feelings...but in the end, I really don’t want to hurt both of your feelings. I want you two to make a decision that you won’t regret...” After saying that with a little sentiment, Maria raised her index finger in front of her lips. “So... What happened here, and about our past, please keep a secret from Alya-chan, okay? If she knows that Kuze-kun is Saa-kun... I’m afraid Alya-chan will feel uncomfortable with me and suppress her own feelings.” Instantly, a feeling of loneliness that was not described struck Masachika’s heart. Though confused by the emotions that he couldn’t even understand, Masachika nodded his head. “...Okay, I understand.” “Good.” Maria nodded slightly in response to Masachika’s answer and turned forward. The silence continued for a while. But strangely, Masachika felt comfortable with this silence. It’s just that, there was an unknown sense of loneliness residing in his heart. Maria was also looking at the garden with a sad expression on her face. “....Now then...” How long has it been? In the end, Maria stood up to say that out loud and looked at Masachika with a small smile on her face. “Since our conversation is finished... How about we head home now?” “Ah... Yes, that’s right. Umm, would you like me to accompany you home?” “Thank you very much, but there’s no need. I’m sure Kuze-kun wants to think about a lot of things too... So I’m fine here.” “Ah yes, that’s fine.” Masachika stood up while feeling a little disappointed that Maria parted so easily and then Maria slightly extended her hand to Masachika.