Episode 103: Words of Acceptance

The next morning, early in the day.

With Okiita's help, we successfully repaired the overturned light truck, loaded the refugees into our respective vehicles, and set out to make a round trip to "Sakagahara High School."

They said they'd have a bus ready on the other side, so we only needed to make a single round trip.

▼

Incidentally, I haven't spoken to Rinon since then.

It seems she's locked herself in her room.

According to Okita Takashi, it seems we've been granted permission to temporarily relocate to "Sakagō High School"...

As the security guard remaining behind, I watched the light truck carrying evacuees depart from the cargo bed, then decided to take a stroll through the slightly less crowded shelter area beneath the elevated tracks.

"Um... 'Haku'-san?"

A voice called out to me.

Looking over, I saw a tuft of spiky hair. It was the boy named Aoyama Ryōji.

"What is it?"

To be honest, I'm not really used to being called "Haku" as a nickname.

"If possible, though..."

The boy looked utterly distressed,

"Could you please not bully my older sister?"

"Bully?... Did Rinne say something?"

"No, not exactly. I was just thinking that might be a possibility. I've never seen my sister so lifeless before."

Even if he said that...

I'm not bullying her.

Actually, from the standpoint of the situation, it's almost expected that they'd be bullying us instead.

"Your older sister was everyone's idol here, so she often attracted jealousy."

"Jealousy," huh.

She's quite the clever elementary schooler, isn't she?

I guess beautiful people have their own unique problems, huh?

Oh right, wasn't there someone who fled to Gakagō High because they were too popular and got into trouble?

"I don't know what kind of misunderstanding there is, but I really do like Rinne-san."

I'm not lying.

Even though she was at the center of the class, she never tolerated bullying the weak.

Above all, she was surprisingly kind to people like me, the gloomy otaku types.

"If that's really true, then that's fine."

Ryōji placed his hand under his chin and said thoughtfully.

Actually, in this case, I get the feeling the issue lies more with your older sister... She's usually so cheerful, but once she gets down, she tends to sink into the deepest gloom.

Ah...

"If possible, could you kindly follow up with 'Haku'-san in a more effective way?"

Hmm...

We also want to eliminate any concerns as we begin our new life.

"Kenen..."

Then, I kindly ask that you consider the previous matter.

Wow.

Seriously, such a smart elementary school student.

▼

The pickup bus arrived shortly before noon.

No, I ran into a little group of "zombies" earlier.

Ayaha, who was guarding the bus, said while chewing on a chocolate candy high in calories.

So, what about your older sister's friend?

"Friend?... Are you talking about Rinne? We're not exactly close friends..."

"Huh? But you were in the same class, right?"

"Yeah, well... kinda..."

"Then, let's just call her a friend, okay?"

Her standard for what counts as a "friend" is pretty low, huh.

"Rinne seems to still be holed up in her room..."

"Then go get her."

"Me?... Um, could I ask Ayaha-chan to do it instead?"

"Why?"

"I guess I'm being avoided by Rinne-san..."

"Then you should go even more, big sister."

I grimace.

"There's no time to dilly-dally here. We don't know when those 'zombies' might show up."

"But riding the bus together in silence like this? That seems even worse, doesn't it?"

I see your point. Sayaka-chan does have a valid argument.

We've learned over and over again just how much more difficult human relationships are than dealing with zombies.

"Then, I'm off."

It seemed like the right moment to follow her words.

"Let me give you one hint, just for your awkward older sister."

"…What is it?"

"You two are a little similar, you know."

"Similar? Where?"

Ayaka narrowed her eyes,

"Being careful not to get too involved with other people."

Mmm.

Such a rude kid.

"Being kind to everyone means you don't let anyone in. Not making enemies means you don't need allies either. Right?"

Grrr.

Another statement that's hard to argue against.

"Just so you know... things have changed a bit lately."

Well, compared to how it used to be, anyway.

"Then, this issue is pretty much settled, huh."

Saiha smiles brightly.

Something about this...

It feels like the roles have reversed.

After all, wasn't Saiha usually the one giving advice to her friends?

I bet this is just something someone else fed you—probably someone like Konomi Asuka.

"By the way, did you hear this from someone else?"

When I ask, Saiha sticks out her tiny tongue and licks it playfully.

Half and half

And mutters to themselves.

Damn it.

What's with that gesture?

Such a cute little thing.