Episode 40: The Fragrant Scent of Cloudiness

“I’m going to get some fresh air.”

“Okay, be careful.”

Reina said that and left the room.

And then, Yuna and I were left behind in the room.

“Ayano…”

Yuna called out to me worriedly as I looked down on the bed.

“I shouldn’t be the one to say this, but… Reina said she wasn’t too worried about it, so please don’t let it bother you too much.”

—

「……」

　No, Yuna… Even if Reina forgives me, I can’t forgive myself…

「…I’m going out for a bit.」

「I see… Please come back when we go to the pool with everyone.」

「……」

　Without answering Yuna’s words, I left the room.

　◇

　After chatting with Reina for a while, I checked the time.

　Well, I guess it’s time to go back.

「I guess I’ll head back now.」

「Alright, I’ll stay here a bit longer.」

「Okay, see you later.」

　With that, I headed back inside the ship.

　Now, what to do…

　There are plenty of things to do on this ship: the game center, the café, the cinema, and the pool, which isn’t open yet but will be in the afternoon. There’s no way to get bored while on board.

　Seito is still the same as ever, so I’ll enjoy the luxury cruise on my own for a bit.

　First… maybe the cinema———huh?

　As I walked through the ship, I suddenly noticed a familiar girl.

　With platinum short hair and beautiful crimson eyes, the magical girl Christina, also known as Ayano Kujo, was sitting on a sofa in the lounge area, looking somewhat melancholic.

「…What should I do…」

　Her expression, as if deeply regretting something and wanting to disappear at any moment, strongly attracted me.

　And my heart started pounding.

　Just like a first love.

　What is this feeling… this sensation that makes my whole body rejoice!

　There’s no doubt, this is… the premonition of gloom!

　My whole body sensed an overwhelming premonition of gloom.

　Naturally, gloom takes priority over everything, so I stopped in my tracks and carefully observed her.

　What a beautiful gloomy face… But this isn’t the peak of her gloom… I want to see that ultimate gloom again, like right after she pushed Luna the other day.

　Maybe during this trip, I’ll get to see Christina’s gloom again.

　I’ll keep a close eye on Christina during this trip.

“I look forward to it, Cristina.”

I muttered softly and left the place.

Now, when will the flower of gloom bloom…?