Volume 2 Chapter 24 Celebration - Toxy's Promise
After drinking quite a bit and both Ice and Clay were completely wasted, I stumbled outside into the night air.
Then, Toxy came running after me, saying "Yahoo!" with a lot of energy.
"Oh, Toxy, you came too?"
"Yeah! I got a bit too drunk, feeling kinda bad, you know?"
Toxy chuckled mischievously.
"Since we can't just stand around, wanna take a little walk?"
"Yeah!"
Toxy was full of energy. I said, "Let's go then," and started walking.
"Anyway, I never expected things to turn out like this."
Toxy, still a bit tipsy, said in a relaxed tone.
"I applied to join a party mostly made up of crazy magicians on a whim, and not only did I get to go on an adventure, but I also managed to pay off my debt."
"Haha, that's true. I do tend to push things a bit forcefully sometimes."
"Yeah, things were moving really fast, so it was a bit scary and confusing. ...But still, it turned out well in the end."
"I'm relieved to hear you say that."
Honestly, I think I was pretty pushy. I had this strange confidence that things would work out, so I just went ahead like that, but if I were an adult, I would have thought more deeply about it...
And as I thought about it, I realized, oh, I'm not an adult anymore. I'm reincarnated. This body is that of a boy. That doesn't justify my actions, though.
...Speaking of which, I'm drinking alcohol so casually, but maybe it's because I'm not being reprimanded for it. Perhaps it's because there are no laws regulating it. It's a national issue. I'll keep drinking until it's prohibited.
"Hey! Wade, are you listening?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. What is it?"
"Geez, pay attention, Wade."
Toxy pouted her lips and said,
"I like you, Wade."
"...Hmm."
"What's with that reaction~!"
She is warmly hitting. It doesn't hurt. There's no pain, but the impact is strong.
"Wait, wait. Wait, please. Huh? ...Like? Like... Is there an opening, you mean?"
"No, it's different! ...I mean, I like Wade."
Blushing, Toxy turned away. But soon, she glanced back to check on me.
"Um, just say it."
"...Th-thank you."
"Geez, what's that all about!"
Toxy pouts. However, she chuckles, "But maybe that's just like you, Wade."
"I really appreciate Wade. You helped me with all sorts of worries. Even when I was a mess, you were there to support me."
Blushing, Toxy tugs at the hem of my clothes.
"...Even if I fall for you, it can't be helped."
Toxy, who was looking down and struggling to speak, could still be seen blushing in the darkness of the night. Feeling the tension, I swallowed nervously.
"Um, well..."
"..."
Toxy stared at me intently, waiting for a response. I felt conflicted. Toxy was already an important friend. I didn't want to disregard her feelings.
But thoughts of Ice crossed my mind. She had said she wanted to "make me happy." It wasn't a confession, but it carried a nuance similar to a certain kind of proposal.
"Is it Ice-chan?"
Toxy spoke, and I looked at Toxy.
"Why, do you..."
"I understand. ...Wade is so clueless. With Ice-chan and the other adventurers this time, there are many rivals, so that's why I'm stepping in like this."
"Do you like her?" I was asked. I pondered.
"I don't know. I like you two as friends. Both Ice and Toxy. But... when it comes to romantic feelings, I hadn't really thought about it. I find both of you cute, but I..."
"Do you like adventures? Battles with strong enemies."
"...Sorry."
I bow my head. Right now, I wanted to become stronger more than anything else. I wanted intense battles with formidable foes. I wasn't used to being obsessed with girls, but my thoughts went haywire when faced with a fight to the death.
Moreover, Toxy covered her mouth with her hand. When I asked what was wrong, she said, "Puku, you look so flustered."
"...Was that teasing?"
"Haha! Just a little. But my confession wasn't a lie!"
"Um...?"
When I tilted my head, she stuck out her tongue and said, "I knew, so I forgive you!" playfully.
But Toxy continued,
"It's okay. I fell for that Wade. I understand what everyone is saying. Wade in battle looks cool. You're sharp, forceful, and straightforward."
"It's dazzling too," Toxy said, and I lifted my head.
Toxy smiled as if relieved.
"I feel like I'm starting to become more like the Wade party. I have a crush on the leader. For now, that's okay. It's fine to have a one-sided crush. But more importantly, I want to see the cool Wade up close."
"Toxy..."
"Thank you," I said. "Don't worry," Toxy replied.
"But I'll stop you when you're about to do something dangerous, okay? If you try to do something reckless, I'll make sure to stop you."
"Ah, thanks for that. Sometimes you need a reality check. Especially for me, I tend to lose sight of things when I get too passionate."
"Haha, you're really a mess. But since it's a weakness of being in love, I'll let you off the hook. Just remember, okay?"
Toxy looked up at me and added,
"Anyway, don't get into really dangerous situations. I'm really worried about you. And when things get tough, rely on your friends. Let me know when you're tired. I'll give you a potion like I did this time."
"Oh, it was a potion?"
"Yeah, that's right. It was my part."
The way she said that made me feel like there was some deep meaning to it, but I didn't really understand. Toxy pointed at me and twirled her finger around.
"Even now. Even now, that potion is still a part of me, circulating through Wade's veins. My part has become a part of Wade, keeping Wade alive."
"...Toxy?"
"What? Wade."
Toxy, looking at me, was as usual. I felt relieved.
Anyway, that's what Toxy said.
"Anyway, that's how I'll do it. I'll be Wade's strength. I'll become a part of Wade. I'll be the brake you need. You can't just go full throttle from now on. Remember that!"
"Ah, got it. I'll remember that, Toxy."
As I chuckled, Toxy seemed to relax as if she had been detoxified, and smiled, "Take care, Wade."
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