kscans

Chapter 258 - Looking Up at the Moon

She had apparently come just for me. After parting ways with my dear master, I was thinking it was about time for me to log out as well, considering what tomorrow held. That’s when I was shocked by a habitual glance at my friends list.

My partner's name, who I had been so sure had already logged off, was still marked as online. For a moment, I wondered if she’d gotten an invitation for an after-party from someone like Mi-na, but considering the late hour and Sora’s personality, that felt slightly off. Then, the lonely expression she’d worn when we met earlier crossed my mind.

Is she by herself? Once that thought occurred to me, I couldn't just leave her be. At the same time, I figured it would be annoying to check in with a message, so I decided to use my partner’s prerogative.

It was one of our partner skills—《Meltraction》. A skill of instantaneous teleportation that each contractor can use only once a day. Although it has a few restrictions, like the once-a-day limit and the inability to teleport into battlefields or dungeons, it's a convenient tool that allows for an immediate rendezvous at no cost. Incidentally, it fails if the request is rejected. Which means, since I was able to jump, I could assume I wasn't being a bother.

"So, what were you up to?"

It was less of a question and more of a way to start a conversation. Sora, who was hugging her knees with her face buried in them, looked up at me, her eyes peeking through the gaps in her flowing hair.

She’s often been so flustered she shuts down, but this might be the first time I've seen her like this. Her calm speech and demeanor usually make her seem more mature than her appearance suggests… but tonight, she seemed her age, or perhaps—

"...I was looking at the sky."

Her movements conveyed a stronger sense of innocence than usual. And yet, her voice was quieter than ever before.

I feigned ignorance as to why I instinctively looked away and offered a smile back.

"...Even for a girl who can create tornadoes with a sword, I can't say I approve of walking around alone at night."

"Fufu… it's okay, you know."

If I were being considerate of her as a member of the opposite sex, this distance was a little too close. But having sat down at this distance myself—I no longer had the option to run away.

"—Because I know someone will find me."

A subtle warmth clung to my fingertips. Though shyness was still present… her small hand, which had at some point abandoned its reservation, firmly grasped my ring and pinky fingers.

Well, I did give her a 'permanent free pass.' A man must be true to his word.

"I didn't exactly find you, you know? As proof, I have no idea where we are."

"Ehehe… I don't know either."

"This isn't an 'ehehe' situation. I can't see the city lights. Aren't we super far from a safe area?"

"I wonder. I ran for about thirty minutes."

"I see. So we're talking more than just a few kilometers here."

I have to be true to my word, but… well, how do I put this? I’d really appreciate it if you didn't squeeze my hand like that, you know?

It's not like I'd harbor any improper feelings in an instant, but I am a man, and such unabashed skinship isn't exactly good for my mental well-being—

"Haru."

"Hm?"

When I turned at the sound of my name, her amber eyes were reflecting the surface of the spring. For some reason, her profile looked more mature than the girl I was used to.

"..............................I..."

"Yeah."

What emotion was it that caused the strength in her fingertips to increase?

As if choosing her words—or perhaps, composing her heart. I looked away from Sora, who was slowly beginning to spin her words, and let my own eyes fall upon the same scenery as hers.

"In the real world, I can't be of any help to you, Haru."

"Yeah. But—"

I'll say it as many times as it takes: that's not something Sora needs to worry about.

I was about to say so as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but—

"But, still—I don't want to have any regrets."

I was cut off by the heat transmitted not just from her fingers, but from her firmly grasped hand, and by a voice that sounded as if it had broken through something.

When I glanced to my side again, the girl's eyes were no longer reflecting the spring. Instead, I could see my own face, which, after suppressing all sorts of emotions, was now displaying an indescribably foolish expression.

"We made a promise to the moon, didn't we? That we'd be together, no matter what."

I couldn't respond to the amber glow that stared at me so directly, so intently. As I managed a faint nod, she said,

"So… so, please—be my partner, always."

I couldn't look away from the girl who was pouring her heart out to me with all her might.

"For that to happen, please make one more promise. If something tries to change you… and if that's not what you want..."

I had seen so many of her expressions before.

"Tell me."

A naive face, a cute face, a dependable face, a dignified face—and now, another one.

"I may be powerless myself, but even so, I will absolutely—protect you."

With an expression I'd never seen before, she offered a serene smile.

Honestly, I couldn't grasp Sora's circumstances or the meaning of her words at that moment. But—

"...Uh, well."

Completely overwhelmed by the atmosphere, there was only one answer I could give in that place.

"O-Okay...?"

When I nodded back in my bewilderment, Sora let out a soft chuckle—and the girl, who had closed the distance just a little more, leaned into me as if relieved.

As always… whether she knew it or not, she really knew how to play with a man's heart.

◇◆◇◆◇

"————......................Haaaah..."

『—Have you finally made up your mind?』

Echoing through the observation chamber—the monitor room—was a weary sigh of resignation. And alongside it, a cheerful voice that felt somehow merciless.

"...Even if you're going to flaunt it, I wish you'd pick a better time and place."

『Unfortunately, "consideration" is not my area of expertise. I currently have no interests beyond fulfilling the `wish` entrusted to me.』

"Good grief… I suppose I'll have to hold out hope for the future on that front."

『You are free to hope all you like—may I have your answer?』

"You don't need to ask. Surely you can read my thoughts, can't you?"

『I repeat, "consideration" is still not my area of expertise.』

".................."

Even though he knew it was a losing battle, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for a little more understanding.

With a grimace, Yotsuya Togo gazed at the two shadows huddled together on the giant monitor—

"There's no other choice, is there... My mind is made up."

And as he heard the 'answer' uttered like an exhale,

『——————』

The other 'voice' let out a satisfied breath and—its presence vanished.

---

The stage is set.