Interlude 3
Still clutching my racing heart, I entered my room.
Today was full of unexpected events.
Up close, Kurusu-kun was bigger than I remembered, more muscular, and my mind went blank. The math formulas I’d memorized might’ve flown out of my head from the shock.
I sighed, thinking I’d have to relearn them, but I felt oddly floaty.
Despite everything, it was a fun day.
“Ha…”
—My chest hurts.
The moment I told myself it was a fun day, a sharp pain stabbed my heart, as if punishing the lie.
I know why.
“Don’t be ridiculous. After everything we’ve been through, that wouldn’t change anything. Looks, personality—none of it matters.”
Those were kind words.
Words filled with his sincerity.
But—my chest hurts.
Yes, nothing changes.
To him, I’m always Nightmare of Calamity.
No matter how much I struggle or try to change, it doesn’t reach his eyes.
Worst of all, hearing those words sparked a fleeting suspicion in me.
Through this election, under his guidance, I’ve experienced so much.
I’ve spoken in front of people again, like before.
I’ve worn someone’s clothes and been photographed, like before.
My grades have improved enough to teach others, like before.
—Like before.
Each step feels necessary, natural.
But looking at the big picture, I sense something contrived.
A nagging doubt lingers in my mind.
Is Kurusu-kun, through this election, trying to turn me back into Mea?
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