Epilogue

“…”

After being released from the questioning, Misaki hasn’t left my side, clinging tightly to my arm. Even now, after we’ve finished lunch, she’s hugging it in the tent, resting her head on my shoulder. Since she’s still in her swimsuit, her body heat and softness come through directly, and it’s seriously bad for my heart.

“Haha… she’s really glued to you, huh?”

Watching Misaki stick to me like velcro, Sasagawa-sensei let out a wry smile. As our chaperone, she’d been called in during the questioning, so she knows the whole story. She also understands why my little sister is being so clingy, which is why she doesn’t press the issue further.

“Well, she went through something scary, so… it’s understandable.”

That came from Suzumine-san, who’s been staring at us intently for a while now. She’s sitting next to Sasagawa-sensei, but for some reason, she keeps her eyes fixed on us.

Being stared at in this situation is, frankly, pretty embarrassing…

Just what is she thinking about right now?

As for Kokoa, she’s carefree, enjoying an afternoon nap. She’s using Sasagawa-sensei’s lap as a pillow, sleeping soundly with a blissful look on her face.

Honestly, I’m a little jealous.

“Misaki, don’t you want to go swim in the ocean?”

“I’m good for now…”

It’s been about two hours of this, so I tried checking in, but it seems Misaki wants to stay like this. The whole thing with those flirty guys must’ve really shaken her up mentally.

I feel bad for Suzumine-san, who looks like she’s itching to hit the water, but for now, I’ve got to prioritize Misaki.

“Alright, then just take it easy like this.”

“Mhm…”

When I gently pat her head, Misaki narrows her eyes, looking content.

Thanks to saving her, it feels like she’s gotten even more attached to me. In other words, she trusts me that much.

Being clung to like this? I don’t mind it one bit.

“He’s just casually patting her head…”

“Doesn’t even care that we’re right here, huh…”

Sasagawa-sensei and Suzumine-san are whispering something while watching us, but I’ll just ignore it. I can pretty much guess what they’re talking about anyway.

Right now, my priority is helping Misaki feel better—even if it’s insanely embarrassing.

“Hey, Raito-kun…”

“Hm?”

When she calls my name, I shift my gaze back to Misaki. She’s staring at me with those glistening eyes.

“I’m counting on you… from now on, too, okay?”

That’s her way of asking me to keep protecting her from other guys, right?

“Yeah, you can count on me.”

From the start, I took on the role of her fake boyfriend to shield her from the guys around her. I’ll keep being her breakwater, making sure no other guy gets too close.

“Hehe…”

When I nod, Misaki looks absolutely delighted, tightening her grip on my arm with a happy little squeeze.

—We’re supposed to be a fake couple, but at this point, no matter who’s looking, we probably look like the real deal.