"Tsubasa Amagiri, you… do you have something to tell us?"
Saya Takagi looked from Saeko Busujima to Marikawa Shizuka, and finally settled her gaze on Tsubasa Amagiri. Although she had been pursuing him for two years, this was their first real interaction.
For some reason, a nervous flutter stirred within her.
Rei Miyamoto remained silent, clutching her javelin, her eyes fixed on Tsubasa Amagiri with apprehension.
"There is indeed something I need to clarify with you all!"
Tsubasa Amagiri glanced at Rei Miyamoto, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. Ever since their previous encounter, he'd sensed a strange intensity in her gaze, though he couldn't quite decipher it.
Thankfully, Saya Takagi, the pink-haired tsundere, seemed her usual self.
"As you know, the number of survivors within the academy is likely dwindling. Our next step is to find a way to escape these grounds."
"As for what comes after, I haven't fully mapped it out. We'll have to take it one step at a time…"
"Since I saved you both, I won't abandon you here to die. I'll do my best to get you out with us. However, once we're beyond the academy walls, I believe it would be best if we part ways."
"Part ways?"
Surprise etched itself onto Saya Takagi's delicate features as she looked at Tsubasa Amagiri.
Rei Miyamoto's grip on her javelin tightened, her eyes reflecting anxiety and a hint of panic as she stared at Tsubasa Amagiri.
Would she be abandoned after all? What should she do? How could she ensure Tsubasa Amagiri wouldn't leave her behind?
Yes! Tsubasa Amagiri must be disappointed in her. If she just didn't let him down again, he wouldn't give up on her!
"Tsu… Tsubasa Amagiri, why do we have to separate?"
"We just went through a life-or-death situation together, and now we're finally together after so much difficulty…"
Damn it! Girl, you're really laying it on thick, aren't you?
Tsubasa Amagiri was taken aback. "Takagi… I'm really not that familiar with you!"
"You're lying!!"
Saya Takagi's eyes welled up. "I wrote you so many love letters and made you so many lunch boxes! How can you say you're not familiar with me?…"
Before she could continue, Tsubasa Amagiri cut her off.
"Takagi-san, my girlfriend is Saeko!"
Damn it! Is this a zombie apocalypse or a melodramatic high school romance? Tsubasa Amagiri wondered.
The most baffling thing was!
She claimed to have liked him for two years, yet he genuinely didn't know her!
Today marked their very first actual conversation!
Saya Takagi, the renowned academic prodigy of Fujimi High, a well-bred young lady, undeniably pretty, and… well-endowed, with her signature pink hair and twin ponytails…
Could a tsundere personality truly prevent someone from even a casual acquaintance for two whole years?
As his girlfriend, Saeko Busujima should probably intervene, Tsubasa Amagiri mused.
But she wasn't glued to his side 24/7, Saya had ample opportunities! Even if he had reciprocated, her lack of initiative was astounding!
If Tsubasa Amagiri had any recollection of interactions with Saya Takagi, this whole awkward exchange wouldn't be happening.
"Let's face reality!"
Tsubasa Amagiri looked directly at Saya Takagi. "This is the end of the world. Everyone is fighting for survival. I'm not from around here, I have no relatives and no one to rely on!"
"But you're different!"
"Takagi, your father is a high-ranking government official. Once you leave the academy, you can find protection by returning to him."
"Miyamoto-san, if I remember correctly, your father holds a high position in the police force. You can find safety with him."
"To be honest!"
"You're following me because you're scared, and frankly, you might end up being more trouble than help. Do you understand now?"
"I…"
Rei Miyamoto, who had been silent until now, suddenly stepped forward. She looked intently at Tsubasa Amagiri, her previously nervous eyes now filled with a surprising resolve.
"Classmate Tsubasa Amagiri, I started practicing naginatajutsu in my first year of middle school. When I entered high school, I joined the club. In terms of strength, while I may not be as skilled as senior Dudao, I will definitely not be a burden to you. Please let me follow you, I won't cause you any trouble!"
"Besides…"
"I haven't been able to contact my father for a long time, so even if we separate, I'll have nowhere to go!"
"If…"
At this point, she gritted her teeth, as if summoning all her courage, and continued,
"If you're still angry with me for what happened before… you can hit me again."
"As long as you don't give up on me and let me stay with you, that's all I ask!!"
Having said her piece, she fixed her gaze on Tsubasa Amagiri, her eyes brimming with hope.
Tsubasa Amagiri didn't respond to Rei Miyamoto directly but turned to Saeko Busujima beside him.
"What do you think?"
Saeko Busujima was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected Tsubasa Amagiri to seek her opinion.
"Miyamoto did join the naginata club when she entered high school, and she showed great promise, winning several prestigious awards."
"While she may not offer any direct advantages, she can provide a good deal of practical assistance."
Saeko Busujima's words were concise, yet her meaning was clear.
You can bring Rei Miyamoto along.
"Okay, then follow me for now. As for the future, we'll discuss it later."
Tsubasa Amagiri nodded.
He had no doubts about Rei Miyamoto's capabilities.
After all, surviving the rooftop encounter alongside Takashi Komuro demonstrated a strength that surpassed many.
"Thank you, Tsubasa Amagiri! Thank you, Busujima-senpai!!"
Hearing Tsubasa Amagiri's acceptance, Rei Miyamoto hurriedly bowed to both of them and then moved to Tsubasa Amagiri's side, though she maintained a respectful distance.
Marikawa Shizuka was her usual oblivious self, and Saeko Busujima was his steadfast girlfriend!
What was she?
Just being allowed to stand beside Tsubasa Amagiri was enough for now.
"Tsubasa Amagiri, I understand now!"
At this moment, Saya Takagi finally recovered from her shock and, simultaneously, a realization dawned on her – a reason why Tsubasa Amagiri might not want to separate from her after all.