Whereabouts of the Key

　Zhou and Mahiru's names for each other changed after Saturday's mother's attack, but other than that, nothing really changed.

　It's not like we'll suddenly become friends. It's just that the way you call him has become a little frank, and the midday attitude has softened somewhat.

"…Um, Shuu-kun."

　On a Sunday evening, she arrived earlier than usual, looking slightly uncomfortable, or rather troubled.

　Although it was a good idea to invite him in, Shu was confused by his unfamiliar attitude.

　I thought he was reluctant to call his name, but when he did, he did so without hesitation, so there must have been another factor.

　For the time being, we both sat on the sofa and watched how it was at noon, when I took out a handkerchief from my skirt pocket.

　Just as I was wondering what was going on all of a sudden, I opened the handkerchief that had been carefully folded with the corners together, and revealed the key wrapped in it that reflected the dull light.

　The reason it looked familiar was probably because it was the same one I handed to her just yesterday.

"...I'll give you the key back. In the end, I wasn't able to leave at that time. Um, I forgot and couldn't give it back... I'm sorry."

"I see"

　Apparently, he felt uncomfortable leaving with the key.

　Amazed by Mahiru's strange behavior, Shu stares at the key on the handkerchief.

　Thinking about it, I almost certainly make dinner at this house every day at noon. Every time, Zhou would answer the front door, but sometimes she would take a detour and he wouldn't be home, or he wouldn't let go of her, so he'd have to wait a little while.

　I think it's too harsh on women to have them stuck up in front of the entrance this season.

　I've heard that it's a woman's worst enemy to cool down, and Shuu isn't too happy about thinking that she's going to be left alone for a while.

　Since she comes here almost every day, wouldn't it be easier for Zhou if she had the key?

"I don't mind if you keep it as is."

"picture?"

"It would be nice if you could give it back to me when we no longer have anything to do with it."

　Well, to put it bluntly, since I gave it to you, I'll be indebted to you for a while, but at midday, I'm looking at Zhou, who didn't receive the key, with unease.

"B-but"

"I mean, it's a pain to have to go to the front door every time."

"I'm leaking my true intentions."

"You won't abuse it."

"That's true, but..."

　I think I understand Midday's personality because I've had rice shared with me and made here for more than a month.

　First of all, she has common sense and good sense, and is incapable of doing anything bad.

　Even if you get this key, it's almost certain that you won't give it to someone or do anything while Zhou isn't around. He is someone you can trust.

"It's a pain for you to have to ring the intercom every time and wait."

"Even if that's the case, I feel like you're lacking in vigilance."

"I'm thinking of trusting you and giving it to you."

　Mahiru's eyes widened at those words, and she lowered her eyebrows as if she couldn't say anything.

　There is confusion and something else that I don't really understand on my face.

　Well, I just wanted to leave it as is to save her time, and if she didn't like it, I was willing to back down.

　As for Mahiru, he looked at Shu and the key alternately for a while and then softly sighed.

"...I understand. I'll borrow it."

"yeah"

"…I don't know if Zhou-kun is a big deal or careless."

　At Mahiru, who was completely shocked and stabbed with a slightly thorny voice, Shu could only smile bitterly.

"Sounds like me."

"That's not something I would say myself."

　Shuu's smile deepened as he was warned by a curt voice.

　It seems that he has gotten used to Shuu enough to have these kind of innocent exchanges.

　It would be strange if I wasn't used to it, since they would allow me to call them by name in the first place.

　He looked at me with a look of exasperation, as if to say, ``You're a hopeless person,'' but rather than being cold, it was slightly warm.

　I guess they know Zhou's joke is a joke.

"Then feel free to use me, but I won't know if something happens to my house."

"What?"

"... I was surprised to find myself cleaning before I knew it."

"Thank you for that."

"Such as making it in the refrigerator and throwing it in a lot and pressing the refrigerator."

"Breakfast will make you happy and you will have more items for dinner."

　Midday's mischief is too peaceful, or rather, it's too much to be grateful for, so it's welcome, but Midday seems to be subtly dissatisfied as it was easily washed away.

　The fact that Mahiru can only make threats that are not threatening is a heartwarming reflection of Mahiru's good nature.

"Are you doing something stupid?"

"I haven't."

　I wanted to see him sulking because he seemed to be sulking when he was laughing, but Zhou withdrew his laughter and watched the midday.