The Classmate Who Is Adored by Everyone Smiles Teasingly Only at Me-Chapter 3Volume 2 .12 - Ponytail and Protein Bars

Ponytail and Protein Bars 12

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So this is what Sōma-san’s back is like.

Chika was thinking about such things while being carried.

The chance of being carried on someone’s back is almost nonexistent once you’re a high school student. Even Miki and the others, who dote on her so much, wouldn’t go as far as to give her a piggyback ride.

The last time she was carried on someone’s back was in the lower grades of elementary school. She remembered being carried by her father to the hospital when she had a fever.

While unraveling that memory, she felt that Sōma’s back was similar yet different from her father’s.

It was large, wide, and there was a common sense of security.

However, there was something present in Sōma’s back that wasn’t in her father’s.

A conflicting feeling arose, one that made her want to stay like this forever, yet also made her feel embarrassed and want to stop immediately.

What is this feeling?

She pondered vaguely while feeling the warmth from Sōma’s back.

“Today’s protein bars had various flaws, but don’t you think they were pretty good for a first attempt?”

On the way to the convenience store, Sōma asked as if trying to distract himself from something.

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m looking forward to the next time as well.”

“There aren’t many options for snacks when you exercise. Besides protein bars, maybe nutritional jellies or something?”

“I think so. It feels more appropriate to have light meals rather than snacks. If that’s the case, it might be my turn to shine. Maybe onigiri or sandwiches?”

“Bananas are good too.”

“That’s not fun since it’s just buying and bringing them along. Oh, how about a banana fruit sandwich? It would be delicious with plenty of whipped cream.”

“If you’re exercising for diet purposes, a lot of whipped cream is a no-go. It is delicious though.”

While engaging in such small talk, her thoughts were racing. But she still couldn’t find an answer to this feeling.

It was a tougher problem than she thought.

Maybe someone else would know. She thought that the answer would come easily if she asked Mom or Miki. Asking Dad is also an option.

However, she feels like this is something she, Chika herself, has to find out.

She doesn’t seem to think she’ll find it right away. At least, not in the time it takes to get to the convenience store.

“Hey Sōma-san, what would you do if I asked you to carry me on your back all the way to my house?”

Wanting to prolong the piggyback ride, she tried asking jokingly.

It’s five kilometers to the Satomi household. It’s not a distance one can easily walk while carrying another person.

“I don’t mind if you want me to.”

Yet, Sōma agreed as if it were nothing.

Surprised by his unexpected response, she strained her neck a bit to look at his profile.

He wasn’t joking in response to a joke. He was serious.

If it were necessary, perhaps he would do it without hesitation.

—That’s the face.

She saw that very same expression when she was asked to be a taste tester at that cafe.

The strong will to do what needs to be done and what must be done, no matter what.

The strength of heart to stick to one’s beliefs, no matter what.

Chika doesn’t possess what he has.

Maybe she wants to be with him because she wants to see that face.

—Thump.

She could feel her own heart beating.

“It’s a lie. Just a joke.”

As if to cover up the beating of her heart, she quickly retracted her request.

“There’s no need to carry me all the way. We could just use a taxi. Even Mom wouldn’t be surprised in this situation.”

“Ah, right. That’s also an option. You mentioned it earlier.”

Sōma laughed as if he had completely forgotten. His expression was innocent and cute.

She thought that he was a truly mysterious person.

His appearance changes from cool to cute, depending on his expression. It’s captivating and never boring. She find herself wanting to see more of him.

“I think I can walk on my own if I just put on a band-aid. So, a piggyback ride to the convenience store is fine.”

Being carried on Sōma’s back feels comforting for her. It settles her heart.

However, things can’t stay this way forever.

It’s difficult to see his face from behind his back.

To get a good look at his face, she needs to stand beside him.

“Is that so? If it’s nothing serious, then that’s good.”

Sōma smiled with relief and readjusted Chika on his back.

Then, he seemed to realize something.

“Ah, Chika.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Actually, you’re a bit heavy.”

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“Eh?”

Her previously calm emotions instantly tensed up.

“Remember when we had to run through the back gate? Compared to that time, you feel a bit heavier. Yeah, heavier. Definitely heavier. Maybe you really should work hard on dieting.”

“That’s just mean!”

“Huh? Owowowow!”

Angered by the incredibly rude comment, Chika bit down on Sōma’s ear.

“Stop it, idiot! What if you leave teeth marks? We still have school tomorrow!?”

“I don’t care! Sōma-san, it’s your fault for saying something so terrible!”

“But it’s true that you’re heavier!”

“Are you still saying that!?”

She didn’t hate the pained look on Sōma’s face.

Until they arrived at the convenience store, Chika continued to nibble his ear to her heart’s content.