When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 20: Dream, Dream, Dreams…

Chapter 20: Dream, Dream, Dreams…

It was lunchtime. As expected, Arika had joined our usual group. I had been wondering how to explain things to Sogo and Shinjo-san after what happened, but thankfully, Arika directly clarified the situation, making it easier for everyone to accept.

Sogo’s eyes widened in surprise, while Shinjo-san leaned in with interest, eager to hear more from Arika. Their reactions were, in a way, exactly as I had anticipated. The mere addition of Arika to our circle naturally drew people’s attention, creating a different dynamic than usual. However, the fact that Arisaka didn’t say anything, and instead seemed almost relieved that Arika wasn’t around, remained a mystery.

“Thanks for the meal. Yuka’s bento is delicious as always.”

“Fufu, thank you, Sogo.”

“Tch, lucky Riaju.”

“…Hasn’t Watanabe-kun been saying that the whole time?”

Arika chuckled at Kenichi, who was gripping his chopsticks so tightly they seemed about to snap. It was remarkable how well Arika had blended in with us. It was the first day Arika had joined our group and the first time sharing lunch with us, yet Arika fit in as if she had always been part of us. The way Arika engaged in conversation with us, showing genuine interest, it truly felt like Arika “knew” us.

“Hmm? Is something wrong, Ren-kun?”

“…Nothing.”

I had been casually glancing at Arika’s profile, but suddenly, our eyes met when Arika turned to look at me. Realizing I had been staring, even if lost in thought, was quite embarrassing. Shinjo-san, covering her mouth with her hand, was grinning… she seemed likely to say something awkward… and my intuition was correct.

“Kamisato-kun must have been mesmerized by Yumeno-san. Right, Kamisato-kun?”

“…”

I almost felt murderous intent when I heard that, her head tilting innocently. A pure question? Impossible from her. Her mouth was twitching, ready to burst into laughter… As for Arika, her cheeks turned red with embarrassment, yet her eyes sparkled as if eagerly awaiting my response.

“I wasn’t mesmerized, just thinking. But sure, Arika is beautiful, and it’s not uncommon to be captivated by her.”

Saying this, I stuffed a piece of omelet into my mouth. I wasn’t lying, but Arika gazed at me blankly, while Shinjo-san’s eyes widened in surprise. She probably expected me to be flustered and embarrassed. Well, too bad. I can speak my mind when necessary.

“Ren-kun,”

“?”

“I’m really happy. Thank you♪”

“…Yeah.”

Sorry, it’s still embarrassing after all.

“…Hey, Sogo. Is it better to speak up like that?”

“If it’s from someone you like, wouldn’t it make them happy?”

“…I see. Despite all I’ve said, not being able to express myself directly like that means I’m still just a kid, huh? I’m going to the restroom for a bit.”

“I’ve finished eating too, so I’ll go as well.”

Before I knew it, Kenichi and Sogo had finished eating and stood up together. Left were just me, Arika, and Shinjo-san. Out of the blue, Shinjo-san said something unexpected.

“…It must have been a dream, right?”

“A dream?”

What is she talking about all of a sudden? While I looked at her, puzzled, Arika seemed curious and asked her to elaborate. Shinjo-san nodded and continued.

“I’ve been having this strange dream lately.”

“Hmm?”

“…Can I ask what kind of dream it is?”

…A dream. The word made me think of my conversation with Nee-san. A world similar to this, where I had died… Damn, now I’m remembering Nee-san’s sad face from that time too. Trying to push away these memories, I reached for my lunch again. Arika would probably listen to Shinjo-san’s story. I don’t need to join the conversation—

“In that world, I wasn’t like this, friendly with everyone. I wasn’t dating Sogo… and it seems like I wasn’t friends with Kamisato-kun, Watanabe-kun, or Yumeno-san.”

“…”

I had thought not to join the conversation, but since they were nearby, their voices were naturally audible. The dream sounded intriguing, so I listened in. Arika, sitting next to me, was gazing intently at Shinjo-san. With her eyes closed as if deep in thought or trying to recall something, Shinjo-san seemed unaware of Arika’s focused attention.

“In that world, I still liked Sogo, but… I seemed to be holding back something. And I don’t understand why, but I found myself hating Yumeno-san. It doesn’t make sense, does it?”

“Did you two have a fight or something?”

“…Hmm, I don’t know. All I feel is this intense thought, wishing that damn bitch would drop dead.”

“Hey, that’s pretty harsh!”

What’s this about? In that world, were Arika and Shinjo-san at odds with each other? But the more I heard, the less it seemed to align with reality. Sure, there had been a barrier between us at first, but now, we’re all getting along well with Shinjo-san. Of course, if her attitude and expressions were all fake, she’d be quite the actress. But I’m confident that the smile Shinjo-san usually wears is genuine… probably.

“And so, this unclear scene continues. And then… yes, I think it involves Kamisato-kun.”

“Me?”

At that, Shinjo-san turned her gaze towards me.

“The Kamisato-kun I know in this dream is very different in aura. That version of Kamisato-kun approaches me and says something… and then, I call out Arisaka-kun after school and whisper something to him… That’s about it. I usually wake up around this point.”

Hmm, I listened to the whole story, but it’s hard to understand.

“Sorry for talking about such a strange dream. Well, it’s just a dream, after all. Maybe there’s a world like that out there. If that’s true, it would be really awful.”

Shinjo-san briefly looked down, seemingly distressed, but quickly lifted her head. With the beautiful smile she always showed next to Sogo, she said,

“Because not only would I not be Sogo’s girlfriend, but the thought of not being friends with Kamisato-kun and Watanabe-kun is the worst. Everyone’s presence has shaped who I am today. If I hadn’t become friends with everyone in middle school, I probably would have ended up like the person in my dream.”

…That’s true. Small changes and different environments can significantly alter a person’s life. I really like my current life too. The presence or absence of friends matters, and when I go home, Nee-san and Nii-san are there. Although it might seem impossible, there might even be a world where I dislike Nee-san and Nii-san.

“I’m back. What’s with the gloomy atmosphere?”

“It’s nothing. Welcome back, Sogo.”

“Hey.”

“…Something happened?”

“No, not really. Did you wash your hands?”

“Of course, I did!”

“…Pfft!”

“Hey!? Don’t laugh, Yumeno!”

“Sorry, sorry. The contrast between Ren-kun’s serious face and Watanabe-kun’s surprise was just too much.”

With Kenichi and Sogo’s return, the mood lightened up again. It wasn’t particularly dark before, but Shinjo-san’s story had given us something to think about. Arika seemed unusually serious, but it didn’t seem like something to worry about… right?

The conversation picked up again, and as lunch break neared its end, Shinjo-san prepared to return to her class, leaving us with these words:

“Oh right, in another dream, Kamisato-kun gets hit by a train and dies. Kamisato-kun, are you feeling tired of life or something?”

“Do you think I’m going to commit suicide?”

“Ahaha, no way! After all, Kamisato-kun, you seem really happy. Especially since Yumeno joined, you’ve been smiling more!”

Waving goodbye, Shinjo-san left the classroom.

It felt like a storm had passed… But wait.

“Do I get hit by trains too much in other people’s dreams?”

…It’s not a premonition, right? I felt a bit scared.