Yumemiru Danshi wa

Genjitsushugisha
Alternate Titles:

夢見る男子は現実主義者
Dreaming Boy Turned Realist

Author: Okemaru

Illustrator: Sabamizore

Synopsis:

Sajou Wataru is infatuated with his classmate Natsukawa Aika to the

point of him living in daydreams about their mutual love and
relationship, relentlessly approaching her at every chance. However,
one day, Wataru sobers up, and has to face reality.

“There’s no way I’d be a good fit for an unattainable flower like her,
right…?”
 After starting to see reality as it was, Wataru proceeded to keep a
certain distance to Aika, which left her in turmoil.

“Does he…hate me now…?”

Resulting from this misunderstanding is awakening of subconscious

feelings that come and go!? Thus begins the romcom of mutual one-
sided feelings, plagued by misunderstandings!

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Illustrations
 Table of Contents
1. Intro
2. Illustrations
3. Chapter 1
4. Chapter 2
5. Chapter 3
6. Chapter 4
7. Chapter 5
8. Chapter 6
9. Chapter 7
10. Chapter 8
11. Chapter 9
12. Chapter 9.5
13. Afterword
14. Links
 Chapter 1
Knowing of those feelings
The first time you realize and go “It’s fall, eh?” happens around the
latter half of October. Not knowing this back in middle school during
my first year had me going to school in my summer uniform and
freezing my butt off as I just kept shaking like a lamb. The cold breeze
tickled my body hair that stood on edge. Even the boy who’d head to
elementary school mid-winter with short pants to play dodgeball
would start realizing around then.

On a different note, being dragged around by Sasaki’s little sister

Yuki-chan, only to be forced to give him genuine love advice was one
hell of a day. Just what is wrong with those siblings, I swear. But today,
I’m gonna enjoy myself.

“Oh, Sajou! Empty-handed, eh?”

“Because I don’t need anything, duh.”

“Must be nice being in the go-home club.”

“Shut yer trap.”

As a beautiful turn-around to the warm and comfy season, the

winter uniforms carried a black color. Gazing at the whole school full of
them, I entered the classroom, only to get a jab to my side instead of a
regular greeting. I guess I was a bit too relaxed on my way because the
clock hanging above the blackboard told me I got here pretty late.
Then again, the cultural festival’s still in full bloom, so a few minutes
aren’t going to ruin the experience. Though, it was pretty exciting to
come to school without my school bag or anything else.
 “Sup, sup.”

“Ah, Sajocchi. Wassup?”

“I just came to school…?”

“Good, good.”

“?”

1: Came to school.
2: Headed to my classroom.

Pretty sure that’s a standard routine for a student like me, so why’s
she so dubious about it? But when I looked over at Ashida, leaning
against the wall at the window side, she just nodded to herself like she
accepted something. I feel like her words and gaze are sticking to me
like glue or honey, and I don’t like it. What’s this? Did she learn the
“Normie from a distance” skill while I wasn’t looking? One more step’s
left and then she’ll have perfected it.

“…M-Morning.”

“Hm? Ah, yeah, morning…”

And going with the usual order, it didn’t take long for Natsukawa to
look over at me, giving me a somewhat awkward greeting. As a result
of that, I even started feeling insecure. Is this what I think it is? The
typical “Don’t think we’re friends who talk normally” threat? Oh man,
the window’s open, I might just jump out right now.

—Yeah, all jokes aside, I know how kind Natsukawa is. She’d never
think something like that. It’s probably some girl problem like not
feeling well, being tired, or anything along those lines. I’ll just pretend
like I didn’t realize—because I…have tact and consideration!

“…”
 “…Hm?”

W-Wait…was I off? I mean, it’s evident that she’s acting restless.

Even the people around us should realize that. And yet, in my eyes, she
looked graceful. Her gestures and movement overflowing with dignity
made it seem like she would step on an invisible stage here inside the
classroom…Wait, maybe something’s wrong with me instead?

“Where should we check first?”

“The stalls! Sweets!”

“First thing in the morning?”

“First thing in the morning!”

I grabbed the cultural festival’s pamphlet from my blazer’s back

pocket and asked the two, when Ashida jumped up with a raised fist,
voicing her desires. It seems like the ace of the basketball club has
little to no concern regarding her weight. Despite being the same age,
she just made me think “Ah, youth,” and I don’t know how I feel about
that. Even a boy like me realized the gravity of this problem…Then
again, it’s not part of my world since I’m in the go-home club.

“You good with that, Natsukawa?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Oh. Now that I get a good look at ya, did you cut your hair?”

“What…? I didn’t, though.”

“You just randomly said that, didn’t you?” Grumbled Ashida behind
us.

But of course, my Natsukawa sensors would never miss anything

when it comes to her. I knew from the very start that she hadn’t cut her
hair. That being said, I wouldn’t want to miss out on her charm just
because my sensors had dulled…so I made sure. Then again, there’s no
way my sensors would ever become dull, to begin with.

“D-Do I look weird or something?”

“Actually…”

“Why are you searching for something now?” Ashida jumped in yet
again.

Well…Because this is a legal chance for me to stare at Natsukawa!

And I cannot let that go to waste! Lately, my eyes have been longing
for a good look at her because we don’t sit in the same line of seats
anymore. But of course, I’m still more than happy that I get to sit this
close to her. Especially considering my past practices…God, gross.

I looked her in the eyes, as she stopped with her graceful

mannerism and instead looked away as if she wanted to escape my
gaze. It seems like she suffers severe damage by just looking into my
eyes…Yeah, I should stop. I’m just gonna start crying.

“…Hm?”

“Huh?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”

“Wait, what? Come on, now I’m curious…”

“No seriously, forget about it.”

I could pick up a faint radiance from Natsukawa’s lips. They looked

glossier than usual. I guess she started using lip gloss. Just realizing
this at a single glance is pretty gross already, but that’s why I can’t just
say “Oh, you using lip gloss?” What if she responded with “Gross…!” in
return…?!

“I…I don’t look weird, right?”

 “Nope, not at all!”

“…”

“Okay, I’m sorry. Don’t worry, you’re as cute as always.”

“Geez, you…!”

After checking once with her folded mirror and then with Ashida’s
assistance, Natsukawa then glared up at me. I guess trying to hide the
truth was the wrong move to take there? But when I tried to salvage
the situation with a bit of praise, she just complained and looked the
other way. I must have sounded like some playboy…Well, I wasn’t lying,
so whatever.

“Anyway, let’s go take a picture with our sweets in one hand. Will
blow up, I just know it.”

“You’re gonna join?”

“You can just cover my eyes with a black bar.”

“You’re not a criminal.”

Amidst our group, Ashida’s the one who is really involved with
social media. She has 90% of all the followers our classmates have
amassed, and I’m not allowed to appear on her timeline. And to be
honest, I always think it’s better to leave these sorts of pictures to girls
alone. Boys got nothing to do there. So, I’ll let her handle the camera.
You’re gonna point the camera up from your belly, right? I know that.

Since I already tried the crepe with Ichinose-san and Sasaki-san

yesterday, I’m feeling some different sweetness today. Hm? Yuki-chan? I
know no such person, sorry. And any sugary food is usually wrapped in
paper, so maybe something in a cup would be better today. Though, I’d
be fine with fried chicken, too. I’m not allowed on her timeline, after
all.
 “…”

“…What now?”

I ran my eyes through the pamphlet once more, when I realized that
Ashida was still staring at me. Sometimes, she’s sending me this
profound gaze that I sadly can’t decipher with my lack of ability.

“I was just thinking that you seemed pretty excited. Even though
you probably had a blast with Ichinose-chan and the others just
yesterday, feel me?”

“The heck? Doesn’t mean I can’t have fun today, right?”

“Ah, right…Yeah, true.”

“Hey, Key…”

“…?”

What is this about? Not only Ashida, now Natsukawa’s constantly

looking at me…Maybe something’s wrong with me, after all? But, I’m
pretty sure I checked my hair, both on my head and inside my nose.
Always when I wash my face, too. Ah, I see. It’s my ugly face, right?
Can’t do shit about that. When I touched my face to try and fix some
parts like it was soft clay, I could hear a faint snickering voice.

“Hee hee…Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”

“…Huh?”

Looking over, Natsukawa had one hand on her mouth as she faintly
laughed. I guess my panicking over how I looked must have been a
pretty funny sight. Must be her way of getting revenge…And now that I
think about it, I was acting like an idiot. What good will this do
anyway? I’m not gonna magically turn into a hottie. God, how
embarrassing…I averted my gaze to cope with this flash of bashfulness
when I heard a voice that completely pulled in all my attention.

‘…S-Saitou-san.’

“!”

Hearing a familiar voice from the noisy classroom made my body

freeze up. Normally, I always resented the minutes I was forced to
listen to that voice, but today, it kept me focused on it. It’s Sasaki, the
rookie in love, and Saitou-san, who just confessed to him. The couple
that was just one step from forming—If this was a manga, my ears
probably would have grown three times the size just by hearing his
voice. And could you blame me? But, I wouldn’t want to get scolded
later, so I’ll just pretend I wasn’t looking—

‘Sasaki-kun…’

‘Do you…have time later today?’

Because everything was so brightly lit around us, it was hard to see
exactly what was going on inside the classroom. However, staring at
Natsukawa from a distance trained my eyes, allowing me to recreate
the scenery inside my head…Damn it! If it wasn’t for Natsukawa’s
dazzling profile next to me! She’s pulling in my gaze!

‘Yeah…I do. Always.’

‘Huh…?’

‘I can make time…whenever…’

‘S-Saitou-san…!’

But after listening for a while, I couldn’t keep looking for an entirely
different reason. If I were to witness this scene directly, my eyes and
chest might just burn up. If I had any candy or chocolate in my pocket,
it would have melted away by now. That being said, Saitou-san
probably couldn’t just turn away. To the people around them, it might
look sweet and wholesome, but she was still waiting for the response
to his confession, and I can imagine how stressful that may be. And to
her, all of this must be as bitter as a burnt potato…What a horrible
example. I think I’m just hungry.

That being said, I would be lying if I said I didn’t care how their
relationship turned out. Normally, I wouldn’t give two cents about
Sasaki’s romance and love life, but I kinda stuck my head right in
there…Why did I even ramble on about that yesterday? Supporting
Saitou-san’s love or not, it was the difference between being stabbed
by Yuki-chan or getting trampled by a horse. Weird…Why is my life in
danger because of their romance?

And I just know it was Sasaki who pulled me into this whole mess…
Wait, doesn’t this mean I have the right to watch how their romance
unfolds? Because if they start dating, then it was thanks to my words
that Saitou-san managed to grasp hold of Sasaki’s heart! That’s right, I
don’t have to listen in secrecy like this! I should just watch it with my
own eyes to then tease them about it. Because I’ve still got a few pent-
up feelings regarding Sasaki. So, come on, show the love master that I
am your bristling youth—

‘Then…’

“Ah, my bad…Wait, why are you two standing around frozen like
that?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Huh? Wait, why are you glaring at me now?! Why are you sighing?!
And why is Natsukawa-san joining you?!”
 All three of us instantly stared at Matsuda, who appeared in the line
behind us. Sadly, this is where a lot of goods and other objects get
stored…so it’s not his fault. In fact, we are to be blamed for loitering
around here. Ashida stepped aside with a pale face as I’d never seen
before, but…Matsuda, it’s an honor to receive Natsukawa’s stare.

“…?”

Wait a second…The way the two are acting almost feels like…they
know about Sasaki and Saitou-san. Natsukawa might have seen
something before she went home yesterday…Well, girls are quick to
share information, so even if Sasaki didn’t tell anybody but I, Saitou-
san might have spread the news. Though, she doesn’t look that loose-
tongued…Heaven forbid.

“All right, move your faces closer!”

“Yeah…Ah, wait! Why are you crouching down?!”

“They said on TV that this position would reflect your style better…”

“Take a few steps back first!”

“You lewd monster, Sajocchi.”

We moved on to the center of the courtyard. Natsukawa and Ashida

were stuffing their cheeks with crepe, so I attempted to take a picture
of them while crouching down. However, Natsukawa angrily pulled her
skirt down while complaining, and Ashida fired at me, too. Reflecting
on my actions, I was no different than those creepy dudes taking
sneaky pictures of cosplayers. That was close…My instincts were telling
me to cross the line and peek under her skirt.
 “K-Kei, this is embarrassing…”

“Huh? But it’s hot, right?”

“That’s exactly why!”

The reason Natsukawa complained to Ashida now was also related

to her skirt. Ashida attempted to make the picture blow up more by
lifting their skirts a bit. Despite her initial complaint, Natsukawa
eventually complied with a red face, making even me go “Wait, are you
serious?” but I barely held myself back from saying it out loud. Sure,
their bare legs were one hell of a sight, but seeing Natsukawa fidget
awkwardly was far too destructive, I could never hope to win against
my urges and turn around.

That being said, happiness was only half of what filled me at that
moment. Bewilderment and hesitation being the other. Natsukawa isn’t
so straightforward, and as a member of the opposite sex, being able to
watch this from so close left me conflicted. That’s why I ignored my
desires and decided to support Natsukawa.

“I don’t think you need a full-body one. Just snap a pic of your face
with the crepe in front of you.”

“Oh, you think so?”

“I think that’d be better, yeah. Especially with how cute you are.”

“Wueh?! R-Really…?”

“Y-You’re saying nonsense like that again…”

Ashida seemed satisfied with my proposition, but Natsukawa threw

another complaint at me as she turned around to fix her skirt. Knowing
that her protection had risen to secure levels allowed me to sigh in
relief. Ashida did the same, so I proceeded to prepare for the picture.
I’ve been holding back way too much for a while now, so my heart is
about to burst.

“Then let me get a bit closer.”

“Wha…?!”

Since there was no need to take a full-body picture, I moved toward

them with my smartphone in hand. And I didn’t bother much with the
angle either. If anything, the only thing I cared about was the balance
of the background.

“W-Wait, Sajocchi…! Maybe we should take a quick break?”

“But your crepe’s gonna melt.”

“R-Right…”

“Come on, Natsukawa. Get those faces together.”

“Y-Yeah…Mmm!”

“Mmm…!”

They pressed their cheeks together, letting out bewitching sounds I

could pick up from right next to them. It’s like I was listening to some
feisty R18 ASMR. And as their cheeks were red, the crepe beginning to
melt from the heat—I took the shot.

“Wait, you weren’t smiling in the…Oooh…!”

“…!”

I checked the masterpiece of a picture I had taken and was left

baffled. At first, I was just thinking of taking a cute picture with not
much mind behind it, but the picture I had taken turned out to be a
masterpiece, showing the sweetness and sourness of youth in all its
glory. I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but I think the two of
them were also staring at the picture in disbelief. From their poses, it
may look like they were totally into it, but their expression showed
clear embarrassment. The way they stared at the camera with all their
might to hide their embarrassment showed a different vector of
greatness. Leaving aside Natsukawa, seeing the normie Ashida this
restless was what made it even better. If you were to print this and
hang it up, it would deserve the name “A Kiss’s Determination.” It shows
their mature expression as they were conscious of each other.

“This is gonna blow up…!”

““Delete it!””

“Waaah, my phone…!”

By the time I received the phone back, the picture I had taken was
long gone. Since I really liked it, I asked for the reason why they
decided to delete it, to which they both blushed and screamed
“Because it’s bad!” Seriously, that’s no reason to get this angry.
Though…having thousands of people see their faces online must be a
scary thought, so I get it.

“Anyway, let’s all take a picture together! You join us, Sajocchi!”

“Huh? But I thought I was just in the way…”

“It’s fine! Get your butt over here!”

The cream of her crepe began to melt as she beckoned me over, still
slightly bashful. Well, if this social media goddess Ashida says it’s fine,
then I’ve got no reason to argue. Because of our differences in height
and sex, I ended up standing behind them to not ruin the aesthetic. I
pushed the phone forward and attempted to take a picture with my
phone when Ashida quickly handed me hers. Don’t ask me why, the
camera should be about the same in terms of quality. Ashida acted like
my producer and told me to stuff my mouth with fried chicken, as the
two of them moved closer together to take the same pose as before.
Holding my hand diagonally up to the right, I managed to get all of us
in frame…But, having these two so close sure makes me feel anxious.
Ahhh, whatever!

“Ofay! Feef (Cheese)!”

“Pffft!”

I took the picture with all my might, but when the girls heard me
desperate to keep the fried chicken in my mouth, they burst out
laughing. Okay, okay, I demand a redo!

“No redo!”

“Fwy (Why)?”

“Because I said so!”

First Ashida rejected my request, followed by Natsukawa, declaring

my desire null without giving any proper reason. Even stole the phone
from me before I could do anything…Um, Natsukawa-san? The way
you’re shutting me down lately is beginning to sound like Airi-chan.
Seeing them having fun is great and all, but Airi-chan won’t be happy.
Whoops, the fried chicken in my mouth is making me drool. I chomped
it down and saw that Ashida had sent the picture to our three-person
group. Compared to the two of them giggling ahead, I looked almost
desperate with my eyes shot wide open. And so lame, too…Oh well.

“…You sure about this?”

“Huh? Of course!”

“…All right.”

Leaving aside my pathetic appearance, the picture made it look like

I was embracing them from behind. If this were to end up on social
media, it’d probably cause a firestorm and cost Ashida a lot of
followers. Then again, everything’s alright as long as this doesn’t end
up online. And as I was busy with my food, my phone told me I
received another message. Swiping on the screen, I saw another selfie
of Natsukawa and Ashida. Ah, they took one while I was eating…Yeah, I
prefer this one a lot more.

We finished munchy time and took all the pictures, when Natsukawa
raised her hand to voice her desired destination. Seems like she had a
clear goal in mind.

“Picture books?”

“Yeah. Handled by volunteers amongst the students. Kei told me.”

“Oh, huh. That’s not in the pamphlet.”

Only the higher-ups and leaders had the lists for all the attractions
done by clubs and committees. And the stuff that really matters isn’t
even on the pamphlet. This will probably cause trouble at next year’s
cultural festival. Though it probably won’t have anything to do with
me.

“The clubs get all jumbled together, after all. They should at least
separate the stuff between cultural and sports attractions, you know.”

“Gotcha. I’ll let Big Sis know.”

“Wha…You better not! You better not, you hear me?!”

Oh? Maybe she’s just pretending…or so I thought, but she held onto
my arm with pressure enough to make the veins inside it pop. Unlike
her usual jesting manner, she seemed dead serious for once. Big Sis
just exists and is feared as the most terrifying vice student council
president…if she’s that scared of her, then shouldn’t she be a bit nicer
to me? I’m her brother after all. After I somehow managed to break free
from Ashida’s hold, Natsukawa came over and asked me, seeming
somewhat reluctant.

“Can…we?”

“Sure, why not. What do you say, Ashida?”

“I’m fine with it.”

“I was just…thinking that maybe it wasn’t your thing.”

“…Huh? You talking to me?”

For some reason, Natsukawa went out of her way to check for my
opinion. She even looked scared of my answer. But I had no idea why
she would act this way, so all I could do was return the question. Why
would she care? Granted, it’s not something I would go out of my way
to check, but that doesn’t mean I will automatically find no fun with it.
I get to witness Natsukawa picking out a picture book for Airi-chan,
and since both Ashida and I liked Airi-chan, I wouldn’t mind picking out
a present for her. That’s why I had no reason to decline, even if
Natsukawa wasn’t a part of this.

But what surprised me is the attitude that Natsukawa has toward

me. Like she’s trying to be considerate of my feelings…Well, it might
not be that huge in comparison, but being entertained in this way is
making my body feel itchy. I can’t tell if we’ve gotten closer or not…
Glancing over at Ashida, she also looked at me, waiting for my
response. Is this just normal? Normally, Ashida would be the one to act
all like “No worries, just tag along!” but now she’s on a hot iron, too.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m interested in it, too.”

“O-Okay…Thanks.”

“R-Right.”
 She seemed relieved as she smiled happily. The way she voiced her
joy and gratitude left me bewildered. It’s not like I was just falling for
her, but I could tell that my body temperature was rising. However,
after I’ve caught these feelings two years ago, I’m not so naive to show
my inner turmoil. I will let her take me along for the ride and enjoy it.

“Then…let’s go?”

“A-Aye.”

Me follow Natsukawa, yes.

 Chapter 2
A Woman’s Charm
When thinking of a literature club, the first image popping up in my
mind…would probably be a secluded and calm space with people
reading books. Granted, I had heard of some clubs here and there, but
as a member of the go-home club, I was never too involved with school
life outside classes. I was told our school had such a literature club at
one point, but because of the lack of proper club activities, it was
eventually abolished. Right now, it’s more of a get-together than an
actual club. And the people came together voluntarily to create these
picture books. That’s how they managed to set up a whole event like
this for the cultural festival. I dare say, that’s some massive progress.

“Pretty lively here, isn’t it?”

“Because it’s picture books.”

This being different from a regular bookstore, both Ashida and

Natsukawa were excited. The multipurpose hall was filled with mostly
children, too, as they screamed and laughed about whatever they could
find, almost making me feel nostalgic. I can understand why they had
the library open just for today. Checking the members, I could see a
third-year female student, a second-year boy and girl, and a first-year
male student, which was a lot smaller than I expected. They didn’t
seem to be from prestigious families known for their writing success or
the like, more belonging to the artistic side, now answering questions
from the parents or looking after the children.

“Oh, there’s even a winner’s corner.”

“Winner? Like, from our school?”

 “Seems like it. Wait…I think I know this book.”

“Ah! I’ve seen that before, too!”

“Same here…”

The title of the book was ‘The Dog Doing Paw.’ Explaining the
summary in light novel flair, the story is about a dog who expresses
himself using his fingers, and he then proceeds to play with a girl who
felt lonely while she was alone at home. After they had a lot of fun, the
girl suddenly woke up in her mother’s arms, realizing it was all a
dream. However, the puppy she dreamed of actually waited for her in
reality! And from then on, they had a new family member…and that’s
how the story ends.

“I think…I read this in kindergarten. I vaguely remember this being

pretty popular.”

“Me too. I’m pretty sure I went to ask Papa if we could keep a dog
because of this.”

“…I guess that’s why we didn’t have one at home.”

I guess the reason a lot of families here in the area have a dog as a
pet might be because of this picture book, too. Since I’m more of a
manga reader, I always gravitated toward cats, though. And Big Sis said
she’d probably keep a Persian cat, sounding like some rich person, so
she’s probably more into cats, too—Especially since she loves to start
catfights on the regular.

“Does Airi-chan have a preference for this stuff?”

“Well, she’s already five, so…Maybe she’d prefer something more

intermediate.”

“O-Oh…Intermediate?”
 Intermediate…Oh no, because I was thinking about catfights and
whatnot, I have the absolute wrong image in my mind right now.
Specifically, a German suplex from Big Sis…But, I can fight back…!

“Oh…so like adventures and whatnot?”

“Surely, but I don’t think there’s going to be much of that with

picture books here…Maybe something where a young child or a dog
goes on an adventure…Something to get you excited?” Natsukawa
suggested.

“Yeah. I wonder if they have anything like that.”

“Let’s check out the corner with those children over there.”

“Wait, I should make my voice higher.”

“Why are you trying to sound younger?” Natsukawa asked.

We approached the corner overseen by one of the volunteer

students, as a young girl turned around to look at me. She jumped ever
so slightly and then walked away with a scared face. What…is this
emotion? Am I feeling…sadness?

“Guess you scared her.” Ashida snickered.

“Well, three random students just appeared behind her. I can’t

blame her for being scared,” Natsukawa commented.

“Should I leave? The school, I mean.”

“You don’t have to be this shocked.”

But seeing her run away just because I came closer means that this
isn’t just on the level of being bad with children. And each time Airi-
chan sees me, she keeps attacking me and says “So you’ve come, evil
monster!” so that tells me enough. Maybe my potent ability was
(forcefully) drawn out by Big Sis whenever I appear in front of young
children. So…it’s gotten this bad already? But I decided to let that slide
and talk to one of the male students looking after this place.

“You’ve got a lot of variety here, huh?”

“Indeed. Some we just made on a whim without even handing into a

contest.”

Unlike the prized winners we just went through, the rest of the
picture books stood on the shelves or the vertical display. Some were
placed on expensive-looking satin fabric cloth, making it look like a
mountain of treasure. Maybe there’s even a legendary book here…

“Wow…Oh, there’s something for boys.”

“Ah, that’s…”

Let’s see…’The Sword of Legend’: A long, long time ago, the ultimate
evil, the Demon Lord, was reborn and planned to rule the world. Many
people tried to fight against the Demon Lord, but nobody could defeat
him. But then, a Brave from an isolated village appeared. Blessed with
a heart for justice, he set out on a journey to find the Sword of Legend.
Reaching the capital of the kingdom, he hears a girl’s scream as he
passes through a nearby forest—

“…This is…”

“Yes. It was made back in 2003.”

“Right…”

So this is…the grandfather of fantasy, eh. Flipping through the

pages, I saw illustrations in shonen manga style with an equally-fitting
beautiful girl. Even just that touch made me feel incredibly nostalgic,
filling me up. Even though I wasn’t even alive at the time. In a way, this
is a treasure. It had the size of a regular picture book, thick unlike a
picture book, and the writing is so basic that it makes it hard to fully
follow at times. And to uncover the secrets hidden, I started my journey
deeper into the world.

“…”

Flipping over more of the pages, it turns out the that Sword of
Legend’s name was actually “Excalibur.” It was made with dragon
material, more solid than any material in the world, and a swing sent
forth wave attacks. As a fellow man, I want to appreciate and treasure
the courage of the person who left this masterpiece at this alma mater.
I want this book to continue for the future so that the generations after
me experience this rush. So after gently caressing the book, I placed it
back on the fabric.

“Look at this, Aichi, there’s a picture book about a love story

between a five-year-old girl who gets called an ‘interesting woman’ by
the hottie prince of a country.”

“Put it back.”

Picture books…sure can be deep.

“It’s really hard to tell which one’s a prize winner now.”

“Guess writing something for all ages isn’t just enough, huh…”

“That’s not good enough!” said Natsukawa as she swung around the
adorable shopping bag in her hand.

Inside were two picture books. The stories themselves seemed to be

nothing groundbreaking, but the beautiful art and details in the
drawings stood out especially, and she seemed confident that Airi-chan
would like this.

“Where do we go next?”
 “There’s a fashion show from the textile arts and attire club
happening at the gym hall that I’d like to check out.”

“Sajocchi, you wanna ogle at other girls while being with us…?”

“There’s a popularity vote, and one of my friends asked me to vote

for her. That’s all.”

On the first day of the cultural festival, meaning yesterday, I

happened to run into my lady Shinonome Claudine Marika, who asked
me about this. I managed to finally remember her name. Although she
still uses the wrong one for me. But if a girl asks me for something,
then I have to act. Because I…am a gentleman.

“We’re here already, so we might as well. And you should probably

use the QR code on the pamphlet to install the app so that you can
vote.”

“A friend asked you…Who is that girl? This sounds pretty rigged if

you ask me. Oh yeah, was it some kind of contest?”

“It’s not like there will be a Miss Kouetsu or anything like that.”

Most participants are in their third year, no less. It’s basically like a
final memory. But I have to praise Miss Shinonome’s nerves of steel to
actually join this event as a meager first-year student. Then again, with
her genes of foreign blood and her looks, there shouldn’t be anybody
who could beat her.

“But…we still have some time until then,” Natsukawa commented

while checking through the pamphlet.

The way she phrased that made it apparent that she wasn’t against
the idea of checking out the fashion show, at the very least.

“Then can we check out another art club?! I think it’s the
‘Handicrafts Project’ or something. They’ve gotta have accessories,
right?!”

“I wonder. We can check it out.”

“You come too, Sajocchi!”

“What kind of system are you operating today? I’m your ally here,
you don’t have to check the box each time.”

What are you, the supporter of a party of solo players? I mean, we

were in a different party yesterday…But, fine. Leave it to the tank. I’m
confident that I can take a beating. Either way, Ashida waltzed on
ahead, so Natsukawa and I had to follow after her. Honestly, she didn’t
seem like she was particularly into wearing accessories and all that,
but I guess you never know. Still…the handicrafts club, huh? Unlike the
visual arts type from before, this one’s skilled at everything that
involves fabric, as well as beyond. That’s probably why they split it up
between handicraft and attire. And I bet the club members are all very
feminine, too. Maybe they have some silver accessories? Well, I doubt
they’d be too expensive considering the occasion.

“H-Hey…”

“Hm?”

I felt someone poking their fingers at my arm, so I raised my head. I

was greeted by Natsukawa walking right next to me…and her facial
color looked about the same as before we headed off to check out the
picture books. Because she moved close to with an upward gaze, I felt
my heart naturally racing faster. Even more than feeling pure joy at
this, it’s getting really heavy on my poor heart.

“You just said…that girl asked you to vote for her, right?”

“H-Hm? Oh, you mean the fashion show?”

 That had me confused. For a second I was wondering what
Natsukawa was talking about. Even though she asked me to choose
and vote for her like I was the judge. She just loves playing with my
heart, doesn’t she…But, I know. She’s not doing this out of ill will or
spite, she’s just a genuinely good person.

“Were you talking about…your sister?”

“Nope, not her.”

“Wha…”

Big Sis would never dare to indulge in some fixed game, and she
probably wouldn’t even expect me to vote for her. Plus, before working
as the student council’s vice president, she was a yankee. Someone
who stayed in the shadows. So stepping out into the light to gather
attention probably isn’t her thing anyway. And even if she was, I
wouldn’t go watch the show just for her.

“Th-Then…is it Shinomiya-senpai? Maybe someone else from the

public morals committee?”

