Chapter 1: His and the childhood friend's each happiness.

Having the contract with Kuroe his body became healthy, not having sleep for many days and he still didn't feel tired, that had to be an advantage right. That meant that he could do some extra works, and that was time saving efficiency.

But there was also the feeling of there was unnecessary time right. Because if one could get tired and sleep one would get a little better, since this was something that continued always. With just a mood continuing he couldn't sleep, his consciousness was always clear as if he could always think, such a thing could be called torture.

「Then, it's already 10 o'clock, master」

「…………yeah」

The clock was pointing at 10 o'clock in the morning.

「Comparatively after your vigorous declaration a considerable time had passed right?」

「…………I know」

Since the declaration of erasing Rikka's memories at dawn break, a few hours had already passed. In that period Tooya had always been sitting inside his room.

「Can't you just sneak in when she was sleeping?」

「Anyhow if it were erasing memories I think it wouldn't change.」

「I hate it you know」

She didn't want to do actions like making a sudden visit when they were asleep. Even though who just said if putting to words the result would be the same, but because it was somewhat having the feeling of cowardice.

「Even though you give all the decision making to me before」

「…………That's correct」

「Master had grown up」

「Is that a good thing?」

「Who knows」

As if poking fun at him, both her hands waved.

「Then, what to do master. As expected if it was this moment Rikka had wakened up and also finished her breakfast right. I think there wouldn't be a problem if we pay a visit?」

「Let's go」

Answered he stood up.

「…………after Rikka, we must also go to Mashiro, right?」

「That's right. Making her forget Aoi is also for her sake.」

Aoi had no longer existed in this world. How Tanaka would deal with it Tooya didn't know but for Mashiro who was close with her, surely for her to not receive a shock, it wouldn't happen. Much less, since she was Mashiro's sole friend in class.

「Then, up till which point master plans to erase?」

「Up till which point you said…………?」

「Mashiro's memory. As a matter of course the memory concerning Aoi would be erased, then what about the memory outside of it…………Erasing the memory about hanging out with Rikka up till now, or erasing all the memory concerning master?」

「That……」

If we're talking about reasoning, it would be to erase it all. Even if he erased his existence from Rikka, it would be strange if Mashiro was left alone herself. If deeming his own existence was dangerous then there would be no other choices.

However, if it was done then what would become of Mashiro. Even if Mashiro, who was isolated in class, would have no one to talk to…………because the only friend she had in class, Aoi, had been killed by Tooya. If Tooya disappeared she would be in solitude.

「There's also another thing to think about」

Reading Tooya's thoughts, Kuroe said.

「On the contrary it's because master is spending time with her so that Mashiro is isolated, it's the other way of thinking. Surely if master accompanied her then the isolation would be softened right? However there's the possibility that she relied on master and lost the will power to run alone. The group that happily extended a direct hand to Mashiro had been reduced, so may not be impossible that she could make friends again in class」

The origin of her bullying was because bad luck piled up, there was no problem with Mashiro herself. Or rather he thought that Mashiro's character was liked by people. Because she gave off the feeling that when things became difficult soon if you continued working hard then the effort would bear fruit.

「Moreover we also have no reason we have to settle these current affairs」

Completely removing all the source of trouble surrounding Mashiro, and creating a class environment that accepts Mashiro. It would be a simple matter if using Kuroe's power. With that Mashiro could separate from people like Tooya and could spend time normally…………Rather, why up till now he didn't come up with that. Even though if it was thinking for Mashiro's sake, it would be the best option.

That time when Tooya rescued Mashiro, she was at a thirst for a talking partner.

「Are you indirectly condemning that I'm not normal?」

「…………Normal people would not answer the voice in other's head」

He heaved a sigh.

「Well, what we will do is decided on master's liking 」

「I know that already」

In the end nothing could be done if Tooya didn't decide it.

「If so then before worrying about things that happens after you have to finish things ahead…………Certainly not because you hate finishing things ahead that you were worrying about things afterwards right?」

As he was still standing up, Tooya still hadn't taken a step.

「…………I know that already」

This time as if spitting out a breath, Tooya repeated.

Rikka's house was close to Tooya's. Because getting out of the house and if getting on the road, it wouldn't take 30 seconds to arrive to her house. Crossing the space of the wall and if walked a little more there would be a space which was the entrance.

