Table of Contents

1. Illustration
2. Chapter 1: Oh.
3. Chapter 2: Sheltered Lady
4. Chapter 3: School Visit
5. Chapter 4: The Goddess Thinks
6. Chapter 5: Thus, the Goddess Ran
7. Chapter 6: Tumbling Heart
8. Chapter 7: The Rumoured Girl
9. Chapter 8: The Key Smile
10. Extra: Forcing
11. Chapter 9: The Girl Next To You
12. Chapter 10: Rookie Training
13. Chapter 11: The Girl Chooses
14. Chapter 11.5: What An Older Sister Is
15. Afterword
 Chapter 1: Oh.

Using summer break, I was getting myself some juicy allowance. I was
working part-time at a one-person management second-hand bookstore, but
in roughly one week after I started working there, I got the gist down.

Back in middle school, when I was secretly working part-time at a

convenience store, I learned a lot about management and assorting and all
that, but I feel like this and ‘Come join the student council~’ are a bit
different, don’t you think. Before, I thought that these skills were pretty
convenient, but now it’s like they’re just getting in the way…Maybe I should
instead focus on a routine. There’s not much stuff that has a lot of
responsibility after all, so hard labour without using my head might be the
best for me.

I changed my way of approaching things, and arrived at the bookstore. I

greeted the old man store owner, when I realized that the sound reaching my
ears was different from before. It’s playing some gentle pop songs, making
me wonder if I accidentally walked into a rental CD shop…Not to mention
that this is a pretty popular song.

With a bit of a bad premonition, I started working on arranging the books

when I caught on to something. This J-Pop isn’t half bad, maybe I should
listen to some on the way home.

“Ah, excuse me, where do you keep the CDs?”

“……”

Yep, that’s what I thought would happen. The customers will get the wrong
idea. What is this place? A bookstore? Oh yeah, it is. While no customers
needed my help, I was checking the register and arranging the money, as

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someone tapped me on the shoulder, across the register. Some customer?
Excuse me, I have someone I like, so…Could you just talk to me normally?

“Yes, how can I—Ah?”

“Hello, Sajou-san.”

“Um…”

I was greeted by a blooming smile, giving off the aura of a calm Onee-san.
She looks like she’s on her way to the university campus. Ahh, I can’t get
tired of this priceless smile—Indeed, she’s university girl Sasaki-san, leaping
at your hearts!

Well, she didn’t exactly leap at me, but I would have been more than happy if
she did. Or rather, can I just leap at her instead? She looks so fluffy…Ahh,
the guilt of my thoughts is punching me in the gut. Unlike her previous frilly
clothes, she’s wearing three-quarter length pants, with a cream-colored jacket
—or so I thought, but she’s actually going no-sleeves, showing her white
arms that just pulled my gaze towards them. If anything, the radiance coming
from her shoulders was blinding to me. I’m sorry, Gramps, but I might have
to leave early…

“It’s been a while, Sasaki-asn. About a week, I assume. Since you came here,
you must be reading a lot of books in your free time?”

“Yes, it has. Indeed, I do like reading books…I basically always have a book
on me.”

“I didn’t expect to run into you here…Do you live nearby?”

No, wait a second. Why am I suddenly questioning a woman about her

residence? She must be constantly asked about this from some weirdos trying
to hit on her. I bet she hates me for that now…

“Yes… that’s right.”

…H-Huh? That’s a good reaction, actually. Wait a second, isn’t her smile a
bit too pure? She stayed this way despite going to a co-ed school, while

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probably being showered by the lecherous gazes of her classmates? Alright,
better get into politics, I can’t accept such a thing.

“You mentioned that you were working part-time, but to think it was a
bookstore! I’m glad I got to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Sasaki-san. You looked even more like an adult
compared to before. Are you on your way to the campus right now?”

“A-Adult…You’re making me blush. But, I don’t really give off the air of a
campus student, you know.”

A flustered Sasaki-san…Ahh, I’m getting hungry here. Just thinking about

how many hotties missed out on her has me craving for some good fucking
food, ehehehe.

“…Eh, really?”

“Yes, there’s only girls after all…So, it doesn’t actually feel that way at all.”

What…did you say? Sasaki-san isn’t just a ‘Beautiful University Girl’, but
rather a ‘Beautiful Girls-Only University Girl’!? That sounds like a new type
of brand specifically made for high school boys…I feel like she might charge
me for money if I even went as far as to touch her shoulders…How much
would that be, just out of curiosity.

“I see…So that’s why you seem like an adult, and have this calming
atmosphere around you…that makes sense.”

“Fufu, I’m already used to it by now. You are the type to quickly praise
others, right.”

“Urk…”

What, was I that much of a player? Was I always this sullied? I guess I need
to be exorcised…Gramps, I’m sorry, but I won’t be coming to work
anymore…Anyway, Sasaki-san sure is relaxed about everything. I’ve known
about this before, but she really does not see me as a man. I guess the best
would be a ‘Younger High School Boy’, huh. Maybe that’ll allow me to get

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spoiled by her instead

…No, what am I thinking. I’m on shift right now, so I need to be polite, even
if I know the other person. With a fresh expression, I faced Sasaki-san, who
suddenly lowered her head towards me.

“Let me thank you once again for saying Kou-kun…my younger brother the
other day. Thanks to you, he got out of it safely. As you said, I checked the
backpack, but there was no damage to be found…Thankfully.”

O-Ohh…Eh? Younger brother…? Ah, Kouta-kun, huh. Her charm and looks
had me lose memories for a second there. But, I’m glad he’s fine.

“I’m happy to hear that…So, what happened after that? He’s not too scared
to go outside, or something like that, right?”

Being quick on staying at home is a mentality that especially grows in middle

school after all. Just because you get treated like an outsider, insulted behind
your back, you tend to break easily. Especially if this happens from people
you don’t even deal with as a grade school student.

“I think that your existence played a big part in this. He’s out playing today
as well. Though, I did tell him to not leave the main street.”

“Well, he definitely must have learned of that fear…But, I’m glad to hear
that. And, although it might sound a bit out of place, I’m sure that this
incident was important for his development.”

“That’s right. It is quite embarrassing to say…But, personally, I never really

talked with a man myself, so it was important for me as well.”

“Eh?”

She never talked with a man…? So she’s like a sheltered lady? No well, I
guess that makes sense. If I was her Dad, I definitely wouldn’t let her meet
guys. She seems like the type of person to say ‘Once I grow up, I’ll marry
Papa!’ after all. I might just honestly wait for that.

“How do I say it…it feels like your parents are treasuring you quite a lot.”

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“T-That’s right…they are very protective.”

Despite that, she doesn’t seem too bashful. Maybe because she’s a university
girl? I guess this is where they cross the line. Whether you’re a loner or
normie, we all grow up to become adults after all. Since she’s still in
university, she technically is a student, but there’s many more things she has
to take care of than a student like me…So a high school brat like me
shouldn’t be talking like a know-it-all.

“So anyway…”

Since this bookstore is never really busy, Sasaki-san and I could talk for a bit
longer. It’s not like neither of us had anything important to talk about, but we
just discussed whatever came up. What kind of feeling is this…Just by
having her stand in front of me, I’m enwrapped in this sweet scent. No but
seriously, when she stands in front of me like this, you-know-what just is
always in my field of view. Is this the ‘Come at me’ invitation I’ve heard
about? I feel like she’d just accept me if I actually went for it…

This Onee-san’s dangerous. I feel like I’ll get sucked up if I stay with her any
longer. It pains me to my core, but maybe I should ask for a bit of distance.

“Ah, Sajou-san, you have some dust stuck to your hair…”

“……!”

Excuse me, but could you maybe become my mother?

The general public sees games and light novels as useless when it comes to
mental development and means of studying, but is that really the case?
There’s games about the Warring States period, or light novels that have a
historical theme to them, which helped me a lot in middle school, reaching
from Azuchi-Momoyama Period to the Edo Period. Not to mention that there
was a miracle where my teacher used questions related to items coming from
a historical game. I still can’t forget this feeling of superiority beating the

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smartest guy in class.

Recent fantasy stories are the same. Reading about the political problems of
that country, I grew curious about ‘What’s it like in Japan right now’, and
looked it up. You might think that all of these things are game-related only,
but you’d be surprised how many things are applicable in real life. For
example, if you read enough, you will eventually become better at guessing
the actions the characters will take.

Let me announce this to all the students who are denying this sub-culture
while holding a reference book in their right hand. Can you really get
motivated being surrounded by all this dull nonsense? You can’t, that’s why
I’m playing a game.

“Ahh, I’m being healed.

Just spamming buttons like a braindead idiot to smash in your enemy while
progressing the story is true culture. But, I don’t think this actually has any
sort of influence towards your studies…Not like it’s even fit for my age.
Then again, it is fun, and…Oh, I died.

“Ahhhh…Ah?”

Without me having any need to use my head, it felt like my consciousness

was floating through space. Once I reached a critical limit, I heard my phone
vibrating on the desk near me. That one was loud enough to make me jump a
bit.

“Wha…When did they…”

I unlocked the screen to move to the home screen, and saw ‘+999’ shown on
the app. What, did I suddenly get a hundred new friends? Sheesh, it’s rough
being this popular!

“From the class, huh.”

Every night before heading to sleep, I turn off notifications for this class
group chat. I don’t wanna be bothered by those guys who keep texting all

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night just because it’s summer break…Huh? I got some DMs as well, I had
no idea…Wait, from Iihoshi-san? Why? Some SSR event?

‘Since that group chat was going all night, they made another one, but…
When I thought of inviting you…the others deleted your contact…I’m sorry.’

O-Oh…Well…You know, I’ve been causing a ruckus for quite some time
after all, so it makes sense for not everybody to really enjoy having me
round. on the first day of summer break, I was one of the guys who joined
that night-long chat as well…But, ‘others’ probably refers to girls, right?
Ahh, I didn’t want to hear that.

‘It’s fine, I’m a noisy guy myself.’

It’s not like I’m too bothered by how other people see me, but I don’t want to
be hated…Before, Natsukawa was the most important, but now that I’m not
running after her anymore, I feel like it’d be cool if I at least got along with
other people besides her…It feels pretty awful to be treated like an outcast by
girls. Big Sis, I don’t think I’m a good fit for the student council.

‘If anything, I’m surprised you wanted to add me?’

I mean, Iihoshi-san was annoyed with them talking all night, and yet thought
of inviting me, who joined that before. Ah, she already read it.

‘Y you’re actually the type of person who takes a look at other people, right?
When you were texting that whole night, you were more on the receiving
end, right?’

Ehhh…? Did she think of me that way? Maybe it’s because she’s the class
rep, but Iihoshi-san really looks closely at people. I need to be careful if I’m
sitting close to her…

‘Is Natsukawa in that group?’

‘Sure is. Ah, Ashida-chan was rejected.’

Well, it makes sense that Natsukawa is in there…Eh? Ashida was? What kind
of judge is that girl? I can get that she’s a bit noisy at times, but I feel like

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she’s pretty reliable…Weird.

‘Oh, not bad, Sajou-kun! Natsukawa-san said no to the group, so everybody

else left as well! That means no new group!

Eh…what kind of development is this? Why is Iihoshi-san reporting it like

she’s a live reporter on scene…Well, I do feel a bit happy about that…But,
Natsukawa left, huh. Yeah, with no Ashida around, that makes sense. Still,
Natsukawa feels like an influencer at this point. Papa sure is happy.

‘Maybe that judge just threw her out?’

‘Judge? Lol. Well, she declined with silence, you know. Ashida-chan isn’t
some cushioning, but she’s basically an existence that stops things from
turning weird. Personally speaking, she’s pretty important.’

Yeah, she’s good at reading the mood. Well, answering with silence is a bit
of a bad touch. Ashida’s in the group that tends to get noisy, but she
definitely is the most energetic in the ‘Not vulgar’ group. I get that she’s
getting some animosity. But, I can already see this judge girl becoming a
problem…Like a lost boss, you know? When’s she getting her OST? I’m
terrified of the second term starting.

‘I feel like things will turn south with that judge girl.’

‘I already got messages about how she complained, so I’ll be adding a bit of
support.’

‘Ah, that type.’

I guess Iihoshi-san’s job is also to take care of that…She’s not even the
center of class, but without her, nothing’s happening, huh. I really better not
get on her bad side.

‘But, you ignored her messages as well right, Sajou-kun? That’s a big minus
with girls.’

‘Eh, pointing on me now?’

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Does she have a grudge against me? I feel like there’s other guys who aren’t
participating either. Why would I deserve some hate for that.

‘Ashida-chan managed to change the topic like three times, but you probably
didn’t see it, right? There’s even some theory that you died.’

‘That I died?’

Didn’t that happen before? Why are you immediately deciding that I died just
like that? When did I turn into that sickly character that’s gonna die to move
the plot forward with no reader being sad in the end because it was teased all
through the series? Oh yeah, because of my cold before the actual summer
break. Me collapsing from that must have been pretty impactful. I need to be
more careful.

‘I’ll bawl my eyes out, so let me come back to life.’

‘Ruler.’

‘Don’t let them move my dead body.’

She’s got no intention of trying to save me, huh? Come on, Class Rep, give
me a helping hand here…! I don’t want to be hated by the people in the
center of class! Standing out already sucks, but being bullied? Give me a
break! Practically seen off by Iihoshi-san, I turned towards that block of +999
messages. Yeah, I get why you’d be pissed at that, especially if it’s about
some shitty jokes going on all night. Oh, a group of boys and girls went
karaoke last night? They left me out…And, as for yesterday…

‘Sajocchi, are you not here?’

‘…Sajocchi…’

Sorry about that, Ashida. I guess this really leaves a bad impression. Not to
mention that there’s no high school student who wouldn’t check their
messages at least once a day. I should respond with something.

‘Sorry, Ashida, I got to know a university girl and had some fun.’

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Alright, this should do it.

[K removed Sajou from the group.]

Oh.

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 Chapter 2: Sheltered Lady

Arriving at the later half of July, with barely ten days of summer break
behind me, it honestly felt like it’s been an entire month already. But this
time around, I’m actually making solid progress with the summer homework
for once. Depending on work, I get up fairly early, and I feel oddly satisfied
with this lifestyle right now, getting some regularity into it. The serious
working mode thanks to my part-time job surely helps with that. What makes
me even happier is the encounter born from a good deed of mine.

“Good morning, Sajou-san.”

“Good morning, Sasaki-san.”

Unworthy Sajou Wataru is being spoiled by a university girl. The more often
she stopped by at the second-hand bookstore, the more she actually started
searching for me. Since she’s walking around saying ‘Sajou-saaan~’ with an
adorable expression, even my head turns blank, only able to put out a brief
‘Ah, hello’. Why can’t she just find someone more worthy than this kind of
man that I am.

“As always, the summer sunlight and Sasaki-san aren’t too far apart when it
comes to the dazzling shine blinding my eyes.”

“D-Don’t say that. You really are a womanizer, Sajou-san.”

“If I was, then all the normies in class are clubbers…”

The only reason I can frankly compliment a beauty like her is exactly because
she’s way out of my league. Even if I were to seriously hit on her, it’d just
come off as a joke.

“C-Clubber? What is that?”

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“Ah, well…”

Sometimes, Sasaki-san really feels like a sheltered lady. It’s like she’s
skipped high school all the way up to university. Even the word ‘Womanizer’
she didn’t know until a while ago. I told her that it’s an older expression that
she didn’t need to remember, but she flat out rejected that. Since it’s used by
youngsters nowadays, and something that feels more like subconscious than
openly stated, it’s hard to explain it with words…

“I kind of feel bad. Like I’m negatively influencing you, Sasaki-san…”

“…You’re not, Sajou-san. To me and Kou-kun, you are like a hero.”

“Ahaha, you flatter me.”

…Isn’t she flattering me a bit too much? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say
she’s trying to seduce me. But, there’s no way some bookstore employee
with an apron around his neck could be a hero.

“I’m just…not too familiar with how the world works…With Sajou-san in
front of me, I feel like a child.”

“Eh, d-don’t say that.”

Isn’t she getting carried away a bit? She’s lifting me up to be some kind of
god. Why? I don’t get it. Standing, she’d be a Chinese peony. Sitting, she’d
be tree peony. Walking, she’d be like a lily. How could someone like her lose
confidence like that?

“The thing is…I actually reached a dead end with my studies…”

“Eh?”

Studies? Let alone reaching a dead end, I’m already off the right track…Why
am I being forced to look at reality right now? I feel terrified of university
now.

“So, talking with Sajou-san is a good change of pace. It makes me feel like I
became an adult myself, and that I’ve gotten more clever than before.”

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“…”

Um…well, yeah. You say the most cruel things with a straight smile like that.
Because I’m such a brat, she feels more like an adult? Talking to me is
refreshing to her in that way? That’s what her desires were when she came to
meet me? I don’t how to feel about being used in that way and being insulted
all the same. Well, she’s a beauty so I’ll forgive her. She is a university girl
from a girls-only university (most crucial). No way could I help her in that,
being a lowly high school boy after all…

“…Heh…”

“Sajou-san…?”

When I was laughing at myself yet again, Sasaki-san tilted her head in
confusion. Damn it, what a cute gesture…My heart won’t stop racing.Now
that it’s come to this…Bear with it, my body…! Gut punch times three!!
(Self-destruction)

“If I can be of any help for you, then just let me know. Use me as you see
fit.”

“E-Ehh…? Use you…?”

“Yes, with no restraint.”

Be it Sasaki-san or Natsukawa, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping

beauties like them. I mean, that motivation was enough for me to work part-
time during middle school. Though, I couldn’t really help Natsukawa in the
end…But, I got to buy a lot of games.

“If that’s the case, then…since you are attending a high-level school, do you
have some secret hint to studying?”

“Yes, a very simple one.”

“Eh!? What is that!?”

Oh, she’s biting into it…Is she having that much trouble? Well, right now,

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things have changed, but when it came to getting into the high school I
wanted, my motivation was on an entirely different level. Back then, I was
using every free moment to study…What horrifying memories.

“Well, it’s not really a method, but rather depends on your experience…”

“I don’t mind…! Please, teach me!”

“The thing is…the results of your studies showing immediate feedback.”

“Feedback…is it?”

Now that it’s come to this, I need to reveal everything. I always thought I’d
carry this to my grave, but since she only thinks of me as a change of pace
from studying, I guess it doesn’t matter.

“In my case, my motivation for studying was to get into the same school as
the girl I love.”

“Eh…!? T-The girl you like!?”

My grades were pretty much average even back then. When I heard that
‘Natsukawa Aika’s aspired school is Kouetsu High’, I studied as much as I
could, working upon unlimited motivation with the goal to end up in the
same school as Natsukawa. That is undoubtedly my trick to studying.

“Do you still like that person!? Is she possibly your girlfriend!?”

Um, are you listening to me? Now that I think about it, I might have gotten
caught in some love talk all girls love so much. I feel like we moved away
from the topic of studying. Rather than biting into it, her eyes are sparkling
with excitement now. This is like being on the night of the school trip,
everyone asking who you like.

“Well, I do like her, but…I’ve given up. I realized that she’s like the
unattainable flower of the school.”

“S-So wonderful…Her charm made you give up…”

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You’re in the same category as well. With your looks like that, it feels like
I’d need to be some high-level hottie to even properly stand next to you. Why
are you even giving me the time of the day? Really just to use me?

“A-Anyway! You’ll find more motivation when you actually see the fruits of
your labor! You must be aiming for something big, right? You just have to
imagine that certain something in your hands.”

“Something in my hands…something charming…”

What even is the reason for her diligent studying? For her job…? I hear that
you need to study like crazy if you want to become some kind of official…
Must be rough. But, maybe she’s just trying to get a good job in order to
make her little brother Kouta-kun happy. We’ve been talking for a while
now, and I can see that she’s very doting towards him, so maybe that’s her
motivation? Or, even without that…

“For example, like me…wanting to be together with the person you like.”

“Li—!? A person I like!?”

“Ah, you said you had no experience with men, right.”

“H-How rude! I do have some experience!”

What!? Ahh, what a shock. I guess beauty like her has had some kind of
experience with at least one or two guys. If I was a beauty like her, I’d make
my own harem. Man, that’s a bummer. I should just get my work done and
head home……Hm?

“…Um.”

“~~~!”

“Um, Sasaki-san?”

Why is she pointing at me like that? Are you saying that an average
conversation like we’re having counts as this ‘experience?’ That won’t do,
Onee-san, you must understand what kind of experience I’m talking a bout,

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even if you are a proper woman…You know, that erotic one.

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—Oh right, she’s a sheltered lady.

“This barely counts as any experience, you know?”

“Ehh!? Really!?”

Ah, I think I said something unnecessary. Okay, hold on a second. Can you
not look at me with such a pure gaze in your eyes? Ah, if you grab my arm,
it’ll count as an illicit relationship, you know? You wanna lay your hands on
an underage high school student? Fine by meeeeeee!!

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 Chapter 3: School Visit

Instagrammers were making a fuss over their convenience store ice coffee
latte, with the milk and dark brown color creating a gradation, so I tried to
replicate that at home. Checking the recipe online, I prepared a glass, and
while getting the ice, I chanted.

“Come forth, Ice Meteor.”

Ice filled the glass, with a GaeBolg sticking out in the middle, as I poured the
Milk of the Beginning into the glass, together with hot coffee right after that
—Perfect. It’s not that big of a gradation, but like water and oil, coffee and
milk created a clear separation. It’s not even cafe latte, but just milk and
coffee in the same glass. You bastards…this looks like the sun and moon
next to each other.

“Combine.”

I stirred around the ice, mixing the two ingredients. Finally, I created the cafe
latte I’ve always known from the convenience store. My excitement grew,
like it would during summer break. To celebrate this, I decided to take a
picture of it, creating a stage with a plastic cocktail stirrer—only for a hand to
grab the glass.

“Thanks.”

“Big Sis, not now, please.”

“Make one for me.”

“Your wish is my command.”

Now that I made it once, it’s no biggie anymore. I repeated the same

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procedure, starting with an Ice Meteor, followed by the GaeBolg and
Combine, only for me to look at my side, where I received a headshot from a
gaze colder than ice.

“Here you go.”

“Mm.”

The reason I immediately listened to her orders without rebelling is not

because I am submissive towards her. Instead, this is…a reflex, that’s right.
Just like you’d reflexively close your eyes if something blasts towards you,
whenever Big Sis raises her chin with a demanding gesture, my body just
moves naturally. Oh my, she’s got full control over my soul now…

“You sure are taking it easy today. Normally you’d be either at school or
cram school.”

“So what? Am I not allowed to be home?”

“Hey, calm your leg, no kicking.”

What a fearful person she is. And, her clothes are as crazy as always just
because she’s at home. Are you some young lad out hunting insects? Are you
even wearing something beneath that? Did she lose all her embarrassment at
such an age? I feel like she might just grab her insect hunting net and rush out
of the home. As I was thinking that, I realized that she was practically staring
at me, while stirring around her coffee with the straw inside.

“What are you looking at…So embarrassing.” I fidgeted awkwardly.

“The day after tomorrow, can you come to school and help the public morals
committee?”

“Um…can’t you maybe start from the very—Eh? The public morals
committee?”

Why them? Big Sis is in the student council, right. Does she actually have
control of the public morals committee as well? Also, why at school?

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“The day after tomorrow? Why do I have to come to school?”

“6th of August, the third-years are at school, showing the potential new first-
years how our school works.”

“Oh yeah, we had that…So, what? What does that have to do with the public
morals committee?”

Not to mention that things are 100% awkward between me and the dear
public morals committee president right now. I really don’t want to work, nor
do I want to lose the radiance I hold right now. Not to mention that I already
declined the invitation to the public morals committee.

“The school visit, you know. Public morals committee was given reigns on
that.”

“Eh? Weren’t the teachers supposed to handle that?”

“The general framework, yeah. But, the current students are the ones doing
the hard carrying. This is what last year’s student council decided, and Rin
got it all pushed on her.”

Last year…When the school supported students from families that belonged
to the ‘West Side’, huh.

“What about the student council?”

“Already way too busy. Anymore than that, and we’d be carry-over.”

“That’s some awful carry-over.”

More and more work, huh. That sounds like hell. Rather than being the
institution of students, the student council feels more like an average
business. There’s not even any employee welfare…

“Why me…”

“I don’t want to keep my debt with her.”

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Are you two actually friends? Well, I don’t see Big Sis doing much towards
that friendship. Ahh, my chest hurts when I think that Shinomiya-senpai is
the only one who thinks of them as friends…I wonder what they’re talking
about if they’re alone…Now I’m a bit curious.

“Rin’s been constantly talking about you as of late, so do something about

it.”

“Huh?”

“I’m saying that you don’t want to carry some weird reserves. What kind of
reaction should I have if a girl my age is close with my younger brother.”

“……”

Am I just…subconsciously pushing it all off onto Big Sis? I guess it must be

a lot of pressure to be busy with work and have such a…interesting…Senpai
constantly talking to you. Also, Senpai is pretty sensitive when it comes to
that, huh. If I left this alone, I feel like it’d turn even more of a bother.

“Alright, I just have to help out, right? I’ll charge in like I was charging at an
enemy.”

“I’m pretty sure she’d be happy about that. I doubt she wants to be hated by
you anyway.”

“Stop, it’ll just make things more awkward for me.”

“To Rin, you’re probably put between me and her.”

Eh, really? She’s not treating me this way because I’m Big Sis younger
brother? Don’t tell me…Nah, no way. Big Sis is just trying to get on my good
terms and have me treat her to something. But, well, when it comes to a man
like me, one or two older girls are no…Wait, I’m not telling you anything,
you bastard. I’m the king of failed love, remember.

