Volume 2 - CH 2.3

The Angel in Plight

Translated by 64990022

Chapter 2: The Angel in Plight

Part 3

“So, you can’t be certain whether Hibiki has someone he likes or not. Then what about him with a girl, alone?”

I started our third call with the question.

Mikage paused for a moment, then sniffed endearingly, –”Hmmm…Not that I remember. But there’s no way of being sure either. He might be keeping secrets.”

“Wait, you’re not that close?”

–“Remember, we’re three years apart, when he’s in highschool, I’m in middle, when I’m in high, he’s at university.”

“Aah, that.”

That said, childhood friends with three years apart were a rarity, they weren’t even in the same kindergarten. Well, reality is full of surprises.

–”But, does Hibiki-kun’s romantic experience have anything to do with my confession?” Mikage asked the obvious in a doubtful manner.

Of course, why won’t it…

“If he’s had a girlfriend before, then there’s a lot more to take into account. It might be that he’s not interested in romance, needs time to heal, etc. Besides…”

–“Besides..?”

“He might have someone he likes, but can’t confess, just like you are.”

–“Hm…I guess so. Not sure I’d like that.” Again, her tone didn’t match the meaning. Don’t you ought to feel anxious, even a little? Or was she just dense?

“Think like this, it might be you. Each liked each other, but the other side didn’t know it. Double one-sided love.”

–“Aah, that. That’s my first time hearing ‘double one-sided love’ though, but you have a point.”

Hmm, you don’t? That’s the trending romance genre nowadays though. 

No, work first.

“Shouldn’t you be happy? If that’s the case, when you confess, everything’s as good as resolved.”

Optimistically, that may be the end of the case. And it wasn’t much of a stretch either, with Mikage-level, it was easy for Hibiki to fall for her. At least my judgment as the third party said so.

–“Umm… but I think, unfortunately, the chance’s slim.”

“May I ask why?”

–“From our interactions. He didn’t even seem upset about moving away.”

“Uh-huh…”

–“Pretty devastating for me though. Seeing him like that didn’t help, either.”

“I shouldn’t have asked.”

–“I don’t mind, it’s within your rights”

Hmm, sp this was the reason for her lack of confidence. If so, then this talk was necessary…

“I’ll say this clearly.”

–“Go ahead.” Again with the unconcerned voice.

Now that I had been with expressive Shida, Mikage was different in every way. How can you be so calm!

“We have three weeks left until Hibiki leaves, during that time, it will be hard to improve your image. Understood?”

–“So…?” This time, as expected, Mikage stiffened a little.

“You’ve known each other since childhood, your relationship has already been solidified to a certain extent too. You know him well and likewise. In short, there’s no much use in trying to appeal to him.”

Worse, from what she said, Hibiki was a model, and was already busy as he was. Consequently, they didn’t get to see each other often. That lessened the opportunity for approaches.

–“I’m sure that’s true. But still, I–”

“But”

–“Hn…”

“But, confidence has nothing to do with the result of the confession. You might succeed even if you don’t think you will. No, you will succeed, that’s what my personal judgment says at least.”

–“Thanks… Anything else?” As if she knew that I was going to continue.

“I’ve thought a lot. However, in the end, the only thing I can do in your case is to encourage you to take the next step. We’ll find a good way to confess your feelings.”

–“Right. Hm…”

Naturally, I did feel apologetic to her. The moment I knew about her time limit, I knew that I couldn’t give her a full consultation course.

Nonetheless, I felt that she made the right choice in coming to me. And I too, made the right choice of accepting her request. That might be selfish of me, but that was my genuine feelings.

–“So…no getting around it, confessing head-on. And whether I can do that or not depends on my courage.”

“Yes. Although I might not be able to help much…”

–“No, I’m the one who made absurd demands in the first place. It’s like what you’ve said, that’s the only way.”

“…”

I ran out of things to say, but Mikage seemed to have a different idea.

“Huh?” I asked, still not believing the laughter from my earphones.

–“haha. Sorry lots. But I think you shouldn’t have said that.”

“Eh?”

–“Say, what if I got scared? Even the Angel of Kuze High told me there’s nothing to do, isn’t that something to be panicked about? Haha, really…”

Ah… that’s how it is.

Wait, for that matter, aren’t you laughing way too much for someone who’s scared?

“I get it that this is now too late to increase the chance of success, but other than that, you can talk to me any time. Better talk it out with me than getting cold feet there.”

–“Yep, yep. Roger.” She said after giggling, her breath still came in gasps.

Hey, I’m being serious here…

–“Ahh,” she yawned. “You’re so serious. I didn’t expect you’d do this much”

“Likewise, I didn’t expect you’d be this laidback.”

–“Heh? I’m not, though, I’m anxious in my own way.”

Really…?

Well, I had to admit it was a lot smoother and more helpful than the emotional ups and downs type, though.