"Let's play the 'I Love You' game."
In the comfortably heated warmth of my room, Himiko sat on a cushion, raised her index finger, and said those words.
Listen here. I'm in the middle of exam prep. Around this time next year, I'll be sitting in an actual exam hall, you know? Unlike you, who already passed your exams and now has all the free time in the world, I don't. So stop interrupting my studies.
…Or so I thought, but Himiko would keep talking to me anyway. I was starting to get tired of studying, so maybe a little chat wouldn't hurt. Wait, what did you just say?
"The 'I Love You' game?"
"Yes. The 'I Love You' game."
"What is that? What kind of game is it?"
"We take turns saying 'I love you' to each other, and the first one to get embarrassed loses."
...What a pointless game. What kind of contest is that? Who on earth gets embarrassed just from hearing "I love you"? Modern games are beyond me.
Still, if it's a competition, I'll take you on. This should be fair. At least I won't lose in a contest of strength.
"Fine. I accept. But if you lose, no cuddling in bed tonight."
"That's okay. I'm going to win anyway."
You said that? With that provocative smile on your face, you boldly declared you'd beat me?
Then don't you dare make excuses when you lose later!! Today, of all days, I'm going to crush you completely!!!
It's on!!!!!!
"Madoka-chan."
"What?"
"…I want to say thank you. You always praise my smile, you stay by my side no matter what… and you let me do as many 'chuu chuu' as I want. You even gave me this ring. It's my treasure. A precious memory."
You're still wearing that ring around your neck? Well… I won't say anything more about it. Do as you like.
"When I was in trouble, you always helped me. Well, beating up every single one of my classmates wasn't exactly good… but it made me realize just how much you care about me… and that made me really happy."
What's with the sudden sincerity? Stop, stop. I only did what I felt like doing. That day, I was the one who tied you up on impulse. I didn't do it because I wanted thanks. I just couldn't stand seeing you unhappy.
So everything you're saying is just me being selfish. It's all my own whim. You don't need to feel grateful for any of it…
…But when you look at me so directly and say thank you like that, it feels ticklish. It's strangely embarrassing. Ahh, I can't look at you anymore. Stop staring at me with those honest eyes. My face is getting hot.
"Madoka-chan, I love you. From the bottom of my heart… from the very depths of my heart… I love you."
"...! N-No, um… that is… Himiko, you…"
"Ah, you're blushing. I win!"
"I am not blushing!! Where do you see me blushing, you idiot!!!"
This girl…!! She suddenly acts all sweet and grateful, then hits me with that wicked grin!!
"You're clearly embarrassed. Your face is bright red, Madoka-chan."
"Shut up. Don't look over here, you fool."
Ahh, this is impossible. I can't look at Himiko's face right now. My heart is pounding too loudly. I should just go back to studying. There isn't much time left until the exams. A year flies by in no time. I still have exam prep, cursed spirit hunting, technique training, and practicing external output of Reverse Cursed Technique. There's so much I need to do.
If I keep paying attention only to Himiko, something important is bound to slip. Part of me thinks that might not be so bad… but I don't want to fall into laziness.
Since I gave her some attention, she should quiet down for a bit now. Please. I'm begging you.
"…Ma~doka-chan."
"Oof!"
Don't suddenly hug me from behind. Don't put your full weight on me. How many times do I have to tell you not to do that out of nowhere?
"You made me say it, but you won't say it back?"
"…You little…"
So that's why you suggested this game. You just wanted to hear me say "I love you," didn't you? You don't need me to say it out loud. You already know how I feel, and I know how you feel, right?
How many years do you think we've spent together? Time really flies. It's already been ten years. Ten whole years.
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
Hey, say something. Don't just bury your face in my neck in silence. Don't squeeze me so tightly. Don't press yourself against me like that. If you're going to keep disturbing my studies, then get out of here.
"…"
"…"
Aaaah, fine. I get it, I get it. I just have to say it, right? You're really asking for embarrassing things. I'm not used to this kind of stuff, you know. What a troublesome fiancée you are.
"…I… l-love… you… too…?"
...．...．...．
"…"
Nope. Forget it. I can't. There's no way I can say that, idiot!
If I do, you'll definitely get full of yourself!!
Besides, I already said it once before, didn't I? Stop trying to make me say it over and over! Once should be enough!!
You really are slow on the uptake!!
…Ahh, fine. I'll say it. I'll say it properly, so stop sulking. And while you're next to me, can't you at least smile?
"…I… l-love… you… too…?"
There. Are you satisfied now, you greedy girl? You shameless woman. If you're satisfied, then hurry up and let go, you fool. Wait—no, don't let go. Don't let go right now. And for a while, please don't look at my face. It's burning. It feels like it's about to catch fire.
This is bad. Really bad. A jujutsu sorcerer shouldn't lose control of her emotions like this. My cursed energy is getting unstable. Not to mention the Reverse Cursed Technique I'm constantly running for self-recovery is starting to fluctuate.
I can't fix facial flushing with Reverse Cursed Technique. The moment I heal it, it comes right back. If I want to calm down, I'll just have to settle my heart.
But right now… that seems completely impossible.
Hey, is anyone there?!
Someone bring me a technique that can erase emotions!!
I'm losing my mind here!!!
I'll say it as many times as I have to: there is no continuation. (The usual greeting)
I want to make them play all the silly, lovey-dovey games that lovey-dovey couples do. I wonder how many more times this girl is going to lose.