"This is the only problem, should we find a way to solve it?"
"Well, I think I should at least apologize or give a good explanation."
The best approach would have been to apologize, but doing so without the feeling that Theon had done anything wrong risked causing trouble.
Rather than failing because of this, it would be better to openly state the deviation of Chen's own feelings.
"...Speaking of which, when facing Brother Harujian, you wouldn't say something like 'you want to be hated', would you?"
Judging from the tendency so far, even if Haruma hates him because of this incident, it will be a good thing for Xion. He will not consider solving the situation, but what is surprising is that he wants to act spontaneously.
For Natsumi, this was a happy misjudgment, but she couldn't let go that Xiaojing and Natsumi didn't feel the same way.
"That guy...will hate me anyway if he doesn't do anything."
"Brother Harujian wouldn't talk like that to someone you really hate."
In response to Natsumi's denial, Xion's eyes turned black and white, as if he was choosing words, and his gaze turned in the direction of the day after tomorrow.
"Strictly speaking, you will never forgive me, or you will not cross the line... In short, it won't be inconvenient for me, so that's fine."
Theon gave a unilateral and meaningless explanation and said not to talk about this topic again, trying to change the subject.
"I still have to apologize to Brother Guangmu. This time, I'm worried that you will hurt my heart..."
In other words, it doesn't matter if he's hated, feared, or angry, but hurting him doesn't seem to be Theon's original intention.
Natsumi didn't know what this way of thinking meant, but Natsumi didn't have enough time or brains to dig into it.
Thinking that you should first focus on solving the problem at hand and give up.
"Then you have a good talk with your brother."
“Is the ball too straight?”
"The upright and serious Brother Chunma and the perverse and slightly biased Xion will definitely get into trouble if they beat around the bush. Instead of doing this, it is better to have a head-on confrontation. It is absolutely reliable and faster."
In fact, she felt that a head-on conflict might be awkward, and she felt a little uneasy, but if Natsumi could talk to Lina, Leis and others, the problem should be solved.
"Ah? Do you want to join us?"
"Because I feel very uneasy. If things get more awkward, I will be in a lot of trouble."
Although Theon was reluctant, he couldn't give in.
If asked whether the current Halma would agree to Xion's call, Xion finally agreed.
Of course, it is better to arrange the venue as early as possible, but the technical class is very busy preparing for the voyage in two days.
As a result, until the matter in the football country is settled and there is time, we can decide how to arrange the occasion.
In this way, the matter between Xiaojing and Chunma ended smoothly.
In this case, the story should be over. Xion wanted to get up, but Natsumi stopped him immediately.
"Isn't it over?"
"What I wanted to say at the beginning is over... I still have something to say."
The original purpose was indeed achieved. However, I still have something to say to Natsumi.
What does Natsumi want to do with Xion in the future?
Although it was not intentional, Natsumi got here without giving an answer.
I'm afraid Theon doesn't care.
He is a man who advises Natsumi to leave him, perhaps hoping to maintain the status quo in order to make it easier for Natsumi to choose him in the future.
However, Natsumi felt that she must not be vague.
And now that I have discovered this by accident, isn't it the best time to give the answer?
"..."
Although I am very motivated to draw a conclusion, I have not actually sorted out my thoughts.
The reason why I tried to retain Xion just now was because I had a premonition that if I didn't speak out first, this topic would be avoided in the future.
The more I want to say something quickly, the more anxious I become, and I am left speechless.
Xion waited for Natsumi with a surprised look on his face.
(Anyway, it’s still very gentle)
To be honest, Xion probably wanted to go back to his room as soon as possible.
Originally, he wanted to avoid meeting Natsumi like this, and said that he would be very busy as a technical team member from tomorrow onwards.
Despite this, she still agreed to the request to meet and discuss, and did not urge Natsumi to stay but said nothing, just waiting for her to speak quietly.
Noticing this small tenderness calmed my anxiety a little.
"I haven't completely thought it through in my head yet, please listen to me first."
"……knew."
