Hansel and Gretel - A Gathering of Witches 6

(The next day, at Starmony Dormitory.)

Hajime: ...

(Mmmm, now that I'm trying to write this, it's a lot harder than I thought it'd be...

I've always seemed girly. And my hobbies — cooking and cleaning, doing laundry — I started doing because of my family.

Not to mention, saying those things are just "for girls" is pretty old-fashioned.

But still, if I were to write “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it”... Wouldn’t that sound like I didn’t bother to care?

It seems like he’s surrounded by people who don’t really think that way...

If I gave him that kind of nonchalant advice, it might just have the opposite effect, and suffer instead.)

Ah, it's no good. I can't write anything...

I can't think of anything to say... Maybe I'll brew some tea. Setting this aside for a bit might do the trick.

That's right - the smell of citrus is supposed to refresh your mind.

Let's see... I'm pretty sure I brought a pouch of lemongrass tea with me...

I think it's around here—)

Arashi: Oh my, if it isn't Hajime-chan ♪ How's it going~?

Hajime: Ah— huh!? N-Narukami-senpai...?

Arashi: Don't be so surprised. It's not that weird for me to be in the dorms, is it?

Hajime: Ah, no, it's just... I was a little lost in thought, so I didn't notice you come over.

Arashi: Ufufu. We were up pretty late last night, so that might have something to do with it, too.

Thanks for yesterday, by the way. I had sooo much fun at our little witches' gathering ♪

Hajime: Oh, no, that's my line. We were able to have a super exciting chat thanks to your arrival...♪

Eheheh. I usually just listen to people talk, so that ended up being all I did, but...

Somehow, it felt like I was becoming an adult along with you - I was thrilled ♪

Though I do have just one regret I'd like to apologize for. You barely touched any of the sweets we had, Narukami-senpai.

I asked you to come, so I should've bought healthier sweets. I'm really sorry for not considering...

Arashi: Ufufu, I don't want you to worry yourself sick over that.

Really, I'm sorry that I didn't eat as much.

Ritsu-chan was thinking of me, but I couldn't do my part. So I'm glad I was able to liven things up at least.

Hajime: Fufu, it was really lively because of you.

You're amazing as ever, Narukami-senpai. Listening to your answers, you seemed so sure of your words — actually, you once hosted an advice corner, didn’t you?

Arashi: Ooh, that’s such a unique compliment, if I must say. It’s not that I want to tell people what to do with their lives, buuut—

Did you want some from me, Hajime-chan?

Hajime: Y-Yes. Do you think you could give your take on how to reply to this fan letter?

Arashi: I thought it'd be about that. But you know, I'd be hard-pressed to have a good answer for them too.

Hajime: Ahhhhh... That's true. Sorry for asking something so troublesome.

Even though I said I'd like to answer honestly yesterday, the words just aren't coming to mind now... I thought you might understand this child's feelings though, Narukami-senpai.

Arashi: I see... As long as you're fine with me giving my opinion.

That kid and I are two different people though. In the end, it's your reply that really matters.

I can give you one opinion, and that's it - and you can't claim you completely understand that child's feelings from it either. Those are my terms.

Hajime: I-I understand. Just one opinion...

Arashi: Ufufu. There's nothing to be afraid of ♪

As long as your answer is a sincere one, your fan will be satisfied with it no matter what — that’s what you believe too, right?

Hajime: R-Right. I don't have any confidence in myself, but I'd certainly like to believe that.

Arashi: Mmhmm, that's a good answer.

With that, let's head on over to my room.

Hajime: Your room...?

Arashi: Ufufu. A senior's room is an unfamiliar place to you, right? Just like a witch's house.

They say "If you love your children, send them out into the world," after all. If you're at the end of your rope and you absolutely can't do anything else, then all you can do is to make them go on a journey, right?

Just like Hansel and Gretel did ♪

Hajime: Wouldn’t that mean things are going downhill? As in, this is the very moment we’ve gone fully broke...!?

Arashi: Ufufu. Don't sweat the small stuff ♪ We'll be fine if we stop by my room first.

I have a trump card juuust for times like these. I'll show it only to you, Hajime-chan.