Kurusu-san Who Does Not Speak, is Full of Love in Her Heart Volume 2 Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The New Class of the Silent Girl

Kurusu's Rounds of Greetings



The scene unfolding before my eyes was making me restless.

I was on edge, itching to stand up and move right this instant.

If I didn’t, I felt like I’d be crushed by an unfamiliar sensation or emotion I’d never experienced before—so intense that stomach acid might rise up to my throat.

But I couldn’t do anything.

All I could do was secretly watch over her and silently cheer her on in my heart.

And that powerlessness made my teeth itch with frustration, stirring up an unbearable sense of impatience.

Yes—watching Kurusu making her rounds of greetings was what was putting me in this state.

It was after school.

After the brief introductions in class, everyone had been dismissed, but Kurusu, being the serious person she is, had decided to personally greet every single one of her new classmates.

Every single one, regardless of gender, as long as they were still there.

[Nice to meet you, I’m Rurina Kurusu. I look forward to getting to know you.] (...This greeting thing is so nerve-wracking.)"

She displayed the words on her tablet and bowed her head politely.

Then, though awkwardly, she managed to muster a smile.

However, being a first meeting, there were times when she was met with puzzled or even dismissive reactions.

Even so, Kurusu didn’t let it get to her and kept repeating her greetings.

…She’s really such a serious person.

To think she’d take the initiative to approach others like that—it’s honestly impressive.

As I quietly watched over her, Kirisaki approached me and spoke up.

“You’re so worried; why don’t you just go with her?”

“If Kurusu says she wants to handle it herself, then I have to respect that…”

“Ritsu, you sound just like a dad right now. Like you’re watching over your daughter or something.”

“Yeah, sure. I’m just keeping an eye on things; I’m not going to interfere.”

“—Even though if Rurina got into trouble, you’d jump in immediately.”

“Idiot. Like I’d actually do that. That’d be way too overprotective, even for me.”

“Hmmm…”

Even if Kurusu makes a mistake, it’s something she’ll just have to learn from for the future.

Even if she fails, all I plan to do is encourage her—not go beyond that.

Yes, I really… decided that in my heart.

But it seems my attitude wasn’t sitting well with Kirisaki.

She plopped into the seat in front of me, rested her chin on her hand, and stared at me intently.

When our eyes met, she gave me a sly, teasing grin.

“Hey, Ritsu.”

“What?”

“For someone who says they’re not going to do anything, your legs seem awfully restless.”

“…It’s your imagination.”

“Oh? Watching Rurina over and over like you’re waiting for the right moment—that’s just my imagination too?”

“It’s nothing. …And why are you laughing?”

“Haha! I just think Ritsu has some surprisingly cute sides.”

“That’s not a compliment a guy wants to hear.”

“Admit it—you’ve got this hero complex where you can’t help but step in if someone’s in trouble. Don’t bother putting up a front.”

Hearing Kirisaki’s reasoning, I snorted in irritation.

Seeing that, she reached out to pat my head, teasingly saying, “There, there~.”

Her words weren’t wrong—I was worried about Kurusu.

Even though she’s hardworking, repeated failures would undoubtedly hurt her. And just because someone seems friendly now doesn’t mean they won’t suddenly change their tune.

Someone who appeared close yesterday could act completely differently the next day—that kind of thing happens all the time.

If Kurusu could hear people’s inner thoughts like I can, she’d know the reasons behind their behavior, or she could sense potential issues before even engaging with them…

But Kurusu can’t do that.

Which means she’s bound to struggle with it quite a bit.

"Struggling continuously is a form of learning. Failures make people stronger."

It might sound nice, but in the end, hardship is still hardship. That’s precisely why, as someone who’s involved, I want to watch over her until she finds more people she can truly trust.

As I was thinking about this while observing Kurusu’s actions, her turn finally came to approach the epitome of cunning.

Kurusu lightly tapped her on the shoulder, and when the girl turned around, Kurusu bowed politely.

[I’m Rurina Kurusu. It’s a pleasure to meet you.]

“Nice to meet you, Kurusu-san. I’m Sakura Hinamori. Thank you for going out of your way to greet me so politely.”

Hinamori even stood up from her seat, bending slightly at the waist to return the greeting with equal courtesy.

Her soft tone and graceful gestures, combined with an air of careful attention to every fingertip, left Kurusu silently marveling, "So beautiful… so elegant," as she gazed at her in admiration.

“Fufu. Being stared at like that is a little embarrassing, you know?”

Hinamori’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she smiled with a captivating expression.

Just then, a breeze blew in through the open window, stirring her hair in a way that accentuated her serene elegance.

Many were utterly spellbound. Honestly, with how divine Hinamori looked in that moment, it was no surprise that everyone’s eyes were drawn to her.

…Of course, every bit of it was a carefully staged performance.

I let out a sigh at the whole charade.

Kirisaki seemed to feel the same, her expression one of exasperation, as if to say, "She’s at it again."

Kurusu, of course, had no idea. She wouldn’t suspect that Hinamori had preemptively opened the window and had been eagerly waiting for Kurusu to come greet her.

If Kurusu ever found out that Hinamori was inwardly screaming with excitement, "Ahh, all these stares… perfection!! Victory is mine! Yay, I win big time!!" she’d be completely shocked.

To me, Hinamori’s inner monologue was so over-the-top it made my head hurt, but at this point, I almost had to admire the sheer brazenness of it all.

“Kurusu-san, if you ever find yourself in trouble, please don’t hesitate to rely on me, alright?”

[Is that okay?] (If I recall... Hinamori-san is busy with the student council.)

“Yes, of course! Since we’re classmates, I’d like to be of help. Though what I can do is probably… only trivial things, really.”

[Thank you.] (Kind and beautiful—what a powerful combination... I need to strive to be like Hinamori-san.)

Hinamori continued her “reliable ally” act, skillfully steering Kurusu exactly as she intended.

If she were just out to deceive people, I’d step in. But Hinamori’s commendable trait is that she always lives up to the expectations she sets.

She doesn’t shy away from the effort it takes to embody her ideal self.

It’s probably because of that dedication that she doesn’t come across as insincere. I doubt anything bad will come from Kurusu and Hinamori spending time together.

The only potential issue is that Kurusu is too pure.

If she doesn’t understand that, she might suffer a major blow at some point…

I wonder if Hinamori is considering that possibility.

With that thought in mind, I quietly watched their exchange.

“Kurusu-san? Um, you’ve been staring at me for quite a while… Is there something on my face?”

"You’re beautiful. (...If I had to describe you, maybe like a princess? Hmm, no… that doesn’t feel quite right…)"

“Fufu. Thank you. But you don’t need to flatter me, you know?”

