Memory Registry

[overworker]

Baby Stars
First Loss
( time gap )
Class VI
School Festival
( time gap )
Orientation Meeting
( time gap )
Bonds and Books
( time gap )
First Death
( time gap )
Pick a Weapon
Graduation
Beginners' Lessons
Crossbell Bracers
( time gap )
Second Loss
Reunion and Heartache
Third Loss
( time gap )
Captain Towa

Comments

Memory Four. (Day 288)

[overworker]

“Are you looking for a book?”

You turn around and there he is. You’ve gotten so used to seeing Rean Schwarzer, in between school and all the help he’s done for you and the Student Council. You explain that you were planning to do more studying on Crossbell before the trade conference. In fact, you seem quite excited about it.

“Haha. Somehow I’m not surprised. Hopefully everything goes well for you.

“Ahaha. Well, Prince Olivert and the chancellor will be the ones doing all the hard work. But thanks. I’ll make sure to be the best staff member I can be!”

For a moment there’s a look on Rean’s face that clearly says he wants to help you-- but you’re certainly not about to pressure him. After all, he already does so much for you. But true to form, it doesn’t take him long to decide. “Need a hand finding all the books you're looking for?”

Although you don’t want to bother him, his offer is both sweet and actually very useful, so you don’t have the heart to turn him down. Hopefully it won’t take the two of you long if you work together. “You mean it? Eheh, thanks. It’s kinda tough for me to get books off of the higher shelves. You take that section and I’ll take this one.”

“On it.” He takes your ist with him and begins hunting down each of the titles that you’ve marked for your studies. Of course you’ve probably asked for about five times as many books as are really necessary but you’re always thorough. But he collects each one without complaint. That gives you time to scour your own section. Of course, even with the divide, there are still some books in your section that are up high-- you’’ just save that one for last. So by the time you get up on the ladder Rean is finished. Just in time to see you hopping on the tips of your toes trying to reach a specific book. You’re staring up at the book in question with great focus as your fingertips just brush the edges.

“Almoooooost… Just a liiiiittle farther…”

But that little bit is just one bit too much as your movements cause the ladder to tilt and bang against the bookshelf; enough to cause the ladder to fall over and send you falling backwards with a scream. Except instead of hitting the floor, you feel yourself fall hard into-- Rean’s arms. So when you open your eyes, his face is right there and…

“...I’m so glad I made it in time. Are you okay?”

“Rean…? No, I’m fine…” He takes a moment to process his relief, while you take a moment to process what happened. “Ehehe. You’ve really got my back, don’t you?”

“Haha, I feel the same way about you. And it’s not just my back you’ve got, it’s everyone at the Academy’s.”

During this very heartwarming response, it finally clicks. You. In Rean’s arms. Still being held. While he says such sweet things about you. It’s entirely too much. You let out a soft “aaah” before escaping from his arms, flustered and blushing quite heavily. “I-I’m sorry… that was so careless of me!”

...while he acts like everything’s fine. “No worries, I’m just glad you weren’t injured. And the next time you want a book from one of the higher shelves, just ask me to get it for you.”

“S-sure…” Your heart is still pounding and you can’t help it. But you pull yourself together enough to start gathering the books and take them over to a nearby table. “Whew… well, those are all the books I’ll need. Thanks for the help, Rean.”

“Anytime. It sounds like taking part in the trade conference is going to be a lot of work.”

“You can say that again. It’s going to deal with a lot of challenging and sensitive issues that heavily involve Erebonia. As long as I’m part of the team, I want to be as useful as possible.”

“Haha… that’s some real dedication.”

Despite yourself, after a short moment, you admit—— “No matter how much I study, though, I’m still really nervous. Sure, they asked me to go, but at the end of the day, I’m just a student. What can someone like me do at a huge international conference like this?”

“It all sounds pretty daunting… But I’m sure you’re going to be fine. All you have to do is be yourself.

“Um… I think you’re going to have to be a bit more specific.” You blink, sincere confusion written on your face.

“You’re always supporting us behind the scenes so we can reach our full potential. I… no, every student here knows that you’re there for us. I can’t overstate how reassuring it is to have your support. Bring that support to the conference and the staff will be thanking their lucky stars that they thought to bring you along.”

“You really think so...?” What he says… means a lot to you. There’s a warmth there, where all your anxiety had been building. And you feel that much better for having heard it.

“I wouldn’t say so if I didn’t. You’ve got to have more faith in yourself. Besides, if you ever need help, I’ll be there to back you up. Just… try not to fall off of any more ladders.”

“...yeah, I suppose you’re right. If I’m going to have people relying on me, I’ve got to project an air of confidence! ...and steer clear of high bookshelves. Thanks, Rean. I think I needed a bit of your positivity.”

“I’m glad my rambling cheered you up. This is a big deal, to be sure, but remember that you’ve always got us to fall back on. We’ll all be waiting to celebrate your success when you get back.” He gets up, to leave you to your studies and you smile up at him suddenly overflowing with energy. You can’t let a little fear beat you.

“Hehe… I can’t wait!”