Chapter 98

It had been about a month since senpai disappeared, and the atmosphere inside the department store was somewhat hectic.

It seemed that the police officers, including Oda-san, were moving toward the multi-level parking lot, which served as an entrance and exit. I first thought that perhaps some new evacuees, like the Ijima family, had arrived. However, it appeared that the situation was a bit different. A few police officers returned, carrying what seemed to be food supplies on a cart.

Once they finished their task and all the police officers returned, I approached Oda-san, who was among them.

"Um, did something happen?"

"Yeah, Yuki-san. I guess you could call them evacuees. Well, a group of not-so-nice people came. Instead of accepting them, we provided them with supplies."

"Is that so?"

I was surprised that Oda-san would refuse to accept them, but according to him, the group of a few people refused to hand over the weapons they had brought.

At this evacuation center, since the time we were at the police station, all weapons have been managed by the police officers. In particular, dangerous items like firearms are not allowed to be held by evacuees. I think only senpai and Ijima-san, who went out to gather supplies, had them, but they always handed them over when they returned.

From my perspective, this management is entirely reasonable. If someone doesn't agree with it, refusing to accept them is understandable.

Moreover, I think the unresolved issue of the men who attacked Kaede is still a concern. If they are part of that group, they would indeed be called "not-so-nice people," and it's only natural to be cautious.

"Fortunately, they left quietly after we gave them food. I can understand why they didn't want to hand over their weapons. Since we have plenty of resources, even if we can't accept them, it's good to help them a little."

Oda-san is saying that just because they are not-so-nice people, it doesn't mean they are 100% bad.

He's always so kind.

But I don't think Oda-san's decision was wrong. In a world like this, the spirit of helping each other is important. If we have the means, we should help. After all, if it weren't for Oda-san, I wouldn't be here.

I know how much food we have because I help manage the inventory, so I had no complaints about his decision. However, I can't help but feel a little uneasy for some reason.

+++++

"Shu-kun is so popular!"

One night, as we were getting ready to sleep, I said this to Shu-kun, who was lying next to me. He turned his head away, pouting.

"Yuki-san, you shouldn't tease him like that. Right, Shu-kun?"

"It's okay..."

Next to Shu-kun, Kaede-chan was reaching out to pat his head gently.

We were in a "river" formation, with Shu-kun in the middle.

Tonight, Ijima-san was on night watch with the police officers, so we were taking care of Shu-kun. We've done this a few times before, and each time, we end up sleeping in this "river" formation. It's better to be able to notice if he wakes up during the night.

Shu-kun, with his arms crossed in front of his face, was probably blushing and hiding his embarrassment. Even though the LED lantern was dimmed to the minimum, I found it endearing to watch.

Shu-kun is a strong boy.

According to Ijima-san, he lost his mother in this pandemic. The details were not shared, but I imagine it must have been a terrible event. Perhaps he witnessed her being attacked or dying, or even worse, Ijima-san might have had to kill his infected wife.

Compared to that, I think it's better that my parents are just missing. I don't know if I could have endured such a traumatic event.

"...Ah, Shu-kun seems to be asleep."

As I was thinking about these things and chatting softly, I realized Shu-kun was already sound asleep, breathing softly. Kaede-chan stopped patting his head and adjusted the blanket that had slipped off him.

"Let's go to sleep too, Yuki-san."

Kaede-chan whispered, reaching for the LED lantern. I called out to her in a small voice, stopping her.

"...Hey, Kaede-chan."

Reflecting on it, Kaede-chan had gone through something similar to what I was just thinking about. I realized again how strong she is.

But perhaps because I had been thinking about Shu-kun, Kaede-chan suddenly seemed like a fragile little girl who could be crushed at any moment.

"Um... don't push yourself. You can always rely on me, okay?"

Kaede-chan looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I found myself saying something I didn't quite understand. After blinking a few times, she smiled softly.

"...I'm always relying on you, Yuki-san."

"R-Really? Then, you can rely on me even more, okay?"

"Hehe... Thank you."

To be honest, maybe half of what I said was for my own benefit. The idea that being relied on would help me push through a little more. But she thanked me and turned off the lantern. The darkness enveloped the space, deepening the silence.

"...Yuki-san."

"Hmm, what is it, Kaede-chan?"

"...Nothing. Good night."

"Good night, Kaede-chan."

Kaede-chan seemed to be about to say something, but she didn't.