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 win, right?”

“…Yeah, it’s my loss.”

I nodded at Rion’s words.

I heaved a sigh like a warrior after a long battle, and it went without saying that an overwhelming sense of fatigue coursed through my body. However, no matter the outcome of the match, it was always frustrating to lose.

“Sigh…”

“Is it that shocking? It’s just a game.”

“…Shut up.”

Just a game? I imagined how I’d feel when I won against Rion, whom I was sure I could never defeat, and I put so much effort into this match.

“I squeezed my brain to win against you, Rion!”

“Why don’t you take it easy? After all, Nagi-kun, you can’t beat me.”

“…I have no comeback for that.”

“Um, there was a good line for times like this, right? Za-ko… zako was it?”

“Hey, where did you learn such words?”

Who taught Rion that kind of language?

Calling Rion a “zako” (loser) in front of others… No, I shouldn’t say that.

“Sorry. I thought Rion wouldn’t say things like that, but I guess I was wrong.”

“Why did you suddenly become so calm? Don’t worry — calling someone a loser like that is reserved only for Nagi-kun.”

“Why only me?”

“Well… Maybe because you’re the only one I can talk to so casually.”

What’s this strange feeling, a mix of happiness and sadness?

“Oh, it’s about time for the check-up, isn’t it?”

“Got it. I’ll go take a walk outside until it’s done.”

“Aren’t you going home?”

“Nuh-uh, it’s too early to go home.”

“…Don’t overexert yourself, okay?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come visit you.”

“Thank you, Nagi-kun.”

Lately, I’ve been saying thank you a lot, but I left the room without commenting on that. Just as I was leaving the room, the doctor entered, and I thought about taking a short walk outside. But then, I bumped into a familiar face.

“Oh, Nagisa-kun, is that you?”

“Hello, Takuma-san.”

The person I encountered was a dashing gentleman — Rion’s father, Takuma-san. He seemed to have come during a break from work, dressed impeccably in a suit. I couldn’t help but think that I’d like to be a dignified adult like him.

“Did you come to visit Rion today too?”

“Well, I had some free time.”

“I see, I see… Hmm? When you step away from her like this, is it time for her check-up?”

“Bingo!”

I raised my thumb and Takuma-san let out a deep sigh, shoulders slumping. He must have adjusted his schedule with all his might just to come see his daughter, but a slight delay would have prevented all this.

“Sorry, it’s just that…”

“No, it’s okay.”

I comforted Takuma-san as he let out a sigh. He must be constantly thinking about Rion, even while at work, and I’m sure Rion’s mother, Momoka-san, feels the same.

I guided Takuma-san to a nearby bench.

“Is it because we’re both men, or because you trust me so much, that you can’t help but complain even when it’s another child just like Rion?”

“Is it because I trust you?… You’re still a middle schooler, right? How many times have we had this exchange?”

“Welp… A few more months, and I’ll be a high school student along with Rion.”

So… with the arrival of spring after the winter, I’ll be a high school student along with Rinon. Takuma-san watched with a rare expression as he looked up at the sky.

“If only… if only I could switch places with her.”

“…..”

“When I see her suffering… I wonder why this happened. Whenever I look up at the sky, if there’s a god, I always pray for her to be saved.”

“…..”

I didn’t interject in Takuma-san’s words. Wanting to switch places with his daughter… it might be the right thing to say as a parent, but if you think about the person left behind, it’s not so straightforward.

“God, huh.”

I also wondered about the existence of God. I’ve searched for it, precisely because I’m someone who has experienced reincarnation. Does the entity that made it possible exist? I still wonder about it.

But has God done anything? Even for just one girl, he couldn’t help.

“…..”

After a while, Takuma-san and I spent some quiet time together, and we decided that the examination should be over by now. So we headed back to the hospital room.

Later…

“Really… my goodness, Father, you’re over the top.”

“That’s just how much I love my daughter.”

It was close to evening, and this happened after Takuma-san had left. Rion was lying down, facing the window.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Oh, nothing at all.”

Oops, she’s as sharp as ever, so I need to be careful about what I say inside my head.

“It’s getting late.”

“Yeah, it is. I’ll contact Mom soon.”

“Haven’t you done it yet?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah… I’ll stay a bit longer.”

“Oh…?”

“If you don’t want me to, I can—”

“I don’t want that! Stupid Nagi-kun.”

Stupid is an unnecessary addition, you know!

But lately, I’ve found it strangely comforting to be called a stupid by Rion… not that it should become a pleasure, but it does make me feel really good — well, not really, just spirited.

But today, Rion was different. With the red sunset casting a warm glow, she looked at me with a smile and said,

“I’m really happy that you’re here, Nagi-kun. Thank you for everything you have done for me till now, Nagi-kun.”

“What… w-w-what’s up with the sudden thanks?”

I stammered quite a bit…

“Oh, Nagi-kun, you’re so easy to read.”

I was embarrassed, and my face got all hot.

“What’s that… You’re making fun of me so much!”

“Such a simple guy, aren’t you?”

I was about to respond, but I managed to excuse myself and said I was going to the restroom. It’s a strategic retreat, not an admission of defeat!

“Damn, she has such a lovely smile.”

It’s frustrating, but it’s inevitable… Rion is an incredibly beautiful girl, after all.

Although I knew that nothing would happen, I couldn’t help but seek that presence I had felt, given that I’m someone who has experienced reincarnation. Has God done anything for us? Even for one girl?

“…..”

Then, after a little while, just when I was about to return to the hospital room…

“You shouldn’t call someone useless. It’s also one of her wishes, you know.”

“Huh?!”

For a brief moment, I heard a voice saying that.

I looked around in surprise, but there was no one there, so I convinced myself that it was just a hallucination.

“Am I tired… or is it a ghost!?”

Hey, in a hospital, ghosts are only supposed to be found in abandoned ones, right?

I got scared in an instant and hurried back to the room where Rion was waiting.

“Rion… Are you asleep?”

Even though she was awake a moment ago…?

At that moment, I never imagined that this would happen today.