“Nope, not a senior either. She’s in the same year as us.”

“The same year…”

“C’mon, you met her before summer break started. The blonde-
haired rich lady who’s half-Japanese.”

We’re talking about the same person who ranked second in the end-
of-term exams and then came rushing over to brag about it to
Natsukawaw’s face. I remember how aggressive she was back then. And
she even talked about wanting to become a member of the student
council…That might be the reason she worked on her grades so much.

“Blonde-haired…rich lady…half-Japanese…”
 “She looks like a model, right? With her western facial features. Just
her participation alone’s gonna make me feel like I’m watching the
Fashion Week in Paris.”

“Um…Who are you talking about again?”

…What?

As expected, the handicrafts club was filled with nothing but girls,
all seeming filled with nothing but pride. I guess they mostly belonged
to the ‘West Side.’ Since the people from the student council, the ‘East
Side’ had always been barked up by them, I was mentally preparing
myself for trouble, but I couldn’t feel any difference…but for that
reason, they kept on talking and talking. Especially their salesman talk
toward Ashida grew even stronger the more accessories she tried on.

‘With your looks, something more on the offensive would probably

fit you better. From your hairstyle and your figure, you’re probably part
of a sports club, but that’s exactly why you have the perfect chance to
show off that gap. Especially that faintly pink lips of yours have a much
brighter charm than any high-class accessory. So, now is your chance to
make that shine.’

Or so they gave advice that could come straight from a jewelry shop
employee. This wins over Ashida immediately, so she buys an earring
from the store. They even taught her the proper way to wear it. Are
they professionals or something? That senior’s future surely will be
bright and promising.

“And? And? Do I look good?”

“You’re very cute.”

“Hee hee~”
 “You’re in a good mood, eh?”

“Because this is my earring debut, after all!”

Ashida twirled around on the spot in sheer joy as she showed off her
pearl earring. Though, it seems to be just a replica, smaller than an
original pearl, the faint peachy color of it matched Ashida’s appearance
and interest.

“Aichi, take a pic! Take a pic!”

“Yes, yes. Cheese.”

“Hehe!”

“…It’s a video, you know?”

“Geez, you bully!” Ashida complained but still smiled nonetheless.

Watching her this gleefully must have gotten Natsukawa just as

happy, as she even teased Ashida a bit. Aw man, I wanna be teased by
Natsukawa, too. That being said, the way she’s smiling like a blooming
flower right now is probably wasted as just a single picture and should
instead be recorded and preserved. That’s probably what Natsukawa’s
true intention was. Taking a different pose, another picture followed.
And as Natsukawa edited it, Ashida looked over at me.

“Hee hee hee!”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. It looks great on you.”

The way she’s giving me that confident grin is asking me to praise

her. But it’s rare to see Ashida brag about her feminine charm this
much. Especially since this looks to be like she’s doing it
subconsciously…What a formidable opponent.
“That’s so weak! Praise me properly.”
 “Your face is gonna blow up online.”

“That’s not what I wanted to hear!”

I can’t believe I would avert my gaze in the face of Ashida because I

was feeling bashful, despite being in Natsukawa’s presence. But just as
the student said, the earring Ashida wore emphasized the color of her
peachy lips. My eyes just keep wandering toward them, making me feel
even more bashful.

“…Hey, Sajocchi.”

As I regretted feeling this way despite it being Ashida and not

Natsukawa, this sporty girl used this chance to move her face closer
and whispered with a somewhat reproachful expression.

“Shouldn’t you be buying something for Aichi?”

“But you heard what that senior said.”

“Sure, but still…”

I understand where Ashida is coming from, but after hearing that

professional’s advice for Natsukawa, an amateur like me had no
confidence to choose something for her. Maybe if I had gotten a push
on the back, but still…

‘I don’t think there is anything here that fits you. Your eyes, shining
like gemstones, are overflowing with charm. That’s why you should not
be trying to raise your stylish looks any more than this. It sounds
cynical, but if you were to put on an accessory, you might as well cover
your face in the dirt, because that would emphasize your beauty more.’

Or so she said, but of course, Natsukawa wasn’t some survivalist

who would do that. At the very least, this advice made that senior a
failure of a professional, telling the customer not to buy anything…
Well, she was not a professional.
 “Plus…I’ve already got something prepared for Natsukawa…”

“Huh? Ah…” Ashida looked worried for a moment, but quickly

changed her expression.

At the end of this month, on Halloween no less, is Natsukawa’s

birthday. And I’ve only told Ashida about what I had prepared as a
present.

“Maybe I should not give her a ring after all…Even that senior said
it’d be better if she didn’t wear any…”

“Wait, that’s your reasoning? Isn’t there a more…fundamental

problem?”

“Because any more radiance for Natsukawa’s beauty will only be a

burden…?”

“I think she’ll feel an entirely different kind of burden.”

She gave me a regretful gaze like I had missed something crucial. I

could see the pearl shaking ever so slightly. And then, my gaze
wandered toward her lips…I swear…what licentious lips she has!
Granted, she still didn’t like the idea, but it was definitely better than
the expensive brand present I got her last year. And the price is fitting
for a regular birthday present, I just took more time to prepare it. It
also just happened to be a ring of pure coincidence.

“I don’t think that senior was talking about all and every type of
accessory when she said Aichi wouldn’t need any more.”

“Huh?”

“Silver stuff or gemstones. I don’t think that’s the big issue.”

“O-Oh? So basically…?”

“…Kei, I sent you the picture.”

 “Ah, really?

“Wait, I’m not…”

Called out by Natsukawa, Ashida quickly checked her phone. Man, I

couldn’t even listen to the end. And as an average high school student,
I have no idea what to make of this. And no sense to resolve this. I
guess I have to reach this answer before Natsukawa’s birthday comes
around. Well, I still have a bit of time, I should just ask during my next
chance. And as I was thinking that, I checked my own phone.

“…Wait, where’s the picture?”

“I only sent it to Kei.”

“Oh…Right.”

“What’s this? You want a picture of me? Should I send it to you?”

“Oh shut up…But gimme it. I’ll have Big Sis learn from it.”

“No way! I can’t do something so rude!”

“Why can’t you just show some respect for your older sister…”

Ashida leaped at me with a screech, hitting me with her small fists,

but even though I would be laughing at the cuteness of it all, her
muscle power trained through her rigorous training made those attacks
hurt quite a lot. The pearl on her earring shook aggressively, this
mature equipment completely unbefitting Ashida’s usual behavior.
 Chapter 3
Kouetsu Fashion Collection
After we all basked in Ashida’s newly found charm, we decided to
place the stuff we bought back in our classroom and then proceeded to
head over to the gym hall for the fashion show that would soon begin.
Or more accurately, it was a lot closer to a contest showing off all the
various dresses. And considering the cost of it all, it’s no exaggeration
to call this the main event of the festival. But, I wonder how it’ll play
out…

Entering the dimly lit gym hall, I could tell it was packed to the
brim, with no difference in gender to be spotted. I spotted a bulky
senior carrying a drum set off the stage. I’m guessing they did a small
live performance before the main dish. Looking at the people around
us, they were all still feeling the fever from it.

“Would you have preferred to see this?”

“Not desperately. I bet it would’ve been fun, but Aichi isn’t the type
for this noisy business, right?”

“Urk…Yeah, I guess so…”

What I realized only recently is that Natsukawa’s principles when

doing something boiled down to whether Airi-chan would enjoy it or
not. A festival like this may be too much, but the noisiness of other
amusement-type fun would probably be fine for her. We then moved
through the rows, sitting down at the space for current students, with
Ashida, followed by Natsukawa, and me next to her.
 “You guys gonna be okay with the fashion show? It’s an event
planned mostly for girls, after all,” I asked.

“I’m looking forward to it! Especially because of all the accessory

talk earlier!” Ashida responded.

“Yeah, I think it might be exciting,” Natsukawa chimed in.

Contradicting that, if I were to be asked about my excitement, I

wouldn’t be too sure about my response. In the end, my main reason to
be here is Lady Shinonome. Looking around, the ratio of girls was a bit
higher than I expected, and I felt a bit embarrassed. Even though I was
the one who invited both of them. And my only expectation is that I
get to see cute girls wearing cute dresses.

“Oh yeah, gotta get the app…” Ashida said.

“Right. There’s some voting app, isn’t there?”

“I think the QR code’s on the pamphlet.”

Since I already had the app installed, I helped the girls fumble their
way through it. Well, it was set up in a hurry so it’s extremely simple,
and there’s not much I would need to teach them. I don’t even know
who developed the app. Though I think it was originally developed a
few years back.

“I wonder if we get to see Rin-sama!”

“I don’t think this type of event is her style…Though, I wouldn’t

complain.”

“…”

Knowing Shinomiya-senpai and her uptight personality, the chances

are slim. The only possibility I see this happening is if she had Inatomi-
senpai and Mita-senpai in her arms and on both sides, appearing as the
public morals committee family. The girls would probably go crazy.

“…What about your sister?” Natsukawa asked.

“I don’t even want to imagine anything like that.”

“You don’t have to look so terrified…”

“Then let me ask you. What face should I make while watching my
own older sister walk down the catwalk with some suggestive or
adorable piece of clothing? Well, things would be different if this was a
wrestling match.”

“I bet she’d look good in a lot of dresses…”

It deeply pains me that Natsukawa and I can’t see eye to eye on this,
but my perception of Big Sis won’t change that easily. Then again, I
would assume this is the normal emotion to have when dealing with a
sibling. I wonder how the siblings of idols feel, watching them dance
on TV or appear in shows. I bet it’d be a lot more complicated than
whatever this is.

“Whoa, crazy…”

Raising my gaze, I saw pomp and showy dresses and attires lined up
on the stage, changing color based on the lighting. The big object that
looked like a banner hidden behind the stage was now put to the front
and changed into a massive screen. Did we…always have something
like this here?

“I think it’s starting…!”

Together with Ashida’s excited voice, American pop music started

playing. I thought the music sounded familiar, when the pink lights on
the stage started moving, the screen being pulled up.
 “Wow…!”

“Amazing!”

On the screen, it said ‘Koetsu Fashion Collection’ in the shape of a

logo. This must have cost half a fortune. And as someone who
participated in the preparations of the festival, it terrifies me to think
of what supporters they gathered up to make this possible. And with
how genuine it all looked, it’s no surprise that both Natsukawa and
Ashida were getting excited over this. Well…as long as everyone’s
enjoying this, I’ve got no reason to complain. I have to recommend the
club’s genuine efforts.

From the side of the stage appeared a familiar girl wearing a

butterfly necktie, carrying a microphone with sparkling decorations.
What kind of concert is this? I think she’s part of the school
broadcasting club, handling the announcements for the entrance and
closing ceremonies. I can see her on TV on a talk show in a few years.
The BGM changes into smaller beats, as the lights turned back to
normal and focused on the senior on the stage.

‘All fashion sense begins with the face—But let’s put an end to this
trope. Good day everyone, I will be the announcer of this event,
Kurahashi from the Kouetsu High’s broadcasting club.’

Dang, that was cool. She’s got the total radio personality. And
Kurahashi-paisen is completely rocking that party-goer outfit with no
change of emotion. The reason for her popularity is probably that gap.
Maybe they forced her to do this? But the way she’s holding that mic
and the angle, it’s like she’s introducing the next song. I bet she’s super
excited about this.

‘With the ever-changing state of fashion, our school’s attire club has
been led around the nose many times. Even just turning on the TV this
morning, the trends shown there entirely differed from what we had
seen last year. But it’s us high school girls who form the trends of
tomorrow. So, dear adults—can you keep up with us?!’
 Yeah, this is like a rock concert. The entire hall roared in excitement.
A girl who sat to the left of me, opposite Natsukawa and Ashida,
jumped up and screamed “Yeaaaah!” which scared me shitless. Since
this entire hall was dominated by girls, I just felt like the sore apple…I
better just keep quiet.

With Announcer Kurahashi’s call and response, the audience got

even more excited, and the previous BGM returned after a brief
explanation of the voting. Seems like the runway is finally opening up
now.

‘We’re starting with our first contender—a third-year student of ours!

Last year, she went with brown hair and a China dress—Takemoto
Megumi-san! As a complete turn from last year, where she couldn’t
even try to hide her height, she’s now gracing us with short black hair
and an army uniform with a long coat! What a bewitching sight!’

It’s just cosplay! The senior that appeared showed no signs of being
embarrassed and just smiled, showing off her appearance to the entire
hall. That confident attitude showed that she was used to this, that she
participated in last year’s festival all the same. The screen even played
footage from said festival, showing off that senior in her China dress…
Ooooh, China dress! Wooo!

“S-So that’s how this works…”

“Halloween’s close after all. Isn’t that right, Sajocchi?”

“Y-Yeah, true.”

Feeling some indescribable pressure from Ashida’s words made me

fumble my response. Could you not throw surprise attacks at me while
Natsukawa sits right by my side? Because of this, Natsukawa kept
sneaking glances at me…But moving on, the show introduced more
and more cosplayers, with the latter half changing its name to ‘Being
ahead of the times – Casual University Girls Edition,’ which probably
was the main part of the fashion show. This being a show created by
students, I imagined that the budget for the clothes and dresses would
be the bare minimum…but to my surprise, all the outfits looked like
genuine coordination you’d see in shops.

“…”

“…”

Looking to my right, both Natsukawa and Ashida were staring up at

the stage. Contrary to the cosplay part, they now seemed genuinely
engrossed. I did see both of them in their casual clothes before, but
this and that are completely different. I’m guessing they’re still learning
about this stuff. Not like I, someone who just buys what’s trendy, is one
to talk. But at the very least, I could use this chance to stare at
Natsukawa’s face as much as I wanted, when Announcer Kurahashi
introduced the next model.

‘Continued, we have first-year student Shinonome Claudine Marika-

san! As her name suggests, she’s a half-Japanese beauty, using her
French fashion knowledge to challenge her seniors today! But will that
be enough to bring home the victory?!’

“Oh, there she is.”

Hearing a familiar name pulled my attention back to the show. But

man, that name sure is long. Does she have to write that whole name
during exams? I don’t even want to imagine. And I knew that she was
half-Japanese, but from France, no less? She spoke Japanese just fine,
but she can even speak foreign languages, huh…Well, as the top spot
of the student year, I expect as much. And she was probably born over
there, too.

“Is that the girl who asked you to vote for her, Sajocchi?”

“Yeah. We’ve known each other for a while, so I dare say I’m looking
forward to what she’s wearing.”
 “…Hmph.”

We met a few times, and right now, all I can see her as is a bit of a
clumsy and good-for-nothing rich lady, but with her Western blood,
she’s got the looks of a model. I don’t like the idea of making this a
fixed game, but I highly doubt she’d need my vote to win. It’s time she
shows her true ability.

“Now, let’s see what—”

“Huh?”

Looking at the stage, I completely lost my train of thought. What

first drew my gaze in was her sparkling blonde hair. Like a noble aura
hanging over her shoulder, each confident step she took made it shake
in a meticulous rhythm, leaving behind particles of light on her path. It
might just be the dust in the air, but the charm she emitted allowed
her to make even this her own.

“Wow…”

This might have been the first time I let out a sigh of appraisal like
this. She wore a turtle-neck knitted and white top that revealed her
shoulders, paired with long sleeves that reached down to her wrists.
Her brown boots with their heels emphasized her slender and long legs
even further. Adding to that, she wore loose short pants with a
newsboy cap on her hat, the red color contradicting her white top. But
more than anything, her golden hair, styled into waves, made her
presence so much more stronger. It was the moment “cuteness”
changed into “beauty,” and I witnessed this with my own eyes.
“Oh my…”
 “It looks amazing…”

With the appearance of a genuine model, it seemed like both

Natsukawa and Ashida were entirely overwhelmed. I’m curious how the
other people around us feel, but my gaze wouldn’t move away from the
girl on the stage—My lady is serious now, I see. I was forced to show
my admiration once. My heart was racing to the same level as when I
first was treated kindly by Natsukawa. But unlike before, my racing
heart was induced by this realization of mature charm, more than
genuine kindness. The presence my lady emitted was too great to
ignore, and just walking alone was plenty of a performance.

“:..Oh, number 21, huh?”

“That number plate is so unnecessary!”

“But without that, nobody could vote for her…”

It was a minuscule existence that could not hope to hurt the lady’s
charm. But the number plate with the number 21 hung on her waist,
which still stood out. Well, as Natsukawa said, it was necessary to vote.
The other seniors had the same plate with a different number. Turning
around at the front of the walkway, my lady brushed her blonde hair to
the side and returned to the back of the stage with a confident walk.

Man…that was something. Then again, with her looks, I doubt

anything she’d wear would look bad on her. Even I, as a man, can’t help
but feel jealous of that. With the lady’s disappearance, another girl
emerged from the side and walked down the stage. And although I
don’t like to sound condescending, I genuinely feel bad for her that
she’s next right after that previous performance. The differences are
just too clear. After all the participants had a chance to show
themselves, followed by the attire club doing a final show, the lights
dimmed and the regular BGM returned. It seems like this was the end
of the performance.
 ‘With all these charming girls lined up, I’m sure the boys must have
gotten their fill today. But this isn’t the end of your job today. We ask
you to vote for your favorite out of all those 30 participants. And don’t
run…because the promised time has arrived.’

You were the best, Announcer Kurahashi. As I gave her a mental

thumbs-up of appreciation and approval, the previous models all
appeared on stage. I’m guessing that voting time has arrived. And you
did brilliantly, my lady. You are my number one.

“As expected of Sajocchi’s favorite. I definitely got sucked in.”

“Right? It took a lot of work to raise her into that. But by the way,
she’s not my favorite.”

“You didn’t raise anybody…”

Feeling a sharp pain run through my chest at Natsukawa’s retort, I

took out my smartphone and booted up the designated voting app,
which now had changed the design to allow you to vote. I guess they
didn’t add the names…But oh well. I bet she’d get angry if I voted for a
different person…Not like she could find out, of course. I proceeded to
vote for the number 21, and I would have done so even if she didn’t ask
me. See, I know you could do it, my lady.

I asked Natsukawa and Ashida who they voted for, and they also put
in their vote for the lady. I guess their feelings of support mostly stem
from the lady being a fellow first-year student. I wish I could have been
born half-Japanese like her…Sajou Bouillabaisse Wataru. What an
appetizing tone…But what was Bouillabaisse again?

‘Okay, this brings us to the end of the voting time! We’re counting
the votes right now, so please wait a moment!’

“Shame that no familiar face showed up. Like Rin-sama.”

 “And even if she did, she’d definitely be wearing boy clothes. Like a
butler uniform. I can see all the girls screaming already.”

“Stop it! Now I really wanna see it!”

“Should I ask her sometime?”

“Are you for real?!”

“Of course. She’s actually pretty easy.”

“Do you have no respect for your seniors…?”

As we were talking about this and that, the BGM began to rise again,
as the lights focused on the stage once more. The various models
appeared from the back of the stage, with my blonde-haired half-
Japanese lady once again stealing all the attention. She seemed
satisfied with her performance, as she had one hand on her hip,
grinning. At least keep up the facade until the very end, won’t you? But
shortly after, I saw my lady looking around the hall like she was
looking for someone.

“Is she…looking for me?!”

“No way she is.”

“I highly doubt it.”

Oh come on, at least let me get my hopes up! And I’m guessing my
lady must have heard us causing a ruckus, as our eyes met for a
moment. Since we technically know each other, I gave her a thumbs-up
with a grin.

“That face of hers practically screamed ‘Not you,’ though?”

“She’s just hiding her embarrassment. I can tell.”

“For sure isn’t.”

 “That reminds me…She did seem a bit prickly after all…”

I tried to ignore the cold and harsh reality in front of me, as my dear
lady seemingly gave up on looking for her Romeo and just struck a
pose like a mannequin. And yet, she seemed slightly displeased.

‘We have just finished counting all the votes! Let’s move on to the
announcement!’

I could tell that our surroundings grew noisier. They’re probably all
curious about who took the top spot. Plus, my perception and
evaluation may differ from the average girl, so just because I couldn’t
pull my eyes away doesn’t mean she’d be the sure-fire winner…But let’s
see.

‘Today is Kouetsu High School’s 49th cultural festival—and this has

been the Koetsu Fashion Collection! Just which participant will take
the badge of being today’s winner?! Here are the results!’

The entire hall grew darker, followed by a drum roll. The lights
moved all over the hall, hyping up the audience.

‘This year’s winner is—’

With one final beat of the drum, the lights focused on a single point
on the stage. The person standing in the center of the lips was—

‘Entry number 21! We have a first-year student win today’s event!

Shinonome Claudine Marika-san!’

“Ooooh…!”

Roars of cheers and applause filled the hall. Others were whistling
in approval. It seemed like the majority of the audience agreed with
this decision. Alright, I’m joining in! Fweeet! Fweeet! Okay, and now a
bit of applause!
 “It was amazing. She took first place without any fixing.”

“I bet she must have put a lot of work into it.”

“Are you gonna participate next year?” I asked in jest.

“I…don’t know. I’ll leave that to Aichi.”

“Huh…?! But, with my height…and appearing in front of so many

people…”

“It’s okay. I’ll vote for you a hundred times, Natsukawa.”

“You shouldn’t falsify a vote like that…!”

On stage, my lady was currently being congratulated by the two

seniors next to her. I would have expected them to give a
condescending comment along the lines of “Some first-year student
like you shouldn’t get all cocky,” but they must have seen how much
work my lady put into her outfit. It’s a story that’s outside my world, I
bet. From the side of the stage, the president of the attire club
appeared, handing my lady a trophy. It even looked like my lady was
tearing up a bit. I don’t know any of the background stuff, but I should
at least go congratulate her later. Though I bet she’d just brag at me
with a shit-eating grin.

“I always thought she was a clumsy and sad type of a rich lady, but…
Huh?”

“Wait, what?!”

That moment, the lights in the hall dropped entirely and turned
everything dark. Thrown into this confusion, the people around us grew
noisy, as someone held onto my right arm. Knowing this direction, it
could have only been Natsukawa. I shall protect her as my life
depended on it. Come at me, you bastards.
 ‘Oh, what a sudden revelation! Maybe we’re not done just yet?! The
goddess of Kouetsu wishes not for this event to end!’

A goddess now? More like some prankster, throwing us into

darkness. And the hall seems to have been locked up…Is this how the
battle royale starts? Fine by me, I’m okay with throwing my life away to
protect Natsukawa. Let’s meet again in the next life—Leaving the jokes
aside, Announcer Kurahashi’s words made it clear that this was staged
from the very beginning. It’s probably like an encore at a concert. But
what would they add as a surprise after a fashion show…? A celebrity?
A genuine model? Or maybe a voice actress?

‘The lights have focused back on the stage! Something is hiding

behind the black curtain! What could be waiting to show itself?!’

What acting that is. The participants quickly made space in front of
the black curtain, meaning they must have something big waiting—or
several people. Can’t even tell from the silhouettes. Should they be
hyping this up? What if some old man with toy guns appears to shoot
sweets into the audience? They’ll completely ruin their ratings—Oh
wait, this isn’t a TV show.

‘It’s time to do the big reveal! Our secret treat for today is this group
of people—’

Maybe it’s some comedian? AKB46?! A live concert?! This cultural

festival is crazy! This is where the real deal starts! You really know how
to hype me up, damn it!

‘…The dear members of the student council!’

Are you joking you goddamn bastard?! Yet contrary to my

disappointment, this revelation seems to have only made things more
heated, as Big Sis and several other companions appeared. The
curtains were pulled up to the ceiling, revealing them at once.

“…Whaaaa…”
 What first caught my attention was a sparkling wedding dress in
snow white. I’m guessing it’s because I get to witness it with my own
eyes instead of just through a TV screen during a drama, but the
luxurious radiance it had was emphasized at least ten-fold. It showed
what the attire club could do when they set their mind to it…No,
actually, did they really make this?

Looking away from the wedding dress, two hotties stood on both of
Big Sis’s sides, wearing clothes that only put more attention to their
overwhelming height, such as a white suit, a tuxedo, and even a
tailcoat. They each wore a different type of outfit, looking like they
were born to wear these clothes. The more introverted Yuuki-senpai
kept a cool facade, as the playful Hanawa-senpai smiled, both of them
holding one of Big Sis’s hands.

“W-Wow…!”

“So beautiful…! Wataru, look, look!”

“Ah, yeah…I am watching, alright.”

Ashida and Natsukawa could barely contain their excitement.

Natsukawa was overwhelmed with excitement as the target of her
admiration appeared on stage, pulling on my arm to no end. This is
weird…I really tried to explain how much of a gorilla Big Sis is, but I
failed…From an outsider’s perspective, it makes sense why Big Sis
would receive this much admiration…But how am I supposed to feel
seeing my big sister wearing a wedding dress? Is this what they call
having complicated feelings?

‘Wh-What am I witnessing…?!’

What is happening here…

‘The Queen of Kouetsu, the blooming flower of the student council—

Sajou Kaede-san! All the roses from our queen have been plucked,
turning her into the Goddess of Kouetsu! Her gentle gaze is directed
only ahead of her, through the gym hall! Does she not even care about
the four handsome gentlemen by her side?!’

Yet again, Announcer Kurahashi kept her lack of emotion while

completely hyping up the entire place. But, I could not comprehend
why her eyes were shot open in excitement like that. Tracing her gaze,
I arrived at Big Sis’s face, having reached the “goal” a solid ten years
before I expected her, as she just looked on ahead. To most people, this
probably looks like a cool beauty, but the part you should pay attention
to is her mouth. Because I can tell…she’s forming the truth!

‘They. Set. Me. Up.’

“Ack…!”

Those were the words I read from her face, almost like they were
written on her face with a black pen. Normally, I would feel joy at her
suffering, but just this once, I was urged to show sympathy. I couldn’t
even keep myself from groaning in pain. I’m sure that, beneath her
thick makeup, she’s hiding her true face red from embarrassment and
rage. You K4 guys, you really did it now…You guys remember who she’s
living with?! I’m gonna be at the end of this smoking gun!

‘Oh my! An archaic smile from Hanawa-san! And a wink, too!

Meanwhile, Yuuki-san follows suit with a butler’s pose! The screams
from the audience won’t stop! Is this…fanservice?! Waaaah!’

Don’t ‘Waaah!’ me now. I’m guessing even this emotionless

announcer has reached her limit. She’s now looking like a bitch in heat.
I bet she’s gonna flap her legs up and down like a maiden in love the
second she gets home to her bed. Personally, she’s a lot cuter than Big
Sis.

“Wataru, look! Look! Your sister…She’s so beautiful!”

You’re the beautiful one here—And even though I was about to say
that out loud, the way she pressed herself onto my arm, and the impact
of her shaking me around, was too much for me to handle. This is the
best. I rarely get to see Natsukawa overcome with excitement. Shake
me more, won’t you? That being said, knowing that the reason for this
behavior is Big Sis of all people…I never would have imagined I would
feel jealous of my sister. That woman…she did in one moment what I
couldn’t achieve after several years. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if she
would use this appearance to oppress the entire audience, using her
gaze of an absolute ruler…Though that would probably only hype up
the place more.

“…Hm?”

I glanced over at the side of the stage, spotting the previous models
and participants all clapping in joy—Except one individual. A blonde-
haired girl had her gaze locked onto the ground, which made her stand
out more. Oh yeah…my lady has always seen Big Sis as her rival in
love, right? Of course, Big Sis has no such intentions…But being forced
to see the man you love to be part of another woman’s reverse harem
definitely does not feel good. For some reason, I couldn’t help but be
curious about her, especially since she looked the exact opposite of
when she was on the runway herself.
 Chapter 4
Path To Destiny
What was I even forced to witness just now? When the fashion show
ended, this single thought filled my head, paired with a burning
emotion inside of me. Even though my fair lady clearly won the fashion
show, Big Sis and friends came in to swoop away all the attention.
That’s how happy everyone was at this sudden event. And looking at
Big Sis’s attitude, I would bet good money that the K4 set that up.

“You should’ve been able to vote for the student council, too,”
Ashida commented.

“I feel like that wouldn’t have been fair at all…” Natsukawa

disagreed.

“Welp, it’s another brilliant memory for everyone involved.”

The quality behind it was evident, and they even had the four
hotties of the K4 participate, which completely blew the whole thing
apart. So annoying, I swear. Looking at it from the perspective of a
participant, it’s like the fashion show was just the introduction. An
exhibition of sorts. Needless to say, everything was fine as long as the
audience enjoyed it.

“Wait, isn’t the closing ceremony soon? Should we just stay here?”

“Whaaa, we still have some time left! Way too early!”

“Because we have to tidy up everything.”

“Pffft…Tidy up, huh?”

 “Wh-What’s so funny, Kei?”

“You sounded like a little kid told to clean up their toys by their
papa.”

“Th-This is just because I talk to Airi in this way!”

Is that so? How adorable. Natsukawa was fuming in anger as Ashida

tried to avoid her. Good thing we’re all motivated to clean up
everything after the closing ceremony. Unlike yesterday, today was
fairly calm and nothing too exhausting. Is this what it feels like to go
on a date? Though, this must be a rare case. Either way, I had fun.

“Ah, it’s Kei.”

“Oh! Kawaicchi!”

Another volleyball club member appeared at the gym hall. It seems

like more and more people are gathering here. Ashida and the girl
jumped up to share a high-five, which was an odd scenery to witness.
Because Kawai is about the same height as me.

“…Guess we got Ashida stolen from us.”

“D-Doesn’t matter…”

“She’s weird when it comes to handsome girls, after all. Like

Shinomiya-senpai.”

Seeming somewhat dejected, Natsukawa trotted over toward me. I

guess she must have gotten hurt much more than she’d like to admit.
She’s bewildered at this. But I get it. Somewhat. She then proceeded to
sit down behind the chair I inhabited.

