Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
Hirachi Moritsune
Why am I pedaling my bicycle so desperately?
Why do I want to rescue Shōgawa-san so badly?
Why is the urge to see Shōgawa-san taking over my head?
I don’t understand.
Because I don’t understand, I realize that I have to go.
I have to meet Shōgawa-san.
This baseless thinking is the motivation behind my actions.
I rode on Yuu-kun’s bicycle for 15 minutes, and reached the slope in front of Aramachi hill amusement park.
「One student please!」
I toss my wallet to the lady at the reception, and charge pass the entrance without stopping. Sorry lady, please forgive my crude entry in this emergency! I will come and apologize later!
「Hey—? Mahomaho—? If you don’t show up now, who knows what will happen to this child—」
I charge at full speed towards the central plaza where Shōgawa-san is held captive.
「What’s wrong—? Hey, Mahomaho—? If you show up right now, I will shorten her suffering—」
Big Sister Pink Gen who has been making that announcement in midair looks completely unmotivated. Well, it has been twenty minutes, and Mahomaho still isn’t here, no one can keep up their hype for so long.
Shōgawa-san who is caught in Big Sister Pink Gen’s arms… Has a face of resignation? She doesn't seem to care about anything, and didn’t put up any resistance.
That face… stirred my heart intensely for some reason.
I don’t want to see Shōgawa-san like this.
Shōgawa-san shouldn’t have such an expression.
She should be more...
While my heart is in turmoil, Shōgawa-san shifts her gaze.
She probably isn’t thinking about anything, and is just looking around out of habit.
And then, she saw me.
「Ehh…?」
I hear her familiar voice.
Shōgawa-san keeps blinking her eyes, as if she just saw a ghost.
As if she never expected me to come.
That expression stirred my heart again.
It’s true that I rejected her before.
And I avoided her.
However… despite all that!
I already made my resolve!
If she is in danger!
I will fly to her side and help her!
That’s why I’m here!
With all my feelings...
「Let go of...!!!!!!!!!!!」
I yell out loud.
「That person!!!!!!!!!!!!」
The crowd that is watching all turn back in surprise and open a path.
「Ughh!? What’s going on!?」
Big Sister Pink Gen is surprised too.
Her gaze follows the open path in the mob, and shifts to me.
Shōgawa Maho
This impossible sight threw me into confusion.
Mahomaho getting captured by the enemy general is a serious mistake.
But that didn't matter now.
I can’t put on Mahomaho’s mask anymore.
In the end, after coming here again, the gloom in my heart didn’t improve at all.
I just want to let everything go.
… But, why am I seeing your figure?
The moment I thought that, a sense of weightlessness came over me.
Hirachi Moritsune
……
Wait, Big Sister Pink Gen!?
「Hmm…? Oops…?」
Now isn’t the time to stare at your hands blankly!
Because you let go of your hands when you got surprised!
Don’t show me a face as if you don’t know what is happening!
Shōgawa-san is...!
Falling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
「Woooahhhh!」
I push my legs with all my might towards the estimated landing spot.
「Ughh…」
My body is telling me this is my limit.
「Ughh…」
My joints and nerves are groaning in pain.
「Ughh…」
My vision turns blurry which warns me that I’m oxygen deprived.
「Waaarrrrrggghhhh!」
Even so… I won’t stop accelerating!
I will surpass all my limits!
If I can reach in time, I don’t care if all my muscle fibres disintegrates!
I will make up for the lack of oxygen with my feelings!
Surpass my limits! For the sake of going to her side! Fueled by my will!
With my life!
Step on the pedal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
「———————————————!」
Before I knew it.
The colours fade from my eyes, and I can’t hear anything. I can only feel my hands on the handle bars and my feet on the pedals. In this black and white world, everything seems to be moving in slow motion. My body is moving equally slowly. Even so, the distance between Shōgawa-san and me is still shortening little by little.
「———————————————!」
I shouted Shōgawa-san’s name.
