[Part 5/6]
"I don't have the right to meddle in friends' relationships, you know!? But that doesn't mean I'm not worried!"
"Is that so?"
Well, she probably meddled in Yukine's business too, so that makes sense.
"Iruka is definitely from Ezo, right? ...I've heard there's some history between you two. Half-youkai. There's a difference in status too, right? She's rough around the edges, and her education as a partner is questionable. It might be tough being with her since she's a bit too forward!!"
Tamaki listed out the issues related to Iruka. It wasn't gossip; they were all solid facts. There were probably even more serious problems about Iruka that Tamaki didn't know about. But why was she telling me this now... wait, partner?
"But that's why... I thought about how close you two are and what you're really thinking! I jumped to conclusions about Suzune, but I can't ignore Iruka, right!? So, come on!"
Tamaki almost talked nonstop and probably turned to face me. I felt a strange sensation, like being pierced by her gaze from behind.
"I want to know. You're so close to Iruka. What are you really thinking?"
"What am I thinking? Well... let's see."
I paused for a moment... then started to speak. I changed from my usual polite tone to a more casual one. I made my tone closer.
"...With her, well, it's like we're bad friends, I guess? We're rivals too. You've heard about our past, right?"
Tamaki nodded at my words. That's convenient.
"Honestly, I know there's no obligation to get along. I could even say I have a reason to confront her. ...But just so you know, I'm not taking advantage of her weaknesses or anything."
"No way! I'm not thinking that far!"
When I checked if she misunderstood something from an eroge, Tamaki hurriedly denied it. That's good. If the protagonist thought of me that way, it would be a death flag.
"Actually, I have younger siblings."
"...Younger siblings?"
Tamaki was probably confused by the sudden confession. She must have tilted her head, wondering why it was said now.
"I have a little sister around Suzune's age. I think she has older brothers too, right?"
"Y-yeah..."
Even though Tamaki was puzzled, especially since Suzune's name came up, she responded.
"Iruka was worried about Tamaki-sama, and Suzune when she thought you two are going to be punished. ...Even though it's enemies, it's just how she is."
I remembered what happened back then. Tamaki and Suzune. Acting like they would do anything for Iruka...
"Iruka, really..."
"I also sold myself for my younger siblings. Since Suzune is about the same age as my sister, I got attached to that attitude... I guess that's where the bad connection started? Well, I really took advantage of people's weaknesses."
"!? ~~~!! Come on! Stop saying it like that!! It's so rude!?"
Splash! The sound of water echoed. She probably yelled while soaking in the bath. She might be blushing.
"Sorry, I was born rude. Please forgive me."
"~~!! That excuse is pathetic, you know? You're a Household Member Coordinator now! Get it together! Got it!!?"
Tamaki groaned as she lectured me. I guess I should tone down the teasing.
"Hahaha. I'll try my best."
"Geez!"
For a moment, there were sounds of laughter and heavy breathing, then silence returned. In the dark, only the sound of water and quiet breaths echoed around us...
"Oh, I forgot. Holding your arm for so long is rude, right?"
"Ah!?"
After calming down, I realized it and let go of Tamaki's arm. Right after that, Tamaki grabbed my arm.
"...Tamaki, sama?"
"Just call me Tamaki! ...Um, are you getting back at me?"
"...Did you get scared in the dark?"
"..."
"Got you there."
It must be a bit lonely to soak alone in an onsen at night in a strange place. Especially after all the chaos before. But staying in the same onsen with a guy for too long feels a bit inappropriate.
...Still, I should probably leave soon.
"Are you getting too hot?"
"I'm fine. The water here isn't that hot. ...Can I stay like this a little longer?"
"...Just a little, okay?"
I sat cross-legged in the water and gave in. Suddenly, something warm touched my back. We were back-to-back.
"Ah, it's hard. And kind of rough?"
"Tamaki?"
"Hehe. Did it make your heart race?"