I Want to Fall in Love After Getting Reincarnated as the Heroine on the Verge of a Bad Ending, but My OP Older Brother Won’t Leave Me Alone!? - Chapter 176
Translated by: ShinigamiTori
Chapter 176 ? The Start of a Strange Feeling 2
“T-Thank goodness….”
I let out a sigh of relief as I hugged the deity doll that Willy gave me.
After disappearing from the classroom two days ago, I couldn’t find it despite all my efforts, until Yoshida and the prince gave it back to me, saying they found it on the first floor.
“Thank you so much, both of you, for finding it! But, where exactly on the first floor was it?”
“….”
“….”
Both the prince and Yoshida say nothing, which makes me tilt my head in confusion. Maybe it was in an embarrassing place, like the boys’ restroom?
In the first place, it was supposed to be in the classroom, but the fact that it had been moved from the second floor to the first floor scared me. Just as I was thinking that it might move after all, the prince suddenly grabbed my hand tightly.
“If anything happens, let me know.”
“Huh?”
I blinked at the prince’s sudden words. His emerald eyes were gazing straight at me, and he looked a little concerned.
“Yes, thank you.”
I smile to reassure him that everything’s fine.
Then the prince slightly lifted the corners of his lips, and at that moment, there was a flurry of noise behind me. When I turned around, it appeared that a few students had collapsed after catching a glimpse of his smile.
Marveling at the sheer destructive power, I tenderly caressed the doll to steady myself.
???
That evening, I was in Julius’s room, studying as he tutored me.
Julius’ teaching methods are easy to understand, and even the problems I’d been struggling with on my own were quickly resolved.
“??Yeah, everything’s correct. You’re doing well.”
“F-Finally… that’s good…”
The problems I solved today in the workbook were all marked with red circles, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
I felt much more confident compared to before the last ranking test. I can’t thank Julius enough for taking the time to help me even though he had his own studies.
“Thank you so much, Julius. This time, I’ll definitely make it to C-rank!”
“Yeah. But don’t push yourself too hard.”
Julius placed his hand gently on my head, then stood up from the chair next to mine.
“Let’s end it here for today. Now it’s time for me to get my ‘Rene’ replenishment.”
“What does that even mean?”
Confused, I was led by the hand and sat next to him on the sofa. Julius then put his arm around my waist and rested his head on my shoulder.
The soft silver hair brushes against my neck, tickling me.
“….”
Julius quietly shut his eyes, and his long silver lashes quivered. He was so stunningly beautiful that a sigh escaped me.
Julius stayed silent, as though he was taking a rest.
Not only has he been busy studying for the rank exam, but I also remember him mentioning that work has been hectic lately. On top of that, he still attended social gatherings, so it was only natural for him to be exhausted.
Julius always called me hardworking, but in my eyes, Julius was the one who worked so hard.
Julius always looks so at ease, never revealing the effort he puts in. I genuinely think he’s an amazing person.
“… Rene?”
I want him to be himself and rest peacefully, at least when he’s with me. With that feeling in mind, I gently stroked his head, and Julius’ eyes slowly opened.
“Did you not like it?”
“No, not at all.”
Julius closed his eyes again, as though waiting for me to keep stroking him.
He’s so cute, almost like a cat, and I can’t help but smile.
“I used to think it was impossible to rely on anyone, but with you, Rene, it’s different.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Just being like this makes me feel like I can keep going tomorrow, too.”
Julius always did so much for me, so if I could do even a little to help him, it made me happy.
Also, I remember seeing on social media that physical contact with people and animals releases oxytocin, which is also known as the “happiness hormone” or “love hormone.”
Apparently, it alleviates stress, helps you relax, and makes you feel safe. It’s said to also help prevent illness.
I remember back then, I thought, ‘Pfft, that’s not for me…’ as I embraced my favorite character’s plushie in the dark room, mocking myself. It’s a sad memory.
In any case, it has been scientifically proven, so it must be effective. Feeling determined, I abruptly sat up and opened my arms towards Julius.
“Julius, let’s hug!”
“Huh?”
Thrown off balance by my sudden movement, Julius tilted to the side, blinking in surprise.
Realizing I had skipped too much explanation, I quickly explained that hugging someone is beneficial for both the body and mind. Julius let out a heavy sigh.
“What? I thought you just wanted to cuddle with me. Still, I’ve never heard that before.”
“I read it in a book somewhere….”
“Hmm?”
Though my usual excuse was starting to wear thin, Julius thankfully didn’t ask further.
“Well then, I’ll take you up on that.”
He opened his arms and let me lean into him. Soon, he hugged me tightly, and I could feel his chin resting on top of my head.
Because of the difference in our builds, he ends up enveloping me, and I desperately stretch my arms out over his broad back.
“Rene, you’re really warm.”
“You’re warm too, Julius.”
Until I touched Julius, I hadn’t realized how comforting someone’s warmth could be?how it could make me feel so happy.
Listening to his steady heartbeat, I felt both nervous and comforted at the same time. Though I said the hug was for Julius, I could feel my own heart relaxing.
“This certainly seems to be effective.”
“Really? I’m glad.”
“Mm-hmm. So, make sure to do it every day.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Julius’ tone was one of contentment, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
I held on tight, hoping to bring him even more happiness, and I heard Yurius’s soft chuckle from above.
“… Honestly, I can’t imagine not having you by my side anymore.”
Hearing Julius murmur those words made my heart skip a beat. There was something so sincere about them that my chest grew tight with emotion.
“Don’t leave my side, okay? Promise me.”
Ever since I came to this world, having Julius by my side has become a given, and I can’t imagine a life without him.
While I definitely want things to stay this way, the chance of switching with Rene again or encountering a bad ending still looms, and I don’t know how it might turn out.
I feel frustrated that I can’t make any absolute promises.
“… Hey, what would you do if I disappeared?”
“Who knows? I’m not sure myself. I’ve never been this fixated on something before.”
His calm smile as he said that was scarier than any concrete answer he could’ve given. The fact that he himself used the word “fixated” was, upon reflection, an alarming declaration.
“That’s why you absolutely need to stay by my side.”
Julius smiled beautifully, pressing his forehead gently against mine.
As I hesitated, I nodded softly. Julius’s childlike smile at that moment made me want to stay by his side, too.
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