“Ah, Shinomiya-senpai?”

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‘Huh…? Eh, who…A man!? What about Kaede…!?’

“She’s sleeping next to me.”

“Don’t go acting like a boyfriend.”

“My ears! My eaaaaaaaaars! You’re going to pull them off! It hurts!”

‘Eh!? Sajou!? Why are you…!?’

After being asked by Big Sis to help Shinomiya-senpai, I blindly agreed. At

first, I was hesitant, wondering if some normal spec high school boy like me
could even be of much help, but I’ll just believe in her judgement for now. I
used Big Sis’ phone to give Shinomiya-senpai a call, which apparently
surprised her quite a bit. Is she really trained in Spiritual Arts? Ah, Big Sis,
did you not hear my ears rip just now?

“It’s been a while, Shinomiya-senpai. I wanted to talk with you about

something, so I borrowed Big Sis’ phouchouchouch!”

‘A-Ah…Is that so. Kaede, let him go. So, what did you want?’

Thankfully, my ears were finally freed again. I seriously thought she’d rip
them off me. I was just joking around to lighten up the mood, but now my
ears feel like they’re burning up. Anyway…wait, my earlobes feel longer
than before, or is that just me.

“The day after tomorrow, the middle school students are stopping by for a
visit, right? Let me help you out, Big Sis already has enough on her plate.

‘W-What, that’s what you were on about…Don’t worry about it, we from the
public morals committee can take care of it.”

What…? She just kindly rejected my offer? Your friend is saying so, dear
sister, what do you think about that? I think that, personally, we should just
take her up on her kind words, and—Ah, I get no saying in this? Alright,
alright, I get it. Don’t you worry, through talking with that Onee-san over the
past few days, I’ve acquired an ‘Adult’s leisure’, you know! I know how to
make an encounter work and not awkward. I will overcome this, and become

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a true adult!

“No need to hold back. Personally speaking, I’d like to meet Shinomiya-
senpai as well.”

‘Wha—XSANJFOWGSQ—’

H-Huh? That’s not the reaction I expected? I was expecting something like
Sasaki-san would say, anything along the lines of ‘Again with your jokes~…
Not to mention that she was speaking so fast I couldn’t even pick up what she
said. Big Sis? Why are you giving me such a shocked reaction? As a member
of society, I know how to do a bit of lip service, okay? Are you that
surprised? Eh, why do you look angry now? Also, what was that loud crash
just now?

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“Um…? I just heard something break, but…are you okay?”

‘Y-Yes, I’m fine…But more importantly! What are you blurting out like it’s
nothing!’

“Don’t mind the prank of a lowly man like me. Rather than that, do you not
have anything for me to do? Because of you, Shinomiya-senpai, everybody
thinks of the public morals committee members as a place for girls to gather,
so you probably need some assistance when it comes to physical labour,
right?”

Together with their usual duties, the student council is responsible for a lot of
events. That would mean that the public morals committee must be in a
similar situation. That’s probably what I should look at the most.

‘Prank…Well, fine—Actually it’s not fine, but I’ll ignore it for now. I will at
least praise you for your mindset of wanting to help us. If you are that
adamant, then…That’s right, could you maybe help with the carrying? It’d be
very reassuring.’

“I see…That sounds like a man’s job.”

‘What, you don’t like it?’

“Oh no, it’s fine. If I can help you out, I’m happy.”

I’ve been training my muscles a lot lately because of me carrying books and
other stuff at the bookstore, and it seems like my time to show it off has
come…I don’t know about some reserve or whatever, but Neo Me is here to
rock it, so communicating with someone older than me is easy peasy!

Ah, I guess it’s more on the ‘debt’ end now. Big Sis sure is stiff when it
comes to the weirdest things…I guess me being unable to give anything to
this trade shows how I’m not fit to become a hottie…Maybe my face didn’t
have anything to do with it after all?

“Ahh, we really are siblings…”

When I looked to my side, Big Sis was mumbling something to herself,

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scratching her head. No clue what she’s on about, but apparently she saw
some resemblance between the two of us. You don’t need to act so bothered
by it…

‘Kaede! Kaede! Can I take it that we’re good now!?’

“Yeah yeah whatever. Just do however you please, I don’t care…” Big Sis
responded while stirring up the ice in her pseudo ice cafe latte, clearly
bothered by the situation.

At the same time, Shinomiya-senpai seemed like she got the wrong idea
about something. I didn’t expect them to have this kind of relationship to be
honest. I feel like Shinomiya-senpai would be the one exhausted at Big Sis’
attitude…However, you’re way too naive, Big Sis…This isn’t enough to
show your older sister strength, Sajou Kaede! I am always shown an even
greater older sister strength! Compared to her overwhelming power, yours is
but a small drop in the ocea—Ah, I’m sorry, don’t drink my coffee.

Why is the 6th of August a day for the third-years to head to school? In order
to explain that, we’d have to jump back to the wartime, but for Kouetsu High,
it’s just a convenient reason to have all the third-years who are bothered by
school to have them come there. Well, high school itself isn’t exactly
compulsory education either.

“So…it’s been a while, Sajou.”

“Hello. Can I just ask? Why are you acting so awkward now? Are you
worried about what happened at your home before? I don’t particularly
mind.”

“W-What…!? So that means you’re willing to join the public morals

committee!?”

“Never said that.”

I really can’t relax my guard for even a second. When I arrived at school after

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quite some time, Shinomiya-senpai immediately came to greet me. It seems
like a part of the third-years were pouring time into the school visit
preparations aside from normal classes. She really called out to me with an
awkward greeting…But personally, after sleeping one night over it, what
happened at the dojo didn’t even matter that much to me.

That’s just how people operate, really. When I’m slurping down my miso
soup before work, I even forget my name at times. Still, despite feeling
bothered by it, she really got back on track quickly…It’s like she’s an excited
child on Christmas Eve.

“I heard from Big Sis, but it really isn’t anything big. Do I look like that petty
of a person?”

“Really? I was worried that maybe Kaede or Yuyu would come to hate me
because I messed up with you.”

“I see, I see.”

At least she’s quick to confess her own feelings. Leaving aside the
importance of my existence in this school, if Shinomiya-senpai was worried
that loli girl Inatomi-senpai would start hating her for that, then she really is
delicate towards the smallest things…Well, she deeply adores Inatomi-senpai
after all.

“Well, spiritual arts doesn’t have much to do with physical labour, so even
someone inexperienced like me would be able to help, correct?”

“S-So you do hold a grudge!”

“I can joke about it exactly because I don’t, you know.”

Alright, I get it. She’s weak against cynical people, right. Makes sense that
she felt a bit clumsy when we first met. I don’t know how she managed to
correct Big Sis in her old days, but for now I should just focus on the work.

“We’re starting with a meeting, right? Let’s go, and get that done.”

“Y-Yeah…Still, you sure are motivated.”

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“Being used appropriately fits perfectly with my personality after all. I feel
like most of my income in the future would originate from overtime pay.”

Or it’s just that people of my level are best fit for that kind of stuff. Well, I’ve
been raised to develop that kind of mindset after all.

“I won’t call it appropriately, but…Whatever, follow me.”

“Yesh.”

Honestly speaking, I was feeling a bit awkward myself. But, I wonder why,
being able to meet like this after some time, it allows me to properly sort out
my feelings. I just gave Senpai an average smile, receiving back a wry smile.
For some reason, she was cursing me like a hottie.

The public morals committee office was located on the second floor of the
north building. Walking past some other classrooms on the way there, I could
see people working as well. According to Senpai, they were used by the
culture festival execution committee members, and next to it was a meeting
room for the school visit, even deeper than that, the real public moral
committee office.

When I asked why there was a need to separate the public morals committee,
I was told that because of necessary equipment and material, they were split
in two groups to enable better usage. It might be a bit late to say that, but the
public morals committee has more members than I initially thought.

“Been a while, Sajou-kun~!”

“Hello, you two.”

Arriving at the public morals committee office, I was greeted by Inatomi-

senpai and her guardian puppy—Mita-senpai. Compared to Inatomi-senpai’s
energetic greeting that made me want to hug her on the spot, Mita-senpai just
crossed her arms as she looked at me. I really wanted to sit on those. And, I
remember how she used those arms to put me in a head lock back before

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summer break started. I wonder, whenever I look at Senpai, my hand just
naturally moves to the back of my head.

With these members, we headed to the meeting room.

“Are you the leaders for the middle school students?”

“Me and Yuyu are a single person. Can’t leave her alone, or I won’t be able
to calm down…” Mita-senpai answered.

“Ahh, that makes sense.”

“D-Don’t just agree with her…” Inatomi-senpai retorted.

I mean, I’ve seen what even middle school students are capable of when I
met Sasaki-san. If you threw a mascot-esque existence like Inatomi-senpai in
there, I can see what would happen. Middle school students work together at
the weirdest times to ‘take’ down an enemy after all.

Well, people have their own strengths and weaknesses, Senpai. That’s why,
keep—I mean, stop pouting while hitting me on my chest. Crap, I keep
wanting more than that.

“We have other culture festival committee members and normal students take
care of the guiding around. I think that we also have someone from your class
helping…”

“Eh?”

The door was half-opened, and I could take a peek inside. Several long tables
were arranged to form a U, and looking at the various students sitting around
the desks, I felt all the air vanish from my lungs.

“Only pieces of art everywhere…This is bad for my heart, so can I just

leave?”

“Don’t be like that, isn’t that girl over there the person who visited you
before when you had a cold?”

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“Eh?”

Tracing Shinomiya-senpai’s finger, I spotted an all-too-familiar beauty in the

rows of other handsome students. It turned out to be none other than
Natsukawa. Ahh, she’s as beautiful as always…I feel like she has a bit of a
tan. Well, she does have to go to school two times a week. And, this very
Natsukawa was now having a comfortable time talking with a normie next to
her.

“…!”

It’s Sasaki. Not the good Sasaki-san, but Sasaki. Because he’s a good student
at school, with the looks to back it up, it made sense for him to be invited
here to show the middle school students around. Doesn’t make this
uncomfortable feeling in my chest any better though. Well, pressing it down
will work eventually.

Oh yeah, half a month passed since Sasaki basically declared war against me.
Two times a week, the culture festival committee members are here to work.
Going from that, this happened five times already, so I guess that beyond
their team work, they must have gotten much closer. At the very least, Sasaki
won’t let this chance go to waste, I bet.

“…I don’t wanna get in their way, and I don’t have anything to say either.”

“Hm? I see.”

“Yes.”

“Then, just take a seat over there.”

Right. I should have figured Natsukawa would be here. And since

Shinomiya-senpai is here, it means that I need to help with the work here as
well…Ahh, this sucks. In the end, Shinomiya-senpai shoved me into the
classroom, so I passed by the teacher’s desk, and sat down on the public
morals committee side of the room. A large male Senpai from the morals
committee gave me a ‘Who?’ gaze, but I skillfully ignored that. Well, it
makes sense that he’d be curious. And I feel even stronger gazes from a

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different direction

……Sup.

Natsukawa looked at me in shock, whereas Sasaki gave me an evaluating

inspection, so I nodded and greeted them both. I really wished they wouldn’t
see me here, but it can’t be helped. I tried to convey to Sasaki that ‘I won’t be
getting in your way’, but he’s still glaring at me.

“—Is everyone here? Then, let’s get this meeting started.”

Regularly, the public morals committee is awfully diligent. Yet, thanks to the
current president Shinomiya-senpai’s influence as more of a prince than
anything, more girls arrived. Then again, they’re pretty much splitting up
boys and girls. What’s troublesome is that a lot of the girls pretty much had
the boys take over their work. At this school, being part of the public morals
committee member is something like a status for girls.

Last year, when Shinomiya-senpai became the president, with all the girls
rushing in to join, the comparative number of boys went down drastically,
which is why they were looking for more. That is the current problem of this.
That’s why, as I was responsible for the transporting and carriage, I was
looking at the people in the same group.

“Um, you are the person Shinomiya-senpai brought with us, right? Nice to
meet you.”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

The black dot in the public morals committee office, a large and fleshy third-
year, known as Ichinose-senpai……Wait, Ichinose? That coincidentally is
the same name as a certain literary girl’s who just so happens to be sitting
next to me in class. Their difference in build is terrifying…Not to mention
that Ichinose-san is always hiding her eyes with her bangs.

This Ichinose-senpai here feels like a peaceful bear instead. His grin is just

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healing, and I can see him turn into a male mascot of the public morals
committee. It feels like I can actually rely on him. The part of him being a
black dot was exactly as I mean it, as he’s literally the only male student in
the public morals committee. That’s why even the carrying group consisted
mostly of girls. I can already see my bones breaking.

“Sajou-kun, was it? We don’t have many boys, so I’m counting on you~”

“Counting on you~”

“Ah, yeah, same.”

The two Senpai girls gave me a curious gaze, and tapped me on the shoulder.
What is this, some distinct culture? Does Ichinose-senpai usually get this
much body contact? I’m feeling a bit jealous here, so maybe we could switch
only during the times you’re not really busy?

“We’ll be playing a PV introducing the school in the gym hall, and we need
precision equipment for that. Same goes for all kinds of other objects which
are pretty tough for the girls, so you’re a big help, Sajou-kun.”

“It’s fine, this is why I’m here.”

“I kind of feel bad, but thanks anyway.”

A Senpai I haven’t ever met let alone seen before was giving me instructions.
She was part of the public morals committee before Shinomiya-senpai
became the president, so she’s pretty diligent. The part where she feels bad
for me is pretty likable. I can definitely respect her as a Senpai.

It might be obvious, but I was paired up with Ichinose-senpai. We were

tasked with carrying the precision equipment and other big tools needed.
Seems like something only boys could carry as well. What if I wasn’t
around? Ichinose-senpai would be going through hell.

“Um…do you really only have one boy?”

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“No, we actually have another third and second-year, but…they can’t really
deal with this girl-heavy atmosphere, see…”

Holy crap, I totally get it. If I was in the public morals committee like them, I
might skip out entirely. This situation really can’t be helped. Seeing Ichinose-
senpai give me a troubled smile, I felt an odd burning passion flame up inside
of me, and the work started with that. What’s most important is that we might
be walking past middle school students in the hallways, so we need to be
careful to not bump into them and damage their clothes.

I don’t know for what reason the other Senpais joined the public morals
committee, but receiving that kind of an anguished expression from girls is
even more of a boost, or something along those lines. I know that there’s no
real reward, but it gave me this sense of duty that I definitely needed to help
out. Men really are simple.

“—Let me hold that.”

“Eh? Ah, thanks.”

I was trying to act tough by bragging about my part-time work, but it seems
like it was a good bit of training at least. I can carry more and more books by
the passing days, so I guess men surely get muscle quite easily. Before, I was
training a lot for the sake of appealing to Natsukawa, so I guess I’m just
getting back some of the muscle I had.

“—Ah, Senpai, there’s some steps there.”

“Got it, let me lift it up!”

“Aye. One, two—!”

Normal routine tasks really are the easiest. I’ve been practicing organizing
and assorting of documents and data with my part-time work, but with this
kind of work I don’t have to think much, and just use my raw strength,
together with the motivation to actually help other people, so it’s just more
relaxing for me. Maybe physical labour with a low wage is the best for me.

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“—Hey, first-year boy over there, could you take care of this as well?”

“Yup!”

I went back and forth between the gym hall and the second floor of the north
building. I was starting to sweat a bit, slightly out of breath, but this is about
what I expected. Because Ichinose-senpai is trained in this kind of work, he
didn’t break a sweat in the slightest. Even worse is that he actually seems like
the culture type rather than the sports type, so I feel even more motivated.

“—Ah, can you take care of this as well?”

“Yep.”

I don’t know if you could phrase it that way, but I was single-mindedly
focusing on straining the muscles in my arms and waist, as I conducted my
work. Of course, by the time we finished our work, the ones sweating the
most were Senpai and me. It’s honestly a bit demotivating to think that we’d
be stepping in front of the middle school students in these sweat-drenched
clothes.

Since we got a short break, I headed to the school shop, bought some cheap
towel that I forgot to bring, as well as some odor-resistant body wipes, and
headed to a water area outside to pour some water over my head after taking
off my shirt. After drying my head, I wiped my body off with the body wipes,
I removed as much sweat stench as possible. Taking a shower and changing
my clothes would be faster, but I can’t use that right now…

When I returned to the gym hall, the carrying group switched to the arranging
group. Since I won’t be of much help in that, I just helped deliver some small
necessities from point A to point B, like a magic pen or gum tape. Damn, I
really am fit to be an underling huh, I actually want to cry now.

After all the work was done, I retreated, and both groups who had finished
their respective parts were now lounging in the public morals committee
meeting room. The advisor of the public morals committee had electric fans
they could offer us, so I helped Ichinose-senpai bring them over. With five
machines, I took care of three as the junior I was, but compared to everything

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else I carried, they were like feathers.

On top of that, after that whole incident with my cold, I got to know the
school nurse a bit more, so I received some ice bags from her. After carrying
everything over, my job was basically done. Distributing the ice bags to the
other Senpais, they put it into towels, and put it around their necks…Hmm,
what an erotic gesture. I want to take a picture of that…especially with the
fan directed at them…Hold on, they’re not wearing undergarments? Isn’t this
pretty bad as the public morals committee?

I cleared myself of any wicked thoughts, and joined Ichinose-senpai in front

of the fan, being hit by the cold—being hit? Yeah, no, not happening. He’s
getting all the air. Well, I already freshened up, so it’s no biggie.

“Ah, hey, first-year. You’re Sajou, right?”

“Eh, yes.”

“Good work. You really helped us out. You’re a good junior.”

Two Senpais walked towards me from the opposite end, offering me a split
ice bar. Hey now, that makes me feel like we’re a couple…Could you call me
over next time as well? I’ll definitely work a lot. Thinking about stupid stuff
as always, the two Senpais laughed heartfully, and walked past me. It seems
like her way of praising me was pretty fun, judging from the ‘What do you
mean “Good junior”, lol’. I’d love to hear more about that as well.

I was too exhausted to bother thinking about that, and sat on the floor, when
another Senpai who belonged to the carry group came towards me—Eh, not
Ichinose-senpai?

“Thanks a lot for today, Sajou-kun. Of course, the same goes to you,
Ichinose-kun.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’ve been in your care as well.”

“You know, our girls tend to slack off a lot, so they just pushed everything
onto you that they couldn’t be bothered with.”

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“Eh?”

Pushed onto me? Really? I just walked back and forth between the gym hall
and here, so I didn’t even realize that. I was just focussing on my work after
all…And, I honestly didn’t want to hear that either.

“Because you were just diligently accepting all of the work, they kinda felt
bad towards the end. Everyone talked about how nice of a boy you are.”

“Eh, well, I’m glad I could be of help.”

Right as I felt the urge for revenge burn up inside of me, I received words of
praise. Because of this sudden development, I felt my body become all itchy.
It’s rare for me to get this much praise after all. But…hearing how nice of a
boy I am shows how they’re not even really conscious of me…

“Because you were brought here by Rin, and are Sajou-san’s younger
brother, we thought this was just plain favoritism, but I was jumping to
conclusions. Here, have this.”

“Eh?”

She put some nourishment jelly on my hand. With this sudden reward, I
could only nod along. What’s going on today? Was my horoscope that good
for me? I’ve never been valued this highly before…Is this…my popular
time?

“Ah, Ichinose-kun, so…once we’re done today, can I come visit your
place…?”

Oh, what an abrupt development.

“Aren’t you on fire today, Sajou.”

“……Yeah.”

During the time we waited for the next route of action, the failure of a human

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being that I am was forced to watch a single page of youth unfold right in
front of me at close distance. The jelly I held in one hand was already melting
away. If Shinomiya-senpai had taken only a bit longer, I might have slammed
the jelly on the floor.

“Ah…are we already past noon? I passed them a few times, but what about
the middle school students?”

I was wondering why I wasn’t seeing anybody, but I guess they all went to
eat lunch, huh. I didn’t have anything yet, but…Well, I have this jelly, and I
don’t feel particularly hungry either.

“Yeah, they’re all gathering at the gym hall right now. In a bit, the 45min
video will play, and then Yuuki and I will give a few words…and then it’ll be
time to clean up.” She must have seen me in my current state, and found
herself unable to say it directly.

It’s true that it was tough physical work, but something felt off about
Shinomiya-senpai disregarding that.

“You don’t need to feel so apologetic, Senpai.”

“Well, I heard from Yuri. You got a lot pushed onto you, right.”

Who exactly is Yuri-san? The person who had control over the carry group?

“I…I mean, aren’t you looking down on a boy like me a bit too much? I have
much more endurance and strength than you think, you know?”

Though I definitely don’t feel like working myself to death. However, with a
bit of a break, I’ll get some strength back, so once it comes down to cleaning
up, I’ll be of help again. Even if she’s a Senpai, I can’t exactly relax longer
than a girl, or I’d just be lame.

“I see…then, I’m counting on you in the afternoon as well.”

“Yes—Eh?”

Shinomiya-senpai showed a gallant smile, and right as I wanted to look after

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her as she passed me, she put her hand on my head, her fingers going through
my hair. No seriously, what is this about!? Hold on hold on hold on, what just
happened. Why is she gently rubbing my head like that? And, I really can’t
see her as a gentle type like that…Seriously, what?

“S-Senpai, what are you doing. Stop it, will you.”

“Fufu, sometimes it’s not that bad to spoil someone except Yuyu.”

“Please be mindful of your surroundings. They’re getting noisy. They’re

staring at us, Senpai, so please just quit it.”

“I know.”

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So she was aware of it? Well, at least she put her hand away now. Probably
got myself a lot of hate from her fans though. Imagine the great Rin-sama
touching the sweaty head of a random boy, that’s why I wish she wouldn’t do
that in public…

“—I’m quite jealous of Kaede.”

…Seriously.

The impact of that single phrase was unimaginable, as the other Senpais
suddenly came rushing towards me. Was she aiming for this…? That’s
actually pretty terrifying. And after a short while, I finally understood their
treatment towards me.

“That reminds me, are you not visiting the meeting room next to this? There
must be students from your own class, right. You need to take care of your
friendships.”

“Sajou-kun, want to eat a pudding?”

“You haven’t eaten lunch yet, right? Want a hamburger? I’m on a diet right
now.”

“………”

You folks as well? Am I your younger bro—No, cousin? Either way, this
isn’t the normal attitude you would take towards a random boy you just met
today. If they were at least a bit embarrassed…Hey, Mita-senpai? Don’t just
hand me your used chopsticks like that.

“No need for that, really. They got their own workflow going, so I don’t want
to break that apart.”

“Yeah, that makes sense…It’s an ensemble of beauties and hotties after all.”

“Did you really just say what I think you did? Go and eat that hamburger.”

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Get fat for all I care. Get fat, lift up Inatomi-senpai during a hug, and feel
despair. If I went to that meeting room, I’d probably lose all my confidence
in life and die a horrible mental death.

After waiting for the break of the guiding group to end, all students gathered
in the gym hall. Almost as if to welcome us, the already present students
opened up a line in between, gathering at the sides of the gym hall. To the
side, the public morals committee gathered, so I joined in, and looked at the
faces of the middle school guys…School uniform…sailor…blazer…school
uniform…Yeah, no way to guess the school like that. From a distance, the
colors look way too different.

It seems like the middle schoolers themselves were curious about our
school’s guys. Now that I think about it, the guiding group was composed of
the elite, right. Seeing people looking average must be like they walked into a
different world. Bet some of the guys are checking out the girls here.

A Senpai from the broadcasting committee joined us, and started playing the
45min intro video of our school. The already students at this school, like me
and the other Senpais, were watching the middle school students with gentle
expressions, and time passed.

Once that was over, Yuuki-senpai, as the representative of the student

council, stepped on stage. Looking over at the opposite side of the gym hall, I
could see the folks from the student council. Hey, Big Sis, no yawning!

“To all you middle school students, welcome to Kouetsu High School. I am
Yuuki Hayato, the current student council president—-”

With the appearance of an unparalleled handsome and tall person like Senpai,
the atmosphere in the hall changed. I could hear most of the female Senpais
around me letting out a bewitched sigh. I wonder how it must feel to be him,
spending only a single day. Just once, I want that kind of face and height.

The middle school students let out roars of cheers and applause, only
suppressed by the teachers. I wonder if they would have screamed for an
encore if not for that. Following that, our public moral committee’s president
Shinimoya-senpai stepped to the front—Wait, did I just say ‘our’? I’m not

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even part of them…

Unlike with Yuuki-senpai’s arrival, time felt like it was frozen. I guess most
of the normal guys like me have no more HP left. Me? I’m in the early stages
of decay.

“—I will guarantee a healthy and welcoming student life for all of you, as the
public morals committee president. And, I am looking forward to seeing all
of you choose Kouetsu High School.”

Since she’s dealing with juniors, she dropped a polite speech. And, although
nobody raised any cheers as before, I could hear singular muttering like ‘So
cool…’ or ‘A prince…’ etc in the audience. The girls presumably already
became her fans. She gains more just by standing in front of people after
all…Did you know, she rubbed my head before. Ahh, I can’t ever wash my
head…

The guiding group’s work ended with the presentation of our school’s top
idols. All that was left was for the third-year Senpais to be freed, and the
middle school students to take a look around school. Why are they getting all
the bonus stuff? I didn’t get any of that back when I was in middle school.

After the middle school students left, I was part of the carry group to put
away the chairs inside the gym hall. Since Natsukawa and the others were
here only to guide them around, they were freed from this as well. She and
the other culture festival execution committee members now returned back to
their normal work. In the distance, I could see Natsukawa and Sasaki walking
next to each other.

