Chapter 54

The view was enveloped in a white mist.

No, it wasn't mist.

It was more like clouds.

The fluffy white clouds covered everything.

I've heard that clouds are made of water vapor, but this felt slightly warm and comfortable.

Of course, there was no humidity. It was a pleasant cloud.

It enveloped my body, making me feel happy.

"Ah, this must be a dream."

Even though I was aware that I was dreaming, I wanted to stay like this forever.

Reality is harsh.

I lost two important friends at once.

It's okay to indulge in a dream and wallow in self-pity.

Yeah, it's fine for today.

When I wake up, it will be back to the daily grind of studying.

And those important friends won't be there anymore.

I should rest while I can, both mentally and physically.

"You seem quite exhausted."

A woman's voice came from behind me.

It was Eliza's voice.

After the voice, I felt a touch on my back.

It seemed that Eliza had snuggled up to me.

Ah, what a nice dream.

Maybe God does exist.

To give me such a reward in my time of sorrow.

"How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good."

The sensation of Eliza snuggling up to my back felt so real that it didn't seem like a dream.

It was a truly wonderful dream.

I wanted it to last forever.

"Ah!"

Maybe because it was too happy, I woke up.

I wanted to see more.

"Damn it."

It's not easy to have such a good dream.

"Ah, what a nice dream. Huh?"

I immediately noticed something was off when I woke up in my bed.

Even though I was awake, I could feel someone snuggling up to my back.

The same sensation as in the dream.

Indeed, someone was there behind me.

I cautiously turned around.

"Hey, why are you here?"

There was Rail.

How did this guy get into my locked room?

"Hey, you had a nice dream, didn't you?"

"Shut up, get out."

I kicked him out of the bed and glared down at him.

"Hey, why were you in my bed?"

This is a matter of chastity. I need to interrogate him harshly.

"Probably thought you were lonely, huh?"

"I don't have a habit of snuggling up to guys. And how did you get in!?"

"That's a secret."

I choked him by the neck.

I hope he learns his lesson and doesn't break in again.

Alone in my room, I felt the absence of Vain and Cross.

It felt very lonely. The room seemed larger.

Even though I used to spend a lot of time alone before.

Today, it feels especially lonely.

Even the tea I usually enjoyed tasted bland.

As I was lost in thought, the door was knocked on roughly.

It wasn't Vain's knock.

His is even rougher. Always rough.

"Who is it?"

When I opened the door, there was a pig.

No, a man with a pig-like face, and two other men.

"Are you Kururi Helan?"

"Yes."

"I'm Karako Maar. You should recognize me, right?"

"Ah."

The son of Karako Maar.

He looks just like his father.

"Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure."

Just like his father, he barged in and made a demand.

They are definitely father and son.

We were called to the back of the school building.

We stopped in a place where trees were growing densely.

It was a comfortable spot in the shade.

"I heard from my father that you were quite insolent. I'll make you pay for it."

"Are we going to fight?"

"Yeah."

"Three against one isn't really a fight, though."

"Shut up."

As Karako came forward, the other two also approached.

The result of the fight was a complete defeat.

Fighting three people was tough, and I lost interest halfway through.

In the end, I was beaten up one-sidedly.

They seemed satisfied and left.

The shade was cool and comfortable, perfect for a nap.

My body hurt, but I felt surprisingly refreshed.

Maybe it was good to move my body, even in a fight.

I crossed my arms behind my head and looked up at the sky.

It was a nice day.

It would have been even better if I hadn't been beaten up.

What a waste.

Oh well.

I'll take a nap.

I was woken up from a light sleep by a woman's voice.

"Is it okay if I sit next to you?"

I turned my head, and a beautiful woman was looking down at me.

She was wearing a cool summer dress.

The skirt was short, and I accidentally saw her underwear.

I didn't mean to. It was unintentional.

I didn't want to see her pink panties.

Really.

"Eliza... please do."

Bad, I'm thinking about her underwear.

A pink bra under a white dress. I can't take it!

"Oh dear, your face is all bruised."

"Yeah."

Eliza seems to be worried about me.

I'm happy, but I can't stop thinking about her panties.

"Weak men aren't attractive, you know."

"Yeah."

If her panties are pink, her bra must be pink too, right?

"Are you even listening? Anyway, I took care of Karako and the others."

"Yeah."

Of course, her bra is pink too!

People usually match their underwear!

Pink top and bottom, I can't take it!

What? Did she say she took care of them?

What did she do? Scary!

"Here, let me clean the wound on your mouth."

Ah.

"Is your handkerchief pink too?"

"Handkerchief too?"

Crap!

I said it out loud.

Eliza clutched her dress and blushed.

Immediately, I got a slap in the face.

"Ouch!"

The cool breeze in the shade made my face feel hot.

"It hurts."

"It's your fault, Mr. Kururi!"

"Y-Yes."

I admit it was my fault for seeing her underwear.

But I didn't mean to.

It was an accident.

But, I shouldn't have let my imagination run wild afterward.

"I'm sorry."

"I'll forgive you this time."

Eliza turned her face away.

She looked cute.

"Next week, can you go on a date with me? Just the two of us."

After a short pause, I blurted out these words.

I don't even know why I said that.

Why did I say such a thing?

Maybe deep down, I'm feeling lonely.

"Y-Yes, I can."

Eliza blushed and agreed.

Yes!

We stood there in silence for a while.

It felt like a continuation of the dream, a wonderful time.