"[Like a goddess.] (That feels like the right description. It’s not flattery, just my honest opinion. Calm, poised, and someone everyone admires… myself included.)"

Bathed in Kurusu’s innocent, sparkling gaze, Hinamori’s smile grew even more radiant than usual.

(Ahhh… what is this feeling? It’s like when a small animal starts warming up to you. This is… incredible. Alright, I’ve decided.)

Placing a hand over her heart, Hinamori smiled warmly at Kurusu.

And then, emboldened by her mood, Hinamori said something outrageous:

“Indeed, as you so astutely observed, Kurusu-san… I am a goddess.”

And thus, her playful teasing began.

Kurusu began clapping her hands, looking strangely delighted.

Standing up from my seat, I leaned in close to Hinamori and whispered, “Hey, cut it out. Don’t teach her weird lies.”

Hinamori, maintaining her composed demeanor, chuckled softly.

“It’s fine. This is just lip service, a playful little joke. She’ll only take it as harmless fun.”

“Yeah, you say that, but... seriously, you shouldn’t be saying weird things.”

“Oh my, oh my? Could it be that Kaburagi-san is feeling a little envious? (Ahaha, Kaburagi-san is totally flustered because I’m talking smoothly with Kurusu-san! Fufufu~! But this victory is mine. I’m not giving it up that easily. Ahh, watching Kaburagi-san panic could be its own reward. I could eat bowls of rice with this. Another victory for Sakura~!)”

“...Don’t come crying to me when this blows up in your face.”

“Fufu. Don’t worry. From experience, I know it won’t.”

(...If I’m being honest, I’m a little jealous. Kaburagi-kun looks like he’s having so much fun. I want to talk with him later, too… Is it okay if I invite him?)

Letting out a sigh, I decided to return to my seat.

Well, it’s not like Hinamori and Kurusu had much of a connection before this. It’s no surprise that Hinamori doesn’t understand the danger of someone as pure, earnest, and gullible as Kurusu.

[Hinamori-san, since when have you been a goddess? What can you do?] (...I wonder what she meant by ‘goddess.’ Was it a metaphor? Or something else?)

“When, you ask…? Well, let’s just say, I’ve been teaching Kaburagi-san many things for a long time now.”

[Amazing.] (So… does that make her Kaburagi-kun’s mentor? Oh, that must mean she’s my mentor too. I need to learn a lot… I have to pay close attention.)

“That’s why you can ask me anything. After all, I am all-knowing and all-powerful.”

[I respect that. Please teach me.]

“Fufu. Leave it to me. (What an unexpectedly easygoing girl. To project this kind of gaze through pure innocence is impressive. Well, not as much as I am, of course.)”

As Hinamori continued to riff off the moment, Kurusu earnestly pulled a notebook from her bag and fixed her gaze on Hinamori with complete admiration.

She now eagerly waited, anticipating Hinamori’s every word with unrestrained excitement.

(...What kind of things will she teach me? I can’t wait to find out.)

Her expectations now soaring, Kurusu leaned in toward Hinamori, maintaining her usual lack of awareness regarding personal space.

Though there wasn’t a shred of malice in Kurusu’s actions, Hinamori’s expression began to tighten bit by bit as she struggled to maintain her composure.

“U-uhm, Kurusu-san?”

[Ready and waiting! I won’t miss a single word!]

“Your gaze is so intense... You know, it’s okay to laugh and point out the joke now, right?”

(A joke? Was there a joke somewhere?)

Kurusu tilted her head, a puzzled expression crossing her face. She didn’t seem to understand, neither outwardly nor in her thoughts.

Hinamori had only been playing around at first, but Kurusu’s earnest reaction finally made her realize that the situation had spiraled out of her control.

Her lips twitched ever so slightly as if she was trying to suppress something.

(What is this feeling? This overwhelming guilt... It’s like I’ve sullied a pure, innocent baby...)

[Are you okay?]

“I-I’m fine, really! (Th-this guilt... Normally, I’m used to playing my part, but when someone genuinely cares, it stings so much deeper...! I’ve miscalculated terribly this time...)”

Hinamori’s once-confident demeanor now showed cracks, as she battled the unfamiliar weight of genuine remorse for her antics.

[Goddess, cheer up.] (Is she feeling unwell? What should I do? I’m worried…)

“I’m fine, really… It’s just that… realizing too much is kind of overwhelming… (Stop it! Please don’t look at me with those pure eyes~!)”

[I’ll go buy some hot milk tea.] (…Goddess might be tired. Warm drinks are good at times like these. They help soothe the soul.)

“Ah, no! You don’t have to—wait, they’ve already left… They’re way too fast… What should I do now?”

Her outstretched hand grasped at empty air. Hinamori pressed her hand to her forehead, her expression weary.

With a deep sigh, her shoulders slumped.

Seeing her like that, I stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, Hinamori. Got something you want to say?”

“Innocence can be a weapon sometimes, huh? I didn’t know that… Haha. Ah, my heart hurts. (What a shallow human I am. I feel like dying from the ugliness of my own soul.)”

“That’s what I was telling you. When someone doesn’t know how to doubt, they end up believing too easily. Jokes and lighthearted remarks don’t usually work on them.”

“I see… I’ll make an effort to watch my words and actions from now on. If I don’t, it feels like I’ve deceived them, and their pure intentions might purify me to death…”

“Next episode: Hinamori Dies.”

“Could you not kill me off without permission!?”

“Oh, by the way, Kurusu is pretty stubborn. Once they believe something, it’s hard to change their mind.”

“Eh, surely not—wait, why are you gazing off into the distance…?”

“………………”

“Please don’t give me that enlightened look in silence! And what’s with that hand!?”

“Good luck. Sometimes, knowing when to give up is important.”

From my attitude, Hinamori must have realized something.

She grabbed my arm, looking up at me with genuinely pleading eyes that didn’t seem like an act.

"Could you at least try to help me out a little…?"

“Have you ever heard of ‘you reap what you sow’?”

“Ugh, that’s so cruel~!!”

Hinamori shook my shoulder, pleading desperately.

Right on cue, Kurusu returned and held out the milk tea.

[Please accept this, Goddess.] (…Feel better.)

“Ah, thank you. (…What do I do now?)”

Later, Hinamori worked hard to explain everything to Kurusu.

But this only ended with Kurusu being moved by her incredible acting skills and looking at her with even more admiration.

Well, in the end, this incident became the start of Hinamori and Kurusu talking more often, so as far as I’m concerned, it was the best possible outcome.





During the test return



“Kaburagi-san, I think the era of evaluating people through tests is over.”

