Since there was quite a line of people waiting, they'd have to wait a bit if we wanted to try shooting today.
Anyway, neither Horikita nor Amane was in a hurry to head back, so they stood off to the side and started chatting.
"Suzune, you seem really scared of Horikita Manabu-senpai… Did something happen between you two?"
Even though just a second ago Amane had told herself not to ask—it might be a painful story—her heart felt like a kitten was scratching and pawing at it.
In the end, she couldn't hold back and asked anyway.
She wanted to see if she could help Horikita.
It definitely wasn't because she was getting nosy.
"Ugh, let's not talk about that," Horikita avoided the question, her eyes darting away.
If you don't tell me, how can I get the gossip—no—how can I help you?
"Guess I'll have to go bother Horikita Manabu-senpai and ask him myself, then." Amane made as if to walk toward Horikita Manabu.
"Don't you dare!"
Horikita grabbed Amane's arm and held on tight.
Hm?
So Suzune's pretty soft too.
"What are you thinking?"
Horikita noticed Amane's odd expression and eyed her suspiciously.
That icy glare snapped Amane right back to reality.
"I was just wondering if there's something between you two that's hard to talk about," Amane said, making up an excuse on the spot.
But it was clear—
Amane's lying skills still needed work.
"Oh? Isn't that just common sense? If I don't say it outright, it means it's something I can't talk about… And besides—"
"Besides what?"
"You were thinking something weird just now, weren't you?"
Horikita let go of Amane's arm.
Amane's smiling face instantly fell. "Fine, you don't have to tell me. But you're so serious, Suzune, it's kinda scary."
Amane hooked her arm through Horikita's and nuzzled against her shoulder.
"Cut it out. We've only spent a day together, but I'm starting to get a sense of your personality." Horikita sounded confident.
"Really?" Amane lifted her eyes to meet Horikita's.
"Of course… Wait, could you not look at me like that?"
Seeing the sparkle in Amane's eyes made Horikita feel strangely breathless. She didn't know why. For now, she chalked it up to Amane's gaze being just too intense.
"Huh? But I'm just looking at you normally, Suzune."
"And talk normally too—no acting cute."
"Yes, ma'am! Commander Horikita!"
"You… pfft."
Watching Amane snap a serious salute, Horikita couldn't hold back a laugh. It was still a little stiff, but she clearly found it amusing.
"Hehe, I love it when you smile, Suzune."
Amane snuggled up against her again.
"Hmph, don't think flattering me will get you anything."
"I'm not flattering!"
"I know what my smile looks like—I'm self-aware." Horikita knew her smile wasn't exactly pretty.
Especially the kind where only her lips curved, but the rest of her face stayed still.
It just looked weird.
"Believe me, I'm telling the truth! Look in my eyes—they're full of sincerity."
Amane said this, but her eyes weren't on Horikita's at all.
"What are you looking at!"
"Well, I didn't know you'd dress so lightly today, Suzune—just a shirt underneath."
Amane shrugged, playing innocent.
"And you just say it out loud?! Don't give me that innocent act! You know exactly why!"
Horikita was getting worked up just thinking about it.
"How is that my fault? I'd never steal your… underthings, Suzune."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Horikita clamped a hand over Amane's lips.
How can someone so pretty—have such a mouth on her?
"If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll tear your mouth right off."
"Mmph mmph!"
"Promise me you won't say things like that again!"
"Mmmph mmph!"
"I didn't expect you to be so stubborn, Amane. Don't blame me for this."
A mischievous glint flashed in Horikita's eyes. She grabbed Amane's cheeks with both hands and squished them, even stretching her mouth wide to the sides.
"Tha's def'nitely revenge! How can I promise anything with my mouth covered?"
Amane rubbed her cheeks, pouting pitifully.
"Sorry, I forgot about that. I'll remember next time."
"There's gonna be a next time? And what did you mean about it being my fault?"
Amane kept rubbing her cheeks, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Do you always have to poke at sore spots? How did you even make it this far being so clueless?"
Horikita fell into deep thought.
"Ahem, forget I asked then."
Amane tried to whistle casually to lighten the mood, but no sound came out no matter how hard she tried.
Horikita couldn't take it anymore and put a finger to Amane's lips.
"Whistle!"
Stunned by the gesture, Amane reflexively obeyed the command and…
"Miyako Amane! I said whistle, not— ugh, that's disgusting! Is my hand even salvageable now?"
Horikita looked around frantically for something to wipe her hand, until Amane handed her a tissue.
Horikita shot her an annoyed glare.
"Sorry, my brain short-circuited for a second. You okay, Suzune?"
"Amane, come here a sec."
Horikita beckoned with an unusually sweet tone.
"Hehe… oof!"
Thinking Horikita had already forgiven her, Amane happily trotted over—only to receive a sharp chop to the stomach.
Her insides churned violently, and she nearly threw up everything she'd eaten for lunch.
"You… you're try'na kill me…"
"Amane, are you asking for another one? Geez, you're such a kid, always looking for attention."
"Ugh… No! No way! Stop it!"
"I've just finished up here. Shall we go try shooting at the archery range? Miyako, are you alright?"
Fujiwara's cheerful expression shifted to concern as she watched Amane clutching her stomach and stumbling toward her.
"I'm f-fine."
"You don't look…"
"It's fine, no problem!"
"…"
And so the group made their way to the archery dojo.
Though it was getting late, a few people were still scattered around, practicing.
"President Fujiwara! You're back! How'd it go today? Rope in any clueless newbies?" A timid-looking redheaded boy walked over and greeted Fujiwara.
"Anta, what are you saying? Ahem!" Fujiwara shot him a warning look.
Noticing the two girls behind her, Anta's eyes lit up.
"Whoa, two cute, sweet-looking girls! President, your taste is as sharp as ever."
This Anta guy…
He sure knows how to talk!!!
Amane beamed, delighted at being called cute and sweet.
Horikita, meanwhile, stared at her own hand, lost in thought.
"Enough smooth talk. Only Miyako here is trying out today. Go get Kyoko—she'll take her to change." Fujiwara rapped Anta lightly on the head.
"I could do it too, you know? I'm plenty familiar with the way to the changing room."
"Keep talking, and you might not make it to adulthood."
Anta immediately covered his mouth, scared straight.
Just then, a red-haired girl stepped forward shyly.
"Please follow me."
Why are there so many redheads in this archery club?
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.