<Author's Notes>

I don't have much time, so today's chapter is a bit short.

I can somewhat understand Illness-san's worries, but I don't think we've quite gotten to the main point yet. This consultation was originally supposed to be about not being able to articulate her feelings, right? From what I've heard so far, it seems like she can articulate her feelings just fine, and they come across clearly to me.

[……Illness-san, are you worried about not being able to articulate your feelings?] fr𝚎𝗲𝐰ebnov𝐞𝐥.𝐜o𝗺

[Yeees. In my miiiiiind, I understand what I'm feeling and what outcome I want it to haaaaave…… but it's difficult to express that in woooooords. No, perhaaaaps, I'm feeling hesitaaaaant. I might be afraid of saying words that coooooould significantly change the environment that I've been certain about until noooooow.]

[I understand that feeling. It's scary to think that the comfortable relationship we have now might change……]

This feels nearly like a confession. Well, if someone said the flow of this conversation so far is already like a confession, they'd be right…… but from Illness-san's perspective, loving me, or rather, being devoted to me is a given without any hesitation, but when it comes to seeking something for herself, she seems very hesitant.[That's riiiiight. Even thoooough the goal is clear to me, I can't seem to clearly envision the path to get theeeeere. But at the same tiiiiiime, I do want to come up with my own answeeeeer. Although I'm feeling really hesitaaaaant, this is definitely what I wanteeeeed…… What I want for myseeeelf, how I want the future to be liiiiike, I want to thoroughly think about this and come up with an answeeeeer.]

[I see…… So, consulting with me this time was to get some reference for your thoughts?]

[That's definitely part of iiiiiit…… but how should I put iiiiiit? This is also difficult to explaaaaain…… but I suppose I wanted Kaito-sama to know what I'm thinkiiiiing.]lightsnovel

With an unusually puzzled expression on her face, Illness-san tilted her head. She usually gives the impression of being confident and composed, not having any doubts in her mind, but it was clear that she was genuinely unsure about her current romantic feelings, and there was evident hesitation in her words.Since she said she wants to think things through and come up with her own answer, I, the one she's consulting with, should give her hints that might help her reach her conclusion…… but that's easier said than done.

[Honestly, I might not have much advice to give…… Ah, but there's one thing I can say. If what I'm thinking here isn't just my ego…… If the answer Illness-san is trying to reach is what I think it is…… Errr…… I don't think the result would be one that would make Illness-san sad.]

[Kaito-samaaaa……]

[And so, I think it's okay to take your time. It's fine to slowly think about what you want to do from now on and what kind of future you want.]

[……Kuhihi…… Kaito-sama really is……]

Hearing my words, Illness-san looked surprised for a moment, but then she quickly smiled and her narrowed eyes looked at me affectionately.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [……So basically, it's that, isn't it? She wants to properly confess to Kaito, but she's worried because she can't put her feelings into words…… Isn't that practically a confession already!? Also, with Kaito's response there, doesn't that make you a couple with mutual feelings for each other!?]