Another quick chapter.

Regarding the next project, I’ve narrowed the list to two novels:

◊ Violant of the Silver

◊ I am Going to Nurture Hero-sama Because I Do Not Want to Die

Please cast a vote in this  to help me gauge interest. The poll will be up for ~24 hours.

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Chapter 43:

High School – Twenty-fourth Part

Teruki and I send off Genbu-senpai, who decided to head for school. I catch a glimpse of the armband around my cla.s.smate’s arm. It’s proof that he joined the Public Morals committee. I inquire about it at once.

Yuu: “Thank you for picking me up, Teruki…Um…you entered the Public Morals committee?”

Teruki: “Yeah. Well…Most of all, you seem to be doing well…Can you show me more of your face? …Seems fine…thank goodness…” (T/N: Raws say “落ち着いとるな” [Ochitsui toruna]. NO idea what that means.)

He bends down to study me. Emerald green pupils permeated with kindness aim toward my form. I cast my eyes to the floor, not making a peep.

I wonder if…Teruki joined the Public Morals committee for my sake. However, I’m confident without knowing for sure. I’ve heard that members of that committee are strict on discipline…Isn’t that a burden on Teruki? He’s rarely restrained, doesn’t like attending club activities, and has a free image…

Teruki: “…Hey. What are you thinking of so pessimistically? …Relax. I just wanted to have a way to protect you. I’m a member of the Public Morals committee, but I am exclusive to you. Under Genbu-senpai’s order, I’m dismissed from all other a.s.semblies of the committee…It won’t change much from now on…I will simply protect you by your side.” He pats my head with a palm, stroking through the strands in a gentle manner.

Tears start to flow as I undergo this nostalgic sensation.

Yuu: “…Sorry….Thank you, Teruki.”

Teruki: “…Mm.”

In Teruki’s short reply, that is jam packed full of emotions, the urge to cry increases within me. I rub my eyes.

Teruki: “…Hey, if you rub your eyes they’ll turn red. Will you go to school? …Suzaku is also looking forward to seeing you.”

Yuu: “…Yeah! I’m also looking forward to it…Hey Teruki, did you grow taller? Somehow…it’s like all your muscles stretched.”

Teruki: “…Well.” For some reason, Teruki’s eyes seem peer far away into the distance. “It’s from the training from the Public Morals committee…Because of summer vacation, I was thrown into the dojo starting from the morning…practicing combat abruptly…”

Yuu: “…So that’s why your muscles are like this…Although Genbu-senpai also took me to the gym, I couldn’t build any muscles at all…Can I touch it?”

Teruki: “I don’t really mind but…Hey, it tickles…Yuu!”

I am moved by the feeling of touching Teruki’s arm. I guess it’s ticklish. He grabs my hand while laughing, stopping my caress. (T/N: What does “むにむに” [munimuni] mean?)

While we joke around and walk, we hear a dumbfounded voice from our backs. It’s the voice of…

Voice: “…Are you guys a bad couple?”

Yuu: “…Suzaku-kun! …Huh?” I turn to look behind me, eyes flickering. It sure is Suzaku-kun’s voice. Dark brown eyes and hair the gentle shade of milk tea…It’s definitely Suzaku-kun but…

Yuu: “…Why is your line of sight so far above mine?”

Suzaku: “First time seeing you in a while and naturally you’re acting like an idiot….You’re the same as ever…Amano. Without fail, I grew taller. I’m in my growth period!”

Yuu: “…Ehh…Ehhhhh?!”

Suzaku-kun used to be my height. Though he’s not as tall as Teruki, his stature has increased tremendously. Not seeing him in a while, I feel like he’s gotten more manly…

Yuu: “Uuu…Am I the only shorty? …I have to drink milk…” I’m stunned, a bit shocked in place.

Teruki: “…Yuu? If we don’t head for school, it’ll be no different from coming late to the your exam.”**

Suzaku: “Oh, is this guy back on earth? Byakko, let’s not delay. We’ve got to go.”

Teruki: “I see..Hey, Yuu! Yes, yes. Watch out for cars. Walk close to the sidewalk.”

Suzaku: “Are you an elementary student?! …Hey, Amano! Come back you careless thing!”

Yuu: “…Ow! ….Hah. I’m going to be late! Hurry up, Teruki, Suzaku-kun!”

I pinch Suzaku-kun by the earlobe, jolting him out of reverie. I rush off.

Suzaku: “…Hey, don’t leave me behind Amano! …This guy has fast legs…”

Teruki: “…Yuu! You’ll fall if you’re too impatient…”

Suzaku: “…That’s why I said he’s an elementary school kid.”

We all sprint towards the school. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been here and it’s sweltering. I peek through the gaps between my hands, gazing at the sky without saying a word.

The summer sun s.h.i.+nes brightly at us.

Ending Notes: Ayy, Suzaku’s here too. Yuu’s Protective Squad is a.s.sembled.