After leaving the Ryuguin estate, Leeza-san headed back to the dojo.
As the rain stopped and the evening sun peeked through the gaps in the clouds, I walked through the residential area with Riran.
During our walk, Riran opened her mouth and said, "Still..."
"Just because people are tied together by a red thread doesn't mean everyone is happy, does it?"
"...Yeah, you're right."
Neika was almost forced into a political marriage. And Rion is also suffering.
Even if you're tied to your Fated Person by the Red Thread of Fate, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the future you envisioned, huh?
Yeah, that's heavy.
I was feeling pretty drained by the weight of the conversation. Then, I caught a glimpse of Riran out of the corner of my eye, stealing glances at me.
"...What's up?"
"Nyeh!? N-n-n-nothing..."
"You looked like you wanted to say something."
"...I won't say it. ...If I say this, I'll feel like a mean girl."
What's that about?
"No matter what you say now, my feelings for you won't change, Riran."
"...? ...!? I-i-i-idiot! W-why are you saying such embarrassing things so casually!?"
"...Is it embarrassing?"
I'm just saying what I honestly think. Hey, okay, I get it, so stop hitting my leg with your bag.
Riran turned away with a pouting face. As usual, I don't know why she's angry. But it's also true that I'm feeling a flutter in my heart seeing Riran act a bit childishly. Seeing the expressions of someone you like change so rapidly really does make you happy. I've learned something new again.
At the same time, I also thought this.
"...I feel bad for those two, but..."
"What is it?"
"...I was just thinking that we, who are tied by the red thread, being able to be together like this... is actually incredibly lucky."
Right. In this world, there are people like Neika's father or Rion's mother. When I think about that, Riran and I are being blessed by many people. How happy of a thing is that?
"...Actually, I was thinking the same thing just now."
"Were you?"
"Yeah. But, if I were to say it out loud... I felt like I'd be seen as a mean girl who isn't thinking about Rion, who's going through a hard time right now..."
Ah, so that's why she found it hard to say earlier. How should I put it...
"Riran, you're actually really kind, aren't you?"
"Wha!? Wha, wha, whaaaaaa!?"
"Calm down."
Her vocabulary has completely vanished.
I've always thought Riran was dutiful and a good person. But it's not just that. She can think of others, put herself in their shoes, and worry about them. That's not something you can do just by trying. It's something she can do because she's truly kind.
However.
"I don't think you need to think that far into it."
"Eh?"
"Is Ryuguin the kind of person who would get angry hearing what you just said?"
"...No. Rion would probably laugh and say the same thing. She'd say something like, 'Do I look like such a petty woman to you?'"
As expected of a best friend. She knows her well.
"So, it's okay."
"...Somehow, it's frustrating. It's like you know Rion better than I do."
"I'm just looking at it objectively."
I could imagine it. Riran would probably realize it too if she thought about it for a bit.
We continued walking for a while. On the way to Riran's house, we arrived at that park. Since the rain had just stopped and the sun was setting, there was no one in the park.
"Akito, do you have time?"
"Eh? Ah, yeah. I'm fine."
"Come here."
Without waiting for my answer, Riran walked toward the roofed bench in the park. The place where I first kissed Riran in the rain. Being in a place with such memories, my body couldn't help but feel hot.
"Sit next to me."
"...Yeah."
I sat down next to Riran as told. The setting sun illuminated the park, reflecting off the puddles and creating a fantastical scene.
"Akito."
"Wha— mmm!?"
Suddenly, Riran's face with her eyes closed filled my vision. Something was blocking my mouth. A citrus scent tickled my nose, and she intertwined her fingers with mine.
Yes—it was a kiss.
Was it a few seconds, or a dozen seconds? A long yet short moment ended, and our lips parted.
"...I really am a mean girl."
"...Eh?"
"Even while Rion is suffering... I'm here with my Fated Person, kissing him, and feeling happy. I really should stop... but I can't. Mmm."
"...!"
She kissed me again. Not a light pecking kiss, but one where our lips melted together... a sweet, intense kiss.
With that kiss, the stiffness in my body gradually melted away. I wrapped my arm around Riran's waist, pulling her closer to make our bodies touch as much as possible.
Then, as if by mutual agreement, our tongues met, and we shared a deep, intertwining kiss. Without tiring. As if devouring each other.
It was several dozen seconds later when our lips finally parted.
"Haa... haa... haa..."
"Phew... phew..."
Our breathing was heavy. Her face was red, and her eyes were moist. She clearly had a face that was asking for more than this.
"Riran..."
"Akito... mm."
Riran nodded slightly. I swallowed my saliva and slowly reached my hand toward her chest... just then. I heard the voices of a parent and child from a distance. They probably came to play in the park because the rain had stopped.
However, thanks to that, we both came back to our senses.
"Ah... shall we go home?"
"Y-y-y-yes. Let's go home."
I hurriedly put on my bag and left the park as if running away.
If that parent and child hadn't come... no, if it were a place where no one could disturb us. We would have... just like that...
I stole a glance at Riran. It seemed Riran was looking at me too as our eyes met, and she hurriedly looked away.
It's awkward. But... I can truly feel the happiness. With those contradictory feelings in my heart, I headed home.