I Just Want a Single Ending [104]

For Kamigawa Saku, the thought of being friends with Takamatsu Tomori for life was everything he'd hoped for.

His goal from the start had been to build a close friendship with her.

Now that he'd succeeded, how could he not be thrilled?

Although "for life" sounded a bit intense, it perfectly matched his vision.

After all, his single-life ending explicitly mentioned a future filled with like-minded friends.

In other words, he was moving in the right direction.

From here on, all he needed to do was maintain this friendship with her.

"Eh? What about me?"

Upon hearing Takamatsu's declaration, Shiina Taki perked up and asked eagerly.

If Kamigawa could be her lifelong friend, then surely she could, too?

At least, that's what she thought. But self-assumptions only go so far.

Until she heard it directly from Takamatsu, she couldn't be certain.

So, she sought confirmation.

"You too, for life."

Takamatsu turned to her and nodded with genuine sincerity.

Every member of the band was equally important to her!

"Mhm."

Shiina Taki beamed, feeling completely satisfied. A look of pure happiness crossed her face.

She'd known it—friends for life.

"Something about this atmosphere feels kinda weird," Chihaya Anon muttered. "Like we're playing some 'best friends forever' game or something."

"Huh?! Our friendship isn't that shallow!" Shiina Taki snapped, sounding offended.

This was a symbol of her and Takamatsu's bond—she wouldn't let anyone belittle it.

"Alright, fine."

Anon couldn't be bothered to argue over something like this.

More than the nature of Taki and Takamatsu's friendship, she was focused on Kamigawa and Takamatsu's relationship.

Anything "for life" was incredibly serious!

Though, if they were always just friends, she supposed it wouldn't be an issue.

As for Takamatsu's heavy proclamation, Nagasaki Soyo only noted it at first and then dismissed it from her mind.

Kamigawa having a lifelong friend didn't conflict with her role as his older sister, so it wasn't something to worry about.

In fact, as his sister, she felt she should be happy that he had trustworthy friends.

After all, Takamatsu wasn't some mysterious stranger.

What a shame…

Kamigawa collected the cards and sighed inwardly.

They say, "a friend's friend is not necessarily my friend."

Otherwise, he could have considered himself friends for life with Shiina Taki as well.

That would've been a significant step in his strategy.

But he could only dream.

"Alright, break time's over. We should get back to studying."

Nijika Ijichi hadn't forgotten her earlier declaration that this was the final round of Old Maid and urged everyone to focus again.

"One more round?"

Yamada Ryo tried, unable to let go of the game so easily.

After so many rounds, she'd only won once—it felt unfair.

Nijika stayed firm, "No way. Quit stalling and let's get back to studying!"

Ryo looked to the others, hoping for some backup.

But no one joined in.

Kamigawa didn't respond either.

He'd gathered enough intel for the day and saw no need to keep playing.

"…"

Watching everyone bring their books to the coffee table, Ryo felt a pang of disappointment.

Was this how it ended for heroes, fighting alone against evil forces?

"Stop dragging your feet. I still need to tutor you."

Nijika was no "evil force"—she was as warm and kind as ever.

"Fine…"

Ryo accepted her fate.

As the game ended, Kamigawa put the cards away, returning to his seat to help Ikuyo Kita with her studies.

Gotoh Hitori, meanwhile, was paired up with Chihaya Anon.

---

And so, the study session continued peacefully into the evening.

"I think I finally understand how to tackle these types of problems now," Ikuyo Kita said, enlightened after Kamigawa's detailed explanation.

Kamigawa set down his pencil. "Practice a few more to make sure you've got it down."

"Got it." Ikuyo nodded earnestly, flipping open her workbook.

"So, what's everyone thinking for dinner tonight?"

Nagasaki Soyo scanned the room, taking in the group still diligently studying, and asked for their input.

It was getting late—about time to consider dinner.

"I'm not really that hungry," Shiina Taki admitted, realizing that Kamigawa's large snack supply had been a smart move.

She'd eaten enough snacks to feel full, so skipping dinner wouldn't be a problem.

"Same here."

"Yeah, I've had too many snacks to think about dinner."

The others all echoed her sentiments.

"Alright, then."

Nagasaki smiled, taking their answers in stride.

If they'd been hungry, she wouldn't have minded preparing something to help Kamigawa host.

But since everyone was full, there was no need.

Hearing Soyo mention dinner, Shiina Taki checked the time on her phone. "So, when were you all planning to wrap up this study session? It's already nine."

Though she was happy to tutor Takamatsu, time was an unavoidable issue.

"Well…"

Caught off guard by the question, everyone seemed unsure of how to answer.

"I think it'd be best to end soon; heading home too late isn't safe," Taki volunteered.

She understood how they were feeling—no one wanted to disrupt the mood by suggesting it was time to go.

But the study session couldn't go on forever; someone would have to call it.

If so, she'd be the "bad guy" and bring it up.

"True enough," Kamigawa agreed.

With his relationship with these nine girls, he'd never suggest they stay overnight.

And, as a guy, he knew he had to consider the impression it might give.

Chihaya Anon ventured, "So… shall we call it a night?"

"Yes, let's wrap it up. It's late enough already."

With that, they all started packing up, ready to head out.

"Now that I think about it, the study session went by so fast. Feels like we barely did any work before it was over."

"That's because we didn't get much done. We spent a ton of time playing games."

"…Fair point."

---

hey. weapon master's made it to scribble hub. profile's WiseTL. it's there if you're looking for it.

If you notice anything that feels off, just let me know—I don't mind fixing things up.

Oh, and don't forget to sit up, grab some water, and take it easy while you're here. No rush, right?

If you're into this, consider checking out [patreon.com/WiseTL]. 

Your support helps me keep going, and I'm grateful for every bit of it.