Chapter 39: People are creatures that do not change easily

“Just send it. It was just a normal thank-you message… right?”

“Do you really think so?”

As Koga’s stern question caused me to furrow my brow, I checked the DM from Miss Code once again.
[Kaino Izumi: Thank you so much for everything until now, Koga.]

“Hmm.”

…What’s the problem here?

Sending a look full of questions, Koga let out a big sigh and spoke.

“Why did you add ‘until now’? It makes it sound like you won’t see them again.”

“…Huh?”

Come to think of it, it does give off that kind of vibe…

There’s a good way to handle moments like these.

You just have to reverse the roles and think about it from the other side.

For example, what if Koga suddenly sent a message like:

[Koga Suzuha: Thanks so much for being my friend until now.]

How would I feel?

“…Gasp.”

It really does feel like they’re saying goodbye forever, doesn’t it?

Conversations with people are surprisingly deep.

“Now do you understand?”

“Yes, I, um, I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to send it that way…”

“As long as that’s the case, then it’s fine. Geez…”

“Uh, K-Koga?”

“Geez, seriously…”

Before I knew it, droplets of water started falling from Koga’s jet-black eyes.

Because of me, Koga was crying.

“Hic, seriously. You’re making me, sob, worry…”

“K-Koga? Um, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry. I’m really sorry…”

“I already knew. Sob. After you did that collab with Kurokami-senpai, I knew there was a fallout… Hic. And I knew you were ego-searching, looking up all the negative stuff about yourself…”

“I-I’m sorry…”

“If it was so hard, why didn’t you tell me? Is it because I’m short? Sob. Was I too unreliable to confide in…? I was… I was so worried Izumi might start having terrible thoughts…”

As Koga buried her head into my shoulder, her tears slowly soaked through my pajamas.

“We’re friends, right? So why don’t you lean on me when you’re struggling?”

“I’m sorry.”

I know it’s too late for an apology.

But just because it’s late doesn’t mean I shouldn’t say it.

“I’m sorry… I made a promise with you, Koga… We promised to think less negatively, but I… I kept having bad thoughts, and I was scared… I was so scared you’d be disappointed if you knew, so I couldn’t say anything… I’m sorry…”

“Alright, I’ll head back.”

“Huh? Uh, but, shouldn’t you stay over?”

“It’s fine. I brought my car for a reason. Plus, I have plans tomorrow.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

I felt a wave of guilt, thinking about how Koga came over late at night because of my DM…

Reading my thoughts, Koga smirked and raised her hand.

“You’re still a student, Izumi. It’s okay to rely on adults a little more.”

Then, she gently patted my head with such kindness and warmth.

Since I was taller, I had to look down at Koga, but her touch was comforting despite that.

“Hehe…”

“Hah… You’re really such a handful.”

Like you can talk. There’s no convincing power coming from someone so short.

Especially someone who was just crying on my shoulder.

“You were thinking something weird again, weren’t you?”

“N-No, I wasn’t…”

“…Pfft.”

“Hehe…”

After the familiar back-and-forth, we both burst into laughter.

“Now I really should get going. I’ll message you tomorrow, so be sure to answer.”

“Yes, p-please drive safely.”

“Izuto-mo are worried about you too, so make sure to stream tomorrow.”

“I-I will…”

“And Izumi!”

“Eek…?!”

Suddenly, Koga grabbed my cheeks, forcing me to face her.

What I saw was her red, tear-streaked eyes and her pitch-black pupils.

“When you’re saying goodbye to a friend, at least look them in the eye! Got it?”

As our eyes met, my head started spinning, and my breath grew short.

“Haa, hoo… Ughhh…”

Chapter 39: People are creatures that do not change easily

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