Spider - Gratitude (1)

… (Laying face-down on his bed)

Oiii. Sakura-kuuun~? Are you ok?

… (Waves his hands around)

I’m a bit relieved that you have at least the energy to respond somehow. You’ve been pretty fatigued lately, haven’t you?

You didn’t come back here to our room the last time you stayed over, and the past couple of days you’ve been coming home late. Are you busy doing work?

No. It’s not work. Recently I’ve been having a really hard time trying to get prepared for “ES Halloween”…

Well, I guess it’s my fault that I’m not able to fare well.

(I really did just end up getting scared so many times that I got used to it. My spirit’s been drained.)

“ES Halloween”?

⁠—Aah, are you saying you’re tired from the practice for the event?

Well, kinda. It was more like training than practice.

Hm?

Nothing. It’s nothing. It was our own thing, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Fuu~n. So, “ES Halloween” is gonna have “Crazy:B” participating in it? I’m pretty excited about it, since it looks like it’s gonna be a huge deal. That Ibara guy seemed to be looking forward to it too.

It is a seasonal event. So it’s true that the director’s been bustling. This has to be the best time to make money.

Right, right. That’s exactly it. Ohii-san and Nagi-senpai were really anticipating the costume party.

Uuu… costumes…

? What’s wrong?

No. It’s nothing.

But, I’m surprised. Sakura-kun’s group is actually really kind.

Hah? Kind? Who is?

Ah, nono. It’s just how I saw it, so please don’t be so offended…

“Crazy:B” always seemed like the kind of “unit” that would just go with their own flow to me. I thought the fact that they excitedly helped you with lessons when you couldn’t do well was actually super kind, Sakura-kun…it was a liiiitle unexpected.

That’s a relief. Sakura-kun, you’re the youngest in “Crazy:B”. So I’m happy you have people around to take care of you.

Think of it this way: here at Reimei there’s not many older students right? It’s pretty much the definition of “the law of the jungle”¹.

…

? What’s wrong? You look surprised.

Nothing. I just never thought of it that way before. Is that how it is?

I just thought Rinne-han was getting a laugh out of it.

Ahaha. It’s hard to tell when it’s all about you right? Ohii-san is really hyper, egotistical, and really rash, but he does take good care of me, and that’s surprising.

Isn’t it the same in your group, Sakura-kun?

In mine…?

I’ve always thought that if I’d ever went wrong somewhere, then I’d still be alone.

To be surrounded by people like this is something I’m really grateful for… and I need to remember to stay grateful for those around me.

…

Well, if I ever told that to Ohii-san then he’d definitely get carried away. So, I’m not saying a thing.

Fufu. What’s with that? What would be the point in telling them? I really am surrounded by dishonest people.

(…Well, I guess I’m the same way.)