It seems like nothing is wrong.
The sudden phone call and strange question had kept her on edge the entire way.
Her cycling speed wasn't fast; she wished she could just pick up the bicycle and run over herself.
Looking at it now, she must be asleep?
The light wasn't even turned off.
Ichiko didn't want to disturb Haruko, so she turned to turn off the light and leave. However, with her sharp eyes, she suddenly saw a syringe on the floor.
Her pupils contracted slightly.
The tip of the syringe was stained with a trace of undried residue, clearly having just been used.
A label on it had three words: Tranquilizer.
Ichiko's expression changed instantly.
She couldn't help but recall what Doctor had said.
Mild schizophrenia!
It's already reached the point of needing tranquilizer injections, is it really just mild?
Ichiko stood by the bed, quietly looking at the blanket rolled into a ball.
What should she do?
Wake her up and ask what happened?
Sit by the bed, quietly watch over her, wait for her to wake up, see her, and then comfort her?
Suddenly, a helpless whimper came from under the blanket. "Ichiko... don't leave me..."
Is she having a nightmare?
Ichiko's eyes suddenly softened, and she unbuttoned her coat.
She hadn't even had time to take off her pajamas at the dorm, so now she didn't even need to change clothes.
Slightly lifting the blanket, Ichiko saw Haruko curled up in a ball.
She knew this was self-protection stemming from extreme lack of security.
Perhaps feeling the cold after the blanket was lifted, Haruko faced Ichiko and slightly opened her eyes.
Meeting that gentle gaze, she was completely stunned.
Ichiko smiled sweetly. "Had a nightmare? Don't be afraid, I'm here."
She slipped into the blanket and gently reached out to embrace the stunned Haruko.
It wasn't until the warmth and comforting faint scent surrounded her that Haruko finally came back to her senses, trembling as she spoke in disbelief, "Tao... Ichiko, how are you here?"
She was afraid this was a dream.
Although she didn't know what had happened.
But this didn't stop Ichiko from coaxing the insecure person in her arms. Pretending to think, she said, "Haruko hung up the phone so quickly, of course I came over to answer your question."
Haruko's puzzled voice rang out. "Question?"
"Yes," Ichiko said. "Didn't you say I hesitated when I answered that I liked you?"
"Silly girl, I wasn't hesitating about whether I liked you or not."
"I was hesitating about *how much* I liked you~"
Almost completely following her heart, Ichiko's voice was gentle and caring. She held her in her arms with both hands, as if trying to express her affection through her actions.
Is this kind of liking real?
Does it matter if it's real or fake?
Haruko just wanted to hear this sentence, wanted this kind of support.
She yearned for and dreamed of having someone love her, that was all.
Ichiko could feel that when she said that sentence, the petite girl in her arms tightly clutched her clothes.
The slight trembling that was there gradually subsided.
Her little head was buried in her embrace, and her breathing gradually became steady.
Ichiko reached out and gently stroked Haruko's head. "Haruko, hug me a little tighter, okay?"
This way, you won't be afraid.
This way, you can feel my warmth more.
This way, you won't think I'll abandon you.
Even if the liking I expressed is just an act, I will stay by your side.
It was like this before, and it won't change in the future.
The petite figure in her arms finally stirred, clinging to her like an octopus, making it slightly difficult for Ichiko to breathe into her chest.
However, she could indeed feel the heartbeat gradually calming down.
After an unknown amount of time, Haruko in her arms timidly asked, "Ichiko, if I wasn't sick."
——If I wasn't a yandere.
"If I was obedient."
——If I no longer played the yandere role to give you pressure, but obediently listened to you.
"Will you always be by my side?"
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