[Light Novel Promotion]
This work's light novel version has significant additions. One of them is: 'The past episode of why Riran fell in love with Akito.' It doesn't affect the main plot, but it's a fact not revealed in the Web version, so please check the light novel version!
"---And well, I guess it was something like that."
"No way, you're kidding."
Even though Neika and Riran explained it to me so thoroughly, I still couldn't believe it.
When I spoke those honest words, Riran flashed a wry smile.
"Well, I understand the feeling. If I heard it for the first time, I'd think it was a lie too."
"Unfortunately, it's not a lie~"
Wow... are you serious?
Let's see, Neika and Ryūya are connected by the red thread of fate. Neika was being forced into a political marriage and was about to be torn away. And then Riran and I, who are connected by the Dark Scarlet Thread, presented a merit greater than a political marriage by joining the Jūmonji Group...
"...That sounds like something I would do."
"Right?"
Yeah. Even now, if I were in the same situation, I might choose that option.
Well, I only lost half a year of memories. Humans don't change that easily, I guess.
"That's why Akky is our savior. ...How about it? Feel like you can remember?"
"Hmm... sorry. It's kind of stuck in the back of my mind, but..."
"I see... nah, there's no need to hurry. Let's take it slow, Akky."
I followed Neika's grin and let a smile play on my lips too.
But I can't say I don't understand why Kotono got so angry. Was I really doing nothing but reckless things like this? Reflect on yourself, past me. Well, that's technically current me too. I definitely should think a bit more before acting.
Then, Neika hopped up and grabbed her bag.
"Well, well, well! We're heading home now. We can't keep intruding forever."
"Eh? You're leaving already?"
I thought I'd finally get to hang out with Neika and Ryūya after so long... I'm a little disappointed.
"...Akky, are you doing that on purpose? Are you being cute on purpose?"
"Huh? What?"
"...Rira, was Akky always like this?"
"Akito has always been cute."
"I was a fool to ask this girl."
Neika held her head and shook it. I tilted my head, not understanding the meaning. Also, Riran, don't say I'm cute with such confidence. It's a bit damaging to my dignity as a man.
"Hmm... well, it would be a pity to wake up Ryūya since he finally fell asleep. Maybe I'll stay a bit longer."
"Do that, do that. Riran, it's fine if these guys join us for dinner, right?"
"Yes. I'll go prepare it, so play nicely together."
""Yes, Mother.""
"Who are you calling Mother?"
Riran gave us light chops on the head and then headed toward the kitchen.
"Rira really gives off a good young wife vibe, doesn't she?"
"Yeah, I'm still not used to it. We were at each other's throats until just the other day, but now when I wake up, she feels like a devoted young wife."
I'm not used to it, but this unfamiliar feeling is comfortable. I can probably feel that way because we're tied by the 'Red Thread of Fate.'
"Well, well. You look happy, don't you?"
"Stop that smirking face."
But... happy... am I happy?
"I guess I am happy. Surely."
"Akky?"
"...The reason Riran and I can live in this house right now is because the past me worked hard. That's why I can appreciate this happiness... but current me doesn't have those memories."
It can't be helped, but it's frustrating that I can't do anything. Perhaps sensing my feelings, Neika gently patted my shoulder.
"Akky, you're being gloomy."
"Please don't gouge my heart so accurately."
She attacked my weak point with surprising speed. Neika shook her head with a 'good grief' expression.
"Akky, don't brood too much. In times like these, let's move our bodies and play! It'll be a change of pace!"
"But I'm forbidden from doing anything athletic."
"Games are no problem, no problem!"
With an excited face, she started up the Bantendo Switcher and handed me one of the controllers.
It's a two-player game that involves moving your body. Since it was released before I lost my memory, I generally know how to play it.
"Are you sure, Neika? I've played this quite a bit."
"Nishishi. I'm gonna take you down!♪"
Neika's physical abilities are certainly high. It's almost a mystery where such power comes from in that tiny body. But I'm good at sports too, enough not to lose to Neika. Whether I like them or not is a different story.
Heh, I'll make you regret those words.