**Episode 013: Trust from Bias**

“Do you know the nearest evacuation center around here?”
“Probably the city hall.”
Yuna answered my question after some thought. It was the answer I had expected.
However, I didn’t want to go there because the extroverts who left me behind in front of the enemies are likely to be there. I don’t want to meet them, but I don’t want to take these girls with me around.

“Yeah, I feel the same way…”
I muttered involuntarily as unpleasant feelings overwhelmed me.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, I can’t go into details, but it’s better not to go there.”
Yuna noticed my displeasure, and without going into details, I shook my head and suggested going to another place.
There was no need to tell them about those people, and I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to make them aware of it unnecessarily by providing information.

“Understood.”
“I’m fine with that.”
Upon hearing that, Yuna and Kana readily agreed.
“Is it okay?”
I had prepared for them to ask for more details, so I involuntarily asked back.
“At least you’re our lifesaver.”
“I believe you.”
With a smile, both of them believed in me. Yuna and Kana chose not to ask anything, understanding that there was something about me they didn’t know.
The kindness of these two, who believed in me without knowing anything about me, deeply touched my heart. If possible, I want to act in a way that deserves this trust.

“Thank you. So, what’s the next nearest evacuation place?”
To respond to their feelings, I asked about the next possible evacuation place.
“Probably our school.”
“Um…”
Yuna answered, but since they were in casual clothes, I felt confused about which school they were attending around here.
Which high schools are there in this area other than ours?

“We go to Arisugawa Academy.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
I couldn’t remember, but when she told me, I finally recalled. That school was indeed in the same district.
“Well, yeah.”
I never thought these two were students there…
That place must have been quite prestigious.

“Both of you are smart.”
I stared at the two, particularly at Yuna, who, despite being lively, I didn’t think was that smart.
People can be deceiving, indeed.
I looked at them intently.
“I-It’s not a big deal. Anyone can do that kind of stuff.”
“Yeah, it’s not that impressive.”
Modestly boasting about her violent chest, Kana and her older sister Yuna, who was embarrassed, had completely opposite personalities.
I couldn’t help but smile at their responses.
“Is that school okay as an evacuation place?”
I asked to confirm, thinking that their high school, which they are familiar with, would be the most suitable for them. However, I wanted to make sure since they might dislike it.
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
“Understood. Please guide us there. Just don’t go too far ahead. I can’t protect you if you get too exposed.”
Yuna made a thoughtful decision after some consideration. Now that the destination was decided, I earnestly requested them not to go too far ahead. It’s crucial. I need them to protect me. If they go too far ahead, I might get attacked before I can defend myself.

“Y-Yeah, sure!?”
“Got it, big sister. You’re too easy to understand.”
When I made a serious request, Yuna, blushing intensely for some reason, hurriedly responded, and Kana, while looking at her sister with a cold gaze, lightly nudged her with her elbow and responded.
“W-What’s the matter? Feeling unwell?”
Yuna turned even redder. Worried that she might be enduring some illness, I peered into her face.
Getting sick in this situation would be too dangerous. Although I have a few potions, they might not work against an illness, and in the current situation where hospitals might not be functioning, it would be difficult to cure.

“N-No, I’m fine.”
Yuna distanced herself from me at an incredible speed, waving her hands in front of her body. Her face was extremely red.
“Well, lying in this situation is not good. It’s too late if something happens.”
I was concerned about her red face, so I pressed on.
“I-It’s really okay…”
With her face turned away, she distanced herself from me once again.
Could it be that she hates me? Or maybe I smell bad?
While thinking about such things, I sniffed my own scent.
It doesn’t smell… right?
But I can’t really tell my own scent.
Gradually becoming uneasy, I started to worry if I smelled bad.

“It’s okay, Kotaro doesn’t smell. Big sister is just embarrassed, so don’t worry about it.”
“Kana!!”
“Well, well. If that’s the case, it’s fine.”
Whether she sensed my worry or not, Kana explained her sister’s actions, and whether she hit the mark or not, Yuna scolded her angrily.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the heartwarming scene between the two.
They always manage to make people laugh like this. At the same time, I was relieved from the bottom of my heart that I didn’t smell bad.
I would want to die if my reality-based crush told me I smelled.

“Now that our feelings have settled, shall we go?”
“Yeah.”
“Sure.”
We started walking cautiously towards Arisugawa Academy, the destination they chose.