Weekend's Confession Booth

Location: Dormitory Library

Tomoya: There’s probably nobody here right now… ah.

Tatsumi: Oh? If it isn’t Tomoya-san.

It’s unusual to run into you in a place like this, are you also here to do some reading?

Tomoya: No, I’m… um....

Tatsumi: Is something wrong?

Tomoya: I don’t think it’s very good to use the library like this, but…...I actually came here to take a nap. I’ve had a little trouble sleeping lately.

Tatsumi: I see. It’s always quiet here, which makes it quite an ideal place to sleep, doesn’t it?

However, if you have the option to, wouldn’t it be better to sleep in your room? Surely you could have a more restful sleep in a bed.

Tomoya: Well...

Tatsumi: Hmm…… It’s more complicated than that, isn’t it? We can discuss it if you’d like.

Tomoya: Huh? You don’t mind listening to my problems?

Tatsumi: Of course not. I used to listen to the worries of those who visited my parents’ church.

Perhaps it was God’s guidance that brought me here to do some reading so I could meet you.

It’s not very comfortable to stand and talk, so please take a seat over there. I’ll prepare us some beverages.

Tomoya: Oh, I’ll help!

Tatsumi: Please don’t trouble yourself, I can take care of this alone.

Tomoya: Is that so? I’m sorry.

Tatsumi: Fufu, please don’t apologize. I do this because I enjoy it.

……Thank you for waiting, please drink some of this.

Tomoya: Coffee?

Tatsumi: Yes, the caffeine in coffee sets in about thirty minutes after drinking it.

It’s said that if you drink it right before you take a nap, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed.

Tomoya: Is that so…... Thank you, I’ll drink some.

…...Mmn, it’s delicious.

Tatsumi: I’m glad. Now, won’t you tell me what’s troubling you?

Tomoya: Yes. I mentioned it earlier, but lately I’m not getting enough sleep. I feel really stressed, but also…

There are times when I’m alone in the room, but I feel like I’m being watched.

Tatsumi: Being watched?

Tomoya: That’s right. Because of that, my stress is only getting worse and I’m becoming seriously sleep deprived.

I’ve been trying to think about what could be the cause, but I have no idea. Maybe there’s a ghost in my room…...

Tatsumi: Fufu. Goodness, no. I haven’t heard any news regarding sightings of suspicious people either. I’m positive that it’s only your imagination.

Tomoya: Ahaha, of course.

I still don’t know the cause, but I’m glad I spoke to you, Kazehaya-senpai. I feel a little more at ease.

Tatsumi: I’m glad I was able to help you. Coffee also has a relaxing effect, so you should be able to sleep well.

Tomoya: That would be nice…… Since you’ve helped me, I’ll try going to sleep in my room.

Goodnight, Kazehaya-senpai.

Tatsumi: I hope you have pleasant dreams.

(Somehow this reminds me of the confession room at my parents' church. Despite the name, that room was used as a place to consult with a priest, rather than somewhere to repent for sins.

I pray that Tomoya-san can be more at peace after our talk...... Amen.)

Mayoi: Um…… excuse me. Do you have a moment…...?

Tatsumi: Ah, Mayoi-san. Do you need me for something?

Mayoi: “Need” is a little… I’m――I have something I want to talk to you about…… is that alright?

Tatsumi: Of course, what is it?

Mayoi: It’s… it’s actually about my room.

Maybe it’s because I got so used to living with everyone in ALKALOID, but now that I’m in a different room I’m feeling uneasy again.

I’ve been trying to avoid bothering my roommate as much as possible, and I spend my time in the room being perfectly silent…...

But my roommate has barely been sleeping. He looks tired in the afternoon because of it, and I’m getting worried.

Tatsumi: He’s barely sleeping……?

Mayoi: Y-Yes. It seems like it got somewhat resolved a little while ago, but…...

I want to help him somehow, but I don’t know what I could possibly do. I can only watch over him, b-but doing that is……Uwah. I’m truly such a stupid and insignificant creature…...

Tatsumi: (If I remember correctly, Mayoi-san’s roommate is…… I see, now I understand why Tomoya-san felt as if he were being watched.)

By “resolved a little while ago,” do you mean that you were perhaps listening to our earlier conversation?

Mayoi: Y-Yes. I was hoping to consult with Tatsumi-san about this, but Mashiro-san was already there. I was lamenting to myself and I ended up listening in on your conversation..…. I’m sorry…...

I’m aware that Mashiro-san is stressed, and I made my presence unnoticed so he could hopefully get some rest. At any rate I found myself worried, and I couldn't help but quietly stare at him.....

It seems like I made him even more stressed out…...

I think I’ll return to the darkness so that I’m not even more of a bother. If I’m not here, then Mashiro-san will be able to have some peace of mind.

Tatsumi: That won’t be necessary. How about telling Tomoya-san what you just told me?

Mayoi: T-Tell him? Won’t he be afraid…...?

Tatsumi: Doesn’t the fact that you were always watching over him show that you were thinking of him? Tomoya-san doesn’t seem like the type of person to dismiss that thoughtfulness.

Besides, especially since you two share the same room, why don’t you use this as an opportunity to interact with him?

You hid yourself so well that Tomoya-san was under the impression he was alone. If you reveal yourself to him, his discomfort will vanish and his sleep will be bound to improve.

It seems like that isn’t his only cause for stress. If it’s alright with you, how about next time I speak with both of you? The three of us can come up with a plan together.

Mayoi: Y-You’re right. I learned about the importance of interacting with others… the kindness within human beings from ALKALOID…...

It’s a bit scary, but I’ll gather up all my courage and I think I’ll confess.

I’m glad I spoke to you…… Thank you for listening to my concerns, Tatsumi-san.

I have to thank you somehow…… Umm. Ah, but I can’t think of how…...

Tatsumi: I haven’t done anything to warrant thanks.

But, in any case, would you like to have some coffee with me in the common area?

The weather is nice too, how about a leisurely stroll in the courtyard together? We can have a relaxing discussion together, just the two of us.