Either way, after finishing the rest of the work, I’ll be free, so I’ll get this
done and get some praise from Big Sis.

“—Did you properly work?”

The temporary school visit execution committee was disbanded, and I was
sitting in the almost empty public morals committee office. At that moment,

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the honored student council vice-president came towards me with some
grateful words. Can I just slap her with my palm?

“Worked hard enough to get some rewards at least.”

“…I see. Good work.”

“Huh? You not gonna meet Shinomiya-senpai?”

“I’m fine.” She said, sounding like it’s none of her business.

I wonder why she would be so nonchalant and dry about this. She really
doesn’t seem to be assertive…Maybe she doesn’t want to meddle much like
me.

“What about you? Not gonna visit your neighbours?”

“Eh?”

“What was her name? Natsukawa-san, right? She’s there.”

“Nah, I’m good. They should have their own set of problems.”

Even if I went over there to heal my exhaustion, depending on what I see

inside there, I might just die instead. I see, you have these kinds of emotions
when returning dry words. I guess Big Sis has her own share of worries.

“Problems…? As the culture festival execution committee, during summer

break you only have to fill out some documents. Easy peasy.”

“Really?”

“Yup. So, at least show your face over there.”

Big Sis left behind the same meddlesome words she seemed to have avoided
before…Even though she was so dry in regards to Shinomiya-senpai…Well,
thinking about it, she dispatched me here to get some old debt done…Man, I
really don’t get her.

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“Sajou-kun, you really are the vice president’s younger brother…”

“Hm? Is there something weird with Big Sis?”

“Not exactly weird, but…Unlike Shinomiya-senpai’s cool attitude, she has…

a lot of fighting strength?”

“Fighting strength.”

That’s not an answer I expected from a female Senpai like her. But, at least
it’s honest, I guess. Not to mention that I can totally see what she means. At
the very least, the sighit she shows me at home couldn’t be further removed
from being cool and dignified.

“Sajou-kun, thanks a lot for today.”

“No no, you were plenty cute yourself today, Inatomi-senpai.”

“Ehehe, don’t tease me like that~”

“You. Dead meat if you dare to hit on Yuyu.”

“If you want to fight me, then you have to get through Big Sis first.”

“Urk…Coward!”

Am I? While being insulted by Mita-senpai, I packed up my things. With

this, my role for today was supposed to be over. Shinomiya-senpai has her
own position, and can’t leave just yet. I was wasting some time by talking
with my Senpais, but…I guess I’ll just go home.

“……Eh?”

You kidding me? I thought that Mita-senpai and the others were done, but
color me surprised. The third-years of the public morals committee instead
opened up documents, and continued their work. I was assaulted by a feeling
of guilt and utter exhaustion.

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“Um, you still have more work?”

“Of course. Summing up the visitors and summarizing the survey. After
handing this in, we’re done.”

Wow, that sounds like a massive pain…Mita-senpai must have seen my

reaction, because she poked her finger directly at my collarbone. Well, I
didn’t have any excuse. But, if it’s just doing that, I might be able to help…?
I know how to work a PC after all.

“…If you have an open PC, I can help.”

“E-Eh…? It’s fine, you don’t have to go that far.”

“Do you have a template from last year? I can at least fill out the files.”

“…If he’s that adamant on it, let’s have him help, Yuyu.”

“Y-Yeah…”

They did have some laptops left to use, so it’s probably a problem of being
able to use them instead of sheer numbers. I guess my part-time work really
is coming to pay me back.

“Are these the documents?”

“Yeah, but…are you really sure about this?”

“That’d make it faster for everyone, right?”

“Yes…”

I sat down next to a second-year Senpai who was looking over the
documents. On the laptop’s desktop I could see similar files that have about
the same structure, so I followed that example as I started typing on the
keyboard keys. This sure feels nostalgic…It’s been ages since I touched a PC
with this kind of work.

“Huh…Eh, they came from 13 schools? Did we have that many around

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here?”

“We’re a high-level school after all. The cram school I attended in middle
school, I was told that this is like the second or third ranking school in terms
of deviation ranking…Ehehe.”

When I let out a surprised voice because of the numbers I was looking at, the
second-year Senpai gave me an energetic response. Man, she really is
friendly. This innocent feeling I’m getting from her is so cute. While
exchanging a few words, I progressed with my work. I was having a bit of
trouble with all the sheer numbers, but this is easy peasy compared to my
part-time work back then. Creating graphs with the numbers, pasting them
onto the other documents, if I didn’t work back then, I wouldn’t even know
about all of these abilities. Maybe that hell back then wasn’t so bad after all. I
want to praise myself, for once.

Around an hour and a half passed, with occasional conversations to motivate

me, I finished confirming the final file, and after getting the okay, I let out a
sigh. At the same time, everybody else just collapsed on their desks. The
exhaustion must have been built up.

“Finally over…I want to eat something sweet…”

“Ichinose-kuuun…”

“Wah, eh, Yuri-chan…?”

That sure is poison to the eyes of a loner like me…Could you stop inflicting
even more damage to the people around you? Makes me want to escape with
a stolen bike.

“…In the end, Shinomiya-senpai never came back.”

“She must have it even more rough. She’s probably in a discussion with our
principal and several teachers from different schools.”

“She won’t go bald from that, right.”

“She most definitely won’t.”

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Hearing that, I really feel blessed by having my work finished with just this.
Talking with the all-so-importants must be hell…Need to make this a
reference for my future job.

“Any other work to do…?”

“Nothing. We finished our daily work as well. All that’s left is for us to
disband. Maybe Rin-san went home already?”

“Then, have some nutritional jelly as a reward.”

“Are you still holding on to that? It’s gotta be all warm and gross now, so
don’t you bring that near me.”

Well, I was forced to look at something that made me lose all appetite. And I
definitely won’t be eating that until I let it freeze in a fridge for a while.
Hence, I’ll just be taking it home~ Behind Mita-senpai, who I was talking to
right now, Inatomi-senpai was lounging over the desk. She only raised her
head a bit, and let out a very…suggestive groan with a crumpled face.

“……”

“You just thought ‘I want to sit on her lap’, right?”

“N-Not at all? What are you saying Senpai, there’s no way I’d be thinking
something so lewd…!”

“You’re panicking too much.”

H-How did she know…I wasn’t planning on doing it, so what’s the big deal!
Don’t look at me with such a judgemental gaze! Ah, wait…!? She put
Inatomi-senpai on her own lap! Damn it! What a blessing for the eyes!

“So, I think I was looking down on you, Sajou.”

“Eh?”

I was agonizing over this wonderful sight, when Mita-senpai’s sudden

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comment took me by surprise. No but, seriously? What is going on today? Is
this some blessing from the gods? Are there hidden cameras anywhere?

“Well, I thought that Rin-san was just prioritizing you on a whim and
because you’re Kaede-san’s younger brother, so I was jealous of you as a
fellow junior, so to speak. But, I turned out to be wrong.”

“Urk…I-Is that so?”

“Yup. How do I say it…you’re pretty fun. Like, I just want to talk to you
when you’re around? Not to mention that you were working really hard
today, so it made sense why Rin-san evaluated you this highly.”

“R-Really now? You too…when you were giving out orders in the end, you
were really cool.”

“Fufu, is that really praise a girl would be happy to hear?”

“Ah, well, um…”

Excuse me, but I can’t focus on our conversation if you suddenly rest your
chest on Inatomi-senpai’s shoulders…

In the end, I wasn’t able to meet Shinomiya-senpai again, so everybody but

her went home. Since Mita-senpai and the others had business with the other
girls from the public morals committee, they swiftly left. As for me, I took
my time, and leisurely made my way home. Normally, I’d feel a bit
melancholic and cold, but today…was just full of positive stimulation, the
sweltering hallways had me feel at ease even. It makes me feel like normality
returned.

On my way to the shoe lockers, I walked past the culture festival execution
committee’s meeting room, which was right next to the room I had been
working in until now. The door was just open wide enough for me to take a
peek inside. In the midst of the silence, there were still people working. Not
expecting such a serious working mentality, I was looking at them in

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appreciation. Of course, my gaze naturally wandered towards two familiar
faces.

“……”

Sitting next to each other, they were exchanging a few quiet words, looking
at each other as they progressed with their work. They seem to be getting
along just fine.

—Phew, crazy. Rather than putting my jealous heart into any expression
worthy of being painted a picture, I was just merely admiring the sight. This
emotion sinking deep into my chest, despite it being painful before, it’s
different now. It’s like I threw away all self-control and just melted away in
the summer heat. See, I can do it if I want to.

“…Such luxury.”

Looking at my recent behaviour, a voice leaked out of my mouth. Despite it

normally being pretty hard to meet people from school during summer break,
I’ve actually achieved that. Not to mention that I got to meet so many nice
Senpais, and even a kind Onee-san who’d spoil me. How am I in any position
to complain? That’s why, it’s not good to prioritize my own greed. Watching
any more than that will just be poison for the eyes.

My ‘Today’ ended. That’s why, I’ll act like I didn’t see anything. That way, I
might actually be able to have a comfortable dream.

Assaulted by self-loathing and raw exhaustion, I lost the strength to actually

go home. Instead, I sat on a bench in the courtyard, thankfully hiding me
from the sun. The southern breeze sure was warm, but the parts I wiped dry
with body tissues felt cool thanks to that. I might just fall asleep like that…
No no no, I can’t.

When I looked at my surroundings, the middle school students were gleefully

walking around, checking out the various clubs. Being seen like that would
just be embarrassing, so I should muster up the strength to go home.

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“Ah, my ass is sweaty—Huh?”

I pushed up my body to rub my drenched behind, which had my excitement

and motivation drop in an instant. After all, in all of the moments I would let
down my guard, it had to be now. When I looked up, I was greeted by an odd
scenery. There was a single beauty storming out of the entrance of the school
building. Her wavy reddish-brown hair swayed in the wind, and while
running, she observed her surroundings.

She’s alone. Normally, I’d be dashing towards her just to get a few words.
And yet, I found myself thinking ‘I don’t want to meet her’, and my body
urged me to hide myself, which miserably failed as I just stood there, frozen.
Naturally, with her looking around, it didn’t take long for her to find me.

“Eh…?”

No, hold on, she’s coming over here. Not to mention with such a serious face.
Ah, how cool…I might fall for her. Oh right, already did. I’m sure I must
have shown a dumbfounded expression. She stopped a bit further away from
me, and spoke up with a baffled tone.

“—What are you doing?”

“…Stretching my hips?”

In my first summer in high school, when I was in the middle of my

adolescence, I blurted out embarrassing words that made me sound like an
old man.

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 Chapter 4: The Goddess Thinks

“Natsukawa-san, and Sasaki-kun, could I ask you to help with the middle
schooler’s school visit?”

“Eh…?”

Right after summer break started, during my activities for the culture festival
execution committee. Sasaki-kun and I headed towards the north building,
when our homeroom teacher Ootsuki-sensei lowered her head towards us.
Because of this unfamiliar choice of words, I couldn’t help but return a
baffled question.

“On the 6th of August, we have all the third-years come to school. On that
day, middle school students from several schools will be visiting our school,
and I was hoping that I could task you with showing a group of them
around.”

“Huh, that’s news to me. But, why me and Natsukawa? We’ve barely been
attending this school for four months…”

Since Sasaki-kun said what I was thinking, I nodded along. I feel like the
third-years would be a better fit to show the potential new first-years around.
Asking some newbies like us doesn’t make much sense.

“About that. I can’t really say it out loud, but…This school is requesting the
most good-looking students for that duty. And, when I showed them the
pictures of the first years, they told me to ask you two.”

“Eh, good-looking?”

I couldn’t hide my surprise considering I never expected our school to uphold

such a practice. I can’t really judge myself regarding my personality, but I do

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feel happy being praised for my good looks. However, hearing that the school
was talking about me in that kind of way didn’t feel too comfortable all the
same.

“I know that you’re part of the culture festival execution committee, so you’ll
be at school often anyway. I get that you’re busy, but please! Can’t you help
me out there?” She clapped her hands together, to which Sasaki-kun and I
exchanged glances.

Leaving aside their intention with it, I did feel proud to be asked to show
around the potential next first-years. That being said, I could also see myself
unable to speak because of the tension.

“Natsukawa, how about we agree to that? We might get to see the faces of the
next first-years, you know?”

“Eh? Yeah…”

Seems like Sasaki-kun is rather positive about it. Since I wasn’t given much
time to think about it, I just went with the flow and agreed…Only to
immediately regret that decision. But, I myself felt like being more positive
myself.

“Really!? Thank you so much, you two! Then, I’ll let Matsumoto-sensei
know!”

“Yes! Tell us if you have more information!”

“Leave it to me!”

“Um…”

The conversation moved faster than I could keep up, with Ootsuki-sensei
already dashing away. And with that, I was given the duty of showing around
the middle schoolers on the day of the school visit. I was showing myself a
wry smile, but realized that I’d be here at school two times a week anyway,
so as long as I don’t get overwhelmed by tension on that day, everything
should be fine.

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“Culture festival, school visit, and my own club…It sure has gotten busy
lately.”

“Yeah…you’re right.”

Whenever we’re working with the execution committee, Sasaki-kun would

always come talk to me. It’s true that he visited my home before, but I don’t
think we were close enough for us to constantly talk like that. Still, it felt like
he was being considerate of me.

So, after giving a vague comment, we returned to the committee meeting

room. I do feel bad for Sasaki-kun, but there are many times I just can’t get
motivated for work. That being said, I wouldn’t just let Sasaki-kun do all the
work…or so I told myself, but not much of the meeting entered my head after
that.

“—This year’s culture festival slogan is [Brand New World ~Onwards to a

new Age~]. That’s why, I’d like to bring something new and fresh to this
culture festival.”

Most of the committee members had been decided by rock paper scissors in
their respective classes, but maybe because this is more of a high-level and
prestigious school, most of them were taking these preparations seriously.
Maybe because last year’s theme was ‘Legends’, they’re trying out a new
direction this year.

“As for the first-years, you must know because you probably came here last
year, but the scale is actually bigger than most culture festivals around. Not to
mention that we have to properly take care of the great amount of visitors, to
the point where the entire town may be involved, so we need to put our all
into this.”

Maybe it’s because the school allows for a lot of freedom with their students,
but the president of the culture festival execution committee, Hasegawa-
senpai, is very talented. He’s properly pulling us first-years along, and is
definitely trying to make this culture festival a success. That’s where a lot of

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my motivation comes from as well.

“During this summer break, we need to confirm as to how much budget it

would cost us before the real preparations begin. The local managers,
graduates, citizens—depending on their support this year, we can adjust our
plans. In other words, we need to clear a certain number of supporters. We
should be able to get last year’s supporters from the name register.”

“Then, the third-years should probably look for new supporters. We could
hang out advertisements for requests at the governmental office or the public
halls.”

“But, the existing backers we have should be enough for our culture festival.
And, I think it’s better that we instead put more focus on those backers we
already had, and made sure that they stayed with us.”

“So we split up the third-years, and one half goes to take care of the existing
backers. Maybe the first-years would be best off gathering the registers and
the expected budget.”

With the third-years as the center, there was a rapid exchange of opinions,
and we first-years were basically left out just listening to the ideas being
thrown around, leading us all of us being utterly confused. However, with all
these Senpais, and how reliable they sounded, I’m sure that it’ll be fine if we
just leave it to them.

On our first meeting, we decided on the slogan, the second meeting was
devoted to the outline, and this time the actual contents of our work were
decided. To be perfectly honest, we’ve pretty much been only sitting around.
To a level where I was worried if we’d be making it in time. And, while
spacing out pretty much the entire time, my ‘Today’ ended.

“So…Natsukawa, how about you come check out the soccer club for a
change of pace?”

“Eh?”

“Well, it seemed like you were spacing out a lot.”

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It seems like Sasaki-kun was being considerate of me. It might be a good
change of pace, but I also don’t want to get in the way of his actual practice.
Not to mention that I don’t even have that much time myself.

“Thanks. But, I need to take care of Airi…”

“I-I see. Well, can’t be helped them. Sorry to suddenly invite you like that.”

“No, it’s fine.”

He’s good at playing soccer, athletic in general, and very considerate, so I

think he’s pretty amazing. I can understand why many girls in our class think
of him as cool, and handsome. Now that he even went as far as to invite me
to his club, I actually feel kind of bad.

Once 3pm rolled around, most students headed to their club, so I was all
alone at the front of the school building. When I heard all the distant voices
from the students, I oddly enough found myself thinking ‘Why did I leave
before everybody else?’. Almost like I’m not normal…

“…?”

Met with these regrettable feelings, it felt like something was off. It’s almost
like I’m denying my usual life. Even though my beloved little sister was
waiting at home.

“…I can’t.”

Taking care of Airi is part of my daily routine. Although helping with the
culture festival execution committee is a given, and has its worth, I honestly
wouldn’t know if I was having fun or not. Several days passed with those
feelings, and I found it harder to forgive myself for that. If I were to accept
this, I’d just feel bad towards Airi.

“……”

This gloomy, and uncertain feeling plaguing me…I feel like I had this before.

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It’s like a deja-vu I can’t put into words. I found myself uncertain of
everything around me, and the more I tried to suppress it, the stronger it
became. I wonder what it is.

So far……Wataru was with me. Last year, and the year before that, Wataru
was by my side, and everytime he appeared in front of me, I’d give an
exhausted ‘Again?’, utterly dumbfounded by his stupidity, as he’d carry my
shoppings halfway to my house. At home, Mom and Airi would be there, and
Dad would arrive home later with some souvenirs.

Ahh, that’s why I feel so bored right now. Back then, there was never a
moment where I was truly alone. If I was bored or had nothing to do, Wataru
or other classmates would take me off somewhere, and I was feeling fulfilled
thanks to that. So then, what is this complicated feeling about? Why do I feel
nostalgia with this?

When Airi was born, I was still in grade school. She was my one and only
little sister. She possessed the cuteness of an angel, and I remember vividly
about how I really treasured her. At the same time, I made up my mind to
become a proper and reliable older sister. Thanks to that, Mom and Dad
would always shower me with love, as we spent fulfilling days in a new
home, as a family.

Around the same time as I graduated from grade school, Dad was attempting
to copy a co-worker who changed his profession, but failed. Unable to get
back into his former job, he pretty much spent the next year and a half
looking for a job. After that, he somehow managed to get on track better than
his former job, but the time until then was pretty rough as we just settled in
after all.

Around one year after giving birth to Airi, Mom started working part-time as
well. Feeling worried about her constitution, I helped with the housework,
and tried to take care of everything myself. I mean, the situation forced me to
do so, I guess. I got up early in the morning to start the laundry, and prepared
the lunch boxes in the meantime. After hanging up the laundry to dry, I
would head to middle school.

Upon returning home, I would ask Mom about dinner, go out shopping for

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the ingredients, and have her make it while taking care of Airi. As I was
dealing with my physical growth, my adolescence just inflicted more
uncertainty and fear into me. Being forced to deal with both of those, I went
on with my days, living every single day individually.

My days became stale. Showing my exhausted expression to the innocent

Airi is still one of my greatest sins up to this day. That’s why, in order to
make up for that time, I’m willing to offer her all the love I have—that is
what I swore when normality returned. What really threw me off was the
difference to my surroundings. Other girls were acting like real girls their
age, playing and having fun, looking into popular fashion, watching TV
shows or idols.

While feeling jealous of them, I even became unable to understand the people
around me from time to time, and while declining any sort of invitation, I just
spent day after day. ‘Ahh, this isn’t how things are supposed to be’, is what I
thought in the first term of my second year in middle school. I was always in
the corner of the classroom, wondering why it was always me who’d be left
with this boring life. I reached my limit.

‘—Um! Thank you very much for yesterday!’

That’s when Wataru appeared. In the rainy season, he slipped on the vinyl
floor because of the summer moisture. That day, I couldn’t finish my lunch
box in time, so I decided to grab something to eat from the cafeteria. There,
in the middle of the cafeteria, I spotted a boy who’s tray had flipped upside
down. I can’t blame him because of all the circumstances, and I’m sure that it
could have happened to anybody.

At the same time, the boy was just staring at his surroundings, his face
distorted in pain as he sat on the floor. I still remember how everybody tried
their hardest not to look. Seeing his eyes overflowing with void and absolute
despair…I couldn’t help but sympathize with him. Almost subconsciously, I
grabbed the tray, and started picking up the food and tableware scattered on
the floor. This must be rough for you, I understand you—I didn’t say it out
loud, but these words were what I tried to convey with my gaze. Soon after,
the lady from the cafeteria came with cleaning utensils, and the three of us
cleaned up the mess until no trace of it was left anymore.

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‘Natsukawa Aika-san, I fell in love with your kindness. Please, won’t you go
out with me?’

Three days later, he called me to the back of the school like we were inside
some drama or manga, and confessed to me. Back then, it honestly passed
right by me. With how busy I was, I never saw myself dating anybody. Of
course, that’s the reason I used to reject him. But, that—was only the
beginning of Wataru’s fierce approaches.

‘That was the first time somebody ever sincerely faced me.’

Being told something along those lines, he started to come to my side day
after day. On top of me resenting this daily treatment, he became an annoying
existence almost, and I’m pretty sure I threw some harsh words at him. At the
same time, at the end of it all—Wataru learned of everything that was
embarrassing to me.

‘—Natsukawa-san, could you help me with this problem?’

‘—Hey, can I call you by your name? Please, let me call you Aika!’

‘—Aika, I’ll hold your stuff, so let’s go together.’

The boy Sajou Wataru was always clinging to me. He started appearing
during my shopping trips after school, showing clear stalker tendencies. This
fierce attack became known with the other students of our school year, and
everyone knew of my name.

‘Natsukawa-san, you’re being followed by this weird boy, right? Must be

hard for you.’

‘Natsukawa-san is really cute after all~ We’ll protect you!’

I don’t know what kind of sympathy drove them to that, but more and more
people gathered around me. They were worried about Wataru’s treatment
towards me, and would even talk to me between classes. When Mom was
taking time off work, I first brought over some friends from school. Wataru
apparently heard of that, offered to bring some boys along, and the girls

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eventually consented. It was a lot of ruckus and chaos, but…it was fun.
Really fun.

For a short period of time when we became examinees for our high school
exams, Wataru started to give me some more free time, which allowed me to
focus on my studies. Together with my other girl friends, we would study a
lot, and I was focussing on the high-level Kouetsu High School, because the
school expenses were fairly cheap there. These days weren’t easy, but at least
they were not as boring as my previous days.

‘So that I won’t burden my family’ was my driving force behind all the
efforts I put into my studies, and I managed to pass the entrance exams for
Kouetsu High. What surprised me was Wataru, waiting for me on the day I
received the notice of that. He was fairly docile as of late, and I remember
hearing something from him along the lines of ‘Ahh, we’re at the same
school, huh. Great job, Aika’. I’m sure he must have been relieved to know
someone at that new school, and the same was the case for me.

After that, despite being surrounded by many people, he blurted out

something unbelievable.

‘I wanted to attend the same school as Aika after all!’

Flustered, I pulled him to an empty location, and gave him an earful. Oddly
enough, he begged me to call him by his given name, and I reluctantly
accepted. After the entrance ceremony at high school, Wataru once again
confessed his feelings to me. I already forgot how many times he threw these
same words at me, as I’ve heard them countless times in middle school
already.

Although my boorish and worthless days had finally ended, I didn’t have the
desire to go out with anybody. Not to mention that I really started to think of
Wataru as annoying. Though, I doubt that telling him to give it a rest reached
his ears anymore. Once high school began, Wataru was yet again following
me. Because it was such a straight-forward approach, the girls around me
were quite shocked. One of these girls turned out to be ‘Ashida Kei’.

‘Natsukawa-san sure is popular~’

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‘T-That guy is just stalking me…’

I was trying to show my disgust with that reaction, but Kei just started
laughing, and talked to me. I think she’s the first friend I introduced to Airi.
She’s very reliable, and just like her, many other people started talking to me
solely because Wataru was clinging to me. Although it’s different from what
I anticipated, it’s also not like things went in middle school. With these hopes
and aspirations, my high school life started.

Until now, my days were stressful, club was exhausting, and helping at home
was not easy by any means, but my days were fulfilling, being surrounded by
so many people.

‘I’m sorry about that, Natsukawa.’

It happened so abruptly, I couldn’t follow at all. What was he talking about?

He just selfishly clung to me, always approaching me, and yet suddenly left
me alone. With that as the trigger, he started to stay a bit more distanced.
Right after, I wasn’t really shocked at all, and instead was happy to be free,
thinking ‘Now I finally get to enjoy a peaceful student life’—and yet,
something felt off.

Wataru started talking with a cute brown-haired girl. Her name was Aizawa-
san, and Kei was on rather difficult terms with her. Seeing the three of them,
it felt like they left me behind and went on ahead. However, shortly after, Kei
and Aizawa-san suddenly got along, but I was never told what exactly
happened.

It felt like something was missing, something was lacking. Our seats
changed, with Wataru and Kei sitting further away from me, and the two
started talking more. Something bad grew inside of me—I also want to be
there.

I thought of getting up and talking to them, but my legs wouldn’t move. In

what way did I even call out to them before? Unable to make up my mind, I
just watched them from afar. Then, some classmates visited my home.
Everybody treated Airi very kindly, which made me happy, but the fact that
Wataru suddenly acted strange, and didn’t insist on joining had me feel

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conflicted again. Even though he was always so clingy before—these
irrational feelings built up inside of me.