“Sure is different from the cultural festival we’re used to in middle

school.”

“Yeah…But that means it’s more work, too.”

 “What did we even do during middle school?”

“I haven’t forgotten. A certain boy was bored and dragged me to the

festival.”

“Oh, I don’t quite remember…”

“I swear…”

But hearing it from Natsukawa, faint memories from deep within my

psyche resurfaced. But, I don’t want to remember…and I don’t have
much to remember, either. It’s all nothing but regret. Nothing that I
would cherish remembering. I simply was weakened by love and acted
like a madman because of the passion inside of me. That’s why I’ll just
keep this locked away in my chest. But, I’m impressed with myself that
I could actually sit in front of Natsukawa right now after everything
that happened.

“…Did you have fun?”

I couldn’t help but ask Natsukawa. The fact I asked that blatantly
showed my lack of confidence. But as a boy, it’s impossible for me not
to be curious about how the girl I like feels. Though, if she were to say
‘It was boring,’ I might actually give up on 3D entirely.

“…I did.”

“!”

I completely let down my guard. This must be some punishment.

Because when I looked over, I saw Natsukawa dropping her gaze, as
she showed a gentle smile. I had forgotten just how much of a beauty
she was. I had accepted this as a reality, so it slipped out of my mind.

“…”

“?! Wh-What? Why are you…staring at me like that?”

 Even though I got busted, this charm of hers forced me to keep
looking. Something forced me to keep looking, even as I wanted to
avert my gaze. Is this what a shonen protagonist feels, as he
desperately tries to fight against the control the villain has over him?
Only after Natsukawa realized did I manage to tear my gaze away,
frantically trying to change the topic.

“S-Still, was pretty good this year…Well, excluding the final part.”

“Why are you so fixated on that? I think your sister looked great in a
wedding dress.”

“You just don’t get it…Seeing someone from your family appear in
public, looking like that.”

“But she was beautiful.”

Ugh…I’m losing here. That final appearance from Big Sis was just
too impactful. I bet I’m going to have a nightmare about that later.
Don’t think I could even look Big Sis in the eyes. And this evil presence
of hers that can ruin my sweet moment with Natsukawa is something
else. More than anything, I hate the fact this whole event will properly
overwrite my precious memories with Natsukawa today. If I don’t go
through everything that’s happened today later, I will only be able to
remember that hell.

“Man…if only there could have been someone else on stage.”

“Geez, stop complaining about that.”

“I guess so…”

What if it was Shinomiya-senpai? I know it may sound rude, but I

think she’s past her prime by now. That being said, a wedding dress like
that may very well have changed my mind entirely. Then again, if I had
to pick someone…
 “…I’d rather have seen you in a wedding dress.”

“…?!”

I looked up at the empty stage as my thoughts raced on ahead. All I

could see was a slightly more mature Natsukawa, walking down the
runway in a wedding dress, as a polite and handsome young man was
holding her hand. Supposedly, marriage is the turning point of a human
being’s life, as well as the final goal. So, if I were to be able to witness
that kind of scenery, I might be able to finally get over my feelings for
her and look for a new love. But in the end, my expectations got the
better of me, and I asked the same question as Ashida did earlier.

“Not gonna participate next year?”

“N-No…Of course not!”

“You don’t have to deny it so forcefully…”

“It’s because you said something weird like that!”

“Huh?”

What did I say again? But before I could question myself, right as
Ashida and her friends were hitting it off, an announcement played
over the school broadcast. But of course, there was no after-festival to
finish off the festivities, but instead, we went right to cleaning up
everything. Well, our modern world wouldn’t allow a school to let its
students work until late into the night. Plus, the majority of people
would probably head off to karaoke or wherever once they’re done
cleaning.

“You better join us, Sajou.”

“Yeah, yeah.”
 After the special riddle tournament we held, and the success it had,
it was definitely to be expected that we’d celebrate it, and I was
invited, too. And the nearby karaoke boxes know that we’ll be coming.
Just you wait, that microphone will be mine.

“Welp…Still, that Sasaki…”

“Hm? Ah…”

I followed Yamazaki’s gaze, spotting a girl from the tea ceremony

club walking down the hallway with a straight back. That Yamato
Nadeshiko—Saitou-san. I wonder how she feels on the inside. I could
almost see her expression. I bet there must have been some
development between her and Sasaki. I wonder what would happen if I
came clean and said I gave Sasaki a push?

As for said Sasaki in question, he had to remain in the gym hall with
Natsukawa because of their committee work. I bet he had no idea he’d
be making so much romantic progress during this particular festival.
But I swear, he had me sweating buckets when he said he was sorta
interested in Natsukawa. I still don’t really know how to feel about
telling him to go ahead while having these thoughts on the inside.

“Oh, well.”

“Right.”

Of course, this isn’t good at all. Surely, Shirai-san and Okamocchan

must have had some level of affection for Sasaki, just like Saitou-san.
Surely, there’s going to be some awkward trouble waiting ahead. But,
this isn’t something I should be thinking about right after the festival
ended. I should bask in the lingering excitement of a joyful event, and
forget about anything that will only be relevant down the line.

“Oh? …Argh.”
 I could feel my pocket vibrate. Taking out my phone, I checked my
lock screen and saw that I had a message from “Yuuki-paisen.” To think
the student council president himself contacted me. I’d rather not meet
him, to be honest.

‘Come to the room next to the stage.’

“…”

Next…to the stage? Is he talking about the mysterious space that’s

next to the upper stage? So I’m supposed to come back there? I have a
really bad feeling about this…

“Sorry, I got something to do at the gym hall.”

“Gotcha.”

Right about now, the work of cleaning up had yet to begin, as the
people in the hallways were still excited. While feeling regret that I
couldn’t mix in there, I just pointed my regret and hostility at a certain
hottie who called me over.

I mean…I did send him all my hostility, but this is…

“…”

“…”

The small room reminded me of an isolated storage shed that

hadn’t been aired out for months. All the objects inside had been just
shoved to the side of the room, as the lightbulb hung down from the
ceiling, shaking left and right. Several dressers were stuffed into the
open space, as lights of voice actors stood around like creating a
mirror. I guess this is what the room of an unsuccessful celebrity looks
like. However, what greeted me first wasn’t some voice actress or a
celebrity.

“…You okay?”

“…”

The small room was only the size of about 10 square meters,
harboring the four hotties. Their clothes were all scattered around the
floor, and only the faint breathing of lifeforms squirming on the floor
could be heard. In the center of these worms was Big Sis, sitting on a
pipe chair, still wearing a wedding dress while looking like a boxer that
had just gone through the fight of her life. I guess this whole thing
must have inflicted some major damage on her psyche.

And as if that whole ordeal during the fashion show wasn’t shocking
enough for my poor little heart, Big Sis now looked like a yankee in a
single manga panel, and I am once again lost on how I should feel.
This is the calm after the storm. The bodies scattered on the ground
created a cruel and surreal scene. And I dare say, I think I’d make a
good comedian for speaking out to the personified storm with “How
are you?” I think nobody here has any common sense left.
“…Urgh…So you’re here…”
 “And you’re still alive?”

“Just barely…”

Yuuki-senpai coughed once as he looked up at me from the floor. To

think his message would be nothing short of an SOS. At the very least,
my bad premonition was right on the money.

“Are you okay? Who messed you up like this? Just what even
happened…?”

“…!”

I crouched down to ask the corpse below me this question, only for
Yuuki-senpai’s face to distort in pain like he was experiencing some
past trauma. He even bit his teeth to emphasize that. He supported his
body with his right arm, as he stared at my feet.

“Nothing…happened…”

It seems like things aren’t as bad as I thought, eh? But of course, it

wasn’t easy to imagine just what must have happened here. I can
vividly see Big Sis swinging around her heels to stomp all these guys
to death. And yet, the way he’s playing around with the real chaos
shows how much he cares for Big Sis…Though, a bit too heavy for my
taste. Not like I am one to talk.

“It’s exactly as you can see…Wataru.”

“Huh?”

“We’re…done for.”

Why the heck.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to walk for a while.”

But you asked for this, didn’t ya.

 “Could I…ask something of you?”

“Oh lord…”

I couldn’t hide my disbelief at this depressing sight in front of me.

And oddly enough, I felt no discontent at being treated like the
delivery boy. It always annoyed me how hotties like them could afford
to do whatever they pleased, but looking at them now…they’ve been
through a lot. I can’t hate them even if I wanted to.

“Where is Gou-senpai…?”

“Ishiguro is out of the picture…”

“And why is that?”

“Kaede’s fist may reach him, too…”

So nothing happened yet?! Yuuki-senpai turned around to face the

ceiling and crawled to the wall to lean against it while explaining what
happened. According to what he said, the surprise show of today and
Big Sis’s counterattack were inside his range of expectations. After the
initial grief, even after they got beat up, they had no problem doing all
the work that was left over. What caught them by surprise was that a
certain individual who they couldn’t categorize into any group
suddenly wished to have a meeting with the student council’s vice
president. Their best guess was that someone who assisted with this
year’s cultural festival desired documents and papers, so they came to
school to pick them up.

“For this, the other party said that Kaede was fine to stop by on her
own, but I had no intention of letting that slide. I at least wished to
accompany her…but look at how we turned out. This isn’t on the level
of just changing into our uniforms and we’re back to normal.”

“Including Big Sis, you all look like fairytale princes, after all…”
 Let alone the thick scent of menthol going up my nose. Even if they
changed into their uniforms, they’d just seem like hosts from a host
club, cosplaying with a student uniform.

“We’re going to work hard and get ourselves fixed from here on out.”

“Just going to work hard?”

If you’re talking about working hard, I’d rather they rush to the
student council office and print all the documents they need. It’s as
simple as going over there and bringing it back. That’s fine and all, but
maybe they could work a bit harder than that.

“Well…I understand.”

Even as I responded with that, Yuuki-senpai held his side as he

gasped for air in pain, looking up at the ceiling. Just how much pain is
he going through…? Weren’t you supposed to be a rich lad with too
much pride in your pockets? Why are you trying to overcome this
struggle and pain without complaining or giving up? Seriously, this is
the kind of relationship the student council has.

“…Wataru.”

“Hm?”

“…Sorry. Counting on you.”

“Right…”

Big Sis still was in her wedding dress, mumbling devoid of any
strength. Since she went through that hell as the lead, she must have
suffered even bigger damage. She didn’t even have the energy to raise
her head. She did not like someone who could win over four hotties
like this. Even more so since it’s my own older sister. Though I at least
have to show sympathy for her, because she was set up to wear this.
 “The key to the student council office…is…ugh…!”

“Huh? Senpai?! Yuuki-senpai?!”

I looked at the corner of the room with the bag he pointed at, when
Yuki-senpai held his side and then dropped to the ground—dead. I
guess he finally ran out of strength to keep himself awake. I don’t think
he’ll be back up anytime soon. Are these people really okay?

Either way, I went to grab the key and then left the room behind me.
A lot of people were still present in the gym hall, busy cleaning up
everything, but not a single soul paid any attention to me. I felt like a
suspect running away from a murder scene they had stumbled into.

Although most students were still in the process of getting the

school clean, the northern building’s third floor was barely used, so
there was not a single soul working. In fact, I was the only person
present, so the way I carefully unlocked the student council’s room
made me look like a suspicious person. I may be from Kouetsu High,
but I actually am more than unrelated to the student council.

“Must make me super suspicious to just sneak around here…” I

grumbled. “I’ll just get this and piss off…Now, where is Big Sis’s desk…”

Her seat was diagonal to the right of Yuuki-senpai’s. To the right,

she had Kai-senpai, facing Todoroki-senpai, with Hanawa-senpai by his
side. But, unlike the regular table that I was expecting, it was a
genuine white desk, with a few files and a closed laptop on it. I was
about to sit down at the desk when I saw something on the shelf
behind me.

“A…coffee maker…?”

And not just that. There was even a small fridge next to it, one you
would see in a hotel. On top of that were bottles with coffee mill and
beans. Next to that, packed bags of cocoa. And as if that wasn’t
enough, there was even an electric kettle with plastic cups. Hey now,
this makes no sense…! They must have gotten this recently because I
didn’t see anything like that during my help for the cultural festival.
This was not here before…So when did they set up some drink bar like
this?!

“Oh hell nah, I’m taking some…Thanks for the treat though,” I
mumbled.

I put some cocoa powder into a plastic cup, pouring hot water into
it. As expected, the small fridge had milk in it, too. Right now, I don’t
really feel like drinking coffee, but since the other student council folks
are still busy with their own work, I shouldn’t have an issue taking my
time here.

“Anyway…”

I opened Big Sis’s laptop and turned it on. I did borrow it before, and
since this isn’t her personal phone, she shouldn’t have an issue if I
went to check for it. And she’s not the type of person to leave
dangerous information easily available like this.

“Where is it…”

I controlled the mouse and looked for the folder in question. I have
to say, this desktop sure is messy. Almost as if her own room were to be
just as messy…Not like I would know since I haven’t seen the inside for
years.

“…?”

As I continued my work, I heard the door of the student council

office opening. I was wondering what that was about, as I peeked my
head out of the mountain of documents to check. At the same time, the
door closed again. At that moment, I could see a glimpse of a girl’s
skirt. Is this…Big Sis? She sure came back quickly. But that thought
only remained for a moment, as a pair of legs arrived next to me.

“Oh? My lady?”

“…Wha…?”

Up close, I could easily figure out who I was looking at. The blonde
hair with waves was a dead giveaway, as the distinct scent of perfume
drifted to my nose. My fair lady—Shinonome Claudine Marika—had
already changed back into her regular uniform, as the radiance she
showed during the fashion show had lessened. That being said, her
facial features were as exquisite as before. She beat her seniors for
nothing, that’s for sure. And since I was genuinely impressed, I should
let her know.

“You did great during the fashion show. Openly displaying your
quirks, so to speak. I felt genuinely jealous of you, even though I’m not
even a girl. I bet you look good in everything.”

Maybe I would have some degree of handsomeness if one of my

parents came from the West…I’d probably be more confident about
myself, and maybe I’d still be chasing after Natsukawa right about now.
Or maybe another girl entirely…

“Oh yeah, you said you wanted to join the student council, right?
Now, people know your face and name, so I bet you’ll have it pretty
easy during the next election.”

“…”

“And if you wear the same outfit during the election, I’m sure people
would…Hm? My lady?”

Normally, she’d be laughing like a broken car machine and bragging

about her achievements. Thinking that something was off, I stopped
working on the laptop and turned toward her. In doing so, I could see
her staring at me in shock, her eyes wide open.

“Hm? Oh yeah, why are you even here to begin…with…?”

Something was off, so I asked her when a strong sense of discomfort

crept up my back. More accurately, t he silver object with a sharp tip in
her left hand was what gave me an eerie feeling.

“…”

“…”

…Okay, pause. This is…not good, right? This is the bad kind of bad,
isn’t it? The type where one wrong step is gonna cost me. The one
where I shouldn’t act carelessly, yeah? Spotting this object in my lady’s
hand, the gears in my head began turning at higher speeds. At the
same time, alarm sounds rang out in my brain. I couldn’t even move
properly. My body just feels as heavy as lead, not listening to my
commands.

“A-Ah…Um…”

…Think. Failure is not an option. My lady might not look

exceptionally strong in terms of her physical appearance, but that
object in her hand—those sewing scissors can most definitely be used
as a vicious weapon. There’s no guarantee I’ll get out of this unscathed
even if I dare to try and steal them from her. I have to be calm and
rational here.

“…Wanna drink some cocoa?”

“…!”

I let out a faint laugh to ease the tension as I stood up with my cup
in hand. However, that was my first mistake. Considering the tense
situation we were in, I can’t blame her for getting scared when a man
taller than her suddenly gets up from his chair. And as her expression
distorted in terror, it almost made me feel like I was the one who
threatened her.

“Ah…Aaaaah?!”

“My lady!”

With the weapon still in hand, she staggered backward. She must
have done so without any intention because she ended up bumping
into Kai-senpai’s desk, taking down the pen holder that stood on the
right edge, and scattering the floor with its contents. She tried to get
up immediately but failed to do so. When I realized, it was already too
late. She had already blocked off the door.

“Ah, hey—Ugh?!”

“…Why.”

I tried to run to her side to check if she was okay, but she pointed
the sharp end of the sewing scissors directly at me. Yet, she couldn’t
stop herself from shaking, even going so far as to support her quivering
left hand with her right one. Unable to get any closer, we were forced
to just observe the other person’s actions from a distance. The cocoa
even fell to the ground during that entire ordeal, but this whole ordeal
made it impossible for me to clean it up properly. Certainly, the
situation had taken a dip for the worse.

“Why…are you here…?” she asked

“Because…”

My lady looked at me like she was in a trance. And judging from

that tone of hers, she must have trouble grasping the reason why I was
here myself. Her shocked expression didn’t disappear, but so did the
light from her eyes, as she dropped her gaze together with the hand
holding the sewing scissors.
 “Just what is…”

I was about to ask her what was going on, but then I realized
something. Big Sis was the only person who was called over, and
despite the room being completely empty and devoid of people, my
lady immediately headed over to Big Sis’s seat without hesitation. And
then, she seemed utterly baffled to find me there—

“No way…Were you here…for Big Sis …?”

I had begun to lose my mind in this frantic chaos. I should have

known right from the start who the target of her spearhead was. My
lady is supposed to be the fianceé of our student council president
Yuuki-senpai. And despite that, said Yuuki-senpai only had eyes for my
dear older sister, not even his own fianceé. I’ve seen my lady get angry
at Big Sis before, too. She surely holds no weak grudge, I bet.

“…!”

Realizing that someone close to me, not to mention a family

member, might have gotten attacked in bad blood made my hair stand
on edge. A type of fear I had never experienced before made the tip of
my head feel frozen.

“…Sis?”

“Huh? Ah…!”

My lady’s eyes shot open once more as she stared at me. Another
mistake, but I realized too late that I had committed it. Although I
never actively tried to hide it, I purposefully didn’t tell her about my
last name “Sajou,” and that I am related to that woman. If she had
known, my lady probably wouldn’t have asked me to vote for her in the
fashion show. And even if I had attempted to divert her attention, she
was simply staring at the nameplate on my chest, the one I was forced
to wear today.
 “…I see how it is.”

“Th-This is…”

The sewing scissors that had been previously lowered now shot up
again, aiming at me—Or so I thought and panicked, but they instead
dropped to the ground, rolling along the floor until they ended up at
my feet. I stared at them in disbelief for a moment to then raise my
head. She held something else in her hands. Something that was inside
Kai-senpai’s pen holder.

“Heh…hehe…Every single one of you…is making fun of me!” She

screamed in pain and sadness, but I had no words to return.

I couldn’t do a single thing and just stood frozen on the spot.

“M-My lady…!”

“And you do, too…!”

“No…?!”

A clicking sound came from her new weapon—a box cutter—as the
sharp blade appeared from within. It went all the way up to the limit.
And while looking at this sharp silver object, my lady grabbed the
handle with both hands.

“I’m…tired of it.”

With quivering hands, she pointed the blade upward, as she stared
at it. Her eyes were devoid of any emotion, right in the middle between
determination and terror. If she had any hostility towards me, Sajou
Kaede’s younger brother, then she definitely wouldn’t direct the blade
in the direction she is right now.

“My lady…!”
 A few seconds later, I could fathom what was about to happen. Her
hands were shaking, but she still pointed the cutter directly at her
neck. The blade was slowly moving closer to her own flesh, as the fear
in her eyes changed into sharpness, showing that she had lost all
sanity.

“…!”

This is bad! This is really fucking bad! I can’t just keep watching in
silence. Standing around like a bonsai tree won’t do a damn thing. I
have to stop her. Should I jump at her to fight for the cutter?! No, that’ll
only make her more desperate! But then…what? Should I try to
convince her to stop? But, how?!

In my head, the various paths open to me branched off to different

futures, as my consciousness focused on the sewing scissors that had
dropped to the ground. In that single moment, something went
through my mind as I crouched down and grabbed it.

“…!”

The branches then stopped diverging, returning to a single path.

However, the destined path was unstable, not allowing me to see the
final result. And only after I had made my choice did I realize I could
have turned around at any time—
 Chapter 5
Result and Regret
The first thing I felt was the frozen-cold sensation of metal.

“…Wha…”

I heard a dumbfounded voice straight ahead of me. It was just a bit

more than a faint breath, but this surprise that stopped everything was
the origin of the driving force that allowed me to continue. Because
next—I felt intense heat like my body was on fire. And the sound of
collision even drowned out the groan escaping my mouth. The hefty
thumping inside my body reaching up to my ears again and again
couldn’t be more unpleasant. Even the sense of accomplishment I felt
and tried to maintain in my memories had long vanished, too. With a
twist of irony, the scissors my lady had brought with her were now
returned to her, the tip colored in a color I had anticipated already.

“Huff…Huff…!”

For a moment, I could hear the sound of bubbles bursting out. The
dry carpet on the ground quietly sucked up the liquid it was fed until
eventually the sound of water dripping could be heard. To not dirty the
floor any more than this, I proceeded to grab my limp arm, just
dangling in the air, with my open right hand, tightly gripping it. After
gasping for air for a few seconds, the initial sharp pain changed into
continuous dull pain, allowing me to finally speak words again. But
first, I had to swallow the spit that had gathered in my mouth.

“Dang…This hurts a lot more…than I thought…!”

 A severe stimulus from the inside that I had never felt before. I was
foolish enough to believe I could actually bear this pain just because I
got serious. However, no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, I
couldn’t waste these precious seconds that I had offered myself with
this ridiculous deed.

“…So, my lady…”

“Eeek…?!”

— You don’t want to end up like this, do you?

I conveyed this notion with just a gaze, as the cutter fell from her
hands. The impact led the blade to shatter and scatter in the room. I’m
guessing this must have come as a shock to her, as she just slid to the
ground next to the door, her face as pale as snow. But to me, that
spelled victory.

“…Ugh…!”

Oddly enough, I felt no anger or sadness. Even deeper in my

consciousness than the desire to scream in pain and agony was…an
odd sense of tranquility that eventually rose to the surface—What the
hell am I even doing…? I was utterly disgusted at myself. I knew I had
to stop her as quickly as possible, but who in their right mind would
open up a hole in their own hand just to convey a point? Who was the
crazy one in that scenario? There must have been something else I
could have done.

And by the time the regret set in, my head could finally think
somewhat clearly again. Looking at my hand dangling near the ground,
I could see my precious iron leaving my body, albeit at a slower rate
than before. I should do something about this first. I think…I had to put
it higher than my own heart, right?

I grabbed a bunch of tissues from a nearby shelf and pressed them

onto my left hand’s palm and the back. I didn’t dare to see if I had
pierced through. But as the tissues began to become drenched in red
liquid, I was forced to add more layers—all the while dealing with the
pain.

“Ah…ah…”

I did all I could to suppress the urge to scream in pain, when I heard
a weeping voice, almost like it was speaking as my proxy.

“Aaaaaah…”

“…”
 Witnessing someone who was even more bewildered than yourself
sure helps to calm you down. Or maybe this entire chaotic situation
miraculously linked up our pain. I wouldn’t know.

“…!”

Looking at my left hand like she had suffered this injury herself, my
lady’s cheeks began to turn wet with tears. What she planned to do…
how she felt right now, I could only imagine it. But if she could show
such a kind expression now, then these dark feelings that led her to
carry these scissors here must have been overwhelming to her.

“Y’know…I wasn’t lying or anything.”

“…Huh…?”

“During the fashion show, I would have voted for you even if you
hadn’t asked me to…Because you deserved it more than anybody else.”

“…!”

I didn’t say all this to cheer her up. I just wanted to clear up this
misconception she had. Her acting as the victim and all that is
something she can do all she wants, but I couldn’t stand the idea that
she made up her mind about how I feel. And more than anything, I
couldn’t just keep silent and risk that she would dare attempt
something like that again. Sure, we never really had anything to do
with each other, and I don’t know how much effort or planning she put
into all that…but looking at her in her uniform right this moment, I can
tell that this hard work allowed her to become the shining star of the
fashion show. I’m not all too familiar with makeup or clothes, but you
surely wouldn’t be able to achieve that level of quality on your first
attempt. She must have gone through trial and error an immense
amount of times.

“But…When I said I was jealous that you’d look good in everything…

that ain’t quite right.”

“Huh…?”
 “I mean, I bet you’d nail it just as much, but…”

Each time I sucked up the incoming pain, I choked on my breath, my

tone growing fiercer. I wanted to give her a few kind words of support,
but even more than that, my own feelings won the upper hand. She
could do it because she is wealthy. She could do it because she
possessed these looks. Her status made it possible for her. She was
confident, too. She was proud of herself…But that’s also why
misfortune easily crushed all of that. It changed into hatred to the
point her reasoning was thrown to the side. She had no remorse for
trying to hurt herself. Not like I am one to talk in that regard. But…the
reason I can’t fully sympathize with her is that we live in different
worlds. I know that something like that is possible…and I am like this
right now because I have fully embraced that fact when it comes to
how I was before. And that’s exactly why—

“ …Do you really need to look good while crying, too? Screw off.”

“Ah…”

I had no choice or room to act all friendly with her. On the contrary,
I was just throwing my complaints at her. I did try to smile while doing
so, but I have no clue if that worked out as planned. On the backhand
of trying to keep up appearances, I could feel the blood rushing to my
head. She’s like a tragic heroine, and it pisses me off. How can she look
this good even while crying? I’m trying hard not to break face here, and
she’s showing off her beauty with those pearls running down her
cheeks.

“So if you don’t like this reality, would you mind wiping away those
tears?”

“…!”

She’s got the gall to act like she’s empty. Like she has nothing. Never
will have anything. She’s blessed enough to be born into her current
environment, blessed with her perfect appearance, and not even a few
hours ago, she was celebrated by a massive crowd of people…Yet now
she’s sitting there on the ground, acting like she’d lost her friends, her
family, and her whole fortune.

“If you don’t like this result, why don’t you get up and do something
about it?”

Why did she barge in here with a weapon? It’s because, somewhere
deep within her chest, she’s got this burning pride that wouldn’t lose to
anybody, no? If that’s the case, then I want her to get mad at me for
saying this pathetic appearance looks good on her. I want her to be the
rich lady that always acts like she’s better than the rest.

“…And if you can’t do that…then I wouldn’t mind lending you a

hand.”

“…?!”

Her fragile gaze met mine, as I threatened her with a glare, telling
her to get up. Because of this pain, I’m seriously starting to lose it.
Being given a helping hand by the same person who has this injury to
deal with…crosses sarcasm and reaches a territory of nothing but
cynical snide remarks. I guess my nasty personality can never change,
huh? But at the very least, the crude blood I share with Big Sis is
helping me out a lot. This belief of “Where there’s a will, there is a
way” that is coming back to my head now that I can finally think
again…It resonates with me. This pushy hot-bloodedness creates a
self-indulgent and refreshing feeling allowing me to even momentarily
forget about the pain in my hand.

The tissues I pressed on the wound still weren’t enough, as the

blood eventually entered my sleeve, sticking to my skin and shirt. Even
as the pain was slowly subsiding, I’m feeling just as disgusted as when
I’m forced to wear my uniform despite being sweaty as hell. How long
will this hell continue? I can’t even leave like this. But…I really should
be doing something about this injury soon, or else…
 “Ugh…Hic…”

“…Huh?”

However, right as I felt the gravity and danger of this situation, I saw
the weeping rich lady in front of me stretch out her shaking hand. This
result being anything but what I had expected, I was utterly
dumbfounded and bewildered, even reaching the point I momentarily
forgot all about my pain. Now wait a second, I did technically offer to
help her get up…but is she really making me, the injured clown, do
that? For real? Let alone living in different worlds, we’re like from
different universes. I mean, I’m still gonna help her, though…

“Urk…!”

I firmly grasped her small hand with my right one, pulling her up by
mainly relying on my own strength. Knowing that she didn’t do any
effort to get up herself, it crossed the level of making me feel annoyed,
and I was about to feel genuine killing intent. Thanks to this whole
ordeal, my left hand is hurting even more. I’m starting to feel like
Vegeta here, for crying out loud. But once she stood on her own two
legs, she managed to keep her hold.

“Hey…”

“…!”

“Wha…Huh?”

Even after she stood up, she wouldn’t let go of my right hand. Since
my left hand was completely useless right about now, I could only
wait…when she suddenly approached me. She finally let go of my right
hand only to press both of hers onto my chest. The pressure she put on
me left me unable to make any progress. Because of this sudden…
bullying that was put on me, I was not sure how to react. How…is she
so strong…!
 “…Could you let me go to the infirmary?” I said with probably my
deepest voice ever.

The path to the infirmary felt much longer than usual. The left hand
I carried in front of my chest felt hot…pumping with pain. The people I
passed on the way all gave me dubious looks. I don’t know if I built up
this wall between others because I figured the infirmary would be my
saving grace, but I didn’t even expect another person to come and help
me. I was much more scared of some ruckus being the cause of my
injury getting worse.

“Ugh…”

The sliding door in front of me was my final boss. Normally, a pinkie

alone would allow me to push it open, but now it felt like I was dealing
with a tightly-sealed iron door. Contrary to my left hand soaked in
blood, the sweat that ran off my chin made it feel like not everything
was lost.

“E-Excuse me…!”

Upon entering, I put my strength into my chest to call out, as a

cheerful “Yeees?” came from deeper within. At the very least, this
wasn’t the voice of our school nurse, experiencing the prime of her life.
Followed by a few quick footsteps, a single female student appeared
from the back left, where all the beds were located.

