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 60 : Rion’s Kindness

“……”

“Do you see me as a romantic interest?”

When Rion asked me that, I felt as if time had come to a standstill.

No, it’s not that I couldn’t understand the question, but I couldn’t bring myself to casually brush it off with a laugh, as if it were a sudden and unexpected inquiry.

“Seeing Rion as a romantic interest…?”

“Yes.”

What could be the intention behind this statement? Unlike me, who was dumbfounded, Rion’s expression and atmosphere remained unchanged. In fact, she seemed so normal that it made me wonder if what she had just said was a hallucination.

“Well…”

“……”

Well, I guess I can be honest about it.

“I do see Rion as a romantic interest.”

I answered truthfully. Well, Rion has been a childhood friend, and the feeling of her being like a little sister has always lingered. I’m genuinely happy when she’s around, and, in a sense, I’ve always thought about wanting to watch over her forever. In that sense, there’s no doubt that I can see Rion as a romantic interest.

‘But… what is this feeling?’

I’ve always admired the existence of a childhood friend. It’s an absolute presence for me. Although I’m satisfied with spending time with Rion as her childhood friend, I still long for more. I also have a longing for a romantic relationship with a beautiful childhood friend.

‘Come to think of it… I can’t imagine Rion and I in that kind of relationship.’

I can see Rion as a romantic interest. Being in a relationship with her would surely bring only happiness. However, I just can’t imagine what it would be like for Rion and me to be in a relationship.

“Hmm, I see, I see.”

“What was the intention behind that question?”

“Well, I just wanted to ask. By the way, I also see you as a romantic interest too.”

“Huh… really?”

“Yes. Due to spending so much time together, I think our relationship is as close as it gets.”

After saying that, Rion changed the subject as if it were an afterthought. The subsequent conversation was entirely different from the previous one, making me wonder why she brought up such a topic in the first place.

“And then, at that time, I said to you, ‘I…”

No… no, no, no! After suddenly talking about being a romantic interest, the topic changed too much. I’m still here and my heart is pounding too hard!?

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

“Take your time.”

I headed to the bathroom quickly, but it didn’t help me clear my mind immediately.

“….Haah.”

Phew… first, I need to calm down.

Come to think of it, Rion has never asked me such a direct question about being a romantic interest before. Moreover, I’ve never heard her say that she sees me as such an interest.

Even if I want to think that way, I end up considering various things… What is this?

“…….”

Geez, this isn’t like me. I slapped my cheeks to wake up from the stupor.

The fact that Rion didn’t pursue the topic any further means that worrying about it is pointless. But even if I want to think that, I keep thinking about it…

“… Shall I go back?”

After taking a couple of deep breaths, I returned to the living room.

Neither Rion nor I brought up the previous conversation again. Fortunately, it stopped bothering me after a while, and neither of us mentioned it again.

“……”

“Rion?”

Around three o’clock, when we had been talking too much and were both in a daze, Rion became quiet. Wondering what happened, I turned my gaze towards her, and she was quietly swaying her head.

“……”

Rion rarely shows this side of herself to others. It might be an overstatement to say it’s because I’m here, but I am confident that it’s true.

“Let me observe your expression for a moment.”

While saying this, I peeked at Rion’s face through the gaps in her hair.

Rion, swaying her head like that, was half in a dream… Just staying silent like this, she doesn’t seem cute at all.

“…Rion is always cute.”

Yes! Rion is always cute!

Always cute, and by showing various expressions, she becomes even cuter. Rion is a girl whose cuteness is enhanced by adding points, and it’s not just her usual dignified expression; this cute and straightforward expression is also very good… Phew, I got carried away.

“Come on, I’ll lend you my shoulder.”

Gently placing my hand on Rion’s shoulder, I pulled her close.

Naturally, Rion doesn’t resist or put any effort into it, so she leans towards me, resting her head on my shoulder.

I can do things like this with Rion, but I couldn’t have imagined doing them with the old me.

“Huh?”

It was when Rion, who had fallen asleep in such a way, was leaning on me.

The window glass facing the sofa where we sit leads to the garden. Because of that, the two of us should be reflected in the window glass, but the one who was reflected in the glass is only me…?

“What…?”

Without a doubt, Rion is next to me… She is leaning on me.

Nevertheless, the me reflected in the window glass is alone, and the expression seems as if I’m in despair… Am I even shedding tears?

“…..”

Feeling a throbbing pain in my head, I touched my forehead.

As if something is crawling out from the depths of my memory, there is a nauseating sensation.

“Anything… anything to please save her…”

“Why… why won’t you save her!?”

“Hey, say something… don’t leave her behind.”

“Please… let me meet her… she is more important to me than anything… please!”

What is this voice… What is this voice shrouded in anguish?

My chest feels like it’s about to burst… It’s unbearably sad and painful, and unknowingly, the strength of my embrace on Rion’s shoulder intensifies.