"But we can’t rest easy just yet. While it’s true Neries has taken a step forward, a single moment could undo everything she’s gained."
"W-Why do you think that?"
"The human heart is a fragile thing. Even when you think you’re looking forward, the slightest provocation can send you spiraling back down. There may still be a Darkness of the Heart within Neries that hasn’t been fully purged. It isn’t the kind of problem that can be solved with a single conversation."
Ryuga’s words were heavy with the weight of personal experience.
Just as he had once begun to look forward through his bond with Yugo and the others, only to be consumed by revenge again after learning Raiha’s secret... Neries’s resolve could easily crumble given the right trigger.
Understanding the truth in his warning, Raiha asked a question, her voice tinged with a lingering sense of guilt.
"Then what do you think we should do? What can we do for Neries-san?"
"I’d like to tell you 'Don’t ask me questions,' but... it would be annoying to be called short-tempered for it again. It’s none of your concern, but I’ll give you an answer."
As evidenced by his earlier attitude toward Setsuna, Ryuga was subtly cold toward the Warrior Shrine Maidens.
However, he was attempting to improve in his own way. He was trying to interact with Raiha by suppressing the complex emotions he harbored toward her.
Ryuga, who would have normally brushed such a question aside with his trademark catchphrase, accepted the inquiry. Despite his slightly thorny tone, he began to lay out his thoughts.
"As I said before, solitude is what nurtures Negative Emotion. It’s fine while she’s with Yugo and the rest of us, but the moment she’s alone in her room, the loneliness might cause that Darkness of the Heart to resurface."
"In other words, someone needs to stay by her side?"
"Precisely. It would have been ideal if she had a roommate to talk to, but unfortunately, Neries is on her own. That’s the problem."
"Then wouldn’t it be best for one of her friends to move in? I heard there’s an empty bed in her room..."
"No. Considering Peewee’s personality, she would fret over Neries more than necessary if they were alone. Right now, Neries is trying to recover by applying a splint to her broken heart. Fussing over her in such a state is like poking and prodding at an open wound. It would likely have a negative effect."
"Then, if you were to warn Peewee-san about that, Ryuga-san..."
"That wouldn't work either. Neries knows Peewee’s personality inside out. She isn't a fool; she would immediately realize her friend was walking on eggshells around her. That would only make her feel depressed in a different way."
"Th-That’s quite complicated, isn't it?"
"Yes, it’s tedious. That is the nature of issues of the heart."
At Ryuga’s words—rejecting one suggestion after another—Sakura groaned, a pained expression crossing her face.
While Ryuga shrugged his shoulders in agreement, Yugo approached the group with staggering steps, having finally finished his chastisement.
"Ryuga...! You... you could have at least tried to stop Ann...! You’re the reason she was mad in the first place!"
"My apologies. But we were just discussing something important."
"Eh? What? What were you talking about?"
Skillfully changing the subject, Ryuga explained the situation to Yugo.
Yugo listened and nodded along, eventually replying with a troubled expression.
"Yeah... I was worried about her not having a roommate, too. Having someone you can vent your anxieties to when things get tough is a huge deal. I’d really like someone to stay by Neries’s side..."
"But Ryuga says selecting that person is the hard part," Melt noted. "What are we going to do?"
"Can't it be one of us? Setting aside the male members and the two from the Elementary Division, I mean."
"It’s unlikely," Ryuga replied. "Melt’s personality is too bright, and since Ann and the Warrior Shrine Maidens belong to different departments or hold different social positions, Neries would likely feel a sense of alienation and pressure. Besides, Yugo is the exception to the rule; it’s questionable whether Neries would open her heart to a complete stranger."
Setsuna and the others began to list the requirements to organize their thoughts.
"Their personality must be neither too close nor too far. Someone who can maintain a distance where they can gently support her without being overbearing..."
"And they must be an acquaintance she’s already familiar with, so it wouldn’t be awkward if they suddenly became roommates, right?"
"Naturally, since it’s the Female Dormitory, it has to be a girl... This really is difficult."
"This is more of a bonus, but someone who shares a commonality with Neries would be best," Ryuga added. "It would make it easier for her to open up."
"The more I hear, the more impossible it seems," Raiha sighed. "Is there truly anyone who satisfies all these conditions?"
As they listed the requirements, it became clear just how high the bar was set.
Yui began to doubt if such a student even existed at the academy, but Yugo seemed to have an epiphany as he listened.
"Hmm? Hmmm...?"
Something was clicking.
It felt like there was someone who perfectly fulfilled every single condition... As he pondered, he suddenly realized who it was and clapped his hands together.
"Ah! That person exists!"