“Who is it?”

“…”

The person I was greeted with reminded me of those gals who

pretended to be prim and proper, running off to skip class in the
infirmary. But, she didn’t look to be in the same year as me. She had
long black hair, styled in waves, paired with a short skirt, and a colorful
scrunchie around her wrist. Her uniform was also worn out of shape. I
find it really hard to believe that she was here for health reasons. And
although they did look different, I got this same feeling from Big Sis
before. An average student who wanted to graduate from being a gal
but quite couldn’t.

“Oh, it’s a boy.”

I may be, yes, but shouldn’t my bloody hand catch your attention
first? Spotting me, the gal in her final stage gave me an emotionless
look. I thought of giving her a piece of my mind, but nothing good
would come from making enemies here. Plus, the color of her loose
necktie was green, telling me that she was a third-year student, just
like Big Sis. In that sense, I probably shouldn’t get on her bad side
while I’m in this pinch.

“Excuse me, but…where’s the nurse? Where’s Shindou-sensei?”

“Reiko-chan? She’s out right now.”

“Ugh…”

It’s…It’s over…I could feel the remnants of my heart shatter, as I sat

down on one of the long sofas next to the entrance door. Unable to
keep my arm above my chest because of my dwindling strength, I was
forced to place it on my lap. With its position lowered, I could feel the
warmth on its way back to me. Still…Shindou-sensei’s first name is
Reiko, huh?

“Wait, hold on! What happened to your hand?!”

The girl must have seen that I had given up on everything, as her
eyes shot open and she panicked. I don’t even have the energy to feel
annoyed at that…Still, this is what despair feels like? I could practically
feel my body losing strength, the pain growing stronger.

“I’ll go look for Reiko-chan!”

 “…”

She must have realized that this injury is no laughing matter. She
quickly dashed out of the room without a care about how she looked or
was perceived. On her way out, her black hair and skirt caught my
attention, but this situation wouldn’t permit me from feeling anything
beyond that.

“…Ah…”

“…”

Then, someone’s legs appeared in front of me. Raising my head, I

saw that it was my lady, awkwardly embracing her body with one arm.
Seems like she was following me every step of the way here. But, I
didn’t have any interest in appreciating her beauty, so I just lowered my
head and looked at the ground in silence. I don’t have time to care for
her. She might as well just go home.

“…”

“…”

The silence led me to focus on my left hand again. But I didn’t want
that to happen, so I instead directed my attention to the faint noises in
the distance. I didn’t know how my bleeding was doing, but at the very
least, my regular sweat stopped.

“…I brought her!”

“! Argh…”

A few minutes later, the senior from early came storming inside. So
fast…I guess I didn’t give her much credit. A glimmer of hope filled my
heart, but this whole screaming only made the pain in my hand
stronger.
 “I heard we’ve got someone injured…Wait, you are…”

“Y-Yes…Hello there.”

Behind the senior appeared a woman—the nurse. She seemed to be

out of breath, telling me she actually rushed here. And the white robe
spoke for itself. I felt bad for all the trouble I caused her during the first
term on that rainy day I fainted. Her remembering my face was a small
salvation, at least.

“Sajou-kun, what’s with that hand?”

“…Huh? ‘Sajou’…?”

“Anyway, come with me.”

The nurse gently pushed my back, guiding me to a round seat in

front of an examination table. That senior seemed to be surprised to
hear my name, but I’m guessing that’s simply because I’m that former
yankee’s younger brother. That reminds me…I wonder what Big Sis’s
other classmates think about her. Sindou-sensei sat down facing me,
examining my hand.

“Can I take off the tissues?”

“Huh?”

“I’ll take them off.”

“O-Okay…”

She must have seen my terrified face, because she immediately took
action. She grabbed a pair of scissors to cut up the tissues I had
wrapped around my left hand. I gasped in fear, and another person
standing behind me did the same. This is the one sight I really would
rather not see.

“Eeek…”
 The lump of red tissues was cut apart by the entering scissors. Wet
and drenched, it was easy to cut through, as it fell from the back of my
hand. At that point, I was scared shitless. Then, she ripped off the
tissues from the inside of my palm, making me feel like it was glued to
my skin. At that moment, the pain was completely overwhelmed by the
fear I felt.

“This is…”

“…!”

Shindou-sensei narrowed her eyes. And seeing the state of my left

hand, I had to swallow my saliva. Because the red blood had begun
changing to black, it was hard to immediately figure out the severity of
the injury. However, seeing that the center of my hand, the part you
would call the “surface”, had completely lost its shape, it was all too
clear—Yeah, this one’s a big baddie.

“What about the back of your hand?”

“…”

“I see.”

She responded without even waiting for my answer. I sure didn’t

dare to check what the back looked like, and she must have realized
that.

“Either way, we don’t have the equipment to deal with this. The
bleeding may have stopped, but we must head to the hospital right
away.”

“O-Okay.”

Looking at that changed facial color of hers, paired with her strong
tone, I could only nod along. She put a fresh bandage around my left
hand and told me to press down on it while keeping it on the table.
Once again, I listened without asking questions.

“However, it’s already pretty late…The outpatient ward has closed

already, so we can only rely on an ambulance…But for that, I have to
discuss this with the school.”

“Ack…”

Realizing that this would blow up far more than I had anticipated,
the cold sweat came back. With an ambulance, the whole school will
know that something went down because of the sirens. Surely, they’ll
be out there to watch me. And although I’d love to avoid that, I guess
that won’t work.

“E-Excuse me! Then I shall…!”

Right as depression crept up on me, my lady spoke up. I looked over

at her, slightly anticipating if she could maybe get me out of this mess.
And unlike when she held the cutter, her gaze now held a certain level
of determination.

“And who are you?”

“I-I am his fellow first-year student Shinonome Claudine Marika! I

am a student belonging to the West side!”

“So, what? You mean to tell me your connections would make things
easier?”

“Y-Yes!”

“Saying that it would be quicker?”

“Yes! I don’t need permission from the school, so it’ll be faster!”

“…Hmm…Is that so…”

 It seems like there’s no more reason to call an ambulance. Thank
god…Well, the injury on my hand hasn’t magically disappeared, but
being able to get out of here without catching any attention is better
than nothing. I shall rely on my lady’s graciousness and…

“…Hold on a second.”

“Wh-What do you want?”

But right as I sighed in relief with my right hand on my chest,

another shadow appeared to spoil our plans. I had completely
forgotten about that other senior still being with us. And all her
nonchalant demeanor from before was gone, as she spoke with a calm,
almost cold voice.

“I haven’t heard the details, but you’re not gonna hurt this little
Sajou-kun, are you?” She asked with a genuinely serious expression,
even sounding hostile towards my lady.

The glare she directed at her my lady reminded me of Big Sis’s,

creating a chilly atmosphere.

“What are you saying?!”

“Oh, I’m sorry…But in this day and age, you simply can’t trust the
‘West side,’ see.”

“…!”

My lady stepped backward, unable to find any words to respond

with. I remembered that that senior is a third-year student—Until last
year, Kouetsu High was split into the east and west side. The east
being from class A to C, with the west side being D to F. Since the
current student council has students from both sides, this whole
conflict never particularly felt real to me. Were they always fighting
like this back in the day…?
 Though, whether or not my lady is gonna use this against me or not,
like that senior suggested, I am the one who caused this injury in the
first place. I won’t say she’s unrelated to this whole mess, but I enacted
this. I didn’t do it to place such a burden on her. If I can avoid any
major trouble, then I should rather be thankful for her offer. But right
as I wanted to take my lady’s side, Shindou-sensei joined the
conversation.

“Stop that, Onitsuka-san. Is that something you should be discussing

with a first-year student like her? You are part of the health committee.
What should be prioritized?”

“Ugh…I’m sorry.”

With that, the argument was sealed. Still…the gal-ish senior being
part of the health committee? I thought she was just skipping out on
work while hiding here…But I guess she’s a lot more genuine and
caring than I gave her credit for. Though, it sure feels like she’s still one
step away from making a full recovery from being a gal. A bit different
from Big Sis…I just hope she lets us be now.

“Shinonome-san, I shall rely on those connections of yours. Please

get everything settled and then tell me the name of the hospital, as
well as the number of the plastic surgery department.”

“I-I understand! I will send for a car immediately!”

“When will it be here?”

“15 minutes, at most!”

“That’s quite quick. Then I will contact his homeroom teacher

Ootsuki-senpai. Onitsuka-san, could you go to class 1-C and grab his
belongings?”

“Yeah, got it!”

 “That is ‘Yes’ for you.”

“Yes! I understand!”

Things went a lot more smoothly than I initially anticipated. And I’ll
be making it out of here without an ambulance. I might even end up in
the hospital in around thirty minutes. This must be the benefit of being
a rich lady. I’m quite thankful…Should I be? I can’t even tell anymore.
And I don’t know how I feel about having that senior running around
for my sake, even if she’s a member of the health committee. At the
very least, it was better than leaving me, an injured person, all alone.
So, I did my part and pressed down on the wound—while thinking
about how I could even begin to explain this injury.
 Chapter 6
Responsibility and Anger
The treatment of my left hand finished rather quickly. It was
thoroughly washed and disinfected, with a salve and see-through
wrapping put around it, with a bandage to finish it off. According to the
examination, the scissors did not pierce my whole left hand, as the
structure on the back of my hand acted as a shield. In terms of a
thorough physical, I was lucky that it was just a pair of sewing scissors
and not a sharp knife, meaning that my nerves were unharmed. With
the right treatment and care, it shouldn’t leave any lingering problems.
To the doctor, I explained that I simply happened to land on sharp
equipment while doing my work at school. That excuse should
probably work when the school asks, too.

“E-Excuse me…”

“…”

I was laying in the regular hospital room’s cheap bed, receiving a

drip feed, when my lady spoke up. She was sitting next to the bed on a
round chair. Compared to the time she drove with me to the hospital,
she looks like she has calmed down a whole lot. However, she didn’t
continue after that. On the contrary, we didn’t even speak all the way
here. And I’m not ignoring her or anything, I just don’t know how to
interact with her. Considering how this injury even came into existence,
maybe I shouldn’t be talking to her at all. However, logic and personal
feelings are always at odds, and my feelings didn’t want to be harsh.
Rather, I was thankful she allowed me to get out of school without
causing any major trouble. So with that thought in mind, I decided to
backtrack.
 “…Thanks for your help. Not only did you help me stay
inconspicuous, you even paid for the treatment…”

“Please, don’t mind it.”

The butler of advanced age standing behind my lady responded to

my gratitude calmly and peacefully. Is this what you would call a
geezer? I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed he’s not looking like a
genuine butler and more like a bodyguard. The car was also more like
a taxi and not like those private Benz cars you’d expect. Man, that
would have been my only grace.

“…Sajou-sama.”

“Ah, yes?”

Sajou-sama…Since that was a first for me, I couldn’t help but admire
it. I responded in respect, as the geezer looked down at me with a
humble expression.

“It seems as if you were kind enough to not speak the truth during
the previous medical investigation…”

“Ah…Well…”

“…!”

During the actual physical, neither of them tagged along, leaving

me behind with the doctor. There, I was expected to explain exactly
how this injury happened, but I’m guessing this geezer was told later,
which is why he thanked me for being kind enough. Looking at my lady
and her staring just at the ground, I figure she must have come clean to
her butler. Understandably so. After all, why would she go out of her
way to take me to the hospital and pay for the bill when I allegedly got
this injury because I fell over? And I’m guessing he’s saying this now so
that she wouldn’t feel bad.
 “And I know I might be asking for a lot with this, but would it be
possible in any way that you could keep this a secret?”

Seeing a man probably triple my age so politely while practically

begging me left me unable to respond. This really isn’t something
some regular dude from high school would be experiencing. Maybe he
thinks I’m gonna snap a picture and upload it on social media with the
description along the lines of “Got stabbed, lul.” Maybe not.

“I don’t mind…”

Even if he hadn’t asked me, I would take this whole ordeal with me
to the grave. No clue how my lady feels, but I definitely see this as a
part of my dark past. Because…I was the one who caused this. I don’t
think I could laugh about this even in twenty years. The bigger
problem was simply how I could explain such a grave injury without
coming clean about it.

It’s been roughly an hour since we made it to the hospital. I figure

most folks at school are done cleaning up, slowly making their way
home. Reception has closed, too, so not many people entered and left
the building. I feel like helping on the committee had me staying at
school for much longer than usual. So much so that I could question if I
was really in the go-home club. It sure does not feel that way.

“I’ll put the medicine away.”

“Ah, yes…”

My lady was evidently dispirited, as she reached for my right hand.

She handed me a plastic bag with medicine inside. She opened the
zipper of my bag, which she carried in both her hands, carefully placing
the plastic bag inside. That being said, she seemed weaker than usual,
as well as meeker, because this entire situation was entirely
unbelievable. I carefully chose my next words, but the geezer got the
jump on me.

“Sajou-sama, let me drive you home.”

“Oh, su—”

“There is no need for that!”

“Huh?”

I was about to agree to this proposition, but a strong voice,

brimming with pressure, interrupted me and the geezer. I looked
toward the source of the voice in shock, where I saw Big Sis, gasping
for air with both hands on her hips. I struggled to swallow this sudden
situation when I saw other people behind her—Yuuki-senpai, the gal-
ish senior from the infirmary…I think her name was Onitsuka-senpai?
She smiled and waved at me, but I genuinely struggled to understand
why she was smiling in this situation.

“Tamao, hold my bag.”

“Okemaru!”

Oh no, I don’t like that look. My instincts were screaming fear and
terror, as Big Sis grabbed the geezer’s shoulder, pushing him aside. I
saw her lifting her right elbow, so I used my left hand to put it between
Big Sis and my lady’s face.

“Stop it.”

“…Why.”

My quick guard seemed to have been successful, as Big Sis stopped

her fist from going further. If she had fired that off beyond the point of
no return, not even she would be able to stop it. I almost ended up in
the ICU there. The geezer stood behind Big Sis, probably intending to
stop her, but his face was distorted in terror and cold sweat. If you
want to meet your maker today, then just keep going like that.

“…?!”

Big Sis looked at my left hand, wrapped in a bandage, showing an

expression of unbridled rage and fury. It was entirely unbefitting of a
student council member. She lowered her fist and then glared at the
geezer behind her.

“Didn’t I tell you that nothing good will come from letting her run
free? And some long-lived old geezer couldn’t handle that?”

“Well…I had hoped that the young lady would be able to overcome
this…”

“And this is the result, huh?”

“Quite…”

Met with Big Sis’s barrage of complaints, the geezer struggled to

come up with a rebuttal. From the sounds of it, they knew about each
other before today. Understandably so, looking at Big Sis’s attitude
towards a man who lived several times her age. But, she’s still too
violent, and I can’t keep watching in silence.

“I’m surprised you knew I was here.”

I chose to change the topic to avoid the situation getting worse, and
Yuuki-senpai joined my plan as he spoke up.

“I sent you off roughly an hour ago. Yet, you didn’t come back, and
nor did the person who asked to meet the student council. I thought
something was off, so we headed to the office, finding the remains of
what looked like a fight and traces of blood. Looking into it, the person
who called us was an employee from the school, tasked by Marika. As
we looked for your location, Onitsuka approached Kaede. That’s how
we figured out you were here.”

“Kaede was absolutely beside herself, you know!”

“R-Right…”

I completely forgot we left the student council office in that state. It

must have looked like a murder scene. I could practically see their
faces when they stumbled upon it.

“And the security cameras recorded what happened there, so Kai

filled us in. There is no further explanation needed.”

“Ah…”

“We’re taking Wataru with us.”

“H-However, we should explain this to your parents…”

“No need. You don’t need to do a thing. Just don’t ever get close to
him again,” Big Sis said.

“…”

I reached out my hand to stop this whole argument but was at a

loss for what to even say. If this was just her venting her anger, it
would be one thing, but I don’t think a single thing as to what is even
going on behind the scenes, so I can’t just carelessly speak up. And if
this is her third warning, she very much is entitled to her anger.

“Marika.”

As I was not sure what to do, Yuuki-senpai called out to my lady.

“Didn’t I tell you before? I have no intention of being tied down by

the decisions my family made. I avoided stating it directly, but that
includes the relationship we have.”
 “Ah…”

“As the person who will inherit the family, I am aware of my own
position. That is why I already informed the Shinonome Family that no
demerit will befall you despite us not getting married. Because I firmly
believe these old-fashioned traditions should not be the deciding
factor to keep our families connected.”

“I-I just wanted to…”

“That’s all I’m going to say today. But I will ask you to understand my
feelings.”

“…!”

This engagement was forced onto them by their families. And to my

lady, this was a responsibility she sought to fulfill, but to Yuuki-senpai,
it turned into shackles to tie him down. The one with the most
common sense in this case is definitely Yuuki-senpai. Having your
parents decide your future to such an extent is utterly ridiculous. But
with his looks…you’d admire him either way.

“…That’s all.”

Leaving these words behind, Yuuki-senpai left the room. I think he

was still trying to be nice…But it didn’t work. Then again, he’s in the
right. As a fellow monster who wouldn’t give up no matter how many
times I was rejected, I can tell that it needs this much…Oh man, I might
just start crying before my lady does.

“Let’s go.”

“R-Right…”

Big Sis urged me to get up by moving her chin. Yuuki-senpai’s words

and declaration must have helped her cool her head, as she seemed a
lot more relaxed compared to before. Going against her will during this
situation is definitely going to backfire, so I’ll tag along.

“…Ah.”

I forgot, my lady is still carrying my bag. Dear god who is watching

me right now…Why must you hurt me so? What did I do to deserve
such punishment?

“Hey…my lady.”

“I…I’m not crying…!”

“Erm…”

“I’m not crying…!”

She tightly embraced my bag, her long and blonde hair covering her
face. That being said, judging from her quivering voice, it didn’t take
Sherlock himself to figure out how she must have felt. And those words
of pretense and acting strong only fueled the responsibility I carried.

“…Tears don’t even look good on you, after all.”

She may have wished to end her life prematurely, yet she still
stands in front of me right now. And if this was her first step to getting
up again, then I couldn’t block off that path with those earlier words I
threw at her without much thought. I had no trouble taking the bag
from her now. Unable to bear this sadness, struggling with her own
feelings, she must have an utterly botched facial expression right now.
Not cold tears of resignation, but those burning hot with a fiery
passion. I didn’t want her to think it was all pointless. Because regret is
always part of a love that didn’t bloom, but this regret allows people to
work on themselves and then…truly shine. I’m sure that the next time
we meet, she will be much more beautiful than before.

*
 “That’s…”

We passed through the parking lot and the traffic circle. I spotted a
long and white car, completely different from the one I came here with.
Now this one looks like a rich person’s car. And I’m going to ride on
that now?

“La la la~”

“Ugh…”

As I was rushing after Big Sis and Yuuki-senpai, a strong stare

entered my view from time to time. From the right to the front of the
back to the left, I was being observed from all possible directions.

“Is there…something on my face?”

“Hehe, Kaede’s younger bro~!”

“No, um…”

Like you would test the fabric of a certain cloth, Onitsuka-senpai

bluntly placed her upper arm on my right shoulder. She’s been
practically showering me with attention ever since she found out I was
related to Big Sis. Maybe…maybe she’s fallen for me…?! I glanced at
Big Sis, whose eyes were wide open as she looked at us.

“Tamao, you…”

“Yep, seems like everything’s fine.”

“Even so, not now.”

“But you kept him a secret from me all this time!”

“Ah, hey!”
 My dear senior suddenly clung to me from the side, and with her
body weight pressing onto me, I could clearly pick up what was
unmistakable: her meaty softness. The only regret I have is that it’s not
as direct as I wished because of the sweater she was wearing. I wish
this happened during summer…

“Ouchies~”

I indulged in her gal-ish scent completely different from Big Sis, as a

sharp chop slammed down on her head. That hurt, dang it. The impact
reached all the way to my left hand…Moving away from me, Onitsuka-
senpai rubbed her head in pain. The way she acted didn’t make her
look like someone older than me, but that black hair helped the most
in keeping up her image as an examinee.

“She’s once again…”

“I guess gals just don’t have a sense of distance like an average

person does.”

“I don’t think that’s entirely true for Onitsuka.”

“…?”

“Anyway, about what happened this time…”

Yuuki-senpai’s response sounded off to me, but before I could ask

another thing, he turned his whole body toward me. With how close we
were, I was forced to even directly look up at him. This height
difference…perfect for a kiss…

“I’m sorry. I did not expect things to escalate like this.”

His sudden apology threw me off. He may not have lowered his
head, but he most definitely looked down at the ground. Unlike his
usual indifferent tone and manner of speaking, his voice depicted clear
regret at what happened this time around. The student council
president I knew was always reliable and cunning…But is that just
acting, or is that his true self? I didn’t have the eye to see through that.

“…”

Looking away from Onitsuka-senpai, Big Sis stared at the ground

below, an expression like she was biting on an insect, but she didn’t
say a word. But I know her. She immediately says what she thinks, so if
she believed Yuuki-senpai to be at fault, she would give him an earful
immediately. The reason she wasn’t doing so meant there was
something else below the scenes. Just as I thought.

“Still…’Just don’t ever get close to him again,’ huh? Will that really
work out, I wonder.”

Big Sis heard my words and looked at me. I answered her gaze, as
well as her eyes shaking in uncertainty, with unwavering
determination, just like that one time on the rooftop.

“…What do you mean?”

Since my words must have sounded condescending in a way, even

Yuuki-senpai gave me a dubious look with a puzzled expression. Did he
think I would just let that slide and not comment on it? But in the
same way that I don’t really know him, he probably can’t anticipate
what I’m about to say.

“I’ve heard rumors of Big Sis since the day I enrolled. Seems to be
quite an influential figure, too. But the more influence you have, the
easier it is to lose control. You mentioned that leaving things alone
won’t bring any good…But is that really something you should be
saying?”

“H-Hold on. This incident with Marika rests on my shoulders. Kaede

was just the outlet for her frustration. She has no responsibility in—”

“Is it just my lady, I wonder?”

 “…What?”

“Is my fair lady the only one…holding a grudge against you, Big
Sis?”

“…”

Sure, that incident today was a special case. This tragedy was
caused because Yuuki-senpai and my lady were supposed to be
engaged. Of course, she directed her grudge at Big Sis directly, but
even someone as influential as Yuuki-senpai had no idea. Strictly
speaking, the blame falls on him this time around. However, I doubt it
was just Yuuki-senpai’s standing in this situation that led my lady into
such a violent act.

“I found out quickly after enrolling that something happened at

Kouetsu High in the past. I don’t know the details of what exactly was
going on back then, but the work of the current student council
allowed things to be taken under control. A few years ago, Big Sis was
a yankee. One hell of a yankee, too. I highly doubt that my lady is the
only one who has a problem with her.”

“That’s…”

Big Sis seemed to be aware of this fact, as she dropped her gaze.
Whatever the reason may be, Big Sis had almost been harmed this time
around. If any of the choices taken in this event had been slightly
different, then I wouldn’t have ended up with a hole in my hand, but
Big Sis with a hole in her cranium thanks to the scissors. No way she
could just pull the power card and let that slide.

“This happens because you’re weak…Weaklings can’t fight…You need

strength to fight…You said that all the time a few years ago. Do you
still plan on brandishing that power to make more and more enemies
down the line?”

“Wait, what are you even…”

 “Our old man threw away his position to protect his family. As a
result, he managed to protect what he wanted , just as planned. Thanks
to that, we are here right now.”

“…!”

When I brought up our father, Big Sis’s face shot up, her expression
distorted. She surely didn’t resent him, but bringing up the existence
she saw as a bad example surely won’t allow her to remain silent.

“Do you still think he was wrong for what he did?”

“That’s…!”

Big Sis formed a fist, gritting her teeth as she hesitated to respond.
Even now, it sure feels like she might grow rampant any moment, but
I’m used to it. Looking at her face tells me she’s not willing to accept
my words. However, giving in to her emotions and letting violence do
the talking is not something she seems to be close to doing. Maybe
because what she wants to protect…includes me.

“But, Kaede isn’t wrong~”

“Wah, Tamao…!”

At that moment, Onitsuka-senpai leaped at Big Sis. That twisted

expression quickly disappeared from her face, leaving her more
bewildered than anything. At the same time, I was also not entirely
sure how to react to Onitsuka-senpai’s sudden appearance.

“If not for Kaede, I wouldn’t even be here! The school wouldn’t be
the way it is like right now, either. Kaede’s super amazing, y’know!”

“Erm…”

“Plus, people may have a problem with Kaede, but we’re gonna
handle that. Isn’t that right, student council president?”
 “…Yes, absolutely.”

“…”

With Onitsuka-senpai pressing her cheek against her, Big Sis tried
her hardest to peel her off. Even with her ridiculous strength, she
couldn’t fight off the adhesiveness of her gal friend. And the dear
student council president looked at this with a jealous glance.

“My legs are tired! Let’s go!”

“Yeah, yeah! Just let go of me!”

“Okemaru!”

“…”

Onitsuka-senpai forcefully dragged Big Sis along. I’ve never seen

something like this before…Big Sis just being treated like a giant doll…
And considering she’s a gal kind to a loser like me, she’s not just
anybody, huh?

“…Are you satisfied with this?” Yuuki-senpai asked.

“Guess so. Then again, not even I know what’s right or wrong here.”

“…Is that so?”

Plus, I’m not living my life constantly mindful of profound problems

like this. I have but a single heart, so I’m just trying not to carry any
unnecessary burden or responsibility. Leaving aside if that is something
accomplishable or not.

“Anyway, I think it’s time I get inside the car to…”

“What happened back then?”

“…What?”
 I wanted to take him up on the offer of driving me home, but Yuuki-
senpai continued with a deep voice.

“I previously looked into Kaede’s past. A drive and ability to take

action outside the scope of an ordinary person, the courage to be
undaunted by violence…I found it hard to believe that any regular past
would give birth to such a woman. And that’s how I also found out that
she has a younger brother—You.”

“Yikes…”

I couldn’t hide my discontent and disgust. That does not sound like
the evaluation you would have toward the woman you’ve fallen for.
And I personally don’t know what reaction would be accurate when
being told my older sister is like a monster. But it makes sense that
he’d look into all that.

“However, whenever I interact with you or Kaede, there tends to be

some information popping up that I am unaware of. And it would be
something easy to dig up if it’s related to your family. But, I never found
out anything regarding Kaede and her relationship with your father.”

“Well…it definitely isn’t normal, let’s just say that.”

How does he even find information about some random person’s

family? Any episodes that aren’t strictly written down on documents
would be pretty hard to look into, right? And he’s acting like it’s the
most normal thing in the world…though I don’t know how much of that
is true.

“There’s no actual discord between our old man and Big Sis. They
simply have different views on some things.”

“Is…that so…”

There was a time when Big Sis harshly reproached Dad. But at the
same time, his decision meant he could protect his family, and she
accepted that. They can talk normally just fine, too.

“Anyway, let’s go.”

“…Yeah.”

Yuuki-senpai looked ahead, giving Big Sis a complicated gaze as she

was being played like a fiddle by Onitsuka-senpai. I always thought he
was just blindly in love, but maybe that’s not all there is to it. Still…
looking into it, nothing came up…huh?

When I was still a small child, barely having acquired awareness, I

was always following after Big Sis, copying her. If that had continued
up to today, then maybe we would have grown up to become a regular
pair of siblings who’d be annoyed at each other and still lived in the
same home to grow up together. But now…that’s not the sort of
relationship we share. Big Sis might say that it’s not the case, but I can
feel a definitive rift between us.

There once was a man who wrongly separated himself from others.
Thinking back on it now, he must have been the target of Big Sis’s
admiration…and possibly even her first love. Ever since then, Big Sis
began seeing weakness as evil and worked to obtain her current
strength. Ever since then, I began avoiding trouble as our father has—
Ever since then, Big Sis and I could never see eye to eye ever again.
 Chapter 7
Unforeseen News
“Yup…Yup…Good.”

Standing at the school gate, Natsukawa Aika smiled, as the chilly

fall breeze tickled her sweaty cheeks. She placed her pen inside the
binder she carried in her hands, finishing another work checklist.
Narrowing her eyes in relief at having accomplished another duty, she
placed her side hair over her ear. Around an hour and a half had passed
since the closing ceremony finished.

When it came to cleaning up everything, the executive committee

was tasked with giving orders and directions. It was to ensure that all
objects and other necessities used for the festival would return to their
original location. Aika spotted trash with colorful tape nearby, picked it
up and placed it into a nearby trash bag another student carried. Soon
enough, the work of the committee would come to an end, too. With
that thought in mind, she looked around once again, when a shadow
appeared behind her.

“…H-Hey!”

“?”

A boy’s husky voice reached her ears, probably not quite having
made it into puberty yet. Just like the other students around Aika, she
turned toward the source of the voice. A young boy stood next to the
gate, wearing a white hoodie with oversized cargo pants, his hair
styled up with presumably hair gel. His clothes acted as a strong
contrast to his faintly tanned skin. And unless Aika was imagining
things, he was looking directly at her.
 “I’m sorry, but outsiders aren’t prohibited on—”

“L-Last time!”

“Huh?”

“Wh-When you showed us around school, I just couldn’t get you out
of my head! I’ve been thinking about you all this time! If I get accepted
at Kouetsu High…then please go out with me!”

Out of nowhere came a passionate confession. The surroundings

grew noisy, as Aika stood frozen stiff because it took her by surprise.
The first thing that popped up in her mind was the day during last
summer break when she was tasked with showing around the middle
school students. She remembered that one of the boys there could be a
bit rebellious at times.

“What’s this? A confession?”

“From a middle school kiddo, no less?”

