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!

People have a variety of preferences.

Among them, there was a boy who longed for the existence of a childhood friend. He often thought about how wonderful it would be if he had a cute and beautiful childhood friend, like the ones in manga and anime.

However, reality was not so kind. It was rare even to have a childhood friend of the opposite sex in the first place.

“…I really admire childhood friends.”

A childhood friend who would praise and scold him — not that he needed constant affirmation, but such a friend would be invaluable. That’s why he wished he had one.

“Even so, for someone like me who only admired from afar, even if I had a cute childhood friend, forming a mutually dependable relationship, let alone a romantic one, would be impossible.”

He laughed heartily, convinced of this fact.

Yet, life is unpredictable, and in the future — no, perhaps it should be said that in his future, he would indeed meet a childhood friend whom he would cherish deeply. This was his destiny, born out of his admiration for the concept of a childhood friend.

▼▽▼▽▼▽

“…Isn’t this a bit sudden? You are really confessing your love, right?”

“Y-yeah…”

A confession of love… Yes, that’s exactly what it is.

Reflecting on everything so far, I realized that I had always liked Rion. But did I not recognize it as romantic feelings because Rion had always been by my side? That sounds like something out of a manga story.

Putting that thought aside for now, Rion, who had leapt into my arms, looked up at me… Wait a minute.

‘Rion… was she really this cute?’

She was simply gazing up at me. In her beautiful eyes, I was the only one reflected. Yet, looking at my reflection in those eyes, I felt utterly unworthy — a dull face that no beautiful girl would take seriously, even if she confessed to me… No, I shouldn’t belittle my own appearance.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing…”

I couldn’t tell her that I was just stunned by how cute she looked. Besides, I had just confessed to her, right?

Though it seemed like an audacious act, confessing to my longtime childhood friend, I wanted to hear her response to my words. Even if it scared me, I needed to know.

“…You were quicker than I expected. Honestly, I thought I’d need more time to engrain myself into your heart. I knew if I did that, you’d come to love me and never let go.”

Her words filled me with anticipation.

As if to confirm my hopes, Rion continued.

“I love you too, Nagi-kun. It’s so obvious I almost want to say, ‘Of course I do.’ That’s how much I love you.”

“Ah…”

“Why do you look so surprised? Surely it’s not unexpected that I would love you?”

“Oh… um, well… I confessed to you and got your answer, but I didn’t realize how simple it would feel once the feelings were out there.”

“That’s true. But isn’t that how these things are? A confession in a place with a nice view during sunset — it couldn’t be more romantic than this.”

Rion hadn’t changed at all.

I should have been feeling extremely nervous, but talking with Rion calmed my mind.

But…!

“Rion… Rion, you really do like me, right!?”

“Yes. On the contrary, isn’t it odd to be surprised? Think about all the kindness and consideration you’ve shown me. There’s no way I wouldn’t fall for you.”

“…It’s embarrassing to hear you say that.”

There was no way I wouldn’t fall for you… huh.

I never imagined I’d hear such words directly from Rion. But when I put myself in her shoes, I guess it makes sense.

“…Hey, Rion?”

“…Yes?”

At this moment, it’s safe to say that our feelings have been conveyed.

But before I could relax, I noticed Rion was crying… was she so happy that she cried?

That’s what I thought, but the feelings Rion shared were even more precious.

“I’m really happy. To achieve a future where our feelings are mutual — something that seemed impossible for me.”

“…..”

“To be alive… To be alive and be with you… to live and become someone special to you… I can’t help but feel grateful for that.”

Saying this, she placed her hand on her face to wipe away her tears while keeping her smile.

Watching her, I felt a surge of affection. I placed my hand on her shoulder and pulled her into an embrace… How many times have I thought about how small she is?

“…But—”

However, Rion tried to continue.

Her words were short, but I had no intention of letting her finish.

Even if her words were profound, I instinctively interrupted her.

“Rion, I love you. And you love me too?”

“…Yes.”

“Thank you. Then isn’t that enough? I’m not sure how to wrap this up, but if we love each other, nothing else matters right now.”

“…Yes, that’s true.”

We gazed at each other… So, what’s the next step?

Just as I was wondering, Rion made a suggestion.

“Shall we kiss?”

“…Is it okay?”

“Isn’t it?”

“Then… shall we?”

“Let’s…”

‘What a strange conversation…’

We both laughed and then gently moved closer for a kiss.

The sensation was otherworldly. Her lips were soft… and suddenly, my head felt hot. But this kiss was a new testament to the relationship we were about to build.

‘I… I have a girlfriend… I really have one!!’

I guess it’s okay to be this happy… right!?

I’m probably more excited and overjoyed now than I’ve ever been.

I was that happy… and as we kissed, I wondered what would come next.

Rion, I’ve always cherished you.

I’ve always wanted to help you, even if it meant sacrificing myself. That feeling hasn’t changed at all.

But now, I can’t think about sacrificing myself — if I were gone, I’d leave you alone… We’ve become lovers, so we must stay together.

Rion, you don’t have to worry about me cheating!

I’ll always be faithful to you!

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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