When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 19: It's Like A Dream, But It's Bad For My Heart—7.

It’s Like A Dream, But It’s Bad For My Heart—7.

As I nodded along with her words, Mikage murmured softly:

“However, I may have been wrong…”

It was rare to hear such a frail tone from someone as composed as her.

“Since becoming closer to you, Ayame-sama has begun laughing in a way I’ve never seen before. She seems so genuinely happy now. Even I, who have served her since childhood, had never seen her like this.”

Mikage let out a bitter smile. The melancholy curve of her lips was steeped in self-reproach.

“I may have been excessively wary of men. Perhaps there were those who sincerely cared for Ayame-sama. And yet, I pushed them all away. If I hadn’t, maybe Ayame-sama could have enjoyed a much brighter life…”

Her gaze lingered on Ayame’s sleeping face. In her deep onyx eyes, there was both a profound adoration for Ayame and a tinge of regret for her own actions.

Scratching my cheek, I decided to speak up.

“It’s true that you were a little harsh with men, Mikage. But you don’t need to beat yourself up over it.”

“…Do you really think so?”

“I do.”

I nodded firmly, wanting to dispel the guilt weighing on her.

“Ayame’s beauty attracted a lot of men. If you hadn’t been there to keep them at bay, she might’ve been hurt—maybe even emotionally scarred. You protected her from all of that. The reason Ayame can smile so freely now is because you were there for her.”

Mikage’s eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing her reaction, I smiled gently.

“There aren’t many people who could dedicate themselves to someone like you have. It’s something you should be proud of. So, stop blaming yourself. Mikage, your devotion to Ayame is truly admirable.”

The moment I finished, Mikage’s expression shifted to one of unimpressed annoyance.

“Guilty as charged.”

“Huh?”

“What are you even saying?”

“N-no, I just wanted to cheer you up…”

“Such words should be reserved for Ayame-sama, not directed at me. To do so is entirely inappropriate.”

“What? Why? What does that even mean?”

“Reflect on your actions. There will be no second chances.”

“That’s terrifying!”

Flustered by her sudden reprimand, I stumbled over my words.

With a sigh, Mikage turned her face away.

“Anyway, you only need to focus on Ayame-sama. Do you understand?”

“Y-yeah, I understand.”

“See that you remember this. Well then, I shall take my leave.”

As I stood there in stunned silence, Mikage exited the room. I couldn’t see her face, but the ears peeking through her hair were glowing bright red.

Left alone, I blinked a few times, trying to process what had just happened.

“…Could it be that her curt attitude was just a cover for embarrassment?”

Muttering to myself, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“I always thought she was a scary person, but it turns out she has some surprisingly cute sides too.”