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 67 : I Love You

“The sunset is so beautiful.”

“That’s right… I guess this must be what they call enchanting.”

Our date was drawing to a close. We set our shopping bags, evidence of today’s adventure, on a bench and look out over the town from a scenic hilltop.

I’ve never really just sat and watched the sunset like this, but surprisingly, it’s not bad at all.

‘…Rion has been smiling all day, despite everything that happened with Saijo-san…’

Rion, gazing at the sunset beside me, was smiling. A strong breeze blows, and she holds onto her beret to keep it from flying away, but she doesn’t take her eyes off the sunset. 

I wonder what she’s thinking about. 

The sunset was illuminated in her crystal clear eyes. But she seemed to be thinking something deeply. Whatever it was, it’s good to see her looking ahead with a refreshing smile.

“…Haha.”

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing.”

I said and stood next to her. There’s something romantic about being with a girl like this. Even if we’re not in a relationship, watching the sunset together is something I’ve always admired.

“Hey, Rion.”

“Yes?”

“I think a little while ago, I might have longed to spend time with a girl like this… but I was more interested in games, anime, or manga.”

“Hmm, I think that’s pretty normal, actually.”

“I guess so. But experiencing something different like this makes me realize it’s not a bad way to spend time with others. Especially since I’m spending it with you, Rion.”

That’s right. Even though I remember my past life, my personality and preferences haven’t changed. I’m still me, enjoying manga and anime just like before.

“Even if my values haven’t changed, before indulging in my hobbies, thoughts of you, Rion, always come first. It’s fun having you in my life.”

“Oh? So, you’re saying I’m that important to you?”

“Yeah.”

…No, maybe I have changed. Even if she’s my irreplaceable childhood friend, I wouldn’t normally say things like this. Even couples don’t often talk about this seriously. But it shows how important Rion is to me.

“Hey, Nagi-kun?”

“Yes?”

“I care about you, too. I’ve told you many times, but you are really special to me. You’ve always protected me, been by my side… you’re my support.”

“How are you able to say that without any embarrassment?”

“Well, you’re one to talk, Nagi-kun.”

We both chuckled softly. As we gazed into the distant horizon without speaking, something strange happened… The sunset, though red, made the surroundings seem gray.

It’s like I was watching an old movie, reminiscent of seeing my reflection in a window when no one else was there.

“Rion…?”

Rion wasn’t here. I was all alone… Is this déjà vu? Have I been here before, lonely and colorless, just staring at the sky without any emotion?

“Rion… where are you?”

No voice answered my call… I feel like I’ve asked this many times before. Still, I didn’t feel particularly anxious.

Even in this uncertain situation, not seeing Rion, I could feel her presence nearby.

‘Rion… come back. I didn’t know… losing my childhood friend to illness would be this painful, this sad…’

A voice full of pain echoes in my mind, making the scene even more vivid. But I looked straight ahead.

In the gray world, I saw a faintly colored spot and whispered softly.

“Maybe there was such a world… but Rion is with me now. Though still fragile, she’s overcome her illness and is smiling brightly beside me.”

I always longed for a world with a cute childhood friend. Now, I’m savoring that happiness. Of course, there were tough times seeing her suffer, but I’ve overcome them and am moving forward.

“…It’s time to go home.”

Reaching for the light seeping through, I grasped something, and the gray world started to regain color. I’m back where I belong, holding Rion’s hand. She looked at me with wide eyes as if surprised.

‘Ah… that’s right… I care about her so much.’

I vowed to always be there for her. I swore it. 

Even if I forgot, or it seemed like it never happened, I know I treasure Rion deeply with all my heart.

“Nagi-kun?”

“I want you to keep smiling, Rion. Your smile and health are all I need for my happiness.”

“…Huh?”

“Just being by your side is enough for me. But I want to make this longing even closer… I want to always be with you.”

Words spilled out uncontrollably… Ah, I see.

My feelings have been clear for a long time, and the date today solidified it further.

She made her presence known to my family and friends, embedding herself in my heart without mercy… I understand now.

Considering our past, it’s natural to cherish her and wish to spend the future together.

“Rion, I seem to love you more than I can handle. You’re amazing in every way, yet there’s a vulnerability that keeps me worried. I love that thing about you.”

I don’t need those confusing scenes anymore.

With her by my side… this place is filled with brightness, and it makes me happy.

As I tried to tell her I love her again, she leapt into my arms.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

TL/N : Yes, it finally happened! Dayumn took too long for him to confess to her.

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TL : Zenon#4120