Too exhausted to even walk properly, Rinji returned to the inn with i's support after a short rest.
"i…"
"Yes?"
"I think… this incident is finally over." Rinji smiled. "From now on, Class 3-3 will have no more curse. Even if I'm not here, you all can live in peace."
"…"
"Enjoying everyday school life, spending warm days with family, with no curse and no calamity… just like ordinary students."
Wearing a weak smile, Rinji spoke as i quietly supported him, listening without interruption.
Her face showed no expression—no joy that it was over, no sadness that Rinji would be leaving.
Maybe she had known all along this day would co and simply accepted it calmly.
i was never one to show emotions openly, but no matter how calm she looked, her heart could not be completely unmoved.
"Takamine… you're leaving soon?"
"Yes."
"You won't co back?"
"Yes."
"…"
Biting her lip gently, i finally smiled—a warm, rare smile.
"I'm truly glad I got to know you."
Facing her sudden smile, Rinji was moved and gave one back.
" too."
The rain in the sky had stopped. They slowed their pace on the muddy forest path, and by the ti they returned to the inn, night had already fallen.
When they opened the door, the lights in the lobby were still on.
The students, who should have gone back to rest, were all waiting in their uniforms for i and Rinji's return.
"Takamine, where did you run off to just now?"
"Good thing i found you."
"If you didn't co back today, we'd really be in trouble."
"By the way, Takamine, how did your hair get so long?"
Looking at his smiling classmates gathered around, Rinji felt a little dazed.
"…What's going on?"
"This was organized by the class. We didn't tell you beforehand," Akazawa explained, stepping forward.
"Since you're about to leave the school, everyone wanted to hold a farewell party."
Hearing this, Rinji lowered his head slightly, then looked up again with a broad smile.
"That's not bad at all."
"Since Takamine's here, let's officially begin the farewell party."
"Yeah!"
It was past dinnerti, so there was no food at the farewell. And since everyone was underage, there was no alcohol—only juice.
During the party, the students enthusiastically toasted with Rinji and asked him all kinds of questions.
Unlike before, Rinji didn't ignore or brush them off. He patiently chatted with them, creating a lively, warm atmosphere.
Of course, he still chose to hide certain key details.
"Takamine, do you have a girlfriend?"
"I do," Rinji smiled. "Actually, I have two."
"Hahaha, never thought you'd joke like that!"
"Tch, I thought I still had a chance."
The students laughed and gathered around him. Only i sat apart, sipping juice silently while watching Rinji surrounded by classmates.
"You're still as unsociable as ever," a voice ca beside her.
Akazawa sat down with a glass of juice.
"Akazawa?"
"To be honest, I've always disliked you. No matter what happens, you act indifferent. Even when you were chosen as the 'nonexistent one,' you looked like a doll, expressionless all day."
After a sip of juice, Akazawa slumped on the table, her long red hair spilling across it, her eyes hazy as she stared at Rinji.
"Lately though, you've changed a little. That's his influence, isn't it?"
"Yes."
For once, i smiled at soone other than Rinji.
"Because he saved my youth."
"Is that so."
Akazawa tilted her head, her gaze shifting from Rinji to i's profile.
"You… like Takamine, don't you?"
"Who knows."
i's smile carried a deeper aning.
"I'm not at the age where I should be in love yet."
"Tch… but I can tell your personality has changed a little from before."
…
Ti passed, and midnight drew near.
Rinji stepped out from the crowd and stood in the center of the lobby.
The students sat in a circle around him, watching to see what he would say.
"Everyone, the ti I've spent with you has been short, just a little over a month," Rinji said. "Though I never intended to get along with you, this short month is sothing I'll never forget."
He held up two fingers.
"There are two things I want to tell you. First, about the calamity of Class 3-3—I've already resolved it. There will be no more disasters, and none of you will face any accidents."
The students were surprised, but none doubted his words.
Even though Rinji didn't interact much with them, he was the kind of person who always did what he said. He had promised to protect them, and indeed, for an entire month no one had died—all thanks to him.
"The second thing is…"
Rinji bowed slightly to the students.
"Thank you."
"Eh?"
"Why are you thanking us?"
"It's us who should be thanking you, Takamine."
Under their puzzled looks, Rinji raised his head.
"Once, I dread of becoming a hero. I thought I'd never achieve it, but after eting you, I realized even I can protect others, that I can do things that make both myself and others proud. So…"
The smile on his face was genuine, and in that mont it carried a charm that could draw anyone in.
"Thank you. Even if we never et again, you will always remain in my heart."
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