......
......
We finished our meal in silence. After leaving the cafe, we ended up at a nearby deserted park.
It was 18:30.
The park lights were on, dimly illuminating the empty grounds.
Amidst that, I looked at Kuonji sitting on the bench next to me.
She was looking down, her hair hanging low so I couldn't see her expression.
A period of silence continued between us.
Had it been several minutes? Or even longer?
When I looked at the park clock... only about three minutes had passed.
...It was awkward.
That was only natural. Kuonji and I were connected by the "Red Thread of Fate."
And yet, for someone to suddenly say something like that... it was unexpected for me too.
At a time like this, what was the right way to call out to her...?
Casually? Friendly? Formally? Seriously? Or maybe jokingly?
...I had a feeling every single one would end in failure.
"Hey."
"Hyai!?"
"W-What's with that weird voice?"
"Ah... sorry. I was lost in thought."
"...It's about Tsuchimikado-san, isn't it?"
"...Well, yeah."
Actually, ever since that happened, I had been thinking only about Kuonji.
"What do you plan to do?"
"About what?"
"Are you going to accept it? The confession..."
"Are you an idiot?"
"Wha!? What’s that for! When someone is worrying and hesitating so much...!"
Grrr! Seriously, are you a dog?
"You, what do you think looking at everyone lately?"
"...Everyone? At high school?"
"Yeah. Or even family is fine. Is anyone, despite having a fated person, being swayed by someone else or saying negative things?"
"...They aren't..."
"Right? Naturally, I'm the same."
"Eh... does that mean..."
"...Don't make me say it, dummy."
Ah, damn it, my face is hot...!
Kuonji seemed to have caught on to what I wanted to say, as she looked down with a red face.
"Ahem. Ah... anyway, I won't do something like that. Absolutely."
"...Nn. I believe you."
Though she still looked a bit anxious, Kuonji gave a faint smile.
Perhaps because of the deserted, dimly lit park, her fleeting appearance seemed even more lovely and cute.
I guess I really do like this girl...
"Well, shall we head home soon?"
"Are you okay now?"
"Yes. I'm satisfied for today."
She stood up from the bench and left the park with light steps, humming to herself.
I picked up the bags and hurriedly followed after her.
◆Riran◆
"Well, Kuonji. See you at school."
"Yes. Thank you for today."
"...It was fun."
After Sanada walked me to the front of my house, he acted a bit dere at the end and ran off.
"...Too cute. What is with him, really."
I accidentally muttered to myself, forgetting I was outside.
Well, I couldn't help it.
Today was fun, then there was that thing with Tsuchimikado-san, and it was the first time that guy spoke about his feelings like that...
Anyway, too many things happened, and my head couldn't keep up.
I stared at Sanada's back as it grew smaller.
The Dark Scarlet thread connecting us was glowing so brightly that it was clear even at night.
As long as this thread exists, Sanada and I are fated people... Moreover, it's a Dark Scarlet thread, of which there are only a few cases in the world.
I will never let go of such a person. I will never give him to anyone.
Tsuchimikado-san likes Sanada?
So what? I've liked him since way, way before, and I love him many times, dozens of times more than you do.
Fine, Tsuchimikado-san... I'll accept that declaration of war.
No matter how much you like Sanada... I'll make you realize that I'm above you...!
I looked up at the sky, breathing heavily with determination.
Then—Step. The presence of a person behind me...!
"! ...Ah, you are..."
A black shadow stood behind me.
That shadow raised the corners of its mouth in a smirk, as if certain of its victory—.