But I can’t hear it.
I pushed off from the pedals, wanting to throw my body forward with the reactionary force.
I lost the sensation of the pedal, so it seems I succeeded.
I reached forward with all my might.
And slowly got closer to Shōgawa-san.
The falling Shōgawa-san and me who is moving parallel to the ground.
The two of us are just a hand’s distance away.
But Shōgawa-san is almost at the ground.
Can I make it in time…?
No…!
I have to make it!
「——!」
My hands.
「——!」
Finally touched.
「——!」
Shōgawa-san’s body.
「——!」
Shōgawa Maho
「Shōgawa-san!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!」
Hirachi-kun is shouting my name.
That is the only thing I can perceive in the entire world.
Hirachi Moritsune
I made it.
「———!!!!!!!!!」
The moment I realize that, colours and sound flooded back into my world.
「Pomf!」
When I touch the ground, An impact that might shatter my body hit me.
My vision keeps spinning, and I can’t see anything clearly.
「……!」
The sensation in my arms made me realize that I’m holding a petite body.
Impact impact impact impact impact impact!
The nonstop assault of pain made me certain that I’m already dead, and that I’m in hell. But the warmth in my arms refute all that.
How much time has passed?
What feels like an eternity is just a short instance.
「*Cough*, Hah…!」
I finally got to catch my breath after getting released from the impact.
The pain in my body didn’t lessen, and increased instead. But my limbs are still intact. After falling on the ground in that posture and rolling so many rounds, getting away with just cuts and bruises is a miracle.
Since I can think of all that, that means my mind is still calm.
Or rather, the one who is confused is...
「Huh…?」
The petite body in my arms moved.
「Ehhh…?」
Shōgawa-san looks up with a blank expression.
She seems to be fine, that’s a relief.
「Hirachi… kun…?」
Shōgawa-san finally focuses onto me.
「Yes… I’m your…Hirachi, Moritsune…」
I regulated my breathing as I joked, and couldn’t help smiling.
「Why…?」
From my face that’s reflected in her eyes, I smiled properly this time.
「Why…?」
Shōgawa-san got up slowly.
She slowly turned her head to confirm the situation.
And finally, her gaze fell on me.
「Why…?」
Shōgawa-san kept repeating, as if this is the only word she can articulate.
「Why…? Even though it’s my misunderstanding… it’s all my fault… and ended our friendship on my own… acting so vague… an annoying attitude… I’m here because there is still some lingering emotions in my heart… even so…」
Shōgawa-san is still confused, so her words didn’t make sense.
「Even so…」
Her eyes are tearing up, but I won’t let her tears flow.
「Even so, why did you come to rescue me, Hirachi-kun…!?」
Those words, that face.
Instead of rejection, her emotions appears to be more tangled.
I have not looked her right in the face for a long time.
And I felt something drop in my chest.
And so...
「Because I love you. More than anything, more than anyone else.」
Before I realize it, these words already came out of my mouth.
「…………Pfft!?」
Shōgawa-san turns stiff in shock.
Her surprise is on full display… Well, of course that will happen.
After all, what I just said are the feelings I never notice up until now.
When I said it, I finally feel liberated, like 「oh, so that’s what it is」.
The past me has clouded my own feelings, and also her feelings too.
Shōgawa Maho
L-L-L-Love!?
Love me…!?
Is he talking about me!? More than anything!? More than anyone!?
Wait, t-that… that means! He likes me…!? No, love is already a stronger word than like…!? And more than anyone, which means Hirachi-kun loves Mahomaho more than me…!
I have no idea what kind of face I should make to react to such a sudden development!?
After all, I’m still in confusion!
Speaking of which, why is Hirachi-kun here!?
Why is he suddenly talking about love!?
What did I just hear!?
In summary that means in conclusion… No, why am I trying to make a conclusion!?
Ahh, I really don’t understand anything!?
