That night.
In the living room, I was enjoying some laziness on the sofa while watching the news about the rainy season nearly being over.
Kotono was unusually studying in the living room. She said something about how studying progresses better with the sounds of daily life around rather than studying alone.
She should just say she’s lonely if that’s the case.
...Lonely, huh?
I haven't talked to Riran much today. We were apart during lunch break, too.
Thinking that made me feel a little lonely myself.
...Even just for a little bit, I want to hear her voice.
While I was thinking that, the smartphone I’d left on the low table suddenly vibrated.
“Onii, you got a message~”
“I know.”
Who is it at this hour? The sender is... Riran? What’s up?
Riran: Akito, do you have a moment now?
Akito: Yeah. I do, but what’s wrong?
Riran: No, it’s not really anything urgent.
...? That’s a strange way of putting it. Did she just send a message because she’s bored? Well, I’m free too, and I was just thinking about wanting to talk to Riran, so there's no problem at all. In fact, I’m happy. Super happy.
Then, Kotono, who was studying at the table, suddenly rushed over to me.
“Ah—, Riran-tan? Are you talking to Riran-tan? I want to talk too!”
“You’re taking entrance exams this year, so go study.”
“Ehh, just a little bit is fine, isn’t it~?”
“No, you can’t.”
“Stingy!”
Stingy is fine by me.
I squished the cheeks of the pouting Kotono with my fingers.
“Pshuuu... What are you doing?!”
“No reason, really.”
As usual, Kotono’s cheeks are squishy and feel nice. Momi-momi.
Kotono groaned embarrassedly. I gave her forehead a final flick and headed to my room so I wouldn't interfere with her studies.
Now then. I tapped the call button on the messaging app. One, two, three rings. Click.
Ah, she picked up.
“Hello, Riran?”
『Wha—! Wh-wh-wh-why are you calling me all of a sudden, you idiot!』
I received an immediate verbal abuse. Thank you very much. ...I think I’m pretty easy, feeling cheered up just by hearing Riran’s voice in my ear despite the abuse.
“Ah—... no, I just thought maybe you had something to talk about.”
『I... I don’t particularly have anything to talk about... but...』
“But?”
『...I did think... I wanted to hear your voice...』
Riran muttered softly. Perhaps she was embarrassed, as her voice trailed off at the end. Isn't Riran being a bit too honest lately? Well, I prefer it that way, or rather, I think it’s cute.
“I-I see... in that case, shall we talk for a bit?”
『...Is it okay?』
“Yeah.”
Besides, I was just thinking that I wanted to talk to Riran too. I can’t say that because it’s too embarrassing, though.
『Were you doing something, Akito?』
“I was enjoying some laziness.”
『That’s the same as doing nothing. *Sigh*... You haven't changed since middle school, have you?』
“Humans don't change that easily, right?”
『You should change at least a little bit. Honestly...』
Riran doesn't get it. I’m changing too, you know? She’s criticizing me with her words, but I can tell she doesn't mean it. Even a small exchange like this makes me feel happy now.
In that sense, little by little, I’m changing too.
“By the way, how is Ryuguin? From what I saw today, she didn't seem any different.”
『Yeah. Nothing has changed. I’ve always thought she was a girl who was good at hiding her inner feelings, and she was like that today as well.』
I see... well, she has been hiding the fact that she can only love the same sex and that her Fated Person is a woman all this time.
I guess yesterday’s events weren't enough to disturb her heart.
“...Actually, I consulted someone today. About what I should do.”
『...Did you talk about Rion? If you did, I won't forgive you, even if it's you, Akito.』
A thorn mixed into Riran’s words.
“It’s fine. I kept the name and gender hidden.”
『...If that’s the case, fine... but?』
“Yeah. They said if I’m asked for advice, I should think about it earnestly. But unless that happens, there’s nothing I can do.”
『...I don’t know who you consulted, but I think that’s exactly right. Let’s just watch over her quietly for this matter. Then, if we are asked for advice, we’ll help with all our might. Okay?』
“Yeah.”
Unlike her appearance, Ryuguin is strong. So there’s no need for us to force our help on her.
After that, we talked about trivial things and cute dogs we’d seen on social media recently, and before we knew it, it was past midnight.
『Ah, it’s already that time. We have school tomorrow, so should we head to sleep soon?』
“I guess so. *Yawn*~...”
『Fufu. That was a big yawn. How cu... ah.』
“Munya... hm? Sorry, I was yawning and couldn't hear you.”
『~~~~! I-It’s nothing!』
Eh, why is she mad? Did I miss something that important? I could tell even over the phone that Riran was fuming. Hmm... I don’t get it.
『Well then, let’s go to sleep. Don’t be late tomorrow.』
“I will consider it positively with a slightly upward-looking mood, however small it may be.”
『That means you’re hardly considering it at all!』
She caught me.
“Well, I’ll sleep so I really won't be late. Goodnight.”
『Yes, goodnight.』
I tapped the end call button. It suddenly became quiet, and I felt the illusion that I was the only one left in the world. But I didn't feel the loneliness I had earlier.
Confirming my feelings for Riran in my heart, I surrendered myself to the drowsiness and let go of my consciousness.