kscans

Chapter 767 - Haru and Kaede

And so, time passed, and the sun began to set.

Just messing around and chatting idly is enough for time to fly by. That doesn't change whether you're at home or on a trip with good friends. The fact that the sun seems to set with almost astonishing speed is proof of just how much you're enjoying everything.

I, too, despite my complaints and the occasional teasing, was having fun. I was genuinely enjoying myself, that much is true, but—

"This is a problem…"

So they even have vending machines at luxury inns, I thought, as I wandered out into the hallway for a change of pace and muttered to myself while pressing a button.

Back in the guys' room, which was still the designated hangout spot, my friends were probably still gathered around my partner, making a ruckus. Out of consideration for me, they were likely being inconsiderately loud. The maid, Natsume-san's sister, had joined them now, and things were getting lively even before I slipped out.

So. Why, you ask, did I leave the circle to get all melancholic…?

"…………This really is… a problem…"

As I pulled out the can of soda that had clattered down, the words that spilled from my mouth perfectly matched the color of my thoughts.

What am I going to do? Ever since that thing this afternoon, I can’t stop being intensely aware of Sora.

It can’t be helped. I truly think it can’t be helped, but the scene from earlier is burned into my mind and won't fade. It won’t disappear, won't grow dim.

It wasn’t so much her in a swimsuit, but rather… the image of the girl who, in such a defenseless state, still trusted me without a doubt, who didn't hide her innocent passion, and who stayed diligently by my side.

I’m drawn to her, I know that.

My feelings for her are growing stronger, I know that too. It’s nothing new. This was just a trigger that made me more deeply aware of it, that’s all.

"………………"

I don’t have the confidence to go back to the room and face her just yet. I walked down the hallway with no destination in mind, and since there was no one around, I took the opportunity to press the cold can against my forehead with a stupid look on my face.

This is serious. The can felt so cold it was as if my skin might tear.

And then, a thought occurs. Perhaps I've already reached a point of 'acceptance' where I could put it all into words. If that's the case, then the fact that more than one face comes to mind is all the more reason to feel conflicted—… and then,

"Hm…?"

I turned around, sensing a presence quietly approaching, muffling its footsteps.

And there stood,

"—Oh. You caught me…"

Someone who seemed unexpected but actually wasn’t: the young lady of the Shijo family, who, despite her ladylike demeanor, possesses a playful spirit that rivals any of my friends.

"Hah, you’re soft. You’re three years too early to get the drop on me."

"Hehe, so you’re saying I could do it in three years?"

"If it’s you, Kaede, you could probably do it in six months if you tried."

As we exchanged some playful banter that had no substance befitting our age, she naturally fell into step beside me.

"Where exactly are we headed?"

"Who knows where we're headed."

Without feeling any particular doubt or strangeness about my friend—and manager—now walking beside me, I tossed aside any questions relevant to the situation and continued down the hall.

Of course, there were other guests besides us, but perhaps the timing was good, as we didn’t cross paths with anyone. It was quiet, so quiet, so very quiet.

And as we walked on…

"—Hmm… How quaint."

"You’re just saying whatever comes to mind, aren’t you?"

We arrived at a lounge area with a rather nice atmosphere. It was a place of rest where you could get a full view of the natural scenery from a large window, a spot that would look great day or night.

I plopped down onto one of the expensive-looking single-seater sofas, muttering something random that was immediately called out. Kaede, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, gently sat down in the one next to me, and again said nothing more.

It was a fairly common pairing for us.

Just two “friends” who had gradually gotten to know each other through all our various dealings.

"Hey, Nozomi-kun."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for inviting me on the trip. It’s been a lot of fun."

"Glad to hear it."

Truly.

Her honest words, befitting her character as the most honest person I know in many ways, were comforting.

"You know…"

"What is it?"

Her words slipped through my chest so comfortably that I almost said something I shouldn't have. So, while internally correcting my course before she could notice, I said,

"I heard from Kunori-san the other day… Is it true you tried to play the part of my girlfriend to get the better of the director?"

"—…! Wh-huh? A-eh, myah!?"

In the end, something I really shouldn’t have said in a different way flew out, sending the young lady into a complete tizzy. Forgive me, my friend. This is just one of those things you can only say when all bets are off on a trip.

