Two hours later.

Madoka: (Yes, with this I'm finished.)

I finished the summary of the material I was asked for. Since it's supposed to be used tomorrow, I printed the necessary number of copies and placed them on Sousei-kun's desk.


Madoka: (I wonder what happened to Aizawa-san and Subaru-kun.)

I didn't want to disturb, but I was also hesitant to just leave without saying a word, so I headed over to the lesson room.


Madoka: (And... I'm curious to see what they're doing.)
Madoka: Excuse me.

I opened the door and entered. The two, sitting on the bench on the side of the wall, made eye contact with me.

Yuutarou:
Oh, Madoka-san.

Subaru: Madoka, what's wrong, you need something?

Madoka: Ah, no, not exactly.

I headed where the two of them were.

Madoka: I thought it was about time to go home, but before that I was curious to see how you were doing.

Subaru: Ahh, is that so? Truth is we were about to call it a day too.

Madoka: Eh? You mean you're done already?

Yuutarou: Yeah, Subaru-kun gets the knack of it quickly. As expected.
Our plans progressed smoothly thanks to that.


Madoka:
Ooh...

I don't understand what they did exactly, but it was quite fast for them to finish in about two hours.

Madoka: (Subaru-kun is pretty used to training, but I'm sure Aizawa-san's teaching must be good too.)

As I was thinking so, Aizawa-san unexpectedly said:

Yuutarou:
That's right, Subaru-kun. Since we're here, how about we let her watch?

Madoka: Eh?

Subaru: Ah, sounds good! I'm sure you'll like it. Will you watch?

Madoka: I don't mind, but...

Yuutarou: Wait, Subaru-kun. Instead of having her watch, why not letting her join?

Madoka: Join?

Yuutarou:
Which scene... Let's see, how about the climax: the battle with the enemies' boss. Madoka-san will take the heroine's role.

Subaru: Woah, I like! That! Let's do it. Is that okay, huh, Madoka?

Madoka: But... what should I do?

Yuutarou: Nothing. Just stand there without moving and we'll do the rest.

Madoka: I understand. Then....

Yuutarou: Thank you, Madoka-san. Then let's start. Subaru-kun, which role do you want to take, the main character or his enemy?

Subaru: Of course I wanna be the main character....! Is what I'd like to say, but I'll be the enemy this round.


Yuutarou:
Are you sure you're not holding back?

Subaru: Yes, it'll be bad if I slip and hit Madoka.

Yuutarou: Oi, oi, there's no way I'll miss something like that.

Subaru: I know you'll do great, Yuutarou-san, but I don't think it'll be the same in my case. Besides, I want to review the enemy's movements one more time.

Yuutarou: It's decided then, let's go with that... So, Madoka-san, stand here.

Aizawa-san pointed at the place where there was a x made of tape on the floor.

Yuutarou:
I'll say it again, but don't move. Am I clear?

Madoka:
Yes, understood.

Yuutarou: ... Good. Come, Subaru-kun.

And so, Aizawa-san got into position.

Madoka:
(Ah...)

Aizawa-san's back was right in front of my eyes.
Big, wide and firm. Just by looking at it, I could feel safe.

Subaru: Here I come!

Along with his voice, Subaru-kun charged forward.

Subaru: Ha! Wah! Hah!!

He hit from various angles, but Aizawa-san was able to skillfully dodge him with mere steps.

Madoka:
(Woah...)

It's quite different when you see him this close from when he's on stage from apart.

Madoka:
(Amazing...!)

There's no doubt they're acting according to the current arrangements, but I didn't feel it at all.
Subaru-kun's movements were also powerful, but Aizawa-san's seem to be swift, yet sharp.
And whatever the position, his back is right in front of me.


Subaru:
Ha! Wah! ... Woaaah!?

As Subaru-kun threw a powerful punch, he suddenly raised his voice, forcefully leaned forward and fell.

Yuutarou: ....! Madoka-san!

Madoka: (He's going to hit me...!)

No matter how much Aizawa-san tries, he wouldn't able to catch Subaru-kun who was coming at me with all his strength.
I ready myself for the impact and strongly shut my eyes.


Madoka: (... Huh?)



I felt my body floating in the air. Like I was lifted into someone's warm arms, like I was off the ground.

Madoka: Huh...?

Yuutarou: Are you all right?

But that was for just a second. When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing firmly on the floor.


Madoka: Ah, Yuutarou-san, hmm? Err? What?

Aizawa-san peered into my eyes with a gentle smile.

Subaru: Amazing!!!! Yuutarou-san, you're so cool!!!!!

Subaru-kun must have hit the floor because the tip of his nose was red. While giving me a forced laugh, Aizawa-san said:

Yuutarou: Sorry, I was so desperate to protect her that I didn't follow up. Can you cool the towel? The water supply is right around the corner, right?

Madoka: If that's the case I'll go!


Yuutarou: Haha, don't worry. You stay here and watch over Subaru-kun.

Shortly afterwards, Aizawa-san rushed out of the lesson room.

Madoka: Subaru-kun.... Uhm... right now...

Subaru: When he carried you princess style, Yuutarou-san saved you from my punch! He looked like a real hero, it was sooo cool!

Madoka: I- I knew it?!

I clearly remember the feel of strong arms supporting me. I felt the heat on my face rising rapidly.

Madoka: (Even from such an unexpected accident, he protected me properly...)

An absolute sense of security enveloped me. Even during the next practice session, completely charmed, I found myself staring at Aizawa-san's back.

Yuutarou: Alright! Good work, Subaru-kun.

Before long Aizawa-san's voice echoed in the lesson room.

Subaru: You've been a great help!

Subaru-kun's voice brimmed with satisfaction.

Subaru: As expected, Yuutarou-san's enemy is flawless! Even if I do it seriously, I'm no match!

Yuutarou: I wonder. Actual battles and stage plays are totally different. However, your movements right now were very good, Subaru-kun.

Subaru:
Eh, do you mean that!?

Yuutarou:
Yeah... But, please, do not ask an amateur to go at such a speed. You were able to pull it off because it was you.

Subaru: Ah, that's right. Yes, I'll be careful!

Subaru-kun lightly lowered his head. Then, looked at me.

Subaru:
Hey, how was that just now, Madoka?

Madoka: Eh.... W-Well...

Half zoned out, I couldn't reply immediately.

Yuutarou: Don't tell me, we surprised you? If that's the case, I apologize.

Madoka: No, that's not it... Ehm...

I couldn't find the right word. Nevertheless, I had to do something and so I said:

Madoka: I think.... it was totally cool.

Subaru: Thank you, Madoka!

Yuutarou: ... Is that so. I'm glad.

Aizawa-san breathed a sigh of relief, then, a little pleased, smiled.

Two days later. A package was delivered to my desk.
When I opened it, there were assorted cookies and a card inside: "Thank you for the other day. Please have these as a late night snack. - Y.A."

Madoka: (Aizawa-san... to this extent...)

I felt rather terrible about it.


Madoka: (This is no good. I need to give him something in return. But what would be a good present?)

It was at that moment that I realized that I really didn't know much about Aizawa-san.

Madoka: (I need to get to know Aizawa-san better... If I don't, I might not be able to thank him...)

Custom Text