── During the break, Hinamori approached me with a tone that sounded like she had attained some great understanding, clutching her test results tightly.

She had neatly folded the section with her math score so it couldn’t be seen, but she carried it in a way that displayed her more confident English and Japanese scores.

Hinamori maintained her usual calm demeanor, but inwardly, she was panicking, thinking, “This is bad! I’m definitely going to get scolded!”

── This was the proficiency test we had at the beginning of April.

At our school, a test was conducted at the start of the year during class reassignment to assess the achievements from the first year.

Now that the results had been returned, the classroom was in an uproar, filled with wails and lamentations.

The only ones remaining composed were me, Kirisaki, and Kurusu, whose expression rarely changed.

“If tests were to disappear, it would be hard to conduct objective evaluations, so I doubt they’ll ever go away.”

“Times are all about focusing on the individual now, aren’t they?”

“If the focus shifts to individual traits, it’ll become a battle of acting skills. In that case, Hinamori would dominate the stage.”

“Hehe, that’s not true at all. (People like me can make it anywhere, you know. Selling myself to climb the ranks might actually work… Wait, could that really work?)”

Though she said modest words, her true thoughts were all too clear. Her prideful posture, the way she lightly ran her fingers through her long hair—it was obvious.

She could’ve at least tried to hide it, but her composure kept slipping whenever she was around me.

Well, not that I’d point it out.

I chuckled dryly and pointed at the test she was holding.

“So, how bad was your math score?”

“That’s quite the remark. Why are you so certain my math score was bad? (Well, it was bad, though!)”

“Hinamori, you’re bad at math, aren’t you?”

“Maybe I’ve overcome it, you know? Oh dear, did you just say that without any basis?”

"…This test covered the entire syllabus, so I thought it might be tough for you. In regular exams, since you’re good at memorization, Hinamori, you might be able to manage through sheer memorization. But when it comes to testing applied skills, it’s more challenging. Plus, most of the questions this time were from areas you’ve struggled with before. That’s all I meant."

"...H-Huh? (H-How do you know all that!? But… I’m kind of happy he pays this much attention to me… Wait, no, Sakura!! It's fine to make someone fall for you, but you mustn't let yourself fall for them~!)"

Hinamori blinked her large eyes and pulled at her own cheeks.

As a result of trying to suppress a grin, her face twisted into something resembling a weird expression.

…This face is definitely not for public viewing. Zero elegance.

Noticing my gaze, Hinamori took a deep breath and quickly returned to her usual composed expression, flashing a confident smile.

"As expected of Kaburagi-san. Your insight is exceptional—there’s nothing else to say. You’re mostly correct. (Phew, that was close… But I managed to hold it together!!)"

Barely holding it together, huh?

I felt like pointing that out, but I swallowed the comment.

"For you, Hinamori, that was a quick admission."

"Hehe, I readily acknowledge the truth. Admitting mistakes, errors, or weaknesses leads to growth, after all. (And, of course, it makes me more likable.)"

"Are you sure you’re okay showing weakness in front of me?"

"It’s fine. I only do this in front of you, Kaburagi-san. (It’s part of the strategy—‘I show my special self only to you’ to turn the tables on you.)"

"It’d be even better if you could do that in front of others too."

"A… Ah, yes. That’s true, isn’t it?"

Letting out a big sigh, Hinamori slumped her shoulders dramatically.

Then, as if seeking help, she moved closer to Kirisaki.

"Suzune-chan, please help me~. Kaburagi-san is bullying an innocent girl~."

She dragged over Kirisaki, who had been sitting at her desk, steadfastly pretending not to notice.

Kirisaki sighed, clearly exasperated.

"…I'd appreciate it if you didn’t drag me into this."

"Come on, Suzune-chan. It’s time for a showdown with Kaburagi-san."

"A showdown? You mean the test?"

"Exactly!"

"No way."

"That was fast! Don’t give up so easily~."

"There’s no way I can beat Ritsu. Besides, I’m sleepy today, so let me sleep."

"By the way, Kirisaki, how were your test results?"

"…"

Kirisaki fell silent for a moment before shrugging her shoulders in an exasperated manner.

"Well, as usual. Decent, I guess."

"Kaburagi-san is just too strong, being in first place. I can’t deal with that cursed math, but Suzune-chan, you could totally beat him!"

"I’ll… consider it."

With that, Kirisaki started heading back to her seat.

Hinamori chased after her, shouting at her retreating figure, "That’s just an excuse not to try, you know!?"

"…It’s suddenly quiet now."

Left behind, I let out a small sigh, relishing a brief moment of peace.

Even though break time was almost over, the lively atmosphere in the classroom showed no signs of settling down.

As I stared absentmindedly at my classmates, I thought about how the chaos was just part of daily life here.

At some point, I felt like I locked eyes with Kurusu. But the moment our gazes met, she quickly looked away, her attention dropping to her phone.

…Was she just looking at me?

As I wondered about it, I noticed my phone vibrating. A message from her appeared on the screen.

"After school. Are you free?"

After checking my schedule, I replied, "I’m free after helping the teacher." Her reply came almost immediately.

"Thank you."

Her usual quick response made me chuckle involuntarily.

(…It’s been a while since I’ll spend time with Kaburagi-kun after school. Hehe…)

Amidst the noisy classroom, Kurusu’s pure and clear voice reached me distinctly.

-----

After school.

As usual, I finished helping out and started walking back toward the classroom.

When I arrived, Kurusu was gazing out the window at the schoolyard. The amber glow of the setting sun bathed her figure, creating a scene so picturesque it seemed like a painting.

…She really is beautiful like this.

A sudden urge to just stand there and watch her washed over me, but I suppressed it and called out to her.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kurusu."

(Ah… Kaburagi-kun came.)

Noticing me, Kurusu smiled happily and approached, pulling a clear file from her bag and handing it to me.

I tilted my head in curiosity as I accepted it.

"What’s this?"

[Take a look.] (…This is nerve-wracking. It’s my test results.)

"Ah, I see. Alright, let’s have a look."

She acted like a child showing their report card to a parent, which almost made me laugh, but I held it in and opened the file to check her test results.

The papers were neatly folded and stored inside, with "April Skills Test" written on the top right corner. Her meticulousness showed in how everything was organized, making it easy to review later, with clear labels for each subject.

She really is diligent.

And that diligence reflected in her results.

"Scoring all in the 90s? That’s amazing! You did so well!"

When I praised her, a faint blush colored Kurusu’s cheeks.

However, she kept her usual composed expression, not letting her emotions show outwardly.

"With scores like these, your ranking must’ve been pretty good, right?"

