Chapter 567

Seventy-Ninth: I won’t help you. The next sentence is….

The current situation could be described as a deadlock.

A shift in Ash’s intentions was gradually changing him, making him feel like he was standing on the edge of a dangerous cliff, where one thought could lead to either heaven or more likely, hell.

But regardless of heaven or hell, one thing was certain: he needed to become more like “himself” again to live comfortably, and taking care of others was truly exhausting. Furthermore, he was someone who cared about his dignity and couldn’t always act like a spoiled child playing house with the Pretty Cures.

But just as he had barely started to make this decision, only half-committed, the Pretty Cures had firmly stopped him… I mean, they intercepted him.

Honestly, every time I decide to do something, I expect the protagonists to stop me, but isn’t this a bit too soon!?

“Weren’t you somewhat against me not long ago?”

So then…

“We’re not that close, are we?”

Yes, since it has to end up as a ‘deadend,’ Ash believes without doubt that this icy coldness felt by them now is also a form of ‘help.’ They just can’t see it yet.

If one wants to avoid repeating mistakes, keeping their distance is necessary, and this starts here.

Though your eyes, Pretty Cures, are beautiful enough to want to collect, I won’t soften because you appear cute and pitiful. I’m not the kind of person who’s a soft-hearted philanthropist!

“Please! You said you’d be a partner of the Pretty Cure, right? And you will keep your promise!”

Ash’s actions, which had been speeding up to leave, halted with this statement.

Unfortunately, reminded of his own promise, Ash remembered he indeed made a vow.

What’s right is what he decides to do, but breaking an agreement is impossible too… What!?

Standing still, Ash looked around, with various wild ideas escaping his mind, but none of them were a perfect resolution. His own word trapped him.

“I know… Even when I was just that way before, asking for help was indeed shameless!”

Naoko Mikutagawa is straightforward—clearly expressing likes and dislikes, never hiding her feelings in her youthful face.

Jealousy towards Ash, and even simple happiness while kicking balls with Ash, were all expressed openly.

Now, like a drowning person clinging to the last lifeboat, she remains unchanged in her directness.

“Everyone has changed, leaving me behind. If I stay alone… if I am alone…”

Being alone is too lonely, and that won’t do; thus—

“Please help me!”

Even if you who prevent my transformation, I can rely only on you now!

Clasped fingers creaked with tension, sincere words and tears intertwined with the gentle breeze.

Indeed…

Recently realizing that he lost his anti-hero position, Ash sighed deeply, as if to expel all frustration and impatience along with his breath.

Ash wanted to forcefully push away Naoko’s hand again, paused momentarily in hesitation, then clenched his fist and, reluctantly, placed his profound hand on the girl still holding onto him.

Ash’s heart was as hard as iron, immovable from its path.

“So, I won’t help you—”

Inside the library’s small cabin, Ash observed Naoko devouring ice cream purchased by him, deeply inhaling its sweet aroma.

“I will say this once; I’ll help only this one time.”

“Hmmm!”

“Seriously.” Ash remarked while watching Naoko channeling her emotions towards her appetite. “Are you even listening?”

“I get it. Thanks for the ice cream, it’s delicious!” Cleaning her lips with the back of her hand, Naoko flashed a big smile at Ash. “Next time, I’ll cook for you! Rest assured, as the elder sister among five sisters, my cooking skills are so good even professional chefs wouldn’t complain!”

“Pfft, ‘elder sister’ right.” Ash scoffed, but a smile crept onto his face despite himself.

Have we become close enough to joke like this? I trust the friendship criteria within Pretty Cure aren’t that complicated.

“They’re having a fight with Naoko… Could it be true, Kuru?” Sugar, holding an ice cream as large as her and seated in the library previously, expressed her disbelief. “Shouldn’t Miyuki and the others be close to Naoko, Kuru?”

“But… Yes…”

No matter how sweet the ice cream was, it couldn’t change the serious fact. Naoko’s gaze circled the cozy treehouse filled with books yet无人