Mirai felt his mind tense up. He knew she would certainly sense it, and that she would catch him lying. Perhaps he ought to say something. Or he could be quiet and he kept his dignity. They walked for some time without him answering, and for a while he seemed quite unaware that she existed as he pondered the issue.

"No. You should read proper books; manga and anime are wastes of money," he said vehemently. He looked ready to spit on the ground. But it wasn't a lie to say he wanted her to perceive they were things he enjoyed.