Kiska's POV
For some reason, Nyau was staring at me intently.
"Do you really want to know why Nyau was crying?" Nyau said, choosing words that seemed intentionally elusive.
Once I asked, it felt like there was no turning back, as if I might get caught in something irreversible. But for Nyau's sake, I was willing to do anything.
"I want to know."
So, I spoke those words.
"Why were you crying at that time?"
As I said that, Nyau hesitated, stammering with her words. After a few seconds of contemplation, she mustered a determined expression and began to speak.
"I-I… Li…"
However, at the moment she tried to voice it, it seemed like she couldn't say it, repeating the same word over and over.
What is she trying to say?
A word starting with 'Li'…
Is it like? No, that would be too presumptuous. In this timeline, Nyau and I have limited interaction, so there's no way Nyau could like me.
Then, what else could it be?
I can't think of anything in particular.
"I like you…"
"…Eh?"
What should I do? The voice was too soft, and I couldn't make out what was said at all. I couldn't just give a vague response pretending I heard it.
"Sorry, could you say it again? I, um, couldn't hear it."
So, I said that. I thought I had to ask again because she must have said something important.
"Ugh…"
For some reason, she blushed intensely and teared up.
"I finally mustered the courage, and yet…"
Nyau hung her head.
"I'm sorry. Please say it again. I'll listen carefully this time."
I quickly followed up. She nodded in response.
"I understand. I want you to listen carefully this time."
"Ah, got it."
However, she seemed hesitant again and stammered once more.
This time, I stared at her intently, determined not to miss what she was about to say. For some reason, her cheeks were flushed, and perhaps due to nervousness, her breathing had become uneven since earlier. It was making me feel uneasy.
"I like you."
This time, I didn't miss it.
"Um…"
Initially, the emotion that surged within me was confusion.
She said, 'I like you.' About me.
I never thought such a thing could happen.
Gradually, as the reality sank in, a sense of joy welled up. Nyau saying she liked me made me inexplicably happy.
"Is it bothersome for you?"
"Bothersome? Not at all."
I reflexively said that and then realized.
I'm currently dating Agetha. That's why Nyau said it was bothersome.
However, Nyau should be aware that I'm dating Agetha. So why did she confess to me?
"Um, I'm dating Agetha…"
"I'm aware of that."
"Then, why…"
"I don't know… But I really like you, Kiska. So, being the second choice is fine. I don't mind being treated as a convenient woman. I just want to be by your side, Kiska."
"Nyau…"
It was impossible not to be shaken by what Nyau had just said. I felt an overwhelming urge to embrace Nyau in my arms right now. Maybe being with Nyau like this would be a good idea.
So, I said—
"Sorry, I can't respond to Nyau's feelings."
A small piece of rationality spoke those words. I had decided to devote myself to Agetha. I couldn't betray that decision.
"Don't apologize. I knew from the start that it was reckless."
"But, still, hearing that from Nyau made me really happy."
"Such words won't comfort me."
"…I'm sorry."
A gloomy atmosphere lingered.
It was expected. I had just rejected someone who had confessed her feelings.
"It's painful even though I knew. Being rejected by someone you like. But I have no intention of giving up. Even if it takes years, I'll make you mine, Kiska."
"Why does Nyau like me?"
"You can ask such an embarrassing question to the person you rejected."
"Sorry, I just can't help but wonder…"
Apologizing, she sighed and then spoke.
"I don't even know myself. I don't know, but I can't help but like you, Kiska."
Nyau said this while looking down, seemingly embarrassed.
I thought she might remember the previous timeline we spent together, but it seemed not to be the case.
"By the way, Kiska, can I ask for one favor?"
"Of course, I'll listen."
Hoping to atone even a little for my actions, I answered promptly.
"Kiss me."
"Well, that's a bit much."
"I'm not seeking your permission"
"Huh?"
As soon as I said that, I felt a soft sensation on my lips. It took a few seconds for me to realize that I had been kissed.
"Kiska, please don't forget this day. Just for this moment, you were mine."
"Yeah, I understand."
As I nodded, she stood up from the sofa and tried to go somewhere.
It's probably better not to chase after her.
Ugh, I feel sick.
I feel like I'm being crushed by guilt.
"Kiska…"
After sitting on the sofa in a daze for a while, I was brought back to awareness by the call.
"Agetha?"
It seemed like Agetha had entered the cabin, possibly taking over from Nyau.
"Hey, did something happen? I saw Sage Nyau leaving the cabin."
"It's nothing, really."
"Is that so?"
While Agetha seemed to accept my response, there was a lingering sense of dissatisfaction in her expression.
However, I couldn't explain what had transpired inside the cabin to Agetha.
"Well, it's fine."
Agetha said so and took a seat beside me.
Then, she leaned in my direction.
"Kiska, I love you."
"Yeah, I love you too."
I know my actions aren't wrong.
I should understand that.
But it feels nauseatingly uncomfortable.
Perhaps I'll continue remembering this day in my dreams for the rest of my life.
◆
Nyau hurriedly left the cabin, wearing a terrible expression and making sure no one saw her.
"Oh, so this is what they call heartbreak."
She said this in a somewhat cheerful tone. It felt like she had to act bright, even if it meant forcing herself.
"Well, I knew it would turn out like this from the beginning."
She was aware that Kiska was dating Agetha.
She knew there was no hope for herself.
Still, she couldn't suppress her feelings.
She hoped that by expressing her feelings, she could change something.
But the world wasn't so kind.
Not only did the situation remain unchanged, but she ended up getting hurt alone.
"Ughhh~"
With these thoughts, tears started to flow.
Even though she had decided not to cry today.
Fulfilling that promise seemed impossible now.