Hirachi Moritsune
「Sorry for telling you all that so suddenly.」
Am I afraid of activating Shōgawa-san’s curse because of my actions?
Afraid of taking Mahomaho away from this city?
What a joke. Thinking back, I want to scoff at myself.
In actual fact, this is just a very simple emotion.
「I want to apologize about that day.」
I hate that my reason for helping Shōgawa-san will disappear.
I hate that the time I spend with Shōgawa-san will end.
Be it guarding Mahomaho’s secret, or watching Shōgawa-san do her best to rescue others.
I like all of that.
In the beginning, I did so out of a sense of obligation, but before I knew it, I’m enjoying myself too.
The time I spent with Shōgawa-san, and Shōgawa-san’s smile.
All that have become so precious.
It’s really that simple.
I don’t want the things I like to be taken away.
I like her smile more than anyone else.
I cherish those times more than anyone does.
It’s just such a childish thinking.
「I hurt you because of my selfish feelings.」
I rejected Shōgawa-san over something so childish.
“I don’t need you anymore.” I was afraid of being told that.
“Days like this are over.” I hate being notified about that.
Because I’m afraid of being rejected, so I sound out and reject her first.
Saying all that without even hearing her out, I’m just being unreasonable.
Ahh, I’m so lame.
「And… I’m sorry.」
I apologized for the third time.
「However, I still harbour selfish feelings.」
After finally realizing my true feelings, my words shook the very air.
「I want to be with you now and in the future too.」
I want to do something for the person I admire.
I want to help this ditzy girl.
「I want to stay by your side.」
I want to continue spending happy times together with Shōgawa-san.
I want Shōgawa-san to keep on smiling.
That’s why...
「That’s why… please tell me.」
I asked fearfully.
Since I’m the one who rejected her first, she has every right to turn me down.
「Can I… once again...」
But I still have to ask.
「Stay by your side?」
I look Shōgawa-san right in the eyes, and ask:
「And support you?」
Shōgawa Maho
My mind is a mess.
The feelings of joy is almost bursting from my chest.
I have no idea what is happening.
But even so, Hirachi-kun’s words still somehow seep deep into my heart.
Stay by my side… and support me.
After hearing all this that seem all too natural, I finally understood.
「I see…」
I did everything I could to stop my tears from falling.
「Isn’t the answer obvious…!」
The feelings I have been holding back gush out of the dam.
「I’m the one who should be asking you…!」
I said with my voice trembling:
「I can’t live without Hirachi-kun anymore…!」
I answered Hirachi-kun’s question with all my might.
「From now and in the future… Forever! Please stay with me forever!!!!!!!」
Hirachi Moritsune
Shōgawa-san’s words filled me with joy I have never experienced before.
And a new thinking sprang up in my mind.
I want to be an existence that will be of the most help to her.
I want to become the one who will make her show the brightest smile.
What should I call this emotion?
I can’t call it sympathy, since I know how noble she is.
It can’t be yearning, since I’m right by her side.
So this is...
As expected.
A very simple feeling.
Normally, I will hate myself for being so dense.
I want to support her from up close, and enjoy her smile from the closest position. This feeling is...
There is only one term that can express this emotion.
And that is… Paternal love!
The feelings of a father that wishes to watch over his daughter!
In any case, it is too difficult to realize this emotion as a highschooler!
That’s why I noticed it so late. I see, now that I think about it, I understand why my chest hurts when I imagine the scene of Shōgawa-san making a boyfriend. That’s the feelings of a father who is about to marry off his daughter. When I imagine Shōgawa-san’s heart racing for the other party, it’s the feelings of a father who thinks “my daughter has grown up before I realize it”! I only saw this emotions depicted in manga.
After arriving at an answer, I said with a smile:
「Thank you very much.」
I patted Shōgawa-san’s head as gently as I can.
「Well then… I will be in your care from now on.」
「Yes…」
Shōgawa-san buried her head in my chest, and bob her head in a nod.
