Chapter 9 | To Hell with the Story!
IF I fall in love with someone, and they don’t feel the same, I’ll die?! In other words, I’ll die from a broken heart if I find myself in a one-sided relationship?!
“S-So, that’s why it’s so important for me not to fall in love with anyone…” I mutter.
It seems like a lot of people are aware of this curse that all Beloveds, or those who can only wield one type of magic, are burdened with. It’s a sensitive issue, which must be why, even though people know about it, most understand not to pry into the specifics of the curse, as it’s considered rude to do so. It makes sense…it’s not something I’d feel comfortable talking about unless it was an emergency or I was talking with a close friend. That’s why Claire and Ektor got so mad when the receptionist let that info slip a bit, completely unbefitting of his position.
“Miku, your life is at stake here,” Claire says gravely. “I know I can be a real pain sometimes, but it’s because you were born with this curse! Since you can only fall in love with one person, you have to think about it carefully! And teenagers aren’t known for thinking about anything carefully!”
I get it. My first love will decide my fate. If I fall head over heels for the first cute guy I see, I’ll be cursed to love them for the rest of my life. Not like I would know, since I’ve never been in love before.
“Game Miku instantly fell in love with Ektor the first time she met him. That love continued on, for the rest of her life… But you’re just so kind, Miku, that when the heroine eventually showed up, you ultimately kept your feelings to yourself because you became friends. Ektor’s not always the most observant guy, and in his storyline, he ultimately chooses the heroine over you. As the heroine, that’s not so horrible, but seeing you get tossed to the side is too awful! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cursed him out for getting a little too carried away being the main hero and all!”
“That’s horrible, Claire. Don’t curse the real Ektor because you’re mad at game Ektor, though…”
As soon as Claire starts talking about the game, she gets over-excited and ends up talking way too fast. It’s like she forgets where she is! It seems very possible that we’re in the world that made up the game she played, but considering all the differences we’ve noticed between what she knows and what’s happening for real, I don’t think it’s a good idea to treat everyone based on the characters she thinks she knows.
“At any rate!” she huffs. “I won’t stand by and watch you die. And I absolutely won’t let you fall in love on MY watch! Since the route is decided by the heroine, I have no idea what will happen next or who her partner will be, but thinking about you falling in love with ANYONE at this point makes me anxious!”
Now I understand why Claire’s always so overprotective of me. I felt like she’s been worrying more than usual recently, but knowing the reason why makes me feel a lot better. It doesn’t bother me that she cares about me that much, but rather, I worry that she’s maybe a little too caught up in my problems. With me going out into the city and meeting so many new folks, it seems to have triggered Claire’s anxiety, bringing it to new heights. Although I understand why she’s like this now, that doesn’t make it any healthier.
“B-But, Claire. Knowing I have no plans of falling in love and that I’ve never even felt love before, just hear me out. What if, far in the future, I do fall in love with someone. What then?”
To be honest, I’m pretty worried about it myself. I can make promises until I’m blue in the face that I won’t fall in love with anyone, but that’s not how it works. There’s a chance I’ll fall in love with someone without even realizing it. And what then? Can I really only love one person for the rest of my life?
“When that happens, I’ll support you with all of my heart. I’ll make sure your love lasts forever!”
Claire’s answer is far different from what I expected.
I had no idea she felt that way. I mean, all she ever does is harp on me about how I can’t fall in love ever!
“I would prefer if you never fell in love… But they call it ‘falling’ for a reason. There’s not much you can do to prevent it, you know? And then it’s only natural to want to be in a relationship with that person.”
“You’d be okay with it, even if it’s Ektor?” I say with a grin.
“Urrrggghhh! I can’t stand that guy’s guts…but if you truly loved him, then I would support you. That’s how much you mean to me!” she declares. “Although I don’t trust that guy further than I can throw him, considering how easily he’s swayed by the heroine’s charms,” she mutters under her breath, furrowing her brow. She looks so funny, I can’t help but laugh, even after our serious conversation.
“You’re so silly, Claire. But okay. If I ever fall in love, I promise to tell you right away!”
“That would make me feel a lot better.”
With Claire by my side, I always feel like I can tackle anything. All my fears and worries vanish! She always scolds me for being so airheaded in the first place, but I can’t help who I am.
“But that means you have to tell me when you fall in love, too. Okay, Claire?”
“Huh? Me? That’s never going to happen! Ever! I know this is real life, but I just can’t seem to separate the people around us from their in-game characters!” she says, laughing.
I’m not sure if she can make that promise and keep it. People fall in love all the time without meaning to.
“You might fall in love with someone who wasn’t a character in the game,” I say. “Plus, what happens when the game ends and real life continues? So, please promise me! If you ever fall in love, you’ll tell me!”
“F-Fine! You’re really that worried about me?”
“Of course! Just like you’re always worried about me!”
I press the issue until Claire finally gives in and promises. Claire is so protective and perceptive of others, but treats herself like trash. As we return to the task at hand, I know I’m going to have to keep a closer eye on her from now on!