Chapter 84 - A Special Scene
Accompanying Mashiro on a little detour, we ended up at the riverbank embankment, just slightly off our usual route home.
The sun had begun to set, painting the sky a deep crimson. The evening light bathed everything in vivid orange hues. Looking up in the opposite direction, stars had started to twinkle in the purplish night sky.
Perhaps because of the sharp temperature difference between day and night today, the breeze brushing my cheeks felt cooler than usual.
The chill in the air sharpened my senses and felt pleasantly refreshing.
Mashiro and I sat side by side on the embankment, quietly watching the sun sink below the horizon.
“It’s already evening, huh? The sunset is so beautiful…”
Mashiro narrowed her eyes and smiled softly as she gazed at the descending sun.
The sun in our view had already sunk halfway into the ground, and the reddish-tinged townscape was preparing to welcome the night.
Mashiro’s translucent white skin was tinted by the sunset’s glow, making her look like a work of art—radiantly beautiful.
Her black hair swayed gently in the breeze, shimmering ethereally as it caught the light of the setting sun.
Her large, deep blue eyes were so clear and pure, I felt like I could get lost in them just by looking.
And her profile—more captivating and adorable than any scenery.
Mashiro’s otherworldly beauty made me catch my breath.
“Ryusuke, what’s wrong? You’ve been spacing out.”
“Ah, sorry… It’s just, we don’t often get to sit and watch the sunset like this together. The sky with you in it is so stunning, I couldn’t help but stare.”
“Yeah. It feels special, doesn’t it? Maybe because there’s no one else around? I’m really happy I get to see this view with just you, Ryusuke.”
Just like Mashiro said, aside from the murmur of the river and the rustling of grass in the wind, there was nothing else to be heard. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.
Mashiro and I were sharing this special space together. That fact alone filled me with happiness, and made me want to treasure this moment from the bottom of my heart.
“I feel the same way, Mashiro. Spending time like this with you… I really love it.”
“You’re being awfully honest today, Ryusuke-kun.”
“Well, it’s okay to have days like that once in a while, right?”
“Fufu, then I’m glad we took this detour today. Hearing such honest words from Master makes me really happy.”
“You’re already acting like a maid, even though your outfit’s not ready yet.”
“Ahaha, I’ve got to start practicing now, right? I’m going to give it my all for the culture festival.”
Mashiro smiled gently, then placed her school bag on the ground. She leaned her head against my shoulder, as if seeking affection.
Her silky black hair brushed against my arm, tickling slightly. Because we were so close, her soft scent wafted around me.
As my heart pounded, Mashiro looked up at me with mischievous eyes and a playful smile.
“Thanks for coming along with me today, Ryusuke. I’m really glad you listened to my selfish request.”
“Of course I did. If it’s your selfishness, I’ll listen every day.”
“If you say things like that, I’ll just keep getting more spoiled… Is that okay?”
“A man doesn’t go back on his word. Besides, I’m doing it because I want to. You can be honest too, Mashiro.”
“Geez… You’re really unfair sometimes…”
Mashiro narrowed her beautiful blue eyes and pressed her flushed face against my shirt, hiding it.
Maybe it was her way of covering her embarrassment—rubbing her face against me like that was just too cute.
I leaned in slightly and wrapped my arm around her small shoulder.
Mashiro’s body was slender, soft, and warm.
As I gently pulled her closer, our warmth mingled, and it felt like even our hearts might melt together.
The breeze fluttered softly around us, rustling our black hair and brushing against our cheeks and necks. It was just chilly enough to feel cool on the skin, but Mashiro’s warmth through our clothes felt incredibly comforting.
The warmth and softness from where we touched brought a deep sense of peace to my heart.
Mashiro blinked slowly, then turned her gentle gaze toward me.
“…Ryusuke, you’re so warm.”
“The wind’s getting cooler, so don’t catch a chill.”
“Mm, thank you. Can we stay like this just a little longer?”
“Yeah, stay close as long as you want.”
Mashiro smiled happily.
Then, the two of us quietly watched the sun as it disappeared below the horizon.
Ever since I reincarnated as the villain, so many things have happened.
Meeting Mashiro right after I arrived in this world. I never imagined we’d end up like this.
Trying to overturn the bad ending I saw in the original story, I kept my distance from Mashiro, even if it meant being hated—just to save her from ruin.
But Mashiro wished to stay by my side with a smile, and now she’s entrusted herself to me like this. That means more to me than I can ever express.
If Mashiro hadn’t needed me, I’d probably still be alone. Tossed around by the fate of a villain, I might’ve just accepted my end.
Thanks to Mashiro’s kindness and warmth, I was able to resist that fate. Because I faced it head-on, I have this moment now.
Laughing with Mashiro, touching her, feeling her soft body and warmth, and even the sparkle of her jewel-like blue eyes—I get to have it all to myself.
Just being beside Mashiro makes me truly happy.
And I hope this happy time continues forever.
When the sun had fully set and night had fallen, Mashiro and I slowly stood up together.
It was completely dark around us, and the only light illuminating us was the moon.
That gentle moonlight seemed to quietly guide our path, and it felt somehow mystical.
“Well then, Ryusuke, shall we head home?”
“Yeah. I’ll walk you back today too. Let’s go together.”
“Ehehe. Thank you.”
Mashiro looked up at me with a blissful smile. Her smile was so lovely, I couldn’t help but smile back.
We began walking slowly under the moonlight, and before we knew it, our hands found each other and intertwined.