Chapter 48: Volume 2 - CH 2.1

The Angel in Plight

Translated by 64990022

Chapter 2: The Angel in Plight

Part 1

–“My relationship with Hibiki-kun’s what you’d call a childhood friend.” I sipped my cola without making any noise as she went on. “He’s three years older than me, now a second year uni student. Our places are close by.” her voice dropped. “He’s moving there though, the university’s in Osaka, quite far from here.”

“And hence the rush?”

–“Yeah. Less time to meet, if it’s when, it needs to be now.”

If anything, Mikage’s request was rather a mundane one. She has a crush, can’t confess yet, simple.

Anyway, an older childhood friend, huh. I had never thought such a cliche romance would belong to Saeka Mikage. It wouldn’t be surprising at this point if the Kuze’s Top Three, Minato excluded, were to be girls in love. But to be honest, I didn’t think someone of Mikage’s caliber had anything to be concerned about. Unless there’s something missing in the equation, I’d say that the other party will readily say yes…

Even better yet, there was a really high chance of their feelings being mutual. That she might not know it.

“To start with, why haven’t you confessed yet? If you’re on good terms, then there’s plenty of chances?”

–“Not like that, Hibiki-kun’s a celebrity.”

“Hmph.” Isn’t that applicable for you too…? Hmm, better not say that.

–“he’s fashionable enough to be a magazine model. His university’s also prestigious, he’s also really kind.” She said as if his spec was that of an electrical product.

Love blinds people, so of course, that’s what this Hibiki-kun was with a filter on. Although he was someone Mikage fell for, so that in itself means something.

“So you’re not confident enough to face him?”

“It sounds a little pathetic, but that’s it.”

“Hoh…” That’s surprisingly timid, Kuze’s Top Three.

No, no, it wasn’t my palace to judge, if she felt unconfident, then that’s it, she’s the one who was with him, while I don’t even know this Hibiki-kun.

–“He’s always treating me like a friend, y’see. He doesn’t like our relationship changing. I’d only be bothering him if he didn’t have the same idea.”

“I see…” The closer, the trickier, or so the saying goes… “So, you’re worried about what’d happen after the confession in case of a no. You’re unsure and feel guilty to the other party. That’s what’s holding you back, am I correct?”

–“Whoa… Exactly. I should expect no less from the Angel of Kuze High.”

I smirked. I’ve told you, this was completely in my turf, unlike with Minato.

Ah, back to topic at hand. Next…

–“So, if only I could have your help, I have a feeling that all’d go well. What do you think? Can you lend me your strength?” All at once, her tone became fervent.

I sucked in a breath and rested my chin on my propped hand. This…wasn’t a situation where I can take her plea lightly. True, the contents was nothing out of the ordinary; to make Mikage confident enough to confess before he moved away. If she wasn’t confident, then make her be, if she felt guilty to the guy, then take that from her. I’ve had everything planned out.

But this consult request in itself was in conflict with Shida Souta, whom I had already promised to support him. I can’t help but wonder about the inevitability of the situation.

Naturally, I felt bad for Shida, but I would feel just as uncomfortable refusing Mikage’s request on that basis.

No matter the scenario, one of them will ultimately fail, and there was no way I could help them equally mechanically like that. But…

“Tell me, how long do you have before he moves?”

–“Actually… It’s less than a month away. I’m running out of time.”

“Mmm” Hey, isn’t that too short of a notice… and don’t sound so desperate, I’m feeling guilty.

–“I know. I wanted to talk to you earlier, though? Can’t help but wonder when will the letter come every time I open the shoe locker. Not like I can walk up to you either.” She said apologetically and… resentingly.

On that part… well I’m sorry, ‘kay?

If it’s any solace, you’re on the list too, albeit of less priority. With Shida’s consultation underway, hers was postponed for the time being.

Though, I try not to pick favorites when it comes to this. But this was certainly a dilemma, there were only so many consultations I could do at once, and then I needed to manage all the schedules so that it wouldn’t interfere with the other’s.

Actually, that was one of the hardest decisions I needed to make as the Angel.

–“but then there’s the broadcast. I feel sorry for Yuzuki-san, but that was my only chance of contacting you.”

“Uh-huh.”

That’s her only chance of contacting me…

What should I put upon the scales, on which criteria should I use to decide… Both sides seemed just as equal in importance.

To help Shida, aid his confession, if possible, make it a “yes.” Or to support Mikage in her last desperate scramble before her crush moves away, significantly lowering Shida’s chance of success.

However, taking a step back, the Angel shouldn’t be worrying about who to support. The Angel’s duty was to help people confess, in the form of counseling. That said, there was one thing that set the Angel apart from friend’s love counseling; fair judgment without personal feelings.

And so, if I treat these two confessions equally, then there was no reason for me to refuse Mikage’s plea.

I muted the microphone, exhaled and closed my eyes. As an afterthought, I drank the rest of the cola. The miniature hiss-fizz exploded at once in my mouth, and then regrettably faded away to oblivion.

There was no answer for me in the soda.

Without any regrets. A choice that I wouldn’t hate myself later for.

My goal wasn’t to make their love come true, but to bring forth a conclusion, be it good or bad. To not lose the chance to say it forever like me.

“And if… if I don’t accept your request, what’s your plan,” I tested.

–“I’ll confess on my own… I have to, no matter what. I don’t know what will happen, tho.”

Oh…you just have to say that…

I can’t let her go alone, after all.

“Got it.”

Forgive me, Shida.

–“Then…?”

“Yep, I’m taking on. If you agree to my terms, that is.”

–“Really…?! Thanks… thanks a  bunch,” said Mikage, her relief obvious over the phone.

On the contrary, I slumped back on my chair, in my chest bubbled an odd mix of distress and determination.

I considered a single consultation to be quite exhausting, but I guess I would need to keep up even more in the next coming weeks if I were to be in a dilemma like this.