A Warm Place

Extra VI

The Young Girl's Feelings Towards Her ＊2

"Sorry for intruding-"
"Welcome."

While I'm taking off my shoes in the entranceway, Hiori appears from the inner room to greet me. Usually, Tsubaki would be the one to welcome me... This is rare.

"Where's Tsubaki?"
"She went shopping some time ago."
"I see."

We chat as we move to the living room. I visit this house quite often, so I've memorized the room positions, as well as the arrangement of the furniture. I've been frequenting here for more than a year, after all.

"I'll pour some tea, take a seat."
"Yup, thanks."

After watching Hiori leave for the kitchen, I approach one of the chairs. Then, I notice several books piled up messily on the table, which are tugging at my mind for some reason. Even though I know that I'm not supposed to look, I can't help but reach my hand on one of the book-like things and open it.

"Hinata, what are you... ah."

I shift my gaze from the book to Hiori. She frowns, as though regretting her carelessness. Um, could this be...

"Photos for marriage interviews?"

"Well... yes."
"Hiori, y-y-y-y-y-y-you're going to marriage interviews?!"

Just when I've realized my own feelings, a huge obstacle suddenly appears before me...!!

However, Hiori looks annoyed and sighs. She shakes her head sideways.

"...No, I'm not. Aunt Sekiguchi brought those photos. It would be rude of me if I don't look through them at least."
"Ah, aah, is that it?"

So it's not because Hiori wants to attend the marriage interviews herself. That's a relief. Although now that I think about it, she's not the type that would attend marriage interviews and the like.

Uh... what are you doing, Mom? Although knowing her, she must be purely thinking about Hiori's well-being... How complicated. I'm curious about what kind of people that she might meet, so I flip through the pages. There are handsome guys, while the others seem to have respectable careers, and so on. They're all high-specced in one way or another. It's really frustrating, but I have to admit that they would suit Hiori more than me.

"What's wrong?"

Maybe because my feelings are showing in my face, Hiori looks worried as she peers in... Hey, your face is too cloooose!! I would think nothing of that if it was a few days ago. But to me right now, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her face a bladed weapon! I've been aware of her beauty for a long time, but the romantic filter in my vision makes her look a few times more sparkling than usual. If I keep looking at her face like this... I start wanting to hug her... Wait, what am I thinking about! It's sooo embarrassiiiing!

I'm not a girl going through puberty for god's sake! ...Wait, I actually am!

"I-it's nothing! A-ahahahaha."
"Is that so?"

I take a little distance away from her to shake the sugary feeling off my chest. Then, I decide to look at the photos to conceal my blushing face from her. Ah, this guy is handsome, too. He looks kind, and his smiling face earns him quite a score... What am I doing, praising my rivals like this?

"......"

But, maybe they can make Hiori even happier than me. Maybe it'd be better if I encourage her to go on a marriage interview for her sake. Even if she accepts my feelings... I have nothing to offer. Besides, I'm a girl, I'm much younger than her, I'm not dependable, and I'm sure I'll only bring her hardships.