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 36 : Love Letter?

As the proficiency test was approaching tomorrow, the number of participants in the after-school study sessions had significantly increased.

Well, some students who were involved in club activities or simply not interested in studying had already gone home, but about half of them still remained with us.

“……”

In the midst of it all, I was naturally engrossed in my studies. While Rion was teaching her female classmates, but… there was a somewhat troublesome incident that occurred earlier.

“Hey, Rokudo-kun, can you tell me how to solve this problem?”

“Huh?”

Yes, someone actually asked me a question like this. As Rion’s childhood friend, the representative of the new students, it seemed that people thought I was as smart as her. 

…However, that was absolutely not the case.

“Sorry… I don’t really get it either, so please ask someone else.”

This school was indeed challenging, but if you asked whether my abilities could match up to Rion’s, the answer was a resounding no. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t reach Rion’s level.

“I see… Sorry. I thought you, being Rion-san’s childhood friend, would know.”

There was no malice in his words. Looking at his expression, it was clear he meant no harm. Perhaps he assumed I had similar abilities to Rion just because I was her childhood friend, but unfortunately, I wasn’t that capable.

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. See you later.”

Watching him leave, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my middle school days, even though he had a completely different personality.

“Rokudo-kun, explain this to me.”

“Um… sorry, I don’t really get it.”

“What the hell… are you dumber than Tohsaka-san?”

I recalled being scolded like that. It was quite nostalgic.

Compared to Rion, I thought most people were probably not as smart, but back then, I could only smile wryly despite hearing those comments. Well, this might be the composure that comes with experiencing life for the second time.

“…Well, Rion is so amazing that I could never compare to her.”

This was probably the truth. While people might feel uncomfortable being compared to someone, if that someone was far more impressive than oneself, it was only natural to accept it.

“Nagi-kun.”

“Yeah?”

While I was lost in thoughts, Rion came over.

She had been mainly helping her female friends with their studies, so I wondered what she wanted.

“Do you have any parts you don’t understand?”

“Parts I don’t understand…?”

“…Do you have anything you don’t understand?”

I tilted my head. This was probably Rion’s way of saying she wanted me to rely on her for something. I had been feeling her gaze on me from time to time, and it seemed she wanted me to rely on her. At this moment I found her really cute and adorable as if a lost kitten was looking for its master.

“Ah, then—”

“Which one is it~♪”

Oh, she was really into it. She quickly stood next to me, peered into the textbook, and started explaining.

“It’s right here—”

I pointed to the problem I couldn’t solve earlier.

The classmates who had been asking me for help, unable to get an answer, were probably already helped by now, but I might as well take this chance to learn from Rion.

“…So, it goes like this.”

“I see. Thanks, Rion.”

“No problem. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask. I’ll explain it in a way even Nagi-kun can understand.”

“You’re being a bit too much.”

“Hehe~♪”

Damn… she’s having way too much fun with this. Thanks to Rion, I completely understood the problem I couldn’t solve earlier. At this point, I could probably teach it to that guy who asked me, but he most likely already got help from someone else.

After that, Rion stayed by my side, and the members of her “bodyguard squad” were watching closely. Rion smiled and waved at them, and they blushed and averted their gaze simultaneously.

“…Those guys.”

“Well, well, it’s okay. They’re not really causing any trouble, are they? By the way, Nagi-kun?”

“Yeah?”

“When I called out to you, what were you thinking?”

“…What do you mean?”

While gently holding my hand under the desk, Rion continued speaking. Her voice was slow and gentle, yet it carried a slight sense of intimidation. I couldn’t tell if this was meant for me or someone who wasn’t here.

“Were you thinking about something difficult, or were you thinking about something someone told you? Which one is it?”

“…Well, I just remembered something from the past.”

“Something from the past?”

“Yeah, yeah. I am Rion’s childhood friend, but I was once called dumb compared to you.”

It was a terrible memory, but I said it with a smile. Rion’s reaction was just as I imagined.

While her expression didn’t change much, her eyes clearly showed intense emotion. It wasn’t clear whether I should be happy about this, but when it came to me, Rion would get angry very easily. Depending on the situation, she could be quite harsh towards those insulting me.

“That is…”

“It’s fine, really. You don’t look like you care that much, do you?”

“…Yes, you’re right. If it’s in the past, and you’re not bothered by it even though I’ve been told harsh words, then it’s not something I need to worry about.”

“You spoke unusually fast at the end, didn’t you?”

“Did I?”

Curiously, she tilted her head, but it was indeed fast.

From there, Rion returned to her usual self, reluctantly moved away from me, and began inspecting her friends’ study materials.

‘Now that I think about it… everyone is already smart, but the fact that Rion can teach them like this is amazing. She’s really exceptional, isn’t she?’

My childhood friend… she’s seriously amazing.

With a final burst of concentration, the last study session for the test came to an end.

The motivation for tomorrow’s test seemed tremendous, with the girls showing a determination to win sweets vouchers.

“Tomorrow, we’ll definitely make it through!”

“Sweets vouchers!”

“But if we eat too much, won’t we gain weight…?”

“You won’t gain weight. They say sweet things go to a different stomach, right?”

“Oh, really? Then it’s okay!”

…Well, I understand the desire to think that way, but it might be good to be moderate, right?

“Nagi-kun, let’s go home.”

“Yeah.”

After bidding farewell to everyone, Rion and I left the classroom together.

I had known for a few days, but not only our class but also the neighboring class to which Saijo-san belongs, and Class 3, led by Hirodai, were all studying the same way.

“Everyone is studying… It’s totally different from junior high.”

“Perhaps it’s a difference in attitude towards studying. Besides, I don’t know how everyone else was motivated, but they seem to be thinking that they won’t lose to other classes.”

Oh, Rion understands those aspects as well.

While exchanging greetings with classmates from other classes, we headed to our shoe lockers, where Rion suddenly exclaimed.

“What’s wrong?”

“…”

Concerned about Rion, who fell silent, I approached her and peeked into the shoe locker.

There was a letter placed inside… wait, isn’t this a confession?

“A confession?”

“It might be… I thought I wouldn’t experience this kind of thing in high school.”

“Isn’t it impossible that you won’t receive confessions?”

“Why is that?”

“Well, because, you know?…”

With my arms crossed, I casually said this as if it were obvious.

“Because since junior high, Rion has been popular, and your beauty has only improved since becoming a high school student. You are lively once again after recovering from your illness, and your atmosphere is even brighter than before. So, of course, this would happen—In conclusion, Rion has become truly wonderful.”

“Ugh… Y-you’re really a big idiot!”

“Hmph, I’ll willingly accept that attack. But I’m not lying.”

“Ugh~!!”

While gently fending off Rion’s light punches, I’m curious about what her response will be.

“What are you going to do about that?”

“Of course, I’ll decline. I’ll also make it clear that the person might not send anything like this ever again.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course.”

“It’s fine then.”

“Rest assured, Nagi-kun. I won’t leave your side, no matter what.”

With those words, the tumultuous feeling within me calms down. Right, Rion won’t leave my side, and I won’t leave her either. I had no doubt that I was genuinely relieved. Even though there should have been something else I needed to be more concerned about in those words.

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TL : Zenon#4120