Part 193: The Lexicon of Love

What kind of fantasies does Rantaro have? Honestly, I have no idea...





What do I mean? The math book, Shuichi. You finished all of it!

Math book... Could he be...my tutor? He's too casual to be a regular teacher...

That's why you're my favorite student. Good job! Good work, Shuichi!



This is part of Rantaro's dream... I can't break character, or he'll wake up and feel awful... For now... I guess I‘ll just be his student.

R-Rantaro... I'm not a little kid...



..."Rantaro," huh?

Rantaro's tone had changed. He pulled his hand away, dejected.

Not that long ago... You were calling me "Big Brother."

Ah, was I?



Haha...guess I made you hate me...didn't I, Shuichi?



Look, I get it. I would be upset too. I've been your tutor for so long, but now I tell you I'm leaving...

Leaving...?



What is he implying...? He's so serious all of a sudden.

How should I respond? I don't fully understand what’s going on...

I know I'm being selfish, Shuichi. I'm sorry, but I want to shelter you from danger as much as I can...



Haha, whoops, guess I shouldn't have said that... Forget it.

No, Rantaro, I won't. Not with that look on your face...

Some teacher I am, huh? Making you worry about me...



I will protect you. I promise. No one precious to me will ever get hurt again.



Rantaro is an enigma, I suppose it makes sense that his fantasies are too.

W-Wait, Rantaro!

I don't really understand, but here goes...



Thinking about you carrying this burden all by yourself hurts me.

Rantaro is just trying to keep me safe, but I can't let him go...

Maybe you see me as just a student, so you don't think I can protect you... But I don't *want* to be sheltered and oblivious to everything.



Rantaro, you're going to quit being my tutor, right? So I’m not just your student. I'm your *friend*. You can tell me anything. I know I can help you.

Haha... Now where'd this come from? But...I‘m glad you don't hate me. Now...I can die happy.



...I'm joking.

It doesn't sound like a joke. If he isn't careful, he'll die... What has Rantaro gotten himself into? In any case...this is his fantasy. And I'm with him.



I would never want you to face it alone, Rantaro...

You've really come into your own.

Haha... Alright, I give up. I'll tell you everything.



The time that I've spent as your teacher... has been such a comfort to me.

Yes. Of course.





......

...



Last night, with Rantaro... Was that a dream? Even if it was...what a wonderful dream.