"I already have someone I'll date in the future. In the future."
"And perhaps someone I'll marry in the future, too. Also in the future."
"..."
Oreki's wording was rather strange, but Ichinose was a very tolerant person, so she nodded lightly.
She thought Oreki probably had some unspeakable reason or something.
Because they had both run into something awkward, and had both been involved in something awkward.
Ichinose and Oreki did not remain by the railing.
The two went to the Shopping District together, then parted ways.
And Ichinose was very strong.
By the time she reached the Shopping District, her emotions had already passed.
She had not merely suppressed them or become sad; they were simply over.
And that was probably something Classmate Kushida could never match.
Then, when he returned home that night and went to sleep, Oreki found himself dreaming about Ichinose.
It was only an ordinary dream, though.
Because in the dream, Chihiro Shiraha had confessed to Ichinose.
This Ichinose was not as strong. In other words, she had not immediately gotten her emotions under control.
She rejected Chihiro, then hesitated, wondering how she could avoid hurting her.
At the same time, she felt troubled and uncertain.
Because—
"I told her we could go back to being friends like before tomorrow. It's just... I don't know if we can really do that." Her shoulders drooped.
It seemed she understood it very clearly, too.
Once certain feelings were spoken aloud, even ordinary gestures would be viewed through a colored lens.
For example, girls could hold hands. But if you discovered the other person liked you, would holding hands still be normal?
"That depends on the two of you." Dream Oreki answered like this. "If you aren't confident, you can try a test."
"A test?" Ichinose