Chapter 759 - Mutual Indulgence
Beautiful—I feel like that's the first time anyone has ever said that to me.
My life is still short and shallow, so it's not impossible to recall the past. I could check if I wanted to... but I won't.
I want him to be the first.
That's enough.
"—...Haru, you..."
While conveying both my protest and gratitude for how he always throws my heart into turmoil with both hands, I waited for the heat in my cheeks to subside before looking up.
Then, I pinched both of his cheeks as he looked down at me.
"Are you only this loose-lipped with me? Calling me cute, or... that... what you just said. You always say it so casually, without any hesitation..."
"Uh, well, um... It's not only you, it's more like..."
"It is only me! I know because Nia-san and Iris-san told me you don't really say things like that to them."
"If I may ask an unrelated question, how is it that you know such a thing?"
"Because they told me so."
"Have you all transcended the dimension of just being 'good friends'...?"
I know this is me being spoiled, but I let my heart show, unrestrained and unfiltered. As I questioned him honestly, I kept my hands on his cheeks so he couldn't escape...
"........................To confess this to you, Sora—or rather, to any girl who's told me she likes me—makes me feel truly sorry, but..."
"...! Y-Yes?"
His words pricked at my heart, and I tried to hide my once-again racing pulse as I urged him to continue. And so, without averting his gaze, he said,
"It's not just with you. I'm trying to say it now."
"..."
"To Nia, and to Ashe, too. When I think it, when it comes to mind, when I feel it. ...They say it's hard to tell what's going on in my head, so I figure I should at least be honest about everything."
It's because I'm trying to change my way of thinking in various ways. He seemed to say. I'm trying to find a new way to face the people walking beside me, while staying true to who I am.
"The things about me that I don't understand, I figured it's fine if someone else notices them for me. Just like I've been taught time and time again this past half-year... since I started Arcadia."
It wasn't just those around him who had found clarity.
"I decided to do my best, even if I'm clumsy, and try to rely on others. Try to be a little spoiled. So, well... in various ways, I'm trying to be more forward with my words than ever before."
He himself was certainly beginning to find clarity, or so he seemed to say.
"But, you know, even though I said I'd try my best, it's hard. The moment I become conscious of saying things like 'cute' or 'beautiful' to a girl, there's no way I can say it."
Even if the smile on his face was a bitter, self-deprecating one.
"...So, why is it that you can say it so casually to me?"
"And it comes to that, doesn't it? Well, um, yes. I'm aware that the casualness of our partnership gets mixed in, and I just blurt it out. But, you see, that's not because I'm saying it lightly or anything, it's just that with you, Sora, things like comfort and trust come first, so from my perspective, it's easier to say, or something—"
It was the same smile of his that Sora loved.
"...I know."
"So—huh, eh, you do...?"
"I know. Because it's you, Haru."
Yes, I know.
I confirm it with words to keep the unforgettable 'promise' we made. That night when we linked our pinkies, vowing not only to know each other's hearts but to properly exchange them.
"...Please make sure to say it to Nia-san and Iris-san, too."
I released his cheeks but kept my hands cupping his face. In the moonlit darkness, I offered him my words, as if to cheer on his earnestly racing heart.
"...Are you sure it's okay for you to say that?"
"It's fine. They are both so cute and beautiful and charming that it's a problem even for me. It wouldn't be healthy for you to say it only to me, would it?"
"Unhealthy... Um, you see. Like I said, I'm already trying to—"
"—Then, please try harder."
"Ehh..."
I, too, spoke with comfort and trust.
"You'll be fine, Haru. ...Because you're my pride and joy partner."
Selfish and childish.
I send this cheer, which doesn't hide my affection, to you.
Now, that aside.
"Come to think of it, I was also waiting for the right time to say something."
"Hm?"
"Your yukata suits you very well. You look wonderful."
"Oh, uh. Thanks for that—"
"It's a little sexy, and it made my heart pound."
"What are you even saying???"
As an equal partner.
Of course, I'm going to get my proper revenge.
Because we'll always be watching over each other.