Far Off

“Tr-tr—Tree Planting status…?”

“Woody-sama finally snapped from the stress and is talking nonsense, w-w-woah…”

I didn’t have the luxury to react to Aira, who was collapsing into tears (an act).

A new string of text had appeared in a strangely jagged font.

A lot of baffling things had popped up.

What on earth was going on here?

I’d heard there were many aptitudes that made no sense at all… but still.

When the level rose, new powers were obtained.

And what I’d just gained was the power to understand what my own ‘Tree Planting’ aptitude actually was.

That seemed like a reasonable way to think about it.

This aptitude felt like something you lost by overthinking, so for now I decided to follow the mysterious guidance.

“How do I raise the level?”

Smile Points—what the heck were those?

Don’t add something even less comprehensible to explain the incomprehensible, grr.

—Wait, was I being insulted by my own aptitude even though I didn’t understand it!?

Why did even my aptitude have to mouth off at me!?

I don’t care about jokes, just explain it already!

“Woody-sama has finally started talking to imaginary friends… It’s all right, Woody-sama, I’ll support you for the rest of my life.”

Before I knew it, another new message had appeared right in front of Aira, whose face had set into a grim resolve.

I leaned in close so I could see it properly and read it thoroughly.

I didn’t understand the meaning, but I did as instructed and squeezed Aira’s hand.

“Woody-sama…?”

Our gazes collided.

“W-wah!?”

Aira was flustered by the sudden closeness.

She didn’t seem to dislike it, so I breathed a sigh of relief.

“W-w-w-what is this all of a sudden!?”

Aira loved teasing me, but when someone actually got close like this, she usually blushed.

Somehow… it was cute.

“I like you, Aira.”

“…Pshuu~~”

Hearing my words, Aira’s face turned beet-red like a boiled octopus, she emitted a strange squeal, and then collapsed.

I was embarrassed too, but why had I been forced to do that? The reason became obvious when I checked the Tree Planting status.

“The Smile Points jumped by seven at once!”

Knowing that Aira liked me that much made me strangely happy.

I hoped I could remain someone she would continue to care for.

Anyway, that meant I could plant two trees now.

Just as I was about to act, another change occurred.

…Huh?

Weren’t Smile Points supposed to increase from people’s feelings toward me?

Aira was unconscious—so why did the points go up?

I had used the ‘Tree Planting’ aptitude only once.

I’d used it one time at the request of the girl who later broke off our engagement.

So—did that mean… Nadja still—?