「Won't you call them?」

「You don't have to tell me I'm calling them now」

Really he was only hesitating for around 10 second.

Pinpon

A mechanical, familiar sound reverberated.

「Yes, who is it?」

From the intercom he could heard a familiar voice. It was the voice of Rikka's mother. Although for an instance he thought that it should be the time she went to work, but when he thought about it very very hard, today was Sunday. It seemed it was the summer break's fault that his sense of day had become mostly improper.

「A, it's Kamisaki Tooya though」

「Ara Tooykun……Wait a bit」

After the voice was cut off he could hear the sound of her rushing. He thought that it was getting closer and making a sound the front door was opened. Appeared out of it was a face he remembered. Although she had the outward looks liked Rikka but she was a little taller, however if comparing to Rikka her figure was somewhat thicker. Certainly wrinkles were standing out somewhat but on the site of age she still looked rather young.

「Good morning」

「Ee, good morning. It's almost been a long time since I saw Tooykun」

「Eeto, you're right……」

Since he became estranged with Rikka it was inevitable that the chance meeting with Obsan face to face would decrease. Lately when he had been spending time with Rikka, because originally she was a busy working person, the timing to see each other hadn't matched.

「By the way you have some business with Rikka?」

「Ah, yes」

「As expected. But sorry, that girl just went out」

「Eh」

With a strange answer for an instance he was at a loss for word.

「Since early morning she went out with her friend…………Ah, the friend is of course a girl so it's fine, you don't need to worry right?」

「Worry you said……」

「Because she's your girl friend so you're worry right?」

In front of the clearly flustered Tooya, Rikka's mother floated a broad smile.

「Just before you went on a vacation to the beach together right? If you properly take responsibility then as the guardian I don't mind what you're doing?」

「No nono, since there weren't just two people went on the vacation but everybody did」

「In other words my daughter isn't your favorite to win?」

「That's not it…………Please forgive me」

Even if he made more of a great fuss than this, it would only throwing unnecessary fuel to the fire.

「Ara Tooykun had considerably grown up」

「…………I'm used to it」

Being Kuroe's master.

「Womanizing?」

「That's wrong」

Tooya remembered she was this kind of character, he heaved a sigh.

「Ahaha, that's a joke. Because I know Tooykun isn't that kind of boy…………Then, you said you have business with Rikka? Want me to rely the message to her?」

「No, I'll get in touch with her myself.」

「Ara is that so」

「With that please excuse us」

「If it's Sunday mostly I'll be here so come again」

Being sent off with a bright smile Tooya left Rikka's house behind. Immediately going back home and returned to his room it wouldn't be five minutes.

「…………Then」

At that moment finally Tooya opened his mouth.

「Why were you hiding yourself」

「That person was troublesome right?」

Without a shred of shyness Kuroe answered. Together they went out, together they headed to Rikka's house, but the time dealing with Rikka's mother her figure was not there. Although since Rikka's mother came out to receive him some time had passed, but he realized that if he's thinking about it there was no response from the other party, so since the start she wasn't here right.

「In other words you know Rikka's mother would come out from the start?」

In other words she knew Rikka wasn't here.

「Umu」

She nodded.

「…………Why don't you tell me that since the beginning?」

「Because you didn't ask」

Kuroe's answer was brief.

「Moreover it's not like I gasped the fact that Rikka had gone out. I only noticed her going out after only I had peeked inside…………That moment was after Master had pressed the chime」

Is that true, or is that a lie.

「Fine, whatever」

Knowing Kuroe was that kind of servant so it would be bad if he didn't confirm it.

「Did you heave a sigh of relief?」

「…………About what」

「If I don't say it out you wouldn't understand, my master isn't that foolish however?」

As ever she said something stupidly difficult.

「…………I did」

Saying a single word Tooya opened his mouth.

「Un?」

As if she didn't hear it she urged him.

「I heaved a sigh of relief hearing Rikka wasn't here…………Is that bad」

「No, it's good to be honest」

She smiled.

「With that even though speaking of courage or something it was something unsightly in the end」

She shrugged off her shoulders.

「So, what will you do?」

「Call her」

As expected with that, about things such as asking again Kuroe didn't do anything. Although heaving a sigh of relief was true but he didn't plan on stopping what he was doing. Meeting with Rikka and erasing her memories. For that sake he had to contact Rikka directly and got her to agree with the promise of meeting each other.

