Chapter 4

But. Just when Yuuta-kun was about to cross a dangerous bridge, you stopped him with your quick thinking.

By secretly slipping a Desert Coin in my pocket.

You didn’t really get the orders from Yuuta-kun to do that, did you?

The only thing he told you to do was snatch the Coins from my pocket.

But in order to save us from total annihilation and to stop Yuuta-kun from betraying us, you snuck that Desert Coin into my pocket.

And why do you think that?

Just a hunch. It was just how things developed, but we did spend two whole weeks together. Maybe I’ve started to understand how you feel a little better.

It’s probably just a subconscious habit, but you always let out whatever’s on your mind to whoever’s with you. I think anyone would’ve noticed—not just me.

You were lost, scared, anxious—You were always smiling and saying dumb things, but you kept looking like you were asking for help.

You were afraid that Yuuta-kun was changing, weren’t you?

He's your beloved family that used to always be on the same page as you, and then suddenly you can’t even understand what he’s thinking anymore—

You think you know everything, don’t you Senpai?

I was just thinking my family probably felt the same way as you.

Even though I was a hard-working honors student, I suddenly stopped listening to what they had to say—And on top of that, I started talking about wanting to be an idol.

They didn’t understand that; maybe I looked like some kinda monster to them.

And not understanding something is scary, right? I get that now, and I regret never trying to talk to them earlier to try and reach an understanding, no matter how long it took.

But it’s just as scary to not be understood. I’m afraid of scaring people, so I’ve always kept my distance from others.

But if you keep pushing people away, then you’ll be even less understood.

So just. I want you to hold onto Yuuta-kun, and don’t give up on him. Just like my family did for me.

I was saved thanks to them. And now I can say I’m pretty happy with my life.

Of course, that’s not just because of them. I have my friends to thank as well, and all the countless people who saw me and gave me their love.

But when it comes down to it, your family is always the first one you can turn to.

Well, the world is filled with terrible parents, so this is probably just a rose-colored opinion from someone in a position of privilege.

But even still, I want to do everything I possibly can to make you both smile—Since I love you both so much.

Aw, you’re so nice, Hakaze-senpai~ Even though we totally betrayed you and almost ruined your whole career.

Being able to forgive someone no matter how badly they’ve treated you just shows how much you love them, right? This might sound like a joke, but I really do love every single person around me right now.

I wanna tell the people I care about that I love them by saying it as much as I can, before it’s too late. And that’s why I’m working as an idol now.

Hmm~ If that’s the case, then why don’tcha go confess to Anzu-san already~?

W–well that’s a-whole-nother thing, isn’t it?!

Well, love and love are different, so~

It’s not that either?!

Then what is it…? Whatever, it’s fine.

I get it. It’s an idol’s job to make everyone’s wishes come true, so I'll do my best to grasp the future you want for me.

Yeah. Great answer, you’re such a good kid ♪

Here’s your present for being so good.

? What’s this~? A Desert Coin?

This is completely worthless now though, isn’t it? Can you even call this a present?

I’m not giving it to you, I’m returning it. I’d like to think I’ve paid off what I borrowed to you now.

So now that we’re back on equal standing, without any debts hovering over us, I’d like to ask you this again.

We’re always having a hard time because we’re both surrounded by total weirdos. So why don’t we work towards living happily with those lovable weirdos?

Let’s work together, just like we did to survive in the desert.

Yeah… All of us will die someday, but.

But until that day comes, I want to spend as much of my time as possible smiling and being happy.

I want that, too—We have the same wish. So that’s while I’ll do my best to grant it, just like you.

I’ll brave any storm, just to reach a happier future.

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”