5:

While waiting for the girl to wake up, I decided to read a book to pass the time. It was a tragic love story about the male lead's unrequited love.

I was moved by the male lead's devotion and love towards his beloved, but the other didn't reciprocate and chose another. Ultimately, the male lead died and his beloved mourned for him. However, it was far too late.

I sighed in exasperation.

(A lot of what-ifs must've crossed this person's mind after the male lead died.)

"Aww. . . that's what happens when you don't appreciate people who truly care about you. Isn't it enough to have one person love you wholeheartedly rather than choosing someone else?"

(And now you're going to cry and ask for him back? Hmph! Serves you right! Regret it for the rest of your life!)

I closed the book and was about to grab another one, then I realized the sleeping princess had woken up.

"Oh? You're awake. How are you feeling? You've been asleep for quite a long time. You must've been very tired."

She was asleep for at least six hours or so, or at least, it felt that long. She still looks a bit dazed.

"Should I get you something? Coffee? Pancakes?"

". . .Mm. Cafe au lait, please."

She nodded her head and even made a request. For some reason, that made me feel extremely delighted.

After serving her what she requested, I was suddenly met with a question.

". . . Aren't you going to ask me anything?"

"Hm?!"

". . .You're lost, aren't you?"

It was an unexpected question, but it made sense. As someone who's lost, I should be asking for directions.

(But somehow-)

"Hmm. . .I wonder. I know I should be focusing on getting out of here. But for some reason, I feel at ease here."

". . .Hmm."

"Besides, there's no rush when it comes to these things, right?!"

I might sound like someone who's making an excuse, but that's just how I truly felt.

"Also, I'd rather be here with you! Aren't you lonely?"

". . .Not really."

I figured as much, but this girl is probably the type who enjoys solitude. The only thing that I have to fear is that she'll throw me out.

"You wouldn't cast me out, will you?"

". . . . ."

(Uhh. . is that a yes or a no?)

My mind was thrown into a chaotic mess, I don't want to stay out there in the middle of nowhere again.

(If the time comes, I'll beg on my knees and ask her to let me stay.)

". . .I don't mind."

"Really?"

"But-"

It felt like a rollercoaster, I felt relieved one moment and crestfallen the next.

". . . Wouldn't you be bored here?"

"Hm? Bored?"

". . .Almost everyone I know would rather play outside rather than stay indoors."

". . . . ."

". . .They also said that I'm a boring person."

Somehow, hearing her say that with such a dejected look, I kind of felt sorry for her. I feel uncomfortable seeing her like that. No matter what, I have to cheer her up.

"Well, I have my own opinions about you. First of all, compared to that pitch-black place, I'd rather be here."

With a burst of determination, I gathered my honest thoughts and said it out loud.

"Second, I admit that I had assumptions about you and misunderstood you, but you've proven me wrong lots of times now."

". . . . ."

"Third! Boring, you say? Well, I've got a solution for that. Let's get to know each other better. I think you're interesting."

(Wait, maybe that was a little bit weird.)

". . . Don't you think it's embarrassing to say that out loud?"

"It is embarrassing! But if I don't do this, you probably won't believe me."

I'm not used to being straightforward like this, and I'm pretty sure if this was in real life, I wouldn't have the courage to say this out loud. I'd rather say these kinds of things via letter.

It's just that I had a feeling that would be the most appropriate way to approach her.

". . . . ."

The girl looked away and hid her face behind her goat plushie. The sight was so adorable, but I held back the urge to tease her.

"Hm? Did I make you feel uncomfortable?"

". . .Not really. It's just-"

"Hm?"

". . .I'm not used to it."

"It's the same for me. I don't have any friends at all."

". . .You don't?"

"None at all."

I wasn't lying. In the real world, I don't have any friends. Sure, there are people that I can talk to, but they are mere acquaintances at most. I wouldn't call them friends.

". . .Hmm."

"So that would make you my first friend, even if it's only for a short time. Let's treat each other well, shall we? Um-"

I've been putting it on hold for quite a while because I didn't want her to see me as being overly close, but now is the perfect time to ask that question.

"What is your name?"