During the visit, my classmate Sasaki-kun picked up Airi, and played with
her. She seemed to be having fun, and yet it felt like something was out of
place as I watched them, so I eventually broke between them. An odd
emotion filled me, something I couldn’t accept…I immediately understood
what that was, but that confused me even more, as I was lost on why I would
hold such an emotion. This contradiction was born inside of me, and I grew
agitated. I didn’t want Sasaki-kun to be the first boy Airi got along with.

Failing to hide this emotion, Kei got angry at me. I told her what I truly felt,
and she forced me to reveal this to Wataru. Embarrassed, unable to stay there,
I just ran away. With the ridiculous excuse of wanting to overwrite ‘Sasaki-
kun’ in Airi’s head, I dragged Wataru to my place. Thinking about it
rationally, what I did was pretty ridiculous. Despite me being desperate about
not wanting him to meet Airi, I was having weird expectations from him.
But, if I didn’t do that, this gloomy and hazy feeling inside of me would not
go away.

Wataru was really bad at picking up Airi. That’s why I told him the right way
to carry her. Airi must have enjoyed that, as she used up way more energy
than before, fully relying on Wataru to join her. Wataru accepting her in that
way, and reaching the same line of sight of her, was too funny, I couldn’t
hold back a giggle. I did feel a bit guilty towards him, but I was really happy
that he joined Airi until she was fully exhausted. Seeing that, I felt this sense
of discomfort in my chest vanish entirely.

Later, Wataru collapsed. My head turned blank, I couldn’t think about

anything. I found myself confused, wishing for something I normally
wouldn’t. Hearing from the school nurse Shindou-sensei that it was a simple
cold, I was relieved. Even Kei grew pale after seeing him break down like
that, and I agreed. That just showed how much of an important existence
Wataru became for us, and only then did I realize.

For the first time since I became a high school student, summer break
allowed me to spend more time with my family. Since I was only working as
an execution committee member two times a week, I enjoyed most of my

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time with Airi, or joined the conversations on our group chats. Wataru would
join in here and there, and seeing the other boys retort on his stupid
exclamations had me snicker. When I showed it to Airi, she tilted her head in
confusion, which had me laugh even more.

A few days passed like that. The group messages started to calm down, and
we basically just told each other what we did over the course of the day.
Seeing some people head to karaoke or bowling, or talk about this and that
store, had me feel jealous.

Kei is busy with her club. I do check on the group chat on a daily basis, but
Wataru didn’t say anything. At the same time, I spend my days with my
committee work, and playing with Airi. However, neither Kei nor Wataru
were at school…and it made me feel something the middle school me would
have never felt.

—Loneliness.

Somewhere inside of me, I had already known. With Kei not around to
brighten up the mood, I end up all alone, and helpless. At the same time,
despite being so against him, wishing he was gone, I felt an emotion different
of hate towards Wataru. How selfish of me, and how childish all the more. At
the same time as I was falling into such self-hate, I felt shocked that I was
bored with just having Airi around me.

This produced even greater guilt. A feeling of inferiority towards Kei,

because I can’t be as cheerful and engaging as she is. Not to mention these
contradictory feelings towards Wataru. My heart that should have felt
fulfilled suddenly seemed so empty that it shocked me—and I couldn’t even
cry.

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 Chapter 5: Thus, the Goddess Ran

The 6th of August arrived. After informing the culture festival execution
committee that we wouldn’t be there today, Sasaki-kun and I made our way
to the special meeting room. It was a normal classroom structured solely to
organize today’s school visit for the middle school students. The room was
filled with Senpais I have never seen before—and it left me baffled.

“This is…pretty amazing.”

“Y-Yeah…”

As mentioned, this committee gathered only the looks—basically,

advertisements as the ‘ideal Kouetsu student’. It’s crazy how all of the people
here could rival the handsome guys from the student council.

“Leaving you aside, Sasaki-kun…am I really allowed to be here?”

“Don’t say that. You definitely do. If anything, I feel worried that I don’t fit
in here at all.”

Despite there being no particular reason, just being inside this room made
you feel like you were someone special. I felt embarrassed to just sit down on
a chair, so when I met eyes with Sasaki-kun, we both showed a flustered
smile. From the back of the meeting room, I could see a bit of an open space
to the front left. As if they ignored the outline of the long desk, a few wooden
chairs stood there roughly lined up. Right when I was wondering why that
was the case, more people entered the room.

“Oh yeah, the public morals committee was taking the lead for this school
visit, right. Though the culture festival execution committee was under the
lead of the student council.”

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“Now that you mention it.”

People with formal expressions and atmosphere to them slowly walked

towards the open chairs, wearing an armband saying ‘Public Morals’ on one
of their arms. More and more joined after, filling the room until they even
reached to us in the back. With their sheer numbers, I understood just how
big of a deal this entire event was. In the midst of these people was a single
individual that would probably make Kei shriek in joy if she was here—The
current public morals committee president, Shinomiya Rin. Just by her gaze
and attitude as she took up her position in front of the teachers’ desk, I could
judge her confidence and dignity.

“—Eh…”

Suddenly, I spotted a familiar boy. He passed behind President Shinomiya,

like a small animal hiding in the shadows. He seemed terrified as he looked
around, and reluctantly sat down with the other public morals committee
members. For a moment, our eyes met. Wataru seemed to have been
surprised as well, as he carefully raised his hand while looking at me, only
moving his mouth to form the word ‘Sup’. The way he seemed so misplaced
here, and his attitude adding to that, I let out a snicker.

—Wataru is here. All my clouded thoughts were suddenly cleared up like a

bright summer sky. Just thinking that Wataru was participating in this event
had my heavy chest feel so light, like whatever was stuck in there had left.
But, that’s when my thoughts started to calm down, and a doubt popped up in
my head. Why is he with the public morals committee? Before I could come
up with any possible conclusion, Shinomiya-senpai spoke up.

“—Is everyone here? Then, let’s get this meeting started.”

So cool. For a second, I was entranced by her. I want to become a woman as

dignified as her. I understand why Kei is such a big fan of hers, just her
normal voice makes my heart quiver. Following that initial statement,
Shinomiya-senpai gallantly explained the procedure of the school visit.
However, I was too focussed on the person herself that I couldn’t remember
much.

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Showing around the middle school students inside the school was quite the
big duty to have. As the first-year students, the two of us would be moving in
a pair, tasked to explain the various locations found here at this school. We
ran our eyes over the documents, and learned about all sorts of things.

“Eh, the multi-purpose auditorium has this kind of equipment?”

“I had no idea…”

It dawned upon me that we still didn’t know anything about this school. We
were asked to read through the documents until we got a good grasp of it, and
appeal to the middle school students in our own way. This is probably better
than learning it by heart like some script.

While mentally preparing myself, I glanced over at Wataru. After not having
seen him for a while, he got himself a bit of a tan, and the color of his hair
changed as well. It felt much better seeing it go back to brown. That’s
probably much more familiar with me.

“H-Hey…are you curious about Sajou?”

“Yeah…”

“Eh?”

I feel like Sasaki-kun was asking me something important, but because all my
attention was directed at Wataru, I just answered subconsciously. When I
looked over at Sasaki-kun, his mouth was shaped in a single — line, and he
had his eyes hanging low. He seemed to be going through the documents like
I was.

The meeting briefly ended after that, but as we were responsible for the
guidance, our group stayed behind in the room, probably to receive some
more information. As a result of that, including Shinomiya-senpai, the public
morals committee left the room, Wataru trotting after them. Just like he
greeted me just now, I wanted to give him a few final words with my mouth
only, but he never once looked at me.

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*

“My name is Sasaki Takaaki, and I’ll be showing you around school now.
Nice to meet you all.”

“Same here. I’m Natsukawa Aika, looking forward to working with you.”

We waited at the front entrance of the school building, carrying the sign with
the middle school name written on it, the middle school students slowly but
steadily forming a group around us. To me, they’re barely one year younger
at most, and although there were only six people from the school we were
responsible for, some of the boys were already bigger than me, which was
slightly terrifying.

Now it was time for me and Sasaki-kun to show the appeal of this school.
Since the route was already decided, we could take our time, explaining the
functions of the various rooms, and the equipment they offered. Since this
high school was a bit more developed than my previous middle school, I
could speak most proudly.

“Hey, Natsukawa-san, right? From which middle school are you?”

“Eh?”

Mid-way, a boy with waved, spiky hair came talking to me. His attitude
really did not make it sound like he was respecting me as a senior.

“Alright, no unrelated questions, mkay?”

“Huuuuh…?”

“Um…”

In the face of the approaching boy, Sasaki-kun stepped in front of me. I can
tell that the boy was pretty annoyed at that. At the same time, the other
middle school students were only watching in silence. Not good, I need to act
more like a senior. What would Shinomiya-senpai do…What about Kei…
And, how would Wataru react? As I was thinking that, I managed to say
exactly what I was thinking with a straight face.

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“We don’t need kids like you here.”

“Eh?”

“I’m telling you that you’re not welcome. Did you not hear me?”

He must have expected to be treated like a king, like he was shopping in a

mall as a customer. After all, from an official point of view, Kouetsu High
would hope to gain as many new first-years as possible. Even so, Kouetsu
High is very popular around here, and offers cheap school expenses. Not to
mention that it’s a high-level school helping greatly in university exams.
Thinking about it that way, being desperate to gain new first-years like this
feels idiotic. That’s why, I thought that I didn’t need to hold back towards
him.

“Leaving him aside…I’ll be properly showing you around, so follow me.”

Even if I didn’t think highly of that boy, that didn’t drop the entire evaluation
of the middle school, so I had the other students come along. I pushed the
confused Sasaki-kun’s back, and continued with the tour like nothing
happened. The one who hesitates first here loses. I’m scared, but I have
Sasaki-kun with me, so it’ll be fine. Even the boy eventually gave in, and
awkwardly lined up at the back.

“…So you can say stuff like that, Natsukawa.”

“A certain someone can be really blunt at times after all.”

“……”

I said it in the heat of the moment, but I’m pretty sure he should be able to
tell who I was talking about. These two have been talking quite a bit during
the first term after all. Not to mention that my exchanges with Wataru always
stood out in a way…I wonder what Wataru is doing right now?

“Um! The uniforms here are really cute!”

“You’re right. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to attend this school.”

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Together with a ‘proper’ conversation, we walked through the school. Most
of the information I read from the documents was interesting to me as well,
and easy to remember. Thanks to that, explaining classrooms I had yet to use
myself wasn’t all that hard.

“We pretty much made it through the whole school now. Do you have any
questions?”

“Yes—”

Seeing Sasaki-kun receiving questions only from girls could only make me
show a bitter smile. He’s admirable, so it can’t be helped. Maybe the boys
have some questions as well, and just can’t ask it because they’re jealous of
him…? The Q&A continued for a bit longer, and we took a break for lunch.
For those who brought lunch boxes, and also for those that didn’t, we had a
reserved space in the cafeteria.

“There will be a live screening in the gym hall at 3pm, so we’d like you to
finish eating by then, so we have enough time to move over there.”

“This is as far as our tour goes. Once the screening is over, you can check out
the clubs, and you can also head home if you feel satisfied.”

“Okay! Thank you very much!”

With this, our duty was over. We went to the meeting room for this event to
eat lunch, and take a quick break before escorting the middle school students
to the gym hall. It’s not like we were working long, but it sure was mentally
exhausting.

“Dealing with middle school students can be pretty tough.”

“Yeah…Though you were pretty popular, Sasaki-kun.”

“No, well…yeah, but that’s why the boys…”

“Ahhh…I know what you mean.”

The middle school boys must have been rather dejected seeing the girls give

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so much attention to Sasaki-kun. But, that can’t be helped in a lot of ways.
Once we returned to the meeting room, around ten other Senpais came back
shortly after. It gave me a bit of relief to know that we didn’t just rush our
tour. I glanced over at the seats that belonged to the public morals committee,
but none of them had returned. Instead, the chairs were cleaned up properly,
stacked in the corner of the room. Are they…not coming back…?

“So, Natsukawa, where should we eat lunch?”

“Eh……”

We’re going to eat together?—This innocent doubt popped up in my head,

but from this flow of events, that does make perfect sense. We’d have to eat
lunch together, or we might get split up. In that context, it doesn’t just have to
be us. I wonder…will Wataru come back?

It seems like Sasaki-kun brought a lunch box with him, just like I did. When
he took off the wrapping, he showed an awkward expression, and slightly
turned his back towards me, and stirred around the food with his chopsticks.

“Well, she put a message there, and…”

“Ahh, that’s right.”

When I looked at the food, I could see some pink-colored dots here and there,
which probably had the shape of characters before Sasaki-kun removed it.
Not to mention that the rolled omelettes were scattered everywhere…Was it
cutely arranged or something?

“Hmm…feels like a waste.”

“I-It’s embarrassing, so let’s just forget about that…”

Seeing a flustered Sasaki-kun felt pretty fresh. Since he’s always cool and
collected, it was a rare sight to see him a bit shaken. I bet he’s like this at
home as well. I followed suit by opening up my lunch box, and started
munching away. Eating lunch together like this happened a lot of times
before, but Sasaki-kun is always telling me something new. Since I’m not the

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type who can jump from topic to topic, I’m honestly grateful that he’s
offering me something to work with.

But, he doesn’t have to force himself…Sometimes, it feels like he’s desperate

to keep the conversation going. I don’t really mind the silence though…

“……”

I glanced over at the entrance to this meeting room. Despite staying here,
there were no signs of Wataru and the other public morals committee
members coming back. They might be taking a break elsewhere. In the end, I
finished eating lunch without seeing Wataru.

After being called over by the public morals committee, we made our way to
the gym hall. In the middle of it were rows aligned for the middle school
students, and we sat on the sides. Being guided there, I spotted the people
from the public morals committee.

—Ah, Wataru…

About three seats in front of me, I could see a familiar profile. He was
looking ahead at the video on the screen, and sometimes glancing over at the
middle school students. It was pretty rare to see him with no expression
whatsoever like this…

Wait? Watching from afar, I realized something. There’s barely any boys in
the public morals committee…? There’s one Senpai next to him, but nobody
else…Not to mention that there’s only girls around them…? I seriously doubt
I’m wrong, but did he offer to help with ulterior motives or something?

The video screening ended, and the student council president Yuuki-senpai
stepped to the front. Right after, I could hear whispers going through the rows
of the middle school students. That can’t be helped, the student council
president is standing out even more than Sasaki-kun, and that’s an
achievement. I’ve seen him a few times after enrolling at this school, but I’m
doubtful everytime if he really exists in this world. I’m shocked Wataru’s

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older sister can be with him in the same student council. I’d just go crazy.

Following that, Shinomiya-senpai stood up, and walked up on stage. Her long
black ponytail shook as she walked, giving off a dignified air that made me
think she was just saying the opposite of what Yuuki-senpai just did. Not to
mention that all the cheers directed at Yuuki-senpai suddenly silenced down,
filling the hall with silence…S-So cool…

Before I realized it, I had put my hands together in front of my chest like I
was praying. I can see why she would have so many fans. I kind of feel bad
for making fun of Kei before. Just subconsciously, I wondered how it would
be if I could be this open as well. I might not reach Kei’s level, but I deeply
admire Senpai.

I was pretty much just spacing out after that, and only came back to my
senses when the middle school students started to leave. There was still some
lingering aftertaste in my chest. Like I was feeling fluffy and happy inside,
but after a Senpai from the public morals committee clapped their hands
together, I fully woke up.

“Okay! We’ll be disbanding here!”

“Okaaay~”

With that, our duty ended. Cleaning up will be handled by the public morals
committee, it seems. I was thinking if I should just help them, but I couldn’t
even call out to anybody around me. If they’re not lacking people, then it
should be fine, I guess.

“…Um.”

Wataru is…there. He was carrying some heavy equipment down the stage.
Since he’s right in the middle of some physical labour like that, it’s a bit hard
to call out to him. But, seeing him work hard like that made me think of him
as cool for a split second.

“Natsukawa, let’s go.”

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“Eh? Y-Yeah…”

Looking over, I saw a Senpai from the guiding group help out with the
cleaning, so I figured I might as well join in, but Sasaki-kun called out to me.
When the greater half of students made their way back to the school building,
I couldn’t muster up the courage to stay behind.

“Ah…”

I glanced over at Wataru one last time, and felt a complicated feeling stir up
inside of me. In the end, we met after such a long break, and yet we couldn’t
even talk for a moment. Is this…going to be the last time over this summer
break? Feeling a bit lonely, I left the gym hall behind me.

“I’m sorry! If you still have some time, could you maybe join us?”

Moving to the classrooms, the Senpais started grabbing their belongings,

leaving the room. Just to make sure, I asked Sasaki-kun, but there was no
more place for us to help, so we could head home. After gathering the last
few documents the Senpais left on the desks, another Senpai from the culture
festival execution committee came jogging over.

“Eh, are you still working?”

“We got in touch with a lot of supporters today…And as a principal rule, we

need to gather all of the info on the same day.”

“Ummm…Sure, why not.”

It seems like Sasaki-kun didn’t have to be present at his club today, as he

agreed without a second thought. When I asked him later, he told me that the
games this summer had already ended, so their training calmed down a bit.

Either way, I gained a reason to stay longer at school, and a certain thought
popped up in my head. Senpai told us to come over once we finished cleaning
up, so Sasaki-kun followed him immediately, as he didn’t have anything.
After checking everything in the classroom, I passed the room used for the

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culture festival execution committee, and headed towards the room deeper
down the floor—The public morals committee office.

A bit of time has passed since we came back from the gym hall, so some of
the members, including Wataru, might be back already. If that was the case,
I’d at least be able to say hello.

“…Will I be able to, I wonder.”

Up until a while ago, I would have never even thought about something like
that. After all, I always rejected him, and insulted him for sticking around me.
Not to mention that this only grew worse after enrolling at this school, and I
thought I would never be able to think positively about him. But, I wonder
why…With him being right there, I felt the urge to talk to him. Why am I
feeling so conflicted?

I made it to the main base of the public morals committee, which I could tell
almost simply from the scent alone. It smelled much more like organisational
work. Not to mention that I hear loud voices coming from inside. I don’t
know why Wataru helped the public morals committee, but I at least wanted
to see it for myself. Luckily, the door was opened a bit.

“…Ah…”

Peeking inside, I could see some committee members walking around inside
the room with documents in one hand. There were Senpais working
diligently, others were talking about something complicated. Overall, it
seemed like a rather dense and busy atmosphere, making me think that they
really were working hard. Then again, this must be their usual routine.

In the back, I could see people sitting on laptops, with Wataru being in the
middle of them. He received documents from a Senpai, and started typing the
documents into the laptop. His diligent profile, the gesture of him putting his
fingers on his chin, they were all things I haven’t seen at all, making me feel
like I was looking at someone else entirely. So Wataru can make that kind of
face…

“…He seems busy.”

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Just like in the gym hall a bit ago, this wasn’t exactly an atmosphere where I
could call out to him. Because I’ve always seen him as demotivated to work
when it came down to it, I found myself engrossed in this sight.

“……”

Yeah, now is not a good time…With these thoughts, I headed to the culture
festival execution committee. Since Wataru saw me before, he might come
meet me. And then, we should talk about something. Like how Airi wanted to
meet him again. Or about an interesting story I heard from Kei. What he’s
normally doing—

“—kawa-san. Natsukawa-san?”

“Eh?”

As someone tapped me on the shoulder, I stopped spacing out. A second-year

girl has been calling out to me for a while now, and she seemed a bit worried.

“We’re done for the day. Were you that engrossed in your work?”

“Ah…”

Only now did I realize that I was spacing out, and frantically looked down at
my documents. I don’t even remember what I did until now. But, there was a
mountain of filled out documents in front of me…so I was probably working
subconsciously. Weird…it feels like I just started though. When I observed
my surroundings, almost everybody was packing up, preparing to head home.
And, I was basically the only one who had documents on my desk. Looking
at my side, Sasaki-kun was showing an equally worried expression like
Senpai does.

“It seems like you were focussing on it, so I didn’t want to interrupt your
flow…”

“Ah, I see…”

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I felt a bit embarrassed, and quickly tidied up my documents. Since I can’t
take them home, I properly put them together in order, and handed them to
Senpai. There I realized how exhausted I was, my eyes feeling heavy.

“We already finished everything we needed for today. Good work.”

“Yes! Same to you, Senpai!”

Watching Senpai walk away, we started packing up ourselves. Looking over

at the clock, around an hour had passed since we started working. I was
surprised to see that, realizing that my focus was pretty intense. No, it’s
different from focus, I guess.

“What are you doing after this, Natsukawa?”

“Eh? I…”

“Well, a Senpai from my soccer club told me to come over, so if you want,
you can come wa—Hm? A phone call?”

Right as I was about to say ‘Go home’, I realized what I was even thinking. I
was vexed that not more time passed. As for why, and why that would have
cleared my gloomy feelings, I didn’t even need to think.

“H-Hey, Yuki, what’s—”

‘—!—!?’

“Woah!? C-Calm down! Eh? Who am I talking to right now? Hold on, why
are you—”

Together with Sasaki-kun on the phone, I left the classroom. The setting sun
directly illuminated the hallway, warming my skin. At the same time, the
windows creating shadows on the wall was a beautiful sight to look at. And at
that moment, I spotted the nameplate hanging next to one of the classrooms:
Public morals committee office.

“…! Sorry, Sasaki-kun!”

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That moment, I finally remembered what I wanted to do. Before I could even
let my thoughts catch up, my legs were already carrying me ahead.

“Ah!? Hey, Natsukawa—Ah, no, Natsukawa is just—”

When I looked inside the office, I could see a few Senpais backing up their
things. However, Wataru was nowhere to be seen. Coming to this realization,
my heart started racing like I was in a panic. Did he…go home already…?

I didn’t know why I couldn’t call it a day with ‘Can’t be helped, I’ll give up’.
Normally, I’d just go home, go back to my normal daily life, and spend time
with Airi. Then, I’d go shopping together with Mom, eat dinner with
everyone, and talk about this and that…Isn’t that plenty of happiness
already?

“…Urk…”

What exactly is a high school girl even? I don’t know why, but just spending
my days like this with absolutely no change in them…I didn’t want that. The
high school life I expected was a lot more chaotic, and entertaining. Saying it
out loud is embarrassing, and I felt scared to hear what they thought. That’s
why, I can just offer my everything to my beloved family. And yet, before I
could indulge in this happiness, an even greater arrogant feeling filled me
—’Loneliness’.

I passed the stairs that led to the entrance, and took the path connecting to the
other buildings. From there, I looked outside, and spotted the path that led
from the school entrance to the courtyard, all the way to the school gate.
Some middle school students just finished checking out the clubs, and
gathered in circles. At the same time, the students that finished their clubs
were now talking to them. Because of that, the area around the entrance
wasn’t too crowded.

“—Ah…!”

No, somebody is there. I heard the cracking of the floor when I stopped. A
certain boy appeared from the entrance, as he walked towards the school gate
with a bag on his shoulders. He hid in the shadows of the sun, and his face

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looked honestly awful and exhausted. And even so, my legs moved. I ran
through the school building, towards the stairs. I passed several classrooms,
which looked like jail rooms with the sun creating shadows on top of it. Even
the public morals committee office had grown silent.

“…Haa…Phew…”

How long has it been since I was dashing down stairs like this. My slippers
were squeaking as I ran down the hallway. Looking at myself from an
objective point of view, I must have looked ridiculous. But even so, my body
moved on its own. Nobody was present at the entrance. I didn’t expect the
owner of that shadow to be here still either. I really wanted to jump out with
my slippers on, but I held myself back and put on my outdoor shoes.

Once I actually made it outside, nobody was in my field of view still. But, not
much time should have passed. Even if he left the school, he should still be
around.

“…Haa…Huff…!” My breathing was out of rhythm.

I’m pretty confident in my physical abilities, but my feelings were making

my blood boil, which had me use up much more energy. Out of the school
building, to the left was the school store, and to the right was the cafeteria, so
I searched for the shadow somewhere ahead of me. I moved my neck left and
right, when I felt a sharp gaze coming from beyond the pillars in the
courtyard.

“……”

I felt my heart’s beating change rhythm. The speed was the same, but my
breathing felt so light all of a sudden. I felt myself calming down.

“……”

Why can’t I just put it into words? We only haven’t met for a few days, and
despite my head being calm, I don’t even know what to talk about. Yet, my
feet naturally carried me over there, and I can’t control it. The more I
approached him, the more these inexplicable feelings came overflowing from

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my chest. I forgot how to properly walk, and even so, I did. I might look like
some zombie walking. If possible, I didn’t want anybody to see me.

But, if I don’t keep walking, I won’t reach that guy and his baffled face. Time
felt much longer than usual. Wataru looked at me in confusion, frozen in an
awkward position, as I just threw the first few words that came to my mind at
him.

“—What are you doing?”

“…Stretching my hips?”

His stupid response had all the tension vanish from my body.

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 Chapter 6: Tumbling Heart

I wonder what reaction I should show when the person I like suddenly
appears in front of me. I’m happy, but my head just turned blank. I can’t
come up with anything clever to say, and the more I stay silent, the more
lame and boring I must seem.

“Fufu…what’s up with that.”

Aren’t you a cute one. No, wait a second. Natsukawa smiled towards me,
which she would normally never do…? Is the world going to end tomorrow?
She always had the image of a strict but kind goddess, but she’s actually
directing a smile only at me…? Did I overwork myself and die in the
process? Well, this isn’t half bad then.

“Well, I was carrying a lot today, so…”

…No, hold on? Is this maybe Natsukawa taking care of me seconds before I
actually die? Could there be any better way to spend my last moments? This
is weird, Patrasche…I feel so much strength filling my body despite being on
death’s edge. I might just be able to win against the Demon Lord now. Wait,
why am I falling down into hell?

“Yeah…I was watching, so I know.”

