A week has passed since the incident with Hiyama-san.
When the office announced that Hiyama-san would be taking an indefinite leave of absence due to medical treatment, various rumors flew around the otaku community.
Some of her fans even created websites to voice their concerns and encouragement.
However, those voices have now all but disappeared.
The animes in which she voiced has been replaced by substitutes and Reizen-san has announced that she will be teaming up with another voice actress as a duo.
Miyabi Kazama, the narrator, also quietly announced her retirement from the office.
-0-
Then, one night.
As I was sitting on the sofa with Yui and Futaba, watching the movie broadcast about going back in time in a car, the phone rang.
It was Reizen-san.
「Good evening. What’s wrong?」
『………I wonder. For some reason, I thought that I must call you.』
「Are you alright?」
Her voice is fine.
The memories of that night are probably almost gone but it’s not surprising that some mental instability has remained.
『Thank……I already did. But it’s strange……I feel like I should thank you for something but I already did that. I’m sorry for asking this but, did I promise you for a favor?』
How loyal can this girl be?
「You didn’t. However, I think you promised to play together—」
Yui and Futaba glared at me as I said that.
「with Yui and the others, of course.」
It’s a lighthearted way of cheering someone.
Though I didn’t expect her to do so.
『Fufu……I would love to. I don’t have anyone to play with in private. However, I’m sorry. Unfortunately, I’m very busy with work.』
「Sounds like a polite rejection.」
『You talk like a high school girl.』
「That “like” sounds like you mean it.」
『Ara, I’m not against Nanba-san turning into a high school girl.』
「What do you mean by that?」
『I don’t know what I’m talking about either. However……thanks. I feel a little better now. Though my career is going well recently, I feel like something important was missing……』
Reizen-san’s voice trembled a little.
「Are you crying……?」
『Yeah……I mean, no. I don’t know but, my tears are falling……maybe I’m just tired.』
「I’m sure you are」
『Yeah, I know……』
It sounds like she’s forcing herself to say that.
「If you need someone to talk to, just call me anytime.」
『Do I look like someone having trouble to find someone to talk to?』
「Yeah, a little. Reizen-san, you don’t seem to have many friends.」
『You’re so harsh!?』
「As for me, I’m even with two beautiful ladies right now.」
The two on my left and right both blushed hearing the word “beautiful”.
『Uwaa……how did you grow up to be a high school student who can say something like that?』
「It’s a joke. I’m just trying to cheer you out but you’re being so karen.」
『So what……』
「I’m just inventing something. 」
『I feel somewhat cheered up. Thanks.』
「No no, I’m glad I could be of some help.」
『Hey, Nanba-san, my real name is Yotsuya Ai.』
「Why are you telling me suddenly?」
『I don’t know. However, I wanted you to remember……strange. I guess I’m tired after all. See you later.』
After saying that, Reizen-san one sidedly hung up the phone.
She has forgotten about that night as expected.
However, she has not recovered from the shock of that night.
「「Mou……」」
When the call ended, Yui and Futaba looked at me with difficult faces.
「What’s up?」
「「………nothing」」
The two harmonize with each other, making me tilt my head.
They’ve become so close.
「I think Kazu did well.」
Yui, who softened her expression, hugged my head to her chest.
「Do I look that bad?」
「Just a little. It’s alright. I’m……we’re going to be here will you all the time.」
「She’s right, oniichan.」
Futaba squeezes my hand.
I made the two of them worry about me again.
No matter how strong I get, I still need more training.
But today, let me indulge in this warmth a little.
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