Confession

Haruto and the others returned to Selianna's house. Zelrigth already notified the knights around there to allow them to pass the gate so they could return to the Middle District unhindered.

When they arrived the house was under repaired by Elsie from the result of the attack from the adventurers. But at least the bedrooms were already finished being repaired and they could rest themselves.

Haruto introduced Rikka to Haruto's companions, including Selianna but Fia was still sluggish so her turn was postponed together with Asami. Haruto just made brief introduction about his childhood friend and older sister.

Elsie's meals were strangely safe even after the attack so Haruto and the others were having a peculiar late night meals on a table with debris around them.

Rikka too was a heavy eater and she chomped down the food like mad. She didn't enjoy her meals during the time she stayed on Bryan's mansion after all.

Kaori used nourishment magic on Asami's body to let her recover more quickly. But the burden on her mind and soul was quite a lot and even with [Soul Magic] there's no way to completely healed her in an instant. So they could only wait for her recovery. Kaori said it may took a few days or perhaps more depending on the person herself.

....

"So Nee-san experienced something like that..."

Rikka and Haruto sat side by side on the roof while gazing at the moonlight.

She told him what happened all this time with Asami. Regarding her emotional outburst when he died and also about her almost being raped by the neighbor man. Haruto almost lost his soul when he heard that.

Thankfully Rikka was there and saved her. He also learnt that man already received his judgement by Rikka along with his own killer.

"Thank you Kisaragi, truly. If you're not there then by now Nee-san would....." Just imagining it made his heart chilled.

"No, I only did what is natural and I'm the one who should say sorry and thank you...." Rikka shook her head while her expression became full of guilt.

"Eh?" Haruto was confused.

"I've never thanked you even once for being friends with me. And even though you always helped me a lot and brought me a lot of friends, I...." Rikka's eyes were wet.

"No, but, I didn't do that because I want you to be grateful to me you know...? And also you may not know this but I'm just doing that on a whim."

"But still I'm really happy about that, I should at least said my thanks once. ....And also, at that time If only I had been more decisive on my feelings, perhaps everything would be different..."

She mentioned about the time Haruto confessed his feelings to her but she cannot answer him properly.

"You're wrong Kisaragi, it was my own fault. I'm the one who pressured you. I already know you're new with that kind of things and yet instead of giving you time to settle your feelings, I ran away."

Haruto denied her words and gritted his teeth. Rikka wanted to refute his words but stopped herself because it was just going to go back to square one all over again.

""...""

They were silent without anyone trying to say anything. Each one of them felt guilt with each other and denied the other's apology. It was truly complicated, just what should he do? Haruto thought.

After about ten minutes of silence he opened his mouth.

"You know, even now I still like you a lot Kisaragi."

"....Eh?" Rikka was stunned seeing his sudden confession.

"That's why I wanted to ask you, do you love me?"

"...."

"This time if you still think you're unsure then I can give you all the time you need to settle your feelings, that's why-"

"I do."

"....What?"

Rikka moved her body closer to Haruto and stared at his eyes while grabbing his hands.

"At that time I never realized it because I'm such a blockhead. But after being separated by you for a long time, my heart felt so empty and lost...."

She stared at him full of emotions and declared gently,

"I love you Sugmura-kun."

"!"

"I love you so much. And also, thank you for always taking care of me." Rikka embraced his body tightly and smiled lovingly.

Haruto's body was shivering. Just now he denied her thanks because he thought he didn't deserve it nor he was asking for it but for some reason right now that word struck his heart sharply.

It was truly an earnest expression of love and gratitude. Without knowing, Haruto's own eyes let out tears too and he returned Rikka's hug with his hands tightly.

"...I love you too Kisaragi."

"I'm happy, Sugimura-kun...."

They were both crying full of joy and emotions while facing each other face. And then little by little their face moved closer and kissed each other lips gently but also passionately.

The night was so cold and tranquil but the two kissing pair of boy and girl never felt so warm before. Right now it was as if the two of them were melted into one in each other's embrace.

They released their lips after a few minutes and smiled lovingly at each other. The pair became embarrassed and blushed deeply but their gaze never leave the other's eyes.

"Hey Kisaragi."

"Yes?"

"Can I call you Rikka?"

"! Uuu, that's not fair.... Well you can but I'll also call you Haru-kun." Rikka squealed and her blush deepened but she asked the same for Haruto.

"T-That's fine by me..."

The two entered moment of awkward silence again but right now it was out of embarrassment.

"So, we're officially a couple now?" He asked like an innocent young boy.

"I guess we are but looks like it will be different than what you thought Haru-kun."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean I can't be the 'special' person."

"Eh? Why!?" Haruto was shocked.

"*sigh* Look at your surroundings first Haru-kun, I may just recently know them but I know they also bore a feeling against you. And you also fond of them right?"

"...."

Indeed he cannot deny that. He may acted like he didn't notice their feelings but deep down he knew they must have some kind of fondness against him. But the most frustrating fact was just like Rikka said, he didn't dislike that.

"See? I know I'm right hehehe~" Rikka giggled seeing his complicated expression.

"Sorry...." Haruto hung his head in shame.

"Ba~ka. Why are you apologizing? What's done is done and I'm satisfied of receiving your love." She smiled gently and flicked Haruto's head softly.

"But even so, as of right now my feeling towards you is the strongest, Rikka. You're special, you're my first love. That will never change."

".....If that's the case then I'm so happy." Rikka was truly delighted that she had a special spot on his heart.

And then a feeling of fatigue struck her from her struggle during this entire week so she leaned on Haruto's shoulder and slept peacefully. Haruto smiled gently while shaking his head helplessly before lifting her with his arms.

He carried her body and laid her on her bed gently. While looking at her sleeping face, Haruto caressed her head lovingly before he leaned forward and gently kissed her on her lip and forehead.

"Good night, Rikka."