"Second in the class."

"As expected, Kurusu. You’re such a hard worker. Even with a tough syllabus, you did great."

[I worked steadily.] (…Hearing Kaburagi-kun praise me makes me so happy. I’m glad I gave it my all.)

Kurusu smiled softly, her expression brimming with satisfaction.

Seeing her so genuinely happy made me feel happy too.

Moments where hard work pays off—those are always rewarding to witness.

"But Kurusu, wasn’t it tough waiting until this time? With these scores, you could’ve shown me during break instead of after school."

[The timing was tricky.] (…Kaburagi-kun always has people around him. And showing off my test results to everyone doesn’t feel right…)

"I don’t think the people around me would mind, though."

If anything, I think they’d acknowledge her even more after seeing her results. If she wanted to make more friends, showing her academic strengths could be a way to do that.

Sensing my unspoken question, Kurusu wrote something on her tablet and showed it to me.

[I wanted to show it to friends first.] (…I wanted Kaburagi-kun and Kirisaki-san to see it. I worked hard, but I don’t want to brag.)

"…I see. That makes sense. Thanks for being considerate."

Kurusu shook her head and showed me the words [It’s okay] on her tablet.

However, her expression seemed just a little lonely.

Kurusu is thoughtful about others. While she can be a bit off the mark at times, her consideration for others is something I genuinely admire.

She probably does want others to acknowledge her hard work deep down… but showing high scores to people she isn’t close to could invite resentment, like, ‘Oh, showing off, are we?’ That’s just how things go sometimes.

Her sensitivity to those feelings likely made her decide to only show her results to me and Kirisaki.

Jealousy and envy are troublesome emotions. As someone who can understand those feelings almost too well, I can see why she’d worry.

Still—you don’t have to worry about those things. Just be yourself.

That’s easier said than done, though. Emotions like jealousy are natural, and Kurusu isn’t the kind of person who can easily brush them off.

So, for now, I’ll be the one to recognize her efforts and encourage her to keep going.

"Alright, Kurusu! Since you worked so hard, let me treat you to something."

[Really?]

"Yeah! Whether it’s juice, ice cream, or anything else, you name it. Even one of those 300-yen ice creams is fine right now!"

[Is it limited to food?]

"It doesn’t have to be food. Anything within my ability is fine. Just don’t ask for something unreasonable, okay? Like a comedy skit—I’m not exactly equipped for that. But whatever you really want, just say the word."

Kurusu nodded and fell silent, locking eyes with me as she considered her response.

The classroom was quiet, yet her inner thoughts echoed clearly in my mind.

She seemed to have plenty of ideas swirling around, weighing her options.

[It’s fine.] (…Truthfully, I want Kaburagi-kun to just say, ‘You did great,’ but I can’t bring myself to ask.)

Even now, her reserved nature held her back from writing what she truly wanted on the tablet.

Seriously, she’s always so considerate, even in situations like this. It’s endearing, but also a little frustrating. I wanted to do something for her, something that would make her feel appreciated.

"Are you sure?"

[Yes.]

"Alright then. At least let me say this."

I tried my best to smile warmly as I placed my hand gently on her head.

"Great job, Kurusu. You worked really hard, and it’s amazing." I gave her hair a light, affectionate ruffle.

It might have been a bit over-the-top, maybe even a little dramatic, but I meant every word.

When our eyes met, I felt heat rush to my face.

"Well, um… you don’t have to hold back, alright? It feels a little lonely when you do."

Kurusu nodded faintly at my words, then began typing on her tablet.

[Then… more, please.]

The words were written small, and after showing me, she quickly lowered her head, hiding her face.

"Of course. Just let me know when you’ve had enough."

Her expression was hidden, but I could tell she was happy.

After all, the ears peeking through her silky hair were as red as the setting sun outside.

Choosing a career path is a point of concern.



This high school in the countryside, unlike those in the city, isn’t crowded with people and offers a calm, relaxed environment.

However, today was anything but calm.

(Sciences, no question!)

(What subjects should I pick? My parents want me to choose sciences, but math is just impossible for me…)

(...If possible, I’d like to be in the same class as Kaburagi-kun. It would make learning fun… But, what will he choose?)

(Elective subjects… Hehe. This is my chance to pull off the “Wow! We’re in the same class again! Huh!? Could this be fate!?!” strategy. Then, he’ll feel it’s destiny and maybe even surrender to it!)

The classroom, which should have been quiet as everyone was deep in thought, felt noisy to me because I could hear all these inner voices.

Especially Hinamori’s—her voice stood out the most.

Her strategy names are as overly long and awkward as always.

Making sure not to let anything show on my face, I filled out my own form, writing down the necessary details. Once I finished, I quickly tucked it into my bag.

“Make sure to decide properly for your future! You’ll need to input this into the portal by the second week of classes. Also, don’t forget to complete the career path survey and your humanities or sciences track choice. It might seem like a hassle, but this is an important step for your future. Take it seriously. Oh, and remember to submit the form later—it’ll be used during your counseling sessions.”

The teacher rattled off these instructions in quick succession before leaving the classroom.

“What are you gonna do?”

“I guess I’ll decide after looking it over properly.”

Almost immediately, my classmates began talking, sharing their forms and discussing.

Around this time in the second year, we have to deal with career surveys and elective course selection.

That’s why I’d been hearing all those anxious thoughts earlier.

Our school is relatively rare in that it uses a credit system, allowing students to choose their classes.

Under the school’s philosophy of “Learn for yourself, act for yourself, and create for yourself,” students are given a lot of autonomy in their decisions.

This “elective course selection” is one such example.

In the first year, most classes were mandatory, with the only choice being among arts subjects—music, fine arts, calligraphy, or crafts. From the second year, the selection process becomes more serious, starting with a preliminary decision in April and finalizing it in May.

Making a decision about one’s future in just a month may seem harsh, but most people have been considering their options since entering high school, so they’ve had plenty of time.

That said, it’s not something you can decide on easily.

Many students were struggling to choose as they tried to envision their future. Being able to pick the subjects you like is great, but from my perspective, the constant murmur of indecisiveness echoing around me was starting to weigh on me.

My head hurts. I just want to lie down… But there’s something on my mind.

I glanced sideways to observe Kirisaki.

As usual, she rested her chin on her hand, looking bored as she stared straight ahead.

...I wonder if she’s already decided.

Well, no point just watching her.

I decided to approach Kirisaki and strike up a conversation.

“Hey, Kirisaki. Have you decided yet?”

“I’m going with the usual. I guess it depends on the results of the last test, though.”

She turned her face toward me as she replied.

“What about you, Ritsu? Have you decided?”

