Although Amari has been asking me to propose to her since morning, my work comes flooding in like I don't care about that.
　In the blink of an eye, the thrill of the morning's romance drama has vanished.
　Personally, I'm thankful for that because it helps me forget my black history... but I don't want to be thankful because I'm busy and it's hard.

　Isn't it totally a workaholic's idea that working helps me not think about bad things?
　I was beginning to feel that it was no wonder that people were calling me a social animal.

　With a hint of trepidation, I decided to eat the bento that Amanashi had prepared to change my mood.
　The food is still well-balanced and delicious even if it's cold.

　─ ─ If I marry Tenashi, I'll be able to eat all three meals, not just lunch........

''No, no, no, no, what am I thinking!　You're grabbing my stomach too much for any number of reasons...

　While brushing away the evil thoughts that suddenly came to mind, I chewed on the egg rolls with the broth.
　It's delicious.

　After finishing my bento, I continued to work on my delivery.
　Around 4 p.m., it was my turn to deliver a package to the Minami family.

　When I press the intercom, I hear a familiar light sound.

'Yes!'
This is Umineko Transport. I'm here to deliver your package.
"I'm coming, sir!

　I hear Amana's cheerful voice through the speakers, and while I'm relieved, the front door opens.
　Her light brown hair is in two pigtails and her crisp, round, lapis lazuli eyes are a sight to behold.
　She looks very pretty today.

'Hello, Onii-san!
Hello, Amana-chan.

　After the greeting, I had my receipt stamp stamped and placed the package on the edge of the doorway.
　Amana-chan's expression is very smiling, probably because Amari has given her a reply of approval.

'Did you hear about Dad's relay from Tenashi?'
'Yes!　Thank you for asking me to do this!
It's a small price to pay. I'll come first and help you win your class, Amana!

　Although Amari's way of saying it was the kind of thing that would lead to a misnomer, there's no reason to refuse if she wanted me to be in it.
　Well, whether or not I, who is not related to Amana and her family, can participate or not is up to them.
　Anyway, when I promise to contribute to the cause, she tilts her head back and looks at me curiously.

It's not a big deal," she says.
Huh?

　I can't hide my surprise at the fact that Amana's mouth revealed the fact that there were no points to be scored, and that she was exposed in the most hapless way possible.
　So it's completely just an exhibition match, right?
　No, if you think about it, it's strange that the competition that my parents came up with would affect the competition for the championship of the sports day... but where should I direct the motivation that has just popped up?

'Well, well, I'll do my best to be the best in front of Amana and the others.
You'll be first in the relay!
Are you going to run, Amana-chan?
Yes. With Hasumichi and Chiyuri and Kana-chan as the girls!
'Oh. Then we'll have to practice a lot.

　I know it's probably unfounded, but I should probably get some exercise too.
　I don't care if it's arm strength and stamina, I'm aware that my running ability has declined since my school days.......

Oh, that's right, Onii-san!
Hmm?
Can you go to sleep with your mama and your friends at the end of the day?

　He wouldn't have realized such an idea, but Amana suggested it.
　As if she was sorry about letting them use their hard-earned holiday to spend it with us, her expression is a little cloudy and even exudes a sense of guilt.
　He's still the same caring, kind boy I guess, but that's too much to worry about.

'You're worried about me because I always seem to be too busy. But still, Amana-chan.
Huh?

　She bends her knees and pats the little head, keeping her eyes on Amana-chan.　
　The feel of the fine hair from the palm of my hand is almost addictive, but I decide to put my hand down for now and throw in a few words.

'I was just thinking that I need to practice, too, and I don't mind at all, since it looks like we'll have fun doing it together.
Are you sure?
Of course. If you like, Amana-chan.
I... Yeah!　I'm going to be a bridesmaid with my brother!
So that's a promise.

　She smiles happily and makes a promise with her little finger on top of Amana's, who smiles happily and makes a promise with her finger clipping.
　Since I met her, I've made promises like this many times, and the fact that I've never broken a single one of them makes me want to praise her for her discipline.
　I think it's not just common sense that promises should be kept, it's also the fact that I don't want to make Amana feel sad.

I'm sure you're right. I'll return your lunchbox for you today.
Okay. Did you enjoy your mommy's lunch box?
I'm very happy with it, sir.

　Gathering my hands together, I give my personal best class impressions.
　I just realized that on the day I practice with Amana and the others, maybe there's a chance I could eat the food Amari makes?
　If that's the case, then I'm going to be even more filled with vitality.

　...Since everything related to Amana-chan comes with her, it's starting to feel like this kind of thinking can't be helped.
　While thinking about this, I parted ways with Amana and returned to the delivery truck.　

''Hey, Kaz-san!
Huh?　Amanashi?

　I ran into Amari who had just returned from work.
　But I don't know if she didn't expect to see me here or not, but she's very upset with her face turning bright red.
　I'm aware of this morning's proposal-like behavior........

''Eh, right?　Well, you know, about this morning...

'Huh?　But.........no, I'm grateful that you're the one who listens to Tenna's selfishness.
'Also, I'm going to practice with Amana and the others on my day off from work. I'm sorry for deciding without consulting with Amana.
'If that's what Tenna wants to do, then I have nothing to say to you.　

　Before things get complicated, I dare to pretend to be normal and interrupt Amari's words.
　She rolled her eyes for a moment, but seemed to understand our intentions, and although her face was faintly red, she returned it as usual.
　In addition, when I mention the matter of the practice, the trust I've cultivated in her will easily allow me to do so.

　For now, we let this morning's events go by the wayside.
　It's hard to say that it didn't happen, but if we don't do this, it will be awkward in the future.
　I want to avoid that in front of Amana-chan, and even if not, I don't want to break the rapport with Amana.

　After a brief compromise, we part ways with her and I return to work.