Chapter 128: External attacks (2)

Just then,

Aya interrupted Mizuki, her voice sharp and firm, but strangely, the words seemed to fade and distort, as if I were underwater.

I felt detached, like a distant observer watching the scene unfold from afar. The sounds around me were muffled, and the sharp edges of anxiety and fear began to dull.

Mizuki was arguing with Aya, her usually cheerful and playful face now serious and resolute. The change was jarring.

Aya was still holding my hand tightly, but even her touch felt distant and dreamlike.

‘This is… real…’

Ever since I arrived at Takamari Academy, or perhaps ever since I entered this world, I’d felt a sense of displacement. It was strange, seeing events from the novel become my reality.

The hallway was getting noisy again.

Teachers gathered, and someone was frantically making phone calls.
Mizuki, her face grim, was also on her phone.

“…Rina?”

Aya’s gentle voice finally reached me. I snapped back to reality and turned to look at her.

“…Aya?”

“Are you okay, Rina? You look pale.”

I realized how cold my hands were. My body felt weak and drained.

“Ah, yeah… I’m fine.”

I forced a smile, but Aya’s expression was filled with concern.
I looked down and saw the torn pieces of the poster. My legs gave way, and I sank to the floor.

‘This is all… my fault.’

“Rina, this isn’t your fault.”

Aya’s voice was clear and strong. I looked up at the ceiling, holding back tears.

“…Thank you, Aya.”

My voice trembled.
I couldn’t stay here like this. I felt dizzy, my body weakening, and then everything went black.

Aya carried me to the nurse’s office. I vaguely remember lying on a bed, the nurse saying something, but the words didn’t register.

I still felt detached from reality, staring blankly at the ceiling. Aya held my hand, but I couldn’t respond. Guilt gnawed at me.

‘Because of me… Aya… Mizuki… and the school…’

Tears streamed down my face, but I couldn’t move.

“Rina.”

Aya’s voice, soft yet firm, called my name. I turned my head and looked at her. Her blue eyes were filled with warmth and comfort.

“I’m sorry, Aya… This is all my fault.”

“No, Rina. It’s not your fault, or mine. Don’t blame yourself.”

Seeing Aya calmed me down a little. She was going through this too, and I felt guilty for being the only one breaking down.

“But… I’m scared this will affect you, Aya.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about. Seeing you like this hurts me more.”

I nodded slowly, my breath trembling. Then, Aya started doing what she did best.

****

Mizuki, leveraging her family’s influence, took swift action. Takamari Academy, citing the presence of a group attempting to incite unrest within the school, launched a thorough investigation with external help. The investigation revealed evidence of secret lobbying related to the student council election.

Aya, until the investigation was complete, remained publicly silent. But many students who admired and respected her took action, spreading awareness and correcting misinformation, turning the tide of public opinion in our favor.

The rumors about Arisu were so damaging… that I wondered if Aya was secretly behind them. But Aya truly loved me now, so it was probably just a coincidence… right? I nervously touched my promise ring.

The student council became more united after the incident. Despite their occasional disagreements, they showed unwavering solidarity in the face of external threats. The school imposed strict disciplinary measures on those responsible for the incident, who also issued formal apologies. Several students were suspended.

Aya became the clear victim, and I, having collapsed from the stress, received sympathy and support. The cultural festival proceeded as planned, but I was allowed to stay home and recover. I was disappointed to miss the festival, but also relieved that our relationship hadn’t been completely exposed. Ironically, my breakdown had helped to de-escalate the situation.

But there was another problem.
The incident had reached Aya’s family. When I asked her about it, Aya’s expression was surprisingly calm.

“My sister already paved the way, so they just let it go.”
“…Huh?”

I was confused.

“Well, it was unrequited, but still.”

Her words echoed in my mind. Yukikawa Reina… had unrequited feelings for someone? That… platinum blonde woman I’d glimpsed in the nurse’s office…?

“Our family… seems conservative, but they’re surprisingly understanding about these things.”
“I see…”

Aya shrugged, smiling. The situation had turned out better than I’d expected. Everything was slowly being resolved. My only regret was missing the cultural festival.

“So… should we keep our relationship a secret?”
“No. We’re friends, before we’re anything else.”
“Ah…”

Right. Friends.
We were friends. Society was surprisingly tolerant of physical affection between female friends. Holding hands, fixing each other’s hair, light touches… none of that was considered strange.

Of course, our relationship went beyond friendship…

“So it’s okay to act normally?”

I asked cautiously, and Aya, after a moment of thought, smiled faintly.

“Well… My sister told me not to hold hands or kiss in public.”

My face flushed. Aya had been quite forward.

“But still…”

I murmured. This was my house, my room. We didn’t have to worry about anyone’s judgment here.
And with that thought, I hugged Aya tightly.

Aya’s body was warm and comforting. I held her close, our chests pressed together.
And then, naturally… our lips met.

It was a deep, sweet kiss, a kiss between lovers.
Of course, it was a little awkward since it was our first real kiss.

We started slowly, but then Aya took the lead, pressing her lips against mine more firmly. Our lips met, our breaths mingled, and my head spun.

Aya had been awkward at first.
But perhaps she was a genius at everything, including kissing?
Her tongue gently traced my lips, and I didn’t resist.

Our kiss deepened. Slowly, then more intensely, Aya’s tongue explored my mouth, sending shivers down my spine.

“Mm… Ah…”

A soft moan escaped my lips, and Aya, as if trying to silence me, deepened the kiss, her tongue swirling against mine. My breath hitched, but even my gasps seemed to be stolen by Aya.

Her tongue traced the roof of my mouth, and I shivered, clinging to her. Aya wrapped her arms tighter around me, our tongues tangling, our breaths mingling in a heated embrace.

It was a long, deep kiss that left me breathless. Every touch of Aya’s lips and tongue sent a wave of heat through me, igniting my senses. Lost in the moment, we explored each other’s warmth.

My entire body tingled, and I couldn’t think straight.

“A-Aya…?”

I pulled away slightly, my breath coming in short gasps. It felt like… we’d taken a step towards adulthood.
Aya looked at my swollen lips, gently caressed my cheek with her slender fingers, and smiled softly.

“Rina, I’ll never let you go. No one can come between us.”

Her words felt like a promise, etched into my heart.

Now I was certain. Our relationship was far deeper than friendship. And no matter what happened, my feelings for her wouldn’t change.