Tightness in the chest

"I will teach Ogata later, it doesn't matter if you want to follow me, but I hope to teach one by one, and try not to have anyone around, so..."

　　Shinichi looked at her suddenly stagnant figure, and said: "Sorry, this is a small treatment I prescribed for her, and the aim is to return her to normal. Considering the teaching effect, Furuhashi——"

　　"After dinner, you can go back."

　　When Shinichi says this to Furuhashi, who reveals that he cherished the studying time with the three of them not long ago, and decides to help her protect that time together. Shinichi really felt that he hurt her and felt guilty.

　　In the past, he would never have felt this way.

　　He can teach anyone he wants to teach. As an educator, does he have to explain to others when he teaches lessons to students? If he didn't take other people's money, why would he blame himself?

　　But now, it's a little different.

　　All the changes started when he said "these three are best friends", right?

　　They are not only educators and students, but also partners who learn from each other, partners who stand on the same foot, support each other and rush to the finish line.

　　Once the psychological status changes, the interests will also change. Even at this time, things would start to consider their feelings.

　　Compared to Nariyuki and Fuutarou, these two girls were even more worried about him. But now Shinichi has to quell Furuhashi's enthusiasm and hopes.

　　He couldn't help bowing his head to her apologetically: "It was my fault for not explaining first, I will treat you to dinner later, as an apology."

　　Furuhashi's expression returned to normal, and she smiled.

　　"No need for gifts or anything, this is for Ricchan's sake. If I still go along, then I'll really be a stubborn woman."

　　"I happen to want to eat at a family restaurant today, but I will now return to square one. Let's go to Ricchan's house to eat udon next time!"

　　Even though she smiled again, Shinichi could still see that her mood was not as good as before.

　　"It doesn't matter to me. Asada-san really doesn't need to care about that. It's not a big deal. The most important thing is to let Ricchan quickly normalize, right?"

　　She was clearly smiling, but her brows were furrowed, how could it be okay?

　　But Furuhashi didn't give Shinichi space to reply, she reached out her hand and patted him hard on the back, then passed him and walked quickly towards the school gate.

　　She raised her hand without looking back and shouted.

　　"I'm going first, Asada-san, make sure to bring back Ricchan! You guys must have fun, the three of us studying together in the study room! If you don't do it, I can't forgive you."

　　With a slight giggle, she waved her fist, and the light and shadow in the distance grew stronger, enveloping her figure in a corner of the school gate.

　　Shinichi stood still, watching her leave.

　　His expression was somewhat complicated, but in the end he just sighed, put one hand in his pocket, and stepped forward again.

　　Regardless of Furuhashi's inner intentions, if she decides to force a smile on her face, Shinichi can only respect her choice.

　　Knowing that the small circle of the three of them was extremely important to her, he didn't want to push her out, but he had more important things to prioritize.

　　Teaching is also learning.

　　When it comes to learning and knowledge, Shinichi will not mix up any personal feelings.

　　Even if it would make Furuhashi feel uncomfortable, Shinichi wasn't ready to change his mind.

　　Not to mention, his feelings weren't actually important, this kind of small loss would heal after a night's sleep, Shinichi wasn't gentle enough to be easily shaken by other people's emotions.

　　No matter what difficulties and obstacles he encounters today, he will teach himself with Ogata, and solve her depressive state.

　　Forgetting Furuhashi's expression as she left, Shinichi calmly stepped out of the school gate and walked on the opposite street from him.

　　....

　　In front of her was dusk as the street lights gradually lit up. After exiting the school gate, Furuhashi slowly slowed down and walked towards the newly opened family restaurant.

　　Her gaze looked at the sunset sinking into the street scene, she sighed softly, the smile had disappeared, leaving only a depression formed by helplessness.

　　"Obviously it's the right thing to do, why should I care so much..."

　　She knew that Shinichi would want to be alone to let Ogata speak her mind, understand what she was thinking, and then enlighten her and cheer her up. Many psychiatrists do this.

　　As long as a third person intervenes, Ogata may refuse to open her heart out of doubt or embarrassment, and Shinichi's plan cannot be carried out.

　　This was a very simple truth, and Furuhashi also understood that she couldn't even go there for dinner.

　　Because as long as she appeared, Ogata would ask why she didn't come to study together, and would keep her from being alone with Shinichi, and finally the embarrassing scene in the afternoon would be staged again.

　　Don't look at Ogata's calm appearance, after knowing her for a year, Furuhashi knows that the other party is actually a very rational girl, and she won't react to some things if she doesn't notice it, but once she realizes it, she will be like an ordinary girl, even more shy.

　　So pretending to leave without incident was the most appropriate choice. Furuhashi didn't regret it, nor was she sad. Although she was a little disappointed, she could understand, and maybe she was a little happy.

　　Because Shinichi really thought about them very seriously. Even if he wasn't proficient yet, his dedication as an educator couldn't be faulted. It was too late for Furuhashi to thank him, so how could she raise any objections?

　　Hence, no matter how unwilling to admit it, Furuhashi knew that what she cared about was another matter.

　　"If Ricchan really likes Asada-san..."

　　Thoughts were interrupted here, and after a moment of blankness, she shook her head and smiled slightly.

　　"What I think! What difference does it make to me whether Ricchan likes Asada-san or not? Even if the two of them date one day, the relationship between our study group won't change. We are all friends! Asada-san isn't the type to be biased in teaching, so..."

　　"No, let's change..."

　　She touched her chest with one hand, and there was a tightness that made her complain about herself always thinking too much.

　　If she didn't realize it, she wouldn't be in too much trouble.

　　If she feigns ignorance, she doesn't need to know much.

　　Looking up at the sky, Furuhashi looked at the stars in the distance, and her lips moved slightly.

　　"Stay the same, it's okay..."