“Ah, I see…Eh?”

So, is it finally happening? Am I hearing things? …No, seriously, why can’t I

just simply believe her words? Maybe because she’s never shown me such a
face before? Her happy face, her laughing face, her delighted face, I know all
of them, but never were these directed only at me. This is the first time.

Because the distance between us was still too big, Natsukawa took one step,

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and then another step towards me. No um…I’m happy, but not that happy…I
haven’t mentally prepared myself for that yet, and I don’t want to suddenly
act disgraceful to embarrass myself. If you get too close to me, you’re going
to melt my eyes——Eh?

“You were working so hard…You reek of sweat.”

“—!?”

My nostrils were tickled by a sweet fragrance. My head was filled with a pink
essence. I desperately tried to keep my eyes looking straight despite them
wandering all over the place, and somehow managed to keep up my reason.
Natsukawa’s face approached my chest, and it must have been subconscious,
but she gently pressed her hands against my chest, tapping it up and down,
only to move away a small bit and show a gentle smile.

Well, even if she does take a small step back, we’re still at pretty much zero
distance. This is too much, way too much. I won’t be able to sleep at night. I
don’t…I don’t even know what to do.

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“N-Natsukawa.”

“Hm? What?”

Eh? Why does she respond so calmly? Where did her thorns towards me run
off to? Is she not even aware of what she’s doing? What happened in half of
this summer break? Natsukawa stood in front of me, only gently tilting her
head, showing no signs of getting angry…Not to mention that her hair was a
bit ruffled up, traces of sweat on her skin…Her beautiful hair almost looked
like it was sparkling in the sunlight.

Her breathing was a bit out of control, it was about to hit my face which was
pretty much the last straw in this. I flinched, I trembled, and yet was unable
to move, petrified. Behind me is the bench, so no room for escape. Because I
haven’t seen Natsukawa in a while, everything about her was too stimulating.
Or wait, is it really because I haven’t seen her in a while? Did something like
this happen before? If so, then I can see myself falling down to hell. All you
high school guys in this country, did you see that? You must be jealous.

“Um, ehm, you’re…close…”

“Eh? Ah…S-Sorry.”

She must have finally realized how irregular this distance between us was, as
she took another step back, but didn’t seem too bothered because she showed
me another innocent smile. I can tell that my heart was about to explode. The
happiness filling me is like my lifespan is being prolonged, but the blood
pressure is slowly chipping away at my lifespan at the same time. I don’t
really get it, but the current Natsukawa is definitely dangerous.

“So…Did something…good happen?” I spoke up.

“Eh?”

“Well, I mean, you seem so happy…and your face looks like you’re enjoying
yourself, so…”

“Eh!?” Natsukawa’s eyes shot wide open.

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That way of phrasing it was definitely bad, yup. When I told Natsukawa, she
suddenly started touching her own face. Ahh, so cute…are you a natural
airhead? Can we get married? …Ah, crap, Natsukawa is so charming today I
was about to propose. I can’t buy a ring with just three months worth of
allowance and salary. No, is that really the big problem here? I’m an idiot. I
need at least two years worth of salary from my part-time work instead. Well,
for Natsukawa’s sake, I might get a loan from the bank…No no no, that’s
also not the problem here! Put it together, me!

N-Natsukawa-san? The reason you’re so happy is because you don’t have me

around anymore, right? Please, teach me the reason so I can believe in your
graciousness again.

“I-It’s just so reassuring that you never change, Wataru.”

What am I supposed to do here? Eh, she’s relieved because I’m the same as
always? What a shame, I love how you never change either, Natsukawa. So,
that’s why I can’t relax right now. Is this the whims of a Goddess? How
scary. There’s nothing better than this.

“I-I see…So then, what’s up? It seemed like you were rushing over here.”

“Eh…That’s…Um…”

“…?”

Natsukawa failed to get her words together, and just stuttered wildly. She
moved her hands around wildly, and constantly glanced up at me. She was
frantically searching for a response, and I was patiently waiting for my
Goddess’ next words. How could I rush her, some lowly follower like me has
no right to do that. I can only respond to her desires.

“—not……yet.”

“Eh?”

“B-Because I haven’t talked with you yet, Wataru!”

Am I still breathing? (*Yes, you are). Eh, what kind of cute reason is that?

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Was she in such a rush before because she was looking for me? Is that even
possible? Couldn’t she have just talked with Sasaki instead? Was she that
desperate to talk with me? I’m so lost.

“So…Why?”

“You seriously ask that…? Why wouldn’t we talk!”

Eh, why…? Like, because it would be bad manners not to? I was actually
trying to be considerate and not talk to her for a reason though…Especially
with Sasaki around, I figured that leaving her alone would benefit
everybody…I mean, leaving aside my own feelings.

“W-We haven’t talked for a while, so…I just felt…lonely…”

“You cute creature.”

“C-Come on…! Now’s not the time for that!”

My honest feelings broke through the barrier that was my mouth. Can’t help
it, can I. Natsukawa is too cute, it’s killing me. My feelings are just
overflowing now. The way she’s pouting and complaining makes it seem like
it’s my fault—Eh, ‘pouting’? How can you make such a cute face…! Will
you give it a rest already! I’m seriously gonna propose to you, okay!? Are
you okay with that!? I’ll go to the bank and borrow the money!!

…N-No, calm down, me. Natsukawa didn’t just become cute now. She is and
always has been cute. Think about it in game terms. Her cuteness is at 99
right now, so even if she becomes more cute, that value won’t go above 99.
It’s the same here. And going from that logic, Natsukawa is always cute.
Alright, I’m calm now.

“No, sorry about that, Natsukawa. I just couldn’t find the time.”

“I-I know that.”

“…!”

No, I’m seriously at my limit here. It’s not even a problem of my heart at this

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point. Because of Natsukawa’s cuteness, my entire body was raising shrieks
of agony. Am I going to have a muscle ache tomorrow? I’ll turn into a macho
because of Natsukawa’s cuteness…My stomach was full to the brim, I was
having cramps because of how cute she was. I really haven’t calmed down at
all, huh.

“—Right. Been a while, Natsukawa.”

“Y-Yeah…Been a while…”

When I rationally thought about it, and said what came to my mind,
Natsukawa giggled. Being shown such a happy reaction, reality still hasn’t
set in. She’s talking to me…and is happy, right? I don’t get it. Is this how a
woman’s heart works? All I know is that I’m really happy right now…Weird.
Before, I was working my ass off just to get a fraction of this treatment, so
why is it now? Not like this is ideal either, but still.

That’s maybe why. Leaving that kind of emotion out of the equation, as
Natsukawa clearly doesn’t feel that way for me, and maybe because my
burning passion for her has gone down as well, so we reached a level of
friendsh—Eh?

“……”

“……”

Natsukawa approached me yet again. She stood right in front of my eyes,

reaching out for my sleeve with her small hand. Her gaze seemed oddly
anxious about something…almost like she was expecting something from
me. If I just reached out my hand towards her, I might be able to touch her
glossy air, and if I approached my mouth just a bit further, our lips would
overlap…Yeah, impossible.

“So…Natsukawa…”

Emergency bells were ringing inside of my head. What saved me from this
dilemma were the words that Ashida told me before at the family restaurant.

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‘As long as there’s someone who will like you, you’ll definitely be happy.’

That’s right, this isn’t just limited to me. Natsukawa must be happy to have
someone around who likes her. Even if it wasn’t me standing here, the same
thing might have happened. Thinking about that, I got a bit of courage. She
might hate me, brush me away, and it’s terrifying to think about that, but I
still placed one hand on her shoulder.

There was no resistance. Trying to tell her that this distance was bad, I slowly
pulled away her hand. Even so, she kept holding on to my sleeve, practically
saying that she won’t let go no matter what. I don’t know if this is just how
men work, but I felt excited to assume Natsukawa only belonged to me in
that very moment. In an attempt to remove my wicked thoughts, and
forcefully calm myself down, I just spoke up with whatever came to my
mind.

“Natsukawa…should we…talk a bit?”

“! Y-Yeah!” Natsukawa’s expression changed, and she moved a bit away

from me.

Although I got to see a blooming smile from the girl I liked, it equally felt a
bit regrettable that she moved away. My head was telling me ‘You can’t’, but
my desires for Natsukawa definitely haven’t vanished. It’s not which one is
stronger, they’re mixing together inside of my head.

“Huh~? It’s Aichi and Sajocchi~!”

“Oh…”

“Ah…!”

I heard a familiar voice. There’s only one person who would call us that way,
so we both turned towards the source of that voice. I think that seeing her
right now after a few weeks was a big saving grace. Ashida seemed to have
just finished her club, as she still had her sports bag over her shoulder,
approaching us while wearing her summer uniform.

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“K-Kei…!”

“Wawa…!? Aichi, I’m reeking of sweat, don’t cling to me like that!”

Natsukawa ran towards Ashida, even jumping at her. She blinked in

confusion, trying to push Natsukawa away, but that didn’t work. Watching
these two, I gently touched the sleeve that Natsukawa just held on to. Without
even being particularly conscious of it, her sweet scent still drifted around in
front of me. In the end, both my brain and soul melted away, as I sank down
on the bench behind me.

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 Chapter 7: The Rumoured Girl

“Don’t surprise me like that! You gave me a heart attack, Aichi!”

“S-Sorry…I just…”

“Ehehehe! Don’t worry about it! I’m happy~!”

We stood in the courtyard, with the time of day turning towards evening. The
sun however was still high, creating shadows in this passageway between the
west and the south building. A gentle breeze made it between the two
buildings, comfortably caressing my skin. I bought two bottles and one sports
drink from a nearby vending machine, and headed towards the bench where
Ashida and Kei were emitting a rosy atmosphere. It’s pretty hard to get back
to them now, you understand?

“—Here, have this.”

“Sankyu~!”

“T-Thanks…”

Ashida was still grinning to herself presumably because of Natsukawa’s

previous hug, clinging to Natsukawa as she rubbed her head and shoulder and
back and everything. Since they’re sitting on the bench, things are still fine,
but with so many middle school students around, two high school girls like
them shouldn’t be making out in public like that.

If the circumstances and environment had allowed for it, I wouldn’t have
minded watching, but that kind of scenery definitely wouldn’t be beneficial
for the education of these other students, so I reluctantly intervened. Though I
still burnt Natsukawa’s embarrassed expression in my brain, so all’s well.

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“Haven’t seen you in a while, Ashida. You got club every day?”

“Mmm, not really, but we’re close to a tournament, so we’re just going all
out!”

“I see. But, you seem to be in high spirits.”

“Yup!”

Isn’t she…a bit too energetic? She looks like she’s about to run in circles like
a dog with too much energy. Well, I guess that’s Ashida for you…She knows
how to disregard all possible trouble just to have fun. But, it’d be great if you
could stop running your hand along Natsukawa’s lines, or my wicked desires
will get the better of me.

“Still, despite this only being a day for the third-years to attend school, I
didn’t expect them to get the first-years as well——Hm?”

Ashida took a break from molesting Natsukawa, and observed the part of my
uniform that Natsukawa pulled on before, pulling on it herself…Mmm, I
really like this gesture…The more she does it, the more my heart races. I
don’t have any intention of cheating on Natsukawa, but you shouldn’t do that
to a boy, okay!?

“Hey…are you not going to sit down?”

“Eh?”

She was inviting a boy reeking of sweat into a paradise of two girls. Isn’t that
a bit too big of a hurdle? You’re not going to make fun of me for that later,
right? Eh, I don’t have to worry about it because Ashida smells sweaty as
well? Shit, that’s all you needed to say.

“Over here.”

“Y-Yeah.”

Natsukawa moved over towards Ashida on her right, who showed a delighted
expression and opened some space next to her. Now I’m actually starting to

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feel jealous. How much more are you going to flirt around like that…

“……”

“Alright, I get it.”

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I froze up for a moment because of this stimulating scenery, only for
Natsukawa to look at Ashida, and then over at me. A gentle force inside of
me shifted towards Natsukawa’s direction. This…is okay, right? The goal is
decided, so I should be safe, right. Battling my inner desires, I made up my
mind, and sat down to Natsukawa’s left. I feel like they were rather pushy for
trying to act considerate…but if Natsukawa’s that adamant on it, then I can
only listen.

Man, I wouldn’t have had the guts to sit down there…Natsukawa really is
kind. My faith towards her is only growing stronger…I’ll make my own
Vatican with blackjack and Natsukawa. I turned towards my right—of
course, as nobody sat to my left—and found Natsukawa in my view. The
overwhelming Natsukawa, might I add. What am I even supposed to do now?
And why do you give me such a satisfied look? I’m about to go crazy here…

—N-No, calm down, me…For this sake, I bought something to drink for
myself. When you’re stuck in a conversation, this is the way to get out of it.
Now’s the time to open it up—Ah, the lid is pretty hard to grab…

“Ah, the money…”

“…Eh? Nah, it’s fine. I get my part-time salary in a few days, so—Ah, it
opened.”

“Eh? Part-time…?”

“Hm? Yeah.”

The yuri atmosphere came to a sudden halt, as Natsukawa showed me a

bewildered expression. She doesn’t know I was working part-time in middle
school after all, so she must be surprised to know that I actually don’t mind
working. Heard that from your mom as well not too long ago.

“Did you start after summer break started?”

“Yup.”

“…I had no idea.”

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“Eh?”

I mean, why would you? I didn’t tell anybody. Wouldn’t want them to bother
me during work after all. Not like I can talk about it at school either, since I
don’t know if it’s even allowed, and I don’t want to find out either.

“We talked in chat, right?” Ashida asked me.

“Ehm? When?”

“The day you only poured more oil into the fire.”

“Oh my.”

That did happen…Really, what a traumatic incident. After thoroughly

apologizing and promising to make up for it, I was allowed back into the
group chat, but some of the responses from the girls…Especially Iihoshi-san,
I was terrified thinking that I made her my enemy.

“Why did you start working?”

“Eh? Well…to get…experience?”

I can’t exactly tell her that I wanted money to play around. If she looked at
me with a cold and judgemental gaze from up close like this, I would
definitely die. So, like a good student, I need to avoid the question all-
together. How about that, Natsukawa-sensei.

“…That’s a lie, right?”

Oh, she’s found me out. Well, time to die.

“……”

“No, um…”

Natsukawa stared at me. Around 60% of it was just pure awkwardness,

whereas 40% delivered excitement. Since Natsukawa rarely looks at me with

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such passion, my tension is going through the roof. I want her to continue
that for the next six hours. But, I’m weak during a staring duel like this.

“Ah! That reminds me, Sajocchi! What kind of person is that university
Onee-san you told me about?”

“Doctor’s orders are telling me to stay quiet.”

“Sajocchi! Thanks for the drink! So, what kind of person is that university
Onee-san?”

What, that ain’t working? Or is this some infinite loop I’ve seen in RPGs
before? Are you telling me that I won’t be able to escape that crime I’ve
committed? Well, it’s honestly not that big of a deal.

“Is that the one Wataru was talking about in the group chat…?”

“That’s right! But, there’s no way that Sajocchi would be able to meet
someone like that~”

“I mean, maybe at this part-time job of his…”

“…Ah!”

Oh, the atmosphere suddenly changed? That’s private detective Natsukawa

for you, she’s got a sharp eye. I met Sasaki-san on my way home from work
—precisely, the first day where I actually had to work. Though, I didn’t
expect it to turn into such a connection.

“……”

“……”

The two were staring at me with dubious looks. I really don’t want to, but I
can’t help feeling excited. That’s right, I’m a simple pervert….What is a
simple pervert?

“Ha ha ha, well, ha ha eugh…”

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I gave a vague laugh, and tried to pull my gaze away from them, but
Natsukawa grabbed my right arm that I was using to scratch the back of my
head, and pulled me over towards her. She sure is assertive today. Isn’t she
touching me a bit too much? Are you telling me to give a proper response
with my head blank from the stimulation? Please, more.

“—What kind of person is she?”

“Well.”

Yup, can’t avoid this anymore. I don’t even have the strength to break free
from her grasp. I didn’t anticipate a day for this to arrive, being showered
with so much of Natsukawa’s attention…But, it is my duty to respond to her
requests.

“It started on my way home from work…”

“Started?”

“……”

I swiftly explained everything that led to my encounter with Sasaki-san. I

continued with telling the days of me basically being healed by Sasaki-san,
using very detailed explanations and expressions to explain her charming
points, like her alluring attitude, her healing tendencies, and her well-
endowed parts, like her heart and—Yep, I actually am that gross, huh.

“That’s a lie. No person like that actually exists.”

Whyyyyy?

“No, you just have trouble imagining it because it’s me we’re talking about.
Can’t you just see me as a hottie for once in my life?”

“Rough.”

“Ashidaaaa!”

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Youuuuu! Can’t you just do me a favor for once and see me as a hottie! Why
can you not learn anything when it comes to seeing me in a better light!?
Also, one word!? You weren’t the tongue-tied character before!

“…Did you go out with that person somewhere?”

“Eh, no, that’s…We basically met every day though.”

“During your work, right?”

What a sharp rebuttal from Ms. Natsukawa we have right here. God dang it,
only now do I realize that I actually can’t prove the existence of Sasaki-san,
even after giving such a detailed explanation. Besides the initial encounter,
there’s not much exciting stuff to tell, huh. Maybe I should invite her to some
karaoke next time…Well, it would probably get in the way of her studies.

“No, anyway…She’s an adult for sure. And, a type of beauty I haven’t ever
met before. You know…the type that would make you fall for her at first
glance!”

“……”

“……”

…Hm, maybe my choice of words was off. The two girls were staring at me
in disbelief. Why are they having so much trouble just believing me? Is
Sasaki-san’s existence that hard to swallow? Or do I just suck at explaining?
Hey, Ashida, why are you glaring at me like some yankee? And don’t give
me the middle finger from behind Natsukawa’s back!

“Heh, I’d love to meet that person if she really existed!”

“Even if you say that, you probably won’t get a chance to do so—Though,
there was someone at this school who resembled her—Some beautiful
teacher, I think.”

“What are you thinking about…”

“She’s a different kind of beauty from you, Natsukawa.”

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“I-I’m not a beauty or anything…”

“Oof.” I let out a playful groan as Natsukawa gently slapped me on the

shoulder.

Eh? Is she angry? That was pretty gentle. Also, that short touch is already
enough to get my blood boiling. I can feel the tension inside of me rise!

“Don’t be deceived by that, Aichi! He’s saying that, but in reality, anybody’s
fine for him as long as she’s a beauty!”

“What kind of accusation is that! I’ll forgive them as long they are the gentle
atmosphere type!”

“Ahhh! See, Aichi! Burn him at stake!”

“Couldn’t you have chosen a more peaceful punishment!?”

The second there’s any opening, she really tries to pull me down…I told you
before, but if you treat someone who ridicules themselves as being average
even lower than a human, you’re being too cruel! Even trash like me has
some pride, okay! It’s fine for me to like cute girls, okay!
1
“Leaving me aside! Sasaki-san is an absolute Yamato Nadeshiko ! Dangerous
stuff!”

“I don’t buy it.”

“Why!?”

“Like there’d be such a person out there! Wake up already, Sajocchi! You’re
only going to hurt yourself more, you moron!”

“Like hell! People who call others morons are the real morons, you moron!
Ah! Look, that person walking over here from the sports grounds! She looks
exactly like her! She can’t even compare to you, Ashida!”

“She’s from Mishirohama Girls Middle School! You’re pointing at a middle

school student!”

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Huh!? She’s a middle school student!? Who cares, as long as I can prove
Sasaki-san’s existence to them! Maybe I should just explain her facial
features in even greater detail…!

“H-Hey, stop screaming like that…!” Natsukawa awkwardly intervened

“——jou-saaaan.”

“Eh?”

“Hm…?”

I heard a familiar voice in the far distance. Maybe it’s because we were
talking about Sasaki-san, but it sounded exactly like her. Thinking that this
should be impossible, my gaze naturally drifted towards the direction of that
voice, reaching a single point.

“—jou-saaaaaan!”

“…Isn’t that middle school girl calling for you, Wataru?”

“Eh, no, I don’t have any middle school student acquaintances…”

“But, Sajocchi? That girl that’s walking towards us, doesn’t she really seem
like a grown-up?”

“Y-Yeah…today’s middle school girls are no joke…”

But seriously, don’t they resemble each other a bit too much? Maybe because
it’s their face? I bet she’ll grow up to become an adult like Sasaki-san…
Yeah, that has to be it…! They say that children grow up much faster than ten
years ago, I saw some special report in the news! That’s why, this must be
Sasaki-san’s doppelganger!

“—Sajou-saaaan!”

“……”

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“……”

“……”

Sasaki-san…? Is this some kind of cosplay?

“Sajou-san, I thought that only the third-years would still be here! I didn’t
think I would be able to meet you!”

“……”

“…”

“…”

I thought my jaw would drop to the ground. I couldn’t close my mouth, yet
equally couldn’t muster up any words. That just showed how unbelievable
the scenery in front of my eyes was. She wore a navy blue sailor uniform,
probably the summer style, grabbed my left hand, and jumped up and down
in joy like a middle school student would. As a result of that, two particular
parts of her jolted up and down. In all honesty, with no ulterior motive or
desire, I was just staring at them in a daze.

“I met you, met you!”

“Ah, well, um…”

“Wahh, it’s Sajou-san wearing a uniform! It’s the first time I’ve seen you like
this!”

“R-Right…”

A dream? Is this a dream? It was a dream all along? Yeah, it has to be. That
would explain why everybody was so kind to me today, excluding Ashida.
Also, she’s strict towards me even in a dream? Are you kidding me? I’ll send
her some hate messages tonight…

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“Wataru…?”

“Yesh!?”

“Don’t let out a weird voice like that…”

Natsukawa-san!? We’re in a public space, so don’t just whisper into my ears

like that, of course my body would react in a weird way! Don’t blame me for
that weird voice! Just wait until it’s just the two of us, I’ll properly train with
certain material until then…

“…Is this the person you were talking about?”

“H-Huh? Was I saying such a thing?”

“……”

Eh, why are you pouting like that? Cute. I suppose it was subconsciously
happening. Reminded me of Airi-chan, to be honest. My intercebral camera
swiftly took a picture of that expression. I need to treasure that until the day I
die…!

“Sajou-san…?”

“Ah…!”

The second I was plotting my legal not so legal photoshoot, the middle
school Onee-san in front of me pulled me back to reality. That was close…! I
was about to be branded a pervert by all girls around me! Though, I feel like
it’s already too late for that!

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“So, um, Sasaki-san, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here
of all places…”

“This is my admired high school after all. And, I wanted to meet you, Sajou-
san.”

“Urk…Is that so, is that so! I haven’t asked you before, but what school are
you attending?”

“…Ah! I never told you, did I!”

Please…! Please let this be cosplay! Best would be her mother working here,
and she decided to cosplay to surprise me during her visit! Let it be that! I’m
begging here!

“—I’m a third-year middle school student from Mishirohama Girls Middle

School, Sasaki Fuuka…Wait, is this the first time I’m actually introducing
myself?”

Recent middle school girls are no joke, seriously.

The Sasaki-san I knew was always calm and collected, never showing too
much excitement. She would sometimes talk with a bit more energy in her
voice, which had me agonize over it, but that just added to her ‘atmosphere’,
and it wasn’t like she was jumping at me in joy. Since I thought she was older
than me, I could constantly praise her as an adult, but who’d think that she’s
actually in middle school…Can you really blame me…

Sasaki-san approached me even further. She reminded me of a pet dog that

didn’t get to see its owner for a long time. It honestly wouldn’t have surprised
me if she came to lick my face if I kept seated there with no defense
whatsoever. And even so, the cold gazes from the two girls to my side were
starting to hurt. So, I stood up to properly talk with her.

“W-Well…I’m quite surprised. You’re in middle school, huh. Since I never

asked for your age, I really thought you’d be older than me.”

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“Come on~ isn’t that what I told you? I was a young girl just until a while
ago—Well, compared to Sajou-san, I still am…”

“No no, that’s definitely not the case. You seemed so much like an adult, I’m
finding it hard to believe you are in middle school.”

“Fufu…is that so.”

Urk…That girly gesture sure hammers home the gap between her appearance
and what’s inside…but that’s to be expected at her age…Waah, I’m really
alternating between hope and fear right now. Because I thought she was older
than me, I didn’t give much thought to the repercussions of when some
boring high school student would constantly compliment her…Isn’t this
pretty bad?

“Since you came to visit this school, I assume that you want to take the
entrance exams here, Sasaki-san?”

“Yes, Kouetsu High School is known for its safety and generally well-
evaluated. It’s the school my Dad favored, and—”

“And?”

“—And, Sajou-san taught me about all of its great parts.”

“……”

What, am I going to die today? Was I some sort of example? I don’t

remember doing anything except that incident with Kouta-kun though.
Selling her second-hand books at best? When did I teach her anything…Well,
I’m glad if I could help her decision at least.

“Though…I really would have wished for Sajou-san to show me around…”

“You already got a good show, right?”

“That I did…”

The time is moving towards evening, and I’m sure that Sasaki-san has her

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curfew approaching soon, so showing her around now probably won’t work.

“How did you like Kouetsu High?”

“Being shown around here, I once again realized that I definitely want to
attend this school. So, I will definitely pass the entrance exams…!”

“So then, you’ll become my junior, huh…It sure doesn’t feel real. At the very
least, I thought you were about my age.”

Not at the very least, I really thought she was a university girl.

“Ehh? Is that so? Then, I need to practice while I can.”

“Eh, practice…?”

Sasaki-san formed a determined fist after listening to my words, and looked

up at me. I got a really bad feeling about this, especially considering how bad
my luck was so far…Maybe it’s really because I used up all of it before?

