Chapter 4 Keeping Secret

Today was another Friday.

Okay, thats it for today. Remember, dont play too much just because its the weekend! Midterm exams are coming up soon!

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, and my classmates began to move in unison.

Some went home immediately, some went to their club activities and some stayed in the classroom to discuss their plans for fun.

See you, Maehara-kun.

See you next week.

After saying goodbye to Ooyama, I immediately left my seat.

Since I didnt have anything else to do at school, of course, I would go back home immediately.

Just before I passed through the door, I glanced at the group that Asanagi-san was in.

Hehe ~ Hey, hey, Umi ~ Lets go somewhere today ~ Everyone said they want to do karaoke with the rest of the class.

Ah, Sorry, Yuu, I have something to do today, so I have to go back home right away.

Eh, again?? Why is it so hard to hang out with you lately? Boo.

Im only busy on Fridays, not the whole weekend. Besides, arent we practically inseparable every other day?

Thats true, but I want to be with Umi every single day!!

Asanagi-san was spoiling Amami-san as if she was a puppy. In other words, their usual antics.

They started doing this ever since Asanagi-san started hanging out with me on Fridays.

Since today was Friday, we promised to hang out at my place like usual.

Normally, we would play games together, but today we were planning to watch a movie.

As for what kind of movie, Asanagi-san would be picking it, so Ill have to wait to find out what were watching.

Anyways, Im busy today so Ill hang out with you tomorrow and the day after, so just be patient, alright?

Boo I understand.

Whenever she had plans to hang out with me, she would always try to refuse Amami-sans invitation like this.

After much deliberation, we came to the conclusion that Asanagi-san and I should keep our friendship a secret from the rest of the class. I proposed this to Asanagi-san and she agreed to it.

As far as we were concerned, Asanagi-san and I were just friends, but other people might think otherwise. There were those that loved to ship certain couples.

Also, even though Amami-san overshadowed her, Asanagi-san was still quite cute. If someone were to find out that we got along this well, they might start some unnecessary trouble. And Id rather not deal with that.

[Asanagi-san]: Sorry.

[Asanagi-san]: I might be late.

[Maehara]: Its fine, dont worry about it.

[Asanagi-san]: So

[Asanagi-san]: Whats for dinner?

[Maehara]: Fried chicken, hamburger, fries. No salad.

[Asanagi-san]: Neat ~

After exchanging messages with her in secret, I tried to leave the class.

If theres no smoke, there wont be a fire. But in my case, Im holding quite a strong spark, so I need to be careful, else I start a fire that Id have no chance of extinguishing.

Alright, so What should I get for today?

Earlier this morning, I took the 2000 yen that mom left on the table and put it in my pocket, wondering what I should eat with Asanagi-san.

I found myself actually enjoying this, which was kind of out of character for me.

[Asanagi-san]: Ah

[Asanagi-san]: Right!

[Maehara]: Whats up?

[Asanagi-san]: I havent told you the genre of todays movie.

[Maehara]: Mmm?

[Asanagi-san]: Shark movie.

[Maehara]: Shark movie?

Why shark movie? When talking about shark movies, I could only imagine man-eating sharks randomly attacking people swimming in the ocean, blood spraying everywhere Does she love that kind of B-movie?

Hey, Umi The thing you have to do Is it a family matter?

Yeah, what about it?

Nothing ~ Its just that I smell something fishy from you ~ Why does your voice sound bouncy I wonder~?

Asanagi-san and I had never talked with each other in class before, so we shouldnt have roused Amami-sans suspicion, but shes surprisingly sharp.

Huh? Does it?

But Asanagi-san didnt fall for it and instead replied to her calmly.

Wait, Yuu, do you actually want to go to my home and say hello to my brother? Well, Ill notify him then.

Ugh

Ah yeah, I wonder how long has it been since the last time Yuu met my brother? Since 1st year of middle school? Im sure that hell be happy if he knows that youre coming ~ Who knows, maybe hell even crawl up to you ~

Uee

I didnt know that Asanagi-san had an older brother, but it seemed like he had quite the personality. It was to the point that Amami-san was wincing like that.

So? What will you do? Come over to my house, or just call it quits for today?

Ill call it quits

Is that so? Too bad ~

Ugghh

As expected of Asanagi-san. Not only did she deal with the situation calmly, she even pulled out the uno reverse card on Amami-san. Also, it was refreshing seeing her telling such a brazen lie with a straight face like that.

Tomorrow then

Yes, yes, I promise Ill make up for it properly, okay, Princess Yuu?

Although we previously agreed to not tell anyone about our friendship, I think it would be fine if Asanagi-san just told Amami-san the truth, but well, Ill leave it to her judgment.

By the way, Asanagi-san seemed to be in a good mood.