Chapter 133: Fade to Black

Chapter 133: Fade to Black

Im, Im sorry Shinichirou-kun I intended to wrap it up earlier, but its gotten so late

No, no, its fine. I already told my parents Id be late.

Haruka, looking apologetic, said, and I replied with a smile.

The night had already fallen, and darkness enveloped everything. In this dark backdrop, Haruka and I stood in conversation on the path leading to the Shijouin residence.

We were going to be driven back home, and the Shijouin familys car was waiting just outside the estate but their chauffeur, Natsuzaki-san, had said, Hehe, I figured you two might want some time to talk privately, and to soak in the night air a bit. Just give me a shout when youre ready, with a considerate smile.

Every staff member in this household seemed to dote on Haruka, and I couldnt help but feel grateful that they were supportive of an ordinary guy like me getting close. When I mentioned this to Natsuzaki-san, he responded, Haha, Id recommend rechecking the dictionary for the meaning of ordinary, but

Gosh, Mother and Father are just too excited! No matter how many times I explain that we started using names because weve become close, they just wont accept it!

Haha well, we managed to get them to understand to some extent.

After our use of names was discovered, we were bombarded with questions about how that happened, and it was really quite the ordeal. Well, in the end, like Haruka said, it happened naturally as we grew closer. There wasnt any specific trigger, apart from maybe that trip we all took to the beach That was the patient explanation we had to give.

Im so sorry It got this late even though you came all this way.

Huh? No, no, I had a really great time. I was a bit nervous initially about meeting your parents, but thats fading away. And seriously, Im really grateful for the amazing food and cake.

Just being invited to Harukas birthday celebration filled me with a sense of elation. There was a bit of a commotion with her parents towards the end, but to be honest, I enjoyed myself.

Oh really But I suppose Mother and Father start taking liberties because they know you truly feel that way, Shinichirou-kun.

In the garden of the Shijouin residence, the noble young lady smiled wryly. Her nonchalant expression seemed especially charming tonight.

(Shes so beautiful)

Haruka, wearing a high-necked sleeveless dress, blended seamlessly with the garden adorned with myriad flowers. She truly looked like a princess.

Without her realizing it, her posture and aura exuded the essence of nobility. Even in the darkness of the night, her beauty was impossible to conceal.

This birthday was completely different from last year.

Huh

Every year, we hold a birthday celebration like that. Its undeniably a joyous occasion, splendid by general standards, and my parents genuinely celebrate Its undoubtedly a happy event, but

Springkas gaze turned towards me, and our eyes met.

Since youve been around, today was entirely different from before. Its kind of everything seemed to sparkle.

Her shy words seeped into my brain, bringing a sweet, tingling sensation.

Lately, Ive come to realize something. Shinichirou-kun, youve been continuously changing my world since spring, and youve rescued me countless times. I cant thank you enough for that but its not just that.

Harukas cheeks were still slightly flushed, perhaps from the excitement of the celebration.

Im really, really thankful not just for what youve done, Shinichirou-kun, but for your very existence. Since youve been here, every day has become more and more brilliant.

Her words, spoken with a pure heart, echoed in the garden.

So, Ill say those words of gratitude once again.

The innocent girl spoke, weaving her words with nothing but pure, warm feelings.

Thank you so much, Shinichirou-kun. To think that such an amazing person would be friends with me, it feels like an unbelievable stroke of luck that I think about every day.

Huh?

In response to Harukas frail voice, the girl in front of me tilted her body significantly.

Andright before my eyes, frozen in shock due to this sudden situation, Haruka lost all her strength and crumbled.

N! Haruka!?

I hastily reached out, catching Harukas falling body just in the nick of time. The girl I held was unexpectedly light, and it was clear that she had no strength in her limbs.

Pull yourself together, Haruka! What on earth!?

While calling out, I peered into Harukas face. I was horrified.

Just a few seconds ago, Harukas complexion, which had been normal, was now as pale as ice, and she was drenched in sweat, shivering in this cooler evening.

Ah ah? N-No Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!

The normally cheerful smile on the girls face was now colored only by intense confusion and anguish. It was clearly not a normal state.

She let out cries of pain, as if her brain was being racked by excruciating agony, clutching her head with both hands. Tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes.

There was no doubt that the pain she was experiencing was something unbearable.

(Wh-What is this! What on earth is happening!?)

Seeing the girl I cared for suffering so intensely, I was in a state of turmoil.

It was all so abrupt, so utterly incomprehensible.

Just a little while ago, Haruka and I were laughing and smiling together. Why has it come to this!?

Ah Shinichiro, kun

Dont force yourself to speak! Ill call the people in the house and an ambulance right away!

With Haruka, who was now gasping for breath, I communicated my intentions with a feeling that wanted to cry. Really, what has happened!

Help me

With that clinging plea as her final words, Haruka closed her consciousness as if fleeing from the pain.

All strength drained from her body, she didnt move a muscle.

What is this

The weather had turned, dark clouds blanketing the sky.

Raindrops began to spatter, drenching the girls body. I was still staring blankly, unable to fully comprehend what had just occurred.

What the hell is going on with this!?

While I screamed, holding the unconscious Haruka, I could see Natsuzaki-san rushing over sensing the abnormality.

I dont know.

I dont know, I dont know, I dont know, I dont know, I dont know, I dont know, I dont know, I dont know

Ido not know this kind of future.

(TLN) Wut?

Bonus chapters thanks to Lantern8! Thanks to their support I will be just releasing everything I have and try to drop an extra from the chapter that got released today by the author.