Chapter 347 - Outside the Mosquito Net, and Further Still
"Sora."
"..."
"Sora!"
"—Ah... y-yes...!"
"Just to confirm, you're fine with these specifications?"
"Y-Yes, I am...! That sounds... fine...!"
"I see. And what, exactly, does 'that' sound like?"
"Wha—... ...Ah, tha—... ..."
"Sorry, but I'm not the kind of person who can pour my heart and soul into a half-assed order from someone with their head in the clouds. Don't make that face. I'm not so short on patience that I'd get mad over something like this."
"I'm sorry..."
"If you're that concerned, you can go drag him over here right now."
"I-I couldn't possibly, that would be an imposition...—Eh, um, no...! I'm not concerned, I'm not...!"
"Doesn't matter to me either way. I'm just watching from the sidelines."
"......................Um, am I... that easy to read...?"
"Who knows. I'm not sure what you're asking, but... in the handful of times we've met, there's only ever been one direction you're looking."
"..."
"Well, a bystander like me has no intention of meddling—on the other hand, you can think of me as 'just a bystander' and vent your thoughts to me if you like."
"...Kagura-san, I get the feeling you're popular with girls."
"Hah, and you're the type who gets doted on by older people, whether you like it or not."
"Ahaha... I'm sorry, and thank you. Well, um... if the opportunity arises, I might... ask for your help."
"Sure thing. If I remember until that 'opportunity' comes, that is."
"...See, you really do seem popular."
"Do me a favor and don't fall for me and make things complicated, even as a joke."
"Ahaha."
"What's this, you can laugh so cheekily? If you're back to normal, then get serious and think about the specs."
"Ah, y-yes...! I'm sorry...!"
"..."
And yet, while meddling more than enough, the artisan sighed to herself.
How can they be like this and still not be honest about their feelings?
How can anyone see this and pretend not to notice?
"A difficult pair, those two..."
"Yes?"
When the girl tilted her head at the words that had slipped out, the bystander just brushed it off with a "It's nothing," and gave another wry smile to herself.
She was surprised to find how tiring it could be to just watch from the side—as she watched over her troublesome and hopelessly clumsy friends from outside the mosquito net.