Chapter 157

Tarou thinks back to when Ryuu told him Ebino was a beauty. It was right before his accident. He says he got goosebumps when he said that because it had never dawned on him how gorgeous and popular Ebino was. However, he admits that now, looking at Ebino, he understands and recognizes that it's true. She broke him.

However, he tries to get his mind 'straight' and focused on the real situation. He lashes out at Ebino conspicuously. "Even if you say that, I can't do anything about it! I'm really in a bind, here. Get away from me!"  Everyone around, especially the female patrons, are watching him.

Ebino looks at him and realizes that he only lashed out because he senses Eve is in danger, and this must mean that she's getting to his heart. She gives herself some words of encouragement, grabs his hand and says "Everyone is watching. Let's leave."

Ririsu is watching from above. She looks back at Eve and it seems that she's starting to go to sleep. Ririsu notices that instead of fighting it, she's accepting it with grace. Ririsu tells Eve that she will try her hardest to be brave like her and accept it, too.

Meanwhile, Tarou apologizes to her for yelling. However, he says he really wants her to get away from him and needs to go home alone.  Ebino says "Okay, have it your way." and she goes over to a bunch of young dudes and asks if she can hang out with them. The guys are losing their minds that such a gorgeous girl would do this. Tarou runs after her and tries to tell her it's dangerous and she shouldn't hang with randos. She reminds him that she doesn't want to interfere with Ami and Ryuu's date and Tarou said he's sooooo worried about the girl he likes. She looks him in the face and says "...get away from me." With a serious look on her face.

Tarou recognizes that he deserves it, and he looks down at her legs and sees them trembling with fear. Tarou says "Maybe we should go home together afterall." and Ebino apologizes to the boys and they leave.

She texts Ririsu about what has happened, and Ririsu tells her Eve is getting sleepy and encourages her. She's happy, because she knows this means Tarou is falling for her. She warns her that Tarou will try to look for Eve. Tarou is deep in thought about looking for Eve when Ebino shows up and pulls him out of the pool complex, saying that the bus leaves in 2 minutes. He tries to resist but she doesn't give him the chance.

When they get to the bus stop, it appears she checked the weekday schedule by mistake. Whoops. So, they have time to talk alone on the bench. Tarou is worried about Eve, and fears she is sleeping because of him because she never goes back.

Tarou asks "What the heck is going on with you lately?" and she replies "That's my line... you have a frightful look on your face. For whatever reason, lately you've always had this moody expression, even today you seemed bored. Is it so awful being with me... and the others?"

Tarou looks a bit hurt and says "That's not it at all..."

They sit in silence for a bit.

Ebino says "I'm so cold... I usually use a dryer to dry my hair, but because I didn't want to make you wait, I didn't have time to dry it properly. So it seems I am letting it air-dry naturally instead. Take a feel..."

Tarou feels her icy hair. He remarks how cold it feels.  He says "You are... ah, nevermind" She sharply remarks "No, say it."  He says "...you're cold."  She gets a bit offended. "Your hair is cold... I can see your breath... and you eagerly eat ice cream because it tastes good... you pulled me by my arm so strongly it hurts..."

Ebino says "I'm sorry about that..."

Tarou cuts her off: "You're so soft... you're alive."

Ebino reaches over suddenly and hugs him tightly. "You're alive, too. That's why when we're like this, it's so warm."

Tarou says: "..yeah, warm..."

Meanwhile, Ririsu sees Eve slipping off into sleep. She puts her hand next to her face... could Ririsu perhaps be feeling something when she touches her? Perhaps... warmth?

End of Chapter