Aquarium (3) EP.42

"That girl, isn't she an idiot?"

In a dark, empty space, the figure resembling Sora let out a hollow laugh and said.

"What does she think she can do with just painkillers..."

"Yeah, maybe her headache will ease a bit."

But,

"Even so, it won't erase your memories."

The terrible memories she showed him can't be blocked by painkillers.

As proof, the sight of Sora clutching his stomach didn't escape the figure's eyes.

"...Still, her effort is commendable."

"To think she'd take medicine to endure it..."

"...I should be executing the plan now..."

The figure looked at Hoshino and sighed.

"It can't be helped."

"I'll let it slide this once."

"So, enjoy today to the fullest, Sora."

"Until the day I take over your body."

"Uhehe- Is this the aquarium?"

"Seems like it."

The next morning,

We finally arrived at the aquarium we so desperately wanted to visit.

"This old lady is a country bumpkin, so places like this are unfamiliar~"

"...It's okay, it's my first time at an aquarium too."

Although I went once in my past life.

"Look, I got a pamphlet for Sora-chan too."

"They have a tropical fish section, a deep-sea fish section, and even a feeding experience!"

Hoshino looked at the pamphlet and continued talking happily.

Like a child visiting an amusement park for the first time.

"Hmm, there's a dolphin show... and a penguin exhibit. It must be cold there, right?"

"Look, Sora-chan! It's an ocean tunnel!"

"...You seem happy, sis."

And at her excitement, I couldn't help but smile.

"Ah, s-sorry, Sora-chan... This old lady got carried away... It was supposed to be for you..."

"Huh? No, no, I'm happy if you're happy, sis."

"And remember what I said?"

A little while before we came here, I made a request.

"Enjoy the aquarium to the fullest."

I said,

Even if it was my request.

And if she didn't enjoy it because she was worried about me,

I jokingly threatened that we wouldn't talk until I died.

"So you're doing well, sis."

"Sora-chan..."

"So? What's the sea tunnel?"

"Ah, well..."

After that, we continued to chat happily until we entered the aquarium.

...No one knew what was about to happen next.

*

"Sora-chan! Let's go there next!"

"......"

Once inside the aquarium, we wandered around.

Hoshino mostly led the way,

But as long as she was enjoying herself, that was enough for me.

However,

"Sora-chan?"

'...I might be reaching my limit...'

"Sis, sorry, I need to use the restroom for a bit."

"Huh? Then this old lady will..."

"No, I'll be back soon. Just wait here!"

With those words, I quickly wheeled myself to the restroom.

And,

"Uweeeek!!!"

I buried my face in the toilet bowl.

"Haah... haah..."

'I thought I could last at least a day...'

Thanks to the painkillers, my headache had somewhat subsided,

So I thought I could endure for just today.

"I look terrible..."

But as if to deny that thought, my reflection in the mirror was a mess.

Pitifully so.

-Shooaaaaaa

"Whew... Still, I'll hold on a little longer."

The atmosphere was at its peak right now.

I'd never seen her so happy.

In other words,

I had to make my move at the upcoming sea tunnel.

There must be whale sharks in the sea tunnel,

And Hoshino, who loves whales, would surely be delighted.

It was the perfect place to make my move.

I felt bad interrupting her fun, but if I didn't do it then, she wouldn't listen.

So, I couldn't show her this pathetic state if I wanted to settle things.

That's why,

-Smile

I smiled.

As if nothing was wrong,

Hiding the pain and suffering deep inside,

and thoroughly making sure she wouldn't notice.

*

"Is that a whale?"

"Wow~ Amazing. This is my first time in a place like this."

"......"

'...To think you'd see this scene in person.'

After I returned from the restroom,

Hoshino seemed to have noticed something, but she didn't say anything,

So we arrived at the sea tunnel without issue.

"Sora-chan, look! Fish! Ahahaha, they're cute!"

"...Yeah."

'...I need to tell her now...'

But I couldn't bring myself to speak.

If I opened my mouth now, her smile would likely disappear.

'...Should I just wait a little longer...'

There was plenty of time today, and we hadn't seen the whole aquarium yet.

So...

"Is it okay for me to be having so much fun alone..."

"...Huh?"

Then, Hoshino's downcast face came into view.

'Huh? Ah... Is it because of the other kids (the Countermeasures Committee)?'

She was like this in her relationship story too. Yeah.

'It can't be helped...'

I smiled at Hoshino and denied her words.

It wasn't good to have such gloomy thoughts today.

Besides, I didn't think they were the type to complain about her having fun.

They're all good kids by nature.

But,

"Mmm... It's that too, but..."

Hoshino seemed to be thinking something else.

"...But?"

"Sora-chan... You're not enjoying it at all, are you?"

"...Huh?"

"I know, you know? You've been restless this whole time."

"......"

"You weren't really interested in the aquarium, were you..."

'...She saw through me...'

...Actually, at first, I tried to enjoy it.

I was the one who suggested coming, so it would be weird if I didn't enjoy it.

But the more I saw the aquarium, the more it reminded me of the scenes from my past life, and I couldn't enjoy it.

I thought I was acting pretty well, though...

"...Haa..."

I rubbed my face with both hands.

'Since it's come to this... Should I tell her now?'

Now that she's seen through me, there's no point in pretending.

It would be better to tell her everything now so we can enjoy the rest of the time without worries.

...Well, that's if she accepts my story,

"...Actually, I wanted to come to the aquarium because I have a confession and a favor for you, sis."

She needed to know the context before I made the request.

"...Confession? Favor..."

"....Aren't you curious? About the relationship between your precious Yume-senpai and me."

"......"

She must be curious. Yume, who should have died that day, appeared using my body.

"...You see, I'm not from Kivotos."

"I..."

"I was created through a deal between the black suit and Yume."

"I'm an artificial human."