Escape Galge - Chapter 7.5

Chapter 7 – The True Heart [Part 5]

“Kii.”

　As I make preparations in the empty classroom to return home, the backdoor opens.
　Somehow or the other, I’d an inkling he’ll appear today.
　Well, even though I say『today』, he ends up appearing everyday.
　It’s just, I feel that『something』is different from usual.

　Hearing Kagurazaka Mamoru’s voice that’s more driven than usual, I turn around and…

“Wh-what’s up with that!”

　Both sides of his well-chiselled and pretty face have turned red.
　What faintly seem like handprints are on them.

“Huh, it’s still red? W-well, pay it no mind.”
“Ookay……”

　Even if you ask me to pay it no mind, it’ll enter my field of vision when we talk so I will pay it mind!
　I wonder if it’s related to the capturable characters taking turns to turn up and leaving mysterious remarks before departing.

“The only girl I want to get along well with is Kii alone. That’s why… I came to do it properly.”
“‘Properly’…?”
“Please listen to me, Kii.”

　Just as the thought that he sure is looking this way with strangely solemn eyes crosses my mind, he catches hold of both my hands.
　Eh? Like I said, what is it?

“The real me is a plain, from the sticks, bad at getting the point, unskillful and lame guy. That’s why… I got on my high horse. Not looking at my surroundings, not thinking of people’s feelings and only prioritising my own enjoyment… But after being rejected by Kii, I noticed. The foolish me and the real me.”

　Perhaps『the real me』he’s talking about refers to his previous life.
　As far as I know, the current Kagurazaka Mamoru isn’t from the sticks and he doesn’t appear lame outwardly.
　Neither does he give the impression of being bad at getting the point.

　His mien as he frantically attempts to speak while looking down repeatedly, may come across as one of repentance.

“I became able to face myself, and also came to think deeply about Kii. Sure enough, I was happy when Kii smiled. I grew to want more; it was totally not enough. Yet… you stopped smiling at me. Even though your showed your smile to other guys. I couldn’t bear that. I want to monopolise Kii’s smile.”

　He puts strength in the two hands that hold mine. They’re hot.
　He may be nervous; I can feel some slight trembling.

“… I like Kii. I’d like Kii to look at me. That’s why… ple-please go out with me!”
“…”

　… This is, the thing known as a『confession』, isn’t it?
　The request for companionship between men and women, that『confession』…
　It’s the『confession』that I once tried to give Kagurazaka Mamoru, right?

　… Why?

　Even though I said such cold words.
　I should’ve been completely uncute…
　Not understanding the reason, I look at him in a daze. He’s looking at me with a face clearly redder than before.
　He doesn’t appear to be joking.
　He’s seriously, confessing to me?

　Could it be that he told the other capturable characters that he was going to confess to me?
　And thus they came over to me?
　For him to do that… was that how serious he is?
　Did it meant that he’d thrown away his harem and chose me?

　The instant I think that, I feel my body temperature increasing at once.
　My face is hot and something hot is also filling my heart.

　Don’t tell me… I’m, happy?

　Even as I come to a standstill, his serious gaze remains directed at me.
　Honestly, I want to escape.
　I’m unable to comprehend how this development came about.
　But…

　I shouldn’t escape.
　Kagurazaka Mamoru, came all this way.
　Nah, it’s possible that he has some hidden intention, my current thoughts may just the product of me muddling my eyes with wishful thinking, but…

『I can believe him this time』I think.
　There’s a possibility that my judgment is erroneous but because I think that I can believe him… I should face him too.
　And convey them, my feelings, properly.

　… I’m nervous.
　More so than the time when my hair was in twin tails and I tried to confess.
　Taking a deep breath, I adjust my breathing and open my mouth.

“I am sorry.”

　This time, it’s senpai’s turn to stiffen.

“………… Eh.”

　His eyes are wider than before.
　Were my words unexpected?
　I continue speaking while looking at those eyes.
　I must state it clearly.

“I have, yet to trust you.”

I speak while untwining my hands that are gripped.
　As I try to take a step back in order to also distance myself, he firmly catches hold of my arms.

“I know Kii noticed how I purposely behaved in a way that gave girls expectations. So… because I like Kii, I’m saying that I’ll stop such behaviour so…!”

　A jittery and panicky facial expression projects before me.
　I know what he’s trying to get at, I know that.
　The response I gave was because I knew.

“What I cannot trust, is not that. Of course that is important too, but…”

　Perhaps he didn’t hear a single word of mine; the strength he holds my arms with increases and I feel that the distance between us has reduced.

“In the first place, I do not really know the true senpai. I am unable to date someone like that. Therefore… please teach me about yourself. Please learn about me too. This discussion comes after that.”

　Honestly speaking, there isn’t much hatred left anymore.
　Smouldering anger still remains but I now hold a favourable impression that can suppress that.
　However… even so, I’m unable to immediately give myself up.

　That is definitely『obstinacy』.
　The obstinacy of the obstinate me.
　As if I’d let myself get captured immediately.
　It’s revenge in a way.

“Kii…”
“When we are able to ‘see’ each other a little more, if you think that you still like me… then please let me hear the words from just now once again. Of course, I do not know how I will reply but… If you are able, try and capture me.”

　『Do it if you dare.』
　Instead of voicing it out, I pack it into my grin.

　Senpai stiffens as he looks at me.
　He’s seemingly speechless for time blankly flows on.

“… I got it. I’ll raise my levels until then.”

　I wonder if my intention was transmitted?
　Kagurazaka Mamoru also resolutely gives a broad smile.
　He seems slightly lonely though.
　I think that’s fine.
　Since that day the feather fell, we’ve started over from the beginning.

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