Broken Possessors of Infinite Regression Academy

"Why are you suddenly kneeling? I’m not sure what you’re trying to do, but you don’t need to. Get up," I said, feeling startled at her sudden posture. I reached out to help Aria up, but she firmly resisted, remaining on her knees and looking up at me with an intense, pleading gaze.

I could tell by the look in her eyes that it wouldn’t do any good to force her up, so I let go of her arm. In a trembling voice, she began to speak.

"I’ve been thinking about it... these past two months, over and over. I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but I even asked Lady Brunhild."

Lady Brunhild. Despite her decision to start fresh, she and Leona had maintained a somewhat distant relationship over the past two months. Given the circumstances, it wasn’t surprising. With all that had happened, Leona wasn’t going to approach her, and Aria wasn’t able to come forward with her usual bright demeanor.

"I’ve been trying to figure out what exactly my feelings for you are, Mira. If what I feel is real, and if so, whether I should keep it to myself to avoid causing trouble for you or anyone else. I kept going back and forth."@@novelbin@@

"What did Leona say?" I asked.

"She said that if I’ve been agonizing over it for two months, I already know my answer. She told me to stop wasting time and start thinking about how to tell you, since it would ultimately be up to you whether to accept it or not..."

Her voice began to waver, and as I stayed silent, it grew more emotional.

"I know it’s a difficult thing to ask. I won’t resent you if you refuse. I couldn’t possibly blame you. I don’t expect you to treat me the same as the others, but even if you just kept me by your side, even if only for a different purpose... that would be enough. So please... please..."