Asobi Otonari

The limits of self-restraint

After dinner and cleaning, we were ready to go home. I was the only one with luggage, so Charlotte waited for me until I was ready to go out.

… Hmm? What happened to Emma? Now he sleeps soundly in my arms.

She was sleepy, probably because her stomach was full after dinner. As soon as she finished eating, Emma leaned on me and fell into a deep sleep. So, even at this moment, I still hugged her.

"I'll go first, Aki."

“Hanazawa-san, thank you very much today.I thank you for listening to my brother's selfish request even though we just met for the first time. Then excuse me. "

“No, I should also thank you. Please continue to hang out with senpai. "

We moved to the entrance of Aki's house and said goodbye. Charlotte was still as polite and gentle as ever.

What is Aki talking about? What's a polite greeting, but why would he make a request on my behalf? Why is this girl acting like my mother?

What's up, Senpai?

It seems Aki noticed my gaze as she looked back at me.

No, it's nothing.

"Is that so. Then I have a question to ask senpai, is that okay? "

This is quite a rare move for Aki. Charlotte has to wait if we're too long, so let's do this as soon as possible.

"Yes, please."

“Then — Exactly what kind of relationship do you two share?”

Aki asked something unexpected with a stiff smile on her face.

… I'm careless. He didn't bring this up when we first got together, so I didn't expect this question to be asked at the time of the split.

“Didn't I mention it a while ago? He was my classmate. "

“Your relationship is much better than that, isn't it? Moreover, his sister loves you very much.You can't just be a classmate. "

Aki looked at Emma in my arms and then looked at my face. What the hell is that? Has he held back all this while wanting to ask since we met?

Aki is usually very docile and she is sometimes intimidating, however, the atmosphere is now similar to it used to be. It seemed like he was a little desperate, so he might have reached the limit of how much he could hold back. He may have noticed me and restrained himself on the question …

“We became friends when I saved a lost Emma. Isn't that right, Charlotte-san? ”

Right, I'm still not thankful enough for your help.

When I asked Charlotte, she agreed with a smile.I thought she was a little overboard with her gratitude.

“I... get it.. I'm sorry if I asked something strange.”

Listening to us, Aki had a troubled expression on her face as she bowed apologetically. He was completely honest in a situation like this.

Its alright. If you have any concerns, just ask immediately.I will try to answer as much as possible. "

“Senpai..”

I told him that because I thought it was a senior role to guide their junior, but Aki seemed happier than I expected.

“... Aoyagi-kun is very good at him.”

"Huh? Did you say anything? ”

No, it's nothing.

I thought Charlotte was muttering something, but when I asked, she shook her head in denial.I'm not sure, but it might just be my imagination. After concluding that, I said goodbye to Aki and went home with Charlotte.

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