「This is truly my master」

「Be quiet」

With his eyes showing her not to talk anymore, he took the cell phone out with his hand. Rikka's number floated on, he pressed the call button and right after that he could hear the call sound.

The call sound continued.

「…………She doesn't answer」

Just like that he was connected to the answering service, Tooya cut the power.

It was good that Rikka wasn't home. It wasn't strange that she went out with friend. Although Tooya was isolated in class but Rikka was normally having a lot of friend. It was nothing weird that she went out with friend in the midst of break.

「It didn't connect?」

「…………Yeah」

Not answering the call was not something strange right. Although mostly they would notice it, there would be some times where one wouldn't notice right. If being in a crowd and not noticing the incoming call sound ringing it would not be mysterious.

It wasn't strange, it wasn't strange but………….Two things piled up together and a strange uneasiness spread in his chest.

「Kuroe」

「What is it?」

「Can you use clairvoyance to look for Rikka?」

「Impossible」

Immediately the answer was returned.

「I told you that my clairvoyance isn't that convenient right? For instance if it were about an exact place then I could use it, anyways it isn't suited to search for things that I don't know where it is」

「…………Then what is it good for」

「It's suited for scouting and monitoring right?」

「…………Ah, yeah」

「Then, why suddenly you want to look for Rikka?」

Inclining her neck she asked.

「No, because I couldn't contact her……」

「Is that strange?」

「…………Such thing」

Wasn't something unbelievable.

「I understand that both time your decisions had been dampened and you became a discouraged figure, but you're worrying too much」

「Since it will remain in the incoming call history, it would be fine if you just wait for her」

Kuroe's idea was a sound argument.

「I, guess so」

That would be for the best. Because it must be a coincidence that there were two things piled up.

Tooya floated on an expression of agreeing, Kuroe laughed at it.

「Well, if saying that means master wants to look into Rikka's private life then I'll have to obey such order」

「…………Am I a stalker or something」

「I think that was a statement closed to it」

Tooya breathed a sigh and pressed his forehead with his hand.

「Fine, until Rikka returns I'll sleep」

「Fumu, is that so」

「If the cell phone rings wake me up」

Telling that to Kuroe, Tooya collapsed on the bed.

Mysteriously sleep came immediately.

「Master」

Faintly he heard a voice inside his mind.

「Master」

Repeatedly calling

Inside his mind which was not functioning, he could understand that something was calling him

「Master」

Again it repeated.

How troublesome, he thought. Even though he wanted to sleep more.

「If you don't wake up I'll kiss you?」

Instantly his consciousness awakened.

「…………Even though you were being so stubborn why did you wake up because of that?」

「Your face is close」

Her face was in front of his eyes.

「First of all let go of me」

「That hurts my feeling……」

With a dejected expression Kuroe's face got further. After Tooya confirmed it he slowly raised his body.

「So then, what business is it?」

「…………Certainly I think that's very mean, master」

Having a sulking face Kuroe raised the cell phone.

「If it rings then wake me up, master entrusted it to me right」

Like a child Kuroe threw the cell phone at Tooya.

「…………My bad」

As expected Tooya had also felt bad and lightly apologized, then he opened the cell phone. Apparently it seemed a mail had arrived.

「It's from Rikka」

The sender's name was Rikka. After Kuroe looked at it, however as if saying "hey, look at this", she shrugged her shoulders.

「What's written in it?」

「I'm opening it right now」

Operating the cell phone he opened the mail.

【Sorry I didn't notice your incoming call. However there was neither recorded message nor mail, so I wonder was it urgent business or not? Moreover if you don't mind I have some business with Tooykun, so can we meet in the nearby park at 6 o'clock?】

The mail's words ended at that.

「The park huh……」

From the perspective of the other party there was a business with him, that would mean a godsend. Talking about the park it would be a little troublesome but if it were Kuroe's power then there wouldn't be any problem with eye witness right. Because of Rikka's conversation content the possibility of erasing her memory could be postponed was………… No, that would be running away. Since it would be troublesome if it became a problem so if it's only hearing i would be hearing and with Kuroe's power whatever it was it could be done, that was all. There was no obstacle in erasing Rikka's memories.

「I wonder about that」

Kuroe laughed.

「…………Don't suddenly read people's mind」

「Too late for that now」

Certainly it was too late but.

