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 46 : Feeling of getting closer

“So, why was the princess so tense?”

“I was curious too. I didn’t feel any significant changes, but somehow I understood.”

“Oh, really? You noticed well.”

“I was surprised at how observant you are.”

After the committee disbanded immediately after, upon returning to the classroom, Akihiro, Takeshi, and Asumi-san were chatting amicably. Following this, I parted ways with Rion and joined them for some leisure time. I never expected them to notice Rion’s subtle changes.

“Isn’t that vice-president Himemoto-senpai out there, right?”

“Oh, that beautiful lady.”

“She seems quite popular among the third years.”

“Is that so? I didn’t know.”

Well… she is beautiful. From my perspective, I don’t quite get it, but maybe there’s a different perception from classmates who have been together for a long time.

“Well, whatever… She is someone who deserves a decent position for those with abilities. I think it’s not wrong, and there’s some truth to it—”

“So, here’s the deal. Himemoto-senpai took an interest in the princess, but the princess rejected her… and she didn’t give up and kept approaching her, right?”

“I thought the same thing.”

“Both of you are quite amazing in your reasoning.”

They hit the nail on the head, but were they really peeking? Jokes aside, maybe it’s because both of them have been classmates with Rion since middle school.

“…You guys really observe a lot.”

“What are you talking about? Nagisa and, of course, Tohsaka-san is our friend too!”

“Yeah, yeah! But sorry! Honestly, it was a bit random!”

It’s ruined. I had a feeling it might be the case, but I didn’t want it to be accurate. Starting from that conversation, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together.

During the time with Rion, there was no sudden tightness in my chest like before. Nothing unusual happened until the end.

“Alright, I’m going to the bathroom for a bit.”

“Sure thing, see you.”

“Okay.”

Akihiro left, leaving just Takeshi and me. Our conversation didn’t break. Takeshi and I never held back, and the atmosphere remained unchanged no matter when. Maybe that’s why I shuddered at the whispered words.

“Hey, Nagisa.”

“Hmm?”

“What are your feelings towards Tohsaka-san?”

“……”

I was disturbed the moment he asked about my feelings for Rion. In any case, I answered without getting flustered.

“She’s my important childhood friend.”

“Is that all?”

“That’s all… maybe?”

Honestly, I don’t really understand this sensation. For me, Rion is just precious—unbearably precious. Even though I regret not being able to do anything when she went through a tough time, I think about what I can do for her, and if I can just watch over her, that’s enough.

“Do I… want to date Rion?”

“Isn’t that different? If it were me and I had such a beautiful childhood friend, I’d confess to her right away.”

“Hmm?”

“Well, there’s no guarantee the confession would succeed.”

“True.” I sighed, and Takeshi chuckled.

“I guess, you really see her as a little sister, don’t you?”

“That might be true.”

No, it’s more likely. Ever since meeting Rion with memories from eighteen years old, she was small. She was incredibly smart, and her way of thinking wasn’t age-appropriate, but I felt a sense of taking care of a much younger child.

“I’m back.”

“Hey, welcome back.”

With Akihiro’s return, our conversation came to an end. However, today, an unexpected reunion awaited us.

“…Ah.”

“Ah, it’s him…”

I looked at where their gazes were focused; it was a flashy group. Unlike us, they weren’t just loosening their uniforms; they were a rowdy bunch with piercings, and in the midst of them was Ito.

“Hey, Ito, you’re staring at them. Do you know these guys?”

“They seem weak… maybe acquaintances from middle school to high school.”

“Uh, um…”

Ito, that guy… seems to be relatively low in the hierarchy. It’s a rare sight to see Ito, who used to have a big attitude, shrinking like that. But this way of getting involved might be bothersome.

“Hey, Ito, you’re looking at them, but are these guys acquaintances?”

“Seems like they’re students from his school.”

“Oh! They must be smarter than us! Well, let’s play together!”

“…Huh?!”

Oh… they look like a bunch of seriously troublesome guys. The vibe they gave off was like that of a gang, and it’s obvious they’ll ask for money… Not only that, they seem like they won’t hesitate to resort to violence. There are people around, so they probably won’t do anything drastic, but they still see us as easy targets.

“… Let’s leave this place quickly.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s get going already.”

With that, they turned their backs on us immediately—then something even more unexpected happened.

“Hey there, big brothers, how about playing with us instead?”

“…Huh?”

Turning around at the sudden voice from behind, three men stood in the middle, blocking us and Ito’s group.

Ito seems pretty scared… What’s up with him?

“What is it…?”

“Let’s get going.”

Seems like those tough guys will take care of the situation instead of us, so sorry to Ito, who is scared out of his mind, but let’s leave it to them!

As we quickly left the scene, something further unexpected, or rather, something unsettling for me, happened.

“Ah, here you are! Look, Rion, we found your Nagi-kun.”

“Ah… Nagi-kun.”

“Rion…?”

We somehow encountered Rion and Asumi-san, but Rion’s condition seems strange… Her face was pale, and she seemed to be in pain, clutching her hand in front of her chest…!?

The moment I saw her like that, I immediately headed towards Rion.

“Hey… What’s wrong, Rion?!”

Rion’s condition is too strange… This feels as if she might collapse any moment now.

Since it’s Rion, I imagined the worst scenario of her disappearing from my sight.

However… Rion quickly returned to normal.

“Ah… Nagi-kun… I… huh?”

“Rion…?”

“Well… Rion suddenly seemed to be in pain, and I panicked, but she said it’s because Rokudou-kun is nearby.”

“……”

That’s… Well, for now, let’s report this, but the paleness from earlier vanished in an instant.

Wait… What’s happening?

“Are you okay?”