Entertaining a Small Thought

3rd Arc Part 15: The Little Things

For the first time in what might have actually been forever, I was genuinely excited for the start of this new day. I actually managed to get up before the morning announcement for once, and I didn't feel exhausted, so that was already a good sign. And just to make sure everything that had happened wasn't just some fever dream I had, I immediately got up and made my way to Kirumi's room.

Of course, while I was happy about what had happened, now that I have cooled down a little, I was going to make sure I had a little insurance in place to make sure that this isn't actually a turn for the worst. After making sure to set up some safeguards for myself, I knocked on Kirumi's door and waited, but a feeling of dread came over me when no one came to the door after a minute or two.

I began to knock again but more frequently, a sense of urgency starting to take over me as a few drops of sweat formed on my forehead. Just when I was starting to consider the worst-case scenario, the door finally opened.

"Rin? I apologize for keeping you waiting. I must have been more tired than I realized. I only just got up." Kirumi told me after she opened the door.

As soon as I saw that she was fine, all the dread and fear disappeared and were replaced with relief and the excitement I had felt this morning.

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay. You made me a little worried there." I chuckled. "I came by to check up on you. How are you feeling?"

"I suppose I feel better." She told me. "Though in reality, I can't say I feel different from how I normally feel." She then flinched a little suddenly, which made me jump a bit.

"You sure you're okay?" I asked her.

"Yes, I'm fine." She quickly replied, quickly brushing her hand against her chest before putting her hands back down in front of her, holding them together as she usually did. "Did you need something? It's quite early. I don't recall you ever getting up before the morning announcement before."

"O-Oh, well..." I gave a nervous chuckle as a response. "Since you haven't gotten the chance yet, I was thinking about showing you around all the new areas that have been opened up. There are a lot of places, and since I doubt many people are awake right now, I figured that we wouldn't be disturbed while we walk around. Once everyone sees you at breakfast, I'm fairly confident they'll be quite shocked and want to ask us a bunch of questions."

"Yes, that is true. I've also been wanting to explore the new areas that have opened up while I was dead more thoroughly as well." Kirumi said while putting a hand to her chin, pondering a bit about what to do. "Very well. I would be pleased to have you show me around, Rin."

"Cool. Then let's head out."

And with that, the two of us headed out of the dormitory, only to immediately run into someone unexpected as we did. As soon as we got to the middle of the courtyard in front of the academy's entrance, we heard a deep voice filled with confusion and shock.

"Rin? And...Kirumi!?"

I turned around to see Ryoma with wide eyes. He looked like he didn't know what to do, his eyes bouncing between me and Kirumi. I can't really blame him for that reaction, considering Kirumi was dead the last time he saw her. His face of confusion then turned to me with a stern expression.

"Rin, what in the hell is going on?"

"Umm... Surprise?" I shrugged with a dry chuckle as I shook my hands slowly. My reply didn't seem to amuse him, so I immediately started to backpedal. I sighed before giving him a real response. "I was hoping to save this for breakfast, but since you're here, you might as well be the first to know. We did the ritual last night, and to my surprise, it worked. So Ryoma, I hope you can give a warm welcome back to our dear friend here." I said as I gestured to the maid at my side.