「Then, what do you want to say」

「No, if it's fine for master I too don't mind」

As ever with a suggestive speech she dodged the question.

「Looking at me with those kind of eyes……don't make me say something so boorish」

「Then don't say anything from the start」

「I can't do that」

She laughed.

「Because that would be the same as snatching away my life entertainment」

「If you went too far I'll use my order you bastard」

「That would be troublesome」

She shrugged her shoulders

「…………Haa」

Heaving a big sigh, with a fleeting glance he looked at the clock. When he was sleeping two hours had passed. Operating on his cell phone he sent a confirming mail to Rikka.

And after that four hours after…………It would be a goodbye with Rikka.

The summer day is long. Even though it was 6 o'clock the sun had yet to set, and the little park was illuminated by the sunlight. However, the figure of people were gone, in the park with no one in it, Rikka sit on its bench alone. The sunlight was still far from being called twilight, but even so her cheeks were dyed a little red.

「Ah, Tooykun」

Noticing him Rikka stood up.

「…………Was I late」

「Nope, you're just on time」

The park's clock was pointing at exactly six o'clock…………Going anymore sooner than this, Tooya didn't have the courage to. Since surely Rikka would come even sooner than him.………… Because surely she had came here a dozen of minutes faster, and had been continuously waiting for this time right.

「Thank you for coming here」

「…………Yeah」

The moment he came here and saw her expression, Tooya surely confirmed something would be bound to happen from now…………And that something Rikka had also noticed. If it were something he could do then he would've run away from that place. If it were now he could still make it…………Even so his leg couldn't move.

「You know, I, always had something I wanted to tell Tooykun」

I don't want to hear it, Tooya thought. Only the hated hunch was spreading out. Because he understood what Rikka was transmitting…………I don't want to know, his heart was in pain.

「Always, always ne, since the very beginning I had a feeling…………But because I didn't have enough courage, so always I couldn't say it」

Wrong, he wanted to say that. Having not enough courage was Tooya's side.

「However finally I had the courage to say it…………Therefore, I'll say it ne」

As if putting into her solution, "kyu" Rikka tightened her lips.

There was still a way to stop her. Shout at her right now immediately, his reasons were appealing. Praying silently in your heart was also fine. With only that sure that ill-natured servant would carry out the order.

But even so why Tooya's lips didn't move, his thought was chaotic and didn't have a clear image.

「Ano ne」

And then, Rikka opened her mouth and said.

「I, like Tooykun」

Tooya's most expected,
most undesired, those words.

His head was waving dizzily. He wanted to shout, scream, and run away from that place.

However he couldn't just do such action…………Since Rikka was standing there. Because those few words were packed with all of her emotion, after that with a face shaking with expectations she was staring at Tooya.

Refuse her, his reasoning were telling him. That was what he had always wished for.

「I, am……」

What he was trying to say, the words didn't continue more than that.

「I'll be waiting for your answer, ne」

Couldn't continue like that Rikka announced, and turned her body around. Since Rikka wasn't so stout hearted to keep waiting for Tooya's answer. Tooya's silence was urging on her anxiety, making her frightened of wishing for an immediate answer.

However, there was a feeling of relief.

「A……」

Chasing after her, and speaking up from behind her, still nothing he could do, Tooya stood stock still dumbfounded. Time flowed until the twilight was wrapped in darkness …………even though it would be fine to keep standing stock still.

「Neglecting play is lonely you know」

An atmosphere ruining voice could be heard.

「Even if you make that face. It was a fact I was neglected」

「In the end there was no signal at all」

She laughed.

「Hey master」

The following words even Tooya could easily predict.

「You won't erase Rikka's memories?」

Although he could predict it, but it was not like he could stop being shaken.

「I, am……」

The same answer like the love confession, the words couldn't come out more than that.

Erase it, he understood the answer should be that. Although having been shaken from the unexpected confession, he should have given the order for Kuroe to once again erase it…………He, knew that. Even so why such words didn't come out.

"Yeah, I'm truly the worst" Tooya thought.

He had determined to kill people …………But he was so easily shaken by that.

「Then, what would master do now?」

Returning to his room, for the time being after calming down Kuroe opened her mouth.

「Why you always keep silent」

In between the time going back from the park Tooya didn't open his mouth.

「Although I don't mind you pondering alone but, if the problem is beyond your power you should talk to others and find a way right?」

「…………Depends on the other party」

Finally he opened his mouth.