「And now… Ah, that hurts...」
My body started groaning without any warning.
「Wait, don’t move! We have to call an ambulance!」
Shōgawa-san lifts her head in a panic, and tried to stop me.
「Haha, it’s not that bad.」
But I can’t even resist her slender arms.
「Besides, I have gotten used to this sort of thing.」
I’m putting up a front, but it isn’t exactly a lie.
To be honest, my entire body is protesting and sending pain signals to my brain, but my limbs still follow my will and pull myself up.
「And now isn’t the time to rest idly.」
That’s right… The problem remains unsolved.
They look confused and unable to keep up, but everyone from the World Conquest Impetus Organization is still standing around.
「Shōgawa-san, go on.」
I gently push the back of Shōgawa-san who stood up alongside me.
「But…」
「Leave the rest to me.」
Supporting Shōgawa-san’s transformation is my duty and also my wish.
And now, Shōgawa-san also acknowledges that!
「… I understand.」
After casting her doubts aside, Shōgawa-san nodded with determination.
「But I will be back soon. I will definitely get help. So don’t push yourself.」
After whispering that to my ear, Shōgawa-san ran off.
Fufu, get help, huh… She already knows that I’m aware of her true identity, but she still paid attention to not say anything out loud in public. Shōgawa-san, you have really grown. Hah… Is this the joyous feelings of a father who sees his daughter has grown…?
「Ohh… Huh? W-Wait, the hostage has escaped? Seize her!」
Big Sister Pink Gen who has finally snapped out of her confusion pointed at Shōgawa-san’s back and ordered.
『Bwah—! 』
The Kid Devils began hot pursuit on her command.
「Ara, that won’t do.」
I blocked their path.
The Kid Devil stopped in their tracks fearfully.
「Hmmp. You might have saved the hostage with your guile, but what can a single brat do to us?」
Big Sister Pink Gen scoffed condescendingly.
You credit it to my guile, but you are the one whose hands slipped...
And she is right.
「Indeed, there isn’t much I can do.」
That’s a fact.
「But that doesn’t mean I can’t do anything.」
That is also a fact.
「So… can you just give up peacefully?」
「Hah?」
「If possible, I don’t want to use this move.」
I gave my sincere advice to Big Sister Pink Gen who is twitching her brows.
「Fu, interesting… I don’t know what you are up to, but give it a shot.」
But Big Sister Pink Gen just smile boldly.
「If I use this move, you will probably be in quite a pinch… Will you be fine with that?」
My deep voice made Big Sister Pink Gen gulp.
「E-Enough with your facade. Do your worst.」
In the end, she can only give a weak taunt.
「I see…」
It can’t be helped then.
Big Sister Pink Gen… I warned you.
「… Please read the mood.」
I drew a cross in my heart, and said seriously.
「hah?」
Big Sister Pink Gen furrows her brows even more.
「Enough, just do your…」
Big Sister Pink Gen said anxiously.
———— That’s right.,
I can hear the voices of the crowd.
———— She wants to pursue a hostage that already escaped, can’t she read the mood?
———— That killed the mood.
———— Why is she still pursuing that matter?
———— What happens if she gets the hostage back? Continue what she has been doing? Really?
———— And what if she fails to catch the hostage? I’m curious.
After that, more voices joined in.
「Ehh...? Ehh? Ehh?」
Big Sister Pink Gen looks around with a confused look.
———— By the way, why does she need a hostage?
———— it really dampens the mood.
———— That’s just being despicable in such a cliche way.
During this time, the complaints continue to pile up.
「No, but, we are an evil organization…」
Big Sister Pink Gen wants to rebuke with a surprised face.
———— She feels just like a mob character.
「Ughh.」
She is aware of that, and the voices from around her keep dealing damage to her.
———— By the way, when is Mahomaho coming?
———— Don’t you think this scheduling sucks?
———— Just how long is she going to make us wait?
———— We are paying customers here.