“I’ll probably go with something safe. I’ll choose subjects that aren’t too crowded and are relatively quiet.”

“Hmm, that’s so like you, Ritsu. Always steady.”

“...Kirisaki, about your future plans. Right now—”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re such a worrywart, Ritsu.”

Just as I was about to ask, “Have you decided?”, she interrupted, speaking over me.

I asked because I knew she had been troubled by this back in middle school. But, as usual, I couldn’t hear her inner voice.

She must have noticed my worried gaze because she let out a small chuckle and poked my cheek.

“What’s this? Are you worried about me again? You really love me, huh?”

“...Shut up. Can’t help it. This kind of reminds me of back then.”

“That’s such a sweet thing to say. If I were a regular girl, I’d be thinking, ‘Wow, he really gets me!’ and fall in love with you right about now.”

“So, you’re implying you’re not like that?”

“What do you think?”

“I’d bet you just want to mess with me…”

“Ding ding! Correct answer! You’re sharp, Ritsu. You know me so well.”

“That doesn’t make me happy…”

Watching me crack a reluctant smile, Kirisaki clapped her hands lightly.

“Wow, amazing, truly amazing,” she said in a flat, unenthusiastic voice, feigning praise.

When I shot her an unimpressed look, she chuckled softly before giving me a warm smile.

“I know you’re worried, Ritsu, but I’ve already figured out my future plans. I’ve decided to aim for something, and I’m going to do my best.”

"Is that so?"

I tilted my head in curiosity.

I tried focusing to hear her inner voice, but there wasn’t a hint of dishonesty in her straightforward words.

"Well, sometimes things don’t go so well… so I might get a little tired in those moments. But it’s really just that."

"Make sure to take a break once in a while, alright? Goals aren’t something you can achieve overnight."

"Ahaha. Hearing you talk about taking breaks is totally unconvincing."

"Well, maybe that’s precisely why I understand the importance of breaks. You know, as a kind of bad example."

"Did you just admit that yourself?"

"Haha, fair enough. But seriously, if you’re ever struggling, let me know. No need to hold back."

"Thanks. You’re as kind as always, Ritsu. …Good boy, good boy."

"Don’t pat my head… I feel like I’m being seriously mocked here."

Her patting my head messed up my styled hair, leaving it like a natural curtain over my face.

Just as I was about to complain a bit about that, Kawaguchi came running up with a piece of paper in hand.

"Hey, Ritsu! Why do I have to keep filling out this form over and over again?"

He cried out loudly, prompting Kamibayashi to react and bring over a similar paper.

Seeing them gather around me, Matsui arrived with an overly energetic "Ta-da~!"

The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast to how things were just a moment ago.

"Hey, hey~. Why are you all having such a fun conversation without me, Kurumi?"

"Matsui, it’s not so much fun as it is serious talk. You know, about career paths and course selections."

"Eww… studying is the worst!"

Matsui made an exaggerated grimace and stuck her tongue out at the survey form.

Is it really that bad?

Just holding the paper near her made her react like it was poison.

"Hey~. Forget about Matsui for a moment. Ritsu, are you going for sciences or humanities?"

"I’m going for sciences."

"Then I’ll pick sciences too!"

"Hey, Gussan, you can’t just decide like that, can you?"

"So, what about you, Shintaro?"

"I'm aiming for humanities. I like social studies, and I'm planning to go for law school."

"You’ve got a goal, huh? Honestly, as long as I can play soccer, I don’t really care where I end up!"

"In that case, Kawaguchi, why not start with sciences? If you don’t like it, you can always switch to humanities later."

"Switch to humanities?"

"Yeah, switching from sciences to humanities. It's harder to switch the other way around since math can be a big hurdle. Starting with sciences is usually a safer bet."

"Ah, I get it now! But, you know, I’m terrible at math."

"Gussan, if you’re struggling, there’s always Ritsudora to help you out!"

"Exactly! Alright, let’s get this done!"

"…Don’t lump me in with some convenient cat-shaped robot. I’m not that all-purpose."

I sighed, watching the two of them fill out their forms.

They were writing swiftly—well, Kawaguchi was.

But, Kawaguchi, I doubt just putting 'Same as Ritsu' will get you out of a resubmission.

"This is impossible! None of these options work for me!"

Matsui, who had been watching the two of them intently, suddenly looked flustered and started shaking Kirisaki.

Or rather, she buried her face in Kirisaki’s chest, swaying her head side to side.

"Kurumi, you’re clinging a bit too much…"

"Aww, but why not~? Kirinee smells so nice—it’s so soothing!"

"Ugh… that tickles…"

"Ehehe~ squish, squish~"

"St-stop that kind of thing…!"

Their interaction, unfolding right in front of me, left me unsure where to look.

Still… as a guy, it’s hard not to glance at such a scene.

The way their movements caught attention naturally drew my gaze.

And so…

(Matsui! Get out of the way!!)

(So envious… Is that heaven?)

(Nice one, Matsui!)

I could hear plenty of indecent thoughts from the boys around.

Even Kamibayashi and Kawaguchi, standing beside me, were no exceptions. Kawaguchi, in particular, had his hands clasped together like he was praying.

Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. It was an adorably picturesque scene, one you might instinctively want to admire.

"...What are you staring at, Ritsu?"

"Uh… Am I the only one?"

"Your gaze is very suspicious… Pervert. (React, I dare you.)"

Kirisaki, her cheeks slightly flushed, gave me a dissatisfied glare.

Honestly, if she had just gone all out with a "Don’t look, you pervert!!" while slapping my face, it might’ve made for a funny moment. But her demure reaction didn’t suggest anything like that was coming.

"Well, uh… A-anyway! Oh, right, Matsui! Did you decide on your career path yet? You seemed like you were still undecided?"

Trying to blatantly change the subject, I felt Kirisaki’s eyes boring into me.

Then, without warning, she pinched my side—hard.

…Painful. Needlessly so. But I had to endure it here.

Forcing myself to keep a smile plastered on my face, I turned to Matsui, who had begun pondering with a thoughtful "Hmm…"

"Still deciding?"

"Yeah~. I just can’t find any subjects that feel like the perfect fit for Kurumi. Nothing’s really zinged yet."

"There probably won’t be anything that’s perfect. Maybe start by thinking about your future dreams?"

"My future dreams, huh…"

"Still undecided?"

"Nope! Kurumi’s got it all figured out!"

With an energetic nod, Matsui struck a pose: one hand on her hip and the other pointing dramatically at the ceiling.

"My dream is to become president!"

"That’s… unexpectedly global!?"

"Or world domination!"

"Okay, that escalated quickly!"

