“By the way, what made you decide to start responding to everyone?”
“…………”
“Ah, you don’t have to say if you don’t want to! I’m not pushing—I’m just curious.”
Her silence told him enough.
Just as Elena had done for him, he wouldn’t press further. He knew how much that kindness meant.
But the fact that she was willing to cut into her precious reading time to respond to people one by one… There had to be a significant reason.
Just as he was about to change the subject, hoping she’d tell him someday—
“No… I’ll say it. It’s just… a little embarrassing, that’s all. And I don’t want to give the wrong impression—like I’m ‘looking for a new partner.’”
“Mhm.”
He understood Luna’s feelings perfectly.
He trusted her, too.
The idea that she was ‘looking for a new partner’ had never even crossed his mind—I’d never misunderstand like that—but he stayed quiet, respecting her choice to explain.
“W-Well… The reason I started responding to everyone, even at the cost of reading time, is simple. ……I-I’ve found someone very important to me.”
“Uh… meaning?”
“Prioritizing reading can… sometimes leave a bad impression. People have spoken ill of me behind my back. Some have even knocked over the books I’ve stacked as petty retaliation. Until now, all of that only affected me.”
“……”
Everything Luna was saying was unfamiliar to him—things he couldn’t relate to.
He couldn’t find the words to interject.
“But now that I’m in a relationship with you, things are different. I don’t want my usual behavior to cause trouble for you—or those around you. You might even hear those same rumors and insults… I know this is my own fault, so I won’t pretend to be innocent, but… that’s the one thing I absolutely wanted to avoid.”
──Until now, Luna had always prioritized reading above all else.
If she could read more, if she could spend more time on her hobbies, she didn’t care about her reputation.
What others thought didn’t matter. That was her stance.
But now, things were different.
Because reading was no longer her top priority—Byleth was.
“……Also, responding to people helps me practice overcoming my poor communication skills and unsociable nature. I thought… it might make you proud of me.”
“And after putting that into action, you hit your limit and had to retreat to the safety of the library?”
“I have no rebuttal.”
“Got it.”
Between her explanation and her response, he understood everything.
He had been completely lost as to why she was peeking from the library earlier, but now it made perfect sense.
“……I truly feel pathetic. I’m sorry.”
“No, no! There’s no need to feel so down. Like I said this morning—just take things at your own pace.”
“Thank you. I… really wanted to hear that again.”
“Glad to help.”
He smiled at her, her expression softening slightly.
“Besides, there are tons of other things to praise you for. There’s no rush to improve what you’re not good at yet. Being bad at talking isn’t some fatal flaw—and even if you do hear people badmouthing you, we can all just laugh it off like, ‘That’s so Luna.’”
“I can already see you being the first to laugh in that future.”
“Ahaha, yeah, no denying that.”
He chuckled happily.
The insults she got for prioritizing her passions were proof she hadn’t opened her heart to those people.
Like Elena had said—being treated as someone special feels nice.
“But, serious talk—I hate the idea of you not being able to do what you love just because you’re being with me.”
“That’s unfair. Saying things like that.”
“Can’t help it—it’s how I feel.”
Thanks to Luna’s smile, the mood lightened.
“……Love is truly difficult. When you care about someone, you keep running into walls. Sometimes, our wishes clash—‘I want to improve faster’ versus ‘You don’t have to rush.’”
“But isn’t that part of the fun?”
“Yes. I think so too.”
These were worries that wouldn’t exist in a half-hearted relationship.
Luna looked strangely happy about it, as if she understood that.
“Then… may I propose a compromise?”
“Oh? What is it?”
“If you’ll allow me to take your advice and go slowly… I’d like to limit my responses rather than engaging with everyone. Even if this means some will call me ‘a boring woman’ or the like… at least I can focus on reading and keep practicing my social skills.”
“I’m totally fine with that. Honestly, this sounds like the best solution—since going all-out led to this.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
You don’t have to bow so formally… He almost teased, but her gratitude was clearly genuine.
He accepted it wholeheartedly—but there was still one thing left unsaid.
