I Went Out With a Losing Heroine, But Before I knew It, My Childhood Friend, Who’s Supposed to be Th

“―!?”

　As Marin stared at her with a smile, Kasumi’s sweat dropped and half-unconsciously pinched the sleeve of Yō’s outfit with her fingers.

　Kasumi usually looks like a strong person, but in reality, she is rather timid.

　So once she was on the receiving end, she became vulnerable, and whenever that happened, she inevitably relied on Yō.

　However, this attitude made Marin even more agitated.

“Isn’t it because you’re so quick to rely on Hazakura-kun that you’re being called overly dependent on him?”

　Marin looked at Kasumi’s hand, which was picking at the sleeve of Yō’s clothes, and said so in a pleasant, gentle voice.

　But despite her cute smile, the air was somehow tense.

“I don’t need Akimi-san to tell me that…”

“No, if you’re denying that you’re not dependent on him, then I think what you’re doing is wrong.”

“This is because we are childhood friends…! That’s why it’s not strange for us to get along…!”

　Marin pointed out, and Kasumi gave a completely off-base answer.

　On the contrary, she brought up a topic that should have been avoided in this situation, and Nagisa’s expression turned into one of despair.

　Yō also sensed that Marin’s behavior was getting worse, and he started to move reflexively.

“Akimi, let’s talk in private.”

“Eh…?”

　Yō suddenly and gently grabbed Marin’s hand and urged her to stand up.

　But Marin, confused by the suddenness of the situation, was unable to move and looked up at Yō in confusion.

　On the other hand, Kasumi was about to open her mouth in a panic, thinking that if she didn’t, Yō and Marin would be left alone together.

“Wait a minute―”

“―You really can’t read the air when it comes to Yō-kun, can you? Let’s leave this to him for now.”

　Nagisa, who could only imagine the complications that would ensue if Kasumi got involved, decided to leave Yō and Marin alone, knowing that Kasumi would resent her for it.

　She was prepared to take Kasumi’s complaints in stride until Yō and the others returned.

　However―

“…………”

　Surprisingly, Kasumi fell silent and took her seat.

　She puffed out her cheeks in disapproval and began to stare out the window.

　Apparently, she had decided to put up with it.

　Nagisa was surprised by Kasumi’s attitude, but she sent Yō off as if she was relieved.

“―Let’s go.”

“Eh, um…”

　As Yō gently pulled her along, Marin got up from her seat and began to walk behind Yō, confused.

　They walked to the corner of the train car, and Yō looked straight at Marin.

“I’m sorry… for disrespecting Akimi’s feelings. No, I knew it would make you feel bad. But I… selfishly put my hopes on Akimi to get along with Kasumi. I’m really sorry.”