Chapter 50

"Senpai, the rescue team hasn’t come yet…."

"Maybe something happened."

The next day, after checking the situation at the garrison, I was sitting at a table with Yuki and Kaede in the police station’s cafeteria. It was evening mealtime, and everyone except for the guards and other police officers had gathered.

"They probably have their own issues. Besides, it has been raining since last night."

"I hope that’s all it is…"

I took a bite of the white rice that had been rationed out. Unfortunately, the side dishes were just furikake and salt, but even so, being able to eat properly in this world was probably a blessing. No one complained about it.

After the meeting on the action plan for the future during the day, I told Oda-san the same thing I had just told Kaede and Yuki. I couldn’t tell him that the garrison was overrun with zombies.

Oda-san said that if the rescue team didn’t come in a few days, they would take action. There were still supplies, but the water in the storage tanks could run out at any time. They had been stockpiling bottled water, so even if that happened, they would be fine for a while.

My car was also loaded with a large amount of water. The plan was to start with that. If the rescue team still didn’t come after another day, they would start searching for new supply locations.

Of course, I strongly agreed and encouraged them.

"I wonder if the city hall guys are okay."

Yuki muttered softly.

That’s what I’m worried about too. Given the state of the garrison, it’s hard to have much hope, but since there are signs that the Self-Defense Forces managed to escape, there’s a chance they are still alive.

Even Yuki, who had almost given up on survival, is alive. So, I truly hope that Oda-san and the others, who were helping the evacuees, are also safe.

"They’re such good people, I’m sure they’re fine."

"Kaede-chan… yeah, you’re right!"

"Hey, wait, during dinner!"

"What are you doing…"

I held my head in exasperation as the two of them started to play around after Kaede’s comment.

The woman in charge of the evacuees’ meals laughed, saying, "You two are still as close as ever." The other evacuees also smiled, and the tense atmosphere that had been building due to the delayed rescue helicopter seemed to ease.

Yuki, who had been there from the beginning and was beloved by everyone, and Kaede, the youngest and most polite, were well-liked. That’s why the other evacuees could smile.

Seeing the two of them spreading a bright atmosphere, I found myself smiling too.

+++++

Later that night, when everyone had settled down to sleep, I was woken by a movement in the area. It seemed that Kaede was leaving Yuki’s room and heading towards my room.

I thought she might be going to the bathroom, but it seemed her destination was my room. Kaede knocked softly on my door.

"…I’ll open it now."

I always kept the door locked, even when I was inside, to avoid suspicion.

I unlocked the door as quietly as possible.

"…Kaede? What’s up?"

"Asahina-san, you’re awake… Hehe, you’re being careless."

Kaede was probably joking, repeating something I had said to her before. When I opened the door, she was holding a flashlight covered with a cloth and smiled mischievously.

"…This is an evacuation center. Well, it’s better for women to be cautious."

"Yes, I’ll be careful. Can I come in?"

I don’t think there’s anyone here who would do anything inappropriate, but I gave a serious response to her joke. Kaede nodded and asked.

"It’s fine, but… what’s the matter?"

I asked, wondering what she could want at this hour. Kaede closed the door quietly and moved to sit by the window, hugging her knees.

"Is something wrong?"

I sat across from her, leaning against the wall.

"I couldn’t sleep. Am I bothering you?"

"No, it’s fine. If there’s nothing, that’s good… But coming to a man’s room alone at night isn’t a good idea."

"Ah… I’m sorry…"

When I warned her, Kaede blushed and looked down.

For a moment, an awkward silence filled the room.

"It’s fine. If Yuki says something strange again, please tell her from Kaede."

I scratched my head and looked away, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Is Yuki sleeping?"

Since there was no movement from Yuki’s room, she must be asleep. Not knowing what to say, I asked.

"Yes. We were talking about what will happen next, and she fell asleep. She must have been tired."

"About what will happen next…?"

She was probably talking about the Self-Defense Forces’ rescue. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to come.

"What do you think, Asahina-san?"

Kaede looked up from her knees and asked.

"…I didn’t say it in the cafeteria, but I don’t think we can expect a rescue."

"I see…"

I didn’t want to give false hope, so I said it honestly. Kaede’s response was unexpectedly calm. Her expression didn’t show disappointment, but there was a hint of worry.

"Well, if they don’t come, we’ll manage. We’ve made it this far, haven’t we?"

I said this to Kaede, who had a somewhat indescribable expression, not sure if it was necessary, but hoping to comfort her.

"…Yes."

Kaede simply nodded and smiled.

Even if the rescue team doesn’t come, as long as I and Oda-san are here, the evacuees have no reason to despair. Kaede’s expression might be a sign of her trust in us.

If things get really bad, I still have a trump card to play.