I Became a New Magical Girl Priest

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Anyway, since the radio told us the date to summon the chairman, we prepared in our own way.

We checked the circuit again for a week. With Cherry’s help, the Magical Girls’ Hope Circuit can now be used without the threat of being tracked, and since those parts were removed anyway, it seems we’ve disassembled them to use for various other circuit parts.

It’s really embarrassing, but my Hope Circuit was activated by Ha-yoon.

This isn’t a joke or a misunderstanding. I honestly wanted to deny it, but whenever Ha-yoon clings to me and smiles, the circuit spins all the more forcefully.

Additionally, as long as my heart raced, the output was maintained to some degree.

But the sight of the circuit screen glowing white was too embarrassing.

Well, since this fact has already been exposed, even if I remove that function now, Ha-yoon will probably just smile at me every time we meet.

It seemed like Ha-yoon was already satisfied just to be close to me again.

My attitude was also gradually changing, in line with Ha-yoon’s expressions. Regardless of the past, I had always liked Ha-yoon. Even if I were told to change that feeling now, I couldn’t.

The feelings still muddling around inside me remained. I couldn’t exactly identify what that sticky black mass deep within my heart was, but I knew it was tangled with jealousy and feelings of inferiority.

… I’ll hide those feelings as much as possible. Just exposing them would surely be dangerous at this point.

Since we share the same bathtub and sleep in the same tent.

Ha-yoon still confidently enters the tent.

We still haven’t taken it down. I didn’t want the others to see how we slept in there.

If it were Ha-yoon, she’d likely not care about the eyes around her and would cling to me…

There surely wasn’t such closeness while we were in school. It’s not like we didn’t go on school trips or anything.

While it was true that Ha-yoon saw me as a very close friend, she hadn’t been this clingy.

Just as I was shocked about almost losing Ha-yoon, could it be that she was feeling something similar?

Maybe she thinks it’s fine to show that kind of a side to the other kids. While she hesitated to get too close to the classmates, her feelings toward the Magical Girls might be different.

Moreover—

“…”

These days, the number of my nighttime stroll companions has increased by one.

“Jua.”

Ha-yoon called Jua. Ha-yoon, who was on my right, was tightly holding my arm.

To be honest, this is incredibly troubling. Every time we walked, I instinctively struggled to keep my shaking arm still while Ha-yoon held onto it. If I moved at all, various… misunderstandings could easily arise.

As long as Ha-yoon clings to me, I doubt she’d say anything about it, but anyway, it felt like this shouldn’t be how things are.

“What’s up?”

Whether I was thinking that or not, Ha-yoon and Jua continued their conversation.

“… When did you two get so close?”

I don’t know why, but that question felt a bit scary. Could it be that Ha-yoon might feel a hint of jealousy about me?

Jua is like a comrade, someone who has always supported Ha-yoon throughout their battles. The content of their conversation might be easy to misunderstand, or rather, I only think so unilaterally; that could just be my imagination.

“…”

At Ha-yoon’s question, Jua, for a moment, fell silent.

Unlike Ha-yoon, who was clinging to me, Jua grasped my sleeve tightly. To be honest, I too wanted to ask Ha-yoon the same question.

The problem is that asking such a question myself would be a bit awkward.

Just imagine. There’s a friend you think you’re quite close to, but during a walk, they suddenly ask, “Have we been that friendly?”

You’d probably end up with a hurt heart and never talk to that friend again.

No, even more than that, it simply feels like bullying.

Jua didn’t directly answer Ha-yoon but instead looked up at me.

It seemed like she wanted me to say something.

After a moment of thought, I replied.

“… You remember that I was a combatant, right?”

At my words, Ha-yoon blinked.

It wasn’t that I was questioning her knowledge or that she might have forgotten. I asked to emphasize the point.

“Yeah… that’s right.”

“The one I ran into the most often back then was Jua. We often found ourselves in sort of comical situations.”

“Oh, really…?”

At my words, Ha-yoon made an incredibly awkward expression.

Even Jua, who was looking at me, wore a similar expression.

Why? I explained because you asked for an explanation.

…

Ah, right.

I had gotten injured during that fight. Of course, Jua wasn’t the only one who hurt me back then. Ha-yoon, Rose, Dalia, and Delphinium had all injured me at least once.

I think it was an inevitable situation. To say I didn’t feel any ill will because of that would be a lie. The inferiority complex that still lingers in my heart exists precisely because I have kept those events buried deep inside.

But yeah. Let’s emphasize it again: It couldn’t be helped.

Back then, it was more of a problem that I had been captured.

I was struggling desperately to keep Ha-yoon from discovering I was a combatant, so there were times I deliberately provoked Jua to be hit by that beam and get launched away.

Besides, I had swung a knife and thrown punches at the other side too.

Just like it would be foolish to think you wouldn’t get shot if you’re aiming a gun at American cops, getting hurt in battles between combatants and Magical Girls was only natural.

I’ve never broken anyone’s arms or legs, but to be honest, I’ve never made a conscious effort not to.

Anyway.