“—I look forward to spending more time with you, Sajou-senpai.”

“Urk…”

Crap, I’m about to cry. Senpai, huh…That sure has a fresh tone to it…In
middle school, I had no junior who could call me like that, I almost got
entranced by that sound. To think such a wonderful way of addressing
someone existed in this world…I better treasure any juniors I get, so I need to
respond accordingly.

“Yes, looking forward to the future, Sasaki-san.”

“Come on, that’s not it, Senpai!”

“Eh?”

“You should be saying ‘Yeah, likewise, Fuuka’, you know!”

“…That sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel.”

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“That’s right—Ah!? Y-You found out!”

Don’t make fun of me, lady. Also, even if she’s a junior of mine, suddenly
calling her by her given name is too high of a hurdle for me. The reason I
called Natsukawa by her given name wasn’t because I was aspiring to
become her boyfriend or whatever, but rather out of glorificiation. Not to
mention that the guys in my class would get the wrong idea at this rate…

“So, Sajou-sa—Sajou-senpai, who might these two people be?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

I was focussed on talking with Sasaki-san that I completely forgot. Coming to

this realization, I started to sweat profusely. I’m surprised I can even sweat
after everything that happened today. Also, should I really be around with all
these girls? I must reek of sweat, right.

Alright, it’s time to believe in myself. It’s okay to make a mistake. It’s weird
for so many girls to interact with me anyway. So, light feelings, let’s take this
calmly. Don’t be afraid of being hated! I’m used to Natsukawa and Ashida—

“…Huh.”

When I glanced over at the two, my shoulders twitched. Ashida was

inspecting me like I was some peculiar animal, whereas Natsukawa was just
constantly glancing at me. Either way, both seemed like they wanted to say
something. Their gazes hurt like needles.

“U-Um…these two are my classmates—”

“Ah!? Found her!”

“…Ah!”

Right as I wanted to awkwardly introduce Natsukawa and Ashida, a loud

voice coming from the entrance interrupted me. Right as I closed my mouth,
Sasaki-san put her hand on her mouth like she just remembered something.
We all looked over towards the source of the voice, only to find three girls
wearing the same uniform as Sasaki-san, running towards us.

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Yeah, compared to these three, Sasaki-san really feels more like an adult.
They look like young girls, in the normal way. Maybe that means I’ve
become an adult myself…Heh, that takes me back to the days when I was
still a young brat.

“We were searching for you everywhere because you suddenly disappeared!”

“I-I’m sorry! I just heard Sajou-san’s voice, so I just…!”

“Eh?! Sajou-san…you mean that Sajou-san!?”

Eh, what Sajou-san? Does this mean she’s talking about me at school? Oh
crap, now I’m starting to feel embarrassed. But, I can’t let this get to my
head…No, wait? Are they just secretly laughing about me…? I’d really hate
that. I might just lock myself up in my room for at least two days.

“That Sajou-san who was using polite language towards the tongue-tied
Fuuka-chan!?”

“That Sajou-san who taught Fuuka the difference between her beloved shoujo
manga world and reality!?”

“That Sajou-san who taught the natural airhead Fuuka some common
sense!?”

—What Sajou-san? No seriously, is that supposed to be me? I mean, I did see

her as a bit of a sheltered lady who doesn’t know much about the world, but
she didn’t give me that kind of vibe they’ve been characterising her…But, I
could see her love shoujo manga.

“N-N-No! I’m not that deluded, and I’m not an airhead either!”

Hmmm, Sasaki-san…? I feel like you’re a bit different from just now? Were
you purposefully using polite language with me? I mean, that makes sense,
when you’re a middle school student talking with someone from high school.
If anything, I still couldn’t believe that she actually is in middle school. But,
now that her friends are here, it’s slowly setting in.

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“H-Huh…He’s got brown hair.”

“He does, Miwa-chan…”

You’re right…”

What about me having brown hair? Wait, brown? Didn’t I die it black not too
long ago…? Maybe the color dropped a bit. It might look brown with the
sunlight hitting it…

“U-Um!”

“Ah, yes.”

“Are you, Sajou—Sajou-senpai!”

“Yes, that’s correct…”

I don’t know why, but these three girls seemed a bit scared at the fact that I
had brown hair. Though, I’m happy that they’re addressing me as a Senpai.

“Huh…polite language.”

“Low profile, Miwa-chan…”

“Despite having brown hair…”

Is my hair that important? Do you have some kind of prejudice towards

brown hair? Well, until I got into high school myself, I thought that all
brown-haired guys were some kind of yankees.

“N-Now, you three…! The day was long, so we should be going home for
now! Don’t you agree, Sajou-san!?”

“Eh? Well, yeah…right. If you’re out too long, your parents might worry
about you. It’d be better if you went home before it got dark.”

“Right, I wholeheartedly agree! Sajou-san is saying so, you hear that? Let’s
head home!”

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“E-Ehhh!? Hold on, Fuuka-chan!?”

“What’s the rush~”

“Ah!? Wait a second, you three!”

Sasaki-san pushed the back of two out of the three girls. They politely bowed
their heads to us, and rushed towards the school gate. As a result, things
suddenly grew exceptionally quiet. I can’t turn around. Things are definitely
awkward right now.

My right hand felt cold. The water dropping down from the water bottle
created a small pool on the red stone. Despite not being thirsty, I just gushed
the ice tea down my throat. Yet, I couldn’t taste anything.

1 The ideal japanese woman who devotes herself to her husband.

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 Chapter 8: The Key Smile

“…I guess we should head home as well.”

“……”

“……”

“……?”

After silence returned, it felt like the storm had passed us, and the exhaustion
I forgot for the past few minutes all came back rushing to me. I just wanted to
go home and sleep. That’s why I proposed for us to disband as well, but
neither of the two gave me a proper response.

“Um…Eek!”

Thinking that something was off, I turned around, only to spot Natsukawa
and Ashida looked at me with half-opened eyes. I felt all the air vanish from
my lungs. The pressure is insane.

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“…A university girl, huh~”

“Ah, no, that was just my misunderstanding!”

“I wonder~” Ashida averted her eyes.

It felt like the more I said, the worse my position would become. So, I just
stayed silent. In order to get my position back in this plane of existence, I
need to change the mood—or just run away.

“—Huh?”

I prepared to head home, but my bag on the bench had vanished. In there’s
my wallet, so I need that.

“N-Natsukawa! Do you know where my bag—Eh?”

In a panic, I turned towards Natsukawa, but she still gave me a dubious look.
Her appearance changed ever so slightly compared to before. On top of her
lap, slightly showing off her white thighs, I found it. My bag stood on her
thighs, almost like it was saying ‘I’m the new Airi-chan now’. It was in such
holy territory, I had no chance of grabbing it. That’s not fair, Natsukawa.
Also, you damn bag.

“Here.”

“Y-Yeah.”

“……”

“…Um.”

She handed it to me normally. I reached out for it with my hand, but…

Weird? Natsukawa-san is showing no signs of letting it go herself? Um, what
is this about? Am I being teased here? Or, is she declaring war on me? ‘Take
it if you can’ style? But, her face definitely says otherwise…Why does she
look that bothered?

“—A university girl, huh.”

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“Urk…”

The exact same phrase Ashida told me not too long ago. And yet, the damage
was much greater, directly about to crush my heart and mentality. Unable to
bear with the pain, I had to hold down my chest.

“…Idiot.”

Thus, I could only nod, as I was indeed an idiot.

With Ashida’s indifferent ‘Alright, we should head home as well’,

Natsukawa stood up from the bench. I stayed silent throughout that, and just
followed them for about twenty minutes. It felt like I was being dragged to
court. Well, I am a pervert after all.

“I’m heading off here.”

We arrived at a split road, and Ashida apparently would be taking a different

route from here. Oh yeah, I think that Ashida’s house was in the exact
opposite as Natsukawa’s. The family restaurant we split at isn’t too far from
here.

“Then, see you soon, Aichi! You too I guess, Sajocchi!”

“You guess? Unnecessary.”

“…”

“…Natsukawa?”

I threw in a retort to the familiar diss coming from Ashida when I saw
Natsukawa raise her hand, but didn’t say anything. Something felt off. It
seemed like she was forcing herself to say goodbye.

“Ahh…you’re so cute, Aichi~”

“…?”

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Despite that, Ashida seemed happy more than anything to see this kind of
expression from Natsukawa, as yet again a rosy atmosphere entered my eyes.
I really don’t mind seeing such a yuri scene unfold in front of me, but this
time I was just lost on what was going on.

“Aichi~ Let’s go hang out sometime. Together with Ai-chan~”

“Ah…”

Ashida invited Natsukawa out to play. As a result of that, Natsukawa showed

an expression like she had been saved from something, and smiled happily.
Isn’t that too big of a change? Aren’t they, a bit, you know? Especially
Ashida, guessing exactly what Natsukawa wanted to hear, are you some
womanizer? You better not be in that kind of relationship, alright…Anyway,
go on, more. Can I take some pictures while you’re at it?

…Eh? So what, Natsukawa was that lonely? Ashida’s pretty busy with her
club, so I doubt they’ll soon find a time for them to meet up…As the (self-
proclaimed) Natsukawa support squad captain, I don’t want her to feel lonely,
but I can’t blame Ashida here.

“…Really?”

“I mean, we haven’t played at all ever since summer break started! I’m
feeling lonely myself!”

“Yeah…yeah!”

How heartwarming. Great move, Ashida. This is the smile I love to see from
Natsukawa…! Just watching this smile gave me enough energy to keep on
living. Even if a wave of customers were to storm into the bookstore
tomorrow, I’d be able to deal with them just fine! Still, I wasn’t really
motivated for this day, but the return I got for pulling through with it was
crazy. Natsukawa’s happy face really is the best reward one can get…

“Hey…”

“Eh?”

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Why did she suddenly turn towards—Ah, crap. I was staring at her too much.
Only now did I realize the current situation. Three meters away from me, two
high school girls were flirting, with a high school boy practically taking
mental pictures of this. I don’t think I was even blinking that entire time. My
eyes feel dry. How engrossed was I in this…I’m totally done for.

Natsukawa slowly walked towards me, with her face cast down, which didn’t
allow me to see her face properly. Is she angry, nervous, I had no idea. All I
could see was Natsukawa’s wavy and beautiful hair. I just hope she doesn’t
call me gross.

“Well, I’m sorr—”

“You too, Wataru.”

“Eh?”

“……You can’t?”

Of course I can! (Immediate response)—is how I would normally react, but

Natsukawa’s sudden change in attitude was too stimulating for me, I couldn’t
give her an immediate answer. I don’t even need to come up with some kind
of example, she simply is cute. My face was burning up. Really? This isn’t a
dream, right? She’s inviting me, isn’t she. She’s not going to make fun of me
later, right. Idiot, Natsukawa isn’t that kind of girl.

“……You can’t?”

“T-That’s not the problem…”

A second time I was asked, which hurt even more. She’s just cute. What kind
of words do you want to hear from me? I’m not clever enough to come up
with anything creative here…Can I just kneel down and give in?

“Why are you panicking like that?”

Whose fault do you think this is…! Don’t think I actually get to enjoy a
conversation with a cute girl such as you on a daily basis! Even your gaze is
just too much for me…Don’t look at me with such a straight expression!

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“Then…” Natsukawa looked at me and Ashida, showing a bashful expression
which had me agonize in pain again, and then delivered the killing blow. “C-
Can I…text you?”

“Guha!” *Overkill (Me)

“Hauu…” Full recovery (Ashida)

It felt like my heart was being crushed by fluffy cushions. Is this really
Natsukaw’s character? This isn’t how she usually would act around me, and
the cuteness had me lose strength in my hips. If she’s gonna keep going with
this, I might just run away because I can’t take this level of attack.

As for Ashida…yeah, it looks like she’s in a daze, probably about to fall for
Natsukawa herself. I totally get what she’s going through. If I was born a girl,
I’d probably still fall for Natsukawa nonetheless.

“A-Aichiiii…! I’m sorry about my smell, but let me give you another good
hug, okay!?”

“Stop right there, criminal scum!”

If she went for that now, she probably wouldn’t be able to stop herself. Just,
not in public. If possible, invite me next time so I can watch, I’m totally fine
with that…!

“Don’t stop me now, Sajocchi…! We’re both girls, so there’s no problem!”

“Don’t actually say that out loud!”

To think that Ashida would fall faster than I did…Unlike me, it’s not sexual
harassment no matter what she does, so she doesn’t need to hold back either,
and her restraint ain’t working. This is far too dangerous…If this wasn’t
some lively residential district, I might have actually supported that.

“Um…”

“Be careful, Natsukawa…Ashida’s an even bigger pervert than me right

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now!”

“M-More than you, Wataru…?”

“Sorry, could you maybe forget about that?”

Why did she emphasize the ‘More than me’ part? Did she always think of me
as a pervert? Crap, she totally knew, huh. Going after her to sniff her perfume
was too much, I guess. Yeah, definitely too much.

“Aichiii…you can always send me a message~”

“…Eh? I thought you were always texting on the side?” I was confused.

“Not after summer break started…Kei seemed busy, so…”

“You don’t need to be so considerate~”

I guess even in a girls’ friendship like this, you need to be aware of manners
and kindness. Though I agree with Ashida here, but…it’s definitely better
than spamming in the group chats all night. But, what’s important is that you
two are happy.

“Ashida said she’s fine, so just send her a message whenever?”

“………What about you, Wataru?”

“Anyphifu…!?”

Well, I guess it makes sense for me to bite my tongue there.

I couldn’t forget Ashida’s delighted back as she walked into the distance.
Even though I was absolutely exhausted just by seeing a different side from
Natsukawa than usual, she’s brimming with energy despite having gone
through her club all day. There’s a lot of questions I have, and the feeling of
reality still hasn’t set in, making me feel like I was dreaming. Especially now
that it’s just Natsukawa and me.

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“Kei…seemed pretty excited.”

Whose fault do you think that is? Even now, you’re slowly chipping away at
the last bit of rational thinking and restraint left inside of me, you know? I
feel like I’m walking right next to my favorite idol. Pretty sure I used up all
the luck for the rest of my life, so I hope I at least don’t die tomorrow.

“Right back at you, Natsukawa. First time I saw you leap at Ashida like that.”

“T-That’s…I was copying Airi.”

So cute. I lost count on how many times I called her cute inside my head, but
this isn’t the first time this started. I might not have seen her for a while, but
Natsukawa is always cute (Common Sense). With all these beauties around
me, I figured I had finally found my groove but, I’ve now confirmed it. Men
can never get used to having a beauty next to them.

“…Talking about Airi-chan, did you introduce her to Ashida pretty quickly?”

“Yeah, in May, together with the other girls from the volleyball club.”

“Volleyball club, huh. I don’t have any real connections with people from
there, outside Ashida of course.”

“They’re pretty amazing if you line them up. Not to mention that Ashida is
the smallest.”

“Seriously…”

Ashida’s pretty much matching my line of sight, right? That’s the volleyball
club for you, the bigger you are, the more useful you are in a game, huh.
Height advantage is something terrifying. Now that I think about it, I never
saw Ashida play volleyball before. When I met her before during PE break,
she just ran away, saying ‘I reek of sweat, so don’t get too close!’ after all.

“That was the first time I ever had someone meet Airi.”

“Was she happy?”

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“She was smiling in bliss being carried by everyone. Not to mention that she
looked at everyone with a dazed ‘Whooo?’ expression. Was so adorable…”

“…!”

Whenever the topic turns towards Airi-chan, Natsukawa sure talks a lot, even
to me. I am happy about that, of course, and I don’t mind throwing an
offering at her, but acting like Airi-chan mid-conversation is not fair. When I
see a beautiful girl act like a young girl, it makes me feel all weird inside. My
adolescence…is being stimulated!

“What’s wrong?”

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

I guess Natsukawa isn’t even aware of it…But, does that make it okay? If she
became aware of her own cuteness, she might just eventually turn into this
Shinonome Something girl, with a domineering personality. That would
probably leave her safe from any approaching guys, but still.

If anything, I’d be worried about Airi-chan. She’s probably hearing how cute
she is even more than Natsukawa, and with how much she’s being spoiled,
she might grow up to acquire a queen-like personality…Ahh, I’m so worried.
Not like I could say that, though.

“Airi is pretty cute…but what about your older sister, Wataru? She’s
beautiful, so she must have been even more cute when she was younger,
right?”

“Beautiful, huh…When I acquired consciousness, she was already a bratty

general.”

“Bratty general…?” Natsukawa let out a snicker.

From there, our talk about siblings started. Since there was a booming Aika-
chan trend before summer break, I didn’t get much chance to ask. If anything,
I figured that Natsukawa would passionately talk about her love for Airi-
chan, but the topic would often shift towards Big Sis. So, I just explained the

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daily struggles and small bouts we had.

Natsukawa seemed pretty shocked by that. But, I felt happy seeing her laugh
about my stories, and before I realized it, I told her about a wide range of
anecdotes that I’ve experienced. I feel like there were some pathetic stories in
there as well, but I didn’t care too much.

As we were walking ahead, we reached an intersection. Since it was a

familiar street to me, I quickly realized this unfamiliar situation I found
myself in. I’m talking normally with Natsukawa…? Not too long ago, she’d
immediately run away if I tried anything of that sort. And even if we got a
chance, usually my head would just turn blank, so why now…?

“……”

“Ah…I have to go left here.”

“Oh…right.”

It really was like I was living inside a dream. Looking back through all the
times I interacted with Natsukawa, this definitely was the best, and happiest
for me. I don’t want this time to end. How greedy of me to think that. After
saying our goodbyes, Natsukawa walked a bit ahead, only to turn around
towards me again. She looked at me like she was waiting for something, like
she was expecting something from me.

…What am I supposed to say here? ‘Yeah, I’ll be taking a straight here’,

maybe? No, that’s obvious. Why am I getting nervous now? What does
Natsukawa want from me? She created this situation herself, so this is related
to her wish. What did she say, what did she want? —Ahh, I know.

“…Then, I’ll be texting you later.”

“Yup, later.”

Is this it? Ahh, Natsukawa is smiling, so that was the right choice. It’s not a
bewildered or bothered smile from before when I was just tagging along with
her. It’s like one was fake, and this one is real. My five senses all told me that

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I did right there.

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Natsukawa turned her back towards me. The moment I couldn’t see her face
anymore, a sense of relief filled my chest. It contradicted my feelings towards
Natsukawa to a level I couldn’t even comprehend myself. Only this
regrettable feeling hasn’t changed much from back then.

After getting out of the bath, I got some notifications in my messenger app. I
panicked a bit, only to see that Ashida created a new group and invited me
and Natsukawa. She already had a name decided.

‘K and the Siscons’

Are you picking a fight with me? Siscon? You’re saying I’m a siscon? With
that Big Sis of mine? Leaving aside Natsukawa, that’s actually pretty
laughable…No way would I be a siscon with Big Sis around. I accepted the
invitation nonetheless.

‘Who’s a siscon?’

‘Aichi already confessed, you know?’

‘I’m a siscon, yeah.’

Well, guess I didn’t know about it myself. Yeah, I can’t even directly look at
Big Sis’ face. If our eyes met, my legs would just quiver. It’s a complex
towards sisters that I have, yes. So wait, can Natsukawa see this exchange?
Also, I’m legally allowed to text Natsukawa? That’s pretty crazy…Seriously,
how high do I value Natsukawa.

‘I mean, you’re close with your older sister, right.’ Natsukawa threw in.
1
‘Older sister ’…? Ah, wait, no, it’s just the normal kind. My eyes were
playing tricks on me. I guess I’m just tired at this point. But, is it just me, or
does Natsukawa sound pretty relaxed with the way she’s typing? Man, she
really knows how to get me excited.

‘We’re close enough to offer each other some hamburger steak during

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dinner.’

‘I feel like I caught a horrifying glimpse at your relationship with your Big
Sis…’

‘(´｡• ω •｡`)’

Natsukawa-san, I’ve been wondering about this even during our walk home,
but you really love talking about me and Big Sis, huh? Also, that emoji is so
cute. Did you get that just for now? Ah, I can totally see that. The
possibilities of messengers are endless. And, dear older sister, I’m counting
on you in the future.

‘Was the same with you and Airi, right?’

‘More detail, please! Aichi, I beg you!’

‘Wait, Natsukawa. Please, don’t do this!’

‘Nope’

Urk…why is she acting a bit childish now. She rarely acts selfish like this, so
now that she does, it really is playing at my heartstrings! Ahh, let me head to
the bed, I wanna flap my legs up and down like a girl in love. In the
meantime, Natsukawa told Ashida about the day I went to visit Airi-chan. It
seems like the part where we played horsie really got to her.

Hold on, back then, weren’t you worried about me…? So, you were secretly
laughing at me! How cruel! …Why? Why…Why do I suddenly want to play
horse again.

‘Huh…So with today’s incident, maybe Sajocchi just has the hots for
younger girls?’

‘Eh, he likes Airi…?’

As if. Come on now, don’t start some unwelcome and fake development like
that…No, wait. Let me think about it. Leaving aside Airi-chan, do I actually
like younger girls, or not? What younger girls are around me even? I can only

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think of Sasaki-san. But, I always thought she’s older than me…Maybe my
impression of her changed after seeing her wear that middle school uniform.
The impact was pretty tough, so I can’t exactly forget about that…

But, what about it? Even if she’s actually younger than me, her grown-up
atmosphere doesn’t vanish just because of that. My head knows she’s
younger, but my heart needs some more time. Not to mention that we live in
different worlds, so I feel like she’s different from the common ‘younger
girl’.

Who else…? Weird, why does Inatomi-senpai’s face pop up inside of my

head? She’s a senior. Wow, yet she feels much younger than anybody else I
know. Let me just rub her head in my fantasy at least…Hey, Mita-senpai,
don’t get in my way.

Anybody else? Maybe Sasaki’s little sister Yuki-chan…? Yeah, no, I can
only see her as someone crazy with her older brother. If I had a younger
sister, maybe she’d be like her? Hmm…

‘I honestly don’t know.’

‘Huh?’

‘Huh?’

…Huh?

1 Natsukawa wrote it as a normal ‘older sister’, but Wataru thought she said
‘sister-in-law’

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 Extra: Forcing

“Thank you very much for today, Public Morals Committee President
Shinomiya.”

“No problem, this is all part of my duties after all.”

“You really helped us a lot. Be careful on your way home.”

“Yes, good work today.”

The school visit of the middle school students was an event that was under
preparation ever since the beginning of the summer break. Finally, the main
program and the last bit of discussions ended, which allowed the third-year
and public morals committee president—Shinomiya Rin—to be freed from
her duties for the day.

Despite being a student, she was forced to meet a lot of parents today and
discuss this and that, and although she didn’t break down from the mental
exhaustion, it definitely had taken a toll on her.

“Haaa…”

In recent years, the ‘public morals committee’ has been lost at many high
schools. In the midst of the role deteriorating, it had always existed here at
Kouetsu High School. Ever since its founding days, even. However, that
reason wasn’t anything to boast about, but rather was established in name
only for the influential people at the school and their children to get the upper
hand and convenience whenever someone tried to complain about something.
Now that this system was gone, the public morals committee wasn’t all that
needed anymore.

Even so, Rin possessed the resolution. She would govern a committee that

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didn’t stand on the side of the teachers or the faculties, but rather supported
their ‘fellow students’—which was a great undertaking of course. In today’s
day and age, there are more and more troubles disrupting public morals
appearing here and there. In order to project against that, you needed a point
of view different from an adult.

However, if you were to create ‘exemplars’ amidst the students, it would

create a class difference. Just giving someone the right to judge ‘You are
wrong’ would grant dangerous influence. In order to not let such inequality
be born, Rin and the others from the public morals committee decided to take
on ‘burdens’ at this school, in the shape of events. Until last year, this event
today fell under the direction of the student council, for example.

“…Ah, not good.”

The time was moving towards 6.30pm. It was time to close up the school. Rin
felt her gaze slowly being swallowed by the floor in front of her, and only
barely managed to push it forward. She was clearly more exhausted than she
thought she would be, but she still was the president of the public morals
committee. She could not show any weakness as long as she was at school.
She slapped her cheeks with both her hands, and somehow managed to wake
herself up.

By the time she returned to the classroom that acted as the temporary office
of the public morals committee, it was already deserted, with nobody around.
Opening the room with her spare key, she found a paper on the desk. Written
on her was ‘We already finished all the paperwork. Good work today’ with
her junior Mita Ayano’s handwriting. Realizing that the work necessary had
been properly finished, Rin let out a relieved sigh.

Next to this sentence was another, written by Inatomi Yuyu’s cute

handwriting, saying ‘Good work, Senpai. Please get some good rest today’.

“Seriously, I was hoping we could eat dinner on the way home, but…”

Mita Ayano, Inatomi Yuyu, and—Sajou Wataru. He is the younger brother of

Rin’s close friend Sajou Kaede. Although they are two years apart, maybe
because he’s got Kaede’s blood in him, Rin found it easy to talk to him.

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Before summer break started, she forcefully pulled him to her house, but her
grandfather’s words scared him off. Even so, he was adorable enough to offer
helping out for this event. Though, Rin sadly wasn’t given much time to talk
to him nonetheless.

“…Well, can’t be helped.”

Reality won’t go her way. Maybe her exhaustion got the better of Rin, but
she started to have second thoughts, despite having trained her mentality ever
since she was young. Since nobody could see her anyway, she put both arms
on the teacher’s desk, resting her head.

“—Why are you acting like the heroine out of some tragedy?”

“Wha…!? Ouch!”