“By the way, if anyone ever harasses you in a way you can’t tolerate, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll have a talk with them.”
“Fufu, you look scary.”
“W-Well, hearing about them knocking over your books… that’s just messed up. It’s still bugging me.”
Some might call it ‘minor.’
‘Why make a big deal out of this?’—they might scoff.
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But the fact remained—someone had attacked the person he cared about.
And what Luna shared was likely just one example.
He couldn’t help but frown.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but this is entirely my fault. Despite my status, I’ve acted in ways that invite conflict. No matter how cruel the words thrown at me, as someone of my standing, I must respond to every single one.”
“Sigh… Even with the school’s so-called ‘equality’ rule…”
“In reality, it’s just a name. You’re the unusual one.”
He had no retort for that.
“Still… I’m truly grateful for your feelings. If things ever get unbearable, I’ll rely on you—my lover privilege.”
“Don’t worry about being a bother—feel free to lean on me. That’s what this relationship is for. I want you to rely on me without hesitation.”
“……Are you being considerate of me now?”
“Obviously.”
“Then… you won’t take back what you just said?”
“No reason to.”
“I see…”
“Something still bothering you?”
Her repeated confirmation and resigned tone made it clear—something was on her mind.
Tilting his head, he waited for her response—until Luna spoke again.
“Then… may I indulge in one selfish request?”
“Sure. So… you’ll tell me who harassed you? I’ll make sure they never do it again.”
“No, that’s not what I want to ask of you.”
“Eh? It’s not…?”
“Yes. What I want is… this.”
“——!?”
As if to demonstrate, Luna placed both hands on top of his head and continued.
“This morning, you touched my head. I’d like you to do it again.”
“……”
Stunned, he met her upturned gaze as she slowly removed her hands.
“I’ve already confirmed this thoroughly. If you refuse now… I’ll never be able to face you again. So, with that in mind… please.”
“O-Oh… yeah. I was just surprised—this is totally fine.”
This was the same person he’d kissed two days ago. There was no reason to hesitate.
“Thank you very much. Well then, please go ahead… I feel like it’s even more comforting now.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Luna stretched slightly and leaned her head forward.
Her words must have sparked his curiosity—whether her feelings differed when they were [in public] versus [alone together].
Byleth never imagined that a conversation about teasing would lead to this, but now that he could process the situation, he found his lover’s clinginess endearingly sweet.
“Well then—”
Just like he had done that morning.
He reached out his right hand and gently touched her glossy, soft hair.
As he stroked her head, Luna relaxed against his chest as if all her strength had left her.
“……”
“……”
Even with her full weight against him, she was so light it barely felt like a burden.
“……Maybe Luna should eat a little more.”
“……I do eat enough as it is. Or do you prefer a more… voluptuous figure?”
“……What if I said yes?”
“……I’ll work on it.”
“……Don’t push yourself. I love Luna just the way she is.”
“……Fufu, understood. I’ll keep in mind that you don’t have any particular preference for body type.”
“……Please do.”
As they enjoyed their leisurely conversation, Byleth savored the feel of Luna’s hair, her delicate body, and her sweet fragrance—until—
—Click.
The sound of the library door opening echoed through the room. Luna stiffened with a jolt, and Byleth’s hand, still stroking her head, froze.
The next moment, the voices of unexpected visitors—rare for this time—reached their ears.
[ “I can hardly believe it, but you really spoke to her?”]
[“Yeah, yeah. She even stopped reading just to talk to me!”]
[“Given the rumors, I never thought she’d do something like that…”]
[“Tch, like I said, I’ll prove it. She’s totally into me.”]
Though they spoke in hushed tones—likely to avoid disturbing Luna, who they assumed was reading in the study area—the librarian’s office was right next to the entrance.
The words were muffled, but as the two held their breaths in silence, the voices grew clearer.
“Heyyy, Luna-chaaan! I came to see you again!”
“Maybe she’s on the second floor…?”
“Let’s go look. I’d like to say hello too.”
Their footsteps and voices gradually faded into the distance.
“……”
“……”
The door to the office remained closed, obscuring their view, but it seemed the group had headed toward the stairs.
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