Wh- whawhawha!?

Rino-chan was visibly shaken.

Her bright red face got even brighter and her eyes got wet.

B-b-b-b-butDont you have a girlfriend?! Did you break up with Kurusu Mia-san?

No, we havent

Eh

Rino-chan stops in her place.

Its a natural reaction. Thats why, this is the time for me to properly explain.

I explained how I had three girlfriends, a new one of my classmates may become one and how I want her to be my girlfriend.

If she refuses then thats that.

I thought Rino-chan wanted to be my girlfriend.

Then there is only one method.

Okutani-san

N?

Thats not normal, ya know?

Thats right.

After nodding, I said.

I know

You have three girlfriendsand theres another personeh?

I take Rino-chans hand in order to help with the chaos.

When she stares at me slightly drawing me in, she frowned.

Waiteven if you tell me something so suddenly

Thats right

After agreeing I told her.

Everyones meeting up this Saturday. If you want to become my girlfriendI want you to come then

Please wait. Hold on for a second

Rino-chan moved slowly through the river.

She retreats as if to put a distance between us.

And then she slips.

Kyaa

Her short shriek reached my ears.

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My body unconsciously moved.

I got closer to Rino-chan who was falling on her butt.

I wrap my hands around her back and somehow keep ourselves up.

Ah

Our eyes met.

My heart let out one big thud.

Perhaps Rino-chans did as well.

O-Okutanisan

There was silence as we stared at each other.

The far away sound of childrens voices passed by.

Its a good time. It should be time for the kids to go home.

Please let me go

Sorry

I let go of her while being careful to not have her fall.

Thank you

Rino-chan properly conveys her thanks.

And then, deeply hanging her head she gets out of the river.

Ah, I have a towel in my bag

Silently nodding her head, she takes out the towel from my bag.

And then she wipes her feet and puts on her socks and shoes.

When she looked at me in the river, she had a somewhat artificial smile.

Ill think about it

O-okay

After that, she said goodbye in a small voice and left.

I left the river and wiped my feet then put on my shoes.

I took out my phone and messaged Rino-chan the time and place for the meetup on Saturday.

Theyll be waiting at Okunashi Station at 11am

There was no reply.

I headed home.

Wait, eh? What are you doing here?

Mikotos jersey clad form raised her voice.

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Right now, Im in my bedroom. My childhood friend was sitting cross-legged on my bed.

When I talked about Eda, she gave an obvious reaction.

Do you know Eda?

I dont, I dont

She shook her head back and forth.

Her short black hair drew an arc.

Shes really easy to understand.

Well its fine but since thats how it is, youll be meeting at Edas house on Saturday

He-heeI-is that so, hee

Mikoto nods with a cramped face.

And then she timidly stands up and leaves my room.

A-also

What?!

Stopping her feet in front of my door, Mikotos body shook.

Another person might come

Eh?

I was confessed to today and gave her an explanation

After a bit of silence, Mikoto slapped the back of my head.

You increase them to quickly!

After turning around, I tilt my head towards Mikoto.

But, she probably wont come

That should be obvious! There shouldnt be a human out there that would want to become your girlfriend after being told of this abnormal situation

Right

But, Rino-chan wanted to become my girlfriend.

If she doesnt come on Saturday, itll be obvious Ive been turned down.

While it may be true I have other girlfriends, its not like it wont hurt me.

Rather if she comes, Ill give her a test to see if she is an appropriate girlfriend candidate

A test?

Yes, simply that thinking she wants to be your girlfriend is a grave mistake!

I give a bitter smile to the somewhat excited Mikoto.

I wonder if Eda is fine with it?

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Th-thatpersonis fine

Did she just call her that person?

Really, what happened.

There are things I want to ask but itll be troublesome if she hesitates to reply.

Then

Mikoto left in a somewhat flustered state.

I was left alone in my room to worry endlessly.

How long has it been since nothing has happened?

I need to review physics. Even though I thought that, I couldnt start working.

My phone rang at such a time.

I picked it up thinking it was from Rino-chan.

It was a message from an unexpected person.

Thanks for the work today.

This is Eda Fukiko.

There should be another girl besides me that wants to be your girlfriend coming on Saturday.

Or at least thats the rumor on the wind.1

Rumor on the wind, she says

Didnt Mikoto absolutely tell her.

I have no issue with it.

Its just that Im worried itll interfere with your physics studying.

Ive been found out.

Is it obvious?

Page 44 and 45 in the textbook is a vital place to study.

Since I will be confirming if you did tomorrow, Id be glad if you would.

It was formal like a business message.

It wasnt a mail that a high school girl would send.

But, knowing her it fits very well.

Sorry.

Ill be doing it right now.

After giving that reply, I head towards my desk.

If it wasnt for Edas message, I probably wouldnt have reviewed.

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