Hearing her wildly ambitious dreams, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

Well, dreaming big is certainly free, I suppose.

"Kurumi, why don’t you think it over a bit more? Like, earning money, becoming a civil servant, or even ‘permanent employment’ through marriage," Kirisaki, now recovered, said in her usual cool, pragmatic tone.

"That suddenly feels way too grounded."

"Practicality matters. Money is important, isn’t it?"

"Well, you’re not wrong, but still…"

…Let her dream a little, would you?

It’s like telling a kid out of nowhere that "Santa Claus is just your parents." Talk about a buzzkill.

Listening to Kirisaki’s no-nonsense suggestions, Matsui nodded as if convinced. Then, as though an idea had struck her, she clapped her hands together.

"I’ve decided! Money it is! Alright, Kurumi will give up on becoming president and start investing in turnips right away!"

"Wow, that’s a sudden dose of reality. Just make sure you don’t overdo it."

"Of course~!"

"Really? You seem awfully confident about this."

"Fufufu~. Did you know, Ritsukun? If you sell turnips to the animals at the right time, you can make loads of money!"

"Wait, that kind of turnips…?"

"Yay~! Let’s alchemize that cash~!"

I pretended not to notice. Nope, definitely didn’t see the game console in Matsui’s hands.

"So, Kirinee, let’s play together~!"

"…I don’t even own a gaming console."

"No worries! Kurumi brought two! So, help me out, Kirinee~."

Kirisaki looked visibly reluctant, but Matsui gazed up at her with puppy-dog eyes.

Faced with that unwavering stare, she eventually gave in.

"…Just for a little while."

"Yay~! Everyone else, join in too~!"

With Matsui’s invitation, Kamibayashi and Kawaguchi ended up starting the game as well.

Seriously, though… why did she even bring those here?

Leaving the others engrossed in their games, I decided to head over to Kurusu.

(…Ah, Kaburagi-kun. Is he coming to talk to me? Hehe, that makes me happy~.)

Before I could say anything, Kurusu noticed me and spoke up.

Her voice, as usual, lacked much inflection, but I thought I could hear a slight bounce in her tone.

"Kurusu, have you already decided? Wait, are you writing something?"

[Yes. Lots of things] (I’ve been hearing everyone’s good stories… There’s so much I didn’t know.)

She held up her notebook, showing me the page.

On it were keywords from Matsui’s earlier conversation.

…Most of it was utterly useless.

"Kurusu, you should stop taking notes on everything… It’s a little worrying."

[Knowledge is power.]

"That’s not wrong, but you need to filter the information and focus on deciding your own dreams and goals. That’s how you move forward."

[I’ve already decided.] (…I’m the type to set my goals early.)

"Oh? What have you decided on?"

[To stay with Kaburagi-kun forever.] (If we can always be close, that would make me happy… Ehehe.)

"Wh-!?"

I choked, utterly caught off guard by her unexpected confession.

I’d assumed she’d been talking about her course selections or career plans.

"…That kind of sneak attack is against the rules. Think about how you phrase things next time."

[Happiness.] (I’m not lying. I’ll just keep working hard to make it happen. Being with you… makes me happy.)

This time, she gave me a genuine smile—gentle and natural, not her usual awkward expression.

Between her written words and the sincerity in her voice, I could feel my heart racing in a way I wasn’t used to.

Her words always hit hard… seriously.

Despite the turmoil in my chest, Kurusu tilted her head, looking puzzled, as if she didn’t quite understand why I was so flustered.

-----

"Kaburagi-kun, could you help with the setup over there too?"

"Understood, sensei."

"Thanks, as always."

"Haha, it's nothing. If there's anything else, please don't hesitate to let me know."

When I said that, the teacher gave me a smile, saying, "I'll leave it to you," before walking off.

Tomorrow was the entrance ceremony.

Since the teacher had asked me for help, I was busy preparing for it.

In the past, I would have been training with Kurusu around this time, but now that she'd "graduated" from needing my help, we no longer had those sessions. Our after-school training had officially ended, and she had decided not to rely on me anymore.

"I want to learn for myself and work hard on my own." That’s what she’d decided.

It left me with a bit of an empty feeling, but knowing that she was internally cheering herself on—“I need to work hard enough to walk alongside Kaburagi-kun… as a friend!”—kept me from interfering.

Instead, I silently supported her from the sidelines, choosing not to intervene directly. If something came up within the scope of my own actions, I’d lend a hand, but that was it.

It was a flimsy excuse, but this way, I wouldn’t get any complaints.

"She’s still rough around the edges, but her determination to push forward is really something."

I muttered this to myself as I watched her through the window. She was preparing for the entrance ceremony just like I was.

Carefully, so she wouldn’t notice me, I observed her actions.

(…Clean thoroughly until it’s sparkling. A clean space makes people happy. Let’s do our best.)

Kurusu was meticulously cleaning a new student’s classroom.

Her thoughts were faint, but I could hear her motivation loud and clear.

Of course, as usual, she was working alone.

It was probably because cleaning wasn’t a task many people volunteered for, so she had taken it upon herself.

But if that’s the case, does that mean she plans to clean every single classroom by herself?

If so, I’d better start helping out—

"Alright, one’s done. Let’s do this together now," came a voice from the classroom.

The tone was slightly annoyed but unmistakable.

(I was asked to do this, so I need to see it through myself. Otherwise, it’d be irresponsible.)

It was her inner voice again, filled with her characteristic sense of responsibility.

Kurusu really was something else.

"This is my job... Don't be ridiculous. Moving desks and all—it’s better with two people than one, right?"

(...But this is something I dragged her into.)

"Alright, alright. Stop being stubborn. It's fine, just get moving already. Even if you planned to do it all yourself, I'll just go ahead and help anyway."

Kirisaki, who usually skips these things because of after-school commitments, decided to pitch in today.

It’s probably because of Kurusu, though... Well, both Kirizaki and I are worrywarts.

I totally get it.

Hard workers are dazzling, and you can't help but want to cheer them on.

You could try to ignore it, but it always sticks in the back of your mind, and before you know it, you're involved.

"Looks like things will be fine now. Guess I'll head back to my own tasks."

I chuckled to myself and left the scene.

—One hour later.

Most of the preparations were done, and I found myself taking a break on a rarely trafficked staircase.

There was a lot of heavy lifting today...

With so few guys around to help, it couldn’t be helped.

I downed some tea I'd received as a treat and relished the quiet when a familiar lively voice called out from behind me.

"Found you, Kaburagi-san!"

When I turned at the voice, there was Hinamori, flashing a mischievous smile.

