Chapter 43

43

That time of year had already arrived: it's time for the trip.

This year’s outing ranked-up from last years’…...maybe? I don't really understand; but, this year’s outing was to the aquarium.

Because, at the aquarium, there's also a small amus.e.m.e.nt park and sports’ facility, everyone was already fidgeting with excitement.

This year, we don't need to go with only our group, and it's fine to take action alone if you had a destination, and at the moment I was getting excited with my friends on where to go, I was called.

What is it, I am busy talking about the trip right now.

The person that called me was the prince.

......un, aren't you active, prince. Haha.

Mentally, a dry smile was on my lips.

Since we met, the things the prince talked to me about increased.

In proportion to that, the times I moved together with Hasumi became many.

Somehow, recently, my back started to hurt; because it's being pierced by the surrounding eyes.

"Kaguragi-san, shall we go together at this year's outing?"

Those were the words I expected, but why didn't I think of a reply to give?

Well, I guess that rejecting normally would be good, I wonder if he'll give up though.

"I'm afraid that I'd make Tojo-sama's fans jealous."

I tried to refuse in an indirect way, how about this?

'You're right, then……' and so he'd give up.

"It's fine even if we don't spend time together all day. It's okay if it's about 15 to 30 minutes, you know? Is it still no good?"

So, so sticky.

U-n, it's gotten difficult rejecting him…..

No, if I don't clearly refuse him now!

"It's no good."

When I was about to refuse, a dignified voice resounded.

That surprised me. I thought that the voice in my heart leaked out.

"Miku……"

"Eh?"

"Gokigen'yo, Rinksan, Subaru."

When I turned around, I saw Miku-sama smiling.

Eh? Miku-sama?

Miku-sama saw me talking alone with the prince!?

"I'm sorry for interrupting in the middle of your conversation. But, it's no good Subaru. Stealing a march on someone."

"Were you acquaintanced with Kaguragi-san, Miku?"

"We aren't acquaintances, but friends. Right, Rinksan?"

"Y-yes!"

"Fufu. So things are like this. Do you understand now, Subaru?"

"Ah, yeah…...but, stealing a march?"

"You wanted to go around with Rinksan on the trip, right? I too want to go with her. Subaru being the only one is unfair."

"Such a thing……"

The prince smiled bitterly.

Miku-sama is lovely while talking to the prince.

So cute. I'm happy I can observe her do this up close.

I listened to the conversation while half dreaming; facing me and the prince, Miku-sama smiled.

It's a secret that her smile made my heart beat.

"That's why, let's go around on the trip together, okay? Of course, we'll call Sousuke too. How about it, Rinksan?"

".......yes…...of course……."

I nodded without thinking deeply into it.

After I nodded I was taken aback.

Just now, did Miku-sama say, ‘let's go around all together?’

Huh? Is it fine if I join the splendor members?

But, it's difficult to refuse this time…..

"Ufufu. I'm looking forward to the trip, Rinksan."

Seeing the happy smile on Miku-sama, my will to refuse disappeared.

Influenced by Miku-sama, I also smiled happily and nodded.

I don't care about the prince nor Hasumi, but I am happy to be able to boldly pa.s.s time with Miku-sama.

Looking at as laughing delightfully, the prince had a troubled expression floating on his face.

The day of the trip finally came.

Right now, I am on the bus.

While enjoying the view, my thoughts ran on our destination the aquarium.

However, here a question arose.

"Why is Hasumi-sama sat next to me?"

"Do you have a problem with it?"

"I don't think there's a problem, but…...is there someone that wants to change seats……?"

When I looked around, everyone simultaneously looked away from me.

It looks like I fell into a helpless, isolated situation.

Since when?

"......do you dislike it?"

"More than disliking it…...the surroundings eyes are scary, I say….."

"No one is looking."

"......is that so?"

So, the gazes I felt before was just me being paranoid?

Well, whatever. No one seemed to want to change seats with me.

I wrapped my mind, I should be thinking about what to do after we arrived at our destination.

"Hasumi-sama, where should we go first?"

"I'm fine with any place, but how about going to the sports’ facility first?"

