An Incompetent Explorer Who Failed to Make His High School Debut but Mastered Being a Human Being

Episode 242: Warmth

 A little while after Arakaki-san and I came outside, Shia and Rokujou-san come out. Shia is the same as usual, but for some reason, Rokujou-san is walking behind Shia with a dumbfounded expression.

"Was it okay?"

"Nn. No problem."

 When I ask Shia who is approaching me, she nods without changing her expression. However, her ahoge is in the shape of a thumbs-up, so I think it was perfect.

 Then she comes over to me, takes my arm, and wraps hers around it.

"~~ !?"

 I am taken aback by the sudden action.

 It's bad for my heart to do things like that naturally, Shia-kun.

"What's wrong?"

"I just felt like it."

"I, is that so."

 I ask if there's a reason, but it seems there's no particular reason.

 It's hard for me to tell her to stop, so I decide to let it go.

"Umm, are you in that kind of relationship with that girl?"

" 'Not now', it's different."

 Seeing Shia sticking to me, I'm asked, but it's on hold right now, so I deny it.

" 'Not now', does that mean there's a possibility of that in the future?"

"Is that so, well, I don't know yet."

 Shia is cute and it's not a problem since she's not bothering me, but I still can't sort out my feelings.

"Haa ... You have such luxury. Being liked by such a cute girl."

"Is that so, I understand."

 Arakaki-san lets out a sigh with an exasperated expression, so I reply with an apologetic expression.

"Well, as long as you understand."

"Yes, thank you for your advice."

 I wonder if something happened with Arakaki-san.

 I bow my head to Arakaki-san, who can't help but say something.

"Well then, shall we go to the branch office."

"Yes."

"Nn."

 After the conversation has settled down, we head to the branch office.

 It seems that the results will be announced at the branch office today as well.

"Rokujou-san, are you okay?"

 However, Arakaki-san calls out to Rokujou-san who doesn't follow for some reason.

"No way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way ..."(TN:Arienai x 12)

 Rokujou-san is stunned and muttering something, but it's too soft to make out.

"Rokujou-san!!"

"Hiiya!?"

 Arakaki-san approaches Rokujou-san and slaps her on both shoulders in a slightly loud voice.

"Eh, ah, Arakaki-san?"

"Yes, are you okay? Your face is pale, isn't it?"

 Rokujou-san, with her eyes wide open, gives a puzzled look at Arakaki-san, who is standing in front of her for some reason. Arakaki-san looks into her face with a worried look.

"Ah, y, yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry for worrying you."

 Rokujou-san, who seems to have come to her senses, takes a step back and bows her head.

"That's fine. We have to submit these two's evaluations to the branch office, so please follow me."

"I understand."

 This time, the four of us start walking towards the branch office of the Explorers' Union.

"Thank you for your hard work on the exam."

"Yes, this is Satou-kun's report."

"This is Katsuragi-san's report."

"Yes, I will keep them for you."

 Upon arriving at the Explorers' Union, Arakaki-san and Rokujou-san submit a paper report to the reception. The receptionist takes the documents and begins to process them.

"Can Satou-san and Katsuragi-san submit their cards, please?"

"I understand."

"Nn."

 Within a minute, the receptionist gives us instructions, so Shia and I submit our cards as instructed.

 This exchange is also the second time, but it feels different this time since I'm with Shia.

"Then, please take this number tag. You will be called by that number when the process is complete."

"I understand."

"Nn."

 Shia and I receive the number tags that are handed to us.

"Well then, I'll excuse myself here."

"Understood. Thank you for your care during the exam."

 Arakaki-san says goodbye to us when he sees that we have received our number tags. I bow my head and thank him for taking care of me this time as well.

"No, no, thank you for letting us have such a valuable experience. Then, Rokujou-san, let's go to the branch."

"Th, that's right."

 Arakaki-san waves his hand with a wry smile as if he is flustered, then looks at Rokujou-san and the two leave.

 After that, when we are called, we are told that we passed.

 We passed with the highest evaluation without any complaints.

"You did it!!"

"Nn!!"

 Shia and I are happy with each other's passing, and then we head home.

[ Onii-chan, please stop by the house today!! ]

 Nanami said something like that yesterday, so we stop by the house.

"What is it?"

"Don't know."

 Not knowing the reason, we both tilt our heads.

"I'm home ~ ."

"Home."

 We arrive at home without knowing anything. I open the door and the two of us try to enter while giving our greetings.

-Paan paaaan

"Congratulations on your promotion to D-rank!!"

""Congrats!!""

 However, at that moment, along with a dry sound, paper tape, confetti, and words of congratulations rain down on me and Shia's heads.

 At the entrance, Nanami, Amane, and Rei are all there, along with my mother, and they all welcome us.

 Is that how it is.

 My heart feels warmer.