Episode 4: One Courageous Step
Scene: The Kaon guild house.
Ayumi revealed everything about the Grieving Goddess, who was aiming to kill Yuuki.
Ayumi
... That's what I know.
Makoto
So Yuuki really is being targeted on purpose.
Kasumi
The Grieving Goddess... Hmm, I feel like I've heard that name before...
Ayumi
I'm sorry... I should have been more honest about everything...!
Ayumi
I'm sorry... I'm sorry...
Makoto
Okay, okay, there's no need to apologize! You've been plenty honest with this.
Ayumi
But... But...! If I were only braver...!
Kasumi
I understand your feelings, Ayumi. I'm just like you, you know.
Kasumi
Hating myself for being so weak and cowardly.
Kasumi
But, Ayumi, you came to tell us about all of this. I think that was a very courageous step.
Ayumi
I... When I realized that Yuuki could be hurt, I couldn't sit still...!
Ayumi
But the Grieving Goddess can see right through me... She knows that there's nothing more I can do...
Makoto
That's not true! Because we're with you, too! You don't have to fret about this all on your own!
Kasumi
That's right. Plus, if the perpetrator knows your mind so well, then that means you know the perpetrator's mind just as well, doesn't it?
Ayumi
Y-Yes...
Kasumi
That gives us a big advantage.
Kasumi
Lend us your power. Together, we'll be able to protect Yuuki.
Ayumi
Y-Yes! I'll be replying on you... Ooh, I flubbed the important part...
Kasumi
Ahaha, we'll be relying on you, too!
Kasumi
Then, my assistant's safety comes above all else. For the next 24 hours, let's stick close to him!
Makoto
In that case, why don't we spend the night in the guild house? Of course, you too, Ayumi.
Kasumi
Yes. I think that would be our best option. Then, let's bring him here right away.
Later.
Makoto
I've brought Yuuki!
Ayumi
Eeeek! S-S-Spending the night with Yuuki -- it's all so sudden, and I'm happy, but also scared!
Makoto
Y-You're getting too excited... Well, let's leave the small talk for tomorrow. Ayumi, you can stay with us.
Kasumi
No, for tonight, let's all sleep in the same place.
Makoto
Huh!? What's this, all of a sudden! We're sleeping together with him!?
Ayumi
E-Ehh!? Sleeping with Yuuki!? I don't think I'm ready...!!
Kasumi
We all need to handle this together. We don't have the time to take it slowly and carefully.
Kasumi
Now, then, let's change into our pajamas! You two can use the extras we have in the guild house.
Kasumi
What's the matter, Assistant? Don't just stay over there. Don't be embarrassed, come over here.
Makoto
Seriously, how did this happen... H-Hey, Yuuki, don't stare!
Ayumi
Ahh... I'm so nervous about going to bed with Yuuki, my head is going blank...
Yuuki
1. "Everyone looks cute."
2. "My heart is pounding."
Option 1.
Ayumi
C-Cute!? Ah, ahhh...! Pshuuuu...
Kasumi
Hah. Honestly, saying things like that so smoothly is one of your vices.
Kasumi
But, mysteriously, it's not a bad feeling at all. I humbly accept your praise, Assistant!
Option 2.
Makoto
W-What's this about your heart!? Don't say that while looking right at me!!
Makoto
Ahh, man. Those words of yours are bad for my heart. Have a little self-awareness.
Kasumi
I know you're a very honest person, Assistant, but in this situation, even I can't help but feel embarrassed... Ahaha.
End of branches.
Ayumi
Yuuki is so close... Ahh, this is bad, I can hardly breathe...!
Ayumi
Everyone, thank you... I lived a good life... Rest in peace.
Makoto
Hey, Ayumi, wake up! There's no point in us being like this if we can't hear your information, don't you know?
Ayumi
Ah... S-Sorry. Then, um... Should I share it now?
Ayumi
(If something were to happen to Yuuki, this dream-like time we're spending right now will really end up as just a dream.)
Ayumi
(I don't want that to happen... Absolutely not.)
Ayumi
(I want to defend Yuuki. I want to defend these moments of happiness.)
Ayumi
(With Kasumi, and Makoto, and... my own efforts, too, I want to save Yuuki... No, I will save Yuuki!)
Ayumi spent the night sharing all of the information she had with Kasumi, Makoto, and Yuuki.