Release Princess Mika!

Chapter 6: Kirifuji Nagisa (2)

Right now, a sight I never thought I’d witness in my lifetime is unfolding before my eyes.

Misono Mika—who had always lived like a pampered princess, surrounded by people treating her like royalty—was actually cooking something herself. If the situation weren’t so serious, I would’ve wanted to capture the moment on video.

Ah, I did take a photo. I figured Miss Seiya wouldn’t believe it unless I left proof. I sent her a picture through MomoTalk—Mika’s back while she was cooking—and her reaction was amusing.

[Yurika Seiya]

[?]

[…?]

[Nagisa, is there something wrong with my eyes right now?]

[Hmm... I had no idea you had such a talent for photoshopping, dear.]

I sent her a reply, telling her that nothing was wrong with her eyes and that I don’t even know how to use editing software or apps.

Honestly, if our positions were reversed, I probably would’ve reacted the same way she did.

[…Still, I suppose it’s a relief Mika doesn’t seem to be in any serious trouble. But did you find out why she was absent today?]

Hmm... I really don’t know how to explain this to Miss Seiya. Maybe it’s better to talk in person tomorrow instead of over MomoTalk…?

On the surface, Mika looked like nothing was wrong, but the reality was more complicated.

I sent her a message saying I’d explain everything in detail when we met tomorrow.

She’d probably spend the whole night wondering what happened with Mika, but I honestly didn’t have the energy to worry about that right now.

"Alright, all done! It’s just plain stir-fried vegetable rice, though."

Mika, who claimed to have lost her memory, felt noticeably calmer than the one I remembered. If the situation weren’t so serious, I might have even welcomed the change. It’s like that spoiled little princess finally matured into a more composed version of herself.

"...You look surprisingly normal. I really didn’t think you’d manage to make something without any problems. It’s kind of fascinating, seeing a side of you I didn’t know existed."

When Mika volunteered to cook, I almost fainted from worry. I wondered how she could even attempt it after losing her memory, but I suppose if it’s partial amnesia, it’s not impossible. It’s just... she’s Mika. That alone raises a hundred concerns. A few potential disasters flashed through my mind instantly.

"Hehe, I just used whatever ingredients my hands naturally reached for☆"

"...Why does that make me feel like it looks fine but probably tastes like disaster?"

"No way! Just in case, I even took the first bite myself. I wasn’t confident either, you know."

Honestly, the more we talk, the more Mika’s speech starts slipping back into her usual tone—and it’s bothering me.

Was all that calm behavior just an act to fool me? If I didn’t believe Mika wouldn’t play that kind of trick on me, I’d be far more suspicious.

"You really didn’t need to cook if you weren’t confident in it."

That aside, I still had no faith in Mika’s cooking skills. Just because the food looked okay didn’t mean it was. I’d have to have seen her cooking at least once before I could believe in it.

"Still... I was so thankful you came to check on me like this, Nagi-chan, I just wanted to do something for you. To be honest, I was kind of scared, not knowing what was going on."

...Ugh.

Hold on a second. Mika, you can’t just say stuff like that…!

Guilt crept in. I felt ashamed that I hadn’t accepted her gesture right away, that I’d been suspicious instead. I knew better than anyone that Mika must be far more confused than I was right now...

"I worried a lot because I knew even you wouldn’t skip school without a word just for a joke. Now that I understand the situation, I’m glad I came to check before things got worse."

It felt like I was scrambling to fix things too late. I’m sorry, Mika. But everything I just said was true. I really was worried—worried that something bad might’ve happened to you.

"Hey, Nagi-chan. You said we’ve been friends the longest, right?"

"Excluding my parents, yes. I’ve known you for over ten years now."

Saying it aloud made my heart ache. That I was the only one who remembered those ten years of memories with Mika. If she never regained them, what would I do?

I don’t want this to be how I lose my friend. Memories can be made again—but a friend lost is a friend gone for good. Honestly, I never realized until now how big a place Mika held in my heart.

"Wow, we’re sixteen, so we’ve known each other forever! But if we’ve been friends that long, why do you still use honorifics? It feels a little... distant."

"...I’m just more comfortable speaking formally to everyone. I was raised to always carry myself with dignity, no matter the place or time."

"I see... So that means you’ll keep using honorifics with me, too...?"

...Ah. I remembered we’d had a similar conversation once. This was a repeat of that.

Even with her memory gone, Mika was still Mika. That playful nature of hers hadn’t changed.

"If that’s what you’re comfortable with, Nagi-chan, then I guess I’ll live with it. A bit sad, but oh well..."

"Haa... Mika, you already tried that line once and it didn’t work. I’m not falling for it."

...Honestly, the way she pouted after saying that almost made her seem more advanced than before she lost her memory. Still, it was a prank that failed once already—it won’t work again.

"I don’t remember that... Then how about this? I won’t ask for much—just once, could you call me Mika-chan? Please?"

...She really has matured. Instead of throwing a fit, she offered a compromise. And she even played her strongest card—totally unfair. Mika, you’re not allowed to do that to me...

"...Thanks for the food."

I dodged the question. In this mood, maybe I should indulge her just once. It’s not like I don’t want to. But if I give in too easily, she’ll only get more spoiled.

The real problem is... I’m embarrassed. Mika-chan? That’s way too familiar. Honestly, Mika’s the weird one for casually throwing ~chan around with everyone.

Still... I wonder if Mika had cooked before? The fried rice wasn’t anything fancy, but it tasted just fine.

Ah, I’ve thought of a good idea. I’ll call her Mika-chan just once—naturally, at a moment she won’t expect. That way I’ll be less embarrassed, and she gets what she wants. A perfect world.

"Nagi-chan, how is it? Does it taste okay?"

…Just like now.

"Yes, it’s surprisingly good—so much so that it’s hard to believe Mika-chan made it. And actually, even before you lost your memory, you never cooked for me, so it’s kind of new. Anyway, I’m relieved you seem capable of going about your daily life for now."

Phew. I followed it up with a casual Mika-san, and the embarrassment faded fast. Yeah, that level of closeness is a bit too much for me. I could never do it twice.

Though... Why is it so hot all of a sudden? I fanned my face, then quickly stopped when I realized it wasn’t the temperature—it was my blushing. I hope Mika didn’t notice. It’s not too obvious... right?

"Wait, did you just call me Mika-chan? I didn’t mishear, right?"

"What are you talking about, Mika-san? You definitely misheard."

"Wa—ow."

Let’s be honest, Mika. You didn’t lose your memory, did you? You’re practically back to your usual speech patterns at this point.

I know in my head that she’s not lying. But the Mika I know keeps peeking through—and it gives me hope. Maybe her memory can come back someday.

"Come on, you should eat too, Mika-san. There’s still a mountain of things I haven’t told you yet."

"If you cram too much at once, I’ll probably forget it all..."

"Then I’ll tell you as many times as it takes. So don’t worry about that."

Really now, there’s no need to look that moved. I’m only doing this out of selfishness because I don’t want to lose my precious friend.

...Still, Mika-chan, huh. That really doesn’t roll off the tongue for me.

***

It’s strange. I’ve shared a bed with Mika plenty of times before, but tonight I just can’t seem to relax. I can’t sleep at all.

Every time our halos brush against each other, I flinch without thinking. Mika, on the other hand, looks peaceful... like she’s not even the slightest bit bothered by the situation.

...Sleeping?

Oh no. Did I forget to tell her? Mika, because of our halos, we can’t fake sleep…