A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 5 - Part 27

"Try to touch me."

"You're a scoundrel, Leandro." Her expression turned contemptuous in an instant.

"And you're a dirty-minded person." I sighed. "I didn't mean to say it that way."

I placed my outstretched hands in front of her. Rem hesitated a little at first, but finally agreed and tried to touch them with hers.

"Huh?"

She was surprised to find an invisible barrier stopping her. Frowning, she tried again, harder, but the result didn't change.

"Try again." I encouraged her. "Don't give up so soon."

"Hmm!"

She did it again, but this time she met no opposition and all the force she had put into pushing made her body continue forward, knocking mine down.

We both fell to the floor of the carriage in an awkward position, with her head resting on my chest and her fingers intertwined with mine.

"What the...?"

"Oops, I think you broke my defense." I played dumb while secretly enjoying the moment. "I'm still not used to this new ability."

"You..."

Rem stood up and prepared to hit me with excessive force, more than enough to crush my skull and destroy the damn carriage.

"Oh no!" I blocked her punch with my authority. She summoned an icicle and threw it at my head, but the sharp piece of ice exploded into pieces when it collided with the invisible energy surrounding me.

"I knew it. You're a pervert and a bad liar."

She seemed completely calm as she stood up and sat at the far end of the carriage. I realized I had fallen into her trap as I skillfully defended myself from her attacks.

The rest of the trip was an awkward, silent moment. Rem didn't look at me or speak to me again during that entire time, so I felt a little sad.

"Maybe I went a little too far with the joke."

I concentrated on continuing to learn to control my new authority, feeling that time was moving too slowly. Finally, the carriage stopped, and Otto leaned into the cabin.

"We have arrived..."

His uncomfortable expression as she looked at us was like an open book. Rem got off first, and I approached Otto, smiling bitterly.

"You heard everything, right?"

"That's right! I even took a look when it got better! I'm so sorry! I won't tell anyone!"

"It's okay." I gave him a reassuring gesture. "Hey, I want your opinion."

I pointed at myself and posed like a magazine heartthrob.

"Do you think I have a chance with her? Be honest."

"No, not at all." Otto immediately denied.

I let out a genuine laugh. That response made me feel like old times, joking with my friends about my lack of chances of getting laid.

"You could have hesitated a little longer, asshole..."

I slumped my shoulders, resigned. Otto placed his hands on my shoulders and spoke in the most serious tone I'd ever heard him use.

"If you need comfort, we can go for a drink afterward. It'll make you feel better."

"Wanna get drunk? I'm in." We shook hands to seal the deal.