AGWSF 09

Chapter – 09

Thinking About What Comes Next

After my relaxing time with my daughter came to an end, I returned to the classroom.

“Oh, Hiroto—I didn’t see you in the cafeteria, so where were you eating?”

Honoka, who had been chatting with some friends, noticed me as I came back and approached me with that question.

It was the rooftop, but normally that place is locked, so I couldn’t tell her the truth.

“…Just, you know, ate around there.”

“By yourself?”

“…I ate with a friend.”

“You could have eaten with me, you know—”

That’s seriously awkward.

I do think of her as a friend, but eating with my friend and her boyfriend is a bit much.

Just as I thought that, someone clung to me from behind with enough force that it was almost painful.

I glanced back discreetly so Honoka wouldn’t get suspicious, but I couldn’t see anyone there.

“…Well, anyway, I won’t be able to eat with you guys starting tomorrow either, so you two lovebirds can eat together.”

Without a second thought, I knew it was Aira, and I remembered I hadn’t told Honoka about her boyfriend yet, so I said that.

…I only see Aira as my daughter, and it’s not exactly a happy thing, but I figured she was getting jealous like earlier.

“Ehh!? Why!?”

Honoka gave an exaggerated reaction, and at the same time, Aira’s grip on me loosened.

…As I thought, it was jealousy.

“…Just because.”

“Then let’s eat together like always.”

“…Sorry. I lied. Even if you’re friends, it’s awkward eating with a couple.”

“We don’t mind, you know?”

“I get that, but I mind. So once I get a girlfriend myself, I’ll eat with you guys again.”

“…Okay. I understand. …But like I said, we really don’t mind, so feel free to join us anytime, alright?”

“Yeah, thanks. Sorry.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize.”

Honoka’s a genuinely good person, and I feel bad, but I can’t exactly not eat with Aira. …I do feel guilty, but since I can’t explain the situation honestly, I have no choice but to accept it.

Friends are important, but my daughter is equally—no, more important than that.

After parting ways with Honoka, I made my way back to my seat with Aira clinging to me from behind… but if she wouldn’t let go, I couldn’t sit down. Just as I thought that, Aira released me.

Relieved, I sat down—and immediately, something—no, Aira—sat on my lap.

Her form was still invisible as usual, but I could tell right away by the sensation.

I almost let out a sound, but remembering what happened at the convenience store, I kept my mouth shut.

Instead, I wrote on the edge of my notebook, in the language of the other world: “What are you doing?”

“…Is it no good?”

Then, she wrapped her arms around my neck, and as she sat on my lap, clinging to me, I heard her whisper in a sweet, coaxing voice right by my ear.

[It’s not about whether it’s no good… well, actually, yes it is. It’s no good. I’ve got class starting soon.]

“…I won’t get in the way, okay? I’ll behave.”

[I told you, it’s still no good.]

“…………Hiroto, do you dislike it?”

[I think Aira is the cutest girl in the world… as my daughter, and I don’t dislike it.]

“…Then, is it okay to stay like this?”

…Sigh.

I guess she’s in the mood to be spoiled.

…I’m going to put Aira through a lot from now on, and if she says she won’t get in the way, I’ll trust that and let her be spoiled for now.

…If I had to point out one problem, it’s that my face is hot from being this close to Aira, but indulging your daughter’s whims is part of being a parent.

[Fine. Do what you want. Just don’t get in the way.]

I could argue that this situation itself is getting in the way, but I’ll just set that aside for now.

“…Mm. Hiroto, I love you.”

“—!”

I almost let out a sound at the whisper in my ear, but I managed to hold it in, acted as if nothing happened, took out my textbook, and waited for class to start.