If I think about why both of them made awkward expressions, it’s quite simple.

Both of them had hurt me back then, and now we are all clinging together like this, which seems odd.

Still, even with those expressions, neither Jua nor Ha-yoon let go of me. Truly, Magical Girls have strong mentalities.

“… To add some explanation.”

Jua said in a tone that seemed slightly defensive.

“Back in those days, the only one I could reasonably challenge was Ji-eun.”

“Are you saying that served as a catalyst for you to become close?”

“You can’t easily understand people’s hearts, can you? Sometimes, when we fight a lot, we end up becoming close, which seems to be the case for me as well.”

“…”

Is that so?

It seems that way, though.

It’s true that I fought for my life, but when I think about Jua from back then, she somehow seemed a bit lighter in her attitude.

Ha-yoon, after hearing Jua’s words, seemed to be deep in thought once more.

Seeing both of them fall into silence, I found myself at a loss for words again.

No, we’re supposed to be on a stroll now.

It’s refreshing… although it’s spring, so the air isn’t all that great, but still, what a situation this is for stepping out into the breeze.

It would all just be resolved if we were simply friends, but why are we having such a conversation?

… I feel like that’s not something I should be saying. Not long ago, I was saying things like, “I’m the king here, and you’ll do as I say.”

I even shoved Ha-yoon against the wall and was saying something like, “Anything?”

“Ji-eun?!”

Ha-yoon gasped, surprised by my knees buckling.

But instead of Ha-yoon’s hand, I squatted down on the floor.

“…”

Back then, I was trying to express my anger, but now that I think about it, that was a truly irrational act.

No, irrational aside, it was simply embarrassing. What on earth was I doing?

I wanted to rip my hair out.

And yet, strangely, my circuit didn’t spin toward despair. I’m not sure if this circuit has completely changed, as James said, or what the situation is.

Maybe I just can’t despair over being embarrassed anymore.

Especially since Ha-yoon is nearby.

I became even more embarrassed.

This time, it was my inner embarrassment.

“Ji-eun, are you okay?”

Ha-yoon crouched down beside me.

She lightly grabbed my arm while I, on the other hand, was lying on the ground. Jua was still standing, observing my condition closely. I really wish she’d stop. She looked unusually serious, making it seem like she was genuinely concerned about my health.

Would it be better to just return to those despairing days? Then at least I wouldn’t feel this awkwardness.

…

I just said that.

I know this state is, in fact, preferable.

*

“…”

“Hey, Jua.”

Ha-yoon spoke towards Jua, who was staring at us intently.

Jua’s usual sharp gaze seemed quite dull now. The look she was giving us felt very ‘strange’…

Ha-yoon and I were sitting inside the tent, while Jua was outside.

Normally it would be about time to close up and prepare, but because Jua was crouching outside staring in, we couldn’t lie down again like usual.

Wait a minute. Could it be that we both realize this looks a bit strange to others? Yet we still so boldly cling to one another and lie down together?

Of course, the ‘clinging’ part is just me turning toward Ha-yoon…

“Do you have something to say?”

Ha-yoon cautiously asked.

Jua stared at us for a few seconds before finally speaking.

“It’s unfair.”

“Huh?”

“I know this tent belongs to Ji-eun. There’s no way I can argue with you for sleeping inside it.”

Before Ha-yoon even posed the question, Jua quickly continued the conversation.

“But, it’s a bit unfair that Ha-yoon is the only one sleeping inside. It’s a bit cold outside.”

Is it cold? I’ve only slept outside once, but it didn’t feel all that cold at the time.

Well, weather isn’t consistent, so one day might feel suddenly cold or, conversely, that day might just have been warm. Fair enough, it would be odd for someone to insist on sleeping outside without a tent, even if it’s spring.

“So, how about we take turns sleeping inside?”

“We do that for baths, right?”

In reality, we’ve only shared showers by drawing lots just that once.

Now that I think about it, the only person I shared a bath with back then was Jua. Though it was just that one time.

I never felt regret about that.

“So you’re saying we should draw lots for who sleeps inside the tent?”

Ha-yoon asked, her tone somewhat incredulous.

Upon hearing that, I too was a bit taken aback.

Wait, didn’t Ha-yoon just start throwing herself into the tent without any established rules?

She just casually barged in and started sleeping there since who knows when?

More importantly, I don’t really understand why Jua wants to sleep inside. Sleeping next to me could just be uncomfortable for her. For the two of us… well, with Ha-yoon unilaterally clinging to me, there’s really no issue regarding space but…

Imagining Jua sleeping alongside me like Ha-yoon, I hastily shook my head, trying to rid myself of that thought.

Am I insane? This isn’t some teen boy daydreaming about the girls around him.

“Whether it’s drawing lots or setting a turn to sleep inside, I believe it’s necessary for checks, you know?”

“I’m passing on that.”

After listening to the conversation, Rose raised her hand and spoke.

Certainly, that’s generally how it would be. If you want to sleep in there, you have to get rid of me, or sleep alongside me— either way, the first option is rather complicated because of my bluff, while the latter would become unjustly uncomfortable.