“Holy smokes…”

“…Ah…!”

Mumbling from all around pulled Aika back from her thoughts, as a
wave of embarrassment filled her, and she realized that her head was
beginning to boil. She had to say something, so she turned toward the
boy again—However, a large shadow appeared from Aika’s side, so she
stopped before taking a single step.

“Hey now, think about the place and time, kiddo.”

“Huh?!”

Then, another student, wearing a black t-shirt, arrived and wrapped

his arm around the boy’s shoulder. It was one of the seniors who were
busy carrying the bigger props earlier. He was accompanied by two
other students, who all worked to drag the young boy outside the
school gate.

“Wha?! Hey…?!”

“I gotta commend your guts, though.”

“But you shouldn’t go around causing trouble.”

The middle school student tried to protest, but he couldn’t beat

several high school students. After they moved further away, the
surroundings turned quiet again. Aika grew worried they might have
been too aggressive.

“Yo. You okay, first-year?”

“Ah…Y-Yes!”

Everything was resolved without Aika realizing it. The students in

black t-shirts returned from the school gate, managing to have the
middle school student go home quietly. Some students around went
back to work, whereas some other girls seemed disappointed that
nothing else happened.

“Well, why not agree once he actually gets accepted here?”

“Um…Haha.”

One of the female seniors nearby said it like it wasn’t anybody’s

problem. And she was absolutely right, but saying it so bluntly…Aika
couldn’t completely accept it. She just smiled amicably and responded,
before returning to her work. Although the only work left was to gather
up the other necessities, while her focus had drastically lessened, Aika
followed after the mass of people. In her head, the previous confession
repeated over and over, having left a definitive impression. But, it
wasn’t the impact of having met the unknown that stuck with her. It
gave her a sense of nostalgia. The voice that replayed in her head
slowly began changing into one belonging to another boy…but Aika did
not even realize this.

The meeting room of the cultural festival executive committee was

packed with people, and Aika happened to be a bit late because of her
work, so she quickly rushed to her seat. To her left sat a boy from her
class, Sasaki, and in the back she could also see her senior Inoue.
Coming closer, that senior spoke up.

“I heard some guy confessed to you?”

“Eeep?!”

These words, coming from Inoue’s mouth that formed a devilish

grin, made Aika let out a flustered shriek. She quickly covered her
mouth but was still momentarily showered with more attention from
the people around her. Seeing Aika this flustered, Inoue voiced her joy.

“Gah, you’re so cute!”

“Ah, ugh…”

She moved her arm past Sasaki and slapped Aika on the back. Not
being too experienced with this sort of teasing, Aika blushed only
further.

“Hey, Senpai…You’re hitting me…!”

“Yuck, gross.”

As a result of all this, Sasaki could feel the girl’s chest directly
hitting his back, despite her supposedly having a boyfriend. No matter
how much of a player he was, he was still shaken by that. However, a
saving grace arrived for the poor lad who had just found himself a
girlfriend —
 “Okay everyone, good work. We’ll be holding a small party during
lunch break in the coming few days, so we hope to see you there.”

“Okaaaay!”

With this final speech, this cultural festival filled with lots of drama
finally ended. Out of all the members, the one who went through the
most change during that time was the committee president Hasegawa.
She changed her hair into a more docile shortcut look, switching from
glasses to contact lenses, solidifying her sophisticated look. You’d think
she went through a broken heart with this big of a change. But thanks
to that, she sounded a lot more composed during these final words.

“All right! Time to get back!”

“Saitou-san’s waiting after all.”

“R-Right!”

Thanks to the tension inhabiting this final meeting, Aika managed

to regain her composure. Picking up that Sasaki was oddly itching to
get back to their classroom, Aika commented while keeping the current
situation in mind. Girls always grow interested in love affairs, and she
was no different. And the attention she directed at Sasaki had grown
quite a lot compared to before he began dating the Yamato Nadeshiko
who was currently waiting for him in the classroom.

I see…

Walking not next to Sasaki but a few steps behind him, Aika gazed
at his back while she realized that these types of stories had grown in
number lately. Compared to middle school, the human relationships
around her were ever-evolving, making the passage of time even more
apparent.

What…do I do… now?

 She remembered that impactful incident with the young boy’s
confession earlier, as she opened the lid inside of her heart to peek
inside. Pale feelings were in turmoil deep inside of her. It was probably
something that had festered only recently. This odd lump of liquid
returned a strong stimulus each time Aika tried to caress its surface. If
she tried to figure out its consistency, it sent waves through her, almost
urging her to scream. It resembled an energy that left her completely
restless. That’s why she couldn’t afford to carelessly come in contact
with it.

The boy walking in front of her, as well as his girlfriend…They both

must be feeling the same way as Aika herself. Caressing it, touching it,
the same stimulus would run through their bodies. It must have left
them thinking, troubled. And now, with the existence she longed for by
her side, that girl must be trying to touch this lump that was finally
full. Of course, in the most ideal way.

What…am I supposed to do with this?

Realizing that she lacked something, Aika felt her heart’s hunger
grow stronger. Ever since this began, she regretted what she had done
in the past for the first time. And her instincts sadly didn’t help in
letting her find a way to remove this feeling. She had known, but a
human’s heart was as incomplete as could be. But in the end, it was up
to the people themselves to use their own reason to keep themselves
under control and erase this prank of the gods. Through that, they can
finally grow up to become adults. And since Aika had never realized
that people would need each other to become whole, she was
immensely inexperienced.

Amidst all this, she realized that this hunger and thirst made her
extremely lonely. What should she do to not lose this taste still
lingering in her? Using the special skill of a maiden’s heart, she opted
to use the sample in front of her to find the answer for herself.

“…Wah!”
 “Whoops.”

She heard two flustered voices and quickly raised her head. As they
had turned the corner, Sasaki seemed to have bumped into a small girl.
Luckily, neither of them ended up hurt. The girl carried her smartphone
in both her hands, pressed against her chest like it was a charm. Seeing
this earnest behavior, Aika narrowed her eyes.

“Oh, Ichinose-san? What’s wrong?” Sasaki asked.

Maybe she held the same feelings as Aika in her heart? Even in
Aika’s eyes, the girl was as adorable as a cute animal. It awakened a
desire to protect her even from someone of the same sex, making you
want to care for her. However, if Aika hadn’t prioritized her good faith
this one moment, she may not have been able to reach out her hand to
Ichinose-san. Having a little sister, she was aware she had these
caretaker tendencies, and yet she was feeling this way.

“Are you okay, Ichinose-san?”

“Y-Yes. I’m sorry…”

Everybody knew that she was a very docile girl. She and Sasaki
rarely talked, so it would probably be difficult for him to make any
progress with a conversation. That’s why Aika took over, seeing Sasaki
off as he hyped himself up and went back to the classroom. Good luck.

“U-Um…Natsukawa-san?”

“Yeah? What’s wrong?”

With how docile and insecure her voice was, it was hardly possible
to show any malice towards the girl. And Aika’s maternal desires grew
stronger as she asked the girl. Her Onee-san gears were turning.

“…Do you know where Sajou-kun is?”

 “…Um…”

And now, her consciousness was neutral. She didn’t even know why,
but Aika knew she stood there with a frozen smile. She managed to get
a grip and continued the conversation. From the looks of it, this girl
was panicking a bit, tightly gripping her phone, as she looked for a boy
by the name of Sajou.

“…What’s that about Wataru?”

“I just…couldn’t find him…And he’s not responding to me, either,”

she said and looked at her phone screen, then around her.

Witnessing that, Aika realized this mannerism wasn’t because of her

shy personality, but rather because she was genuinely panicking.

“Wasn’t he helping clean up the classroom?”

“I-I didn’t see him…”

“You didn’t…?”

The classrooms weren’t incredibly spacious, so not being able to see

him was close to impossible. And while Sajou Wataru greatly helped
the cultural festival executive committee, he was not part of the final
meeting earlier, either. That would mean…

“He might either be at the student council office or with the public
morals committee…?”

“Huh…?”

“His older sister is part of the student council. Did he ever tell you?”

“…”

The young girl showed an expression close to perplexion. She

apparently didn’t know that the student council’s vice president was
related to Sajou Wataru. And for some reason, that made Aika feel a bit
better. She realized that his position wasn’t all that normal, considering
he was the younger brother of someone as amazing as Kaede.

“And the public morals committee…”

“…?”

“What…exactly is the public morals committee?” The girl’s round

almond eyes looked up at Aika.

The president of the public morals committee, Shinomiya Rin, was

as dignified and remarkable as her name suggested, being the target of
the admiration of many girls here at this school. Aika’s best friend
Ashida Kei was no exception to this, always watching the girl with a
strong radiance in her eyes, smiling gleefully. For some reason, Wataru
happened to be in contact with this president quite a lot, sometimes
even eating lunch with them. Aika understood that this mostly
stemmed from the fact that his older sister and Shinomiya Rin were
good friends, but she even came to their classroom at times without
any correlation to his sister, which even confused him.

“I think that…he’ll be back soon enough, right?”

“Mmm…”

Either way, this pretty much made it obvious that Wataru’s sister was
sending him around to do work again. Surely, he must be doing his
work like always, while having this distant and uncaring gaze in his
eyes. That’s the conclusion Aika reached.

“Anyway, let’s go, Ichinose-san.”

“Y-Yes…”

With the executive committee having disbanded, they only had to

go home. The girl still seemed worried as she stared at her phone, so
Aika gave her a warm smile. Staying away from the classroom for too
long would only make them stand out more, after all.

“…”

The school had returned to the regular procedure, as the students

inside the classroom were indulging in various conversations. Aika sat
on her seat the furthest in the back, next to the window, staring at the
empty seat in front of her. It was Sajou Wataru’s seat, yet the boy
himself was nowhere to be found. Since the chair was still placed on
the desk, Aika put it down and placed her belongings on the hook.

“Curse you, Sajocchi…! Skipping your work to help us clean up…!”

“Oh, Kei.”

There, Aika’s best friend trotted her way with a sour expression. She
wore her blazer on top of her yellow hoodie, putting both hands
behind her head as she pouted. Aika responded by calling her name, as
she sat down on Wataru’s seat.

“No clue where he got summoned off to, but even skipping classes
is a bit much, nah?”

“That…is true.”

“He’s not responding to my messages, either. I bet he’s hitting on

some random woman.”

“He wouldn’t be…”

Aika tried to deny this harsh accusation Kei threw around, but she
showed no signs of calming down.

“Starting with a tsundere classmate, followed by an older Onee-san,

a mascot, a younger Onee-san, and even Sasakichi’s brocon sister!
What’s next, a gal?”

“What line-up is that even? You’re adding his older sister and—Wait,
who’s a tsundere?!”

“Tehehe, sowie!”

“I swear…”

Aika cooled her head after this outburst and then realized
something. Not only did the so-called mascot not reach Wataru, but
even Kei also didn’t get any response. Curious, Aika went to confirm
this.

“Did you try to get in touch with him?”

“Several times. What about you, Aichi?”

“I’ll text him right now…”

“You really don’t get it. I’ll just chat him up in the group chat!”

Aika grabbed her smartphone and opened up her chat with Wataru.
The final conversation they had was during the night of the first day of
the festival. After they went on their way home, they discussed walking
around the festival together. And although it was a bit too early to
sleep, they each said “Good night.” For a brief moment, Aika found
herself smiling, but she quickly got a grip and ran her fingers across
the screen.

‘Where are you right now? We’re going to disband soon.’

The message went out…five seconds passed…but wasn’t read.

Staring at the screen for a moment, Kei’s message appeared in their
class’ group chat.

‘Key, skipper Sajocchi. You’re treating us later during the party.’

 “Ah, the party…”

“That’s right! To celebrate the success of the festival. But keep it a

secret from Ootsuki-chan!”

“You have no respect for our teacher…”

‘Only Sajou gets scored during the karaoke.’

‘Key +3, too.’

Following Kei’s individual message, other classmates joined in,

spewing their complaints. It seemed like the guilt for not having
helped was larger than expected. And Kei’s initial message surely didn’t
help.

“…He’s not responding.”

“What is he doing…”

Checking the private chat, Wataru had yet to read the message. The
same was the case for Kei. The two of them grew worried that he might
have gotten in serious trouble this time around, so they looked at each
other.

“I’m…gonna call him.”

“Yeah, good idea.”

“Erm…”

Since Aika had never initiated a call herself, she had to first search
for the call button. After finding and pressing it, the screen changed
and she placed her phone on her ear, waiting for Wataru to answer.
Being nervous was one thing, but she also felt her heart racing faster
because this was a first for her.

“…Um.”
 “He’s not answering after all?”

“I’ll wait just a bit longer—”

‘Excuse meee!’

““?!””

Roughly ten seconds after Aika called Wataru, a clear voice could be
heard from outside the classroom. It had been so loud, the entire class
turned toward the door, when a third-year student, judging from her
necktie color, came running inside.

‘This is class C, right? Right?’

‘Y-Yes?’

It was a senior with long black hair, styled in waves. From the tone
of her voice and general demeanor, she did not look like the most
serious of students. And with this sudden appearance, the students in
the classroom began whispering to themselves. Naturally, Kei and Aika
looked at each other. The candidate for Wataru’s next target didn’t care
much for the attention however and just looked around.

‘Excuse me, but where is little bro…Where’s Sajou-kun’s seat?’

“Huh…?”

“Wha…?”

From this random person now appeared Wataru’s name, leaving

both Aika and Ashida confused. The mysterious senior heard about
Wataru’s seat and walked towards us.

“Um…?”

“Ah, it’s here.”

 “Oh, you were just sitting on it.”

“Yes…Ah, hey?!”

“What are you…?!”

Kei got up from Wataru’s desk, making space for the senior. She
walked over and just grabbed Wataru’s bag without saying a thing,
turning around to walk away. However, that was too abrupt, so Aika
and Kei called her out on it.

“What’s up? I’m in a rush, right now.”

“W-Wait, why are you…”

“He’s about to head off to the hospital. He won’t be coming back to

school today.”

“Wha…”

“Like I said, I’m in a hurry! Thanks a bunch!”

“Ah…!”

Not giving the girls any time to ask questions, the mysterious senior
rushed off. Unable to understand what was happening, Aika and Kei
tried to reach for her arm but only met empty air. Learning about
Wataru’s situation, their classmates whispered to each other.

“Huh? Did that Sajou…collapse again?”

One of the male students muttered. Soon enough, speculations

filled the entire classroom. And since a senior came to stop by and grab
Wataru’s belongings, it alluded to this whole ordeal being more serious
than they initially assumed. Guesses ran wild, even about things that
had nothing to do with Wataru.

“…”
 “…”

Despite being told face-to-face, Aika and Kei had no idea what was
even happening, just frozen stiff. Another girl, sitting on the opposite
side of the classroom, was utterly pale and in a similar state.

Wataru was brought…to the hospital…

With Aika constantly repeating these words to herself, she couldn’t

particularly focus back on her conversation with Kei. Her entire body
was rushing her to dash to his side this instant, but Kei held Aika’s
hand and shook her head. Since the homeroom had arrived, they were
unable to leave. Aika’s fingers nervously ran along her phone screen, as
she wanted to text him, but not knowing the details, she wasn’t even
sure how to bring it up.

“…”

“A-Aichi…Let’s just calm down, yeah?”

Aika must have looked frantic and worried because Kei had to tell
her to relax. Met with this, Aika looked down at the ground.

“I get it. You’re worried.”

“…Yeah…”

After a brief exchange, Aika seemed like she had calmed down a bit.
She had even sat at her own seat again, with Kei’s arms wrapped
around her, like a scarf warming up her frozen heart.

“It’s Sajocchi. He’ll be alright.”

“…Yeah.”
 Kei’s voice gently whispered into her ear. Realizing that she was
taking things too far, Aika held onto her reasoning and nodded. She
knew that accepting another person’s warmth was unplaced at this very
moment, but he also couldn’t deny the comfortable feeling of her
frozen-cold neck slowly warming up. And even so, as she stared down
at her desk, the passage of time felt much slower than usual.

“Regarding Sajou-kun, it seems like he had to be brought to the

hospital because of an injury. It is a shame that he couldn’t be here to
end the cultural festival with all of us.”

“An injury…”

Finally, the homeroom arrived. Their homeroom teacher Ootsuki

delivered the same truth they had already heard, which was the worst-
case scenario for Aika. Now that the cat was out of the bag, nobody
dared to make light of the situation.

“Anyway, we need to discuss the plans for tomorrow.”

After that was done, their homeroom teacher went along with their
standard procedure to not allow the mood to dampen more than it
already had. Playing along like a fiddle, the students quickly regained
their composure, too. And then, the topic of conversation changed to
Ootsuki grumbling about having to go out drinking with her middle-
aged colleagues, which allowed the students to smile again and forget
about Wataru.

As soon as homeroom ended, Kei and Sasaki approached Aika. And

behind them was Saitou Mai, utterly bewildered. She probably didn’t
know how to feel to see her new boyfriend running off to another girl
right as homeroom started. However, Sasaki didn’t pay much attention
to that and called out to Aika.

“Natsukawa…What about the get-together?”

 “Huh…?”

Surely, this was Sasaki trying to be considerate. As he cared for Aika

more than just as a friend not too long ago, he knew all too well that
she wouldn’t be able to run around and have fun while someone close
to her was hospitalized. And although she thought about it for a
moment, her hesitation didn’t last long, as she was about to decline his
offer, knowing she wouldn’t be able to have fun anyway. She opened
her mouth to voice her feelings, but her best friend got the jump on
her.

“Aichi…Let’s go, yeah? Sitting around doing nothing will only make
you more anxious.”

“Kei…”

“I do have to agree with Ashida…”

Just as Kei stated, there was nothing they could do, so distracting
herself would at least let her heart and mind rest. Sasaki definitely
agreed with that. And listening to their reasoning, Aichi realized that
her own ability to judge was severely dislocated.

“You’re…right. I’m coming, too.”

“Good! That makes me happy!”

Her feelings of worry, the kindness interlinked with those, they

might not always reach the person. To get her feelings across, she
shouldn’t be rushing ahead. What she needed right now was to think of
the exact words she could tell Wataru once she could get in contact
with him again. Aika took a deep breath and then thought about it.

… Ah, right.

She had recovered some of her vitality and energy and looked over
at Ichinose Mina, who must be as distraught as Aika because of how
close she was to Wataru. Even though homeroom had ended, she still
stayed seated in the corner of the classroom, not moving at all.

Huh…?

She must be in a similar state to Aika. And she could understand

that. However, something was off about her, still. She may be a docile
girl who spends her time in solitude, but starting into the second term,
she was always with someone else. Worried, Aika headed her way.

“Ichinose-san…are you okay?”

“Huh?! Ah, eh…”

The second Aika placed her hand on Mina’s shoulder, she almost
jumped out of her seat in shock. She quickly realized that it was Aika
and regained her composure.

“Homeroom ended already.”

“Ah…”

Just as Aika anticipated, the girl hadn’t even realized that she was
freed from school for the day. Coming to the realization that she had
been spacing out this whole time, Mina dropped her gaze in shame.
Aika could easily tell how she must feel right now because she went
through the exact same thing earlier.

“Ichinose-san, are you coming with us to the get-together?”

“…”

If she felt the same way Aika did, then doing the exact same thing
as Kei and Sasaki would be the best for everyone. Namely, to try and
have Mina join their party. She considered even forcefully dragging her
there if necessary. She knew that Mina had been asked to join this
party by her other classmates even before. She eventually looked up at
Aika with quivering eyes—

“I…I have a shift at work today!”

“Ah…”

With an unexpectedly swift move, Mina shot up and declined Aika’s

invitation, much to her surprise. She then grabbed her bag and ran out
of the classroom. Aika didn’t know what to say, nor did she make it in
time to stop her.

“Will she be okay…?”

“You’re so kind, Aichi.”

Seeing Aika this worried, Kei walked over with a gentle smile. But
after being rejected by Mina, she could only blush furiously.

Under the guidance of class president Iihoshi, everyone headed to

the designated karaoke box. It was a bit cramped to fit all of their
classmates, but today being the final day of the cultural festival at
Kouetsu, the entire karaoke place was booked to the brim with
students and familiar uniforms, heading into various rooms. Sasaki got
put under a headlock by a senior from his soccer club and dragged
away, too.

The inside of the room was bristling with music and excited voices,
as even Aika couldn’t stop herself from smiling eventually. Naturally,
she wasn’t the type of person to be influenced by her surroundings, so
the most she did was hold her drink as she sat still on the sofa, but it
was more than enough for her mental state to recover. In the midst of
all of that, a mild and mellow song began playing. It was a famous
song from a popular singer, and with this being the turn of the girl they
had all been waiting for, the boys in the room cheered.
 “Aichi! Let’s sing!”

“Huh?! What?!”

Kei placed Aika’s glass on the table and pulled on her arm. Unsure of
what was even happening, she got dragged to the front of the class,
holding a microphone. Then, Kei began singing. Once the A-melody
ended, Aika joined in for the B-melody, albeit a bit belated. Her voice
she had trained by singing lullabies for her precious sister gently
caressed the boys’ ears, soothing their souls. That being said, she didn’t
focus on the lyrics at all and only later realized that it was a love song,
blushing furiously.

“Phew…”

The girls’ turns were continuing as Aika sunk into the sofa with a
sigh of exhaustion despite not having exercised. But of course, Kei was
with the other boys partying like there was no tomorrow. Aika was
spacing out for a moment when she saw her phone screen lit up as it
laid on the desk. And Aika wasn’t the exception. She picked up her
phone, seeing that a new message arrived in the class’s group.

‘Sorry I couldn’t go. I messed up a bit.’

Seeing this brief message on her lock screen, the color of Aika’s eyes
changed as she unlocked her phone. She wanted to respond, but her
other classmates already got ahead of her.

‘We heard from Ootsuki-chan. You okay?’

‘Good to hear from you. What was that about your injury?’

‘Didn’t think you’d be here.’

“Ugh…”
 Aika rarely touched her phone throughout the day. Sure enough, she
couldn’t keep up with her classmates who would text 24/7. And while
she was carefully choosing her words, more and more messages came
in. Not to mention that other people already asked the questions she
had.

‘I happened to stab my palm while I was busy cleaning up.’

“Ah…”

Aika could hear gasps and groans from the people around her. They
must have imagined the scenery that Wataru was describing. And Aika
was no exception. She could see that one boy, holding his wrist as his
face distorted in agony. A boy who fell to his knees, rubbing his cheek
on the ground as he groaned. Then, he would be taken away by an
ambulance…and this scene she envisioned was far too lively in her
head. Unable to bear it, she pressed the phone against her chest.

‘For real?’

‘That sounds painful!’

‘I’m okay. I’m not gonna get hospitalized anyway.’

So he said, but Aika couldn’t trust those words. She couldn’t hear
any voice from his message. She couldn’t read his expression as he
wrote this. So how believable was this really? Aika shot up, as all the
attention in the room gathered on her. She ran to the door, as several
of her classmates read the mood, sinking deeper into the sofa.
 Chapter 8
Fall Sky
‘Wanna see it? I can send it. Want me to send it?’

‘Please don’t.’

‘You better not.’

‘Gross.’

The voices of consideration and worry eventually turned into

slander, as I finished telling everyone that I was doing fine. Well, my
character has always been messed up. The girls are still absolute
queens at insulting me. I could feel the painkillers wearing off. Ouch,
ouch, ouch…

Following that, picture after picture of my classmates having fun at

the party filled the chat. I’m glad they are enjoying themselves. I’m just
relieved that my whole situation didn’t dampen their mood. But, I do
feel a bit lonely…Can’t one of them at least send me a video? I just
wanna bask in the atmosphere…

“…Man…”

Laying in my bed, the only thing I could hear was utter silence,
unlike what was probably the case in those pictures. I rolled over and
focused on my ears, but could only hear the distant sound of cars. To
ensure I wouldn’t accidentally throw it over, I carefully placed my right
hand on the bed next to me, holding the smartphone. Why did things
have to turn out this way?

“…Hm?”
 Even though I still had the chat open, my phone began vibrating. It
seemed like someone tried to call me. I raised my heavy arm to direct
my eyes at the screen, where it showed the name—

“Natsukabglegh?!”

Spotting a name I didn’t expect, the shock made my grip loosen, as

my smartphone fell out of my hand. It slammed right onto my nose,
making me see stars for a moment. Oh, I see…Today, all my bad fortune
is catching up with me. It all connected…The mastermind…was you all
along!

“N-Natsukawa…?!”

Which of course wasn’t the case. Even back when I had only barely
stopped chasing after her, she still asked Yamazaki about my address
because she was worried about me. It’s the kindness I would expect
from Natsukawa. I rubbed my nose to suppress the pain and raised my
upper body, accepting the call.

“H-Hello…ooo?!”

I was about to place my phone against my ear, when to my surprise

—Natsukawa’s wonderful face showed on my screen. Not expecting a
video call right off the bat, I couldn’t control my voice. I quickly fixed
my position, using my right arm as a selfie stick. On the screen,
Natsukawa gave me a worried look.

“…You doing okay?”

‘That’s my line!’

Breaking News: Natsukawa is angry. Clearly, I made a mistake

there…But, I wouldn’t know what the right way was. Because even
more than this, asking ‘What do you want?’ would have been even
worse. I just don’t have the leisure to really pick and choose right now.
So when I was looking for the right words, I just realized I started
laughing.

“S-Sorry, did I worry you?”

‘You…You sure did! You didn’t come to the classroom, then some
stranger of a senior came barging in to grab your stuff…and said you
got taken to the hospital…’

“…”

I knew I must have had a conflicted expression on my face. In the

end, Natsukawa is still Natsukawa. Always kind, looking after others,
and a genuinely cute girl. She’s so perfect, I’m starting to doubt the
reality I find myself in. Maybe I’m just logged into a VRMMO with no
escape. And yet…I forced such an ideal person through so much
sadness. I didn’t know what to say. But that’s also why I knew I couldn’t
tell her the truth about what really happened.

‘…Are you okay?’

She must have gotten a good look at me through my camera

because her gaze wandered from top to bottom. I’m starting to feel
really itchy now. Despite not even facing her in person, I was forced to
look away.

‘Hey, show me properly.’

“Ah, okay…”

Scared that she would get angry at me, I faced my phone again. Is
this really the situation for her to stare at me? I’m getting seriously
embarrassed now…What part of me is she even looking at? I want her
to tell me. Because that’s where I will put all my focus for the next few
months. Will she get angry at me if I pull a smug face…?

‘Eeek…?!’
 “!”

Dangerous thoughts filled my chest when Natsukawa suddenly

jumped, two arms embracing her from behind. The screen on her end
shook, and although I couldn’t see the voice…I knew it was Ashida. It
must be Ashida. It has to be her…Please let it be her…! If it isn’t a girl,
then I might actually pass out. So, please…!

‘Found the criminal who’s keeping Sajocchi all to herself!’

‘K-Kei…! I wasn’t trying to…’

‘Yahoo, Sajocchi. You okay…? Wait, why are you looking so relieved?’

‘Ah, that hand…’

Seeing the familiar yuri couple flirting in front of me gave me

nothing but relief. Of course, any other girl would have been fine, but
I’m just glad that some bastard didn’t try to sexually harass her.
However, this relief only lasted a moment, because they could see my
left hand with its whole baggage. At the very least, it was just the back
of my hand.

“Well, you know, it’s just like the picture I sent in group chat. I
messed up when I was cleaning up yesterday.’

‘And then you got stabbed through the hand.’

“Yeah. One of the tools just went right…Slash! And that’s it.”

‘Ugh…’

The two of them must have imagined the scenery where I got hurt
because their eyes squinted at my explanation. I’m sorry for making you
worry…but that face is so adorable. I might be able to sneak in a kiss
right now…No, stop. It’ll be just another part of my dark past I’ll mull
over in ten years.
 ‘So…are you really okay? Any after-effects…?’

“That…can’t be ruled out just yet.”

‘I…see…’

‘I hope you get better soon!’

“Yeah, same.”

Seeing them genuinely worry made me feel a bit ticklish. But at the
very least, this should have cleared up their worries so that they can
enjoy the party. Right now, I want them to have fun for my share, too.

“Thanks for reaching out. You’re still at the karaoke box, right? Sorry
to ruin your fun.”

‘Huh? Wait…’

“It’d be a waste to just have you talk with me. Ashida, make sure to
send me a video of Natsukawa singing.”

‘Wazzat? We already filmed one earlier.’

‘Huh? W-Wait, you did?! I didn’t hear about that!’

“Keh…heh…heh…”

Ashida appeared from the screen, and judging from Natsukawa’s

reaction, she must have gone back to the karaoke room. Natsukawa
gave up on chasing after her and instead gave me a stare.

‘You sure seem to be doing fine, huh?’

“I’m sorry, okay…”

‘I swear…’
 She must have remembered the fact that someone videoed her
while singing because she began blushing and averted her gaze. I see…
so she did sing…Man, I wanted to hear that in person…That might be
the biggest regret I have right now.

‘…Can you come to school?’

“Easy, easy. I can make it…probably.”

‘You sure don’t sound confident…’

How many times have I seen that exasperated expression from her?
I’m sure Airi-chan can rival that, if not more. But compared to when we
just started talking, her expression softened up quite a lot. I guess
doing a phone call like this managed to calm her down. That’s a saving
grace.

“Tell everyone I’m doing fine. I’m sure it’ll sound more convincing
coming from you and Ashida.”

‘Yeah…W-Wait…so I’m supposed to tell everyone I talked on the

phone…with you…?’

“Counting on you. I wouldn’t want them to think that stuff’s serious.”

‘Y-Yeah…Okay…It would be…Ah, right, Ichinose-san…’

“Hm? What’s that about Ichinose-san?”

