Kayama Esumi: A Startling Truth

"......Kirifuji. Did something happen so suddenly?"

Adhering to her principle that she must not become too intimate with Blue Archive characters, Esumi insisted on using surnames rather than given names—a choice meant to avoid the appearance of closeness. Without showing a hint of confusion or haste, she remained perfectly composed as she addressed Nagisa, who had just descended upon her.

In other words, she was playing dumb.

"I heard a rumor from certain circles. Is it true that you are planning to leave Trinity?"

Nagisa wore a smile, yet her eyes were narrowed and devoid of their usual light. Her gaze was sharp, emphasizing that she would permit no excuses. It was the kind of look no middle school girl should be capable of.

For that matter, it had been barely a few weeks since Esumi had first acted on her plan to transfer. Nagisa’s ears were incredibly sharp... and there was no doubt that this was the reason for her sudden visit. Esumi, who had already steeled herself for the fact that information would eventually circulate—given that Nagisa was a member of the elite and a future faction leader—simply nodded without denial.

"May I ask for your reasoning?"

"Simply for the sake of my artistic endeavors."

Esumi's true feelings were that she wanted to avoid meeting Blue Archive characters and had no desire to be dragged into the main story, but she wasn't technically lying. However, Nagisa was hardly the type to be satisfied with such a simple explanation.

"Is that not something you could achieve while remaining here at Trinity? I see no need for you to force yourself away from a place you are accustomed to. You have finally become the painter you wished to be; are you truly changing your base of operations already?"

"On the contrary, isn't it only natural for an artist to seek a new environment and fresh inspiration? Most artists from Trinity eventually move their base elsewhere anyway."

"That may be true... but Esumi-san, you are still in middle school. No matter how strangely accustomed to society you may be, the world outside the Trinity Autonomous District is filled with danger."

"I'll be fine as long as I go to another safe district, so don't worry."

"No. Esumi-san, you do not seem to understand your own position. Your refined beauty, the reputation you have gained since your debut as a painter, and your background as a student from the prestigious Trinity district... in the worst-case scenario, you could be targeted for a crime. Even in a safe district, there is the risk of being kidnapped for ransom."

Isn't that a bit paranoid?

Esumi tried to recall her knowledge of Blue Archive from her past life. Images of delinquent students from the game committing crimes and targeting Trinity students for extortion were quite vivid, so Nagisa wasn't exactly wrong. Still, we're talking about middle schoolers here. Isn't kidnapping a bit excessive, even for them?

Besides, since she had been reincarnated into this world, Esumi carried a firearm just like any other resident of Kivotos. She was proficient enough to take on a few thugs or delinquents single-handedly. With a bit of luck, she could probably even hold her own against a named character.

Unfortunately, it was essentially impossible for her to handle a gun with her dominant hand, which was a point of concern, but she figured she could at least survive with all her limbs intact. Perhaps she was radiating an aura of confidence that said, "I’ll be fine, it’s a piece of cake."

Nagisa let out a deep sigh, looking troubled as she rested a hand against her cheek and gazed into the distance. It was an unfairly picturesque pose.

"I see... If you are truly intent on leaving Trinity, then it is a sad reality, but I will have no choice but to sever our ties, Esumi-san."

"Well, since my relationship with Kirifuji is strictly business, I wouldn't be particularly troubled by cutting ties."

"Oh? Are you quite sure about that?"

If she could say a permanent goodbye to Kirifuji Nagisa today, it would be a dream come true for Esumi, who wanted nothing to do with the main plot. Honestly, she couldn't remember doing anything that warranted being held back like this, especially since they’d only known each other for a year.

But Nagisa clearly felt differently... or rather, she directed a smile at Esumi that felt uncomfortably loaded with meaning.

"Esumi-san. Despite appearances, I am in a position where I can arrange for certain... accommodations. For example, the private museum reservation I arranged when I first invited you? Even the rare art references I provided were items I had to insist be brought out specially from the archives. I believe that every one of those experiences has gone into making you the artist you are today."

"Ugh... well..."

There was no way she could forget.

Though it had been somewhat forced, Nagisa had taken her to see all sorts of art. Thanks to that, Esumi had grown as a painter by several magnitudes and made a brilliant debut. For someone of Esumi’s social standing—a commoner—none of those things would have been possible on her own.

One could argue it was a "happy accident" where Nagisa’s desperate attempts to become friends had resulted in Esumi’s gain, but it was an undeniable fact that it was all thanks to Nagisa.

