A Twisted Introvert loner Like Me, Mentally Wrecked One-Sidedly due to Love, Throws Away the Love Letter Sent by the foremost School's Beauty, Leading to an Unwanted Romantic Comedy

Chapter 21: No matter how unsightly you are.

Rather than being overly considerate, I figured Katase might feel more at ease if I acted normally. That was the conclusion I, someone unfamiliar and uncomfortable with social interactions, came to.

Instead of putting forth thoughtful words, making selfish remarks instead was the best way.

I might be seen as someone who can’t read the room… but thinking, if it is Katase, who shares similar traits to me, can understand, then I felt reassured.

…Okay.

Waiting in front of the door for a few tens of seconds. Slowly, the door lever lowered, and the door opened.

However, the gap was too narrow. I couldn’t see inside her room as a given, nor can I see Sayo who was inside the room.

“This, …Sorry for the delay in returning this.”

With a feeble voice, a handkerchief peeks out of the door, as if to say, this was the best I could do.

Instead of taking the offered handkerchief, I addressed to Katase instead.

“In addition, Katase, I want to talk to you. So, can you at least let me in? As expected, it’s too hot and uncomfortable to talk through the door.”

“…In addition, is it?”

“Yeah. Just in addition.”

I answered immediately. Of course, it’s not just in addition. Because, it’s the main reason I am here today.

“It’ll be bad, if I give you away my cold…”

“Then it’s absolutely perfect. Actually, past few years, I haven’t caught a cold, moreover, I pride myself on being a genius In that regard, so I thought it’s about time I got one… You know the saying right? That fools never catch colds~”

“……”

There was no reaction. But that doesn’t mean there was no change at all. The handkerchief that had peeking out a while earlier had now again hidden in.

Is this some kind of signal? If so… fumu, I got no clue at all.

A moment of silence continued. It’s out of the question to force my way into the room through the gap in the door, —so what should I do from here on?

As I pondered with my head, the door was timidly opened.

“…Come in.”

Katase, in her pajamas wears, smiled weakly and said that.

I nodded and stepped inside.

Needless to say, it’s the first time for me to enter a girl’s room.

Because of which, the only impressions that come to me are at most the clumsy naïve ones. Like, “Ah, un, this sure feels like a girl’s room” or “It smells nice~.”

Just that, the room is dark. Probably because the curtains are closed… This subtle darkness seems to reflect the darkness of her emotions right now.

“Sit wherever you feel like.”

“Okay… then, without reserve.”

I sat down on the floor and with legs folded.

As for Sayo, she was wrapped in a blanket sitting on her bed. Since she’s facing sideways, I couldn’t see her present expression.

There’s no hint of the season. If there was no air conditioner, it would be nothing but a harsh ascetic training.

But well, it’s such a typical way to feeling down.

“How’s your health?”

“…Probably a summer cold? For the time being, I might be absent from school.”

Saying so, Sayo coughed deliberately.

“That seems quite serious. Shouldn’t you see a doctor?”

“Yeah, I guess. Un, tomorrow, I’ll try going to the hospital.”

“That’s good. Or should I come with you as well?”

“It’s okay, you don’t have to go that far. I’ll be fine by myself…”

“I see.”

“Un.”

With that the conversation ended. The only sounds in the room were the air conditioner humming and occasional creaking of the house.

From here on out, if I act like my usual self, I won’t be able to face the problems Katase is dealing with right now.

Familiarity is gentle and reassuring. In contrast, unfamiliarity is scary and anxiety-inducing. For me, it’s so easy to come up with lines which are utter hopeless, but for the reverse its incredibly difficult.

If I can, I want to feel at ease more than anyone. But right now, —I want to make her feel at ease.

“…How about your feelings? Are you still doing fine?”

“……”

She used to be insisting she’s okay all this time, but right now, she remains silent.

Taking her silence as affirmation, I continue.

“Sorry, that was a mean question. Of course, you’re not okay at all.”

“……”

“Maybe it’s better to run away… or so, I’ve conveyed earlier. Whether it triggered anything or not, I don’t know… but I know one thing, it’s an answer Katase, you yourself came up to right now.”

“……”

“Considering I am not someone who’s a part of your family nor lover nor a close friend. So saying something like this actually feels quite out of position but.”

“……”

Katase remained silent, sitting there. But I know, my voice should be reaching her ears.

I’ve simulated various scenarios in my mind and tried imagining various developments and how to communicate in that, but… all in all, it was all meaningless. No matter how the process goes, but in the end, I would have conveyed my feelings ‘straightforwardly.’ as a given. Since it’s me saying it, there’s no mistake about it.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. Even what seems impossible to do as usual. The trembling breaths make me more aware of the tension. It’s similar, yet somewhat different from making presentations in front of the public.

“That’s why… even though I know am being selfish … allow me to say.”

But that’s fine. No matter how embarrassing it is, it’s fine. I don’t care what happens to me… as long as it gets through to her, then all’s fine.

“I …. want to save you.”