Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 6 - Chapter 2.4

Intermission: Blue and Red Spring

Tsuwabuki High School's nurse’s office, a sanctuary that has welcomed countless troubled and not-so-troubled students.

Exiting through the door that swung open is Koto Tsukinoki. She turned around and bowed lightly.

"Then, please take care of her, sensei. Is Basori-san's nosebleed okay?"

"Don't worry. This happens to that girl all the time."

The school nurse, Sayo Konuki, answered refreshingly as she appeared. Her answer doesn’t sound reassuring, though.

Koto closed the door with a smile.

"Busy until the last day, huh- former vice president."

"Please don't tease me too much. I've reflected on those times, you know."

Koto said that with a strained smile. Konuki reached out to straighten her bangs.

"You have become more rounded, Tsukinoki-san. When did you become friends with Basori-san?"

"Well, a bit before. She came to see me today, too."

Yes, that's when Basori came to Koto on the row of trees, bleeding from her nose. Unable to leave her be, she brought her to the infirmary. Koto still can’t figure out what’s in her head, even on the last day.

What she muttered like a delirium about "Shintaro doing something with Nukumizu-kun’s second button"- what did that mean?

"I'm glad I could see you one last time, sensei. Please take care of the Literature Club."

"Leave it to me. I'm starting to enjoy it more and more, with all sorts of things." 

Though slightly anxious, those departing can only quietly watch over them.

Koto left the nurse's office after exchanging a few words with Konuki.

It's time to head to the club room.

Though she will see her kouhais again, wearing the Tsuwabuki uniform for the last time carries a sense of finality.

Savoring the moment, she walked down the corridor, where a single female student stood as if melting into the shadows.

Yumeko Shikiya. A kouhai with a strange relationship between past conflicts and future bonds.

Was she waiting for her? She turned her face towards Koto and swayed gently.

"...Koto-san, not feeling well…? Going to the nurse’s office…?"

"I'm fine. Basori-san seemed a bit tired, so I just escorted her there."

"That girl... often gets nosebleeds. Is she okay...?"

"Sensei also mentioned it, but is she really okay? Do people who are okay bleed that much from the nose?"

Shikiya nodded again, then grabbed the sleeve of Koto's jacket.

“...Hey, I want to…take a picture.”

"Of course, that's fine. Shall we go to the row of trees?"

Shikiya gently shook her head from side to side.

"Let's go to...the student council room..."

…The student council room. The place where Koto spent about half a year as the vice president.

Bitter memories involving Shikiya flickered through her mind, but now they're slowly becoming fond memories. Visiting the student council room together to leave those memories in the past entirely doesn't seem like a bad idea.

"Alright, let's go. Is Hokobaru also coming?"

"It's fine, …just the two of us, …no interruptions."

It seems like today, there is a big sale on assurances.

While walking towards the student council room with a wry smile, Shikiya came closer and leaned on Koto's shoulder.

"Can I... hold your hand?"

"I don't mind- but do we need to interlock fingers?"

"Because...it's the last day..."

Shikiya murmured in a voice so faint it might disappear.

Koto let out a sigh as if to say, "Give me a break."

"We can meet anytime, you know. I remember our promise to go out for a meal. I'll be going to Nagoya, but I'll also come back here from time to time."

"Can I...come to see you...too?"

"Anytime. I'll show you around."

"Really...? Can I...go to your house too…?"

"That's fine. I might even cook for you. I've been practicing recently."

"Can I... stay over...?"

Koto froze for a moment.

"Well, uh, we'll see. I need to prepare a futon for guests, anyway."

"...It’s fine. …We can share a futon."

"I'll book a hotel."

Koto quickly answered after instinctively sensing danger, and Shikiya tilted her head in confusion.

"In the same room...?"

"No, I have my own place. Look, we've arrived at the student council room!"

Koto cut off the conversation and opened the door to the student council room. It's empty inside.

While being pulled by Shikiya, Koto fluttered her smartphone in her open hand.

"Hokobaru replied. She's coming to the student council room now."

"...Sly."