Chapter 31
Shino's words were calm and natural, but they moved Natsuki deeply.
Look at that—this is what a truly dependable comrade looks like!
No one had asked Shino to do any of this. Natsuki had never requested his help, yet he still remembered Natsuki's habit of sleeping at the desk without any defenses. Just because of that, he deliberately came early in the morning to wait and watch over him.
Seriously... I'm crying right now!
Natsuki reached out and patted Shino on the shoulder, speaking solemnly, "Shino, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You truly are a powerful and trustworthy comrade. It's my honor to be your friend!"
Under his sunglasses, Shino's expression changed slightly, but his tone remained as steady as ever. "Natsuki, you're the same—strong and reliable. I'm truly glad to be your seatmate, your friend, and your comrade. Thank you for trusting me. I will trust you as well."
Natsuki said no more and simply nodded, then fell asleep under Shino's watchful protection.
—That afternoon, after school, at TenTen's small training field—
TenTen looked suspiciously at Natsuki and Shino and couldn't help but ask, "You two don't have... some kind of special relationship, do you?"
Oh no! The spirit of the eternal tsukkomi had possessed her!
Shino, for once, retorted, "TenTen, how could you think that way? Natsuki and I share a bond of mutual trust as friends and comrades. It's only natural that we're close. Besides, the one Natsuki likes is clearly..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but TenTen understood, and her face instantly flushed red.