The case where I was gradually getting buried in the heavy love of my childhood friend who had miraculously recovered from their illness was perfect! - Chapter 29 : What Rion Wants...

 “…The future seems too challenging.”

Those words slipped out of my mouth as I thought about that event.

It had been a few days since the incident with Kamishiro-san and the wallet incident she tried to pin on me. While we did resolve it, I hadn’t expected something like that to happen within just a week of starting school. We did manage to solve it, but there was still a lingering sense of fatigue or confusion.

“It’s quiet here.”

At this moment, after finishing lunch, I found myself on the rooftop, distancing myself from Rion for a while.

This place, where I could gaze at the distant scenery while feeling the cool breeze, wasn’t a spot I frequented, but it was undoubtedly a soothing place.

“…..?”

With a clatter, the door opened behind me.

Someone entered this space where only I had been till now… who could it be? From what I think, it is definitely not Rion. I don’t know why, but I can instantly tell if she is nearby me.

Akihiro or Takeshi, or maybe Wada-kun… but it feels different. Pretending not to notice, I continued gazing at the scenery, and someone stood behind me in that empty space.

“…Who—”

Could it be that I’m about to be pushed off…!?

I didn’t think so, but as I turned to look, a hand quickly covered my eyes.

“Just guess who it is.”

Thankfully, I wasn’t pushed from the rooftop. I was just blindfolded by a pair of hands.

“Asumi-san…”

“Correct! 10 Points!”

The blindfold was soon removed as I answered her. I knew the very moment I heard her voice that she was none other than Asumi-san.

“Why are you here Asumi-san?”

“Well, no particular reason. Just happened to see Rokudou-kun leaving the classroom alone when I was heading back.”

“I see…”

“Will you be fine not going back to Rion?”

“We’re not together 24/7.”

“Fair enough.”

Asumi-san, who chuckled, stood next to me.

The two of us, without much conversation, stared at the cityscape. Unable to bear the silence any longer, I asked what I had been curious about.

“Hey, Asumi-san.”

“Hmm?”

“…Who are you, really?”

“What do you mean?”

Well, I expected that response from her.

The reason I asked such a question was due to the words Rion spoke. Even in the matter of Kamishiro-san a few days ago, Rion mentioned that she had investigated Asumi-san’s middle school days, thanks to her friend.

“If you go ask Rion about it, she’d probably tell you instantly if you pressure her, but she might suggest asking the person directly. So, why not ask me directly instead?”

“Fair enough.”

After thinking for a while, Asumi-san began to explain.

“As Rion mentioned, I trust Rokudou-kun as Rion’s childhood friend. So, I’ll tell you this secret; my family is like a yakuza.”

“…Yakuza?”

“Yeah.”

Yakuza… As in the real YAKUZA?!

When I heard the word “Yakuza,” I briefly considered things like organized crime and such. Probably not that; it might be the type that values righteousness portrayed in anime or manga, or in dramas…? Anyway, from what I know of Asumi-san, it seems like that kind of feeling.

“Aren’t you too calm about it?”

“Well… more than being scared, I’d say it’s more surprising. I already knew about Asumi-san, so maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I thought maybe you’re a kind yakuza.”

“Kind… huh. I never thought I’d be described that way.”

“Asumi-san is kind, right? Maybe it’s just because I’m Rion’s childhood friend, and you’re getting along with me because of that, but if Rion says she’s friends with you, that’s probably the answer.”

Asumi-san laughed lightly.

“Haha as Rion said and I had expected this, you’re really kind. I might not fall for you, but I can see why others might like you.”

“What do you mean…”

“Being too good — this phrase is often used for people who are easily deceived, but in your case, it’s different. You can judge what you don’t need and, above all, your kindness is directed only towards Rion and people you consider close to you.”

“…..”

Being too good… in other words, overly kind-hearted.

Well, certainly, I don’t consider myself a saint who wants to help everyone in need. There’s a dry side to me that would help only Rion, our families, and those I’ve become close to.

“Now, let’s get back to the topic. My family is like that, but, of course, it’s not publicly known. Only Rion, Akina… and some very close friends know this secret.”

“I see.”

“Yeah. Well, if I wanted to investigate, I could find out anything easily. Mama is strict, but Papa and the people in the group dote on me, so I can easily find out most things.”

“Hmm…?”

Wait a minute… if that’s the case, then could it be that Senpai disappeared and Ito suddenly changed his attitude because of this…?

Just as I was thinking about it, Asumi-san gently placed her finger on my lips.

“I can somewhat understand what you’re thinking, but, well, it’s probably as you imagine. I use everything at my disposal… if someone tries to trouble Rion, I won’t hesitate. And if that girl asks for help like this, I’ll lend a hand without suspicion — because that’s what I want to do for the only girl who accepted me, called me a friend, and whom I consider a queen.”

“A queen…”

Rion is the queen… I thought about it before what her words meant, but now I finally get it.

“…Rion is amazing, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. She’s ruthless to her enemies, but incredibly kind to those she cares about… I think that’s one of the reasons why so many people admire her.”

I see… Rion is truly amazing.

Rion has many friends, including Asumi-san. In middle school, she was liked by both seniors and juniors to some extent, and it can’t be explained just by her pleasant outward appearance.

“Rion is amazing.”

“Haha, you’re saying that for the second time, and you seem to mean it deeply. But you know? The person she trusts the most is you, Rokudo-kun.”

“…I know. I’m aware of that.”

How much time do I think I’ve spent with Rion?

“It’s good that you understand. If Rion smiles and feels happy to be alive, that’s enough. She has suffered enough. Now, she just needs to live the future she envisions.”

“Yeah, I’ll do my best for that. Rion’s hit points are like one, as usual.”

“Indeed… we must definitely protect that.”

Saying this, Asumi-san and I laughed and returned to the classroom.

Time passed, and after school, while walking home with Rion, I told her about the conversation with Asumi-san.

“She told you her real identity?”

“Yeah… I never thought there would be someone from the yakuza so close to us.”

“I was surprised at first too. But thanks to that, I decided to be friends with her.”

“That’s…”

“Choosing who to be friends with, at first, everyone has some selfish motives. However, I did become good friends with Asumi after spending time with her. She knows that too.”

“I see… Rion is really amazing.”

Today, it feels like I’ve been saying Rion is amazing all the time.

Rion covered her mouth, giggling, and gently squeezed my hand.

“I haven’t changed what I want to do since long ago… I’m working hard just to obtain the future I desire, for that alone.”

“The future?”

“Yes. To seize the fate I never want to let go of… to obtain what defines me. I live for that purpose only.”

What is Rion saying?

She seemed a bit strange for a moment but quickly returned to normal and said,

“Kamishiro-san, lately she seems quite uncomfortable. If there’s anything troubling her, I’d like to help her very much, you know.”

“Are you a devil?”

A devil, demon or the demon king… Those words seem too fitting for her current visage.

I vowed strongly in my heart, no matter what happens, I won’t make Rion angry ever… for the umpteenth time.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120