「Moreover this is……」

「Surely the problem came from Master yourself」

In the end what was it that Tooya wanted to do ………… if it's about following what other people tells you to, Tooya would live a more decent life

「But you need an excuse right?」

「An excuse?」

「Umu, even though master has come up with the answer you couldn't choose it right? If so then let me create an excuse so that master could think it's fine to choose」

Kuroe's words were right. Tooya too understood what was right ………… But it was only that Tooya' feelings couldn't approve of choosing. That would be the worst, so Tooya also knew. Even though he knew, it was not enough for him to take a step forward……….. I see, mayhap an excuse is necessary.

「Then, what kind of excuse are you planning on giving me?」

「Umu, it's simple」

She laughed

「Have sex with me right now」

「…………A?」

She said something extremely dangerous …………Tooya right now wasn't in the mental state that could turn aside a joke.

「Just you know it's not a joke」

Even so Kuroe was smiling. For an instance the thought of seriously order her to go die flash through his head, but Tooya slowly swallowed the feeling and stopped it.

「More or less, let's hear the reason」

「Umu」

She nodded.

「Master couldn't choose was because you want to accept Rikka's love confession, such is the feeling you're having right?」

「…………yeah」

There was no meaning in denying it. Without it there was no need to be wavered.

「If that's the case then instead if accepting me then you could make the choice right」

It wasn't like he didn't understand what she was trying to say…………But understanding and having consent to accept her were all different things.

「Ridiculous!」

「Is that so?」

Kuroe tilted her neck

「Then master, let me ask something on the contrary」

「What is it」

「If supposedly master had been able to decide to erase Rikka's memories…………Actually could master continuously maintain that state?」

「That……what do you mean」

「It's still that same meaning」

She laughed

「If returning her memories then at any moment you could accept her love confession…………At such state could master keep his patience?」

「Although I said it was an excuse, but at the same time it's also a reason to restrain such emotion. Though I didn't say for the sake of forgetting to drown in lust but, in this occasion it is effective right. Although it couldn't be said to be everything but since it could shoulder a part of the love affair's feeling」

Tooya couldn't deny it. Although he couldn't accept everything but…………what Kuroe pointed out was something Tooya couldn't ignore. Supposing even if he found some reason to erase her memories, if there was not a very strong reason, it couldn't be sure that Tooya wouldn't be assaulted by the temptation to open the Pandora's box. If being able to easily win against this temptation then Tooya wouldn't be in trouble right now right.

「Then, what will master do?」

While asking, Kuroe acted flirtatiously as if provoking.

「For now there's not only that choice」

For the present state.

「That's boring」

「But well, I've calmed down」

No matter what happened Kuroe wouldn't waver. Thanks to that Tooya too had become calm.

「…………it's not that I don't thank you for that」

「In the end master is just being dere!?」

「I'm not being dere」

Truly she didn't waver

「…………Haa」

He took a sigh

「First of all let's think」

Tooya announced.

「What you said is reasonable. Even if I found a suitable reason to erase Rikka's memories the temptation of wanting to return it would definitely remain…………Therefore, let's find an answer I could consent with」

「Well, that's good but」

Kuroe shrugged her shoulders.

「There's time to think…………Since in summer break we wouldn't face Rikka right. In themeantime let's just calmly think about it」

「Fumu, not seeing Rikka huh?」

「It's obvious right」

If meeting with Rikka surely Tooya wouldn't be able to keep calm. Because Rikka, until Tooya gave his answer it would be awkward to meet face to face right.

「But is that good」

With a half believed voice Kuroe muttered.

But unchangingly, reality in some sense was not kind to Tooya.

「I have came over」

With a whole smiling face Rikka announced.

「You came……」

Yeah, I don't get it. Early rising, waking up Kuroe, eating breakfast, doing lots of thinking, and got no conclusion, suitably time went by…………Then, there was a knock on the door, as he thought was that mother he opened the door, Rikka was standing there. Tooya still haven't changed out of his sleepwear, Kuroe was for the second time curled into a ball and sleeping.

「I'm…………I'm getting change so wait a bit」

「Ok」

He closed the door in front of Rikka who nodded.

「Eeto…………」

With this some time was bought. In this gap think, think, think…………For now what should be done was not thinking about why suddenly Rikka was here.

