um... ...I feel that this feels like a waste–.
"Are you sure, Aichi? We could have just asked Sajocchi to buy us a lot of drinks."
"Th-That kind of thing..."
"But for me, I'd be happy to buy you guys drinks, you know?"
"You shouldn't waste your money!"
"I love you, Aichi. You do care a lot about money, huh!"
I'm not serious! Aichi, I think you're being too hasty. I think the fact that Sajocchi was in a good mood was the result of his feelings of love. Maybe he just had an ulterior motive for wanting to see Aichi's angry face. But isn't it a bit perverted when Sajocchi does that?
"No, well, it's fine, I wouldn't mind buying Ashida some drinks."
"Oh!? Eh!? Wh-Why?"
Eh!? What do you mean!? Are you cheating on me!? Are you cheating with me, Sajocchi!? Are you okay doing that with me!? No, that's not good, I feel sorry for Aichi!? How can you suddenly be like this?
"I didn't expect that you would take this seriously. You mean, do you regret it...?"
"Eh, what does that mean?"
But there was also a part of me that was rather happy when I said that. Sajocchi was thanking me. It was unexpected because I was often treated rather harshly by him... ...I wish he could show that honesty more in his daily life.
"—Although it's not very special, well..."
"Well, you see... ...I think it might be good for Kei too."
"Heh?"
When I looked up, Sajocchi was looking at me while making an innocent expression on his face, and Aichi was looking at me with very kind eyes. It was as if she was gazing lovingly at Ai-chan... — Wait, wait, wait, wait!? What's wrong with you, Aichi!?
"Hey, hey, hey, hey, you two! How come you're suddenly being nice to me?"
"U-Ugh, what's that about? Maybe it's because I just couldn't resist my instincts?"
"What are you talking about... ...I owe Kei a favor, and since she's been doing her best in her club activities, that's why I want to support her. On the other hand, it's easier for you to thank her for being selfish every day, isn't it?"
"I think that probably applies to our other classmates as well."
"W-Wait...!"
Oh, it's so hot...! My face is hot! I'm sure my face must be red right now! Why are you two suddenly saying that? You should have spoken more casually! We're talking about Sajocchi! Now is not the time to talk about that!
"Kei... ...come here."
"Aichi, you've made your big sis happy, huh?"
Sajocchi, you're laughing!? What's with that stupid smile!? You don't usually look like that! What's going on here!? Am I dreaming!?
"Well, you see, there's no need to hold back. It will probably make Natsukawa happier then."
"You should also thank Kei!"
"I've been thinking about this for a while, but isn't Natsukawa too fond of Ashida? I think it's a bit strange."
"D-Don't you think so? It's a normal thing between friends, you know! I-It doesn't matter if it's not Kei."
"Eh?"
"I-It's nothing!"
"?"
It wasn't a dream. The two of them suddenly started teasing me. I wondered if I should say thank you for this dish..., but I also didn't expect that the result would leave my heart satisfied. Where should I vent my happy feelings, huh? Just to Ai-chan, right? Should I put the sleepy Ai-chan like that?
Wake up, and stay calm.
I slapped myself in the face and came back to my senses. Aichi looked at me with a surprised look on her face. Well, I don't mind!
As I continued to do that, ignoring that strange look, I finally felt like my usual self again. That's because those two... there's no possibility to let your guard down.
"...Phew."
"You don't have to slap yourself in the face like that."
"It's both of your faults, Aichi!"
Oh! No need to laugh! Those two embarrassed me! Sajocchi is just as guilty! Even if you're grateful, you shouldn't do things that make girls other than Aichi fall for you! Are you listening to me, Sajocchi!?
...Eh? Sajocchi?
"..."
As I turned my face away from him, Sajocchi fell silent again, as if deep in thought. Aichi has decided on a punishment for you, and I think it's quite a difficult task. I think you might still be awkward with that girl, and there's no way she can change her mind right away.
(TL Note: Starting from this part, the POV used here is different from the LN version, where the WN version still uses Kei's POV).
"...Oh, sorry. I was playing with her."
"It's okay Airi is also sleeping. You've also gotten your share."
"Eh, what kind of share is that?"
"Playing with Airi is like "exercising". It's a bit difficult to keep up with... ...her full power all the time."
"Natsukawa's athleticism is indeed not a natural trait from birth."
"Stop it, I'm not that kind of person!"
I'm glad to know the reason. I was curious why you were so sharp at this when you weren't active in any sports or other club activities, but I didn't know that you also had a secret like that. That's good but I'm not sure.
"If that's the case, call me again! I'll help you!"
"R-Really...?"
"Is four times a week okay?"
"You don't need to do it that often!"
I came here more to recharge my energy from Ai-chan rather than to meet you two! I don't even feel tired today! It's like I'm accepting everything with all my strength. But if I'm making Ai-chan tired, it would be better if I didn't do that.
"I think it's good that Sajocchi comes here often too!"
"Eh!? Th-That's..."
"..."
Aichi glanced at Sajocchi unintentionally. Sajocchi turned his face away awkwardly. What's with the attitude of running away like that? Aren't you allowed to come to Aichi's house legally? Legally (emphasis added). Honestly, Aichi doesn't seem to be entirely happy about it, so stop looking away at times like this, ...because it would be a waste.
"...Alright, if Natsukawa doesn't mind."
"Aichi doesn't mind, after all...."
"Your voice is so noisy."