「Regarding that, we are not responsible…」
———— Look, she’s skirting her responsibilities.
———— It’s not working at all.
———— Whatever, don’t you think the mirror maze here is terrible?
———— The snacks are expensive too.
———— And it’s hot here too.
「Erm, these things are not related to us…」
———— Hah? Of course it is!
———— That’s right! We only came because you are here!
———— Really now, can you tell us when is Mahomaho coming?
———— If Mahomaho isn’t coming, we will leave right now.
———— Speaking of which, it will be bad if they just leave like this, right?
———— That’s right, we paid money for this.
———— They are trespassing, right?
The voices of the mob gradually grew louder.
Yes, this is it.
———— Really now, can you guys just get lost?
———— Why don’t you guys get lost?
———— Just make like a tree and leave.
———— Please leave.
This is...
—— Get lost
—— Get lost, get lost.
—— Get lost.
My secret technique.
『Get lost! Get lost! Get lost!』
Japanese peer pressure!
「Huh, ehh…!?」
Everyone started chanting 「Get lost」, and the members of the World Conquest Impetus Organization held on to each other and started shivering with tears in their eyes.
Ughh… But this is a double sided blade…! Because of my strong loner affinity, this scene of the masses bullying a small group is hard on me too…!
Hurry…! Hurry on over…!
Will my prayers reach her?
…… No, that’s wrong.
It’s not something as vague as a prayer, but something inevitable.
After all, she also said that she 「will be back soon.」
—— Look! Up in the sky!
—— Is it a bird?
—— Is it a plane?
Some of the people look up to the sky. This slowly spread to the mob, and the chanting slowly stops. Everyone’s attention turned towards the sky.
—— No, it’s…!
And of course, the only existence that can draw in so many gazes is...
『Radiant Magical Girl! 』
No one other than our Radiant Magical Girl Mahomaho!
「The Wonderful Radiant Magical Girl ★ Mahomaho! Now on scene!」
Just saying her name is enough to sweep away the anger and set everyone’s passion alight.
「Hmmp… You are finally here, Mahomaho…! You are finally…」
Big Sister Pink Gen said with a bold smile, but her eyes are teary, showing how distressed she is.
「……………… Your attire looks different…?」
As what the surprised Big Sister Pink Gen pointed out.
Mahomaho’s attire is different from usual.
Her base color is a passionate shade of red. Her flame-like cape flutters in the wind. The accessories on her twin tail has also turn into vermillion feathers.
She is a combination of majesty and beauty, like the legendary immortal bird that rises from the ashes.
「This, is my new power… The wonderful ★ Mahomaho, Maho-Pheonix form!」
<TL: まほうおう, it’s a pun.>
Mahomaho declared in a loud voice.
… What, Maho-Pheonix form…!?
You are just forcing maho into that name! Just how much do you like the word maho!?
「Wait, a power up… Normally, you will awaken your new power during a crisis or when a new enemy appears…? Why are you awakening during a normal encounter…?」
Big Sister Pink Gen looks completely befuddled.
「No need for talk, let’s do this!」
「No, can’t you just explain a little!?」
Mahomaho didn’t want to wait, and Big Sister Pink Gen looks shocked.
「This is my new special move…!」
「W-Wait…」
Ignoring Big Sister Pink Gen who is holding both hands up before her, Mahomaho concluded the match in an instant.
「Pheonix!」
She clenched her fists.
「Liver punch!」
「Bleahh!?」
Big Sister Pink Gen is hit on her right flank.
「Ughh, how normal…!? Instead of a special move, this is the type that accumulate power slowly over time…! This is too high level for normal viewers…! And will never make it on TV…!」
「Pheonix Liver Punch! Pheonix Liver Punch! Pheonix Liver Punch! Pheonix Liver Punch! Pheonix Liver Punch!」
「Ughh!? Pfft!? Bleach!? Gaahh!? Gyaa!?」
Consecutive blows were delivered mercilessly to the flank of Big Sister Pink Gen who wanted to protest.