"If you were to sever ties with me now... you would have no choice but to give up these special services. The chance to view the masterpieces that made you blush with excitement—without anyone to bother you, and without being seen by others—would vanish forever in this instant. Are you truly alright with that?"

"...Hm? ...Wait, hold on. Was I... was I really that visibly excited?"

Esumi had taken several opportunities to view museums in private thanks to Nagisa’s invitations, but this was the first she’d heard of herself blushing with excitement, let alone looking ecstatic. She was just finding this out now. Wasn't that basically being a total creep?

Esumi was self-aware enough to know she was an over-the-top art geek, but no one had ever pointed this out to her in her previous life. This was likely a new side of her that had emerged upon being reincarnated into this world. Given that this world originated from a game, she wondered if this was some sort of specialized "quirk" assigned to Kayama Esumi. Who was this even for?

Frankly, it was incredibly embarrassing. Why was a "former man" who was technically a grown adult when factoring in his past life blushing with excitement?

However, Nagisa, who had witnessed Esumi's state firsthand and was now reporting it to her, continued to speak with a highly amused smile.

"Yes, I can still remember it vividly. No matter which work you looked at, your cheeks would flush with excitement and your eyes would sparkle with such brilliance... and yet, when you spoke to me, you tried so hard to maintain a composed tone. That imbalance was so delightful and adorable to watch... Hehe. Looking back, I simply cannot allow anyone else but myself to see you in such a unique state of rapture."

"What?! You—you idiot! Why were you ignoring the art just to observe me like that?! Forget it! Don't remember it, and don't you dare say another word about it!"

"Is it not your fault for being so engrossed that you didn't notice? Besides, seeing you now, with your face turning bright red from shame, is quite refreshing... May I take a photo for posterity?"

"Just shut up, Kirifuji!"

No matter how much older her mental age was due to her past memories, she couldn't stay calm after being caught in such an embarrassing state and having it described so vividly.

Esumi, whose looks were often described by others as "breathtakingly beautiful" or "cool and composed," was now flushing bright red with shame as she lunged at Nagisa. She grabbed Nagisa by the shoulders and began shaking her back and forth with all her might.

While it was unclear exactly what Esumi looked like when she was in her "unique state of rapture" before a painting, the sight of her now—beautiful features distorted by shame, her face crimson as she raised her voice—carried a certain dangerous vulnerability that felt like it might open a forbidden door.

For her part, Nagisa felt that this situation—being able to see a hidden side of Esumi that no one else had likely seen, and being confronted by her so closely—was quite the "perk." Was that irrelevant? Perhaps.

"Hehe. I'm honestly surprised to see you shouting and getting so embarrassed, Esumi-san. I truly thought you were aware of it."

"If I were aware of it, I'd hide it! Who wants to show off a creepy side like that?! M-More importantly, you haven't told anyone else about this incredibly embarrassing information, have you, Kirifuji?! Even if you know, don't you dare say a word!"

"Yes. I wanted to keep it as my own personal privilege, so I haven't told anyone... but if you sever ties with me, we will become strangers. I might just 'accidentally' let it slip."

"Wh—?!"

For a moment, Nagisa’s chuckle made her look like a little devil. Esumi assumed she was joking, but there was a strange nagging certainty that Nagisa might actually go through with it... She wouldn't, right?

"So, what will you do? I'm sure someone as talented as you could continue to frequent museums on your own even without my services... but I wonder, would you be able to appreciate the art in front of everyone without worrying about the state I just described?"

"Impossible."

"An immediate answer, I see..."

Of course it was. Since she had grown to this age without being aware of it, she wouldn't be able to enjoy the art if she forced her attention elsewhere just to try and fix it. She could consider wearing a mask or a disguise... in fact, that would definitely be better than being humiliated. But because her core desire was to enjoy her favorite art in her natural state, she found it hard to accept that idea. (Her love for art was borderline pathological, considering she even hesitated to lie in front of her own work.) Besides, she had been enjoying art in her natural state perfectly fine until Nagisa pointed it out. It was cruel to expect her to change now.

...Wait. Does that mean during all the museum visits she’d enjoyed since childhood before meeting Nagisa, she had been exposing that "creepy" state—flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes—to everyone around her? I see... that’s the worst. It might have been considered "wholesome" at that age, but now that she had grown up and was on the verge of entering high school, exposing herself like that was as close to "out" as it gets.

Perhaps she had no choice but to rely on Nagisa to rent out museums so she could view art alone, rather than risk spreading a terrible reputation or being misunderstood. Looking at it from that perspective, she began to feel that her planned transfer to Wild Hunt Academy for the Arts would make it difficult to spend her days in peace.

