Part-2 Ch-03 Ep-03

 “If this world were to become exactly as you wish, what is it that you truly desire from the bottom of your heart? --In what situation would you yourself be happy?”

“I…” 

As I tried to respond to Seishuku-san’s question, my vision began to sway unsteadily.

“Eh, w-wait, Nagase-san.”

“Uup. Sorry. I feel kind of… nauseous, maybe.”

“W-wait, huh, no way. Where are the teachers… Ah~~ come on, let’s go to the rest area!”

Less than ten minutes after returning to the exhibit area, I was once again leaving the exhibition room, this time supported by Seishuku-san.

In the rest area, which had large windows and a pleasant view, I, who was on the verge of collapsing, had my back rubbed continuously by Seishuku-san.

And so, after what was probably about fifteen minutes of silent care. Once things had calmed down a little, I finally opened my mouth.

“This is embarrassing… Yesterday, I actually didn’t sleep.”

“Um, are you dealing with some kind of worry?”

Seishuku-san peered into my face with concern.

“No, I was just watching videos and couldn’t stop…”

“…I worried for nothing.”

Her gaze turned cold in an instant, yet her hand never stopped rubbing my back.

She’s kind.

As expected of Asahina-kun’s girlfriend.

The goddess of the Spiritual Research Club.

Not that it matters.

“…How are the fan club activities going?”

Thinking it might be good to make some conversation, I asked.

“If you’re feeling unwell, you don’t have to force yourself to talk. Still, things are going smoothly. --Ah, that’s right. I’m thinking of making acrylic stands and can badges next time. Would that be okay?”

“Acrylic stands and… can badges…? ………………Of what?”

“There’s been talk of illustrating the two of you in chibi style and turning them into merchandise. Someone who can draw them has already been chosen.”

Oh, it seems the discussion is already well underway.

“Is there really any point in asking me?”

“There’s a big difference between official approval and unofficial.”

“…”

I thought to myself that she’s surprisingly shrewd.

“Mm, well… I guess it’s fine. Is there really that much demand?”

“Well, it’s just a small fan club within the school, so it’s limited. But there is some demand. Even with small numbers, there are people who get really into these things. It’s mostly for our own satisfaction. I never thought I’d get this hooked on the two of you either. Hmm.”

Seishuku-san tilted her head slightly, as if pondering something.

“--Nagase-san seems quite different from the Nagase-san I know.”

I was about to ask what she meant and leaned toward her. At that moment.

“Mari!”

Standing in front of me was Maki, looking flustered.

“…What are you doing?”

Maki frowned, her eyes moving back and forth between me and Seishuku-san. Seeing that, Seishuku-san seemed to realize something. She quickly pulled her hand away from my back and raised both hands.

“Ah, it’s not like that.”

“Nagase-san was feeling unwell and about to collapse, so I was just taking care of her. Is it all right if I hand things over to Ichinose-san?”

“Ah, in that case, I’m already fine, so…”

“Nagase-san, please stay quiet. Okay?”

Once again, Seishuku-san raised her index finger to her lips and interrupted me with a soft “shh,” as if gently scolding a small child. Before I could respond, she bowed politely to Maki and briskly walked away without looking back.

As I watched her retreating figure, skipping along with what looked like a cheerful bounce, I remembered that she had already secured my verbal approval for the merchandise.

“--Are you okay?”

Maki gently stroked my cheek, her expression full of concern. She was probably checking whether I had a fever, but the spot she touched made my body suddenly feel hot.

“Your face is red. Your temperature feels a little high too. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were feeling that bad…”

Seeing Maki’s eyebrows droop into a worried figure-eight shape, I thought, That’s not it, but I couldn’t find the right words to explain.

“I-It’s fine. Should we head back? There’s a meeting time set anyway,” I said as I stood up.

I gulped down the coffee I’d bought from the vending machine and left the rest area together with Maki. When we returned to the exhibit area, Seishuku-san was chatting cheerfully with her classmates.