🦊 🦊 🦊
“THAT guy’s definitely crushing on Miku…” Ektor says in a low voice.
“Without a doubt. Honestly… I can’t let my guard down for a second! Not that you did anything wrong, Miku! Your naivety just seems to naturally attract people trying to take advantage of you.”
We finish filing the rest of our paperwork without incident. Ektor and Claire immediately begin chattering away as soon as we step outside.
Crushing on me? That guy? There’s no way. You can’t fall in love with someone that quickly. They’re really reading too much into this. Still…
“I’m glad you two seem to be getting along better,” I say with a smile.
They’re basically two peas in a pod. At first, I thought they were completely incompatible since both are so quick to anger, but it turns out their similarities actually bring them closer together.
“Th-That’s not true at all! There’s no way I’d ever get along with a guy like him,” Claire shouts, pointing at Ektor’s face. “He’s got this look on his face that makes it seem like he’s always up to something!”
“She’s right, Miku…! Wait, Claire? Is that how you really see me? That hurts, you know!”
Both of them denied it outright.
“Don’t you think you went a little too far with that comment, Claire?” I point out.
Upon hearing us, Rinny and Angela double over with laughter. Even Macro’s shoulders are shaking from the force of his guffaws.
“So, this is how you all feel about me, huh? I’ll never forget this! Ever!” Seeing their reactions, Ektor crosses his arms, clearly annoyed.
Aww! No wonder he’s sulking. Still, there’s no denying the friendship between them all. At the end of the day, I know he’ll happily forgive his friends. The bond between them is one of warmth. I want to be a part of it, too! I’ll try teasing him just like everyone else is doing!
“Err… Let’s see. Ektor definitely is a little weird sometimes, but that just makes him cooler!”
Oh, no. I said something weird!
I hesitantly look at him, worried he might be angry, but instead, he seems frozen in place, his cheeks bright red.
Huh? I wasn’t expecting that kind of reaction!
My ears and tail suddenly stick straight up in surprise.
“I’m s-sorry, Ektor! I didn’t really mean it. Um! Did I hurt your feelings?” I hurriedly try to apologize but receive no response from Ektor.
I glance over at Claire desperately, wanting her to save me from this situation, and her words catch me off guard. “Oh, gosh, Miku. Were you trying to tease him? That was too cute! You’re such a good kid…”
Huh? A good kid? This is not how I expected this conversation to go.
“She was trying to insult him? But wasn’t that a major compliment?!”
“Definitely a compliment.”
Both Rinny and Macro are so surprised, they’re agreeing with each other.
Huh? So, I was complimenting him instead of teasing him? I see. Well, that’s a relief! I’m not used to any of this, so I was worried.
“Was that the best insult you could come up with, Miku? Further proof that you’re too pure for this world.” Angela nods along with the others.
“Urgh! I can’t believe you’re saying it, too, Angela! Look, I’m just glad I didn’t make him feel bad!”
Angela seems honestly impressed. I don’t think I did anything particularly admirable. I’m still confused, but I guess it’s a compliment by the smile on her face, so I accept it. Meanwhile, I’m more concerned for Ektor, who’s still standing in the same place, his face redder than ever. Should I apologize once things have calmed down a bit? For now, it’s time to go shopping for tonight’s party!