Blue Archive: Miracle's End

A Miracle I Never Deserved.

It was exactly sunset when I arrived at SCHALE alone. Security had been tight ever since that day, but since I was on office duty at this hour, I was granted entry--- and a chance to see Sensei.

If his plan succeeds and he leaves Kivotos in a few weeks, this might be the last time I ever see him. But I refuse to let that happen. It's the very reason I took charge, rallying a group of students to stand against his decision. I won't let him go--- not like this.

Not when there are still too much I wanted him to teach me as his student...

"Ah, it's Hoshino today, huh? That's great! I've been wanting to see you for a long time!" Sensei greeted me with his usual bright smile.

As if everything that had happened until now simply didn't exist in his eyes. But that couldn't be true--- Sensei must be hiding his struggles behind that smile, keeping up the act for the sake of the students he wishes to protect.

Which could only mean one thing: he's trying to shoulder everything alone... that he truly believes we're incapable of helping him.

Are we all--- ... am I really this powerless to save you, Sensei?

"Sensei..." I muttered his name under my breath, forcing myself to return his smile.

"Hm? What's wrong, Hoshino? You don't look too well..."

"Uhe... Do I really? This old man feels just fine, though."

I forced out a dismissive laugh, trying to brush off his concern as I made my way to his desk. Sitting beside him, I quietly prepared to help with the growing pile of documents he was working on.

That should have been enough to move past the conversation--- but instead, Sensei reached out, gently placing his fingers under my chin and tilting my face up toward him. His gaze studied me carefully.

"Redness and bags under your eyes... dry lips, pale skin... you haven't been taking care of yourself lately..."

Whose fault do you think this is?

"I'm just fine, really--- "

"Nope, nope! This isn't good at all! I can't work like this! My conscience won't let me get anything done knowing my cute and strong Hoshino-chan is in this condition!"

"E-Eh...?! Aren't you overreacting a little...?"

Before I could protest further, Sensei suddenly stood up from his seat and moved behind me. Before I even had time to react, he effortlessly scooped me into his arms and stormed out of the office.

"I-Is Sensei planning on kidnapping this old man...?"

"I'm taking you to my living quarters so you can rest for the day. I won't let you leave SCHALE until you're back to looking as cute as you used to!"

"Uhe... Do I really look that ugly right now? I can't say I'm not hurt by your words, Sensei..."

What is this feeling? This warmth spreading through my chest, this lightness in my heart... It feels so comforting, so familiar. Ah, I must be smirking like an idiot right now, huh?

I never thought I'd be able to smile genuinely again--- not for a long time. Yet here I am, on the verge of blushing from amusement as the man I so adored carries me like I belong to him.

For all the times I doubted you, looked down on you...

You still believed in me. You still looked after me. Even when I was selfish, when I acted on my own... you never gave up on me.

You saved me, Sensei. Me and the girls in Abydos.

And this warmth you give me now... this feeling--- is exactly why I can't let you go.