「First of all……」

He moved his eyesight toward the living thing that was sleeping curling up. There was no time to spare, she had to be woke as soon as possible…………Moreover he mustn't let Rikka who was waiting on the other side of the door notice.

「Wake up」

He let out his voice, however if she woke up with just that he wouldn't go through much hardship every times.

「…………Wake up, it's an order」

With no other way Tooya said.

「Mu」

The effect was immediate, Kuroe instantly opened her eyes.

「Master, that's boorish」

「I also feel bad so please wake up right now for me」

「Mu…………Why is Rikka also here?」

Apparently without even listening to explanation Kuroe had understood the situation.

「I also want to ask that…………Maybe, mother made her come up here」

Since today was break day she should be downstairs.

「Fumu, a hunch of carnage」

「Don't say stupid things and do something for me」

Because if Rikka had entered the room just like this it could really be so…………In Tooya's room Kuroe's personal items were scattered around. Aside from the blanket on the bed, the uniforms were normally hanging on the wall. Most of the personal clothes and underwear were in the closet, but some part of it was also outside.

「First of all even if we hide everything in the closet…………the problem is you」

It was not really a problem for Tooya to just hide her, but if Rikka wanted to meet her than he'd be in trouble.

「Well, that treatment wouldn't go to the heart of matter at this late hour…………This should do it」

Quickly after she said Kuroe's figure disappeared. Lately he had been used to seeing it, invisibility magic

「With this I'll switch with Rikka to go outside, and after that comeback, then there would be no problem right」

「Good, let's go with that」

There was no other way.

「Before that won't master change」

「A, I forgot」

Tooya was still in his sleepwear

「Then I'll change…………I said」

He felt a sight on him. Even though her figure couldn't be seen Kuroe was still here.

「Aren't you going to quickly change?」

If it were always then he would drive her out but today he couldn't do such thing

「Your eyes, close it」

「Acknowledged」

Her voice seemed cheerful.

Can't trust her at all.

「Tooykun, what's the meaning of this?」

Rikka's condemning eyes were piercing Tooya. Without needing to confirm that face expression was angry, and it wouldn't end simply. If talking about Kuroe which was the cause of it, was playing a feigned ignorant face, sitting down and examining the situation quietly.

「Eeto, Rikka」

What should be done, for now just open the mouth………If talking about the result, without being noticed Kuroe successfully got out of the room. And then after knocking she returned to Tooya's room. That was fine. It was fine until that…………had he not completely forgotten that Kuroe was still in her sleep wear.

Thinking about it, it was bad to erase Kuroe's figure before Tooya got change. If so, surely that thing would be noticed, even so…………As the result, Tooya was forced into a seiza by Rikka whom was surprised at Kuroe's state.

「What?」

With a dangerous face Rikka asked.

「What business you have today…………」

「That has nothing to do with right now」

Although it was obvious, the topic wasn't changed.

「Right now the problem is why Kuroe-san is in such a state」

Normally she would be in even more casual clothing, to be frank she would be in nude, so that was much better, but he couldn't say it. Basically Kuroe slept in nude. No matter how many time he said she would not fix it, and if Tooya gave order she would show extreme hatred so Tooya had to back down. But as expected other than that time if she was still in nude it would be troublesome. His parents were at the influence of Kuroe's magic so they didn't notice, but the scene of his mother making breakfast for Kuroe, whom was naked, without saying anything, he hated it a lot. In conclusion, they made a promise that as Kuroe woke up she had to wear some simple sleepwear but…………after eating breakfast, Kuroe once again went to sleep like that. Although he thought it was better than being nude, but the end was as you can see.

By the way, about being nude in a cutter shirt Kuroe had said.

「Man would be touched emotionally like this right?」

That was, what she said…………Even though he couldn't deny it.

「No, but Rikka」

「What?」

「It's not like I forced her into that state……」

「As long as you're not forcing her you can go ogling her as much as you like?」

In order words, in order words…………No, he had noticed however. Apparently Rikka was jealous. She couldn't forgive Tooya for seeing Kuroe in that state.

「Nee, Rikka. Why don't we leave it at that?」

Kuroe cut into the conversation.

「Because it's hot I'm always in such state, so it's my bad」

「…………But」

She couldn't agree, but being told so by the culprit Rikka couldn't condemn any stronger than that…………Tooya took a sigh of relief. Seemed with this the incident would end smoothly.