「W-Wait! I get it! I yield! I yield!」
Shortly after, she flew back with her hands up and ask for a time out.
「Damn it! I will get you back for this~~~!」
After saying that shameful line, she fled to the sky with her hands on her abdomen.
The Kid Devils chased after her in a panic.
———— Wooooahhhh!
———— Thank you, Mahomaho!
———— Mahomaho! Mahomaho!
Everyone cheered.
「Thank you for your support☆」
Mahomaho winked at the crowd.
And flew off into the sky.
———— She’s definitely winking at me today!
———— Idiot, she’s winking at me!
———— No, me!
The people around me started squabbling. When I didn’t know Mahomaho’s true identity and was just a fan, I also thought the same way.
However, I’m very certain today.
Mahomaho……Shōgawa-san is probably...
Winking at me.
Shōgawa Maho
Ahh, that feels so refreshing.
This is the first time since I became a Radiant Magical Girl that I fought so happily.
I wasn’t afraid at all.
Like before, my heart was occupied by a bigger and different emotion.
But this emotion is the opposite from the last time.
I feel that I can do anything with Hirachi-kun’s support!
And of course, Hirachi-kun will never dream that Mahomaho is actually me…
So winking at him will be fine right? Ehehe.
Chapter 9: The Conclusion of the Boys and the Girls
Satosaki Shōko
「… It seems that Hirachi rescued Zhao Yun-san, what’s with that development?」
After seeing the series of posts on twitter, I asked Sorahashi without moving my eyes off the screen.
「I see, that’s great.」
Sorahashi answered without intending to explain.
Well, I don’t know what happened in between, but it’s a happy ending. From the videos, it seems the gulf between Zhao Yun-san and Hirachi is gone?
…… Speaking of which, Hirachi really did it… He is so cool. I feel a little envious of Zhao Yun-san too. That hits right on my maiden heart. If it isn’t me and Zhao Yun-san, anyone else would have been enamoured by him.
… Wait, is this what Sorahashi is going for…!? If Hirachi cut off the ties with Zhao Yun-san, then he can’t continue to make use of her. So Hirachi risked his life to save Zhao Yun-san. If it works, he can charm Zhao Yun-san, and if it didn’t, Zhao Yun-san isn’t the type of girl who will humiliate someone who came to rescue her. No matter what reason the gulf between Hirachi and Zhao Yun-san stems from, the worse that will happen is them reverting back to their previous relationship status… Sorahashi set it up so Hirachi’s emotions will swing between himself and Zhao Yun-san. He is confident that Hirachi will choose him in the end, so he is enjoying himself by toying with Hirachi. As expected of Sorahashi… is a tactician… and a sadist…!
「Why are you staring at their picture so intensely?」
O-Oh shit, I fell into a delusion while staring at the screen. D-Did I drool…?
「……Satosaki. Are you…」
Sorahashi who seem to have realized something muttered seriously, and my heart started to pound.
Could it be… my true nature has been exposed…? No, that’s impossible, even if I did drool, to find out from that is…
「It’s love, right…?」
Gwahh!? A straight pitch!?
… I see, so he knows… It can’t be helped then.
I’m a woman too, and has pride as one.
I might be able to fudge it through with an excuse. But I don’t want to do something that weighs on my conscience. And I really don’t want to lie to these two who have gotten true love.
「Yes… it’s love…」
I love BL, what about it!?
I love to use you two in my delusions!
I like to watch you two get intimate with each other! I love it to death! What about it!?
Well, I guess it’s not okay!
「I see… How should I put this…」
Sorahashi showed an awkward expression and seem hesitant to speak.
Yes, this is definitely it. You can scoff at me or anything, do your worst.
You can never change my thinking…!
「Sorry… I can’t support you in this, Satosaki…」
See!? You don’t have to tell me that!
