Chapter 13: Escape

Having fled the school, we escaped to Nagumo Bridge.

I check behind us, but there's no sign of Minazuki-senpai. It seems he was caught by the advisor.

While catching my ragged breath, I check on Shigure's condition. My gaze is naturally drawn to her lips after being hit by that surprise attack during the earlier commotion.

Before lewd thoughts could surface, I averted my gaze.

「He doesn't seem to be chasing us...」

「Haah, haah... I thought I was done for.」

Once we calmed down a bit, we started walking. For now, I should see Shigure home today.

As we walk, there's no conversation between us. The afterglow of that surprise attack still lingered.

It was Shigure who broke the awkward silence.

「...Thanks. You saved me.」

「I would have cut ties if it were a lie. ...I didn't really do anything though.」

「You protected me, didn't you? And you were even ready to fight that person for me...」

The conversation was cut off there. Surely Shigure's mind is thinking about the same thing as mine.

I try touching my lips. The sensation from earlier seemed to return, bringing a gentle warmth.

「That was unavoidable. If I hadn't done that, you would have gotten hurt...」

Mustering her courage, Shigure said pleadingly.

That kiss was an action considering me. The fact that she was unexpectedly thinking about me gave me a slight feeling of elation.

「...Even in a fight, I couldn't possibly match that person, but if I had done it there, it could have been a draw. That person wouldn't have gotten off without consequences either.」

「But then even Tsukishiro-kun would...」

「That would have been fine. Perfect victory isn't something to seek.」

「No! You didn't do anything wrong...」

Shigure leans forward and her face comes close. Seeing my frozen expression, Shigure finally realizes and shyly looks away, muttering "Sorry..." That attitude stirs my heart even more.

I don't understand why my heart is beating so fast. But strangely, it didn't feel unpleasant.

「Even so. Peace can't be achieved without sacrifice. Besides, at this age, such a bold... having my first kiss be like that, what kind of rom-com is this.」

「That's the same for me too...」

Another awkward silence flows between us. Looking at Shigure's profile as she touched her lips with her finger while blushing made me embarrassed too.

Without conversation flowing, we continue through the residential area. Just as we arrived in front of a certain apartment building, Shigure suddenly opened her mouth.

「A-Anyway! This relationship continues! ...I gave you my first, so take responsibility.」

「...I'll consider it.」

Perhaps dissatisfied with my noncommittal response, Shigure sends me a sharp stare.

When I averted my gaze as if escaping, Shigure sighed as if exasperated.

「...Well then, my home is here. Are you going home from here?」

「I've work now. Be careful coming tomorrow morning too.」

「...Hey, how far is Tsukishiro-kun's house from here?」

「Eh? Well, it's visible from here, so it's not far...」

「Come pick me up.」

When I made an obviously reluctant expression, Shigure furrowed her brow again and glared at me displeasedly.

「What? Do you have complaints?」

「No, I don't...」

「Given how things turned out, it's better if we go together in the morning too, right? Well then, I'm counting on you.」

Shigure disappears into the entrance without waiting for my response. And as a parting word.

「Bye bye, my boyfriend.」

「...See you, my girlfriend.」

I head to the family restaurant in the city. I've a work shift starting at 5 PM today.

『Don't make fun of my Kanato!』

「...My Kanato, huh.」

I recall Shigure's words and say them aloud. Her profile at that time. Her expression filled with the resolve to take bold action in front of many students was reliable and, above all, cute.

I touch my lips with my finger again. Just touching them seemed to bring back the sensation of Shigure's soft lips.

「Ahh!」

I shouted emotions I can't put into words at the setting sun.