( Arata's POV )
When Sagiri snapped out of her strange behavior, she sat down some distance away from me to regain her composure; she was too embarrassed to look at me.
Arata: Maybe that's another side effect, you know, from using the pact for the first time.
Sagiri: ...yes, that must be it.
Arata: Are you ready to come back, or do you need time to... cool down?
Sagiri: No, I'm fine, let's go.
I tried to fix the situation with a flimsy theory because I knew that the way Sagiri was looking at me wasn't forced, and she used that to hide her blushing, Sagiri got up without looking at me and returned to the inn.
I followed Sagiri without saying anything, but I kept thinking about those eyes she gave me and also the sensation of her breasts against my body.
After everything that had happened, I decided to take a dip in the hot springs and then go to sleep, but when I returned, more surprises were waiting.
Arata: Chisaki?
When I went upstairs to change my clothes, I saw my childhood friend standing in the doorway with a couple of bags next to her.
Chisaki: Hey, it looks like I'll be living here from now on... Please take care of me.
I didn't know what Chisaki's first words to me would be, but I wasn't expecting this, although I didn't care, I was happy that I hadn't lost my childhood friend.
Arata: Then, welcome home.
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(Chisaki's POV )
After shouting what could only be considered a confession of my feelings for Arata, all I could do was run, some friends of mine were waiting at the entrance of the school and they called my name when they saw me, but I kept running past them.
I arrived home and my mother welcomed me, but I hadn't calmed down. I ran to my room and threw myself on my bed.
I started thinking about how I was going to look at Arata tomorrow or what I was going to say to him, but no matter how much I thought about it, nothing came to mind. I could only scream into my pillow to let it all out.
After that experience I went down to the kitchen for something to drink and at that moment I heard a woman's voice that was not my mother's in the house.
???: I know this is strange, but for Arata's health, I ask that you consider having your daughter move in with him.
The woman's voice sounded familiar, but what worried me most was the conversation about Arata's health, I rushed into the living room, which surprised both my mother and our visitor.
Chisaki: What happened to Arata's health? Please tell me everything.
The woman's voice turned out to belong to our school's new nurse, Seto Ren. She has the same last name as Sun, so I guess they were related.
Ren: The situation isn't critical, but Arata needs your presence near him to recover, There are already others like my daughter Sun helping in that aspect so it's not necessary for you to come too but I thought you should be informed.
The moment she mentioned that Sun was her daughter, my expression changed slightly from discomfort to a feeling of unease, and I clenched my fists, sun's mother didn't missed that, but she seemed happy about it.
Chisaki: I will go to where Arata is, I will not let them leave me out.
My mother was confused and I honestly didn't fully understand what was happening either; if Sun hadn't given me the truth, I would be completely clueless today.
My mother went from confused to excited, and with a smile she stood up and put her hands on my shoulder.
Hiyori: I understand, I knew this would happen sooner or later, rivals are appearing and you don't want to lose, you're probably worried but don't worry your mom is on your side, You will have to work hard to hone your weapons, but I know you will succeed; you are my daughter after all.
Chisaki: Mom... I don't think you understand what's going on.
Hiyori: No, I know, believe me.
Ren: It seems you're not just any opponent; I should have a talk with my own daughter.
The two women were in their own world, so I left them aside and started packing my bags. I still knew what I was going to say to her, but I knew that this time I wasn't going to run away.
I went downstairs from my room with my bags and followed Sun's mother, but before we left the house, my mother approached us with a box.
Hiyori: Chisaki, I wanted to give you this when you were a little older, but I think you need it more now; this will give you something to aim for.
Chisaki: ... Thanks, Mom.
I didn't understand what she was saying, but it was time to leave, so I put the box among my things and left.
After a short car ride we arrived at an inn. As soon as I got out of the car, Sun's mother closed the door and she spoke to me with the window down.
Ren: The rest of your things will be brought tomorrow during school, please make yourself at home, good night.
I thought she was going to stay here too, so I was a little perplexed when she sped away from here.
It was too late to go back, so I took a deep breath and went into the inn. In a stroke of bad luck, or maybe good luck, the first person I met was Arata, and all I could say was that I was going to be living here too.
I thought things might be a little awkward between us, but he just gave me a smile and a warm welcome, With that simple gesture my resolve grew stronger; and I told myself I'm definitely not going to lose here.