The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten (WN) (Volume 5+)

172 - Asahi Shiina

It was the last day of summer vacation.

Amane found the person he wanted to meet at a cafe not too far from home, and straightened his back.

Standing before Amane was a man with a familiar looking flax-colored hair, caramel-colored eyes, white skin, and a poised demeanor.

Amane once brushed him by, and chatted. They never gave their names, but Amane had already heard of the man's name from Mahiru.

"Asahi Shiina-san."

He called out, and the man, Asahi Shiina, turned his eyes towards Amane, showing a faint smile.

"This is our first encounter...or not, though I shall say this is the first time we are meeting while knowing each other."

"...Oh, yes. I heard from Mahiru."

The man did not seem to falter when Amane mentioned her name directly, and he probably had this investigated thoroughly.

Asahi then showed a faint, wry smile once he heard that.

He did not have a feeble impression, but a gentle one, and on first glance, he did not seem like one who would mercilessly abandon MAhiru.

"I suppose this saves us some explanation. May I have some of your time?"

"That's the reason why you called me out, I suppose?"

"Yes, I am very grateful that you would accept my hasty request. I suggested it, but I never expected you to agree."

"Well, I'm very curious as to why you would call me out...but I think you shouldn't be looking for me, but Mahiru instead."

"You say so...but that child might not wish to meet me"

Asahi showed a wry smile, filled with regret, it seemed.

Amane was furious about Mahiru's situation, and found Asahi unforgivable, but he did not think Asahi was not an compassionate man, for the latter would not have silently tried to approach his own daughter otherwise.

And thus, Amane was increasingly skeptical.

Asahi tickled his cheek, looking perturbed, perhaps because he had noticed Amane's probing eyes.

"You have lots to ask me, I presume? Let us enter that cafe first then, and not ask so much here."

Amane nodded in agreement, since they should not stand too long near a cafe, and entered it along with Asahi.

"Order as you wish. It is the last day of summer vacation after all, and I troubled you by inviting you out."

Amane did occasionally visit this cafe, which had suite rooms for booking. It seemed Asahi had prearranged a booking, for they were ushered in.

They sat down, face to face, and the genial looking Asahi smiled as he recommended dishes to Amane.

I shall accept your graciousness then. Amane replied, and ordered the coffee and daily cake special on the menu. Asahi too requested for the same from the attendant.

His face remained serene, and he was silent until the dishes were served.

Asahi was silent, probably because he did not want the attendant to overhear them, but Amane found it awkward to be facing a man of similar age to his own father.

Amane sorted out the things he wanted to ask, wanting to alleviate this awkwardness. After doing so three times, their orders were finally served.

"So, what do you want?"