Yotsuba had been practicing the method of adding firewood with Shinichi, she thought she could perfectly complete the task given by him, and after knowing that he was in a rush, she subconsciously sped up her action.
*BAM*
When the wood falls, everything is destroyed.
She didn't even know that she was being protected, she only felt her head go blank, and the huge and dull sound of landing seemed to crush her heart.
At this moment, countless images appeared in her mind.
She thought many times of mutual encouragement with her family.
She remembered every word she said with Shinichi.
She thought of all the roads she had traveled, all the materials she had sent, all the people she had met, and all the smiles she had seen over the past month.
In the past, because of her innocence and stupidity, her grandfather and sister were hurt. She regrets it to this day, and still can't let go.
Now, because she didn't inspect the bonfire properly, due to her carelessness, the bonfire collapsed because of her. The beautiful memories of 150 students and teachers were destroyed by her own hands.
It is over.
The bonfire party would end, and everyone's smiles would disappear… It would be the same as before, causing it to repeat itself.
At this moment, she really didn't know what kind of mood she should be in in the future.
Nakano Yotsuba, from start to finish, is just a loser who can mess things up.
△
"One cannot get anything without paying… This is an exchange of equals."
It was Shinichi's voice.
Were these words that he said before?
(Asada-san, I know, but I can't do it. I paid enough, but all I got was fallen wood.)
"Come to the final refinement."
(No, I'm different from Asada-san, so I'm not qualified to do such a thing.)
(Then, Asada-san started talking a lot. I don't understand what he's saying, but I can tell he's cheering me on.)
(...Turns out this way, do I still need to worry about Asada-san?)
(It's completely useless... Me.)
Yotsuba felt that her body was so heavy that tears were about to spill everywhere.
No, now is not the time to be confused or beat yourself up.
The people around have all looked up, and she has to apologize to them immediately, and She has to clean up the aftermath...
If that was the only thing she could do right now, do your best—
The hand stretched out before her eyes.
"Yotsuba, I need you."
(What did you say?)
"I can't do it without you."
(No?)
(Obviously I was the culprit, it's obvious everyone's efforts have been ruined by my carelessness, if I could have examined more closely, could I have been more careful when throwing firewood...)
Seeing Shinichi's glow, Yotsuba blinked, and the chaos in her head miraculously stopped.
Truly?
Isn't it over yet?
Even if the bonfire had fallen, even if the fire was still burning on the ground, even if the teacher seemed about to stop the bonfire party.
Is there anything else she can do?
Thinking of this, Yotsuba's vision became blurry, and she couldn't see the hand that was stretched out in front of her clearly.
Her body stood by herself, staggering, but still standing firm.
"Asada-san... What can I do?"
As long as there is still a glimmer of hope that can be saved, she is not willing to give up.
△
Yotsuba wiped her eyes, they were red, and she looked at Shinichi.
After Shinichi made sure she was temporarily entertained, he started giving everyone assignments.
After talking to the four people in front of him and letting them begin to do their own thing, he turned to Yotsuba who had been waiting for a long time.
"Yotsuba…" He thought for a few seconds, and said seriously to her, "Don't restrict any methods, let everyone gather in the open space in front of the bonfire, like a kindergartner would listen to a bedtime story, this is your job."
"I know… eh?! Kindergarten students?" Yotsuba's face was full of confusion.
"I don't have time to talk too much about any particular method. I have to leave soon. I can't put it off for too long." Shinichi was also confused by this, "But this matter, I believe only you can do your best, so I can only leave it to you."
Yotsuba shook her head: "No, no, I don't know what to do! If I mess up again…"
Shinichi answered quickly.
"Then I will tell you a spell that never messes up."
"!?" Yotsuba opened her eyes wide, looking both disbelieving and excited.
Shinichi looked at her and smiled.
"Please help me, everyone – That's how it goes."