NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42.1
Stage 2-11. Runaway Misunderstandings
Staying in your room…? Huh, what…?
…Let’s calm down.
First, I need to observe the situation and gather information.
Riche-san is here with puffed cheeks, clearly angry.
The maid, as always, remains expressionless.
And there’s a red handprint on Ouga-kun’s cheek.
That’s probably Riche-san’s doing.
If Riche-san is mad, it’s most likely over some romantic issue.
And the words directed at me: “Stay in my room.”
Which, if you break it down, seems to mean—
“……!?”
—Be mine!?
…No, no. I need to stop jumping to hopeful conclusions just because I’ve been daydreaming about alternate futures.
Logically speaking, there’s no way anyone would make such an indecent proposal in broad daylight.
And especially not Ouga Vellet—
The man who proudly upholds his own justice and walks the straight path.
There’s no way his mind is filled with such vulgar thoughts.
Then, it must’ve been a misunderstanding.
Or maybe my body just misheard—No, that’s impossible.
There’s no point overthinking it.
With my calm slowly returning, I decided to ask him directly.
“…Ouga-kun? What exactly did you mean by that?”
“Is there any meaning besides wanting to be closer to you?”
“Nnnnnnn!?”
Cough, cough!
“What’s wrong, Reina!? Calm down.”
He rushes over and gently pats my back.
The warmth of his hand, separated only by a thin layer of fabric, pulls my focus.
It’s rough—not exactly pleasant to the touch—but it’s strong, and I can feel the effort behind it.
…N-no! Get a grip, Reina!
Never did I imagine I’d be desired like this.
All this time, people’s eyes weren’t on me—they were always on the professor standing behind me.
“………”
I touch my chest lightly.
The cold lump beneath my fingers cools my heated emotions.
…Right, of course.
From the moment I accepted this…
I gave up on a normal life.
When Ouga-kun sees my body, he’ll surely be disappointed.
Why did I even let myself hope?
I’m no longer someone who can live an ordinary life.
In fact, I’m not even human anymore.
“Are you feeling better?”
So please, stop looking at me with those eyes full of hope.
They’re too bright for me.
“…Yes, I’m fine now. I’m sorry for worrying you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have said something like that so suddenly.”
Oh, so he is aware of it…
Which only makes it more likely that he really meant, “Be mine.”
…I need to stop thinking about this.
My brain’s starting to malfunction.
“So, what’s your answer?”
—But he won’t let me escape.
“M-my answer?”
“Yeah. Are you going to stay in my room, or not?”
“W-well… after work, maybe—”
“No.”
“Hyah!? …!? …!!”
He grips my hand tightly, and to my horror, an embarrassingly sweet sound escapes my lips.
“I want to hear it from your mouth. Now.”
His unwavering gaze pierces through me.
W-what do I do…? I avert my eyes, only to meet the gaze of a girl watching our little standoff.
“Ah! Riche-san! Aren’t you going to say something!? Ouga-kun’s being ridiculous!”
“Well… Ouga-kun never takes back what he says.”
Riche-san shrugs, exasperated.
Damn it, she’s already accepted the situation.
It seems like slapping him earlier was enough to vent most of her frustration.
In that case, I only have one last option.
“R-Revetzenka-san! Yes! Revetzenka-san will be heartbroken if she finds out!”
“I already spoke to Karen about it. Mashiro’s with her, so you don’t have to worry about anyone being left out.”