kscans

Chapter 347 - Outside the Mosquito Net, and Further Still

"Sora."

"…………"

"Sora!"

"—Ah… y-yes…!"

"Just to confirm, are you alright with these specifications?"

"Y-yes, it's fine…! These specifications…!"

"I see. And what kind of specifications are those?"

"Wh-… a-ah, so………………"

"Sorry, but I'm not the kind of person who can pour my heart and soul into a custom order when my client is spacing out—Don't make that face. I'm not so short on patience that I'd get angry over something like this."

"I'm sorry…"

"If it's bothering you that much, you can go drag him over here right now."

"Th-that would be an imposition, so…—Ah, um, no…! Bothering, I'm not bothered at all…!"

"It makes no difference to me, either way. I'm just watching from the outside."

"…………………………Um, am I that easy to read…?"

"Who knows? I'm not sure what you're asking… but in the few times we've met, there's only ever been one direction you're looking."

"………………"

"Well, I'm not about to meddle as a bystander—but on the flip side, you can think of me as 'just a bystander' and vent your thoughts to me if you like."

"…………Kagura-san, I feel like you're the type of person who's 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."

"…………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 like that too?—If you're feeling better, get serious and think about the specs."

"Ah, y-yes…! I'm sorry…!"

"………………"

And yet, while being plenty meddlesome, the artisan known as Yukajin sighed to herself.

Why can't they just be honest about their feelings?

How can he just turn a blind eye to this?

"Birds of a feather, I guess…"

"Yes?"

To the girl who tilted her head at the words that had slipped out, she waved it off with a "It's nothing," and let out another wry smile in her heart.

It was surprisingly tiring, just watching from the sidelines—as she watched over her group of peculiar and hopelessly clumsy friends, from outside the mosquito net.