Carrying a gloomy mood, I passed through the main gate.

“Then I’ll come along too, so guide me.”

In high spirits, Takatsuka-san turned lightly toward me.

“Guide you? Aren’t you deciding the destination?”

“What are you saying? You decide, not me.”

“Huh? You dragged me out because you had somewhere you wanted me to go with you.”

“You’re misunderstanding.”

Grinning, she slung an arm around my shoulders like a close guy friend.

Because she’s about fifteen centimeters taller, she had to lower her stance a bit, which brought her chest closer toward me.

“I’ll go along with your errand. That’s my errand.”

“…So since I’m stopping by a nearby supermarket for the time sale, you’re tagging along?”

“Oh? You were planning to go to the supermarket?”

She looked mildly surprised.

“Yeah, I’m the one in charge of household chores. I need to shop for ingredients.”

“I see. That explains your domestic side.”

“My parents are busy. I have to look after my sisters.”

I didn’t want to reveal my family situation to her but I had to make it clear why I couldn’t accept her invitation.

“So I can’t go along with you. I have things I must do.”

I worried she’d insist anyway, but her reply surprised me.

“In that case, I’ll accompany your shopping.”

“Huh? Really?”

“I told you. I want to know every side of someone I like. Including seeing you shop for family.”

She really is unusual.

Still better than being dragged somewhere else.

Though I still can’t relax, she’ll probably say something strange eventually.