Suddenly, an unexpected name came from Natsukawa’s mouth,

forcing me to return a dumbfounded question. As a former work senior
of hers, and her mental Papa, I couldn’t help but be curious about what
was going on with her. Is she also singing at the karaoke…Wow, I’d die
to hear that.

‘Ichinose-san…she didn’t come to the party.’

“Huh? For real?”

 I still remember Shirashi-san and Okamocchan being super
aggressive when trying to invite her…But I doubt she likes noisy places
like karaoke. It’s not hard to imagine that she wouldn’t be exactly
motivated for this. I guess it was still too early for her…Wait, Ichinose-
san…Hm…I feel like I’m forgetting something…

“…Ah.”

‘Hm?’

“I was supposed to go on a date with her on our day off tomorrow.”

‘H-Huh?! A date?!’

Natsukawa’s shocked voice made my ears ring. I guess she forgot all
about that, too, so I went ahead and quickly resolved this brewing
misunderstanding.

“I promised to go buy a bookshelf with her. And Ashida said she

wanted to tag along, too.”

‘Ah…’

Bookshelf, shopping, date, hm…maybe this left hand will make it

impossible. And going back to school equally meant that I would have
to take some good rest tomorrow. I’d rather not make Ichinose-san feel
bad watching me struggle with a bandage around my left hand. I can
already tell…her trying to be considerate…

‘I see…That’s why Ichinose-san was looking for you earlier…’

“Huh?”

‘Hey…Wataru? Could you please contact Ichinose-san later? She’s

been acting weird since she heard the news from Ootsuki-sensei…’

“R-Right…Got it.”
 ‘That’s a promise, okay?’

Ichinose-san, huh…Yeah, hearing that I had to go to the hospital

must have been quite a shock to her. And considering that tomorrow’s
date would be rather impossible to keep on schedule, I should
probably apologize altogether.

‘A-Also…’

“Yeah?”

‘Wh-Why…would you call that a date? You’re just going with her to
buy a bookshelf, right? You’re just heading out together.’

“Ugh…!”

Th-That logic…No, even couples of mixed-gender best friends go

out on their days off, and that’s what you would call a date. It’s
definitely not because I want to see Ichinose-san flustered at me using
that term that I’m so adamant about using it or anything like that.
Believe me.

‘Wh-What do you plan on doing with her?!’

“I didn’t even say anything! A boy and girl are hanging out, so it’s a
date!”

‘You’re just meeting up on an off-day! You’re just buying something

together!’

“But you might as well just call that a date!”

‘A date is something you do when you and the other person have…
that kind of relationship! D-Don’t you have the wrong idea about this?’

“S-So unreasonable…!”
 I cannot let that stand. I cannot let you speak your mind any further,
Natsukawa-dono! You shall not slice apart my fantasies by your sword
of reality! And you’re even saying that to the boy you rejected over and
over…Why are you so much more emotional now than during my past
confessions?! I saw no victory in this, and I knew that fighting with
Natsukawa any more like this had me with no way of victory, I knew it.

“Wh-Whatever, really…Considering this injury I got on me right now,

I don’t think I’ll be able to make it anywhere tomorrow, so the date or
whatever you wanna call it is canceled anyway.”

‘H-Hey, there’s no need to be sulking like that!’

Why, thank you. I’m the pathetic loser who calls heading out with a
girl he forced to kneel down in front of him a “date.” This is all because
I deserve it. I’m Left-Hand Jinjinmaru. And just like the throbbing in my
name, I feel much pain.

“Tell Ashida that the da…the going…the shopping trip is canceled.”

‘I-I didn’t go that far…!’

“Don’t know if I can just move the date, but we’ll have to see. I’ll talk
with Ichinose-san later.”

‘W-Wait a second…So you’ll still head out shopping with her

sometime?’

“I mean, I at least have to repay her for canceling our plans. If she
doesn’t want my help anymore, then that’s it, though.”

‘I…I see.’

The reason Ichinose-san invited me was that she can’t talk with an
employee all by herself…And now that I think about it, I guess it really
doesn’t feel much like a date…I bet anybody would have been fine…
Ugh…
 ‘So…When that time comes…it doesn’t have to be just you and
Ichinose-san…’

“Anyway, that’s how it is. You guys enjoy the party, okay? I’ll see you
at school.”

‘Huh? W-Wait, I’m not—’

Sniff, sniff.

Night dawned, and the next day arrived. After everything that
happened, I woke up while realizing I would have rather slept a lot
more, feeling awfully sluggish. The fever from the injury led me to
wake up drenched in sweat, which made the fact that I hadn’t taken a
bath for a day even worse. Using what energy I had left in me, I ate the
rice porridge Mom made me, proceeding by gulping down the
painkillers and fever medicine. Thanks to that, I felt sleepy once more
and went to bed…bringing me to the present.

“I wonder…”

Laying in my bed, I mumbled to myself. Even though I just started

high school, I already collapsed back during the rainy season and got
injured to this level in Fall…so something is off. My body managed to
recover from getting beaten up by Big Sis and her unreasonable
actions, allowing me to pride myself in my sturdy body and high
vitality. I was supposed to be a high-spec dude…

“…Hm?”

My smartphone vibrated. Since I just got up, I kept it next to my

pillow. The time had moved past noon, seeing that I had around twenty
unread messages. Since they had the party last night, I’m guessing this
is just unrelated to me. I opened up my app and saw direct DMs from a
few people.

‘I bet you wanna listen to this, so here you go. Take care.’
 “Ooooh…”

Class rep Iihoshi-san sent me a video from yesterday’s karaoke.

Playing it, I was met with Natsukawa tightly grasping the microphone
with both her hands, singing with all her might. This is it. This is what I
always wanted. This will allow me to fight Big Sis again…!

‘Here. You better be thankful.’

“Oh, here too…”

I got a similar video from Yamazaki. This time, it showed both

Natsukawa and Ashida. All you need is a friend…! He did great work
this time. I’ll treat him to something.

“…Huh?”

And now, it was Matsuda’s turn. We may be sitting close to each

other in class, but we barely even talk, and yet he also sent me a video
of Natsukawa singing. It was from a different angle compared to the
previous, too. He went out of his way to record it for me and even add
me as a friend…What a good person. After that came Yasuta, Iwata,
Ogami, as well as some of the girls who all sent me videos of
Natsukawa singing…Now hold on. Are you really doing this out of good
faith? There’s not a single low-angle video to be found. And they’re all
just sending me the video without another message, so I’m guessing
they are trying to be kind…But why does it feel like they are putting
fingerprints on my own phone?

“…!”

Feeling a rush of killing intent build up inside of me, I went through

the other messages when I spotted a certain name—Ichinose Yuu. It’s
Ichinose-san’s brother, Bear-senpai.

‘She’s calmed down now. Give her a call if you’ve got the time.’
 “…”

It can tell he’s somewhat desperate. He’s probably in older brother

mode, and it’s obvious he cares about his little sister. Yesterday after I
got off my call with Natsukawa, I sent Ichinose-san a message,
apologizing for making her worry. She did respond quickly after, but we
barely talked on the phone. Her voice sounded defeated and weak,
which made it hard to figure out what she was even saying.

“To think she’d cry because of that…”

I contacted her brother to ask about her. According to him, she was
extremely shocked to hear about my injury, feeling anxiety and fear at
this situation she was not used to. And what she told Natsukawa about
having a shift was probably a lie. I remember saying she didn’t have
any work.

“…Phew.”

My heart was beating a bit faster than usual, as I texted Ichinose-

san, asking if she had time to talk. A minute later, a quick “Yes” came
back, so I called her. I heard the familiar melody when the sound
changed, telling me she accepted the call.

“Um…Been about a day, Ichinose-san.”

‘…H-Hello.’

“Are you feeling better now?”

‘Y-Yes…’

I tried to speak as gently as possible, acting the same way as when

we just started working together. And in return, a nostalgic feeling
filled me. In return, I could hear a mumbly voice you’d expect during a
morning roll call.
 “Sorry for making you worry, okay?”

‘N-No, I should apologize…I didn’t even say anything to you…’

“It’s my fault I got injured, so don’t worry about it.”

‘…’

“But, I guess that won’t work.”

The atmosphere was incredibly awkward. Like we went back to

when we initially began working together. We were never that
particularly close, but I figured the wall we had between us was slowly
coming down. And trying to be considerate now won’t get us any
closer…so I made up my mind and took a step forward.

“I’m happy you’re worried about me…But, was it really anything to

cry over?”

‘…!’

I made sure not to make it sound like I was teasing her. And through
that, I’ll see how Ichinose-san truly feels. I can’t be taking the wrong
step here.

‘Is your…injury okay?’

“Yep, totally fine.”

The conversation suddenly changed, as I took a hit. I played tough

and acted like everything was okay. And sure, I was inconvenienced in
my daily life here and there, but I’m a man. I can’t show any weakness
towards women.

‘But…this is what I couldn’t say…yesterday…’

“Huh?”
 ‘I’m sorry.’

A question mark appeared above my head. She shouldn’t have

anything to apologize for. How she reacts and treats me regarding this
injury is up to her. I’m not being friends with her just because I expect
her kindness. Because that is not friendship, nor is it a bond I want to
have.

“You really are kind, Ichinose-san.”

‘N-No…!’

“Huh?”

Her abrupt denial caught me by surprise. I know how kind she is

when looking at how she treats her books. Of course, sometimes this
changes into weakness, but it wouldn’t be Ichinose-san without that. It
was an important factor in creating the current Ichinose-san. And I
won’t accept anybody who says she’s not kind.

‘When I heard you had to go to the hospital…the first thing I felt

was disappointment. Thinking that the promise we made to go
shopping together would fall flat.’

“…”

‘And…I really hated myself for thinking that. Even though I wanted
to contact you, I couldn’t find the right words…or timing…’

“Um, Ichinose-san?”

‘And even as I wanted to visit you, I didn’t know which hospital you
were staying at…Nor did I know where you live…I don’t know the last
thing about you…!’

“Ichinose-san.”

‘I’m sorry…I’m sorry for not doing anything…!’

 “…”

Her screams made it clear what a mess Ichinose-san was. And I can
see that. Feelings unstable, not knowing what to do or where to go,
you can’t help feeling powerless. Even more so if your personal
feelings create a clear rift with the other person. I’ve felt something
similar before. I remember being unable to do anything other than
hang my head in defeat.

However, Ichinose-san put those feelings into words, telling me

directly. She’s genuinely amazing. Struggling to find the right words,
yet swallowing them down in the end…What she’s doing is so hard, and
yet she still pulls through.

“I’m happy about this, you know?”

‘…Wha…’

“Because that means you were looking forward to our date, right?”

‘Huh…?! Ah…!’

Normally, this would have been the moment to accept it wasn’t a

date. And the words Natsukawa told me still reverberated inside of me,
causing internal bleeding and immense damage. However, when
Ichinose-san proclaimed that “I want to go on the date! Waaah!” (She
didn’t say that) with a teary voice, my chest just felt so warm. I’m sure
my left hand will heal by tomorrow like you’d see in a gag manga.

“Am I wrong?”

‘Eeek…No, um…well…not entirely…!’

“I’ll make up for it one day, okay?”

‘Ah…’

“So at least for today…Let me rest up a bit, okay?”

‘Y-Yeshhh…!’
 In the end, I’m the one who had to cancel the date. Is it really okay
for me to have such a kind girl as a friend? Wait a second…So Ichinose-
san is a pretty nice girl as long as it’s outside of work?

“See you again at school tomorrow.”

‘Y-Yes. Goodbye…’

“Bye,” I said and then hung up the call.

I’m feeling much more refreshed now. I feel bad that nothing has
been completely resolved, but it at least helped me forget the pain in
my left hand. Because I took more medicine, after all. I feel like I’ll be
able to have a great dream now, so maybe I should take another na…
p…?

“…”

“…Hello there.”

“…Ah, um, hey?”

In the corner of my view stood someone I didn’t anticipate meeting.

A girl that should not be here in my room. The phone I held in my hand
dropped onto my navy-blue sweatshirt. And that impact allowed my
throat to move. But I didn’t have time to form any words, as the invader
of my room—Natsukawa—stepped forward with an expression devoid
of emotion, placing a plastic bag on the small table next to my desk.

“Natsukawa, why are you…”

“…I came to visit you.”

“Ah, thanks…You didn’t have to.”

The goods that appeared from the plastic bag were typical stuff like
pudding, pokari, a pack of vegetable juice, rice balls, and—Wait, rice
balls?! Wrapped, no less?! Did she make those?!
 “This is…”

Unable to grasp if this was reality or a dream, I looked between the

home invader that slowly began to look like a goddess, and the goods
she brought me. I wanted to confirm if she really made those when I
felt a faint warmth run through my left hand.

“This is…”

“N-Natsukawa…?”

She didn’t raise my hand or anything, but just gently wrapped both
her hands around my left one, looking down at it with a painful
expression. Since the medical treatment I got was not something out
of the ordinary, even a total bystander could tell that this was serious
business. But her gaze made it feel like my skin was healing at a much
faster rate.

“…Does it hurt?”

“Well…painkillers don’t completely remove it, yeah.”

“…You’re so clumsy.”

“Right? Can’t believe myself sometimes.”

I’m sorry for calling you an invader. You are a goddess. I will follow
you for the rest of my life. That’s right, I’ll put up shrines for you in my
room. And I will offer these rice balls each living day, so give me your
divine power, I will create a constellation in the stars for you. Be happy,
all of you bastards born in October.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Huh?”

“Take care.”
 “Wait, Natsukawa?!”

She grabbed the empty bag and quickly left my room. Unable to
stop her, I heard the sounds of her stomping down the stairs. With all
this suddenly happening, I couldn’t keep up.

“…’I’m sorry’?”

Is it about her frantically denying the whole date thing? But despite
that, her expression and tone of voice sure seemed…fickle and vain. I
don’t think it would be enough to make her feel this way…What did she
apologize for?

‘…I’m sorry. Right now…I’m not interested in love or anything like

that.’

“…Yet again, huh?”

How many times have I been told those words? How many times did
I force Natsukawa to show such a pained expression? Shaking,
changing, moving hearts…Understanding one thing, another mystery
deepens. Suffering this injury for someone else’s sake…it was
completely useless to see through the fall sky.
 Chapter 9
Onitsuka Tamao
The day off school finished, returning the students to our regular
school life. After a whole day had passed, I had gotten used to not
being able to use my left hand, and I realized that, if I put my focus on
it, I could handle myself with just my dominant hand. It’s important
that my left hand gets some good rest. Mom was even kind enough to
drive me to school, letting me off a bit of a distance away from the
school gate. Because of this injury, I felt like I was living life in easy
mode, so Natsukawa saying I took this too lightly might have been not
far off. I swiftly got out of the car, as the other Kouetsu students nearby
started whispering. In fact, I was the top celebrity of the school—Well,
you knew that wasn’t the case, right?

“Big Sis…You’re standing out.”

“I’m not doing this because I want to.”

Of course, all the attention was focused on the 49th Kouetsu High
School student council vice president. Think about it…Walking down a
short path with virtually no danger, there’s a regular high school boy,
with a beast right behind him. For a person living in peaceful Japan,
this sight must be horrifying. My knees would definitely give out. If I
had to compare it, it would be like the demon chasing after Momotaro,
having sworn revenge. Not only would I rather walk to school than be
taken by car, but I could really go without this companion. I feel like
she might suck the life out of me. No amount of makeup can fix that
face.

“Come on, let’s go.”

 “…”

The boys looked at me in awe and dread, whereas the girls cheered
in joy. Big Sis ignored both of these as she walked on ahead. She
seemed like she didn’t care much but then rushed straight through the
crowd. Make a path, the true messiah has arrived. A faint whirlwind
tickled my cheek.

“…You doing okay?”

“Should be fine.”

“You’re not just saying stuff, are you?”

“I’m not, I’m not. I’m okay.”

Big Sis turned around to glare at me. I can’t tell if she’s worried
about me or angry. And since the day had barely started, I genuinely
didn’t know what challenges waited ahead. But just when I thought
she was in a bad mood again, her expression changed into a sour face.

“…Sorry.”

“What?”

“All because I asked something weird of you.”

“Oh, geez. Forget about that already.”

“…Okay.”

Even now, we have a complicated relationship. More accurately, our

thoughts and opinions simply don’t line up. But Big Sis can’t accept
that, and the whole incident on the way back home only accelerated
that. And she blames herself for this injury, thinking that she and her
allies inadvertently caused it. There came the fissure of anger and
opposition, regret and reflection. She seems to be shaking left and
right between those two.
 “Do you have your painkillers and extra bandages?”

“Sure do,” I answered Big Sis’s question, who asked this without even
turning around.

Seems like she thinks of me as some loser who can’t even take care
of the injury he caused himself. But who am I to talk? I stabbed my
own hand with sewing scissors like an idiot.

“What about the documents for the next sports festival and the
outline for the next student council election?”

“Why would I have that?”

“Just kidding.”

What is this woman saying? She made it sound so natural, I

struggled to realize she was actually joking. Or what, is she planning
on making me her errand boy until the day she retires from the student
council?

“Why are we even walking all the way to the school gate?”

“Because this place is unnecessarily large, I guess?”

““…Sigh.””

That exchange rarely enough made it feel like we were actually

related by blood for once. But it was quite the sight to see the always-
healthy Big Sis sighing like that. Usually, she looks like she’s constantly
on her period. As I spewed some evil comments at her in my mind, a
shadow appeared from beside us, the silhouette looking dignified and
confident. On their arm, I could see a bandage that read ‘Public morals.’

“Hey, you miserable twins.”

 The voice I heard cut through air like a box cutter, emitting
confidence and pride. Looking over, Shinomiya-senpai stood next to the
school gate with crossed arms, looking at us.

“Just when I was happy to see you getting along while coming to
school, you start sighing wildly. Just looking at you is sapping me off
all my energy.”

“Oh, Rin. Carry me to the classroom.”

“What a violent accusation coming from the alleged public morals

committee president, Shinomiya-senpai. If you just take Big Sis with
you, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear a thing.”

“What…is this? Why do I feel so annoyed?”

Even Shinomiya-senpai was at her wit’s end once the trouble

children arrived. Please, won’t you just accept my request? What I need
right now is a reliable but sassy Onee-san. Not a gorilla Onee-san.

“I swear…You’re supposed to be the student council’s vice president.

Aren’t you a bit too listless now that the cultural festival has ended?”

“That’s right, vice president! Don’t go around terrifying your

surroundings with that aggressive aura of yours. Do your own job.” I
joined in.

“You little…”

“Hey, don’t use me as a shield!”

“Eeek…!”

Normally, you would call this a meat shield, but with Shinomiya-
senpai in front of me, she was more like an iron wall. Right now, I
might even be able to defeat Big Sis—or so I foolishly assumed, but
Shinomiya-senpai grabbed my necktie and pulled me in front of Big
Sis. Glared at by two warriors of destruction, I folded.

“I mean…the cultural festival is over, and you’ll be handling the

sports festival. We’re just gonna run our eyes through the documents
and give our sign of approval.”

“That may be true, but…Wait, that’s not the point. I’m speaking in
terms of being a model for the students, and…Hm?”

I was still in a defensive stance, protecting my face with both my

hands, when Shinomiya-senpai suddenly grabbed my left wrist. She ran
her gaze along the back of my hand to the palm, as the color of her
eyes changed.

“Y-You’re gravely injured! Just what in the world happened?!”

“Um…?”

Judging from that reaction, she didn’t know about my injury. I

glanced over at Big Sis, who crossed her arms and shook her head in
silence. Guess she didn’t tell her.

“Well, the thing is…”

“I’ll explain everything. You go on ahead.”

“R-Right…”

I wanted to explain everything when Big Sis grabbed my shoulder

and pulled me away, pushing me past the school gate. I could tell I had
no room to argue. And Shinomiya-senpai gave Big Sis a stern gaze.

“…Then I’ll be going.”

The two of them were facing each other, not allowing any
intervention. Even though I was at the center of it all, I was treated like
an outsider. Will Big Sis tell her the truth, or will she use an excuse like
I did? I just closed my eyes and walked away. Until I reached the shoe
lockers, I decided not to look at Shinomiya-senpai.

Looking at the clock hanging above the blackboard, I realized that it

was about the same time I would usually get to school. Since I knew I’d
get escorted to school by car, I left later than usual, so that probably
matched up now.

“…?”

I didn’t know if it was just my imagination, but even though a lot of

students had arrived already, the mood was awfully gloomy and
heavier than usual. Is that…because of my injury? No, that can’t be the
case. I’m not the center of attention or anything like that.

“Hey…Hey, Yamazaki.”

“Oh, Sajou! I heard you got injured. Why are you coming to school
like this?”

“Why shouldn’t I?”

A group of people had built in the back, leaning against the lockers,
so I called out to Yamazaki. He even read the mood and kept his voice
down a bit. Since he’s made a high school debut like me, he knows how
to read the mood. I just wish he’d act this way around girls, too. He’d
be popular.

“Why’s the classroom so calm this morning?”

“Ah…Well…Check out the girls sitting at their desks.”

“Hm…?”

I looked around, realizing that a lot of the girls were already sitting
at their desks. And the selection gave me really bad vibes. That’s
Shirai-san, Okamocchan…Ah.

“…Did you realize?”

“Wh-Where’s Sasaki…?”

“Came to school with Saitou-san and then up and left with her
somewhere.”

“Yikes…”

“And when the moody makers in class are down in the dumps, the
mood of the whole class tanks.”

“That bastard Sasaki…”

Hearing Iwata and Yamazaki talk with each other, I couldn’t help but
grumble to myself. That’s right. Yuki-chan and Saitou-san weren’t the
only girls who had a crush on Sasaki…I was once again reminded of his
influence as I looked around in the classroom, when Ichinose-san
turned around and our eyes met. A faint “Ah” came from her mouth, I
could tell. She stood up, looking like she was panicking, as she
carefully walked over.

“U-Um…!”

“Morning, Ichinose-san.”

“Good morning…!”

“Sorry for making you worry.”

“Ahhh…!”

I waved my left hand with the bandage at her. She stared at me,
grew pale, and then forcefully stopped my hand from moving. It must
have been too impactful of a scenery, as she seemed frantic.
 “Y-You can’t do that…!”

“Sorry, sorry.”

She grabbed my sleeve with all her might, showing how serious she
was. The almond eyes appearing from below her bangs shook greatly.
This is hard to watch. Influence, control…In a way, this is the same as
with Sasaki.

“Yikes, I can almost feel your pain there.”

“Like some middle-schooler syndrome.”

“Hey, stop that. I’m super conscious of it,” I grumbled.

“Keh heh heh…”

This bastard just says whatever he wants. And actually, the pain
doesn’t even matter if I have to deal with this abuse. I’ll be throwing
the same words at you once you get hurt, I swear.

“…Aren’t you worried about Sajou-kun?”

I was making vicious plans for the future, when Ichinose-san turned
toward the two boys. She seemed oddly infuriated at them acting like
it was none of their business. That’s right! Tell them!

“Huh? I mean…”

“He’s not gonna die, right?”

“Wha…”

Boys be boys, I guess?

*
 Heading to my seat, I saw that Natsukawa had yet to arrive. Instead,
I checked over at Ashida talking with an unexpected individual.

“Yo, what a weird match-up.”

“Ah, Sajocchi! Good mor—Oh.”

“…Are you okay?”

Standing next to Ashida was our class rep Iihoshi-san. She’s like a
hidden normie, clearly voicing her likes and dislikes. She’s the person
who made the class group, and she’s got the guts to speak against girls
she doesn’t like, so she can be a bit scary. From what I heard, she is
also the one who set up the whole party.

“Should be fine. I’m standing here, after all.”

“I see…Well, if you say that.”

“But still, be careful, Sajou-kun.”

“Aye. I will burn it into my heart.”

“Very well.”

“What kind of relationship is unfolding in front of me right now?”

Subconsciously, I struck a pose like a military recruit, saluting with a

straight back. Weird, I don’t see any future where I could win against
Iihoshi-san. If we ever had to fight, I would probably get beaten up by
her fans. And after she nodded, she returned to her seat. Watching her
off, I placed my belongings on my desk. Man, that was heavy…

“What were you talking about with her?”

“Hm? Confirming the cause, I guess.”

“The cause?”
 “Mm.”

“…Ah.”

Ashida moved her chin to make me look at Okamocchan. She sat

still on her seat, staring down at her desk. I guess girls will be girls.
And Iihoshi-san must be wanting to do something about this.

“Well…We can’t avoid this path. And some scars only heal with
time.”

“Experienced, eh?”

“My scars haven’t healed…”

“Little attached baby.”

“Oh shut up.”

Don’t underestimate me, I went through my own share of shit. If we

kept more of a distance, I might be able to get over her, but the
distance between us right now won’t let me forget. She’s still trying to
be friends with me despite everything. And if she even goes so far as to
touch me, I can feel my tail wagging.

“Oh yeah, Natsukawa isn’t here yet, right?”

“Exactly! I haven’t seen her for a day, so I need my Aichi vitamins

quickly.”

“You’re one to talk.”

She gave me a sharp gaze…Wait, is she planning on keeping

Natsukawa all to herself?!

“I bet you met her yesterday, didn’t you?”

 “Why would you bet on that? Who do you take me for? I’m not
chasing after her or anything, okay?”

Well, I was never that bad to begin with. I just followed her while
she was aware of it…Man, I was a pain to deal with. Wouldn’t want to
imagine Big Sis’s face.

“Ah, speak of the devil.”

Suddenly, Ashida’s face lit up. I followed her gaze, seeing Natsukawa
enter the classroom. Run right now! You’re gonna get attacked!

“Aichi, good morning! You’re later than usual!”

“Eeek?! H-Hey…”

Ashida shot up and leaped at Natsukawa. Her tail began

aggressively wagging like she was a golden retriever, clinging to her
arm. But she failed to reach inside Natsukawa’s skirt, so she failed.

“Morning, Natsukawa.”

“Ah…Um…Morning.”

I greeted her myself, as she returned a somewhat awkward

response. This atmosphere…It’s the same as with Shirai-san and
Okamocchan? No way…! Is Natsukawa also depressed because of
Sasaki? No, that’s impossible. She never had an expression like Saitou-
san did. Not in front of me either. I never saw a face like hers. I
imagined the worst-case scenario for a moment, as my heart raced for
all the wrong reasons, when Natsukawa called out to me.

“Did you…leave your house earlier than usual?”

“Hm? Nope, I got here by car today, so I left later.”

“Ah…Right, I see. With that injury, that makes sense…”

 “…?”

There’s something wrong with Natsukawa. Did she just…sigh?

Because she’s talking to me? Aw man, that’s a shock. It can’t be my
fault, right? Did something bad happen to her?

“…Is your hand okay?”

“No worries. I’m letting it rest properly.”

“Yeah…I think that’s better.”

“What about you, Aichi? You seem a bit down today.”

“Huh? N-No, not at all.”

“Hmmmm…?”

“Wh-What…?”

While still clinging to Natsukawa, Ashida closely observed her face.

You’re too close! One wrong move, and…and…If you did that in front of
me, my brain would melt…or would it be lit on fire? Keep going! Keep
going!

“Well, this time, it was out of your control.”

“Wh-What do you mean…?”

“Nothing at all?”

“Kei…!”

“?”

…? I feel extremely left out right about now. I’ve got no clue what
they are talking about. There could be something about Natsukawa
that I fail to realize but Ashida’s got her figured out…? Where is the
difference between us…?! I know, I’ll just leave this to her. Sometimes,
it’s better not to overstep your boundaries to invade other people’s
privacy. I think it might be territory that has no space for a man, so I’ll
just leave Natsukawa alone until she’s better.

“I’m counting on you, Ashida. I know when to leave the stage, after
all.”

“Nope, you clearly got the wrong idea. And I bet you were thinking
about something gross.”

“Can’t you be a bit more considerate of your words? I’m injured. A bit
of kindness wouldn’t hurt.”

I’m using my injury as a handicap for my opponent…Very useful,

indeed. I’ll make anybody who needs to start shit shut up with this very
technique. I can tell that me being depressed will negatively impact my
injury and the pain I feel. So, I’m definitely not using this as a pretense
or anything. I’m just trying to heal with this boring method.

“That’s right! You gotta be kind to the people who are injured!”

“?!”

“?!”

I sat on my chair when a sudden and soft sensation enveloped my

head. Something akin to perfume with the sweet and sour scent of
citrus tickled my nose. I remember the name when we were together
with our relatives and everyone was drinking and sitting in a room for
hours. This scent is…

“Y-You are…!”

“When Sajocchi got taken to the hospital…”

 Looking at the direction the two were facing, paired with their
reaction, I finally realized that someone was currently clinging to me. I
looked up and down, seeing a short skirt, with long and slender legs
that would make you fall for the person in a heartbeat. What is this…
heaven?

“…I-Is that…Onitsuka-senpai?”

“Correct! Well done! How’d you know?”

“Your voice…and the scent of your perfume.”

As expected, the person clinging to my head was the gal I met at

the infirmary just the other day—Onitsuka-senpai. And on the way
home, I think Big Sis called her “Tamao,” too…I feel like I heard that
before…

“Smells good, right?”

“Mm…Ah, wait!”

The grip on my head grew stronger, as my face was pressed against

her stomach. It seems like she doesn’t even see a junior two years
younger than her as a member of the opposite sex. Is she just trying to
tickle a bashful reaction out of me? But even so, this is a bit much…
Maybe because she’s an ex-gal?

“Yep…Yep…Just as I thought.”

“H-Hold on! What are you doing?!” Natsukawa roared.

“I’m just being nice to him…To Kaede’s adorable little bro!”