Natsumi had a hunch that even if she wanted to summarize and talk later, it would definitely end up spinning somewhere, so she chose not to summarize.
Even if there is no summary, I still want to convey my feelings to Xion.
"To be honest, before you said this, I had never thought that most of the human race might become enemies, nor did I have the awareness to regard them as enemies. Moreover, I think there are still many things I don't understand about Xion. "
I'm afraid Natsumi is not thoughtful in many aspects.
Only now do I realize that trusting Xion in the current situation and simply trusting a friend are two different things.
Under such circumstances, Anna, who had supported Theon from the beginning, and the members of the Thirteenth Skill Class who had shown a good relationship with all of "Mystolstan", chose Theon despite knowing this.
I finally realized that I was overestimating myself by comparing these people to Natsumi who was not even aware of her situation.
"Besides, I probably can't do anything for Theon like Chief of Staff Rastel and the people in the Thirteenth Skill Class."
Natsumi is just a helmsman at best, neither like Anna who can deal with those in power easily, nor like the Thirteenth Skill Class who can run rampant without fear of power.
"...Even so, I still want to stand by Theon."
Not enough thought and not enough strength. Even so, Natsumi still hoped so.
"The benefactor who saved my life, the friend who laughed, joked, and ate cakes with me. You are usually a bit of a manipulator, but actually very gentle, because I believe in you."
Although she knew that was not all of Xion, the Xion that Natsumi knew was undoubtedly the real him.
Natsumi believed in Xion from the bottom of her heart.
"So, don't say words like 'fear' or 'don't believe'... I feel lonely when you say that."
Although it is a short-sighted judgment, Natsumi's trust in Xion has always been true.
No matter how I expressed this feeling, the other person kept saying "wrong" and "think about it again", which made me very uncomfortable. More importantly, the gap between me and Theon was exposed. Makes me very lonely.
"...I'm telling you, your idea is probably too naive."
"Um."
"I just found out with great difficulty how it was possible to come to a conclusion in less than an hour."
"I know. ...But, it's probably the same no matter what you think."
Even if she stops thinking and spends time here, Natsumi's answer will definitely not change.
Natsumi doesn't think Theon is scary, and she can't consider Theon an enemy just because most humans are like that.
"No matter what others say, this is what I really mean and I can't change it even if I want to."
Looking directly into Xion's eyes, he declared with the thought "I have absolutely no intention of breaking it."
After looking at each other for a few seconds, Xion sighed deeply.
"I told you so much not to end up like this, but why did it end up like this?"
"Then you have given up?"
"Yeah, surrender, surrender."
Although Xion was a little dissatisfied, he still raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, but he changed his funny attitude and looked at Natsumi with a serious expression.
"I promise not to say unnecessary words... But if you don't believe me in the future, leave me. I promise not to be bound by the declaration I made here today."
"...I know. If one day comes, I will do a good job."
To be honest, he wanted to argue that there was no such thing, but there was something about Theon that wouldn't let him. Overwhelmed by her aura, Natsumi nodded.
Then, the air suddenly calmed down, and the usual Theon returned.
"How should I put it... It shouldn't be aimed at me, it just hits my weak point."
"Ah? Really? Where?"
"He will put aside the rationale and draw conclusions based on his heart... If the answer is from the heart, I will never look down on him."
Xion said awkwardly and stood up from the chair.
Then he turned his attention to Natsumi and made a silent waiting gesture.
"Huh? Is it better to separate when we go back?"
"Aren't you already on my side? Then let's go together."
"Or give up?" Xion smiled evilly, and Xia Mei was so angry that she stood aside with her head held high.
"Although we are on the ship, it is very late at night. Please take me to the front of the room."
"I don't remember you saying you wanted to do that?"
"We're going back together anyway, so it doesn't matter if we worry about it!"
The two people walked side by side in the aisle, chatting in a lively rhythm.
This was definitely not the first time, but Natsumi felt strangely different from before.
(It would be nice if my brothers could continue walking together with Xion like this)
With this wish, Natsumi walked beside Xion with a smile.
