Other people's growth is also learning

　　"Rui-chan, are you okay?"

　　A worried voice sounded in her ears.

　　Rui raised her head and looked at the girl who cared about her.

　　She answered softly.

　　"There isn't anything."

　　"My expression is so ugly, doesn't it look like it's nothing?"

　　 Fumino looked worried.

　　Rui didn't say anything.

　　Yotsuba calmed her expression a bit, looked at her level, and spoke in a serious tone.

　　"Rui-chan, wherever you feel uncomfortable, as long as I can help you, just tell me it's okay!"

　　"We are partners who have fought side by side!

　　"Friends must help each other. It doesn't matter if they are fighting zombies or killing titans. Don't be polite with me!"

　　The other people around Yotsuba also nodded in agreement, and waited for her answer.

　　"…"

　　Rui pursed her lips in silence.

　　She suddenly asked.

　　"Even if I have nothing to do with that man, do you still have the same attitude?"

　　The unexpected question stunned the four of them.

　　But soon, Rizu answered without hesitation.

　　"If you mean I care about you, my behavior is not influenced by anyone. I just do what I want to do."

　　Itsuki also said to her solemnly: "Although I don't know what you think, but I can guarantee that my attitude towards you has nothing to do with Asada-kun."

　　Yotsuba nodded vigorously.

　　"Yes! Because we have played the game together and know that the other person is a good person, the relationship between us can become even better, that's all! It has nothing to do with Asada-san!"

　　"No, I think it's related."

　　Fumino's words made the other four people turn their gazes towards her.

　　She glanced at Shinichi first. He seemed to realize that the atmosphere here was a bit strange, but he didn't come to ask directly.

　　Then turning around, Fumino faced Rui, and spoke warmly.

　　"Without Asada-kun, our chances of getting to know Rui-chan would be much reduced. It would also be difficult for us to study together at Asada-san's house, go to a festival to eat, drink and have fun together, and work together to fight zombies in an amusement park in such a short time.…"

　　"These are all gifts from Asada-san."

　　"Because of him, we can tell you this here, and because of him, we can take care of you like this."

　　Every word flowed into Rui's heart.

　　"But what's most important isn't who we met you with, but what we experienced together and what we said together afterwards—"

　　Fumino looked at Rizu, Yotsuba, and Itsuki, finally they met Rui's eyes.

　　The next moment, a smile appeared on Fumino's face.

　　"It is precisely because of things that have nothing to do with Asada-kun that Tachibana Rui is not his 'cousin'. She seems difficult to get along with, but in fact she is gentle, and she is a cute little sister."

　　Rui's cheeks became slightly red.

　　 Fumino took a deep breath, and she spoke loudly and authentically.

　　"So, don't think too much, we are all Rui-chan's friends! Isn't it natural for a friend to care about friend?"

　　Passionate words and several others nodded their heads, looking at Rui with smiles.

　　"…"

　　Being stared at by the cheerful gazes of a group of people, Rui felt like she was being warmed by the midday sun even though she was indoors.

　(What am I doing...)

　　(That's what they are like... Completely different from me. They are a group of gentle girls who can still express their kindness to others straightforwardly even though they are manipulated by their emotions...)

　　(Looking back at myself during this period, how many dirty thoughts were there in my heart?)

　　(Angry, jealous, envious, timid, sullen, and awkward)

　　(Compared to them, they are nothing in comparison...)

　　(No, it seems like that can't be said. Because aren't all girls in love like that?)

　　"Hmph..."

　　Rui smiled.

　　(On the path that only I knew how to advance, I was a little confused, and now I'm being pushed back to the right path)

　　"Well, thank you for your concern. I will be fine."

　　Rui smiled and said every word to them.

　　"I am very happy to be considered a friend by you. Thank You."

　　"…"

　　Everyone laughed with various emotions and the atmosphere was colored with a relaxed color.

　　"...Oh, I see!"

　　Rizu muttered to herself.

　　Fumino turned her head strangely.

　　"What's wrong, Ricchan?"

　　Rizu looked at the smile on Rui's face, and her expression pondered for a moment. Then she shook her head and smiled slightly.

　　"No, it's okay."

　　"Eh? Don't tease other people~" Fumino was getting more and more curious.

　　Because this was the first time she saw her friend show such a mysterious expression.

　　Rizu didn't speak, but continued to stare at Rui.