Chapter-07 · EP-106

Episode 106: Misunderstanding

After school, Yuno, Maika, and I came to the dungeon. It was to practice Yuno's Healing Magic. I hoped raising her skill level would help her regain some confidence.

When we met at the dungeon entrance, Yuno had brought a compound bow.

"What's that? Did you buy it?"

"I borrowed it from the Archery Club."

"I see. But only slimes appear on the first floor, so you can't use a bow, right?"

"Huh? But you said we were going to practice."

Yuno looked surprised at my words.

"Ah, did you think I meant archery practice? I meant Healing Magic practice. You're a healer, so improving your Healing Magic should give you confidence, right? That's why I thought we'd raise your skill level…"

It seemed I hadn't been clear enough. Come to think of it, I might have only said, "Let's go practice together." I hurriedly explained.

Yuno's reaction to my words was more disappointed than I'd expected.

"Skill levels don't increase that easily…"

"That's why I have an idea."

Yes. Skill levels don't increase easily… or so it's said. But I had managed to raise the Healing Magic skill I'd copied from Yuno to level 2. It was said that to raise Healing Magic, you needed to heal a considerable number of people. But I had succeeded in raising my skill level to 2 by repeatedly healing damaged slimes while defeating them, as if I were healing humans.

My Skill Camouflage was a secret from the two of them. So, while keeping it secret that I'd raised my Healing Magic to level 2, I had to guide Yuno so she could raise her skill level.

That was my plan, but Yuno said, dissatisfied.

"That's not it. I don't want to be a burden to you two. I want to become stronger."

"That's good too, but Yuno, you are…"

"Enough!"

Yuno said, cutting me off, and went home angry.

"Wait, Yuno-chan!"

Maika chased after Yuno.

I'd made Yuno angry. What had I done wrong…? What should I have done…?

I could only stand there dumbfounded, watching the two leave.

---

(Yuno's Perspective)

I ran with my head down. My vision was blurred, and I couldn't see my feet clearly.

"…Shirou, you idiot…!"

He'd said the right thing. I knew that.

But being told like that, it was as if I didn't understand anything…

"Yuno-chan, wait!"

Maika caught up and, out of breath, placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Yuno-chan, I'm sorry. I didn't understand your feelings…"

I didn't know what to say to Maika, who was apologizing.

"I don't think Shirou-kun meant any harm either."

"I know. But… he's always like that. What Shirou says is probably right, but that's not the answer."

"Yeah…"

"I want to become stronger. I want to explore with Iori and Maika, so I don't want to hold you two back."

"Yuno-chan, you're not a burden."

"But I'm not useful."

"That's not true. Because you have Healing Magic, we can explore without worry."

"But you two don't get hurt. You've never needed my Healing Magic!"

Hearing my words, Maika looked sad. I didn't mean that. I didn't mean to make Maika sad… I didn't know why I was saying such things and making her sad, and I felt my chest tighten.

"…Yeah. I understand. Because I used to feel the same way."

"You did, Maika?"

"Yeah. In the beginning, I couldn't do anything either. But Shirou-kun helped me, and even someone like me could grow and gain confidence. …So, Yuno-chan. Shirou-kun's words were a bit harsh, but I'm sure he was genuinely thinking about you. I'm sure you're fine as you are. Just take it slowly, and you can become stronger in your own way."

That was right. Maika could now use amazing Water Magic, but right after enrollment, she had struggled to use it properly. She had worked hard in her own earnest way, and with Shirou's help, she had become what she was today.

…I was just impatient. Instead of putting in effort, I was only looking for reasons I couldn't do it.

I was embarrassed. Someone like me didn't deserve to complain to Maika.

"Maika, I'm sorry."

"No, Yuno-chan, you don't need to apologize. I'm the one who should be sorry for not understanding your feelings properly."

"Maika… thank you."

Tears spilled from my eyes involuntarily. And Maika, in front of me, was also crying.

"I ran away after saying that. Do you think Shirou will forgive me?"

"I'm sure Shirou-kun is worried about you."

Imagining Shirou's troubled face made me feel a little amused.

"Hehe…"

Maika laughed too, caught by my teary laughter.

"Heehee…"

"I'll go apologize to Shirou."

I took a deep breath and wiped my blurred tears with my sleeve.