"Oh, hey. Yeah, just killing time. A spring stroll with all the cherry blossoms in bloom isn’t bad, right?"

"It really is lovely... Ugh, I envy how carefree you are, Kaburagi-san. I'm swamped over here!"

"Well, tomorrow’s the entrance ceremony. Being in the student council, I bet you’ve got your hands full."

"Exactly! We have to give our all to welcome the new students! (Fufu. Once they hear my beautiful voice, I’m sure they’ll all be mesmerized... Ahhh, such a sinful woman I am, I feel just terrible. Mufufu...)"

"Take it easy, okay..."

Her unfiltered thoughts spilling out as usual, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

If only she could pick up a shred of Kurusu's straightforwardness and humility... Yeah, that’s never going to happen.

"What’s with that pitying look in your eyes?"

“No, no. I was just thinking how amazing you are, Hinamori.”

“…Half-hearted compliments like that honestly hurt me, you know. (Maybe I should fake crying to throw him off? If I do, his attitude toward me might soften, and he could become more obedient.)”

“You don’t look hurt in the slightest, so pretending to cry would be pointless.”

“N-N-Not at all…! (Why does he know what I’m thinking!?)”

“Don’t make your flustered reactions so obvious.”

Hinamori quietly put away the handkerchief she had prepared for her fake crying act.

Her usual practiced expression faltered, and she puffed out her cheeks, making a childish face.

(Ugh! Why does it feel like I’m the one being played here!? If it’s come to this, I’ll go for an all-out desperate attack…!)

Just as she opened her mouth to say something to me, another student council member called out from a short distance away.

“Hinamori-san! Time for the rehearsal!”

“Ah, this is bad. I need to go soon… but first, just one complaint.”

“Got it. Good luck, good luck~”

“Ugh, come on! At least put a little heart into it when you say that! Take this!”

“Ow!”

As she left, she gave my head a light smack, stuck out her tongue like a child, and ran off.

A silence, like the calm after a storm, settled in.

“Well, I can’t lose to Kurusu either. Guess I’ll push through a bit more.”

I slowly rotated my shoulders, exhaled deeply, and went back to work.

-----

"You… Seriously, as always, make sure you get proper sleep."

I had just finished preparing for the entrance ceremony and was heading off to study when Saya found me and dragged me to the infirmary.

"Your body is your foundation. How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?"

"I get it. I'm not overdoing it, and I've been sleeping well lately."

"I don't trust a word you say. (I know you've been sleep-deprived, you idiot.)"

"Ahaha… Pinching the back of my hand like that hurts, you know."

Saya wordlessly continued her subtly painful actions.

She clearly saw through my attempt to laugh it off, as her gaze grew sharp. But then, placing a hand on her forehead and shrugging, she let out a sigh and released me, as if giving up.

"As always, just take it easy, okay? (Not that you'll actually listen… Jeez.)"

"I'll be careful."

With a sigh, Saya muttered, "Teenagers are such a handful," and scratched her head. Then, her gaze shifted toward the infirmary bed.

"Seriously, 'birds of a feather' really are a troublesome lot."

Her attitude practically screamed, Look over there, so I tilted my head in curiosity. Feeling a bit guilty, I peeked through the gap in the curtain to see who was inside.

If I strained my ears, I could hear faint breathing. Though I couldn't see the person's face, familiar silky golden hair peeked out from under the blanket.

"…Kurusu's asleep?"

I murmured as I turned to Saya.

"Yeah. Same as you, they overdo it. Especially since they've been watching someone similar to them nearby—probably made them push themselves even harder."

"…Someone similar, huh? I guess we do have some things in common."

"Hmph, no kidding. (Know your limits, you idiot… You’re making me worry here.)"

Since Saya knew I could hear her, even her inner grumbling softened toward the end.

That made things unbearably awkward, so all I could do was laugh weakly, "Haha…," to try to brush it off.

Seeing me like that, Saya picked up a notebook that had been sitting on a chair.

"Do you know what this is? (…Not that I need to say it—you should recognize Kurusu’s notebook.)"

"…Yeah, I do. The color's different, but I’ve seen something similar before. Really, they’re so serious. Ridiculously serious, to an absurd degree."

"Is that so? Then I won’t say anything more."

Saaya gave a faint smile, sat back in her chair, and leaned into it. She sipped from her now-cold coffee and exhaled deeply.

I just stared at the notebook.

…It’s probably filled with notes on everything they’ve been told or learned.

Since the day we first met, Kurusu has improved in so many ways. It’s clear they’ve been making incredible, painstaking efforts to get here.

This notebook, where they constantly jot down notes—how many of these have they gone through by now?

Even after my training sessions with them ended, they must’ve kept working hard.

Thinking that only made me want to treasure my connection with Kurusu even more.

"You and Kurusu both have broken brakes, you know."

"That’s harsh…"

"Haha. But that’s exactly why I think you two can truly understand each other."

"…I’ll keep an eye on things and make sure not to push too hard."

"Good, good. Then I can rest easy."

Saya laughed cheerfully and ruffled my hair roughly with her hand.

When I looked at her in protest, she just seemed amused, almost happy.

Even though there’s no way she could hear my thoughts, I felt like she could see right through me, which made me just a little annoyed.

"Well, that’s how it is, so I’m counting on you for various things."

"You nag me about everything and then pile on the work. Wow, just cruel…"

"Haha! Well, you can think that way for now."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?"

"Well, well. Kurusu's adjusting to a new grade and a new environment—of course they’re tired. Plus, with that gap, their stamina’s probably not what it used to be."

"…Gap?"

"That… well, you’ll have to ask them yourself. I can’t really say. Anyway, I’m leaving the rest to you!"

"Huh?"

With that, Saya left the infirmary without waiting for my response.

She even went as far as to hang a "Out of Office" sign on the door on her way out.

…She definitely bolted to avoid getting asked further.

Well, I never planned to pry into someone else’s secrets anyway.

What happened in the past? What are their roots?

More often than not, those are things people would rather keep to themselves.

I sat down in Saya’s chair and opened my textbook.

"If it’s been left to me, I’ll do it. Especially since it seems like their brakes are broken too."

Muttering that bit of sarcasm to myself, I decided to wait until Kurusu woke up.





—Thirty minutes into studying, Kurusu woke up.

The moment they opened their eyes, they sprang to their feet and thrust a tablet at me, pushing against me in a way that reminded me of a certain past incident. The screen displayed the words: [Break Required.]

"I'm not tired, though? Besides, if anyone needs rest, it's you, Kurusu."

[Next is Kabaragi-kun.] (I've rested enough.)

"Unlike you, I’ve got stamina, so it’s fine."

