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!

I don’t particularly belong to a club related to extracurricular activities, so I usually head home right after school. I do spend time with close friends occasionally, but it has become a habit to visit Rion, who would probably be bored whenever I have some free time.

“All right, then, I’ll be going.”

It was just after the closing ceremony when I tried to leave the classroom, gathering my things.

“Hey, wait up, Rokudo.”

“What is it?”

Rokudo — that’s what he called me by my last name. He wasn’t a central figure in the class, but he stood out due to his flashy, delinquent-like appearance. By the way, I don’t get along with this guy at all, his name is Ito.

“Off to the hospital again today? Struggling for your frail childhood friend, huh?”

“Shut up. It’s none of your business.”

I said this and turned my back to him. I might seem a bit rude to my classmates, but I have a particularly bad relationship with Ito. He persistently pursued Rion, who had rejected him outright, not as persistently as she had with our senior who disappeared during our second year, but he became a jerk who held a grudge against Rion.

“I hate people who are persistent — please don’t talk to me, ever.”

Originally, Ito was not well-liked because he was a loud and annoying person, but it was quite satisfying when Rion clearly told him to leave her alone in front of everyone. Rion is the type to talk to classmates regardless of gender, so anyone who makes her dislike them has a certain talent. Well, he became a complete jerk who held a grudge against Rion for rejecting him.

‘He still holds a grudge against Rion and he sees me as an enemy because I’m close to her… What a pain.’

It’s annoying and troublesome… but it’s not Rion’s fault, and I don’t think for a second that I’m in this situation because of her. Even though he knew Rion was sick, he didn’t change his attitude, and that’s why I stayed by Rion’s side to protect her… in hindsight, being disliked by this guy was a sort of honor.

“Wait!”

Ito grabbed my shoulder as I was about to leave, not turning around. I know it might seem like I have a bad attitude towards my classmates, but this guy was much worse. While he muttered that he would shut up, he let go of my shoulder.

‘It’s jealousy after all…”

It may be an honor for a man to be jealous of his relationship with a cute girl.

However, I don’t like people who hold a grudge against someone because they didn’t have someone to deal with… or rather, I don’t like anyone who bears hostility towards Rion.

“Hey, stop bothering with him.”

“Yeah, just because Rion-san rejected you, doesn’t mean you can vent your frustration on anyone.”

Rion has a lot of friends. Despite the underlying, mysterious scariness, she’s still just a middle schooler, and with her intelligence, good looks, and charisma, she naturally attracts attention. That’s why her friends also take an interest in me as her childhood friend.

“Tsk.”

With no chance against the overwhelming numbers, Ito had to give up. Although he clicked his tongue softly, he let go of my shoulder.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I thanked the girls who stood up for me.

Rion is really lucky to have such great friends. They even come to visit her when they have time. They’re all good people.

‘That’s why… I want to see Rion enjoying herself in class.’

…No, no, no!

Whenever it comes to Rion, I end up thinking negatively like this. Even though I know it’s inevitable, if her friends look sad or if Rion needles me, it’s bad… she’ll definitely try to get me to tell her.

Well, let’s hurry to the hospital and get this over with. The interaction with Ito is over… or so I thought.

“You can go to the hospital as many times as you want, but she’ll never get better. She’s going to—”

“Huh…?”

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“Nagi-kun.”

“What is it?”

“Something happened, right?”

“…..!”

Oh my god! Just as I thought… Rion noticed!

“What were you going to say next?”

“Well, well, hold on. I was just kidding. It’s just—”

“What were you going to say? Tell me!”

The interaction with Ito at school ended with this kind of argument. It’s possible for harsh words to slip out in the heat of the moment, especially for middle schoolers, and Ito seemed regretful for saying something bad afterward, but I couldn’t forgive even if it was a joke. But I also immediately regretted getting carried away.

“…Nagi-kun.”

“What?”

“Come over here.”

Saying that, Rion tapped the bed. I sat down on the pure white bed she pointed to, I can’t believe she invited me without hesitation… right next to me was Rion’s face, and she was staring at me.

“What’s wrong? Are you in love or something?”

“Don’t say stupid things.”

I’m sorry. But… no matter what, that one phrase was way too embarrassing. However, even in this state, I couldn’t hide the fact that I was flustered. Although I can’t see her expression in this situation, she seems to be in a good mood, chuckling to herself. In any case, what’s going on today? Why is she being so nice?

‘…Darn it, why am I feeling so uneasy?’

I don’t want her to be so… kind to me. I want her to insult me as usual, to treat me like a toy… or rather, to watch me as if I’m an interesting object. If she does that, I won’t feel so anxious.

[TL/N : Sus…]

“Absolutely, I’m no good. Without you, I’ll be so worried that I won’t be able to stand it once you’re gone.”

“…What are you talking about? Are you planning to move or something?”

“…I’m sorry. It’s nothing.”

“Come on, let’s stop making that sad face. It’s depressing and dampens the mood.”

“…..”

“Why do you look so happy?”

Happy…? Seriously?

It seems I was grinning, and I was told with a somewhat surprised expression. I’m not an M who gets happy when Rion says harsh words to me, am I…?

[TL/N : Definitely Sus…]

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