This experience was a valuable lesson and an excellent learning opportunity for me.
I felt as though I had overdone things without any restraint, but I was relieved to see that Takanashi-san seemed happy.
If a similar opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly put this experience to good use.
I truly wanted to make Takanashi-san happy.
...The time I spent taking care of Takanashi-san had been so fulfilling that, before I knew it, our time together had come to an end.
Even now, if I closed my eyes, Takanashi-san’s room came vividly to mind. I caught myself thinking that if I simply looked to my side, I would find Takanashi-san there with his adorable sleeping face.
It had only been a few days, yet being with Takanashi-san had come to feel natural... but it was over now, wasn't it?
I suppose those few days were even more enjoyable than I had realized... surely, that was why...
Chararara~♪
It was Natsumi again.
"...Good evening, Natsumi."
"Good evening! It’s time for the daily report~"
"Fufu... what is that supposed to be?"
"Well, I figured all sorts of things might have happened today, too."
"It wasn't much different from yesterday. If anything was different, it was just that I did some laundry and cleaning."
"I see. Did you happen to find anything while you were cleaning?"
"Ah..."
"Hm!? What was that reaction? Oh boy... you really did find something. Did you make sure to play dumb? You aren't mad, are you?"
"Um... I don't believe there is any reason for me to be angry."
"Oh? That's unexpected. Were you always that broad-minded, Sara? Or wait, did you only forgive him because it’s Takanashi-kun?"
"......Um, Natsumi... how did you know about Takanashi-san’s graduation yearbook...?"
"......Huh? Graduation yearbook?"
"Yes... tucked away in the back of the closet, there was a graduation yearbook... though it had been scribbled over..."
In truth, I knew that looking through his things without permission was wrong.
However, I couldn't stop myself from wondering if I might learn even a little bit about his Middle School Days—those years he had suffered through so much—and I ended up opening the yearbook.
I identified Takanashi-san’s class immediately.
There were pages where both the group photo and the portrait photos had been scribbled out.
Kazunari Takanashi... there was no doubt that this was his class.
Looking closely, there were two photos that had been defaced much more violently than the others.
Kazuma Yamasaki
Yuzuha Sasagawa
......At that time, Takanashi-san said he had punched someone because he couldn't forgive them. If so, the boy was likely that person.
And if that was the case, the childhood friend was Yuzuha Sasagawa... a girl...
"......Sara, honestly, this involves Takanashi-kun’s privacy, so we shouldn't be prying or investigating... but you actually looked at that album, didn't you?"
"...Yes. I knew it wasn't right, but..."
"Don't worry about that for now. So, it really was scribbled over?"
"Yes. Two people in particular were defaced quite aggressively."
"I see... got it. As I thought, let's just forget about this until Takanashi-kun is ready to talk about it himself. But just one thing—I have a bit of a lead of my own, so if you remember the names, send them to me on RAIN later."
"I will."
"Alright, let's change the subject. So, after nursing him around the clock, did you have any special thoughts or feelings?"
"...Let's see... perhaps a few."
"Oh? Tell me."
"...Yes. Taking care of Takanashi-san gave me a great... a very deep sense of fulfillment. I suppose it might be insensitive of me to say, but I think I enjoyed it quite a bit... despite feeling sorry for Takanashi-san."
"Well, that much is fine."
"Perhaps that is why... um... since I was with Takanashi-san the whole time these past few days, the thought of it ending today..."
"Makes you feel a little lonely?"
"...Eh?"
"Are you feeling lonely because your time with Takanashi-kun is over for now?"
"...Yes... I believe so."
"I see. (The fact that she’s started to feel lonely without him is a bit of progress. If only there were some kind of catalyst...)"
"I hope Takanashi-kun can come to school tomorrow."
"Yes. However, I will not let him push himself. I will check his health condition tomorrow morning, and if I judge it to be difficult, I will insist he stays home."
"That’s for the best. Well, see you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
I hoped that Takanashi-san would be able to come to school tomorrow.
But if he still had to rest, then tomorrow as well...
There I was, thinking insensitive thoughts again.