Chapter 26 On Her Lap

On Her Lap

“…”

I open my eyes. The sky is dark and I see Aoi-senpai’s face and chest in front of me. I’m confused as to what is happening.

I seem to be in Aoi-senpai’s lap.

I try to remember, but my mind is so foggy that I can’t figure out why I was on her lap.

Looking around, I realize that this is where I usually eat lunch.

“… Ah, you’re awake. Good morning, Hiiragi-kun…”

“Morning? Aoi-senpai… Is this …?”

When Shiramine-san called me, I thought she was going to kill me, but she told me about her past and that’s how I became …

I can’t remember anything because my head hurts when I try to remember.

Maybe I don’t want to remember. …

Aoi-senpai looked as if she was reluctant to say something, then began,

“This is our usual place. The reason you’re here is… it was your conversation with Shiramine-san about the past.”

“…about the past?”

Ah…yes. She told me the truth about what happened, and…

Shuu-kun, I’m sorry. I love you, I love you… A monster. …

Just as my head was spinning and my vision was about to blur, Aoi-senpai patted my head.

“Don’t worry, I’m here. It’s okay.”

“… Thank you.”

The words that had been spinning around in my head until a moment ago began to scatter. My head, which seemed to be losing track of everything, slowly returned to normal, and before I knew it, I felt my shallow breathing deepen.

Every time Aoi-senpai patted my head, I felt a little warmth in my chest.

“I’m sorry for causing you trouble. And for doing this to me. I’ll get up from your lap soon…”

I tried to raise my head, thinking that Aoi-senpai’s knees would hurt as well, but she said,

“That’s okay, leave it like this a little longer, I’m happier with you on my knees like this.”

I’m sorry for causing Aoi-senpai all kinds of trouble.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”

“It’s okay. I’ve told you many times that I’m Hiiragi-kun’s friend, so I don’t think you’re bothering me, and I’m just happy to be with Hiiragi-kun.”

Her face broke into a smile, and she added,

“But school is closing soon, so it’ll only be for a little while.”

After a few minutes of Aoi-senpai patting me on the head, she and I got up and left the school.

We slowly walked home.

“Do you think we can walk home together tomorrow?”

“Yes. I don’t have any plans.”

“I see. I’m glad to hear that.”

For some reason, Aoi-senpai’s presence walking beside me made me feel warm, and I wondered a little about this strange feeling.