Well, there are two days until the Tournament, so what to do until then? I can answer that question easily, anything. Actually, Akane asked me if I wanted to go look around The Capital for fun with her. I would have declined, but not only was Togeshi just completely gone, but she was also adamant about it.
So, here I am, walking around The Capital with Akane, doing absolutely nothing. We've checked out a few stores and stuff, but other than that, we've just been walking around, with the occasional conversation. I'm not sure why we're even doing this... I'd honestly rather be sleeping or training. I'm way too worn out for all this stuff, and honestly, I'm not really an extrovert. We haven't even bought anything, and I'm not sure Akane is actually even interested in doing that.
So, here I am, in utter pain. Okay, that's a bit of a stretch, but still... I can't exactly leave, I agreed to accompany her and everything. I guess I'm just stuck here, for a while.
"So... the, um, weather has been nice, hasn't it?" Akane attempted to revive the conversation with that old line, the one everyone who's not incredibly adept at speaking to other uses. The fact she decided that was the only way to continue the conversation was a bit funny, maybe even cute.
"Yes, it's been quite hot." And, indeed, it had been. This world doesn't actually have seasons-- well, it does, but not the same kind of thing we on earth had. But, if I were to guess, I'd say it's currently summer here in Draila, considering the environment and heat. So, that means autumn is next, right? Autumn has always been my favourite season, honestly. Maybe it's the whole, everything looking nice, but it could just as easily be the fact Autumn temperature is always the best. Cool, but not too cool, you know?
"Hehe..." Akane giggled, looking down at the ground. I have to say, she's acting a bit out of character, "You could say that again."
Well, yes, it has been hot, but it hasn't been that hot. So, I doubt I would need to say it again. Perhaps there was some ulterior meaning to that, but I don't believe so...
"Has the heat been a bit much for you? The temperature here is quite different from where we were from." It was true, the summers here are much more harsh.
"Huh? Oh, no... I've been fine." She responded, seeming a bit confused.
"Ah, good." And good it was, it's pretty much necessary to be in top condition in a world like this, after all.
Hm, and now, with neither of us knowing what to say, we're stuck in this awkward silence.
Okay, what to say to continue the conversation? Oh, seems I won't need to do anything, Akane is talking.
"Okay... I was wondering if you might... be... open to... a relationship with me?" She stumbled over her words... oh.
I get it now, that's why she was acting weird. I can't say I'm not surprised, especially considering there weren't any signs... no, thinking about it, there definitely were some signs, maybe I was just oblivious to them.
Anyway, I might as well respond, considering I don't have all day.
"I respectfully decline." I don't want to be rude or anything, but I don't really have a choice here.
"Huh? Just like that..." Akane looked disappointed, frowning.
"I'm sorry, I might have said yes if it weren't for these circumstances, but now, here, it'd really be bad for the both of us." Hm, did that come off as disrespectful or anything? Hopefully not, but let's just believe I didn't.
"Dang it, Yuu... I would have much rathered you completely shut me down rather than being all nice and stuff." Well, isn't that a strange way to think of things? I don't understand it myself, honestly. Well, more than just wanting to be let down hard rather than slowly.
"Oh, my apologies, then." Simply apologizing is of course the best way to go across this.
"And there you go again..." Hm? Did I do something wrong? No, I couldn't have, that was the right way to do things, definitely. Although, there's no reason not to ask...
"Did I do something wrong?"
In response, Akane let out a small chuckle, smiling, "oh, just you being you!"
>Chapter Y.7, end.<