NOVEL NEXT Chapter 62.2
Stage 2-31. That Smile Suits You The Best
The unleashed beam of light tore through both Ouga-kun and the wall behind him, leaving a momentary silence in its wake.
Moments later, the deafening sound of destruction shattered the quiet.
“…Haa… haa…”
I had poured every ounce of my power into that one attack.
Exhaustion overwhelmed me from the sudden drain of magic, and I wanted to collapse, but I kept my gaze fixed on where he had stood.
Thick dust and debris obscured any sign of him.
…Of course. No one could survive a spell reinforced like that.
It was an undeniable fact.
I should check the body quickly and report his death to Sensei.
“…This was for the best.”
I turned my eyes away from where he stood and looked at the hand that had killed him.
That time had been a fleeting dream.
[…Ouga-kun, do you say that to everyone?]
[Not at all. Only to someone special to me.]
I should forget it as coldly and mechanically as every other part of my life.
[You can’t go anywhere. You have to come back here.]
[I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. No matter what it takes, we’ll all reunite as the student council. No challenge will stand in our way.]
I’ll return to Sensei and resume my life, just as I always have.
[Understood. Then I’ll be hoping for Reina’s tea. It was truly delicious.]
…But why…?
[I want you.]
Why won’t these tears stop?
“…Ouga-kun…”
“…Ah.”
“…What?”
…Did I mishear?
Just now… I’m sure I heard… a faint voice…
I kept my eyes from looking down.
Was it wishful thinking? Or did I want to deny the reality of his death?
“—I win… Reina.”
His words forced me to look up, whether I wanted to or not.
“…Ah… aah…”
There, without a doubt, stood Ouga-kun.
Dragging his right leg, he walked steadily toward me.
His body wavered from the damage, yet to me, he appeared grander than ever.
He never strayed from the path and reached me.
Without anger, with only a soft smile, he gently took my hand.
“…I caught your hand, as promised, Reina.”
With those words, he collapsed into me.
I couldn’t move.
Up close, I could see his wounds clearly. His fine clothes were in tatters, and his exposed skin bore cracked scars.
These were all injuries I’d inflicted.
So, did I even deserve to hold him? Did I have the right to embrace him back?
Even [Heal] was beyond my reach, useless as I was.
My thoughts spiraled into an endless, negative maze.
“—Reina.”
“Ah…”
His gentle touch on my head dispelled all my doubts.
“Don’t worry. I’m here.”
The harsh memories of Sensei’s shouts and violent punishments haunted me.
They would normally crush me, but now, I wasn’t afraid at all.
His warmth shielded me.
“Take your time and walk your own path. It’s okay to be yourself, Reina.”
I was terrified of an uncertain future.
If I lost my anchor, Sensei, what would I even be living for?
That day… When Papa, Mama, and Mary died, it felt as if their deaths would be rendered meaningless.
I kept wondering if someone like me even deserved to live.
“I want you, just the way you are.”
“…Yes… I too…”
But now, I won’t hesitate.
“I… I want to live by Ouga-kun’s side…”
◇◇◇◇◇
Ah… My body hurts all over. Or… maybe I’m just half-numb by now.
For now, it’s enough that I’m alive.
Surely, someone will come to check out the explosion Reina caused.
As long as I’m not missing any limbs, I’ll recover.
But more importantly, I just want to feel the warmth of the person in my arms.
“…………”
Reina had a peaceful look on her face.
Our battle had been a gamble.
With Mashiro’s help, I tested a way to circulate magic through my body, enhancing its durability—[Gear Change].
Though I’d never used it at full power, it kept my body intact.
I should thank my mother for raising me to be tough.
“…Hey, Ouga-kun.”
“What is it?”
“…What should I do for you…? Even though my body is like this, I could still do things that… please men…”
“…Girls shouldn’t offer themselves so recklessly.”
“…S-sorry…”
With a crestfallen expression, she buttoned up her uniform.
…I’m not really upset, but I should be more mindful of how I speak for a while.
“…For now, just live as you wish.”
“Until I’m used to it… I’d like a guiding hand.”
“A guiding hand… Well, tea research suits you. I’d love to have your tea every day.”
If there’s anything perfect for both of us, it’s that.
No need to overthink it.
“…Huh.”
“Did I say something weird?”
“N-no… You’re right. Since we said we’d always be together… By the way, what reason…?”
“Because your tea was delicious.”
“…Ah… I’m so happy…”
…So you can make that face too.
I wonder if she knows how different she looks now.
You’re already moving forward.
May you never forget the feeling, the expression you have now.
“Ha… That smile suits you best, Reina.”
With that wish, I touched her cheek.