Watashi, Dokidoki Renai Kakumei de Onii-chan Yattemasu

The Sea and the Distress and the Pairing [3]

I often wonder why I came here.

　I also wonder if I'm dead in the other world. Otherwise, I may be in a coma or am brain dead. I think of such possibilities. I'm so ignorant of the reason I came to this world that I think it'll be nice if a God-sama, who's often in those reincarnation tales, appears and tells me "I reincarnated you".
　It seems that the time limit of a year will arrive before an answer does.

　According to Subaru, this game will end on the 31st of March next year.
　When that day comes, we'll know if we can return to reality or if there's more ahead. Either way, it will end.
　At first, I absolutely, absolutely wanted to return no matter what. But now, I find returning just a little lonely.

　Hey Soutarou, you're the only one who makes me feel this way. What are you gonna do?
　When I raise my head with such thoughts, I see Soutarou looking up at the sky. The beautiful side profile that Subaru's kindred spirit designed. Short, glossy black hair and gentle, droopy eyes of the same color. His beautiful Adam's apple and the lines of his collar bones are strangely erotic and smooth to the touch. There are 2 moles, side by side on his left collar bone but are these also from the character design?

"What's wrong, Mako?"

　Nn? Soutarou tilts his head.

"I was just thinking that it's fun."

"Eh, what is it, all of a sudden?"

"No idea. Y'know, I really had fun, today. Nah, it's not just today. It's really fun being with everyone."

　It's fun to be with everyone. That's why I want to always be with everyone. Together always.
　But that's not possible, huh? The world I belong to isn't here. Therefore, I must return. My heart squeezes in pain when I think of that.
　Soutarou seems astonished when he peeks at my face. After which, his eyebrows forms the ハ character.

"Mako, that's not the face of someone having fun."

"Eh...?"

"'Cause, you look like you're about to cry."

　Surprised at having my cheek stroked, my shoulders contract. It was only at Soutarou's words did I realise that I was about to cry.
　I see. I was about to cry. Staying here or leaving. Whichever choice I make, I'll definitely regret it.
　Thousands of billions of stars are twinkling in the sky. This starry sky has remained unchanged since the distant past and is connected to the future. This is surely the case for the other world. And for this world too.

"I can't hide anything from Soutarou, huh."

"Why are you about to cry?"

　Just as usual, Soutarou cries "Kyun~kyun~" sadly.
　His tail hangs, swaying weakly while his dog ears droop. Looking at me with upturned eyes, trying to please me. How cute, damn it.

"... I had too much fun?"

　By no means could I go "To tell you the truth, I came from another world," making him think I've chuunibyou. Neither could I spout something ridiculous like "To tell you the truth, I'm female". I can only let my gaze swim as I smile bitterly.
　However, Soutarou isn't convinced. A sad expression flash by.

"Liar."

"I'm not lying."

"So Mako was a liar all along."

　I subconsciously laugh when he says something so child-like.
　I try to pat the head of Soutarou who's sulking for once. His short, black hair are a little stiff. Pricking my palm.
　All of a sudden, Soutarou's face turns serious and he grabs my hand. Soutarou's serious look is slightly scary. There's a fear as though your tame golden retriever turned into a wild wolf or a Siberian husky.
　My shoulders subconsciously tremble. The arm in his grip hurts.