Chapter 94: Ch 94: Stop Sulking

"Hey kid, let’s get you checked out and out of here. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Anything you want to point out to me beforehand?"

Professor Riku was thorough in his checkup to the point where it was starting to become uncomfortable for Noah. He had a feeling that this checkup was personal and his professor was trying to find faults in him so that he could blame Erin.

But considering that Erin had been nothing but helpful so far, Noah doubted he would find anything.

"I am fine. My throat feels a little sore. That is all."

Noah assured the professor. Erin finally sighed and pulled back with a look that said he did not find Noah’s words reliable. He looked back at Erin once more before he grabbed Noah’s hand and shook it.

"I cannot seem to find a fault in you, so you should be alright. But if it ever starts to hurt, then tell me. I will do my best to find a solution for you-"

CrashSigh

"It seems like I am needed inside again. Those rowdy guests of mine sure know how to keep me on my toes. If you get to know anything about what is going on with the kids, do tell me. Of course, that extends to you as well, Professor Erin."

Professor Riku did not sound happy when he asked Erin for a favor, but he did not shy away from it either. This was his way of showing that he reluctantly accepted Erin.

"It looks like you have been accepted, Bluey. Does it feel good to finally have an official friend?"

Noah asked in order to see his companion’s reaction. But Erin’s grin was the same one he always had on his face.

"Huh? Friend? I don’t have any friends or companions except you. And I don’t need anyone but you either. I liked it when we were the only ones in our world."

Perhaps it was because Erin had been born in the labs and the only one he had gotten along with was Noah, but his words were a little twisted, showing that he had no idea what he was saying.

It made Noah smile fondly at him.

"I am sure that it feels like we can both overcome this world alone, but it’s fun to have more people around. If you open your heart, I am sure you will find more things to cherish."

Just like Noah had found Bluey after he lost Alan and Daniel, he was sure that Erin would also find more precious things if he tried to search for them.

But Erin’s expression was weird.

"Bluey?"

Noah asked in a cautious voice, and Erin finally sighed and his expression lightened into his usual one.

"I understand what you are saying up here, but I just don’t feel like making friends. But if this is what you insist on, then you leave me with no choice here."

Noah had a weird feeling that Bluey was not going to follow his words. But since it was his life, Noah decided not to interfere.

...

"Noah, sit down here!"

"But Ethan-"

"Can come down here as well. You have been spending too much time away from us and it is getting lonely. I was almost afraid that I won’t even recognize you soon."

Alan was being dramatic as he clutched Noah’s side and rested his head on Noah’s shoulder dramatically.

This made Noah look at Daniel to see if he would say anything about this, but Daniel was looking at Noah with eyes filled with betrayal that made Noah look away.

’Huh? Did something happen here? Why are these two looking at me like the world has ended and I was the cause? Did I do something?’

Thinking back on it, Noah could not recall what this could be about. In fact, he had not even been around Daniel and Alan much in the past few days, so what could have been done to anger them?

"Excuse me-"

"I just missed you so much. And despite what expression Daniel is making, he missed you just as much. Why did you decide to up and abandon us like that these past few days?"

Alan asked with a pouting voice that made Noah feel bad.

He had not meant to leave Alan and Daniel alone, but he had just been busy with Bluey and catching up. Moreover, he had wanted to give them both some time to spend together.

And honestly, it seemed like it was working. Both Alan and Daniel looked much calmer compared to a few days ago.

In fact, did this not mean Noah should leave them alone more often? That way, they could get close without him-

But his heart did not feel good when he thought about it. He did not want to completely cut them out of his life, but he just wanted them to be together and foster good intentions.

"Noahhhhh! Where is your head wandering around again? You should only think about me when we are together. Do I need to punish you to keep reminding you of this?"

Alan’s nails were digging into Noah’s side when he said that. It made Noah acutely aware of his presence, and he froze, not expecting such a reaction from the esper.

He tried to push back, only to feel Daniel’s chest holding him in place.

"Noah, I missed you so much. Are you still busy with whatever you were doing? Can’t we hang out together?"

Daniel’s voice sounded low and pitiful when he asked this question, and he reminded Noah of a kicked puppy like this.

’Ugh, I cannot deal with this right now. Why did they both have to behave like this? Should I make an excuse to run away and allow them to comfort each other?’

That felt like the best idea. But the second Noah decided this, the system also showed up after a long time.

[A drop in Subjects E-001 and G-002 is noted. This drop can become a problem. User, please deal with this.]