Spending every day at a glamorous academy overflowing with art, forced to hide her true self just to avoid making a scene in front of the works she’d loved since her past life... wasn't that a living hell? Eventually, she’d probably go mad and show an even worse side of herself.

"By the way, you had the same expression whenever you looked at art references."

"More information now?!"

Total despair. Apparently, it wasn't just viewing physical art; even looking at books and printed materials triggered the same reaction. While it was one thing for existing masterpieces, being able to make such a face in front of books that only contained text and photos was a talent in its own right—but it meant she practically couldn't use public libraries.

To put it bluntly, she was cornered. She had no choice but to avoid public eyes and stay cooped up in her house or room to read.

"...Sigh."

Having discovered a side of herself that even she found off-putting, Esumi was filled with anxiety about the future. Exhausted by the mental toll, she let out a long, heavy sigh while still leaning on Nagisa’s shoulders.

"...I have such a difficult personality..."

"...Esumi-san."

If Kayama Esumi were a top-tier eccentric who didn't possess a shred of shame, this sort of thing wouldn't be a problem. It was precisely because she was a genuine art geek who possessed a proper sense of common decency and shame that she was so depressed.

Esumi, who had arrived fully prepared to leave Trinity and coolly rebuff Nagisa's attempts to stop her, had now lost all her momentum due to anxiety and embarrassment. It was truly a pitiful sight.

Nagisa was not the type to just stay silent out of sympathy while watching her, however.

"...Then let us do this. If you will proceed to Trinity General School with me, I will be more than happy to continue renting out any museum that is exhibiting work you wish to see. I cannot do it every week, of course, but once a month or so would be no problem at all."

Nagisa gently took Esumi’s hands, which had been clutching her shoulders, and held them firmly in both of her own.

"I will also gather art references and prepare a room that only you may use. A place where no one will disturb you, and where you need not worry about the eyes of others... a special space where only Esumi-san can enjoy art."

Nagisa took a step forward, closing the distance between them. She peered into Esumi's beautiful face—specifically into those brilliantly shining jade eyes—and wore a daring smile.

"What do you think? Furthermore, if you remain in the Trinity Autonomous District, I will spare no effort in supporting you with transportation and personal safety. You need not worry once you enter Trinity General School. I shall stand on the side of school administration and arrange every environment for your sake."

She didn't look away from Esumi's slightly trembling eyes for a moment. While savoring the feel of Esumi’s hands in hers, she brought her face even closer.

"Please, leave everything to me."

Then, spreading her still-developing wings, Nagisa took another step toward her—

"Kirifuji, that's basically the same thing as becoming my patron, isn't it?"

Her movement was suddenly halted by Esumi, whose eyes were now filled with a look of rejection.

"...You are quite sharp..."

So close. If she had taken one more step, she could have pulled Esumi into an embrace and "enclosed" her with her wings.

Nagisa let out a breath and quietly stepped back. She subconsciously folded her wings back behind her and carefully released Esumi's hands.

"How unfortunate... I was so close to taking you under my wing."

"Don't say such terrifying things so casually."

Did she mean literally hugging her, or did she intend to make Esumi promise to take her as a patron? Unfortunately, Esumi didn't have the energy to press her on the vague words she spoke with the air of a shrewd politician. Esumi let out a tired sigh and took a deep breath. Her brain had almost gone numb from the lovely scent Nagisa gave off when she closed the distance, so she needed to clear her head. She had almost fallen for Nagisa’s charms right when her mental defenses were at their weakest.

However—

"But... to be honest, I'm really happy that you were willing to do all that for me, Kirifuji. Even if someone else had proposed the same thing, it might not have resonated with me as much if it wasn't you..."

"Was that so? Hearing you say that fills my heart with the arrogant feeling that I have truly become special to you."

"Well... I do think of Kirifuji as someone special...?"

"Huh?! E-Esumi-san?! Does that mean—"

"...Ah, sorry. Forget I said that."

The unstable state of her heart had caused Esumi to let slip her true feelings. However, there was no lie in those words. After all, Nagisa wasn't just Esumi’s first customer as a painter; she was the one who had directly told Esumi she "fell in love at first sight" with the work from her first competition. To an artist, having someone who truly "recognizes" your talent and achievements is incredibly important and encouraging. Even if she was a game character, it was still a joy.

That said, the "all-push fan" from her previous life who loved everyone equally was still alive and well within Esumi. Even if she met and interacted with other Blue Archive characters in the future, Esumi would likely treat them all with the same equality and affection.

