You wanted to see me?

　When I got to Currier-san's front, I thrust my hands into my lap and repeated my rough breathing.

''.....''

　Well, as expected, maybe it's because I'm not a body that used to exercise to begin with, but it's tiring to run there....
　Then I somehow manage to catch my breath and look up.

It's a good thing that you're able to do this.
What's it to you?
How about you and I work together as an attack team?
What?

　Miss Currier frowned.　

'With me?'
Yeah.
"Stupid,

　Mr. Currier shook his head, as if to say he didn't understand.

I don't see any benefit in partnering with you. It's not worth the trouble of partnering up with me. It's not a good idea to work with me, because I don't have any place in that group anymore. What's in it for you?
It's not a win-win situation. I'm the one who wants to work with Mr. Currier.

　Currier-san raised her eyebrows even tighter.
　He looked a little uncomfortable.

'I don't know. I don't know why you want to team up with me. I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say about it. It's rather depressing when you're strangely bothered by it.
So, what about combat class?
"I don't know what you're talking about.

　I remember when I was in a mock match.

'Currier-san, you're actually strong, aren't you?'
I don't know.
''You said that you could win against everyone in the training grounds. Even after what happened in the classroom earlier, you seemed to have a strong vibe.
..........
'And yet, Currier, you told me to give up the match and put yourself in the special group, didn't you?　.........wasn't that just so you could make sure I wasn't the only one in the special exception group?

　That's not all.
　During the battle class, I think Currier-san deliberately did something to displease Asaro so that the point of Asaro's conflict would go from me to her.
　........Maybe I'm thinking too much, though.

　There is no change in Currier-san's expression.
　I gulped and continued.

''Well, it's the same with what happened in the classroom just now. Hemp--No, no, no, not, uh, that--that--that--that--that's right, Fibruk!

　.........Asaro's real name didn't come out right away.

'When that guy was flirting with me....................that was a deliberate attempt to leave the classroom at an obvious time, wasn't it?
..........
'If I move at that timing, Phiburg would get involved with me after I had a dispute in the battle class.................That's how I read it, Currier-san. And as a result, that man's consciousness shifted from me to Currier-san. ........no?

　Mr. Currier's actions were for my benefit.
　Maybe it was.
　But.

Well you're even happier than that guy, aren't you?

　Upon hearing my words, Currier-san let out a dry laugh.

I don't know how you have managed to expand your imagination. You're too imaginative for your own good.
..........
'Only, well let's suppose that what I just imagined is true. I'm not sure if it's an attempt to reciprocate, but I'm not sure if you're going to be able to do that, and you're going to ask me out. But--I still don't think you should ask me out.

　Mr. Currier faded from his smile and asked.

'You ... what about the Sixth House?'
Yes, I know, in a manner of speaking.
Then you know what I mean.　There's a lot of stuff about the people in the Sixth House, a lot of nasty stories. Just getting close to them can get you involved in things you don't want. It's best to stay away, keep your distance and watch from the sidelines.
Oh no...

　Then Mr. Currier dropped his breath and gave a shove.

''Let's be clear. If you get too deeply involved with someone from the Sixth House, the lives of those involved could be in danger.''
.....
That's why I warned you in the morning. Stay out of my business.
..........
'Well from tomorrow, ignore me. It's better for you.

　Saying that, Currier-san turns away and begins to walk to the girls' quarters.

　...........
　Currier-san.
　You say so, but....
　But.

　You're not saying no.

　All you've said so far is just that it's not a good idea to get involved with you, that's all.
　I haven't been told 'I don't want to work with you' yet............

　I mean, if you think about it, none of those words are for my own safety.

''Currier-san!

　I raised my voice and called her name.

''Those people from the Sixth House - are they stronger than that one eye giant!

　Currier-san stops.
　His back is turned, so I can't see his expression.
　Then, in a small, but loud enough to reach my ears, Currier-san replied.

''........Strong.
"--
Even if those giants were to come at us in bunches they could kill them in five minutes if they were from the Sixth House.

　Faintly, Currier-san turns around to look at me.
　All you can see is her mouth.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. Of course.........including me.

　Again, Currier-san begins to walk.
　I clench my fists tightly.
　Breathe in.
　And.

I'm not giving up on you!　I won't give up until Currier-san clearly says, 'I don't want to team up with you!

　And then the line that could have been a stalker if it was poorly spoken came out of his mouth as hard as it could.

''...........''

　But this time, Currier-san didn't even stop, he just walked away.

　I'm left alone in that spot, alone and alone.
　..........................
　I remember what Currier-san said to me earlier.

I don't understand........why you want to team up with me.

　Of course, I'm also trying to repay them for their help.
　Not that there aren't things in the classroom after combat classes and classes that were cut off and discarded as my fantasy.
　
　But above all.

　I feel like being alone is a hard thing to do.

　I've always been a bogeyman in my former world.
　Well, maybe it's because I wasn't interested in things to begin with, but I didn't feel that it was so painful...or so I think.
　But being bocce in a place like school all the time was pretty tough.
　When you live in a group, there will always be times when you have to get involved with someone.
　I don't know what it was, but it was hard for me.
　And sometimes I thought to myself.
　If I had a friend, even if it was just one person, maybe it would be a little bit easier.

　No, I didn't accept bocce from the beginning either.
　When I was in elementary school or junior high school, I think I was feeling lonely, even if I didn't show it.
　It's because I'm that kind of person that I understand the pain of bocce, or rather.......the hardships of bocce........or maybe I do.
　...........

..........so is it rude to apply my case to Currier-san?

　Walking in the distance, I watch Currier-san's rear view.

''.........''

　Hmm.
　I guess that whole bocce thing could be a bit of a hoax.　

　I know.
　I've tried to explain it in various ways, but...

　Maybe I simply want to get along with Currier-san.

　....Yeah.
　In fact, that's just fine, isn't it?
　You don't have to come up with some complicated logic.

　I want to get along with Currier-san.

　That's all I want.

...........

　I mean, when you're thinking about bocce and all that.

I guess we haven't quite reset the world before...

　.................
　But what is it?
　Even though my invitation had failed, I was feeling a bit better.



　Hmm, but a way to seduce Currier-san.........
　Well..........
　..........
　Yeah.
　I guess this is the only thing I can think of right now.

　I'm going to break the record for reaching the level of attack on the Holy Ruins in this school.

　Specifically, I'll defeat something much, much stronger than that one giant.
　And that's how I'm going to prove it.
　I'll prove that I'm strong enough to defeat even those in the Sixth Temple.

　If I do that, Currier-san might accept my invitation.

　But then, does that mean I'll have to attack it solo?
　Of course, I said to Cecily now, 'Please work with me after all!　Hehe! That's a definite no-no, in my opinion.
　It's just too embarrassing to say no to someone like that.
　And if you partner up with another student, it would be difficult to invite Currier-san to join you later on.
　..............................
　That's fine.
　I'll do it.
　I'll do it solo.

　I'm going to beat the all-time high school record for survival.

　I'm going to look up at the sunset.
　Okay, good.
　Up and at 'em, up and at 'em.
　Now, I'm going to take a little stroll down there.
　I'd like to see what it's like.

　Holy ruins.

　Hmm.
　Once we've decided that, it's all over.
　Let's head over to the Holy Ruins right away.

...........

　However, if you dive alone, you will have a bit of a problem that can't be overlooked.......well, today, let's just take a look at it.......
　For today, let's just step into the first level of the building.

　Thus, I turned back the way I came and headed to the Holy Ruins in the school grounds.