Nobody should be present in this classroom. And yet, someone called out to
Rin right as she showed an embarrassing sight of hers, which led her to
smash her knee on the teacher’s desk. She tried to bear with the pain, and
sighed in relief to see that there was no dent in the desk.

“K-Kaede! Don’t just call out to me like that!”

“Huh…”

Turning around, Rin was greeted by a female student wearing a ruffled up

uniform with a short skirt, emitting something of a downer atmosphere—
Sajou Kaede. She arrogantly had one hand on her hip, looking down at Rin.
She must have just finished her work as well, as her hair seemed a bit messy.

“Here, a drink. Good work today.”

“Wha…! D-Don’t just throw it at me…!” Rin panicked a bit but somehow
managed to catch the bottle thrown at her.

Not bothered by Rin’s anger, Kaede just sat on top of a nearby desk, crossing
her legs, and took a sip of her own beverage. Controlling her fury, Rin asked.

“You’re still here?”

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“Yup. Even if it’s the public morals committee or any other students, the
responsibility lies with the student council after all. We have our own job,
you know.”

“That’s…S-Sorry.”

“Why’re you apologizing? That’s not like you. Not like I came here to
complain either.”

“……”

‘Not like you’. Being told these words, Rin realized that she wasn’t acting
how she usually would. Even if her body was exhausted, as long as her heart
wasn’t, she would show no disorder. Now that even her heart was tired
however, the ‘public morals committee president Shinomiya Rin’ was full of
openings. In a panic, she straightened her back.

“…Sheesh…that’s not why I’m here.”

“Eh…? K-Kaede…?”

Kaede got up from the desk, walked behind Rin, and started massaging her
shoulders. At the same time, Rin was baffled by this sudden development, not
able to show any reaction.

“Why are you putting up a bold front even with me? If you’re okay, then give
me back my ‘Good work’, alright?”

“Yeah…you’re right.”

To Rin, Kaede was a trusted friend. It’s not that they were often meeting
outside school or going on trips, but another strong bond connected the two.
Even without trying to act tough, Rin’s ‘weakness’ and ‘lame parts’ were all
already known by Kaede.

“I’m tired myself, okay. We’re switching later.”

“I don’t mind but…I’m a bit surprised that you massage other people’s
shoulders, Kaede.”

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“Comes directly from Wataru. If you like it, then have him pleasure you as
well, I don’t mind lending him to you.”

“Wha…!? Sajou will…me…!?”

“I’m ‘Sajou’ as well, remember?”

Rin subconsciously screamed in a loud voice, imagining it. With him being
Kaede’s younger brother, she didn’t mind a bit of skinship, but having her
shoulders massaged was reaching deeper levels of intimacy. Although she
didn’t think of it as any bad, she also felt like she became aware of Wataru as
a member of the opposite sex, and felt her face growing hot.

“Sheesh…Getting all conscious of someone else’s little brother.”

“I-It’s because you said something weird, Kaede!”

“I’m not talking only about right now. I heard some stories, you know?”

“That’s…When I felt like talking to him, it was pretty fun. Not to mention
that he’s your younger brother, so I just want to have him around.”

“What is he, your nephew?”

“Ahhhnn.”

Kaede put more strength in her thumbs, which created a ‘painful but
enjoyable’ feeling for Rin. As a result of that, she let out a weird moan. She
was aware of that, but since only Kaede got to hear that, she didn’t feel
embarrassed.

“Switch. Massage mine.”

“Really, you are just…”

This time, Rin started massaging Kaede’s shoulders. Presumably because of

all the paperwork and her studies, Kaede’s shoulders were quite stiff. While
realizing that they were both exhausted, Rin moved her fingers with a wry
smile.

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“That guy was properly working. According to Ayano, that is. Well, it’s
Ayano.” Kaede spoke up.

“Seemed like it…Also, have some faith in Ayano.”

“I do, it’s just…Praising Wataru gives me cramps.”

“What the hell…”

Rin had received a message from Ayano, telling of Wataru’s hard work. With
barely any boys at their disposal, he seemed to have received a high
evaluation from all the people he helped, especially the carrying group.
Knowing that he managed to integrate himself well into the public morals
committee had Rin smile—And, reaching that thought made Rin realize how
calculative this was.

“—Was for your sake, Rin.”

“Eh?”

“Normally, you’d need a reason to work that hard for basically nothing. I’m
pretty sure he was working hard for your sake.”

“You…think so?”

“That just shows how much respect you’re getting from the first- and second-
years. Be a bit more confident.”

“B-But…”

“—Without you, the public morals committee would have been abolished
already.”

Hearing praise she didn’t expect, Rin’s eyes opened wide. Even if they are
friends, it was rare for Kaede to express her own feelings like this. Rin
subconsciously stopped her hands, and asked.

“To think you’d praise me like that, Kaede.”

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“I’m not, just summarizing what everybody else is feeling.”

“That…is some crazy pressure…”

“That’s why you have me.”

“…Eh?”

Rin regretted showing her true feelings, but Kaede came in to save her. She
turned around and looked up at Rin.

“—No matter how much you try to act tough and puff out your non-existent
chest, looking at your back clearly shows your honest feelings. If you’re
tired, then say so. People will find out anyway. Just like you called out to me
in my first year.”

“…!”

“The ‘debt’ is still there. It’s too early to rot away all alone.”

“Kaede…”

‘A back does not lie’, is what Rin’s grandfather always told her, and she
pondered on that. Acting tough and putting up a front will only lead in more
damage to your body and heart. Kaede was literally saying to rely on others,
be healed by others. Realizing Kaede’s intention and kindness, Rin felt
happy, and embraced those stiff shoulders of Kaede from behind.

“Mind your own business. I bet I got bigger breasts than you do, Kaede.”

“Huh!? No way! I definitely won!”

“Let me see.”

“Wah, don’t just grab them! You’ll move my bra!”

She was a friend of Rin’s who managed to make it through a complicated

environment. Kaede said that the debt still wasn’t repaid, but Rin sure enough
didn’t feel that way. Without Kaede’s backing in their second year, Rin

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probably wouldn’t have been able to become the public morals committee
president. Then again, that just shows how thankful Kaede really was.

In the end, Rin’s greatest wish was for the two to stay friends even after this
debt was repaid.

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 Chapter 9: The Girl Next To You

Horror games. Depending on the specific game, this subgenre makes you feel
like no life is worth caring about. However, unlike other genres, it also helps
you with a more ambient outlook on life, and holds popularity with it’s
connection of real life to the surreal.

Basically, I’ve experienced a few of these myself. And, this genre is

especially prominent during the summer.

‘I’m scared~’

‘Why’d you buy it then?’

It was 4am in the morning. At a time of the day that would make me feel
killing intent if woken up, there was a certain idiot who felt the need to
message me. His name was, of course, Yamazaki. He’s the type of guy who’d
go to some scary location for a test of courage only to get killed by some evil
spirit 10 times over. Just sit safe at home, you moron.

Since it’s summer break, he probably got ahead of himself to challenge it

alone, went and played it a good bit, and now can’t sleep. What an idiot…

‘Yamazaki, do you have a basketball in your room?’

‘Yes! Yes I do! It’s next to my desk!’

‘I see. Don’t look it in the eyes, okay?’

‘Eh…?’

I turned off the screen, and threw it away. It landed on top of a floor cushion,
and I covered myself with my blanket again. I can still sleep for at least six

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hours. Might end up late at work, but that’s the fault of someone else, not me.
It’s funny, we talked about horror, and yet I can only laugh about it.

“…Shut up already.”

Despite putting the phone on mute, it constantly vibrated. The sound was
slowly getting me really pissed off, like I could hear Yamazaki’s screams. I
bet he’s sending so many emotes right now.

—Haha, you bastard. I picked up my phone and operated the message app
screen. Half-asleep, I played around with my own profile, changing my name
to ‘Noisy? Cold! Fight!?’, changing my profile icon and profile background
to something red and black, looking as spooky as possible. Thanks to that,
my chat with Yamazaki looked more gore-y than anything.

…Now, Yamazaki. Who were you chatting with, hm?

I once again threw my smartphone on the floor cushion, and covered myself
with my blanket. Five seconds later, the endless storm of messages finally
stopped. I hope you learned your lesson, Yamazaki…At least suffer on your
own without ruining other people’s sleep schedules…

“…Yawn…”

I can finally sleep. It’s starting to become clear outside, but I can still sleep
for another six hours…Maybe not as much, I’ll end up late to work. I
imagined Yamazaki quivering in fear, and before I realized it, I already fell
into my world of dreams.

‘So, do you have any excuse?’

‘I’m terribly sorry.’

Around the time my shift ended, I had received countless messages on my

phone. Looking at my screen, I could only see an ominous row of
KKKKKKKKKK—Oh yeah, it’s all coming together. Ashida’s an actual
yandere now. Oh man, look at my account, seems to be bugging out—Wait

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no, it’s not a bug.

Ashida was fuming. It seems like Natsukawa saw my icon and name, and
thought that her phone was broken, or worse that she caught a virus, which is
why she frantically texted Ashida. Ashida-san did understand that it was a
joke, but still blew a fuse. It reminded me of the Ashida I had seen before at
the family restaurant. She was pretty quiet back then, but absolutely fuming
with calm pressure. Panicking, and absolutely terrified, I quickly edited my
profile back to how it originally was.

After doing so, I sent a few words to the siscon group that had been
established a few days ago, only for Ashida to throw that question at me.
From their point of view, it was a tasteless prank, so I could only apologize.
But, no response came nonetheless…They just kept my message on read…I
can see Ashida glare at the screen in contempt…and imagining a scared
Natsukawa had my heart skip a bit.

“Now I messed up…”

I was burned to a crisp under the blazing sun. Maybe this is a bad habit of
mine, but I tend to displease the people around me without meaning to. Not
to mention that this one was pretty nasty.

‘I have no excuses.’

‘Then, you’ll do whatever we ask, right?’

‘Eh?’

You’re really going to say that? Isn’t that something I’m supposed to add to
my apology? Also, there’s not much I can do, except begging for
forgiveness…Huh? Did I already lose any right of saying no? No way…

‘Aichi, you’re lurking in here, so say something.’

‘Ehh!?’

Hey now, you’re dragging her into this mess, just making things more
awkward. No wonder Natsukawa’s shocked. But, the ‘read’ function really is

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terrifying. I bet Natsukawa was trying to calmly watch the situation unfold.
Then again, things were too awkward for me to talk to Natsukawa after
scaring her like that.

‘Right now, Sajocchi will listen to whatever ridiculous request you might
have, you know?’

No no, don’t just jump to—Wait, a ridiculous request from Natsukawa? So,
she’ll ask something from me that she normally wouldn’t be able to? So…
I’m being ordered? By who? Natsukawa? That Natsukawa? Weird…despite
receiving the full force of the sun, my body feels so light. Ahh, I’m so scared.
Whatever will Natsukawa ask of me, I wonder~? I got goosebumps just
thinking about it…Fuhehehe.

‘That’s a bit……Please, tell me whatever you want me to do.’

‘Ehhh!?’

‘I can already see Sajocchi’s face…’

‘Hey, how long do I have to wait? Come on.’

‘Just wait a second!’

‘Sajocchi, you bastard.’

Alright, it’s time to calm down, me. How’s my wallet looking? With how the
weather’s looking and global warming, I should maybe be able to treat her to
like 40x tapioca milk. Didn’t I work part-time to get my own money? Idiot,
who cares about that. It’s all just a buffer for emergency situations like these,
like a resource I can trade in for one get out of hell ticket. It’s definitely not
like I want validation and a reason for working my butt off (Maybe a bit).

‘Let me think about it for a bit!’

‘I will accept whatever punishment you have for me!’

‘Why are you so motivated!?’

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‘It’s Sajocchi, remember.’

No, you’re wrong. I did something bad to Natsukawa-sama and Ashida-sama,

so I have the duty to listen to their every request. Of course, a small part of
me can’t help but be excited as to what request they might throw at me. I
really am a pervert, huh.

“I’m back~”

Before I realized it, I had arrived at home, announcing this with a voice that
sounded as cheerful as never before. Not to mention that the A/C’s cold
breeze hit me even at the entrance. And even so, this certain burning passion
inside of me did not cool down too quickly. Right with that timing, Big Sis
came down the stairs. As always, she’s wearing defenseless clothing you
wouldn’t normally see on a high school girl. She looked at me, and showed
an expression like she stepped on a cockroach. Hey, you wench! Think about
how I feel!

“Why are you drenched with sweat and still smiling like that? Gross.”

Well, I guess I would be.

**

‘That damn Sajocchi…He definitely isn’t reflecting on it.’

‘H-How can he be so positive about everything, I wonder…’

‘He’s a pervert! I’ll report him to the police!’

“Ahahaha…”

Seeing Kei throw some serious threats with a cute emoji had me let out a
bitter snicker. It’s not like I wasn’t angry or anything, but Kei pretty much
took care of my own anger for me, so I just watched their banter.

Not much time has passed since the school visit. Kei, Wataru, and I started
messaging regularly in our new group chat, and I was constantly looking at
my phone screen in wait for something new. I only got my own smartphone

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when I started attending high school, so texting with friends in a group felt
fresh to me.

And then, this incident happened. When I opened up the group chat, Wataru’s
account icon had changed into something really scary, and his name changed
to something nonsensical. When I wrote in our group chat, neither Wataru
nor Kei responded, and I didn’t even get a read notification…It’s like my
phone was acting up. Realizing that something was off, I contacted Kei in a
private chat and called her several times—Where she finally responded with
a ‘This is just some awful prank!’, and was really angry.

After a while, Wataru seemed to have realized as well, as he added an ‘I have

no excuses’ to his previous massage. He did apologize, but the formal tone of
his response made it sound like he didn’t care at all, which had me a bit
angry. Well, that’s the drawback of apologizing with messages only. Kei
seemed to have felt the same way, as she talked about giving him a
punishment, only to pass it to me. Wataru seemed pretty motivated for some
reason, but since I wasn’t prepared for that, I just started to panic. So, I
decided to put that punishment away for a later date, and that’s how we ended
up here.

‘So, what are you gonna ask for, Aichi? Should we from the volleyball club
attack his place?’

‘No no no! His older sister is there, remember!?’

‘Ah, that’s right.’

If Kei got everyone together, they’d probably listen, but that would just
trouble their neighbours. Not to mention that Wataru’s family will be there,
so being hated by the student council vice president wouldn’t benefit
anybody.

‘Then, we’ll spread a rumour that he was peeking at the girls’ dressing
room!’

‘C-Calm down!’ I frantically stopped Ashida, as she was going past the point
of playing a simple prank.

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I’m happy that she’s willing to be my ally in this, but what she’s planning is
going too far. I don’t want Wataru to suffer once the second term starts. Also,
is Kei really angry…? I feel like she’s simply enjoying this.

“I’m home, Aika.”

“Onee-chan!”

“Ah, Mom. Welcome back. You too, Airi.”

As I was talking with Kei, Mom and Airi came back from their trip, with Airi
running towards me. She had her arms open, so I carried her high into the air,
and put her down right away.

“Ehhh? More, more!”

“You have to wash your hands first.”

“Okaaaay…”

After watching Airi trott towards the bath, Mom showed a wry smile and
followed after. No matter how cute she is, you have to wash your hands after
having been outside. Especially so if it’s Airi we’re talking about. Wouldn’t
want her to catch a cold, because that would force me to take the day off
school.

“Onee-chan! I washed my hands!”

“Airi! You still have to dry them!”

Airi came running towards me once again, so I lifted her up. Shortly after, I
heard Mom’s scolding voice from the bath. Looking at Airi in my arms, her
hands were still wet.

“Airi, you need to properly dry your hands.”

“Mmmm~!”

“Mmming won’t help you.”

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Despite it being summer, Airi was that much of a spoiled child she would
always cling to me. Maybe I was spoiling her too much, but…she’s cute after
all. I can’t continue this, but she’s cute. Her drenched hands were on my
chest, and I couldn’t get enough of that.

“Onee-chan! Higher, higher!”

“E-Eh? Even more?”

“A really high one! Very high one!”

“Um…”

The ‘very high one’ she’s talking about is the one Wataru did with her before.
Lifting her up high while carrying her, I think he called it ‘Dynamic Carry’ or
something, but I don’t have the strength to lift a girl of Airi’s age that high.
Mom can’t do it either, and…Dad probably would get pushed over by her.
Ever since then, nobody could do it except Wataru. Iihoshi-san was just
pushed to the ground after all.

“Sorry, but only that Onii-san from before can do that.”

“Ehhhhh…Onii-san?”

“That’s right, the Onii-san. You remember him, right?”

“Onii-san…”

H-Huh…? She doesn’t remember him? Seeing Airi looking up in the air
while thinking, I grew worried. When I think about Airi having already
forgotten about Wataru, I feel a sharp pain in my chest.

“…Onii-san?”

“That’s right, the person who raised you really high before.”

“…Sajo~?”

“That’s right! You remember!”

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“…Onii-san?”

“Eh?”

I couldn’t hold my surprise. Airi’s reaction is so cute—Wait, that’s not it. I

guess…Airi doesn’t think of Wataru as an Onii-san. That reminds me, she
never even called him ‘Onii-chan’ either. I guess that makes sense, unlike
Wataru, Sasaki-kun is an actual ‘Onii-san’…Wataru was acting more like a
boy her age than an older person after all.

“I wanna play!”

“Eh…Huh!? Um…with W-Wataru…?”

“Wataru…?”

“Ah…do you want to play with Sajo~?”

“I wanna play!”

“I-I see…”

Having Wataru meet Airi—Thinking back on it, I sure did something crazy. I
did bring some classmates with me before, but bringing a single boy to my
home isn’t something to joke about. Realizing what kind of bold move that
was, my head started to burn up.

“…Onee-chan?”

“Ah…! So, you want to play with Sajo~…”

“Come on! That’s what I’ve been saying!”

Back then, I felt like I was desperate because of something inside of me that I
couldn’t accept. That’s why I forcefully dragged Wataru here…But, bringing
him here yet again would add another meaning to it. Before, I wanted him to
come, but now I’d just feel embarrassed.

“R-Right…Kei!”

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—I looked at the calendar on the wall, which had our family’s arrangements
and events written on it. Looking at the plans of Mom and Dad, in two days,
they both had work after noon, so the house would be empty.

When I thought about inviting Wataru here alone, I felt an odd and uneasy
feeling in my chest. But, things would be different if Kei were to be with us.
That being said, if Mom and Dad were home, I’d still feel embarrassed to
bring Wataru with me. The first time, I could play it down with saying he’s
just a classmate, but that probably won’t work a second time.

“M-Mom.”

“Hm? What?”

“The day after tomorrow…will you be gone all day?”

“Oh right, I forgot to tell you, but I was invited to eat lunch with Kimaru-san
and family, so could you take care of Airi?”

“I don’t mind, but…when will you be back?”

“Probably late at night. See, with us old ladies there, we’ll be talking a lot.
Who’s an old lady?”

“Ah, s-sorry…Wait, you brought it up yourself, Mom!”

“Fufu.”

It seems like Mom won’t be at home that day. Since Dad was always out late,
I didn’t have to worry about him either. If that’s the case, then—Kei talked
about some ‘punishment’ for Wataru, but calling him over just like that has a
bit of a selfish side to it…and if I use the punishment as a pretense, I won’t
feel guilty towards inviting him…I guess? Maybe?

‘Kei, listen—’

‘Eh!? Really!?’

Shortly after this, Wataru’s punishment was decided.

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**

Yamazaki said: ‘My dog is drenched.’

I asked: ‘What race?’

Yamazaki answered: ‘Butterfly.’

I was so close to cutting all connections with that bastard. What are you
doing? Just sleep already. Don’t just play horror games until you lose your
memories, alright. Are you training or something?

‘Go to bed, right now.’

‘Awoo…’

When I had enough of his nonsense, I gave Yamazaki a phone call, only to
hear back a groan…or rather, it sounded like a dog. I feel like he already cast
aside his humanity. Maybe he’s already dreaming of horror games on top of
playing them. No seriously, horror games really can wear you down, so you
shouldn’t be playing them for too long. They can be fun, but you better be
splitting it instead.

Taking a shower to wash off the sweat that built on my body, I sent
Yamazaki a message about Ceva’s Theorem to pull him back to reality, when
suddenly I got another message…But, it’s not from Yamazaki?

‘So…about the…request? Punishment?’

Here it is. I’ve been waiting for this, Natsukawa-san. Subconsciously, I sat
down on the floor, directly on my knees. Oh man, I really am gross. What
kind of reaction is that…It happened almost subconsciously, are you kidding
me? As long as I don’t have the person in front of me, my self-restraint isn’t
even working…And why am I just calmly analyzing this situation…?

I waited for the continuation, and this came approximately 18.34 seconds
later (I know I’m sick, okay).

‘Won’t you play with Airi again?’

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What…did you say? Airi-chan…huh. When she says ‘play’, it should be fine
if I did the same stuff as last time I visited, right? But, isn’t this actually
pretty high of a hurdle? I’m going to visit Natsukawa’s place again, you
know…No, calm down. There’s no way she’d just simply invite a boy to her
place yet again. Last time was special after all, and entering that holy castle
surely wouldn’t be permitted that easily.

‘Um…? Are you telling me to buy some Sylvanian Family figurines for Airi-
chan?’

‘How did you even arrive at that?’

‘Huh.’

Weird, my deduction was wrong. Is it that? That bumping into each other
practice, so she wants a bigger thrill…? Maybe her interests are closer to a
boy’s after all?
1
‘So, a Rider Belt instead?’

‘I never said anything like that!’

…Huh? She’s angry. Not to mention that she’s sending some really cute and
angry emojis. Maybe she’s telling me to not treat the cute Airi-chan like a
boy too much? I mean, that’s what I’m thinking, there’s no way she’d have a
boy’s hobby. I knew. I knew, okay?

‘So I guess it’s a test on how much I can satisfy Airi-chan by playing with
her, huh…’

‘Again, that’s…kind of it! But, you’re raising the bar way too high!’

‘Is there nothing Airi-chan wants?’

‘Don’t try to buy her with money! I won’t let you!’

Eh, I don’t even have to pay? That’s pretty kind of a punishment, you know?
I expected to become her man-servant or something like that…Well, that

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would have been a reward still. So, what? Basically everything related to
Natsukawa would be a reward, huh.

‘Playing with Airi-chan isn’t a punishment, you know.’

‘I’m a failure as an older sister.’

‘Huh!? Where did that come from!?’

Eh? Huh? What happened? That message came back two seconds later…Did
I say something wrong? I hope Natsukawa-san isn’t sad or anything.

‘I should be the one getting a punishment.’

Ehhh!? What kind of development is this!? Why are you suddenly so

depressed…? I can see her as an older sister doting and loving her younger
sister, reaching the level of a siscon, so why would she suddenly say that. I
like you no matter what kind of Natsukawa-san you are!

‘Natsukawa, let’s leave that story aside. Take your time.’

‘…Okay.’

I feel like I stabbed right into a part of Natsukawa Aika that should never
have been stimulated. And, I personally should go to hell for phrasing it that
way. Anyway, I don’t know what’s going on, but Natsukawa had to calm
down right now. If we kept talking like that, I would just suffer more damage
than what I could bear with…Hehehe.

‘You really smashed it, Sajocchi.’

Evening arrived. Presumably after her club work, Ashida sent me a

mysterious message.

During work the next day, I felt pretty good. After all, I was finally freed
from getting calls at 4am. I feel so vitalized not being forced to give
Yamazaki an earful.

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“Sajou-kun, was the line on the third shelf empty?’

“I feel like…the A shelf was pretty much sold out, so we can fit at least 20
books in there. I guess that recent releases are popular after all, even in a
second-hand bookstore.”

“Ahh, recent novels are one thing, but in this era…you can look up
everything on the internet. Not to mention that the price is below what we
have in stock.”

“Ahh…Eh? Is that okay?”

“Sajou-kun, in this world, there are people who can only be satisfied with
physical books. It’s not a great majority though.”

“Sounds like a true book reader.”

Well, either way, this bookstore is more for the hardcore fans. Maybe this
kind of thinking just comes from a one-person management, something I
can’t hope to comprehend.

“Can’t complain with technical advancement though, it makes work much

easier.”

“That’s right, and the more we have, the happier we young folks are.”

When the old man opened up this store, he bought this cash register solely for
one-person management. You can check the history of the sales for about two
weeks, putting it into a written list. However! When I was bored at work and
checked it out, I realized that you could actually put that history on an USB
stick! You can put it into a proper calculation software! Yay!

As a trigger of that, his wife started attending computer class, so things

should be fine now.

“Once summer break ends, your wife should have the knack down, but what
are you going to do after I’m gone?”

“Hire people. As long as I have someone your age around, I feel like the store

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will become a bit more popular.”

I see, I see—Hm? I subconsciously nodded along, but weren’t those biting

words? Something’s wrong?

“The thing is, I’m already looking for them.”

“Ahh, you did hang up an employment notice at the entrance.”

“That’s right, the faster the better. I’d at least like them to start coming to
work a week before summer ends.”

“Can’t say anything against that~”

“What kind of phrasing is that? Doesn’t sound like what the youth would
say.” Gramps tapped me on the back.

He used more force than I would have imagined to come from him. Now that
I get a good look at him, his arm is pretty muscular…Does he actually have
more muscle than me? Same goes for the old folks outside, actually…They
must have been bodybuilders when they were young.

“Then, please take care of the rest.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

“Heh, that answer takes me back.”

What are you talking about, gramps? I’m pretty sure you were born after the
war. I won’t ask for your age, but…he’s not above 80 despite him talking like
that…? Well, I hope he lives a long and happy life nonetheless.