「But… it goes without saying that I can’t refute your feelings and your rights, Satosaki.」
No, you do have the authority to refute them, right!?
I don’t know about others, but you are a subject of my delusion, so you do have the power to rebuke me!
「So… I will hide this matter in my heart. I won’t tell Moritsune or anyone, so don’t worry.」
… Huh? What’s going on here…?
「I fully respect your feelings, Satosaki.」
Respect!? Are you for real!?
「I’m in no position to tell you to continue or give up on your feelings, or offer you any help. How do I put this… Please do your best.」
He’s cheering me on!?
T-This must be… that. When the official work tells fan fiction artists 「We can’t give direct support, that’s how it is. All the best」……?
Are you for real, Sorahashi? You are too cool… No wonder Hirachi fell for you….
「… Got it. Thanks Sorahashi.」
Since he gave his word, it will be easier to observe and fall into delusion from now on!
「Haha, it’s nothing worth thanking me for.」
But it definitely is!? What’s with him? Is he the Buddha reincarnate!?
Sorahashi Yūichi
I never knew that Satosaki also likes Moritsune… I didn’t notice at all...
However… Thinking back, Satosaki’s gaze will often shift towards Moritsune unnaturally… And she is feeling anxious about the relationship between Shōgawa-san and Moritsune in a different sense from me… If that is true, then I did something bad to Satosaki… But most important of all, Moritsune only has eyes for Shōgawa-san….
Well, it’s not nice to say this, but people’s feelings tend to change.
Who knows what will happen in the future.
So at least… I will...
Watch over their relationship and as much as possible, not let anyone get hurt.
Shōgawa Maho
When Hirachi-kun says he loves me, I feel really happy.
In the beginning, I thought it was a lie he said to sooth me…
But the light in his eyes are obviously different from before.
I can see from his eyes that he cherishes me a lot…
To be honest, I have no idea when he fell for me...
But that doesn’t matter now.
Because Hirachi-kun’s feelings has been passed to me clearly.
So this time, it is my turn.
I can finally put an end to the relationship we had in the past.
And forge a new relationship.
Hence, after undoing my transformation, I return to Hirachi-kun’s side, and said to him:
「Want to ride the ferris wheel?」
Hirachi Moritsune
This is like a reenactment of that day.
Shōgawa-san and I are riding a cabin while basking in the setting sun.
「… Erm.」
Shōgawa-san who hung her head low quietly, finally spoke when we are almost at the peak of the ride.
「Erm…!」
She looked into my eyes with firm determination.
「Erm… Thank you very much for today.」
She said with her voice breaking a little. Is that what she wanted to say? It feels like she made a compromise somewhere, am I mistaken?
「No, I’m doing this because I like… I love you, that’s all.」
That’s right… No matter what other people think, this is something I did out of my selfish will. Since Shōgawa-san accepted me, there is no need for thanks.
「I-I-I seez…!」
Seez…? She is stammering badly. But I don’t see why she would be so shaken though?
「Even so… I still want to thank you. I’m really happy.」
Shōgawa-san said more smoothly this time with a gentle smile.
「And then…」
Her face is flushed, and I’m not sure if it is because of the setting sun.
「Erm, I…」
「I also feel… towards Hirachi-kun… Erm… that…… Ughh……」
But Shōgawa-san didn’t finish her words.
「Ugghhh…! Why am I always stuck in such crucial places, I’m such a dummy…!」
Shōgawa-san mumbled softly and lowers her head.
「Shōgawa-san, please don’t push yourself.」
If Shōgawa-san wants to, I’m prepared to listen to her secret… But forcing her to say it goes against my wishes.
「But… In order to be together with Hirachi-kun from now on, I have to say it properly…」
From the way she put it, even if she tells me her secret, she can still transform into Mahomaho? After all, if she loses her ability to transform, then Shōgawa-san won’t have any reason to stay with me.
