Path of the Extra Chapter 377: Leo Karumi [11]

"I've had a suspicion from watching you devour apples over the years, but... so anything with apples works for you, eh? You sure do adore apples, don't you?"

"…Got an issue?"

"None at all! I'm just thrilled to learn more about you!"

Leo lifted his gaze from the tabletop.

"You're way too simple to please, you realize."

They were seated in a cozy café, with Lea opposite him and their desserts just served. A hot apple pie steamed before Leo. A tidy slice of strawberry cake rested in front of Lea.

Near Leo on the seat lay a shopping bag containing the gift—carefully wrapped once Lea assisted in selecting it. Adjacent was a fresh umbrella Leo purchased for the trip back. Lea had now completed the final requirement for his support in the year-end festival.

Lea grinned widely, rocking back and forth like a thrilled young child. They were young, in fact—but Leo, who preferred behaving more maturely than his years, couldn't picture himself acting that way.

"Ah!"

She abruptly halted, gazing at her cake with the awe a kid reserves for a cherished possession—as if she hesitated to spoil it with the initial bite. Then she rested both palms on the surface and bent ahead, her face shifting to worry, nearly anxious.

"Are you certain this suffices? If you'd like additional, just tell me... I've got the funds!"

Leo had begun slicing his pie. Thoughtlessly, he raised the knife and directed it toward her.

Lea recoiled and pressed back firmly against the seat.

"You ought not to spend your cash so freely," Leo remarked. "And curb that demeanor of yours. It's no surprise you've misled so many fellows."

"I'm only eager to spend because it's on you!" Lea retorted—then her tone softened, growing quieter.

"A-and... I suppose I can't dispute the other parts..."

She glanced back at her cake as though it might lift her spirits.

Leo's mouth corners quivered.

She'd done it once more.

"I don't desire extra," Leo stated. "This works. But appreciate the suggestion."

He savored a mouthful.

The tastes exploded on his palate—cozy apple, cinnamon, flaky crust—and unintentionally, his features eased.

Next, he spotted Lea eyeing him.

Leo gulped and scowled.

"What is it?"

Lea fluttered her eyes, like she'd been snapped out of a daze, and shook her head swiftly.

"Nothing, really. It's only... you truly fancy all things apple, don't you?"

"Haven't you mentioned that before? Suffering from memory loss? You positive you're second in our class rankings? Did you fake it?"

"Hey! Leave my position out of this!" Lea barked.

"You realize how aggravating it is to linger in second spot for ages due to you!"

Leo raised his shoulders.

"I've never tried to undermine you. Actually, I'd cheer for anyone clever enough to rival me. It turns monotonous eventually."

Lea's face contorted in utter revulsion.

"Your ego is excessively large! You behave far too casually, your words drip venom, and you're utterly embarrassing!"

Leo grinned, entertained.

"You appear somewhat upset. Care to explain the repetition?"

Her revulsion dissipated. She exhaled, folded her arms, and eyed her cake again.

"…When you consume something you genuinely like... a tiny smile appears. And it looks like you're unaware of it."

Leo angled his head.

That was news to him.

"…Perhaps," he conceded.

"Even so, it's eerie how intently you observe me."

A sulk appeared right away on Lea's mouth.

"Sorry for attempting to unravel the enigma called Leo Karumi."

"I'm no riddle."

"To me, you are."

Leo breathed out and took another bite. Lea at last followed suit with her cake.

"…You're odd," they both whispered almost together—softly so neither caught the other's words.

After gulping, Leo resumed speaking.

"Let's discuss the year-end festival."

Lea sat up straight. She agreed with a nod.

"I agreed to assist and join in," Leo went on, "yet that doesn't imply I'll shoulder the whole event alone. Your aim is 'forging cherished memories,' correct? It wouldn't count as a victory for you if folks only recall my superiority over the rest."

"…You're right," Lea yielded, her lips tightening.

"Still, a kinder phrasing would help."

She shook her head, pondering.

"I never planned to let you dominate regardless. At most, I hoped for your involvement in a single task—one occasion or stall."

Lea tapped her chin and fixed her stare on her cake like it concealed secrets.

"However, theatre's out. Reflecting now... the disparity between your performance and others' is vast. It'd disrupt the entire production and diminish its worth. A solo act... yes, it'd linger in minds. Yet it'd dominate all talk, eclipsing everything else hugely. That'd be dreadful for them."

Leo remained quiet, allowing her to continue.

Lea was gradually grasping, bit by bit, what he couldn't undertake if the true objective was crafting positive recollections for all. With a talent like Leo—excelling in all—numerous elements would spark rivalries, and those rivalries would taint the enjoyment.

Naturally, Lea figured Leo wouldn't deliberately restrain himself.

That assumption was wrong.

Leo lacked the drive to flaunt. If required, he'd perform subpar or portray poorly. The festival held little importance for him. His interest was mere—self-centered interest, at that.

He figured his parents wouldn't attend anyhow. Work would occupy them. And impressing these folks wasn't necessary.

But Lea remained unaware, and Leo saw no reason to inform her.

He desired to observe her thought process.

"…Could I decide your part next week?" she inquired finally.