"Sports…...mh. Meh, Hasumi-sama. It's really regrettable; but, I am no good at sports.

"Heh. Is that so?"

"That's why, I want to go around anywhere besides the sports’ facility."

"........If Miku and Subaru are okay with it, I don't really mind. But, I think that Subaru will say that he wants to go."

"......I see."

Un, let's give up. I shall just observe the three of them getting along at the sports’ facility. Let's do so.

In either case, I am weak against the prince's pressure.

When I find something unpleasant, I am the type to clearly say so.

Even so, why do I find it difficult to say, 'No,' to the prince? I wonder why?

From my mobile phone a *pirorin* sound rang.

When I opened my phone, an email from Miku-sama arrived.

『Let's meet at the gate.

Wait together with Sousuke.』

I replied with 『Understood.』, and reported the contents of the email to Hasumi.

After replying, I recalled the day the prince invited me to go around with him on the trip.

After that, I was invited for some tea by Miku-sama.

Usually, the conversations between us would spring up immediately when we had tea together, but that day was different.

We were wrapped in unpleasant silence.

Inpatient, I thought that I must say something; however, my head wasn't functioning well and I couldn't think about anything.

And then, Miku-sama suddenly sighed and began to talk.

『Rinksan, you ended up meeting Subaru, didn’t you…...』

『Yes…...I'm truly sorry』

『Why are you apologising? You ended up meeting Subaru accidentally, right?』

『It's true, but…...』

I didn't know what to say, and bit my lips.

I can't tell her. I can't tell Miku-sama something like, ‘the prince has fallen in love with me,’ that's why I am apologising.

『Somehow…….I knew that things would turn out like this. That Subaru would be attracted to Rinksan.』

『Miku-san…...』

『I mean, both Sousuke and I really like Rinksan. So, I knew that it was impossible for Subaru to not like you too. If Subaru were to meet Rinksan, he would feel attracted…..』

『…………』

I looked down.

What, what should I say to Miku-sama?

I'm sorry?

That's wrong. That's not something I should say.

『......I, won't lose.』

I raised my face toward Miku-sama strong words.

Miku-sama stared straight at me.

『I won't give up. Because I like Subaru, I cannot give up. Subaru still has unrequited love. I have no reason to give up, right? So look at me, Rinksan; I'll definitely show you how I'll make Subaru turn to look at me.』

Miku-sama said that with a bold smile.

She's so cool.

She definitely had complex feelings towards me; but, she didn't give up.

I felt admiration for Miku-sama at that.

『Miku-sama….. Yes, I'll look at you. As you'll do your best.』

『Thank you. …...hey, Rinksan. If…...if, Rinksan were to fall in love with Subaru……. don't hide it and tell me, okay? I might not be able to do it immediately; but, I will definitely support you. I'll say, congratulations to you. Because, I really like Rinksan. That's why, I want to congratulate you if you’re happy…….』

Miku-sama's eyes blurred.

At Miku-sama's words, my eyes blurred too.

.......I'm so happy. To think that she was having such thoughts.

Even though she is the one that is having it tough, she still cares about me.

Miku-sama's kindness makes me feel painfully happy.

『Miku-san…..I understand. If I were to find someone I like, the first person I'll tell it to will be Miku-san. Whoever that person is. 』

『Yes.』

『 Miku-san, I too really like Miku-san. That's why, when Miku-san's wish comes true, I'll celebrate it grandly with you 』

『 …….fufu. Thank you.』

While our eyes were full of tears, we laughed.

Miku-sama is a strong person. I want to become strong like Miku-sama.

Tn: Naoriel

Ed: Aeternatrix

Nao's lil corner

Uhuuuu (Ｔ▽Ｔ)

I'm so glad that Rinka and Miku didn't broke up.......pff I make it sound like they were dating.

But, really!

Usually these type of situation are soooooo dangerous in a friendship between girls.

Miku is the best girl!!!

*Nao enters the [Wishing Miku-sama's Happiness] fanclub*  (*´∀`*)

On a side note, the other project that was on hiatus, "The witch, who was once called a saint" was picked up!!!! Hurray!!!

They tld till chap 4! I'm waiting for moreee