Chapter 67: Signs of Silence

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Translator: Soafp

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Kagura's fingers gently touch my cheek. Her fingertips are warm and tender, and that only tightens the knot in my chest. Even though I thought I had stopped crying, my eyes gradually feel heated again.

“…I’m sorry, Kagura.”

My voice trembles.

“Kagura, you faced me so seriously… and yet, here I am, like this…”

Wiping away my tears, I slowly sit up. Seeing this, Kagura lets out a small sigh and then chuckles.

“Somehow, I figured this might happen.”

Her smile is mixed with a hint of exasperation, but there’s also a softness and warmth to it.

“You're such an idiot, Hajime.”

Kagura gently strokes my hair. The trembling in her fingertips wasn't just my imagination.

“Just the fact that you’re facing me is enough.”

Her words sink deep into my chest.

Kagura stands up and re-wraps the towel around her body that she had taken off. For a moment, I catch a glimpse of her slender figure, and I quickly avert my eyes.

“…Um…”

“Fufu, did you want to see more?”

Kagura giggles, and somehow, she seems dazzling.

“No, that's not what I…”

“You're not being honest. Well, that’s fine.”

Kagura shrugs and slowly fixes her hair. Her movements are strangely sensual, and I find myself looking away again.

“Hey, Hajime. Do you find it hard to believe what I told you earlier?”

“What you told me earlier?”

“That Marin said it was okay for me.”

I couldn't answer. My mind was too muddled to sort everything out.

“But you know, that's trust. It’s because she cares about you, Hajime.”

There was something serious in Kagura's voice. It sounded like she was joking, but there was sincerity in her eyes.

Just as we were talking about that—

The sound of an incoming call rang out in the room.

Kagura checked her phone, and her expression changed.

“…Marin?”

Muttering softly, Kagura answered the phone.

“Hello? What's going on?”

At first, she spoke in her usual tone, but as she listened to the voice on the other end, her expression gradually darkened.

“Koda's office…? Yeah… yeah… and then?”

Kagura's voice was calm, but her hand gripped the phone a little tighter. I could hear her sigh softly in frustration from time to time.

“Huh? …That's… okay, I got it. I'll go. It's fine, just wait for me.”

After saying that, Kagura took the phone from her ear and ended the call. Then, she cast her eyes downward, just for a moment.

I held my breath.

“Did something happen?”

The words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them. Kagura glanced at me for a second but quickly averted her eyes and gave a slightly troubled smile.

“…Sorry. I can't say much right now, but I'm going to meet Marin and talk.”

Her voice was soft, but there was a certain tension in her expression.

“Shouldn't I come with you?”

I started to say, but Kagura shook her head slightly.

“It's fine. This is a matter of the office, so it doesn't really concern you, Hajime. But I'll make sure to talk to her, so don't worry.”

Kagura's eyes were serious, and I could see a strong resolve in them. But there was also a trace of guilt.

“…I see.”

I was really anxious, but all I could do was trust her right now.

“Sorry, Hajime. I'll explain everything when I get back.”

Kagura smiled faintly. That smile looked just a little sad.

All I could do was nod slightly.

Kagura quickly changed her clothes, phone in hand, and prepared to leave the room.

“Wait, Kagura.”

I called out impulsively, and she turned around.

“…Yes?”

“Don't push yourself too hard. If anything happens, contact me right away.”

Hearing my words, Kagura's eyes widened slightly in surprise. But then, she smiled gently.

“Thanks, Hajime. Don't worry, I'll be back soon.”

With that, Kagura left the room.

The sound of the door closing echoed quietly. I sat down on the bed and let out a sigh.

Marin and Kagura. What kind of conversation do the two of them have that I don't know about? I'm curious. But for now, I have to trust her.

I gazed up at the ceiling and closed my eyes absentmindedly. The ticking of the clock’s second hand sounded unusually loud.

Suddenly, Kagura's smile floated to the forefront of my mind.

When will I be able to touch the true feelings hidden behind that smile?

I pushed down the unease stirring in my chest and closed my eyes quietly.

The ticking of the clock was the only sound that echoed in the still room.

—For now, all I can do is wait.