And because of that,

"I-I-I-I’m, I’m s-so sorr—"

"Thanks. I get it, so it’s okay."

I shut down her unnecessary apology and conveyed only what needed to be said.

"Kunori-san was praising you, you know. He said, ‘To think she could muster the thought and courage to make such a move in that split second is impressive.’ He was really impressed, saying you had a promising future."

"Eh, eeh…"

I’ll keep it to myself that he seemed to be talking about her future in a capacity as an assistant to ‘The Acrobat,’ not as the heir to the Shijo family.

Anyway, putting that aside.

"…But still, take better care of yourself, okay? The fact that you tried to protect me with such a quick-witted move brings tears to my eyes, but don’t become a shield for me."

What she did might have looked like a reckless, last-ditch effort that could have blown up in both our faces—but she is a daughter of the Shijo family.

There was no way the director of a prestigious university wouldn’t know that name. And even if he didn’t, someone in his position would never carelessly spread a student’s personal affairs.

In conclusion, whether she was found out or not, all she did was ‘tell a lie.’ Her actions at that time carried absolutely no risk.

That leaves only one fact.

The daughter of the renowned Shijo family, in order to protect a single boy, told a “lie” that was akin to offering herself up without a moment’s hesitation. That is the one, unmoving fact.

"…Am I being… scolded right now?"

"Not scolded. It’s gratitude, concern, and a little bit of exasperation."

"So I’m being exasperated at…"

Well, yeah. You’re not someone who can be sold cheaply, so please don’t go around offering yourself up for a friend you just met.

"Just a little. I’m not trying to complain or lecture you, though I guess I already am. Just take it as genuine concern from a friend."

"Ugh… O-okay, I’ll be careful."

Kaede is a good person.

She’s bright, pure, occasionally playful, and considerate… and sometimes, so kind it’s worrying—just like my precious partner.

As expected of relatives. And that’s precisely why.

"Thanks."

"Jeez. I heard you the first time."

"No, not for that. This is a good chance, so let me thank you again for everything."

This delightful friend of mine is staring at me, blinking.

"I’m glad you found me, Kaede. In so many ways, you’ve been a huge help, and I’m grateful. So much so that I probably couldn’t say it this casually if I wasn’t on a trip high."

Back when we hadn’t even spoken, let alone made eye contact. For whatever reason, she had looked my way when I was mastering the art of being a loner.

And by extension, I was fortunate to be at the same university as her and my other friends.

"So, thank you. And also…"

I was blessed with unexpected good fortune not only in the virtual world, but in the real world as well.

It’s long overdue, but my thanks.

"I hope you’ll continue to stick with me through thick and thin."

All in all, my tone was far from the solemnity required to convey ‘heartfelt gratitude.’ It came out sounding casual, as if I were just saying whatever. …But, this is fine.

For her, who I’ve taken the liberty of thinking of as a dear friend, this is fine.

"…………Hey, Nozomi-kun."

"What is it, Kaede-san?"

"I really think that’s just how you are. If it wasn’t me, this would be a disaster, you know? You’d be the one in trouble when a fourth girl shows up, right?"

"I’m only saying it so casually because it’s you, Kaede. Because you’re the one who seriously doesn’t see me ‘as a guy.’ That’s why I can say anything to you so easily."

"Is that a way to be trusted…?"

"Thinking back, there were some suspicious moments before my identity was revealed, though."

"N-no, that’s not…! There weren’t! I’m a child, so I’ve never been in love or anything!"

"Is that really okay for a beautiful university student?"

"It’s really not like that! I mean, sure, I thought you were a wonderful boy and all, but that's it!"

"That’s a pretty bold thing to say, Lady Shijo."

"Anyone would think that much, wouldn’t they? I was just happy to be friends with you! That’s all, I swear!"

"Kaede."

"What is it!?"

"You’re cunningly cute in a lot of ways, so be careful around guys who aren't me or Toshiki, okay?"

"Don’t say the same thing Mizuki-chan does!!!"

And just like that.

It’s reassuring, and it sets me at ease. All because she is a precious, naturally cute friend who is hard to come by.

She must have seen how restless I was and came to keep me company and help me clear my head with some lighthearted banter… For that, I’ll offer my sincere thanks.