「Moreover ne」

She continued while smiling…………Tooya had forgotten that Kuroe wasn't so kind to let it end at that.

「I don't really mind if being seen by Tooya」

「Wha…………!?」

The heck is she starting to say?

「Because you're, relative?」

「Mine and Tooya's blood are thin enough to get married you know?」

More like not related by blood at all…………No, although by other meaning they couldn't get married normally.

「Kuroe-san」

Changing her posture, directly Rikka confronted Kuroe

「Whaat?」

While still feigning innocence like always, but with a sense of imitation from somewhere Kuroe asked.

「The setting of finance…………That's, a lie right?」

「Yeah」

She nodded, however she continued her words.

「Because you see, there's no guarantee I and Tooya wouldn't be in that relationship」

Fufu, she smiled.

「He, hey Kuroe……」

「Tooykun please be quiet for a bit!」

「…………Yes ma'am」

With that strong verbal argument Tooya couldn't say anything at all.

「Kuroe-san」

「What is it?」

「Do you, like Tooya?」

「Yeah」

She showed a nod.

「I also like Tooykun」

Clearly, Rikka declared.

「Is that so, then we are rival ne」

Saying that Kuroe showed a smile.

「…………For my part, I have gone out with Tooykun longer」

「Ara, perhaps that was a diversion?」

Kuroe showed a gesture as if being puzzled, immediately after floating a smile on her face again.

「But talking about distance my part is shorter you know? If I thought of wanting to do it, I could creep into Tooya's bedroom or something like that」

Rikka floated on a surprised face, suddenly closed her lips tight and with full vigor she looked at Tooya.

「Tooykun」

「Eh, what?」

Before that face expression which hid a strong determination, Tooya flinched.

「I'll live in this house too」

「Ha?」

「I'll live here!」

「Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee」

It was not that simple, to just move over.

「So the result is she would be coming everyday」

「Whose fault do you think it is」

Since that, Tooya used around 3 hours of labor to persuade Rikka. Staying in Tooya's house, or even more in Tooya's room, no matter how much he said Rikka didn't back down…………somehow at the start of the persuasion Kuroe dared to drop more fuel into the fire

「Although somehow it was good that I could persuade her」

If he couldn't do it he had no idea how things would turn out. Ultimately she gave consent to the promise of locking the door so that Kuroe couldn't easily enter the room……However after that Rikka and Kuroe had always been checking on each other. It had always been like that until dinner preparation, which Rikka had no other choice but to return home.

「…………then, tell me again why Rikka came to my house」

Even though he thought that until summer break was over they wouldn't meet face to face.

「Such thing is obvious right」

Kuroe said

「Because she likes master」

「…………I know that」

Since he was confessed to…………and before he was confessed to he had knew.

「Because she likes you so for the sake of getting a favorable answer for the confession she came to appeal right」

「…………Is that so」

That's right. However the doubt he felt was, Rikka herself whom Tooya knew wasn't that assertive right. Because Tooya thought that Rikka would meekly waiting for the confession's answer

「If in love one could change, or so they say…………Well, although that was only being in love itself. Who knows, once confessed, many things could become unbounded」

Supposedly if Tooya didn't carry any burden, who knows maybe he could easily thought of this change. However if looking at Tooya right now that was the main cause which snatched away his calm…………It was much more troublesome that he couldn't disagree with it.

Moreover, the problem wasn't Rikka alone.

「You, what are you planning」

「What am planning?」

「You know it, why did you do things like inciting Rikka」

It wasn't just oil, Kuroe poured gasoline into it.

「That is」

Loosening her lips which always twitched upward, Kuroe's face became serious

「Because I love master too」

While she said it upfront, her cheeks were dyed red.

「Rikka's confession made me impatient…………Therefore, I have to keep her in check like that. The reason for that and everything was because I yearn for master」

「If I could honestly believe those words of yours, I think I could live a much more happy life」

「Fumu, as expected that won't do huh」

That red cheek instantly drew back.

「Although I thought that was pretty skillful acting」

「You should slowly consider about your own nature you know」

Don't you know you're the boy crying to the wolf?

「Well actually, only half of it was joking」

「You mean the remaining half is the seemingly honest way of talking right」

「Umu」

Kuroe nodded.