Sajocchi looked at me as if to say, "Don't talk so much.". Hey, don't look at me like that.
I wonder if this is a much more serious problem for Sajocchi than I thought...? From my perspective, I think if the two of them can be honest with each other, they'll soon be able to get along well with each other... especially Aichi. They've been doing well lately, haven't they? Try harder...!
"...Oh."
"..."Oh"?"
"You must be able to... ...hold Airi properly..."
"..."
Wow... what kind of destructive power is that...? He's looking at me so tensely? Sajocchi's face turned bright red and he fell silent. Isn't he suffering from brain fever right now? I don't think he's capable of that kind of action. So I guess this is the difference in girl power... ...Maybe I should drink a smoothie tomorrow morning.
"..."
"...Wait."
"Wh-What's wrong...?"
Sajocchi did not move. No, that's not right, I thought to myself. Isn't it dangerous that Aichi said something like that to you and you didn't do anything? It's a boy's place to show off. That's why there's no way for him to back down or anything like that.
"I-I understand... ...I'll carry her."
Well, if I had to put it into words, he's a playboy! I don't think it's wise to say that out loud, but Sajocchi, I don't think you have any free time.
"...Can you do that?"
Aichi said with a somewhat sullen face. If you don't carry Ai-chan properly, she won't agree, right? Aichi's siscon mode was activated, but what would Sajocchi do?
"...It's cool too, isn't it? I've been watching Natsukawa while carrying Airi-chan."
"..."
Aichi was frightened. She looked back slightly and I saw her face turning red. Sajocchi didn't notice this because he was looking away.
Guehehehe! Keep going, keep going, keep going! I love this kind of thing! I wish I could watch this from a distance! I don't know what else to do! I don't know why I'm here! I'm trapped! Why!?
"So—Natsukawa?"
"I-It's nothing, it's nothing!"
"A-Ah...!"
Aichi tried to divert. I think she was trying not to let Sajocchi see her face by looking down slightly, but she couldn't hide her face at all. Don't worry, Sajocchi couldn't look at Aichi properly either. Seriously, though, where did that sharp-eyed Sajocchi go?
"Th—Then... ...Okay."
Aichi carried Ai-chan again and prepared to hand her over to Sajocchi. Ai-chan woke up, with sleepy eyes, "...Hmmm?" she said curiously. That's cute, I want to accept it as it is. But I can't, can I? Calm down, my right arm...! If you ruin the atmosphere here, it's a crime for the rest of your life!
"...Oh."
Sajocchi approached Aichi and extended his hand. He looked nervous. Come to think of it, Ai-chan had already ridden Sajocchi, but she had never been carried properly. Did Sajocchi think of something and refrain from doing that?
"...-joc... ...hmm..."
"Hmmm..."
"..."
"Hey, Ashida—Natsukawa, too?"
As I picked up my smartphone without thinking, Sajocchi looked at me with a complaining look. When I slowly turned my head to the side, Aichi was also holding her smartphone with a strange facial expression like it was unbearable. Sajocchi looked uncomfortable. Well, be patient, Sajocchi. If you return Ai-chan at this time, I will never forgive you.
Sajocchi managed to carry Ai-chan properly. He returned to the sofa held Ai-chan and stroked her head and back, just like Aichi did. Oh... ...Sajocchi is already worthy of being a big bro. This is a very new sight... isn't this a rare occurrence? Can I take a picture? No, no, I can see it all the time.
"...Stroke Airi again."
"O-Oh..."
Aichi gave instructions. Although Sajocchi was somewhat confused, he turned his attention to Ai-chan once again and began to stroke and rub her hair and back gently. Ai-chan rubbed her cheek against Sajocchi's chest while saying, "Mmm...". I think she feels happy. That's good... ...I want to be pampered like that by Ai-chan too.
Just as I was thinking that, Aichi suddenly started moving.
"Eh?"
"Eh?"
Sajocchi and, we both let out our voices. Aichi moved to Sajocchi's side. Um... Eh? Aichi? I wonder if I missed something, what are you going to do?
"..."
"...Huh."
Sajocchi, don't make strange noises.
Aichi sat next to Sajocchi and started stroking the hair of Ai-chan who was being carried by Sajocchi. It was obvious that Sajocchi was starting to act suspiciously as if he couldn't stand being so close to Aichi anymore.
Eh, what the heck? Are you a married couple? What are you showing off to me? No, it's a good thing I want to see, isn't it...? Aichi changed drastically. She moved next to Sajocchi like she was possessed. She had already put on her big sis full mode. From an outsider's point of view, they were like newlyweds, but they would have been perfect if not for Sajocchi who was making an annoyed face... ...But isn't it a good time for you to build up your tolerance for that for now?
Oh, Sajocchi has reached his limit. He looked at me with a look that said, "Help me!". Can't you continue like this for a bit longer? Oh, you can't take it anymore? What the heck, I'll try my best to help you.
"Hey Aichi, don't leave me alone!"
"Eh-Eh!? Eh!? I-I..."
"Sajocchi has already reached his limit, so why don't you return to your original position, okay?"
"—!!? Ah... ...Ah..."
Aichi immediately turned her head to the side and her face turned red when she met Sajocchi's face. I was so shocked that I was at a loss for words. Can I say this one more time? What the heck are you guys showing off to me?
"—...Run away!"
Oh, how dare you say that in front of me?
Author's Note: Eh?
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
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