She raised her gaze with uncertainty, evidently wrestling to discover the ideal solution—something enabling Leo's involvement sans upsetting equilibrium. She'd sought his enhancement of the festival, yet hadn't foreseen that his 'enhancement' might burden others.

Now she seemed convinced she'd wrecked it all—like she'd dissuaded him from aiding.

She dodged his stare.

Yet—

"Of course," Leo replied.

"No rush. Devise a plan."

"…!"

Lea's eyes grew large. She gawked at him in astonishment as Leo merely continued with his apple pie.

"Th… thanks," she murmured.

A gentle, satisfied grin formed on her lips. And now, she properly began on her cake as well.

While Leo munched his apple pie, lingering over each swallow to truly relish the flavor, his eyes wandered the café.

Upon arrival, their attire had dried sufficiently to avoid drips—largely owing to the indoor mall's warmth and entrance air blowers. Positioned by a windowed wall, Leo viewed shoppers in the mall: entering stores, flicking moisture from cuffs, drying locks, clustering beneath jackets.

"Hey, Leo… mind if I probe something more private?"

"Hm?"

He rotated his head. Lea met his look with reluctance.

"Why?"

"Because…" She rubbed her cheek, abruptly uneasy. "You're oddly approachable today, so I hate to miss this moment and… indulge a touch of my personal intrigue."

Leo felt no irritation, nor was he irritable—he relished his pie. Thus, he opted for leniency and nodded.

"Proceed," he invited.

"Though I'll choose if I respond."

"Reasonable."

Lea nibbled more cake and relished it, gulping deliberately. She released a faint breath, then regarded Leo once more—earnest now—while he ate on.

"…Why do you always behave as if you despise everyone nearby?"

"…"

Leo merely regarded her.

"Each time somebody nears you, you repel them at once. You scorn them, pretend hatred… and deliberately provoke their dislike too. Correct? Why?"

"Since I just don't care for them? I fail to grasp the response you're seeking."

"I'd accept that, but I've observed my competitor for years, and I suspect deception."

Regrettably for her, it wasn't reciprocal. Leo viewed no schoolmate as competition.

"Then what makes you say so?" he queried.

Lea paused briefly.

"…Since I believe you're far gentler than you let on."

"Hahaha!" Leo burst into laughter, appearing truly delighted.

"And what leads you there?"

Her expression soured at his response, yet she persisted. She inclined forward, as if persistence might convince him.

"Because—like today—there've been instances where I've witnessed your true kindness shining through the facade. Why would one aiming to seem hateful… abruptly reveal that? Without seeing it firsthand, I might've trusted your claim of disliking all. But it isn't so. I simply… can't fathom your behavior."

Leo squinted, doubt creeping into his look.

"Interestingly, that confessor today called me kind as well. Am I overly wary, or were you involved?"

Rather than refute, Lea pressed further.

"Yes," she affirmed.

"That was due to me, in fact…"

Leo appeared displeased.

"Don't say you've circulated tales of me as a holy figure."

Lea denied vigorously with her head.

"Absolutely not! I'm not insane!"

"Thus you concede a mild insanity."

"No! Argh…!"

Flustered, Lea hid her face in her hands. Her words turned to a mumble—hushed, yet audible to Leo.

"It's merely… when folks mention you and your 'wicked prince' image to me, I urge them not to trust gossip blindly," she confessed. "And I… offset it by noting I view you as kind, from my observations."

Then she peered up, cheeks flushed, still evidently shamed—and elevated her tone protectively.

"So I'm no deranged fan dashing about declaring you a saint, alright?!"

"…Alright," Leo uttered.

"I trust you."

"You absolutely don't!" Lea retorted sharply.

"Your expression betrays you!"

Leo rubbed his cheek, truly perplexed.

"I mean… it's strange how insistent you are on my kindness," he noted. "And so tenacious—so… irritating. Tell me you're not smitten."

"As if!"

She pounded both fists on the table, clinking the utensils.

"Interest doesn't equal romance!"

It appeared her volume rose too much. Nearby patrons glanced, grinning and chuckling as if beholding an endearing scene.

"…Ugh."

Lea's cheeks burned brighter. She bowed her head, mortified.

"Just reply to my query," she grumbled, eyes downcast.

Leo's attention shifted to his dish—and he saw it bare. He'd cleared it unawares.

That realization brought a twinge of sorrow.

"Well…" he began deliberately.

"I'm unsure if I can provide that."

Lea raised her gaze while keeping her head low.

"Why not?"

Leo fixated on the vacant plate, weighing if scooping the stray bits would seem desperate.

"Because even I lack the answer."

And truthfully...

For an instant, quietude enveloped them. Leo, immersed in reflection, overlooked Lea's face—and Lea held her tongue.

Then Leo glanced up abruptly and declared, utterly earnest:

"I crave another apple pie."

"Eh?"

Lea blinked, perplexed—then her lips curved into a sardonic grin, and she emitted a soft chuckle.

"Well, I did vow it."

Leo sought to conceal his pleasure, and Lea prepared to signal a server—

When a known voice rang out, brimming with astonishment.

"Leo?"

Upon hearing it, Leo stiffened. His veins felt chilled.

A beat later, he swiveled, eyes flaring wide.

"M-mom…? Lia?"