Having received affirmation, the smile on Yanami Anna's face became even more brilliant.
Shioyaki Lemon watched the familiar and natural interaction between the two of them, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curling up as she gnawed on the chicken wing.
It seems... quite nice too.
Shioyaki Lemon sat quietly to the side, taking small bites of the chicken meatballs on her plate, while her gaze drifted inconspicuously back and forth between Imaizumi Keita and Yanami Anna.
This atmosphere... is really nice.
This thought popped into Shioyaki Lemon's mind for no particular reason.
It was warm and comfortable, making one unconsciously want to stay like this forever.
If...
She looked at Imaizumi and Yanami, who were huddled together quietly discussing what to grill next, and another thought that troubled her suddenly surfaced in her mind.
If Anna really... completely falls in love with Kin-chan.
Then the two of them would surely become real lovers, like Kouki and Classmate Asagumo were before.
When that time comes, should I... consciously keep a bit of distance from Kin-chan?
After all, I couldn't just casually approach him to chat or make harmless jokes like I do now.
That would cause Anna to misunderstand.
Even though Anna is a good person and definitely wouldn't say anything, I would still feel a bit awkward in my heart.
Sigh...
Just thinking about it feels like such a hassle.
Shioyaki Lemon sighed helplessly in her heart, stuffed the last chicken meatball into her mouth, and chewed vigorously.
It's still most relaxed and free when everyone is just friends like this.
"Lemon-chan? What's wrong?"
Yanami Anna's voice pulled her thoughts back. "What are you thinking about? You're so spaced out."
"Ah? No, it's nothing!"
Shioyaki Lemon immediately snapped out of it, a bright smile returning to her face. "I was just thinking that these chicken meatballs are too delicious, I'll have to grill a few more skewers later!"
As she spoke, she cast an expectant gaze toward the two busy people at the grill.
"By the way, Kin-chan! I saw some corn over there earlier, let's grill some corn too! Grilled corn brushed with butter and soy sauce is absolutely delicious!"
"Oh? That's a good idea."
Imaizumi Keita nodded and picked up two cleaned ears of corn from the ingredient tray.
"I'll handle this then." He glanced at Yanami, who was flipping meat skewers. "Yanami, you take care of those skewers. Leave the grilled corn to me so I can show off a bit."
"Eh? Alright then." Although Yanami Anna still wanted to do more, she obediently handed him the tongs.
Imaizumi Keita took the tongs and skillfully placed the corn on the edge of the grill rack, slowly roasting it over low heat.
His profile, illuminated by the charcoal fire, looked exceptionally serious and focused.
Shioyaki Lemon rested her chin on her hand, watching quietly.
Watching him flip the corn from time to time, and occasionally exchange a few words with Yanami beside him.
Watching Yanami puff out her cheeks in annoyance at one of his teases, only to be quickly coaxed back with a piece of grilled mushroom.
Their interaction was so natural, so... taken for granted.
It was as if they had always interacted this way.
The corners of Shioyaki Lemon's mouth curled up slightly, beyond her control.
Forget it.
If it's a hassle, then it's a hassle.
If it keeps Kin-chan and Anna as happy as they are now...
Then it doesn't really matter if I, as a 'friend,' stand a little further away occasionally.
The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red.
The aroma of the barbecue mixed with the sea breeze, drifting into the distance.
By the time everyone had eaten to their heart's content, the sky had completely darkened.
Shioyaki Lemon brought out the large bundle of fireworks she had won in the afternoon, her face full of excitement and anticipation.
"Alright! Now that we're full and satisfied, it's time for the main event of the night!"
She distributed the sparklers to everyone, her voice sounding exceptionally clear in the night.
"Literature Club Summer Training Camp, Fireworks Festival! Officially starting!"
I'm crying, I'll do my best to pay them back...
I really didn't expect a big shot to tip, I'm truly bowing down.jpg
Even less did I expect a big shot to tip ten thousand points right before I settled the data at midnight.
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