「Although master was trying to come up with a question to separate from Rikka, but I think that answer has no meaning to me」

「If feeling Rikka up close couldn't make you come up with an answer, then as for the temptation afterwards you probably wouldn't be able to bear it?」

「…………Therefore you incited her?」

「Umu, furthermore」

She laughed.

「The used to be passive Rikka had become assertive…………After great trouble I was able to enjoy the triangle love, even so you don't intend to go on with it?」

「Not even half of it, aren't you being serious for only one third of it」

Though, it wasn't like he trusted her.

「No no I was being serious you know. If before my charm master fell then everything will be solved right?」

「There's no way such thing would happen so stop clinging onto it」

While he pulled away Kuroe who was drawing closer Tooya took a big sigh.

「Why are we doing this rom-com anyways」

Up till now the situation he was put into and the current state were too detached…………even though the piled up problems were overall not settled.

The thing, which should be parted, was in front of his eyes

The thing he thought he must not wish for was in front of his eyes

The thing he had always wished for was in front of his eyes.

It would be fine if I could grasp it, a voice murmured

「That, won't you suddenly become serious」

As if being bored Kuroe narrowed her eyes.

「…………Be quiet」

This was Tooya's current state. No matter how much it seemed like a rom-com, if turning it over then an extremely black darkness would be spreading.

「Didn't I say that too would be depending on master?」

As if to inform a child with a bad memory Kuroe said.

「I know」

Just the same, he returned the answer.

Daily life with Rikka was very happy and sweet. No matter how many times he was determined, at that moment only it was almost overturned…………..And then the glimpse at the future that he caught, even that too almost exceeded what made Tooya's heart shake.

Because it was happiness.

Happiness.

Happiness.

Happiness.

Very happy …………Tooya was.

「…………I know that already」

Speaking that out Tooya remembered. To deny that happiness the executed killing intent was only a few days ago. He also remembered the face distorted in despair. Seeing that face his heart ached ………… But, to conceal that emotion would be piercing Tooya's own ego. Tooya had denied that he had to carry only such resolution.

To Tooya's happiness.

To Rikka wished for happiness.

Tooya had denied it with killing intent.

「I understood, I've decided.」

「No no, you don't understand a thing」

And then this itself Kuroe denied.

「About what?」

「Nothing, but it's fine to be happy right?」

「Wha!?」

By that unexpected word Tooya unconsciously shook.

「Because master has the right to choose……You have the choice to give up everything and  choose your own happiness right. Rather even though the thing you had always wished for is right in front of your eyes then I see no reasons for self-control」

「There's……no such thing right」

「Why is it?」

「Thinking about for what reason I killed Aoi!」

That was for the sake of avoiding the choices.

「If I chose that…… then for what reason Aoi had to die for」

「Isn't that thing obvious」

Calmly Kuroe answered

「Because master killed her, she died」

「Such thing……!」

「You get it? It seems like you don't get it」

Kuroe shook her neck.

「For what reason Aoi died for, saying so is definitely the proof.  No matter how many times you say it Aoi didn't die, she was killed by master. Therefore the one putting meaning on her death was master who killed her, not Aoi. As for Aoi herself  was unreasonably killed by master……do you plan to force your own resolution on that Aoi?」

That means because he killed Aoi, so he must do so.

「Although I think that would be the worst. Because she was killed due to master's own selfish reason, and then she was forced on the reason "I don't want to do it". If doing that to a deceased wouldn't it be unreasonable……Well, although on the other hand it was getting one's just deserts」

Tooya couldn't talk back to it. Truly perhaps it was so. Tooya had killed Aoi. Exactly because he had that responsibility he thought that he must open his own mouth to defend it …………however, he couldn't deny the feeling floated up at the time he gave the reason.

Truly, didn't he think that it was Aoi's fault that he had to choose? If Aoi didn't do such behavior he wouldn't have to kill her …………And it wasn't by that fault that his own choice was narrowed down.

Forcing reasons on the killed one was nothing more than being arrogant.

「I……」

If so …………if I did that then what should I do. You meant if I had self conscious about it, then I could calmly reverse that previous remark and accept Rikka's love confession?

「Everything, according to master's wish」

Kuroe whispered. Every time Kuroe only whispered, and the choice was all up to Tooya. Whatever Tooya chose Kuroe would only happily accept …………for example even if that choice was erring.

That was, the limit of Tooya's will.