I don’t know why Kuonji is crying.
I don’t know why Kuonji is grieving.
I don’t know why Kuonji has such a look of despair on her face.
And I don’t know why I feel sad when Kuonji is sad.
◆
“So, basically, it seems to be amnesia.”
After Dad, Mom, and Kotono arrived at the hospital, we had various talks with the doctor and underwent some tests.
It turns out I’ve lost about the last six months of my memories.
To be precise, it’s right around the time the “Red Thread of Fate” appeared.
I certainly remember finding out that the red thread was connected to Kuonji.
The last memory I have is when Kuonji and Ryūguīn picked a fight with Kotono and me while we were out shopping together.
“Memory loss actually exists, huh. It’s my first time seeing it.”
“Me too, Hiyori. But seeing it in person...”
“Yeah. It’s a bit off-putting.”
“Don’t be put off.”
But looking at it from the other perspective, it is a little... no, it’s quite off-putting. I feel bad for them, though.
I wonder what will happen from here on out. I’m full of nothing but anxiety.
By the way, Dad and Mom have already gone home to pack the things I’ll need for my hospital stay.
Kotono stayed behind, but...
“Ryūya-kun, seiza.”
“Um, I’m already—”
“Dogeza.”
“Ah, er... Kotono-chan—”
“Do. Ge. Za.”
“I am truly sorry for what happened!!!!”
O-Ohhh. My first time seeing a serious dogeza.
Or rather, Kotono-chan, you’re seriously scary.
“...If Onii stays like this, I won’t forgive you, Ryūya-kun. Reflect on what you did.”
“Uugh... Yes...”
That Ryūya is actually reflecting. I got to see something good.
“Honestly... And you, Onii!”
“Y-Yes!”
“Onii, you overdo it too much! In many ways! You can’t just say yes to everything people ask of you! If you don’t want to do something, say you don’t want to do it! Aim to be a Japanese person who can say no! Got it?!”
“I-I understand.”
Somehow, this Kotono isn’t the Kotono I know. Just what on earth happened in these past six months...?
Kotono had her hands on her hips.
But the next moment, she sat down and clung to me.
“Seriously... Don’t make me worry, you idiot...”
“...I’m sorry, Kotono.”
When I patted Kotono’s head, her grumpy face turned into a smile.
Well, that’s fine, but...
“H-Hey, Kuonji...?”
“............”
On the opposite side of Kotono, there’s a girl clinging to me.
My natural enemy, Kuonji Riran.
—Or so she was, apparently.
For some reason, after this and that happened, it seems we’re dating, engaged, and living together.
What do you mean by “this and that”? Someone explain it to me. No, I was explained it, which is why I’m confused.
“Kuonji, when you cling to me there, it’s various kinds of... you know...”
“............”
“...Hey, are you listening, Kuonji?”
“............”
Irritation.
Wait, was I really dating this girl? I’m being completely ignored.
...To be honest, the “emotions” inside me are screaming that I “love” her. That is an unmistakable fact.
But the “thoughts” inside me are screaming that she is a “natural enemy.” That is also unmistakable.
She is someone I “love” and a “natural enemy.”
What should I do? My brain feels like it’s going to glitch.
While I was wondering what to do with the motionless Kuonji, Ryūguīn poked my shoulder.
“Akito-kun, a moment.”
“W-What is it?”
I’m not used to being called Akito-kun by her.
Ryūguīn brought her mouth close to my ear and whispered something.
“Wait, for real?”
“For real. This girl loves you very much.”
Wow, seriously...?
I look again at Kuonji, who is clinging to me.
She doesn’t move. Not even a twitch. But there’s an atmosphere like she’s expecting something.
Ah—, woo—, eh—, hmm—... *Sigh*...
“Ri-Riran...?”
“!!!! What!?!?”
Whoa!? She reacted big time!?
Her eyes are swollen from crying, but her scarlet eyes are sparkling as she looks up at me with a flushed face.
She’s like a puppy overjoyed to be noticed by its master. What is this? She’s cute.
“That’s right, I’m Riran, Riran! If you call me Kuonji again, I’ll stuff sesame seeds into every single one of your holes!”
What kind of psychopathic thing are you saying with that huge smile on your face!?
“See, I told you, right?”
“Yeah. I didn’t think she was pouting just because I didn’t call her by her first name...”
Just how much does she love me, Kuonji Riran?