Love You Ninth Night: 03 [Nagano Erika] ◇◇◇◇ (86) (Patreon)

*Ninth Night: 03 [Nagano Erika] ◇◇◇◇*

From the other side, I can hear Sayoko's anguished cries.

The shutter continues to be shaken, rattling violently.

With her back to the sound, Erika wiped away her tears alone and sniffled.

"I'm sorry, Sacchan."

If things hadn't suddenly turned out like this, I was planning to go quietly.

I've made you worry unnecessarily, haven't I?

But to tell you the truth, I was happy I got to see you one last time. Yeah, I really was.

I didn't mean to make you cry, Sacchan.

You know, I had decided.

That I was going to save you, Sacchan.

That I would be the one to create your future.

But I'm no good, am I?

I really should have started fighting right away, from that night in the parking lot.

I was scared, and sad, and I didn't know what to do.

In the end, I couldn't bring myself to act the next night either.

You were the one who made up her mind right away, weren't you, Sacchan?

That part of you is really amazing.

You've always been like that, since we were little.

That's why, when I started being able to beat my opponents, I was so happy.

It's strange, isn't it? To be happy about becoming a murderer.

...But you know, I was.

I thought, "Now I can be the same as you."

I thought, "Now I don't have to let you go through this pain all by yourself, Sacchan."

So after that, I was able to properly fight hard.

Sacchan. My very best friend.

You've always done so much for me, for as long as I can remember.

When I was down, you were always right there to comfort me. To encourage me.

You were always looking out for me.

Back when we just started elementary school, when I wet myself, you helped me then, too. I'm sorry, I heard the teacher got really mad at you after that, right?

After my dad died in that accident, you stayed by my side the whole time. Even though you must have been going through so much yourself, with your mom having just left, you never said a word about it and just kept worrying about me.

And when I got bitten by that dog, you beat it up for me. That one... surprised me a little. I wonder if that dog was okay afterward?

In middle school, when that creepy talent scout was following me around, you chased him away. We got yelled at by the police officer, though.

You probably don't remember, Sacchan, but you've helped me so many other times, too.

Thank you, Sacchan.

You're pretty amazing, you know.

It's not just the things I've remembered now. There are more reasons why I love you than I can count.

But.

I think...

I'm sure of it.

I'm really sure.

Even if you took away all those reasons I love you, I think I would still love you anyway. You're my most precious friend.

Because you're you, Sacchan.

So, this is okay.

I don't have any regrets at all, you know.

...Of course, I'm sad, and I'm lonely, but.

But if you get to live, then that's enough for me.

Well then, take care.

I'll be waiting.

I'll be waiting patiently.

Come and get me in about seven hundred years or so, nice and slow.

2025.08.27

Kiyo-sensei, the artist of the manga version, has drawn a lovely picture of our three heroines, Sayoko, Erika, and Kyoka, wearing beautiful flower crowns!

The way the three of them are nestled together, their expressions, their gestures... it expresses the characters and relationships of the original trio so well, doesn't it?

Kiyo-sensei also drew the three, who are connected by various kinds of love, with the feeling of "I wish they could have a moment like this."

Please take a long, careful look at these three lovely girls!

And then, the other side...!

Sayoko and Erika, covered in blood. And Kyoka's tears.

For those of you who have read this far, I think this is an image that will surely resonate...