Regardless of that, for the Kayama Esumi who had been reincarnated and was living in the moment as a "she" rather than a "he," Kirifuji Nagisa was "special." Yes, special. That was something she wouldn't yield to anyone, and it wouldn't change. Of course, her desire to "not get involved with the main story" remained, but Esumi felt a strong sense—even if she didn't show it—that it would be wrong to repay the kindness Nagisa had shown her (unilateral as it was) with betrayal.

"...If you promise not to get involved with me unnecessarily even after we enter the High School Section, I'm willing to go to Trinity General School with you..."

"!! ...Is that true?!"

"I don't lie."

This was the minimum condition Esumi could offer Nagisa.

Eventually, Kirifuji Nagisa would reach a point during the Eden Treaty Chapter where she could ask no one for help, suffering terribly from suspicion and paranoia as her spirit was ground down. That was the unavoidable path her life took in the Blue Archive story from Esumi’s past life—a wall of despair and hardship she had to overcome.

Esumi had no intention of changing that future.

However, until that future arrived, shouldn't she, as Kayama Esumi, stay by her side for a little while? As a way of repaying her for everything she’d done. Strangely, Nagisa harbored an almost excessive amount of affection for Esumi. The reason was entirely unknown; whenever Esumi asked, Nagisa would stubbornly insist it was "fate," but since Nagisa smiled every time they interacted, Esumi figured she was at least having a positive influence on her.

Once they entered high school and a few years passed, Nagisa's position would likely make it difficult for her to remain obsessed with Esumi forever. Until they reached that point, surely she could be allowed to stay near.

(If I can quietly disappear right before the Eden Treaty starts, it shouldn't interfere with the story, and the timing would be perfect.)

To that end, Esumi set the condition of "not getting involved unnecessarily" to maintain a distance that was neither too close nor too far—one where she could be helpful as a way of saying thanks, but where her sudden disappearance wouldn't cause too much shock. Nagisa, however, replied immediately without much thought.

"As long as it doesn't mean I can never see you, such a condition is well within my acceptable range. I shall strive to become someone you can rely on time and time again. I intend to work myself to the bone for you, quite literally."

"...You don't have to push yourself that hard."

Esumi kept her mouth shut, unable to tell Nagisa that she’d prefer if Nagisa didn't become so dependent on her. Whether she should have said those words then and there was something that would only be revealed in the distant future. More importantly, she was relieved that her proposal had been accepted so easily. As for the embarrassing side of herself she showed during art appreciation... she would think about that later.

"...Well then, is it settled that Esumi-san will remain in Trinity from now on?"

"Huh? Well... I guess so... Hey, wait. You're too close."

Nagisa, who had been keeping her distance a moment ago, suddenly closed in again out of pure joy. Even if she was still young, having that beautiful, well-defined face right in front of her was bad for the heart! Esumi turned her head away, but since her own face was an act of visual violence in its own right, her reaction lacked conviction to an onlooker.

Esumi couldn't quite remember from her past life—was Kirifuji Nagisa really the type of character who expressed her emotions so physically? Had she swapped souls with her childhood friend or something?

"...Anyway, now I have to start preparing for enrollment in six months... What a pain."

Even though Nagisa had accepted her conditions, now that she’d decided to attend Trinity General School as promised, Esumi had to start acting on it immediately. Compared to moving, this was a minor burden, but since it was a whole new set of preparations, a sigh naturally escaped her lips.

"Eh? ...Six months?"

"...Hm?"

Esumi’s train of thought was interrupted as she tilted her head at the questioning tone in Nagisa's voice. She didn't think she’d said anything wrong. Since they were the same age, they should be entering Trinity’s High School Section together.

"......Forgive me, Esumi-san. Our enrollment is still a full year away. Are you perhaps mistaken about something?"

"No, considering our ages, we should be enrolling in a few months... right?"

"...No way...!!"

Nagisa seemed to suddenly realize something and asked Esumi a few simple questions. To Esumi, they were the kind of questions that made her think, "Why are you asking this now?" However, as a result, a startling truth was revealed—one that made Nagisa's eyes widen in shock.

"Esumi-san, you were older than me?!"

"...Wait, were you actually younger than me, Kirifuji?"

It turned out that Kayama Esumi, the reincarnated soul (excluding her mental age), was fifteen. She was one year older than Nagisa and the other Blue Archive characters at Trinity General School.

(Oh, wait. Does this mean I don't have to worry about getting caught up in the main story that starts when Nagisa and the others are in their third year?)

In literary terms, the thought she just had is what people call a "flag."