I don’t know the details of her magical contract… So if it’s just one person, she won’t lose her transformation ability? But her face is flushed and she seemed troubled. Is she suffering from a curse because her secrets are revealed to me?
「In order to forge a new relationship… I have to be clear…」
However…… No matter what form it takes, Shōgawa-san thinks hiding things is dishonest. What an upstanding person!
「I think it’s the thought that counts.」
So I said with my sincere feelings.
「And it will be bad if you say it out loud, right?」
「Y-Yes… My heart is pounding really hard now, if I say it out loud, it might…」
I-Is it a curse that affects her heart…? And it’s already activating…? Or does it activate in stages, and when she says the secret, the effect gets stronger…?
… Just by looking at Shōgawa-san, my heart is also racing too. Does it… affects the people around her too?
… Even so, I’m already determined to go through thick and thin with Shōgawa-san. Or rather, this is exactly the relationship I want to have with her!
「In that case, you don’t have to express it with words.」
Shōgawa-san doesn’t have to bear any more curses.
「You have conveyed all of that to me.」
That’s right, you don’t have to say it again. I already know Shōgawa-san’s secret.
「It’s enough for you to let me stay by your side.」
I will be fine if I can continue to protect Shōgawa-san’s secret.
「Ahh……」
Shōgawa-san’s face turned even redder, and she pulled her shoulders in further.
「So, like I said.」
I took a deep breath.
「There is something I have to tell you.」
I then look straight at Shōgawa-san.
「I...」
In order to let her know my resolve.
「As long as you are here.」
And carve this promise into my heart.
「I promise to protect you forever.」
I said it out loud.
「……… Ehh!?」
After understanding my words a beat later, Shōgawa-san lifts her face with a start.
「T-That means…」
Her bewildered eyes reflected my face.
「Yes, it’s exactly what you think it means, Shōgawa-san.」
「Kyaa……」
After hearing my emphasis, Shōgawa-san lowers her face even more, and turns the reddest I have ever seen. As expected, to Shōgawa-san it is too tense for her to keep this secret for life.
「… Erm.」
After a while, Shōgawa-san reached out her hand timidly.
「I will, be in your care…」
And said in a barely audible voice.
But I still heard it clearly.
「No, the pleasure is all mine.」
I took her hand, and the cabin returns to the ground.
The staff opens the cabin door for us.
I stood up, and Shōgawa-san fractically followed.
But she almost fell in her rush, and I supported her by grabbing her hand.
The bashful Shōgawa-san smiled at me.
And we stick together just like this.
We walked past this door separately on that day.
This time, we exited together.
Shōgawa Maho
I-I didn’t expect… him to protect me forever…
This… This is… a proposal?
A-A-A-And I said, please take care of me…!
… Well Hirachi-kun and I are still in our second year of High School.
The adults will definitely laugh it off.
And think this is just a whimsical feeling.
But even so… Even so, I...
I believe that this will be my first and last love.
Hirachi Moritsune
Fufu… Protect her forever, huh. If it isn’t me and Shōgawa-san, this will be mistaken for a proposal. But proposing to her isn’t my mission, but for someone else...
…… Ugh, when I think about that, dark emotions well up within me.
Really now, paternal feelings are really hard to deal with.
My urge to keep Shōgawa-san all to myself is getting stronger.
The urge to be with her forever.
My heart feels warm just by watching her from the side. My heart will race when our eyes lock, and her smile fills my chest with happiness.
Ah, if times like this can last for a lifetime. I started yearning for that.
The truth is, there’s no telling how long this relationship will last.
Or how long Shōgawa-san will need me.
When I think about it ending, my chest feels like it will burst.
Even so…
This city is being protected by a Radiant Magical Girl.
I don’t know where she got this power, or why she has to protect this city.
Nobody can know.
But there is only one thing I’m certain of.
If I still bear her secrets.
As long as she is still a Radiant Magical Girl.
I will do everything within my abilities to protect her.
On this day, I made this vow.
End of Volume 1
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