NOVEL NEXT Right before my eyes, an unbelievable scene unfolds—something I never thought I’d witness in my life. The princess-like Misono Mika, who’s always been pampered around us, is actually cooking something! If the situation weren’t so serious, I’d want to capture this moment on video.
Ah, I did take a photo. I thought Yurizono Seiya wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t leave evidence. When I sent a picture of Mika cooking from behind to Momotalk, the responses were hilarious.
[Yurizono Seiya]
[?]
[…?]
[Nagisa, is something wrong with my eyes right now?]
[Hmm… I didn’t know you had such skill to seamlessly edit photos, my dear.]
Seiya has no issues with her eyes, and I quickly replied that I don’t know how to handle editing programs or apps. Honestly, if our positions were reversed, I probably would’ve reacted just like Seiya.
[…But I must ask. It’s a relief that Mika seems fine, but do you know why she was absent today?]
Hmm… I’m not sure how to explain this to Seiya. It would probably be better to talk about it in person tomorrow instead of through Momotalk…
On the surface, Mika looks perfectly fine; however, the reality is slightly different, and it might make for a complicated story, so I sent a message saying I would explain it to Seiya in person tomorrow. This means Seiya will be up all night wondering what’s happened to Mika, but worrying about that just adds to my own troubles.
“Here, it’s done! It’s just plain vegetable fried rice, but still.”
Mika, who supposedly lost her memory, gives off a much calmer vibe than I remember. If the situation weren’t so serious, I might even find this change welcome. It’s like the spoiled little princess has matured with age.
“Surprisingly, it looks perfectly fine. I genuinely didn’t expect you to finish it without any issues. It feels a bit strange to see a side of Misono Mika that I didn’t know about.”
When Mika announced she wanted to cook, I honestly worried I might faint. How is she, who claims to have lost her memory, planning to handle cooking? But if it’s partial amnesia, then it might not be entirely impossible. It’s just that, because it’s Mika, my worries naturally kick in. I can think of at least three kinds of accidents she could have caused.
“Hehe, I just made it with random ingredients that caught my eye☆”
“…Hearing that makes me feel uneasy that it looks normal on the outside but might not be good on the inside.”
“No way! Of course, just to be safe, I took a bite first. I wasn’t completely sure, either.”
To be honest, the more we talk, the more Micha’s speech patterns seem to revert to how she used to speak. Was everything she showed until now just an act to deceive me? If I didn’t have faith that she wouldn’t play such a mean prank on me, I would probably have suspected her a bit more seriously.
“I think it was unnecessary to insist on cooking when you’re not even sure of yourself…”
Still, my complete lack of faith in Mika’s cooking skills makes me want to back off a bit. Just because it looks fine doesn’t guarantee the inside is alright. You have to see someone cook at least once to start believing, right?
“Yeah… but I was really grateful that Nagisa came to see me, so I wanted to do something for you. Honestly, I’m a bit scared since I’m not sure what I’m doing.”
…Ugh.
Wait a minute, Mika! That’s cheating…!
I feel guilty. It’s embarrassing not to accept a friend’s kindness and just show doubt. I know better than anyone that Mika is probably the one even more confused than I am…
“I was really worried because no matter how you look at it, Mika, you wouldn’t skip school and ignore me as a joke. Now that I know the circumstances, I’m glad I came to see you before anything worse could happen.”
I feel like I’m just trying to make things right at this point. Sorry, Mika. But what I just said is all true. I was really worried about what was happening to you, and if something bad was happening.
“By the way, Nagisa, didn’t I mention I’ve known you longer than anyone else?”
“Excluding my parents, yes. Yes, I’ve known Misono Mika for over ten years.”
Once I say it out loud, my heart feels a bit nostalgic. The ten years Mika and I shared, and all those memories that only I remember. What will I do if she never gets her memories back?
I want to avoid losing a friend like Mika. I can create new memories, but once a friend leaves, they won’t come back. To be honest, I never imagined Mika would hold such a significant place in my heart.
“Wow, if we’re 16 now, that means we’ve been friends for a really long time! But why do you still use formal speech even after all this time? It feels a bit too distant and is slightly concerning.”
“…Ah, I prefer to use formal speech with everyone. I’ve been taught since I was little to maintain my dignity wherever and whenever.”
“I see… So that means you plan to keep using formal speech from now on…?”
…Ah, I remember having a similar conversation with her before. It’s a re-enactment of that moment.
In the end, even with her memory lost, Mika still seems like Mika. You can tell by her playful nature.
“Well, if Nagisa-chan prefers it that way, I guess there’s no other choice. Yes, I might feel a bit sad about it…”
“Sigh. Mika, you already tried this once and failed. I’m not falling for it again.”
…Seeing Mika make that sad face while saying that makes me feel like she’s actually improved since before she lost her memories. Since she’s already tried this prank once and failed, it won’t work this time.
“I don’t remember that… So, how about just once, can you call me Mika-chan? Okay?”
…She’s definitely improved. She’s able to negotiate without throwing a tantrum. Moreover, she’s bringing out her most powerful weapon right at the forefront; that’s cheating. Mika, you shouldn’t be doing this to me…
“I’ll eat well.”
For now, I decide to sidestep the question. Given the atmosphere, it’s only fair to accept it at least once, and I don’t completely dislike the idea. But I wonder if this will only spoil Mika’s habits even more.
The real issue is that I’m embarrassed. Mika-chan? Isn’t that a bit too close for comfort? It’s strange how casually she calls people with ~chan.
By the way, did Mika have any experience cooking before? This fried rice doesn’t scream ‘sensational’; it’s just ordinarily tasty.
Ah, I’ve thought of a good plan. I’ll call her by that name naturally at a completely unexpected moment. I’d feel less embarrassed, and Mika will get what she wants, a perfect win-win situation!
“Nagisa-chan, how is it? Is it edible?”
…Just like now.
“Yes, I can hardly believe it was made by Mika-chan; it’s surprisingly ordinary and tasty. Actually, I’ve never had Mika-chan cook for me before, so it’s a bit surprising… Anyway, I’m relieved that she doesn’t seem to have any significant issues in her daily life.”
Phew, calling her Mika-chan right after makes me embarrassed almost disappear. This distance really is something I struggle to handle. There’s no way I’m doing it twice.
By the way, I wonder why it’s so hot. I consider fanning myself a bit when I realize the reason for my flushed face and hurriedly put my hands down. I hope Mika doesn’t notice; it can’t be too obvious, right?
“Hey, did you just call me Mika-chan? Did I hear that wrong?”
“What are you talking about, Mika? You must have misheard me.”
“Whoa—oh.”
Honestly, Mika, are you sure you didn’t get your memory back? You’re practically about to recover your original way of speaking!
I know in my head that it’s not a lie, but the sight of Mika closely resembling the person I know feels suspicious. Nevertheless, there’s still a glimmer of hope that Mika might regain her memories.
“Mika-chan, you should eat too. I have a mountain of things to tell you still.”
“If you throw too much at me all at once, I’m going to forget it all…”
“I’ll keep reminding you until you remember everything, so put those worries aside.”
Really, you don’t need to make such an overly emotional face. I’m just helping Mika out of my selfish desire not to lose my precious friend.
…By the way, Mika-chan. That does seem difficult to get used to.
*
It’s strange. I’ve shared beds with Mika plenty of times, but why is it feeling so bothersome today? I absolutely can’t sleep.
Every time our wings brush against each other, I can’t help but flinch. Mika doesn’t seem to be bothered by it though; she sleeps peacefully…
Sleeping…?
Wait, did I forget to mention? Mika, we can’t pretend to sleep because of the Halo…