[Repeat offender.] (I’ve seen you sleeping in the infirmary before… I will make you rest. This is my mission.)

Kurusu’s gaze was firm, filled with a resolve that showed no intention of backing down. They grabbed my arm tightly and locked eyes with me, unwavering.

…They’re being unusually forceful and inflexible today.

Not to mention… they seem oddly motivated, even happy, in a way that feels almost celebratory. Could it be…?

"Hey, Kurusu."

[What?]

"Did Saya say something to you before you went to sleep?"

Kurusu froze at my question.

It was a direct hit.

[She didn’t say anything like ‘you’re similar’ or ‘brakes’.] (…Don’t let him notice.)

"…You just said it all yourself."

[…Ugh. I’m such an idiot.[

Kurusu visibly slumped, hugging their knees with a dejected look on their face.

While I often learn the truth from their inner voice, I didn’t expect them to outright write it down and admit it. It only goes to show how bad they are at lying—but this level of ineptitude is honestly concerning.

Watching them sulk like a small animal that failed its trick made me feel… uncomfortable, like I was the one being unfair.

Well, with that determination of theirs, I can’t just ignore them now, can I?

The intent behind their actions—to solve things earnestly—makes it hard to resist.

I sighed.

"Alright, alright. I’ll take your advice and rest this time."

[Good.] (…Thank goodness.)

"Yeah, yeah. But make sure you rest properly too, Kurusu."

When I said that, Kurusu nodded in satisfaction.

Then, as I went to lie down, for some reason, they moved to my head and pressed against it, as if trying to keep me still.

"…Kurusu? What’s the meaning of this?"

[If you’d like, please go ahead.] (…For even a little better sleep.)"\

Kurusu muttered inwardly, showing me those hesitant words written out.

She patted her own thighs softly, gesturing for me to lie down.

"You can’t possibly mean… you want me to rest there?"

[I heard it helps with sleep.]

"Who told you that? …No, never mind. I don’t even need to ask."

The face of my sister, who was here earlier, popped into my mind.

She must’ve put the idea in Kurusu’s head.

Knowing my sister, it was probably something she said offhandedly for her own amusement.

[Do you not like it?]

"It’s not that. It’s just… a lap pillow, seriously?"

[Not satisfied with my legs?]

"Don’t look so obviously dejected! It’s not that I’m unhappy with you—it’s just the situation that’s making me hesitate."

[Don’t worry about it.]

"But I’m worried about it."

]Lie down.]

Kurusu patted her thighs again, insistent.

Her determination hadn’t wavered one bit, and it was clear she wasn’t going to back down.

Before I knew it, Kurusu grabbed my hand.

[It’s Kaburagi-kun’s turn now. A thank-you for today.]

"You’re not going to file a complaint later, are you…?"

[I won’t.]

Kurusu shook her head and patted her thighs again, encouraging me.

(The teacher said if I try to make him rest normally, he might dodge or brush it off. That’s why—a lap pillow. If he moves or avoids it, I’ll notice right away… As expected of the teacher.)

Hearing her inner thoughts, I could only let out a wry smile internally.

Saya really had me figured out.

The embarrassment of realizing that what I thought I’d hidden was completely seen through, coupled with this ridiculous situation…

Yeah, there was no point resisting. No scenario played out in my head where stubbornness would lead to a better outcome.

With a sigh of resignation, I let Kurusu guide me and rested my head on her lap.

…Soft. Too soft. I had no idea where I should even be looking.

[How is it?]

"Uh… it’s hard to give feedback on something like this."

(Not much muscle, so maybe it’s too hard and not comfortable? What if I switch to my stomach instead? That would be softer, and maybe he’d sleep better…)

"…No! No need to adjust! It’s perfect as is, so please just leave it like this!"

(If he can’t sleep comfortably, he can’t rest properly… Phew, glad it’s working.)

Kurusu smiled with relief.

Her smile, usually stiff and awkward, was now natural and captivating. It was… stunning.

I found myself staring, completely caught off guard. Seriously, why did her smile have to suddenly shine so bright now?

[Are you okay?] (Your face is red… Do you have a fever?)

Unaware of my thoughts, she placed her hand on my forehead and tilted her head in concern.

"I’m fine. It’s just that feeling sleepy can cause your body temperature to rise. Kids apparently get warmer when they’re about to fall asleep."

[Got it.] (So you were really that tired… I should learn from this. Time to do my best!)

The clear and beautiful voice of her thoughts echoed at a steady tone.

Though there were occasional mismatches, listening to them filled me with a strange, heartwarming sense of contentment.

“Well, I’m going to sleep, but if your legs start hurting, don’t hesitate to move me off.”

[Got it.]

“And Kurusu, don’t overdo it either. It’s admirable to work hard, but don’t push yourself to the point where you collapse, alright?”

[Self-defeating.]

“Oh, you know your stuff.”

When I said that, Kurusu shot me a flat look.

Inside her head, she murmured, [Kabaragi-kun is the same.]

I could only let out a sheepish laugh, realizing she’d seen right through me.

But the fact that she didn’t bother typing it out on her tablet showed she understood it was pointless to say it aloud.

Even if someone tells me to stop, I’ll keep pushing.

And Kurusu, with her “I’m fine” attitude, will undoubtedly do the same.

We’re two of a kind—our feelings resonate with each other.

Sure, we’ll criticize, but only just enough to remind each other.

That’s why I didn’t plan to press her any further.

But it seemed Kurusu was thinking about something different.

[If you collapse, I’ll take care of you.] (If Kabaragi-kun ever collapses, I’ll look after him.)

“How is it fair to assume I’ll collapse…? Besides, you don’t have to go that far.”

[No.]

“That’s a pretty firm refusal… Why?”

When I asked, Kurusu shook her head and showed a stubborn resolve. She averted her gaze, hesitating for a moment before lowering her tablet and beginning to type.

[Because I want to support you too. We’re friends, after all.]

She revealed the message, partially hiding her face behind the tablet.

The same sentiment echoed from her heart, and I couldn’t help but feel genuinely happy hearing it.

“Well… I guess it’s mutual, then.”

I covered my eyes with my arm to hide my embarrassment.

Her voice came again, soft yet resonant, "Thank you, as always… Take it easy and rest well."

Ah, so she’d noticed all those times I’d secretly helped out.

It’s ridiculously embarrassing.

But at the same time, there’s this warm, comforting feeling that makes it okay.

Two of a kind. There might be something in her that resonates with me.

As her gentle hand stroked my head, it felt like her touch was inviting me to let go.

And so, I surrendered to the pull, releasing my consciousness into the embrace of sleep.




Chapter 2 END