After I told Ayame-san why I was helping her, she calmed down a bit. She started wiping her tears with her hands and gave me a small smile. I hope she isn't forcing it.
"Thank you, Tomoki-kun. I'm fine now."
"Glad to hear that. Whatever you need, I'm here."
"Is that a promise?" — She stared into my eyes again.
Maybe she thought I was just making empty promises.
"Yes, it's a promise."
"You're really a sweet guy. I'll trust you, okay?"
"Of course!"
"There's something I want to show you."
She led me to her bookshelf, filled with all kinds of books. Wait—
"Surprised? This is what I really like."
"Ayame-san, is this—?"
"Yeah, this is my real hobby. I like reading light novels and mangas. Sorry for lying before—"
"Can I open one? I've never seen a bookshelf filled with all these books!"
"Go ahead!"
I couldn't believe she actually liked otaku stuff. Seems we really do share a common interest. But let me check out a manga first. Huh?
"Hey Ayame-san, this manga 'True Love'—is it perhaps about a romance between two high schoolers from rival mafia families?"
"Yeah, that's right! The girl has to date the boy from the opposite mafia to convince their families to stop fighting."
"Does the girl maybe… make a promise to marry a boy when they were kids?"
"You're right! How did you know?"
"Let me guess… does the girl already have a crush on another boy before the fake relationship?"
"No, it seemed you had read another work. Actually, it's the boy who already had a crush. And he meets other girls who like him."
"Huh? Wait, so the protagonist is the boy? I thought the main audience was girls."
"No, it's always from the girl's point of view. She falls in love with him and then remembers that he's the one she promised herself to. Oops, spoiler!"
"Do you like this story? I mean, all the anime I've seen have a girl with a harem." — Not to mention all the fanservice. It was a bit traumatic for me.
"That's why this work isn't that popular. The author tried to make it more realistic. There's no anime adaptation—it's a light novel with a manga version. It's completed and actually my favorite. I swear this time."
"Crazy development."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing, just talking to myself. So, why do you like it? Wouldn't you prefer a story with lots of handsome guys for the heroine?"
"It's not that I don't like those. I actually have some books like that. But this one is special."
"..." — It really seems to be her favorite one.
"Even though he had chances to date all the girls, he chose the main heroine. One by one, he rejects all the girls' confessions just to pick her. That's the part I love."
"And the girl he promised wasn't the main heroine but the one he had a crush on. Despite that, he…" — Actually, I only watched the anime, but unfortunately, I got a spoiler from my best friend. He totally ruined it.
"Yeah! He chooses her. It's funny how they always fight but end up making up in the end. And what I really like is how the boy listens carefully to the heroine's problems and tries to help. It's kind of unfortunate this work didn't get much recognition, but it has a lot of good reviews anyway. I really recommend it—even if you know the ending."
"I'll definitely read it." — It'll be like reading the same story but from a different perspective. I'm looking forward to it.
Then she grabbed the light novel version and handed it to me. Wait, what about the manga?
"Here, this is actually my favorite book! By the way, this one got me hooked on all this stuff." — I could tell she was excited. It was clear she really loved the light novel version.
"Thank you!" — Well, what matters now is that she's happy.
"Fufu~ I'm just joking. Here's the manga version. I know how you struggle reading books. You think I wouldn't notice?"
"You really know me. But I already read hundreds of pages of the first book you lent me. I'm confident I can read a simple light novel."
"Is that so? Fufu~ Then try it! I'll lend you both versions." — Now she was challenging me.
"In one week, I'll finish it. Mark my words."
"One… week? Oh, I mean… I'll be waiting to hear your thoughts."
As we talked about other stories she reads, I noticed a beautifully crafted box with golden adornments on her showcase. I wondered what was inside.
"Do you want to know?"
"I'd be lying if I said no. But don't feel forced to show."
"It's not a big deal."
Then she opened the box with a finely crafted key. Wait, isn't this—
"Ayame-san, don't you think you've gone too far keeping it safe like a treasure?"
"There's nothing in the world that could buy it."
"Hahaha, for just a handkerchief? I'd be happy if you just used it normally."
"I don't want to dirty it so… Oh! What about this?"
Then she tied her hair with the red handkerchief.
"So? Does it suit me?"
"Yeah! It really suits you."
"Then I'll use it like this every day."
It's clear she really liked the handkerchief I gave her. It was just to make up for the one I took from her by accident. But I'm glad she liked it.
[Notification received]
Looks like Mom sent me a message. I think it's time to go home.
"Is it already that time?"
"Yeah. Thanks, Ayame-san. I'll definitely pass the next test."
"I'm the one who should thank you, I mean it."
"Hahaha… now you're making me blush."
So we left the bedroom, and to my surprise, Sasaki-san was standing right in front of the door. Was she standing there the whole time? That's a maid for you.
I couldn't see Elian-san. I guess he already left.
What concerns me now is how Ayame-san will handle them. There's nothing I can do. It's something only Ayame-san can decide.
"Ayame-sama, I'm sorry. There's no excuse for what I have done."
"Let's talk about this later. Now I need to send him home."
"Understood."
Then Sasaki-san guided us to the mansion entrance, where the double line of maids bowed to us again. Seriously, do they do this every time?
Reflexively, I bowed back.
"Are you already leaving?" — Akane-san asked.
"Yes, madam. Thank you for all the hospitality."
"Fufu~ don't be so stiff. You're always welcome, right, Ayame?"
"Yes, Tomoki-kun, you can come here whenever you want."
"Thank you very much."
We got into the car and Sasaki-san drove me home. On the way, I asked Ayame-san about other light novels she reads. I wanted to make small talk, since I knew her relationship with Sasaki-san was awkward right now. I hope they'd get along soon.
When we arrived at my house:
"Thank you, Ayame-san, for all your help."
"That's my line, but I see… You're welcome, Tomoki-kun."
"I couldn't tell you this morning, but you looked beautiful in your dress. Well, see you Monday."
"See… you…"
"And Sasaki-san too. Thank you for driving me home."
"The pleasure was all mine, Morikawa-sama."
Finally, I got home. I could still see the sunset, so I made it on time, right? Let's just take a shower, grab some snacks, and play some video games.
"I'm back!"
"To-mo-ki! Do you have something to tell me?"
Looks like I won't be playing video games today.