28. Encounter with an Angel

"Um, how was the meal today?"
"Eh? Ah... it was delicious today too, thank you."
"home……"
"…………"
　
　For a while after that, I found myself unable to look Mahiru straight in the eye and felt awkward around her.
　It's not like anything will change just because I didn't get into the top ten of my grade.
　My ranking in the class is high, and it's improved a lot from before.
　The problem was that when I saw the rankings on the message board, I momentarily tried to blame others for why I didn't make it into the top ten.
　Mental stress due to harassment. My textbooks and notebooks were soaked with water, and I had to spend time on guard.
　It is true that these influences are significant, but there must have been a way to do it.
　I should have put aside my strange pride and asked to see the notes at noon, and if I had been able to concentrate on my studies without worrying about the harassment, the results might have been a little different.
　It's all the result of my own weakness.
　And yet――
　
(I was trying to shift the blame onto Mahiru...!)
　
　For a moment, it crossed my mind that it was because Mahiru had given me chocolate in public on Valentine's Day.
　It was just a trigger, and it was inevitable sooner or later.
　I was angry at myself for having such a blaming thought in my mind, and I couldn't face Mahiru.
　This created an awkward atmosphere, and even Mahiru had a pained look on his face.
　I know this is not right, but I just can't speak well.
　
"Um... I'm going home today."
"Hmm, yeah..."
　
　Amane had always been in charge of clearing away the dishes as much as possible, but right now Mahiru was doing it, hoping to do something to clear the air in lieu of the conversation that wasn't continuing.
　However, after that was over, Mahiru felt bored and went back to her room.
　
"I said I'd be with Mahiru, but I..."
　
　I thought I had made up my mind about many things a long time ago, but I never thought I would be shaken by something so trivial.
　
"The resolve I need is..."
　
　In the end, time just passed by as I continued to think the same way over and over again.
　
　--Mahiru's point of view--
　
　Ever since the final exams, Amane has been acting strange and I can't have a proper conversation with him.
　I know that he was working hard to get into the top ten in his grade, and I understand that he was very enthusiastic about it, but I don't understand why he's so depressed just because he missed out on tenth place.
　His ranking had improved considerably from before, and it was cool to see Amane working hard towards his goal.
　And yet, for some reason the atmosphere is heavy and I can't continue speaking, and I avoid making eye contact with Mahiru.
　Not knowing what to do, they ended up spending their time apart at school as they had before.
　
"Hey, hey Shiina-san... is this for real?"
　
　The one who called out to her was a female classmate who was usually friendly with Mahiru.
　The moment she looked at the screen of the smartphone pointed at her, Mahiru's mind went blank.
　
"...Who on earth could this be?"
"I don't know, but everyone is saying that Shiina-san was threatened by that boy and taken away... and there are even pictures of her entering the apartment."
　
　The messages on the screen were filled with abusive language towards Amane and groundless rumors.
　It was as if someone was intentionally trying to denigrate Amane.
　
"How long has this been going on?"
"Ummm... I think it's been around since last week. Hey Shiina-san, I know rumors are just rumors, but don't you think it's best to leave that person alone? You know, there's no smoke without fire, after all..."
"...!"
"Huh?! Wait, what, Shiina-san?!"
　
　He glances at the female student and runs off to Amane's class.
　Right now, I don't have time to clear up every single misunderstanding.
　I have to meet Amane as soon as possible.
　
"Oh, Mahirun?"
"Haa, haa... Chitose-san, is Amane-kun here?"
　
　As Mahiru rushed into the classroom, Chitose asked with a puzzled look on her face.
　
"I've already gone home today. Did something happen?"
"...Chitose-san, do you know that there are some strange rumors circulating about Amane-kun?"
　
　When Mahiru asked, Chitose had an embarrassed look on her face. It seemed that she already knew about it.
　
"Ah, that's it. Yeah, I knew it."
"Why didn't you tell me?... That's why you looked so distressed, Amane."
"Azuma told me to keep it a secret. He didn't want Mahirun to worry. He said that once he was accepted by the people around him, the situation would calm down."
"...Ahhh-kun."
　
　I finally understand why Amane was so obsessed with his test results.
　
"I was studying hard for my exams, but then they kept doing stuff like that to me... Ah."
"Something like that?"
　
　Chitose covers her mouth, realizing that she accidentally let something slip. It seems that she is still hiding something.
　
"Chitose-san, please tell me what is happening to Amane-kun right now."
　
　
　
　
　My steps are heavy as I head home.
　The story that Chitose had told her made Mahiru's feet feel heavy and slow.
　
(I can't believe that Amane-kun had to go through something like that...)
　
　Not only was Amane's bad reputation in question, but he also apparently suffered various other forms of harassment, such as having his personal belongings on his shoe cupboard and desk soiled.
　After listening to it, I realized that there were a few things that resonated with me.
　
(I should have noticed this... I was so happy that now I could be with Amane at school...)
　
　It's not that I wasn't aware of my influence, but I didn't expect them to take such direct measures.
　Like Amane, he should have acted more carefully.
　
(I... Maybe I shouldn't have been the one to be with him after all...)
　
　As I shook off such thoughts, I suddenly found myself arriving at my apartment.
　He seemed to be quite absorbed in thought.
　
(Right now, it's hard for me to see Amane-kun...)
　
　Still, we need to have a serious discussion about what will happen next.
　When I got to my room thinking that, he was standing there.
　"You're late. I came all the way here even though I didn't want to see you, so can't you just hurry up and come back?"
　
　Shiina Sayo was Mahiru's real mother.