“Y-You know his sister…?”

“She’s one of my best friends!”

 While embracing me, she touched my uniform. It’s the same thing
Ashida does when clinging to Natsukawa. The “Indulging in someone’s
scent,” I think. I…I see? So this is what it feels to be the one getting
touched all over…? I understand why Natsukawa pretended to dislike it
only to blush a bit…Gosh, stop it already… (More)!

“And you, too…! How long are you going to sit still like that…!”

“Ah…! E-Excuse me! I think this is enough!”

“You perverted, Sajocchi. Deviant.”

“Urk…!”

Crap, I completely gave in to my desires…! Even though I wasn’t the

one taking the initiative for the hugging, Natsukawa and Ashida gave
me deadly stares, then there’s Okamocchan in front of me still with a
broken heart, as well as everyone else in the classroom being on edge.
Flirting around like this is bad…! I need to get away from her as quickly
as possible!

“Huh? Nah, don’t wanna.”

Geez, if you’re that adamant on it, then I’ll have to…Huh? Wait,
what? But before I could voice my doubts, she pressed her body on me
with even greater force. Being the “Younger brother of a classmate”
says that anybody involved would immediately lose their caution and
rationality. Shinomiya-senpai has taught me enough. That’s why I
figured she’d greet me if we met in the hallway, maybe she’d tease me
here and there…but even if she does not see me as a man, this is a bit
much, no? On the contrary, it would almost make me get the wrong
idea that she has feelings for me. But of course, barely any time has
passed since we first met. I highly doubt she would fall for me when all
she ever saw of me was groaning and suffering from the pain. Who
would even develop feelings because of that? This better not be some
trap set up because she despises Big Sis…
 “Wh-Why…?!”

“Huh? Just because?”

“Wha…?!”

The soft sensation and warmth made my head tingle. White eyes of
contempt, paired with a beauty’s sharp gaze glaring at me. From the
boys in the distance came waves of hostility. Um, is this hell?

“So…Like, seriously now.”

“Whoops! Was I a bit too careful? My bad!”

“I mean…I don’t mind.”

I realized that the situation was getting worse, so I asked her to

actually let go of me. And once I did, she listened and did as she was
told. She took a step back, but the scent of her perfume still drifted
around me in the air. I would have fanned my hand through the air a
bit, but I definitely can’t do that with the person in front of me.

“So…Onitsuka-senpai?”

“Tamao is fine. Repeat after me! Ta-Ma-O-senpai!”

“No, um…That’s a bit sudden. Could I just…?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Could you relax a bit?”

Onitsuka-senpai stood in front of me, having just moved away. Yet,

she seemed close to clinging to me once again. I could swear I saw a
tail wagging behind her, just like when Ashida spots Natsukawa. Her
arms seemed itchy, too. Just what is she getting so excited over?

“You’re a bit too…close. It’s not normal.”

 “Th-That’s right!”

“This is a bit more than just bold…”

“? I mean, you’re Kaede’s little bro!”

Even Ashida who always got touchy-feely showed her discontent at

this situation. Yet, Onitsuka-senpai did not even understand what she
did. Normally, you wouldn’t cling to someone just because they are a
friend’s younger brother. Maybe if it was a pet…I mean, I was
pretending to be a shepherd during the cultural festival, but still…

“That might be true…But I am also a man.”

“I know that?”

I…highly doubted that. Gals have unlimited possibilities to them,

after all. I can’t tell what process is running in her mind to reach a
conclusion. I don’t think she’s doing this just to tease me. She must
have a reason.

“I came here to seduce you.”

“Why the hell?”

Met with such a baffling response, I forgot to keep my polite facade

up. I mean, that’s just scary. She came here to win me over? That makes
the hug extremely calculative. She used her body to her advantage.
She came here to fight. It’s a honey trap. I don’t know if it was
subconscious or not, but I feel like I’m not gonna find my answer soon.
How would me being Big Sis’s little brother make a random girl fall for
me? Where’s the syllogism? Where’s the “step” in hop step? This is more
like skip at this point.

“So, did you fall for me? Did I manage to seduce you?”

“I did not (but seriously almost did) fall for you.”

 “Mhm, so close! I can tell I almost got you to the good part.”

“Ack…N-Not at all, no.”

“Hey, Sajocchi.”

“So simple…”

I knew that the entire hug was highly calculated. And the goal was
to make me wall for her, apparently…Hah, she really is looking down
on me. I almost fell into her web of lies. I mean, not like I was already
stuck in the web of another woman. Plus, the scent of citrus all over my
body probably acted as web threads all the same. She’s not marking
me, is she?

“And what would you do after making me fall for you?”

“Hm? We’d start dating, duh.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

She didn’t intend on squeezing me dry of my money to then throw

me away like a used toy? She’d actually start a relationship? Is she
okay with that? I’m not as “passionate” as Big Sis, nor am I as hot as
Sasaki.

“S-So then?”

“We’re gonna flirt around like crazy! And then we’re happy.”

“…”

“Wa. Ta. Ru.”

“Ah…?!”
 That was dangerous! The reason she wanted to win me over was so
simple yet perfect, I almost fell in love with her…! But, I won’t be
deceived! She must be hiding the real reason she’s doing this. So…
should I ask that ? The forbidden question? If that isn’t clear, then we
won’t be getting anywhere.

“So, do you…like me?”

“? Nope.”

“Wha…Are you serious…?! God damn it…!”

“S-Sajocchi…!”

My right fist bit into my knee. A bit more, and I could have done the
same with my left hand. But the pain didn’t matter. My face…it feels so
hot…Oh god…But at the very least, I now know where I was at. She’s an
evil gal who enjoys teasing the younger brother of her best friend. And
she’ll use whatever weapon necessary to win over the person of her
interest, probably calling nerds and otakus gross cockroaches behind
their backs. With that decided, let’s go home, boys.

“…So? Why would you want me to fall for you?”

“Because I can pick up a distinct lack of affection here.”

“……”

“Wataru’s…pale as snow…”

I see. This is what it feels like to be led around the nose by a

woman. I feel like I’ve grown up compared to five minutes ago. Man, I
really feel like getting the boys together for some SmashBros right
now.

“Haha! I guess we’re short on time for some major progress. Looking
for a job’s rough, so I was hoping to get myself a boyfriend who can
spoil me a bit.”

Shortly after Onitsuka-senpai uttered those words, Natsukawa shot

up like a bullet.

“F-For that reason…?! Even though you don’t even like him…”

“That doesn’t matter. We’re not gonna get married day one, so as
long as we’re okay with it and have fun, that’s good enough.”

“Th-That’s…”

This love…might not be half bad. It really does feel like a normie’s
love, though. Not to mention that she’s a gal plus normie. I had no idea
Big Sis had a friend like. I thought she just had Shinomiya-senpai. But
that aside, Natsukawa struggled to find any words at Onitsuka-senpai’s
rebuttal. Knowing the pure and innocent Natsukawa, she probably sees
her ideal as the boy and girl slowly getting closer, falling in love with
each other, confessing to each other, and then starting to date. And
that’s not wrong…It’s just not realistic—But because Natsukawa is like, I
always…

“Well, to each their own, right?”

“Ah! So you get it, little bro?”

“But that’s why she’s fine thinking this way. The whole “You
shouldn’t be dating if you don’t have any romantic feelings.” All she has
to do is find someone with the same values, grow her bond with them,
and then start a relationship that works perfectly for both of them. If
they are fine with it and happy, then I think that’s just as great.”

“Ah…”

“Phew, talk about showing off.”

 Don’t look at me with that glitter in your eyes…It didn’t get through
to her at all, huh? How can she be so strong? What even is this stat
sheet she has? She talked about looking for a job and all that, but
should we really let her roam free in society? I feel like she’s gonna
make it to the top by sheer will. I’m guessing her idea of love has a
severe sophistry attached to it. I don’t think normies like her would
give relationships too much of a thought, anyway. If they’re met with
two choices, they’ll nonchalantly check out this, then maybe that…so
and so forth. But, that’s fine. If she’s happy like that.

“Ahaha…I see, I see. Makes sense.”

“?”

“You’re a lot more mature than I thought…Little bro.”

“Gonna fall for me?”

“Almost.”

“Wha…?!”

No way, for real? Wooo, I’m getting excited! …Yeah, just kidding. She
probably just randomly responded on a whim. You won’t deceive me
like this. She’s about as dangerous as Yuki-chan. No way she’d ever fall
for me. Coming from the person who’s held feelings for one person for
years now.

“…I’ll leave it at this for today.”

“…!”

I could tell she was finally satisfied with whatever she was doing.
And I couldn’t let that chance slip. The atmosphere in the classroom
was getting bad, so this was the time for her to head back.
 “Time’s passed on, so I’m guessing Big Sis is looking for you right
about now.”

“Keep this a secret from Kaede, ‘kay?”

“I don’t know, I’m not good at keeping secrets.”

But of course, I had to tell Big Sis about this. I don’t know what sort
of relationship they had, but I needed some way to grab the reins.

“Then I guess I have to bribe you~”

“Hm? What are you—”

“Ah…!”

My view suddenly was blocked to the left. I closed my eyes, when a

soft sensation touched my eyelid. Opening my eyes again, I saw
Onitsuka-senpai’s lips just moving away from me.

“Keep your left hand still, yeah? Stay woke out there.”

“…”

“Catch you on the flip side~”

The scent of citrus slowly grew distant. Without being bothered by

all this attention, Onitsuka-senpai just trotted out of the classroom. I
didn’t even know what to say, making me forget even the pain in my
left hand.

“…What was…Huh?”

I returned to my senses as I felt a bubble inside my own mouth

popping. I used the tip of my left hand to touch my eyelid, but only felt
my thin skin. There was no warmth left over.

“…Huh?”
 The first kiss I had ever received from a woman…was on my left
eyelid. But with it being so abrupt and everything, the feeling of it
really had happened didn’t set in. If anything, it made me tremble in
fear that she didn’t even choose a proper location. Is this what an
expert in love does?

“…”

“Um, well, Sajocchi?”

“Wh-Why are you looking over here…?”

The two girls were just as bewildered as me. I looked over at them
to ask for help in analyzing what had just happened. Instead,
Natsukawa grumbled at me like she was in a bad mood. It seems like
even the two of them were at a loss for words. And after thinking about
it for a moment, I spoke up.

“What…did she mean by woke?”

“…Who knows.”

“…”

The chaotic cultural festival ended, bringing us back to regularly

scheduled programming. Yet, this regular morning was so impulsive,
embarrassing, and confusing—Making me wonder where the high
school life I always dreamed of ran off to.
 Chapter 9.5
Extra 1: That Much?
“…”

First period was about modern society. The sound of chalk hitting
the blackboard filled the otherwise quiet classroom. At the front stood
the teacher with their textbook open, talking to no end, and we sat in
the back, just copying everything, listening in dread and boredom…I
wonder. I’m moving my pen across the paper like crazy, and yet I feel so
bored. Isn’t there any way to get my motivation pumping?

As I was scratching my head, the teacher’s hand stopped as they

placed the chalk on the blackboard, flipping through the pages. Finally,
I can take a bit of rest. We students use this time to check our pens or
scratch our noses, checking our bangs and whatnot. I wonder what
Natsukawa’s doing behind me…She’s not making a sound. I’m curious
now. Isn’t there any way I could check…Okay, I know just the thing to
use. I put my elbow on my desk, pretending to slack off, while using
the window to my left to check the reflection of Natsukawa—Only to
feel utter dread.

“…Ugah?!”

“Huh? Wh-What?”

“What was that?”

Gaaaaaaaaaah! I forgot the injury in my left hand! The pain

overwhelmed me, forcing me to grasp my left hand’s wrist in pain.
Since the bandage was still wrapped around my hand, it didn’t seem
too bad from the outside, which made me forget all about it. I
happened to stab my own jaw right onto my palm, completely messing
up. How could I be so stupid…

“…You okay back there, Sajou?”

“Y-Yes…”

The teacher glanced at me, figuring out what must have happened.
While tearing up, I somehow managed to respond. S-So embarrassing…
If there was a hole around, I’d do a Lupin dive straight into it.

“…Dummy.”

I heard a disappointed voice from behind me. Utterly devastated, I

placed my hands on my knees and sat still for the rest of the class.

Living life without your left hand? Easy! Before the day started, I
was brimming with confidence, but it didn’t long before I screamed in
pain for the third time because I carelessly tried to grab something
with my left hand. Add the previous incident to that, I realized I kept
on relying on my left hand too much subconsciously. Maybe…I was
actually left-handed my whole life?

“…Man…”

“You seem to be struggling quite a bit, Sajocchi.”

“This is just too much.”

Class ended and I stared at my left hand with a sigh, when Ashida
called out to me. Behind her was Natsukawa, harsh as always. At first,
she was worried about me, too. When I first screamed in pain, she
rushed over to check up on me. I was honestly happy about this injury…
in the beginning. Because the hell had just begun. The people around
stopped bothering me…Natsukawa grew annoyed at my clumsiness…
Yamazaki and the boys were all like “Trying to get attention?” I swear,
I’ll let them eat my fist during the next lunch break. I showed the smile
of a villain as I glared at the imaginary Yamazaki, swearing my revenge.

“L-Like hell I’ll give in because of this…Don’t underestimate my

persistence. I’m confident in my body’s toughness. I’ll show all of
you…!”

“Why are you glaring at them like that?”

“If you’re not careful, you’ll only make things worse.”

So said Ashida and Natsukawa, but I couldn’t let that stand. The
girls are all fine and dandy, but those boys…those bastards, they will
suffer. They use each chance they get to grin at me and tease me. I’m
not gonna lose to them!

“I’m done being laughed at by them.”

“I swear…This shouldn’t be your focus right now! If you don’t stop,

I’ll tell your sister!”

“Huh? Um, that’s…against the rules…”

“You just don’t know when to give up.”

“Sniff…”

“Not cute at all,” Ashida commented after watching my exchange

with Natsukawa.

With Natsukawa being born an older sister, she knew exactly which
buttons to push to scold me. It’s a sign of her worrying about me, so I
did feel happy, but I couldn’t relax just yet. After all, the promised
subject arrived, the subject we only had twice this week—P.E. With the
sports festival coming up, the classes will focus mostly on ball sports.
Second-year students have the right to the sports grounds, so we
moved to the gym hall. Clearly, that limited us on what we could
practice.

Offense and defense, one step forth and one back, the match
heating up…and I sat at the side of the hall because I couldn’t
participate, obviously. The bastards once again laughing at me. The
girls snickering at how lame I was. Trying to bear with this shame…Just
thinking about this scenario made my skin crawl. I can’t let this end
with just me watching. I have to participate somewhere.

“…!”

“Is it just me, or is Sajou getting fired up?”

“I swear…Will he really be okay?”

Third period rolled around, meaning it was time for P.E. The girls
headed to their designated changing room, whereas the boys did in the
classroom. It’s finally time, huh?

“Hey hey, Sajou? Is there really any need for you to change?”

“Shouldn’t it be better for you to get some rest?”

“Y-You guys…”

“People with a girlfriend are to shut up.”

“Ugh…”

Sasaki cried to chime in and protect me from Yamazaki and Iwata

grinning at me, but they shut him down faster than Natsukawa ever did
with me. Seemed like that argument of theirs was highly effective as
he just blushed and not uttered another word. Also, Sasaki! Since when
did you turn into such a lovebird! Also also, guys with girlfriends don’t
have any room to argue here!
 “Don’t underestimate me. I’ll be your master referee today.
Basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, I’ve remembered the
rules of every single sport. I get to decide when you get points…and
when you don’t. And I’ve just decided…that all your points won’t be
counted.”

“Huh?! That’s playing dirty, Sajou!”

“Are you really a master referee like that?”

That’s right. Even if I were to be unscathed and planned on

participating in today’s class, two of the boys would be tasked to be the
referees or handle other stuff. So even if an injured person like me is
here, it won’t change a thing. But, I can use this to my advantage. I’ve
still got hope.

“…All right.”

I made sure to adjust my bandage and headed to the gym hall. The
girls seemed to have finished changing, too, gathering up. In the midst
of that, I spotted Ichinose-san. When our eyes met, she looked at me
with a worried expression and trotted over to me. Is there really any
reason to be this secretive? Maybe she doesn’t want to be seen with
me…?

Naturally, her gaze wandered to my left hand. The season was

starting to get chilly, but we high school boys still wore our regular
shirts. Unlike our school uniform, this look showed my left hand much
more clearly, so looking at the bandage and everything must have
worried her.

“S-Sajou-kun, I really think you should sit out for today…”

“No worries, no worries. I’m gonna be turned into the referee, so I’m
pretty much sitting out, anyway. Not gonna use my left hand.”

“…”
 Despite my attempt to reassure her, her worried expression did not
disappear. I’m sorry, Ichinose-san…But sometimes, we men can’t back
down from a fight. If I were to stay docile now, they would never let me
live it down. I have to fight for my high school life.

“…Ah! Hey, Wataru!”

“Ack…”

Following that, Natsukawa and Ashida entered the gym hall. The
moment Natsukawa saw me, she immediately ran over. Yep, she’s
clearly angry…I’m scared.

“Why are you wearing your gym clothes?! You don’t actually intend
to participate, do you?!”

“W-Well, I’m not gonna move much anyway! I won’t do anything to

make the injury get worse! Right, Ashida?”

“Words spoken can’t be taken aback, Sajocchi.”

“Oh…Okay…?”

I frantically tried to make an excuse and checked over at Ashida, but

she didn’t seem on my side at all. Rather, almost distracted. I could see
a faint fire burning in her eyes.

“…Are the girls playing volleyball?”

“She’s in her own world already.”

“Ugh…”

Natsukawa showed a wry smile, as Ichinose-san staggered

backwards, unable to face the fire coming from Ashida head-on. I’m
guessing she doesn’t like all this passion and excitement you’d usually
find in a club. But watching someone else be just as fired up as I led to
my flame cooling down a bit. I gotta get my head into the game.
 “…The boys and girls are separated, right?”

“So you just sit still and watch.”

“D-Don’t wanna…”

“So selfish…Don’t come crying later.”

“Ack…”

As we were talking, more and more students entered the gym hall.
And finally, the gym teacher arrived so we all gathered up. Stretches
done, the boys and girls were split up. The boys got to play basketball,
with the girls playing volleyball. Basketball, huh? How nice…I would
have loved to participate.

“Sajou, you handle the scoreboard.”

“Huh…? No, um, could I be the referee—”

“What are you talking about? That’d force you to run along the lines
all the time. Can’t have you do that with your injury.”

“Th-That’s…”

“No buts. Off you go.”

“Um, wait…”

Y-You…! You ruined my perfect plan…! But, wait…I can still do

something even if I’m only handling the scoreboard. Like cheerleaders
during the world cup…So if I do it right, then—Yeah, of course that
didn’t happen.

“Man…”
 The gym hall was split into half, the side closer to the stage set up
for the boys and their basketball field, the other half being the
volleyball court for the girls. I grabbed the basket with the whistles
and cloth with the numbers under my arm, pushing the scoreboard
from the small storage shed into the hall. Phew, that’s most of the
preparations done…Wait, am I just doing the dirty work?

“Thanks a bunch, Mr. Handicapped.”

“Shut up.”

Yamazaki swiftly evaded my kick. Folding his body, he laughed eerily

as he jumped backwards. He really is wasting his face and height away
by being so creepy. I don’t think he’s gonna be popular anytime soon.
Under the decision of the teacher, the leading player was announced to
be Yamazaki from the basketball club. He probably wants to neatly
split up the boys into three groups. Which makes sense…But should he
really have someone from the basketball club handle that?

“Guess you couldn’t become the referee, Sajou…Kehehe.”

“Ugh…!”

D-Damn you…! But I can’t start a fight in front of everyone or I’ll be

the lame one…Rather than messing up by stealing his role, I should
focus on not messing up the scores. Wait for your chance, Sajou
Wataru…!

‘U-Um, Sensei?’

‘Hm? AH, right. Hey, Sajou!’

“Hm? Yes!”

‘Switch!’

“…What?”
 *

“…Sajou-kun! One’s rolling over on your end!”

“G-Gotcha!”

Looking in the direction the girl pointed, I saw a volleyball colored

blue, yellow, and white. And I ran after it like a genuine dog. I stopped
it before it rolled over onto the boys’ court and then threw it across the
net. Right after, I could see a shadow jump up next to the net in the
corner of my eye.

“Next! Hup!”

“G-Got it…Ah?!”

“So close!”

The ball spiked towards the ground was scooped up with a receive
from another girl. I’m guessing she must not be doing much exercise
daily, because her angle was off, as it flew to the side.

“Sorry about that, Sajou-kun!”

“No worries, no worries!”

I once again ran after the next ball. Because of the weird spin it had,
it did play with me for a moment, but I finally managed to capture it.
This odd feeling of success had me wipe my sweat away. My new duty…
was being the ball boy for the girls. One of the girls couldn’t
participate and instead watched from the sidelines, so I came over to
help.

“Hehe, thanks, Sajou-kun.”

“No biggie.”
 The girl showed me a wink and stuck out her tongue. Paired with
the faint sweat on her face, that youthful smile was utterly destructive.
I finally realized…This is where I was always supposed to be. You
bastards, go have fun at your sausage party!

“Next! Hup!”

“Eeek?!”

“Whoa?!”

Another harsh spike was rammed across the net, the girl being
unable to receive it, as the ball zoomed past me. It slammed against
the wall with a loud sound, the surprise making me let out a
dumbfounded voice.

“Sajocchi! We’re running out of balls!”

“You’re just taking this too seriously! The girls can’t accept it
anymore, and that’s why I have to keep running!”

“Tehe. Sorry, I’m just really motivated.”

Unlike the boys, the girls weren’t having a match. For the majority
of the sports festival, it’ll be the third-year students participating in the
matches, so any class lower than that is mostly just practicing. Now
that the toss and receive practice was over, the next training was
focusing on Ashida doing a spike, with the girls trying their hand at a
receive, toss, and spike. From my inexperienced eye, they seem to be
struggling with the receives…But Ashida also just doesn’t know how to
hold back. Thanks to that, I can barely catch a break as the ball boy.

“Ashida-chan…This is too tough for beginners like us!”

“Kei, can you please hold back a bit…?”

 I don’t blame those reactions. Seeing her body twist whenever she
prepares a spike is making me shiver in terror. I mean, it’s perfect for a
member of the volleyball club, but still…

“Hold back…Hold back…”

“Can you do it?”

“Yeah…Should be fine!”

I used this brief reprise to glance at the boys, as the match was
heating up. Yamazaki was actually taking his role as a referee seriously.
Iwata messed up his shoot and got laughed at. Sure seems fun…I
would have loved to play with them.

“Ichinose-san, here I go!”

“Y-Yesh…”

Oh, it’s Ichinose-san’s turn? I’m a bit worried if she can actually
receive the ball with those slender arms. I have to watch carefully to
ensure she doesn’t get hurt—

“Huuup!”

“Huh?!”

“Ah?!”

“Wha…?!”

Ashida still didn’t seem used to holding back, as her spike went off
to the side. It landed far away from Ichinose-san…and I guess I’m just
imagining things, but the ball was heading right for me—Wait, it’s not
just me cooking up things!

“Sajocchi!”
 “Wataru!”

“Urk…?!”

To stop the ball, I pushed both my arms ahead of me—No, I can’t!

Any more stress on my left hand and my injury will only get worse! I
have to stop it with my body…No! That just looks painful as all hell! I’m
done with pain for at least another week! So then…!

“…Hngh…!”

I believed in my reflexes and attempted a jab with my right hand.

Through that, I can at least redirect it, and—What?! Before I realized
what was wrong, it was already too late. Everything turned to slow
motion. The ball I should have avoided bounced off of my hand
diagonally, drawing an ellipse, as it twirled ahead. Springing off from
the ground in a Z curve, the ball aimed directly at my lower body—-Oh,
Goddess.

“XYWEUCHYWXH?!”

“S-Sajocchiii?!”

It felt like someone slammed a hammer right into my core. I lost all
strength to keep standing, barely making it in time to slam my right
arm on the ground so that I didn’t fall over completely. Since the floor
of the hall was of top quality, the impact it felt mostly came back to
me…And my lower body.

“…! Huff…! Ah…! Ugh…!”

“S-Sajocchi’s Sajocchi is dead!”

I felt the urge to vomit, like I was experiencing motion sickness but
500 times worse. The pain almost made me scream, but my pride
wouldn’t allow for that to happen in front of the girls. I put all my
strength into my legs to stand up again, getting on one knee while
putting my right arm on my forehead to strike a pose.

“Ugh…Oooo…”

“Sajocchi!”

Footsteps approached me. Each step made the ground vibrate ever
so slightly causing an earthquake with a magnitude of 1. Please…
stop…slow…Don’t come running.

“Sajocchi! I’m sorry! Are you okay?!”

“…”

“S-Sajocchi…! Oh no, what do I do…Should I rub your back?”

Please stop. Don’t touch me. Don’t shake me. Please, just leave me
alone. Forget I even exist.

“Or…would you rather I…”

Stop! Don’t stimulate my lower body by blushing like that! Don’t get
closer to me with those dazzling bare legs of yours! Don’t lean over to
allow me a glance inside your shirt! And don’t look down at that place!

“I…I’m okay…So…!”

“Um…”

I pressed my right palm ahead of me to urge her and step back.

Once she did, I mustered up all the strength I had in my body to get up.
I rested my body against the wall behind me, faking a smile as I
recovered.

“Heh…Hehehe…”

“Y-You don’t have to force yourself to laugh, you know…?”

“Hehehehe…”

“I’ve never seen such a forced smile on you…”

 Stop meddling already. Just accept it as my regular smile. Let me
keep up my facade. I don’t mind becoming your slave for the next half
year. I won’t ever make fun of you again. I’ll leave all my fortune in
your hands.

“Huff…Huff…I’m good. Just get back.”

“O-Okay…I’m sorry…”

“No need to apologize…Just hold back…and keep it under control…”

“O-Okay!”

The girls in our class still stared at me, but I pretended to be fine.
The urge to vomit slowly left my body, too. But I should still check up
on my son once this class is over. More accurately, if all components
were still healthy and attached. Can’t have more, or less. This one time
I cannot be wrong in math.

“Um…Next is Aichi!”

“Y-Yeah!”

In front of me, Aika entered the court as it was her turn. That’s right,
I should focus on her gym clothes for now! Because of the tight fit, the
line around her behind really stood out—Please don’t turn your back on
me! Do that once my son is healthy again!

“Huuup!”

“!”

All right! Nice one, Ashida! You held back just fine! Natsukawa can
definitely pull off a clean receive now. I don’t need to run to her aid!

“Hup…!”

“Ichinose-san!”
 “Waaah?!”

“Kaorin!”

“Hayah!”

“Nice kill!”

Natsukawa connected the ball beautifully, as Ichinose-san

awkwardly passed it along, with Kobayashi-san jumping up and spiking
it onto the opposite half of the court. Seeing this success, Ashida
cheerfully raised her voice.

“You did great too, Kei.”

“Hehe, for real?”

“Can you do that again?”

“Sure!”

Ah, so soothing…This is all I need. For now, I just want to watch

girls being cute. And forget about the tragedy that just happened. If
there happens to be a hole around, I want to go to Brazil.

“…”

“…Hm?”

Suddenly, I saw Natsukawa looking at me with an expression like

she was chewing on something unpleasant. She seemed to have
remembered something, as she walked to my side like Ichinose-san
usually would. N-No, please…Not now, Natsukawa-san…This is bad…I
understand that I’m being picky right now, but just for today, I would
prefer it if you hated my presence like usual and avoided me like the
pest. Just say that I disgust you. Even I want to be alone sometimes.
And with that, I mean my son wants to.
 “H-Hey…”

S-Stop…Don’t whisper into my ear. Can’t we do this later? You’re too

close. This is illicit. The public morals committee won’t let this slide.
Your warm breath is hitting me…

“D-Does…your penis really hurt that much?”

“?!?!?!?!?!?!”

Fall of my first year as a high school student, I suffered a severe

injury, unable to spend my days in peace. Despite being in the go-home
club, I can not catch a break. And once again, I was the center of
attention.

Extra 2: Wanting To Help

The cultural festival ended, and the tense, excited atmosphere
inside the classroom had long vanished. The high school students had
now calmed down and gotten used to their regular school life, too.
However, one student sitting in the back near the hallway had returned
too much to normal—Ichinose Mina, a quiet and small girl who loved
reading more than anything else.

“…”

Recess was currently in session, and Mina took out her textbooks to
prepare for the next class, as well as a novel. She opened it up and
began reading through the lines. Through focusing, she became able to
drown out the noises and other sounds around her, entering the world
of the story—or so it should have been.

“…”

She couldn’t focus in the slightest. It was something she usually

excelled at, but now utterly failed. But, she had a feeling as to what
could be the reason. Diagonally ahead to the left was a high school
student with a brown-haired bob cut—Shirai Nonoka. She might not be
on the level of Mina, but she was very docile and mature, always kind
to everyone. She also enjoyed reading, but she preferred shojo manga
over novels, so she’s got a wider range to work with.

And there was another girl with black short hair. She sat on the
opposite side of the classroom, also being like Mina in the sense she
only had one boy she could put her trust in—Okamoto Aoi. She was a
reader like the other two, but she also went into the shojo manga
reader direction. But with these two, Mina could talk about her favorite
books and the characters she loves so much.

And now, these two stayed all by themselves, sitting at their desks,
heads down. When the second term began, both of them were
exceptionally assertive at spending time with Mina, constantly
gathering at her desk, and not letting Mina read something on her
own. Mina didn’t know why these two were acting like that. Ironically
enough, she should be happy that she could continue reading in
peace…Because this way, she could fully enjoy the world she learned
about—But that wasn’t the case.