Seeing Dalia and Delphinium shaking their heads as well, they clearly seemed not to be interested in that option either.

Ha-yoon and Jua’s eyes met.

Jua’s gaze was almost unchanged from usual, but Ha-yoon wore a slightly perplexed expression. I probably looked similar.

… You did push me aside and run away, didn’t you? What’s your reasoning for acting this way now—

As I pondered while looking at Jua’s face, I noticed it was slightly flushed.

“Are you feeling unwell? Feverish?”

It could be a cold, but I hadn’t really seen any symptoms of it. She wasn’t blowing her nose or coughing.

If that was the case, it could just be that adjusting to living in a rough condition has taken a toll on her. If accumulated fatigue burdens her body all at once, it could lead to a fever.

“… I think so, yeah.”

Jua said it quite readily.

I briefly pondered then scratched my head, standing up from my spot. Ha-yoon and Jua followed my gaze.

“Then, sleep in the tent. I can sleep outside, so you two can stay inside.”

“Huh?”

Ha-yoon let out that sound before quickly correcting.

“That’s… no, you don’t need to do that.”

“If it’s feverish, you’ve been holding back since earlier, right?”

Now that I think of it, Jua’s flushed face seemed to align with that explanation. The strange behavior could also be due to feeling unwell; if she started feeling bad, she might have wanted to sleep warmer.

However, Jua has a strong sense of pride. Among the Magical Girls, she’d probably have the strongest sense of pride. So of course, it would be hard for her to ask to sleep inside now.

Then she might think of asking for a draw in this way.

“…”

I think I understand a bit about why I’m feeling such a strange closeness toward Jua.

To say it could lead to her getting angry, I’m sensing a slight ‘kindred spirit’ essence from her. Someone who is not direct, who hides their thoughts and ends up complicating situations instead of managing to be straightforward.

… I too have acted similarly, trying to push Ha-yoon away. Then I ended up bathing with Jua.

“Wait, Ji-eun.”

Ha-yoon stood up to follow me.

“Then I’ll sleep outside too.”

“… Outside?”

I replied with a slight surprise, but Ha-yoon looked up at me with a broad smile on her face.

“Yeah!”

Even if she sleeps outside, she’ll probably be right next to me, and perhaps we’ll fall asleep again with our hugs.

… I wonder if it even matters to others that I show this kind of sight.

But…

I directed my blurry gaze towards Jua, who was looking at me with a somewhat complex expression.

In just a few days, we’ll be heading to summon the chairman. However, if I’m feeling under the weather during that situation, problems will arise.

Who knows how many aliens might be hiding nearby? Surely, the chairman would be worried about us charging in.

It’s best to maintain our health for each other’s sake.

“…”

Once I stepped out of the tent, Jua looked at me with a puzzled expression.

Rose seemed likely to burst into laughter while looking my way. Does my face really look that comical? I think of myself as a pretty girl, after all.

As I expected, Ha-yoon followed me closely.

When I lay down on the floor and covered myself with a vinyl blanket, she came in after me.

At this point, whatever I say will collide with what has already happened.

I instead opted to just pull the blanket over my head completely.

I could hear Ha-yoon giggling behind me, but I tried my best not to pay attention.

*

The next morning.

When I woke up, I was hugging Ha-yoon.

This time, I wasn’t even halfway through waking up or moving on purpose.

Shouldn’t this be the time to use the excuse that I somehow ended up in such an arrangement in my sleep?

In fact, Ha-yoon was soundly sleeping in my arms.

I seriously contemplated if I should move at all, when I suddenly realized my back felt strangely damp. As though I had sweated a bit.

“…”

Behind me, someone was there.

Someone was there, resting their forehead against my back and sleeping softly, curled up in a ball.

Only Ha-yoon had ever come over and snuggled up to me to sleep, so it was hard to tell simply from the sound of breathing…

But for some reason, I instinctively thought I knew who it was. There was no evidence backing it up.

Carefully turning my head to check while trying not to wake Ha-yoon, all I could see was Jua.

But there was no way I could forget that intense purple hair.

The one who had been resting her forehead on my back and curling up was none other than Jua.

Hadn’t she been sleeping inside the tent? Did she come out and crawl under the blankets?

There were sleeping bags inside the tent too.

Could she perhaps have come out of her sleeping bag because she was too warm? Once that cold sweat started, that’d be when it began getting too warm.

If in a daze, she had accidentally grabbed the wrong blanket to pull in…

If she were to stick to the warmer side while the cold morning air kept pressing in, that would certainly sound plausible.

The reason I hadn’t woken until now was turning into more than just a headache.

Seeing that Jua starts sleeping there, I figured my bad luck wasn’t done yet.

If Jua woke up first, she’d probably find me and Ha-yoon snuggling together, and if I woke up first, Ha-yoon might awaken too.

Once again, I had no evidence, but somehow I thought Ha-yoon wouldn’t take kindly to seeing Jua, who was snuggled up behind me.

No, why am I even being wary of these two?

 

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