I Risked My Life To Save The Cheeky Girl, And As A Result, I Lost My Right Arm. - Chapter 6.2: Classmate (Part 4)

Classmate (Part 4)

As I silently walked along the familiar path toward home, my mind was preoccupied with the face of Hasegawa-chan, the junior of Nakamura-kun.

To be honest, I was quite surprised. She was even cuter than I imagined.

(So, Nakamura-kun lives with such a cute girl…)

But, yeah, that makes sense. If I were in Hasegawa-chan’s position, I would have done the same thing. If someone saved my life at the cost of losing their arm, I think I’d feel an overwhelming sense of guilt.

I’d carry the weight of that guilt, and if I didn’t genuinely support that person, I’d be crushed by it. I could never shake the feeling of owing them, not when my life was saved like that.

But, honestly, I felt somewhat relieved. Hasegawa-chan was always there to support Nakamura-kun, and he must be doing fine because of it. There was no need for me to step in.

It felt a little embarrassing, too. During the fourth period today, I had gotten so determined to “support him” when I saw him crying. I had already assumed that role for myself, but it turns out that someone else was already there for him.

“I got so worked up all by myself… huhh, I’m such an idiot.”

I spoke the thought aloud, mocking myself, hoping it would distract me. Maybe if I smiled, my feelings would shift.

“………………”

But that smile quickly faded. I stopped in my tracks, feeling something strange stirring in my chest.

I felt oddly… frustrated.

I couldn’t really explain why. I had been so eager to take care of Nakamura-kun, and now that I didn’t need to, was I feeling this way out of some kind of backlash?

Maybe it was just because my intentions had been interrupted, and now I was feeling disappointed. Either way, my heart felt unsettled, and I couldn’t find peace.

I hated that, instead of feeling happy that Nakamura-kun was in a situation where he could live safely, I was trying to find fault with it.

“………………”

I looked up at the sky, raising my face, and gazed at the clouds drifting with the wind, scattered across the sky.

(Wait a minute. Even though they live together, Hasegawa-chan can’t be with Nakamura-kun all the time, right?)

During lunch today… while the class was in session, Hasegawa-chan had to be in the first-year classroom. There were times when she couldn’t watch over him.

In those moments, I could be the one to watch over Nakamura-kun. If he’s going through a difficult time like today, then I’ll be the one to support him.

(Yeah, that’s right. I’ll do that.)

With renewed determination, I started walking again, my feet moving forward.

Thank you, Kurasaki-san.

You’re choosing your words carefully because you’re worried about me, right? That’s why I think you’re so kind.

His gentle smile appears in my mind.

I’m so embarrassed…

I can’t even write properly…

At the same time, I remember his face, sobbing in front of the blackboard.

It’s okay, Nakamura-kun.

Even if Hasegawa-chan isn’t here, don’t worry.

I’ll definitely be by your side.