Yaegaki Erika/Extra Episode

Spring was her favorite season, Erika thought. She adored the sakura trees in full bloom, the faint smell of flowers, and the gentle rays of sunshine that came with it. She could spend all day in the terrace garden, or perhaps she could spend it sprawled out in a hammock with her favorite books in hand. Add an egg sandwich and hot coffee by her side and that would be more than she could wish for. Those simple joys alone would be enough to make her day. Though, on second thought, having Chidori with her might also be necessary.

Those whimsical thoughts floated around in her mind as Erika turned the page of her book. Even though Chidori was not bookish enough to be called a bookworm, Erika was nonetheless truly delighted to share the hobby with her. Seeing the look of joy on Chidori’s face when she liked a book Erika recommended was, above all, what made her enjoy discussing literature with Chidori so much. She scratched her cheek. Not that she could ever tell Chidori something as embarrassing as that.

Chidori, who both coddled and cared for Erika every day, wasn’t in the room at the moment. Since becoming a second year student, Chidori’s popularity had soared. She was adored by everyone, so much so that she was invited out every day by others. It was therefore hard to say that Erika was fully enjoying her first alone time in ages, but even so, Erika was able to relax and read in peace without being bothered by anyone.

*Truth is revealed in solitude.*

Erika thought the quote from Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy was quite compelling. It fit her current state to a T. She was coming to realize that it was not only Chidori that deeply loved her partner and that she, too, felt the same. Her love-addled mind was incapable of focusing on reading, all thoughts circled back to Chidori.

“...Even though it’s spring, my room is cold.” Erika muttered to herself as she closed her book. She put her hands on her wheelchair and exited the room, heading towards the school building. On her way, she looked up at the row of sakura trees, whose petals had begun to fall. As she did, she noticed Chidori and Mayuri at the school’s entrance, seemingly in deep conversation. After a moment’s hesitation, Erika called out to them.

“Quite the rare sight to see you two together. You know, from the back you look identical. We could market the two of you as sisters.”

“Where exactly would you do that? Ugh, what a nonsensical thing to say.”

“Hello Yaegaki-san, got somewhere to be?”

Erika spread her arms wide to indicate that her wheelchair was her only current responsibility.

The Council of Nicaea had requested Chidori and Mayuri’s help with the Feast of Assumption. Mayuri was particularly experienced due to having played the role of the Virgin Mary in last year’s Feast. Perhaps the Committee Chairman had come up with some new ideas, Erika thought.

“I’m sorry Erika, but we’re in a bit of a hurry, so we should be on our way.”

“Well then Yaegaki-san, I hope you don’t mind me borrowing Takasaki-san for a little bit.”

Erika waved goodbye as they left. She was left to ponder where to place her still-floating hand when a sudden warmth enveloped it, causing her to let out a small cry.

“Erika-san, is there something wrong? That’s quite the long face.”

“You know I don’t like you using my first name. Other than that nothing is wrong. I want to go up to the second floor, and I need your help.”

Erika had chosen those words to offer an evasive answer. For her part, Suoh would naturally never reject such a request and dutifully carried Erika up the stairs.

“I’m sorry for making Chidori-san help out. It must be lonely being in your room without her.”

“That’s not the case. I should be thanking you. I finally have the chance to relax and read a book. There’s no need to apologize.”

Those words were said in jest, but Suoh responded earnestly, saying that she could tell how Erika felt from just seeing her face. Suoh could tell from just looking, huh?
Erika scratched her cheek. Seems that she couldn’t fool such an excellent detective.

“You really are some kind of sprite or something—you telepath…”

Erika buried her face in Suoh’s chest to hide her blushing face.

“I understand you well. After all, I’ve known you for a long time.”

“Suo—... You. I’ve told you before not to say embarrassing things like that.”

In a panic, Erika corrected herself. She had inadvertently almost called Suoh by her first name. Her bookworm buddy smiled softly, and after taking a moment to think, commented that alone time was surely necessary. It, after all, allowed for you to think a lot about your amitié partner. In response, Erika raised her hands up in surrender. She was no match for Suoh.

*Truth is revealed in solitude.*

What you feel after the truth is revealed is important, too, Erika thought with a laugh. With that, Erika decided she would spoil Chidori today with all her might.

**Translated by Azusa / Cryptix (** https://twitter.com/kuricovers )

**Edited by Cryptix (** https://twitter.com/kuricovers )