"...Ouch."

　"I'm sorry."

　"Ouch, it hurts. Why, what did I, do wrong? ...sniff"

　Thinking that everything was okay, I let go of Niizuma-san's hand. Then, Niizuma-san clung to me, clinging to me. I was surprised for a moment, but then I heard a sobbing voice and put my hands around her back.I really wanted to say something clever to her, but I felt like everything I said would sound shallow, so I couldn't say anything.

　"…Kazuya was my first love. I thought we could be together forever."

　"Yeah."

　"I confessed. I love you. And, sniff, go out with me."

　"Yeah."

　"He!...sniff, I know. I told him I loved him too, sniff."

　"Yeah."

　"Dad, I was sobbing so much. Give me the money. He was so happy!!"

　"…Yeah."

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　Then Niizuma-san cried out loud. There was nothing I could do for her.

　…How much time had passed? 10 minutes? 15 minutes? Niizuma-san had taken a little distance from me. Still, she was much closer than she had been at the beginning.

　"I'm sorry, Sugita. For dragging you into something unpleasant."

　"Huh? I don't really mind."

　Niizuma-san said this with a little embarrassment. I replied casually without mentioning that her eyes were red. After all, Niizuma-san is not at fault at all.

　"So, shall we go home now?"

　"!?...It's already this late. Yeah, I better go home. See you tomorrow, Sugita."

　"Ah, if it's okay with you, Nizuma-san...why don't we go home together?"

　That's what I suggested. I thought she was okay as far as I could tell, but I'd be in trouble if something happened to her. It was already past 6:30 and it was getting dark outside. I didn't want to let the girl walk alone in that situation.

　"…Is that okay? Won't that be a bother?"

　"It's okay. In fact, I'm more worried that it might be okay if we split up here."

　"...I see. Then I'd appreciate it."

　"Yes, of course... But, there's a place I want to stop by first. Is that okay?"

　"Of course."

　"Thanks. Well then, let's go."

　With that said, I started walking. Making sure that Niizuma-san was following closely half a step behind me, I headed towards the library.

　"Oh, Sugita! Thank goodness. This is yours, Sugita?"

　"Yes! Thank you."

　When I arrived at the library, the librarian was waiting for me with my bag in hand. I studied at the library almost every day, so I was pretty familiar with the librarian. It was past 6:30pm when the library closed, but she waited for me, and I felt both sorry and happy at the same time.

　"Please be careful on your way home. And your girlfriend too."

　"Yes, please be careful too, teacher. Well then, let's go."

　"She... she... Ah, yes."

　So we were on our way home.