“…”

She couldn’t help being curious about what was going on with those
two. Let alone seeming fine, they looked saddened and depressed,
dropping their shoulders. At the beginning of the second term, Mina
had no interest in others. So, how did she end up this way? Because
she started interacting with others. The life she spent months ago was
now an irregular day. And this feeling she had was similar to another
precedent.

… Sajou-kun .

This was the name of the only boy Mina could put trust in—Sajou
Wataru. When she worked part-time during the last summer break, he
looked after her a lot, and they talked on the regular. Sadly, their
senior-junior relationship at work ended when the boy quit, but they’ve
been getting along as classmates. Mina on the other hand continued to
work and got to know more people, which meant she had less time to
read. The time it took her to read a single book grew, making the list of
books she still had to read grow and grow again. Sure, she did feel
regret at that fact, but she also asked herself—if she wanted to return
to how it was during the first time. The answer to that was a clear “Not
in a million years.”

It was only a small ounce of courage. A single step forward is what

allowed Mina’s change to such an extent. She found out that all these
memories of days that were nothing special now remained firmly in her
mind. Even the memories of the cultural festival that would have
normally been a dark lump now were precious experiences. She
realized how important it was to stand on your own legs, to change
yourself. Because that strengthened your own emotional growth. This
“youth” she never understood before turned out to be something so
sweet and tempting.

And this…is the same…

Through various experiences, it didn’t take Mina long to grasp this

situation. Because Shirai Nonoka and Okamoto Aoi had already become
important people to Mina. They were not strangers she could simply
ignore and move on. And…there was another person.

“So…Mina-chan?”

“!”

The third person in this group of girls greatly influenced Mina’s daily
life—Saitou Mai. She had her tied into a single tail that hung down on
one shoulder, emitting the air of a typical Japanese beauty, and she
was another friend of Mina’s just like Shirai and Okamoto. Starting
from the first term all the way to right before the cultural festival,
those three basically had been inseparable. And she was also the only
one who had special circumstances in this whole situation.
 “Um…well…”

“…”

“…No, it’s nothing. I’m sorry.”

“Ah…”

The girl showed a hurt expression as she walked away. She always
had a fickle impression on others. Whereas the other two would always
run around and after Mina on the daily, she would slowly enter Mina’s
life in a gentle way. And to Mina, Saitou Mai was the one she felt the
closest to. And even though she had been smiling a lot more lately,
there were days she had such a hurt expression. Because of that, Mina
didn’t know the reason. But, she did pick up a feeling of familiarity
from that expression.

As an avid reader, Mina loved being by herself. That’s why she chose
to stay alone and spend her time the way she wants to, and yet
sometimes a contradiction slowly crept up inside of her: “Being alone
is lonely.” “I hate being so pathetic,” she could hear screams inside her
heart. Looking at Saitou’s expression right now, it reminded Mina of
when she felt like that back then.

I…want to do something.

Ever since the second term began, the three of them were
constantly around Mina. Yet, they all acted independently now. Mina
saw them as a bother in the early days, but now they’ve become a vital
part of daily life. And she had no reason to deny that now. However,
there was still another problem.

Just what happened…?

The reason for this sudden change in situation…She tried to think

about it, but realized that she knew next to nothing about the girls.
She never attempted to learn more about them.
 This…I’m not good enough yet.

Mina knew the importance of getting back up again…so for starters,

she needed information. Why are Shirai and Okamoto so devoid of any
energy, and why did Saitou make that self-deprecating smile? For that,
Mina had to learn more. Either by talking directly to them, or asking
people close to them who could know more. She shot up from her
desk, as if to raise her own motivation.

Urgh…

Her current position was at her desk. Compared to the first term,
Mina had gotten involved with a lot more people. However, she was
still shy and introverted even after all, so she struggled to initiate a
conversation with other people. She knew how important it was to
muster up her courage now, but this and that were different. She
cursed herself for being so naive earlier. In the end…she could only rely
on her former senior. Although she didn’t want to ask an injured person
like him for help. Feeling regret, she headed his way and called out to
him.

“U-Um…Sajou-ku—”

“Phew…Huh?”

“Wah!”

The moment she called out to him, Wataru stood up. The timing was
so awful that Mina’s words got stuck in her throat. But even so, she
tried to convey her words, when—

“Sorry, Ichinose-san. I gotta head to the toilet.”

“Ah…”
 Wataru apologized with a slight bow and then walked off. Without
giving Mina a chance to stop him, he walked out of the room. And since
she realized he was in a rush, she didn’t try to chase after him either.
Not like she could, either. But, losing her one and only hope, Mina was
at a loss.

“…”

“Um…Ichinose-san?”

“!”

“Sorry about Wataru.”

“He’s so cruel!”

The two who called out to Mina was the girl sitting behind Wataru—
Natsukawa Aika. Together with her good friend Ashida Kei, she’s always
with Wataru. She’s a beautiful girl, always sparkling, and it always
made Mina freeze up when they talked. In Mina’s eyes, Aika was
Wataru’s good friend, so that would make her a friend’s friend. But at
the same time, she was like a stranger. Continuing the conversation
without Wataru was a bit rough on her. But as Natsukawa apologized
like she was speaking of a family member, Kei showed a wry smile.

“Did you need something from Wataru?” Aika asked.

“Maybe you wanna invite him out on a date?”

“Ack…”

“Hey, Kei…”

Following Aika’s initial question, the representative of this class, the

cheerful Kei, went on to tease Mina. And to her, Kei was an existence
that she was bad at dealing with. If not for Aika reprimanding Kei, Mina
might have run away at that point.
 “Um, I can let him know if you’d like…?”

“…”

“Geez, Kei! You scared her so much she’s not even talking anymore!”

“Huh?! Is it my fault?!”

That was absolutely right, but also not the main reason. To Mina,
even Aika was a weak point. A weakness she couldn’t defeat. Of course,
she understood that the girl wasn’t a bad person in the slightest, but
for introverted and shy people, logic takes second place.

“…”

“Okay, I got it. Kei, leave us alone.”

“Wha…?! Aichi?!”

“No buts!”

Pushed away by Aika, Kei pretended to cry and returned to her desk.
Met with this unexpected turn, Mina’s eyes opened wide. Aika must
have guessed that Mina was too shy to handle this situation and took
the matter into her own hands. Thanks to that, Mina came to like Aika
a bit more.

“So, what’s up?”

“Ugh…”

That being said—this still wasn’t enough. Mina didn’t know the last
thing about Aika. And what scared her the most was making Aika angry
without meaning to. As she was bad with expressing herself, that was a
wall that almost seemed unsurmountable. She pressed one hand on
her chest, trying to calm her confused heart.

“Is it something…you can only talk with Wataru about?”

 “…Ah…”

Aika gently grasped that hand with both of hers. Even the words she
told Mina were voiced with nothing but kindness. Like an older sister
who allowed Mina to be selfish. It was different from Sasaki Fuuka,
who would sometimes come to visit Mina at work. Then again, she was
still younger than even Mina. But through this, the fear Mina had
towards Aika slowly lessened, as she managed to calm down and
remember her original goal. What’s most important right now is Shirai,
Okamoto, and Saitou. Finding out what happened between them, and if
she could find out, then it didn’t have to be Wataru. Making up her
mind, Mina spoke up.

“Well…Th-There’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Um…I’d rather not talk about it here…”

Okamoto’s seat was awfully close to Wataru’s. At this rate, she might
be able to pick up on their conversation. And with that danger looming
over them, she couldn’t ask for the details here. She could ask Okamoto
directly, but that brought the danger of hurting her with it, and she
didn’t have the courage for that.

“Okay, then let’s head somewhere else.”

“Y-Yes…!”

Pulled along by Aika’s hand, the two of them left the classroom. All
the while being seen off by Kei’s lonely expression.

They stepped out onto the hallway, with Wataru not in sight. Mina
and Aika were now facing each other.
 “Well…I’m sorry for suddenly dragging you out here. I’m not forcing
you to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“I-It’s okay…!”

“R-Really? Then…”

Aika had considered just waiting for Wataru to come back if they
were going to change their location anyway, but she swallowed that
because Mina said she was fine with this. Plus, learning that there was
something Ichinose Mina wanted to talk about with Wataru—she
couldn’t completely erase any and all curiosity. The possibility of their
bond deepening without her knowing—To the current Aika, that was
not something she could just ignore. And while not knowing of this
guilt, Mina made up her mind and spoke up.

“Um…the thing is…”

Mina then began telling Aika about the other three girls. That she
wanted to do something for them, but didn’t even know why they were
acting this way. So, she wanted to ask if Aika knew anything.

“…Hm. Now that you mentioned it, I haven’t talked much with them
after the cultural festival…”

“…”

“…Ah, I’m sorry, okay! Don’t look at me like that.”

Aika must have felt the disappointment from Mina and her
expression, as she frantically apologized and looked away. Recently,
her mind could only think of Wataru and his grave injury. She didn’t
have the leisure to worry about her other classmates or people that
weren’t close friends.

“B-But…They do seem to be bothered by something. That influences

the mood in the classroom, too…”
 “…”

“Ugh…! I-I said I’m sorry!”

She spoke as if only now she realized that something was wrong in
the classroom. Mina looked up at Aika like she couldn’t believe her. At
the same time, Aika dropped her shoulders in defeat.

“…Natsukawa, Ichinose-san can be very delicate to handle, so you

can’t treat her the same way as Ashida.”

“! W-Wataru, took you long enough. Did you let out everything?”

“Natsukawa, let’s calm down, okay?”

By the way, it was only a “small” deed.

“With only my left hand, it’s a bit hard…And it still hurts a bit,”
Wataru said with a somewhat bashful tone, leaving Mina and Aika
beet-red.
 Nobody gained anything from that conversation. That being said, at
least Wataru arrived to join the two of them. Figuring that at least he
wouldn’t be as useless as Aika, Mina told him the exact same thing. As
she progressed, Wataru suddenly began looking like he would break
out in tears any moment.

“Ah…Oh…Ichinose-san…You’re trying to help your friends…”

“…Um.”

“Ah, sorry. We were being serious, right? I mean, I was just so moved,
don’t blame me.”

Mina narrowed her eyes again in a judgmental way, which seemed

to be very effective as a way to get others back on topic. Even Aika
couldn’t entirely stand this, as she crossed her arms and looked the
other way. She then cleared her throat once and faced Wataru.

“I’d like to help them too, if possible. They were the ones who first
started talking to me when Kei and I grew closer.”

“You say that…But it’s gonna be something complicated.”

“! D-Do you know something…?”

“Well…I’ve got an idea.”

Both Mina and Aika moved in closer toward him, which left him
staggering backward. But looking at his left hand and the bandage,
they regained their composure.

“S-So…?”

“I mean…I don’t know if I could just spill the beans and…Ah, wait a
second.”

“Huh…?”
 Wataru suddenly looked at Mina, moving closer toward her. Out of
shock and surprise, she bumped against the wall behind her.

“Not being able to help someone in their time of need…Personality-

wise, that’s the opposite of Shinomiya-senpai. What if the one being
troubled was Inatomi-senpai and not her…? What would make her
happy…?”

“A-Ahhh…”

“W-Wataru! Aren’t you getting a bit too close? And…why is

Shinomiya-senpai’s name popping up now…?!”

Stared down by Wataru up close, Mina blushed furiously. Aika was

left in shock, trying to pull Wataru away from Mina. But, he was still
thinking. Both of them had question marks up above their heads,
looking at each other. Finally, Wataru must have reached a conclusion
in his mind, looking at the two.

“Ichinose-san…Do you remember the first interview you had at

work?”

“Huh…? Y-Yeah…”

“I want you to remember the courage you felt back then. Because of
this problem…You could be the savior of our class.”

“Wha…Huuuuh?!”

Lunch break arrived, and the school cafeteria was packed with
students. At the table in the back sat four students, facing each other.

“Um…Mina-chan?”

“Y-Yesh…”

“A-Are you okay?”

 “…!”

Sitting to Mina’s left, Saitou Mai called out to her with a worried
tone. Sitting across the table, Shirai Nononka did the same. Okamoto
Aoi was next to her, not voicing it openly, but her worried expression
spoke for itself.

I…I have to tell them properly…!

This gathering came into place because Mina called for everyone.
She sent “I want to talk about something” to everyone. And she
finished it off with “I would be happy if you could come to the cafeteria
for next lunch break.” This was the beginning of the operation that
Wataru, Aika, as well as Kei and the class representative Iihoshi Seina
came up with. And the details were simple…For Mina to express her
worries and problems to the group. They didn’t prepare any script, of
course, so Mina was understandably worried. And then there was
another group of four watching them from a distance.

‘H-Hey…why did you all just order bread and milk…? I’m the only
one with a lunch box now…’

‘You lose once you worry about it, Natsukawa.’

‘I just wanted to join in from the sidelines, AIchi.’

‘A nutritious lunch box will be helpful for a long battle. Not bad,
Natsukawa-san.’

‘A-About what?! You didn’t set me up, did you? You didn’t just forget
to let me know, right…?!’

Despite a few ups and downs, they were just as prepared. They told
Mina they would be watching from a distance…but in reality, it was
more like insurance in the event that Mina’s limit was to be reached in
front of the other three. If things derailed, Wataru and the others could
step in to ask the girls about their problems…But, Wataru didn’t doubt
Mina’s success for a moment.

‘Hmph…I would have loved to help myself.’

‘Now, now, Aichi.’

‘You’re such a hard worker, Natsukawa-san. But from what Sajou-kun

told me, no hard work could be helpful here.’

‘What does that mean?’

‘This situation relies on the fact that the introverted Ichinose-san

takes the first step. So apologies, but just please stay by my side for
now.’

‘W-Wataru…?’

‘Now hold on, this isn’t what I was told about.’

‘Hilarious.’

As the conversation derailed into a sweet atmosphere, Kei and

Iihoshi stepped on the brakes. Contrary to that, Mina’s table was mostly
about everyone reading the mood, nobody knowing how they could
start the conversation.

“So…what do you want to talk about? What happened?”

“U-Um…”

“Just tell us! We’ll do anything to help!”

“…!”

Okamoto called out to Mina in a warm voice. But she knew that she
was just forcing herself to smile. She’s not in the mental state to listen
to other people’s problems. Mina formed fists on her lap. She was
aware that they all kept their true feelings locked away. And that
frustrated her only further. It showed they had no trust in her. Just like
someone told her before, it showed they simply treated her like a
mascot.

“…!”

“…Huh?”

“…!”

“…”

Mina glared at the three of them in order. Met with such a

determined and almost hostile expression, the other girls swallowed
their breaths. Mina prepared herself to be hurt and hated, as she finally
spoke up.

“I want to know what’s on your mind.”

“…?!”

Each word made it clear how much it weighed down on her. This
surprised the girls. Mina was the one and only person who asked just
what nobody else dared to.

“Lately, you all seem so…devoid of energy and sad…And it won’t let
me go.”

“Ah…”

Shirai and Okamoto looked down at the table. After all, the reason
for them acting this was to sit with them at the table—which was
Saitou.

“All of you…by yourselves…and nobody talking to me…I was l-

lonely…”
 “…Mina-chan…”

Hearing Mina’s quivering voice, Okamoto raised her head. As

expected, Mina’s eyes were tearing up.

“I don’t know what’s on our minds…And if you really can’t tell me,
then that’s fine…”

“Ah…”

Finally, tears fell from Mina’s eyes. But she didn’t stop there.

“But…is there no way I could help you…?!”

“““…”””

These words conveyed with tears—Undoubtedly, they showed how

Mina truly felt. In reality, she was just an existence they could spoil
whenever they want. But when they were troubled with something, she
was just there to heal their minds. Yet, this very mascot now said that
she wanted to be their strength. These feelings, paired with her tears,
deeply reverberated inside of them.

“…I see. I’m sorry, Mina-chan.”

“…! Aoi-chan.”

“It’s okay, Honka-chan. I’ll say it.”

Listening to Mina until the very end, the first one to speak up was
Okamoto. Shirai seemed worried, but the light had returned to her
eyes, as she looked at Saitou.

“You know, I was really shocked to hear that you started dating
Sasaki-kun, Mai-chan.”

“Ah…”
 “…Wha…?”

Hearing Okamoto’s confession, Saitou’s expression was distorted in

sadness. Meanwhile, Mina stopped crying and looked between the two.
Wataru said he had a feeling as to what caused the rupture in this
group. He never told Mina, but she had no idea that it would be related
to love and everything around it. And since this was a territory much
more mature than she assumed, she was shaken.

“We always talked about Sasaki-kun being cool, started admiring

him, talked to him from time to time while being excited, and then
gushed about it in our group. I thought that would continue forever. So
when I heard that Mai-chan and he started dating, I thought that she
cut ahead of me.”

“Aoi…chan…”

“But, I’m the weird one for thinking that.”

“What…?”

Saitou was surprised to hear that, raising her head in shock.

“I always talked about Sasaki-kun being my favorite, my idol. But I

just lied to myself. I was happy keeping him at a distance…like he was
an idol. No way I wouldn’t develop any feelings.”

“…”

“I’m the same.”

“…!”

Following Okamoto, now Shirai looked directly at Saitou, confessing

her feelings.

“Even after I fell in love with Sasaki-kun, I didn’t have the courage to
confess. I sometimes talked to him but was happy with just that. With
the possibility of him rejecting me hovering in my head, I couldn’t tell
him my feelings.”

“Nonoka-chan…”

“You’re amazing, Mai-chan. You actually confessed to him.”

“You must have known that this would make things awkward
between us. But you still did your best and mustered up your courage.”

“Y-You two…!”

Saitou’s expression was distorted in pain as she couldn’t keep up the

facade anymore. She began shedding tears like Mina previously did.

“I’m sorry…I just couldn’t hold myself back any longer…I knew we
couldn’t be friends anymore, but my feelings for him continued to
grow…And I couldn’t tell you about that…!”

“It’s okay. It’s okay, Mai-chan.”

“You don’t have to apologize.”

They said and then smiled at Saitou.

““Congrats.””

“…!”

They both were blessing her with tears in their eyes. The guilt
Saitou felt grew even stronger, as she couldn’t hold back her own tears.
Mina didn’t know what to do, so she just handed Saitou a handkerchief
and rubbed her back.

“Um, if there is anything I can do, then…” she said.

“It’s okay, Mina-chan.”

 “…Huh?”

“You already helped us. Because we could finally talk it out.”

“…”

“Thank you, Mina-chan.”

“Really…Thank you so much…”

“Ah…”

The courage Mina showed through her struggles was what allowed
Shirai Nonoka, Okamoto Aoi, and Saitou Mai to become friends again.
For high school girls in love with the same boy, this problem had to be
resolved eventually. However, Mina’s courage allowed them to preserve
their bonds. Being thanked, Mina realized the effort she put into
everything was worth it. Looking at the table in the distance, the
people supposedly watching over her had already disappeared.

Sixth period ended, and the students were waiting for homeroom to
begin. The regular school life they were used to had returned. In the
midst of that, Okamoto and Shirai gathered at Mina’s desk.

“Mina-chan! I only have you left, Mina-chan!”

“Not fair, Aoi-chan! Me too!”

“P-Please let go of me…!”

“I…I’m so sorry…”

Okamoto clung to Mina, with Shirai on top of her. Saitou watched

this from afar, one hand on her chest. The group was finally back
together.
 “Ashida, this is how you and Natsukawa look on the regular.”

“Huuuh? No way, I don’t leap at Aichi like that.”

“I can’t believe you can just say that…”

“Natsukawa-san, you have the right to complain.”

Now that things had calmed down, class rep Iihoshi joined the
others, watching this unfold from afar. Wataru and the others were
relieved all the same.

“…Seems like everything worked out.”

“Sasakichi’s smiling, too.”

“I…had no idea that Sasaki-kun was this popular.”

“I’m more surprised you didn’t know about that.”

“…Welp, I can leave it at that.”

As it turns out, Aika never saw Sasaki as a potential love interest.

Thinking about the fact that Sasaki had feelings for Aika not too long
ago, if he hadn’t been dating Saitou right now, things would have been
bad. He almost cried of joy, so he looked away. As for the other
students, they seemed relieved that things had gone back to normal,
smiling as they went about their day. It showed how big of an influence
those three were.

“Oh? Ichinose-chan’s walking over towards us.”

“I wonder what she wants…?”

“?”

Wataru turned around as he saw Mina walking over. She held

something like a sheet of paper in her hand.
 “What’s up?”

“U-Um…Thank you very much.”

“No worries, no worries. We couldn’t go on our date, so I’m glad I

made up for it.”

“You’re still on about that, Sajocchi?”

“…”

Wataru mentioning a “date” once again made Kei’s expression

stiffen, as Aika simply remained silent with a sour expression. Since
she remembered Sajou sulking the last time, she didn’t deny it again.

“So…You can have this…”

“Hm? What’s this?”

“A token…of my gratitude…”

“Oh?”

“Lesse! Is that a ticket?”

“Huh…?”

The group looked at the ticket Wataru was given. Kei and Aika were
more than interested and checked out what it was for.

“Huh? A ‘Will do anything for you’ ticket…?”

““Now hold on?!””

“Hilarious.”

Right before classes come to an end, the students are most relaxed.
However, the loud voices of the two girls completely disrupted this
calm atmosphere.
 Afterword
Hello everyone, this is Okemaru. How did you enjoy ‘Yumemiru
Danshi wa Genjitsushugisha’ volume 8? It depicted a rather grave
development for the first time, so the people who emphasize a lot with
the protagonist might be feeling a pain similar to his. I hope you look
forward to our dear Wataru dealing with his surroundings as he’s
impaired like this. And of course, I will put more focus on the change of
his relationship with the heroine.

With the eighth volume safely making it to bookshelves, there was

one facet in my life that changed greatly after the release of the 7th
volume last year in August—Namely, I bought a new TV. And it was a
lot of trouble. You may have already read it from the author’s comment
inside the cover, but I really wanted a PS5. Because as of late, they
actually became available again, which allowed me to buy one…so I
did. But, of course not immediately. An old TV I had made me waver if
it could even be compatible with a PS5. And the size of my old one was
too big, not fitting the stand. Once it rains, it pours as they say.

To continue this comment, I ended up going with a regular display

and not a TV. Looking into it, a TV alone won’t let you watch local
cable, so I added an HDD side so I can play with that. That’s why I
figured it would be more effective to pass out on that when it came to
the display. And the displays are even the size of regular TVs nowadays,
so I don’t have to buy a bigger one. That allowed me to keep the
purchase cheaper. But since it had no proper speaker function, I had to
buy a high-quality speaker instead. Still, I didn’t expect I would get to
4K level without paying like a million yen. By the way, the PS5s were
sold out, after all.

—Yes, yes. I understand. I’m sorry. The biggest change from when
volume 7 was released is the fact that an anime adaptation for this
series has been announced. Not many romcom novels made it all the
way to an anime from HJ Bunko’s series and their selection from
‘Shousetsuka ni Narou,’ so I consider this a great honor. This being my
first series that was properly serialized, which immediately ended up
with a comicalization and anime…I feel incredibly blessed and lucky.

With the anime production proceeding, as the author, I naturally am

deeply involved, but this being my first time, there were a lot of new
things I was challenged with. Especially when it comes to the script for
the anime made by the scriptwriter, I have to check everything as the
original creator, making sure there are no contradictions. And this
made me realize just how different a regular novel and script are. It
might look weird as an author, but once everything comes together
with the sound of voices, it feels absolutely natural. But even so, I had
to thoroughly check through it, so that was what probably took the
most calories out of me.

Another part of my job was to gather character data. Writing the

various characters’ personalities into a text, as well as their birthday,
height, weight, three-sizes, and other facts that will be made publicly
available. There is a lot of information needed only after an anime
adaptation is made. The same goes for Shirai-san, Okamocchan, as well
as Ichinose-san’s brother, whose names I had to decide specifically for
the anime. As well as how they referred to each other. On a side note,
this was also the first time I learned about a women’s chest being
categorized as top and under. Another secret that was unmasked
because of an anime.

Following that, I had to look through the candidates for the various
voice actors that applied. The production company offered demo data,
and they offer candidates that would fit the voice, but that was
something else, too…I figured we would have maybe four to five
people for each character, but when I opened the lid, I was greeted
with twenty to fifty people as candidates, and I listened to all their
data. And a lot of times, I encountered what I would consider data from
an absolute veteran. They would then voice a few lines from, let’s say,
the protagonist or the heroine. That alone made me feel emotional.
Out of all these candidates, I limited it to five finalists for each
character. The voice actor for the protagonist Miyase Naoya-san and
the voice for Aika, Suzumoto Akiho-san, were part of these candidates.
Of course, the work would be even greater for a series with two cours
or other popular series…and I feel the pain of those authors.

Listening to the opening and ending theme was also a great

experience. In that context, I don’t have much of a special position
when it comes to that, but I could listen to the song before anyone, so I
do feel a bit superior. And I hope you look forward to it.

All that was left was to check out the visuals and art in the anime.
This includes the character designs, of course. As well as background
characters, scenery, buildings, the composition, minor characters,
smartphone covers, icons, as well as other designs that never appeared
in the original material. Sometimes I think to myself that it would be
fine to leave it to the production company, but it needs to be properly
checked. It’s important to have both sides’ consent before production
continues, and that is something crucial I learned in my own work.

Out of everything, deciding on the characters’ casual outfits took the

most work. In the novel, I would just decide on a general type and
clothes, but now I get asked what exact style as a reference. Thanks to
that, I had to read up on the fashion styles of modern high school
students, as well as women’s fashion. By the way, looking up clothes
for Airi-chan made me scared my browser search would get leaked.
However, when it comes to the actual production, I’ve got no role to
play, so I feel guilty. I did check the actual progress in person, but the
rest is up to them. I never got involved with any such TV work, so
seeing it by myself was quite an exciting event. Out of my own
prejudice, I assume that all the voice actors were tall models, but
meeting them, I was relieved to see they were fellow mortals such as
myself. However, they were all very handsome and beautiful, but there
was no Miss Universe that towered over me, either. I was especially
excited to hear that Aika’s actress Suzumoto-san read the light novel
up to the newest volume.

The only thing I haven’t mentioned is the various events for

advertising. I appeared during last year’s Comic Market in Hamamatsu
City last December, trying to advertise the anime as much as possible. I
don’t mean to make this an excuse, but going all the way to the
Comiket used up a lot of stamina, so showing up there was a bit out of
my scope. Then again, I usually stay away from such events, it’s more of
a personality problem. I’m the type to read novels but not watch anime,
so I want to leave these events to the people who know what they are
doing. They are all working so much harder than me, I don’t even know
how to thank them.

But when talking about anime, one cannot go without mentioning

the current rise of a new Corona variant. Sometimes, it’s tough to get
everything necessary, so I wish that every person involved takes great
care of their health so that we won’t have to count any sacrifices to
make this happen.

On that topic, Corona is not only proving difficult in the anime

industry but for light novels, too. With bookstores and other
management establishments closing down, it’s hard to get physical
copies at times. And even if these offered any series, it often boils
down to the label’s newest releases. So for the most part, the fans are
tasked to either order it online or go to Melonbooks directly for the
added bonuses. And I feel for the people with limited possibilities.

At the same time, I consider myself extremely lucky to be an author

who can continue his work despite these trying times. When I debuted
in 2020, most people had begun reading on their smartphones,
allowing me to see the sales numbers there. At the same time, I can
keep contact with my editor through LINE or Discord, too. And this is
coming strictly from an author, I can even handle my own tax returns. I
don’t have to head all the way to the post to hand it in. And the same
goes for “Shousetsuka ni Narou.” Its existence made uploading my work
and eventually debuting much easier than during my previous
generation.

For my writing activities, I even rely on smartphone notes, too.

Something like that would be incomparable to a long time ago. It
greatly helps in keeping up motivation. Honestly, I don’t think I could
have debuted all those years back.

As I said earlier, I was more of a web novel reader than light novel fan
or anime watcher, so I had to learn a lot of new things. Especially when
it comes to procedures and other work-related details about light
novels, manga, and anime. And it’s only after I debuted that I found out
about the so-called ‘Narou Works.’ Even though I use it regularly, I don’t
particularly mind the reception it has. That is also why I don’t have an
official Twitter as “Okemaru.” I never even considered making one.

And that made me wonder. Is “Yumemiru Danshi wa

Genjitsushugisha” a Narou Work? That’s what you call a series from
that website that get an anime. But looking at the definition, I don’t
think that’s quite it. It’s mostly related to isekai and reincarnation
series, and most works follow three simple conditions:

1: Through a fantasy phenomenon, the protagonist earns a special

status.

2: He is superior to his surroundings in some way.

3: Or so it looks to be.

What the protagonist needs is something that makes him stand out.
Regarding point 3, it really depends on the individual series, because
this can be the case even without an isekai reincarnation series. And it
might not even be from Shousetsuka ni Narou, either.

(TL here: He then rambles on about the categories and whatever,

but I honestly can’t be bothered because I’m tired and this afterword
has already been going on for too long because the author wants to fill
the pages, so I’ll skip to the ending.)

With Corona still going strong, the development of AI, and the
invoice system, I’m sure that a harsh future is waiting ahead of us, but I
don’t intend on losing. Taking in the strength of our protagonist who
could joke around despite stabbing himself in the hand, I will continue
to work on the source material so that it won’t lose against the anime. I
hope you stay around and support me along the way.

This has been Okemaru.

 Links
Community for Yumemiru Danshi
Discord: Here

Reddit: Here

Fandom/Wiki: Here

CClaw Translation
Website: Here

Discord: Here