Time is running out - 11

I woke up again! For the umpteenth time this night... Why, you ask? Every time I finally drifted off to sleep, I felt a huge pressure around my body. Roxy was responsible for that pressure. Not only did she stretch out in bed and sometimes drool in her sleep, but she also hugged me like a little koala. Her arms and legs wrapped tightly around my body, giving me no chance of escape.

I couldn't move. Every time I determined to wake her up and free myself from her embrace, something stopped me - her cuteness. As soon as I laid eyes on her peaceful, sleeping face, all my intentions instantly vanished. So I just lay there, trapped in her grasp, trying to find a comfortable position in which I could fall asleep again.

But seriously, how am I going to stand it for the whole time she's going to be here with us? This time I decided to muster up all my courage and actually wake her up. "Roxy, it's morning, wake up," I addressed her in a low voice. I tried several times, but it had no effect. She slept soundly, not moving.

I tried to slip out of her arms, but her grip was so tight that I could only get one hand free. I shook her gently, hoping it would wake her up. Even the combination of my insistent whispering and rocking her body didn't work. Eventually I realized I had no choice but to try to go back to sleep and just ignore it. After a while I succeeded, but the world decided not to give me sleep.

All of a sudden, I was awakened by a noise. Roxy suddenly moved, causing a rather loud thud. I blinked and the first thing I saw was Roxy with her face as red as a tomato. She looked utterly confused. As soon as she noticed that I was awake, she quickly stammered out: "Sorry... I'm not used to sharing a bed..."

Her embarrassment made me react in a way that even I hadn't expected. Feeling the heat rush to my cheeks, I replied a little nervously, "Don't worry, Roxy-sensei. It hasn't changed my view of you in any way." As soon as I finished saying that, I heard her let out a deep sigh.

[Time skip - year]

I learned to live with such wounds over time. I've adapted and I no longer wake up when Roxy squeezes me in my sleep. I've even noticed that she's become more open with me and isn't as ashamed of her subconscious behavior.

Some time ago, Rudy came up to me and bragged about seeing Roxy in the hallway during a... er... private moment. Honestly, I've known for a long time, but I didn't interfere. Of course, Roxy has no idea I know about this. At least I hope so. But time flies incredibly fast, and it's been a year.

I didn't learn much new in magic class. It was more of the theoretical part, which I'd already mastered. Besides, I messed something up again - namely my mana control. By being too precise in its use, I drew Roxy's active gaze. Maybe she wants to learn something? Maybe she's trying to improve her own skills? Either way, she's started to notice the way I manipulate mana, and watches me closely during every training session.

Eventually Rudy and I started taking evening classes, which focused mostly on theory. Roxy also often told us about life on the Demon Continent. Plus, Rudy was always trying to beat me in the battle for her favor. I wonder if I should scare him off, but I always end up hesitating. It was hard enough to gain his trust, so why risk it now? I have no idea if his suspicion that I'm like him has completely subsided, but he hasn't confronted me about it yet. Even so, I've occasionally picked up on his loud thoughts in which he discussed the possibility with himself. Maybe he'll ask me about it eventually... but what will I tell him then? The whole truth? Only part of it? Or nothing at all? The decision is too big to deal with now. That's the problem of the future me.

[Time skip - 6 months]

It's been a year and a half since Roxy has lived with us. We recently turned five years old and today is our birthday party. The party was amazing. I've never liked parties, but this one was different - filled with the love and joy our family showed us.

My last birthday in my past life was when I was eight. I will never forget it. My father got drunk and broke into the house. He beat my mom right in front of me. Maybe that's why I don't like parties... but that's in the past.

Paul gave us a great present. Well, at least it was great for me - Rudy doesn't get much use out of it. It was a fine sword, pretty rare around here. I think if I imbue it with my mana, it'll become one of the best swords in the omniverse.

Mom's gift was more appreciated by Rudy. It was a book on elemental magic. I got a book on transforming the state of the elements. Even though I already had that knowledge, I couldn't disappoint her, so I feigned great enthusiasm just like Rudy.

And then came a gift from Roxy - a smaller magic wand with a magic stone, which is used to boost mana. Honestly, it was useless to me. I don't have the limitations of the others. I can cast any spell without any problems and I have unlimited mana. Still, it can come in handy. I can't show my abilities to everyone I meet.

Then came the fateful moment. "I don't have much left to teach you." I knew what was coming, and suddenly tears welled up in my eyes...

I couldn't believe what she had just said. My heart skipped a beat and I felt a strange heaviness in my chest. I knew this moment would come, but I could never prepare for it. "Tomorrow I will put you through your final exam," Roxy continued with a soft smile, but I saw a hint of sadness in her gaze.

I suspected it. I knew it all along. And yet the words hit me like a bolt from the blue. I couldn't control myself. I felt my eyes moisten and my throat tighten. Rudy looked as devastated as I did. You could see in him that even though he was trying not to show his feelings, he was sorry to see her go.

Suddenly I felt incredibly helpless. For the first time in my life. My usual maturity was there and I was acting exactly like a child.

"This is a joke, right? You can't just walk away! What if I don't pass the exam? Will you stay then?" I blurted out desperately.

Everyone in the room knew that I would pass the exam with flying colors. But the childish part of me refused to admit it. Even Rudy looked at me in surprise, as if he didn't recognize me at that moment.

Roxy looked at me with a kind expression and then shook her head gently. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll pass the test... but I'll still have to move on."

The words hit me even harder than I expected. Without thinking, I turned and ran out of the room and straight to my room. I closed the door behind me and jumped into bed, where I immediately burrowed under the covers.

Thoughts swirled through my head. "Did I get too attached to her? What should I do?" I couldn't accept it. No matter how hard I tried, my mind wouldn't accept reality. After a lot of thinking and trying to mentally prepare myself for the next day, I finally fell asleep from exhaustion.