I got back into the groove, and focussed on my work. Gramps gave me a
plastic bag with all the registered new books we got. For the rest of my shift,
I had to put these books into the shelves, and take care of the register.

“A lot today, huh.”

Maybe it’s because we actually sold a fair amount of books lately, but we had

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a lot of new incomers. On top of being pretty much new, some even had the
paper wrapper on it. Did the previous owners even read them properly? Well,
whatever.

“Kawashima Reiji…Odajima Seiji…Ah, here.”

2
I walked through the rows going along with standard gojūon syllabary order ,
and pushed the books where there are openings. Since I’d get a lecture if I
made a mistake, I had to be careful in this. Since there’s not many customers
coming, I can really focus on it.

“—U-Um…”

“Hm…? Ah, yes, how can I help you?”

Right as I was thinking that, I practically jinxed myself, as someone called

out to me. Oh yeah, when I looked to my right, I saw a young girl wearing a
black one-piece, her face cast downwards. I could tell right away that she’s
introverted. And, her voice was cute. That’s the most important.

“Um…the paper at the front—Eh?”

“Yes…Hm?”

Mmm…? I feel like I’ve seen this girl before…Is it just my imagination? She
seems like the kind of girl that would only exist across the paper or screen.
Crap, am I already a lost cause? Have I gotten this disillusioned that I would
dream of getting a 2D girlfriend? …Ahh, I get it.

“…Yes, how can I help you?”

“Eh……”

Because of her hairstyle which hid half of her face, as well as her small
stature, I realized. It’s my seat neighbour at school, Ichinose-san. If I had to
guess, she probably hates me…Thinking of me as a noisy and annoying guy.
Whenever Ashida is talking to me, especially loudly, I can always feel
Ichinose-san’s gaze next to me. Her mouth always turned into a へ shape

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when that happened.

Leaving that aside however, I’d really love a round of applause for acting like
this was our first meeting. If I had to guess, this kind of girl is really bad with
the noisy guys, so if I went ‘Huuh? It’s Ichinose-san~ What a SSR event!’,
she might just run away. If I just played the role of the clerk, she’d probably
feel more comfortable. Awaken, my slumbering Cleverly Kraken! …I’m
probably more of a squid.

The silence continued. Well, I can see that she’s not the best at talking, so I
don’t particularly mind. If anything, me acting carelessly could just backfire,
so I stayed silent.

“…Um…ehm…”

“Yes?”

“…I saw…the recruitment notice at the entrance…”

“Ah, is that so…Eh?”

Eh, the part-time recruitment? Seriously? Since she’s here for that, she wants
to work part-time at this bookstore…right? That Ichinose-san? She would be
dealing with customers, right?

“—Understood. I will call the manager, so please wait a moment.”

“…Yes.”

Will she really be okay…

“Ohh, it’s Mina-chan.”

“Eh, you know her?”

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“You always go home during noon, but she’s pretty much a regular that stops
by during snack time.”

“Snack time…”

Is he talking about like a mid-afternoon snack? I haven’t heard that term for a
while…Also, that’s what Ichinose-san’s given name was? …Yeah, sounds
good. Her voice is pretty cute after all, so a gentle name fits her much better.
I guess that explains why she wanted to apply here as a part-time jobber.

“For real? Mina-chan? I’m such a lucky man.”

“Ah, yes.”

That old man sure sounds much younger when he’s excited. Especially that
‘For real’ part. I figure he must be really happy, but it doesn’t add much
when his hips are cracking like that. I decided to follow him, simply because
I was curious to see Ichinose-san actually talk a lot. Also, is she always
talking with that old man here? She doesn’t seem like the type who opens up
that easily.

“You’re hired!”

“Um, manager?”

Isn’t that a bit fast? Even Ichinose-san is all confused, going ‘Eh? Eh?’ as she
looked between me and the store manager. Did you properly talk things
through? What about the time I applied here? We talked a lot, right?

“Store manager, I’ll take care of the store, so you can take it to the back.”

“Ohhh! How considerate of you, youngling!”

“U-Um…”

Ichinose-san’s bangs were hiding her eyes, but I felt like I could perfectly see
her expression there. She must be thinking something along the lines of
‘Really? That easy?’, but I’m sure that everybody would be left bewildered in
this situation. Being employed just by handing in your papers, you’d

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definitely be applying for a black company.

“Now, let’s move to the back, Mina-chan!” Gramps shouted with excitement.

Ichinose-san seemed confused at first, but followed after him with a bit of a
delay. She wasn’t speaking, but I could tell how baffled she was. And, I think
our eyes met when she walked past me.

“I’m sorry, do you have ‘Monthly Mutant’ here?”

“What kind of book is that?”

Either way, having a new co-worker here is definitely a good thing. I’m a bit
worried about Ichinose-san, but it’s not that hard of a job, and I can at least
retire from work with a clear conscience. Gramps, you better take care of the
daily accounting…Ah, dear customer, we don’t have such a magazine here.

Now then, thanks to Ichinose-san’s visit, I feel like Gramps grew at least 30
years younger, but he was just enjoying the conversation with her instead of
actually progressing, so her wife had to take care of the rest. Even so, Gramps
couldn’t hide his happiness despite being slightly dejected, and put labels on
the books in the bookstore.

“Alright, I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“Yes, thanks for the help today~!”

Yep, he definitely is in a good mood today. I can even hear some faint
humming coming from him…A western pop song? Either way, I took off the
apron that still had me question if I really needed it, and walked towards the
shelf that had personal belongings, when I heard the voice of the wife.

“I’m happy that you came to work here, but…can’t we do anything about
those bangs of yours? I doubt this will help when dealing with customers.”

Ohhh? That sure sounds quite strict. From what I heard, I imagined that the
wife had taken a liking to Ichinose-san as well. Well, I do have to agree with

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her.

“Wouldn’t want the customers to have a bad impression, so should I give you
a haircut?”

“Ah…”

“Wha, stop. Stop stop stop.” I couldn’t help but break between the two.

That wife was born in the same day and age as Gramps. She’s strict towards
both genders, and has an impression of being quite caretaking but also
meddlesome. But, pushing this onto girls nowadays is definitely a bad idea. If
I had to guess, this is because girls back then had it at least 50 times harder
than girls nowadays, even if you only looked at the Labor Standards Atc.

Um, dear Mrs? Why are you taking out a sewing set? There’s only scissors to
cut threads in there, right.

“My, Sajou-san, good work today.”

“Ah, yes.”

“This is Ichinose Mina-san. I was about to explain the work to her.”

“Is that so…”

Going ‘Looking forward to working with you, Ichinose-san!’ would be bad,

huh. It’d probably throw her off if I switched from clueless employee mode
to sudden classmate mode. Um, so then…

“—Nice to meet you. I’m Sajou.”

“Um…”

In the end, I can only play along and act like this is our first meeting. If I
acted like a classmate, she’d probably feel embarrassed at the fact that I knew
how she was always alone in class. For her sake, and Gramps’ especially, I
can’t scare Ichinose-san away.

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“Ichinose-san, was it? I heard a lot about you from the store manager, but you
like books a lot, right?”

“Y-Yes…”

“These bangs must get in the way when you read books, right? What do you
usually do?”

“Ah…!”

Of course, I want her to work here for Gramps’ sake, but it’s not like I’ll
force her either. The best would be to take a middle ground, which avoids her
not being employed, as well as getting her bangs cut.

“N-Normally…” Ichinose-san ruffled through her shoulder bag.

She took out two hairpins, and put them on both sides of her head, slipping
up her bangs to reveal her eyes. When she looked up at me, I could see
Ichinose-san’s face for the first time.

“I-I do it like this…”

“Oh my, that is quite different indeed.”

She probably keeps her bangs this long because of a complex, but I don’t feel
like anything is off. If you ask me, her eyes are pretty big, and cute. It’s
almost like she’s one of those anime characters…She looks so young even…

“You must have seen it for female news casters before, but with people that
have long bangs this is totally fine, and even in trend.”

“Oh my, is that so.”

Well, I was just giving a random excuse, but I have no idea of any of these
circumstances. Just, it felt like she wouldn’t be satisfied with only that, so I
needed to add something.

“Let’s go with that hairstyle, Ichinose-san. That way, there won’t be any
problems.”

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“Y-Yes.”

I probably shouldn’t say anything about her looks to her. I won’t know how
sensitive she is towards that, but I can tell that she will at least work hard for
her job…I think.

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“It’ll depend on our shifts and all, but I look forward to working with you,
Ichinose-san. Anyway, I’ll be taking my leave here.”

“Ah, Sajou-san. I have some grapes left over, so take them with you.”

“Eh, are you sure?”

Since she asked me to, I couldn’t say now. In the end, I was handed a plastic
bag with a bunch of grapes. I didn’t even have time to say no, huh…

“Ah, that reminds me. That person, I can’t believe it. A while ago, you
know.”

“Ah, yes?”

Hold on, she’s suddenly mid-conversation…Hm? I was about to head home

though…and I want to eat some grapes…The inside of the plastic bag is
already drenched. And Ichinose-san is being left alone.

“…Um…”

So, what? Gonna quit?

1 A belt from the Kamen Rider franchise

2 Aiueo basically

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 Chapter 10: Rookie Training

“Morning, Ichinose-san.”

“Ah, yes…good morning.”

“Ah…yes. Good morning…”

The following day, when I arrived at work, Ichinose-san was in the back of
the bookstore, which we knew as the residential space. And, she’s alone.
Although we don’t know each other (in this setting I established), a Senpai
using polite language towards her would be weird, so I tried to be more frank.
Receiving a somewhat normal response let me sigh in relief.

Also, wouldn’t it be better to just drop the act and tell her that I know her?
We’ll meet at school anyway, not to mention that we’re seat neighbours at
school. On top of that, that it would be pretty rude to act like I didn’t realize
despite hearing her name. Maybe coming clean here would be the best idea.

“Um…so.”

…No, wait. What would happen if I told her now? It’d be like ‘Why did you
even keep it a secret?’, right. That way I’d have to explain about how I was
basically treating her like a gloomy and unstable person…I mean, in reality,
she is very calm and collected…

“I-It only occurred to me after I got back home yesterday, but…”

“…?” Ichinose-san tilted her head in confusion.

Her mouth looked like a single — line, not allowing me to figure out her
expression. I want to gently brush her bangs to the side—like some curtain at
an Asian restaurant. I can already see her letting out a shriek as she runs

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away.

“If I’m wrong, then I’m sorry, but…You are Ichinose-san from my class,
right?”

“…!”

I could tell that her wariness jumped up ten-fold. That kinda hurts, not gonna
lie. Maybe confirming it with her was the wrong choice after all…She’s
probably even more suspicious of me now. She doesn’t have some crime-
prevention buzzer with her, right? I can see myself landing in jail despite her
being the same age as me.

“W-We haven’t talked much, but…looking forward to working with you…”

“……”

I feel like I’ve never taken more time in carefully selecting my words. Also,
why am I acting so flustered now? I’ve been talking with Ashida, Natsukawa,
and even Shinomiya-senpai, so why am I nervous in front of a girl now?
What are girls, even?

“…Okay…”

Late! Such a late response! Crap, maybe she really hates me now? I don’t
knoooow! Literature girls are so hard to grasp! Will she be able to pull it off?
Work? I honestly feel bad to a level where I want to just quit. Slowly but
steadily, we both walked backwards, distancing ourselves from each other.
From an outsider’s perspective, it must have looked like we were
moonwalking. Not to mention that we both had no expression on our faces.

“Ohhh, you’re here, Sajou-kun! Please take care of teaching Mina-chan

today!”

“Urk…You sure are happy, store manager.”

“Wahaha! You can tell!?”

Because someone suddenly screamed at me from behind my back, I twitched

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in shock. Gramps’ vitality is on an entirely different level today. Well, I
guess you’d be happy if you got a cute girl working part-time at your store. If
I was him, I might be thinking the same. Though, I’d have my personal
reasons that would make it hard to deal with her. Pretty sure the feeling’s
mutual as well…

No, hold on? Isn’t this my chance to get back on track and improve my
impression? At school, I always cause a ruckus, but if I can show her how
diligent I can be, she might stop looking at me like I was some insect.

“I just have to do the same as always, right?”

“Just show her everything that doesn’t rely on strength~ And, no wicked
thoughts, okay?”

“What are you talking about…”

“Wahaha, I was joking!”

How could I get in any mood like that? This feels like I’m visiting my
grandma in a rural area rather than some romantic location. Also, should you
really be saying that in the presence of a young boy and girl? That’ll just
make things more awkward if anything. But, I guess it makes sense that I’d
have to take care of teaching her. Gramps is doing the important work after
all. Urk, I just hope this doesn’t backfire in any way. Well, there is one thing
that needs to be taken care of first.

“Sooo…for starters, maybe your bangs?”

“Ah…yes…”

Wow, she really hates it, huh. I mean, I think her face…and forehead looked
really cute, but if she hates it that much…Yeah, I shouldn’t be touching that.
Feels like I’ll just summon a snake.

“That’s right, let’s do it like that during work, okay?”

“……”

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Our gazes met when I tried to take a glance at her expression. She doesn’t
want my impression about her face, right…? If anything, if I said anything
wrong, she’d probably just hate me more. I don’t really receive that kind of
gaze and emotion from other people, so I wouldn’t know. But, it’s really easy
to guess…Maybe Big Sis already knows how I feel towards Natsukawa?

Even if she did, it’s not something that you would be saying out loud. Not
just Ichinose-san, everybody would dislike any forceful prying.

“Then, let’s go. First, we’ll organize the shelves while looking at the list of
yesterday’s deliveries. It’s super simple.”

“……”

“Ahh…When you’re with me, nodding is totally fine, but make sure to at
least respond to the customers if they talk to you.”

“Y-Yes…”

Where’s the pen and paper…Guess I don’t need it. We don’t have that much
work after all. But, knowing that this is about Ichinose-san, I doubt she’ll ask
me even if there’s anything unclear. That’s a legitimate concern, and I’d like
her to be frank when she doesn’t understand something.

Being on the teaching end of things, I realized just how many things I
actually needed to be mindful of. If anything, it feels like more weight was
added on my plate. Can’t be playing the same pop song all the time, and I
need to add another sign outside…

Mid-shift, more problems appeared. Ichinose-san can’t reach the higher parts
of the bookshelves, right. She could use the small stool to reach up there, but
I’m worried. Just seeing her walk normally made me worried that she would
collapse at any second.

“I-I can do this on my own…!”

“No can do. Are you fine with slipping on the stool and falling backwards
right into my arms?”

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“T-That’s…not good.”

Ah, my heart, it hurts. That’s typically me, alright. I sure am good at digging
my own grave…Then again, I should have known.

“That’s right! Can’t have Mina-chan get hurt, so leave this to me!”

“Store manager, you need to calm down…Isn’t this why you hired me in the
first place?”

“Ugh…”

I’m the one who’d get an earful from his wife. There, I spotted a stool with
two sets of steps. With that, it won’t fall forwards, and you can still keep your
balance with one foot even if you slipped. I doubt it’ll fall sideways, so this
should be safe. Need to tell his wife about that later…Actually, I’m more
worried about Gramps’ hips giving out, so maybe not.

“This should do it. All that’s left is dealing with the slow and sluggish
customers.”

“Hey now, you shouldn’t be saying that, even if no customers are around.”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

I feel like Gramps was treating the customers rather frankly as well, though.
Well, I doubt many customers would be bothered to get treated like that by
some old man. Maybe that’s just another prejudice.

“We’ve opened right now, so there’s no telling when a customer might walk
in. Ichinose-san, could you organize the books that I taught you just now? I’ll
take care of the customers and any high places. When it comes to the register,
just follow me, you’ll be watching first.”

There are times when a few problematic customers come in, and even if they
aren’t problematic in that context, they can still be complicated to deal with.
That being said, we rarely get any customers.

“All that’s left is…Ah, that.”

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A nameplate, right. I took out a new one which had ‘In training’ written on it.
The current Ichinose-san might be quick to make any mistakes, which could
infuriate the customers. That in result would probably have Gramps break out
in a fury, so I want to avoid that…I didn’t have that when I started working
here…Then again, I could always throw the question back at Gramps.

“Here…Ah, my bad.”

“……” She silently nodded.

Because I was just blindly explaining everything and didn’t give it much
thought, I just subconsciously put the nameplate on Ichinose-san. Maybe
having her do that herself would have been a better choice…She’s frozen
stiff. That emotional distance between us is no joke…Then again, I’m
treating her like a child.

“Ichinose-san, is there anything you didn’t understand?”

Let me ask, just to make sure. She might have been waiting for this pass since
she couldn’t say it herself.

“…Um.”

—Alright, doesn’t seem like she does. Then, she could just tell me. The
longer the silence lasts, the more awkward it’ll get. Come on, say it! ‘Nothing
in particular’, right!

“……Um.”

“Yes…?”

You do…?

“…Nothing.”

Wow, we really don’t match up at all.

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There’s times when everybody goes silent. Especially when you’re thrown
into a group of strangers or a friend’s friend group. That also occurs when
seat changes at school happen, and it feels like I’m being left out in class.
You need a bit of time in order to be able to talk freely.

“……”

“……”

What is this, some sauna? I’ll spray some water on the hot stone, okay?
Though, I’m sure Ichinose-san never went to one.

‘Go take a quick break’ is what the store manager said, sounding like some
lousy company president, and took us to the living space in the back of the
bookstore. Don’t leave us both alone here, Gramps. Not to mention that we’re
sitting here facing each other. This awkward atmosphere is going to make me
laugh. Since neither me nor Ichinose-san said anything, Gramps walked away
while saying ‘Deepen your friendship’. I bet that I’d get an earful if I took out
my smartphone here. Ichinose-san seems to feel the same way.

Then again, she’s a book reader. I could probably bring up a topic if we

talked about books, but since she’s always hiding the book cover, I have no
way of knowing what she’s even reading. What if it was some lovey-dovey
steamy romcom novel? That’d just make it awkward. Even if it was a light
novel, she doesn’t seem to have a personality where she could openly say it,
and what if it was some genre that’s rather embarrassing…

“Um…Ichinose-san?”

“Y-Yes…”

“You can read a book if you want.”

“B-But…”

“Don’t worry about the store manager. I’ll be doing some stuff on my phone
as well.”

Rather than being forced to talk, it’s much more comfortable for both sides to

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just do whatever they want. That’s at least one of the rules I came up with in
regards to awkward conversations. Look, Ichinose-san is already taking out a
small book from her poach. Because she’s still got her bangs split, I can
actually see a happy expression on her face. Maybe I’ll play some game on
my phone…Ah, I got some messages.

‘It’s not a punishment, but I want to meet Ai-chan as well!’

‘R-Really…?’

You two…Flirting around without me…Come on, do it more! I’ll properly

watch over you two! Man, I love this group. I get to easily peek at this!

‘My club ends early today, so I’ll be taking a shower and then come over!’

‘Yup! I’ll be waiting!’

Did you hear that, everyone…’Yup! I’ll be waiting!’, she says. That’s one of
the top-ranking phrases a boy wants to hear from a girl! You bastards…
you…Ashidaaa! You better not make her wait, you hear me!?

“—Hey! Why are you both just living in your own worlds!”

“Woah!?”

“…!?”

Suddenly being screamed at had me almost drop my phone. I looked up in a

panic, only to find Gramps glaring down at us. It seems like he’s not satisfied
how we’ve gotten closer. You sure have a lot of energy.

“Store manager, telling two people to get closer is too much to ask for, don’t
you think? This is the result of us trying to create a comfortable atmosphere
for the both of us, you know?”

“Hmpf…”

That’s right, that’s right! There’s no other method to deal with that! …is how
I was howling inside of me. When you’re attending a marriage meeting, you

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need a middle-man, right? Give us some time.

“Anyway…we took a quick break, so let’s finish up the rest, shall we.”

“………”

I stood up in an attempt to change the topic. This is probably the first time me
and Ichinose-san thoroughly agreed on something. She put a bookmark in the
shape of a thread into her book, swiftly pushed it back into her bag, and stood
up.

“I’ll properly teach her everything she needs to know, so don’t worry.”

“Well…as long as everything works out…” Gramps reluctantly gave in.

Though, there’s no promise that we will be able to perfectly get along. I’m
just happy if we’re at a comfortable distance where she doesn’t hate me.
Ichinose-san left the small living space before me.

Come on, right when I thought she looked a bit cute, she’s already keeping a
few steps between us. It kind of feels a bit regrettable almost. But, it’s the
desire of all boys to tag along after a cute girl…!

I couldn’t hide my wry smile in the end, after being faced with such direct
wariness pointed my way. Understanding that this was Ichinose-san’s
evaluation of me, I just continued with my previous Senpai tone.

“I taught you most of the work, so all that’s left is for you to get used to
dealing with customers. Let’s practice that a bit, shall we.”

“Eh…”

It’s a learning method that I acquired during my days of working at a

convenience store, called ‘Role’. Basically, you become a normal customer,
and try to train a new employee. It’s abrupt and pretty rough, so I added a
few words.

“But, guiding people when you still don’t know the ins and outs is tough, so
if push comes to shove, just say ‘I will confirm with the store manager, so

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please wait a moment’. Can you do that?”

“Y-Yes…”

“Great, then I’ll be playing the customer, so just stand over there.”

“Eh…?”

Confirming that no customers were approaching the store from the outside, I
walked back inside, acting as relaxed as I would be as a normal customer,
and walked towards Ichinose-san.

“I’m sorry, do you have Kawashima Reij’s ‘Summer Storm’ here?”

“Ah…Um…ehm…”

“……”

I stayed silent for a moment, simply waiting. I figured as much, but Ichinose-
san sure is having trouble with normal questions. But, with everything I
taught her, she should be able to deal with a customer just fine.

“Um…Um…”

“……”

Ichinose-san fidgeted nervously. Her gaze went up and down, looking

between me and the floor. Time continued like that. None of the words that I
taught her came out of her mouth. H-Hm? Weird, what is this feeling…It
feels like I did something I shouldn’t have…What is this…(Excitement).

“…Urk.”

“Alright, out~!”

This ain’t the tone I wanted to use, but here we are. Makes it sound like I
really did something bad there. My heart was racing. Why? I thought I didn’t
have to be nervous about it.

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“Ichinose-san…? Didn’t I just tell you…?”

“…I-I’m sorry…”

C-Calm down, me…! I might be fine with it, but there could be disgruntled
customers! You can’t spoil her…! Become a demon—No, Ashura! That’s
right, I’ve become a god!

“…Kawashima Reiji’s…’Summer Storm’…right?”

“Oh, yeah, that.”

I decided to stay in my customer role. I can tell that she’s actually working
really hard. Maybe the customers won’t be complaining that much after all…

“O-Over here…”

With slightly watery eyes, Ichinose-san turned around, and started guiding
me there. If this was a manga, they would have added the sweat dripping sfx
in the panel for sure…What is this protective urge I’m having…It’s like she’s
my own daughter.

“U-Um…were you talking about this?”

“You pass.”

“Eh…!”?

Ah, crap. I subconsciously gave her a pass. Because Ichinose-san is so much

like a small animal, I can’t help but spoil her. But, I should definitely point
out the problematic points.

“Because you were trying hard, I’m sure the customers will understand that.
But, be careful to not guide them to the wrong place, so if you’re lost, make
sure to ask the store manager.”

“Y-Yesss!”

I’m sure there must be customers who’d think ‘Ahh, she worked really hard,

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so I’m fine~’. After all, humans are living beings easily shaken by emotions,
especially when looking at animals. They better be considerate like that,
otherwise Ashura will come out.

“Oh?”

“…!”

As I was thinking that, the bell at the automatic door jingled, telling me that a
customer arrived.

“Let’s go to the cash register, Ichinose-san.”

“Y-Yes.”

That response was more reliable than I would have imagined. Well, I’m only
working part-time here myself, so I can’t exactly judge her for anything. Part-
time work in high school is mostly just simple organizational stuff like this.
In that context, working at the convenience store might have been the most
complicated.

Anyway, I had her stand in front of the cash register. In the meantime, I was
organizing the shelves. It might look like I was casting her aside, but just
checking out the cash register should be worthwhile for now.

“U-Uuu…”

“…?”

As I was doing my part, I heard a flustered voice above me. Looking up, I
spotted a person with a slender build, wearing shirt and jeans, with
rectangular glasses. They put down two books at the counter, and through the
lens of the glasses, I could see Ichinose-san. You’re gonna buy a book now?

‘Not having Mishima Yukio here, what an antiquarian bookshop this is.”

Never said we were. Also, that’s the kind of character you’re going with?

“It is a masterpiece of ‘music’ emphasizing a delightful taste! An antiquarian

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bookshop has no right to call themselves that if they don’t offer the works of
him, who has changed unethical sexual intercourse into a piece of art!”

“Auuu…”

Eh, scary! The hell is wrong with this old man? And why do you have such
long, glossy hair despite that? Yeah, Ichinose-san has reached her capacity.
Not to mention that she’s still learning how the cash register works. I
immediately stood up, and stole Ichinose-san’s position from next to her,
accepting the books.

“Understood, these two books, right?”

“Hm…!?”

“Ah…”

I got no clue what he was even saying. But, as long as he’s standing at the
cash register, he deserves proper treatment. Maybe I should have gone for a
more cool entrance? I need to at least lighten up the mood.

“Would you like me to add a book cover?”

“Urk…P-Please do.”

“Understood! These two books will be 220 yen!”

“V-Very well…”

Mysterious customer X took out his wallet, opened up the zipper, and took
out a thousand yen bill as well as a 20 yen coin, and put it not on the coin
plate, but rather directly on top of the counter. Normally I’d feel a bit
annoyed by that, but now I don’t really care. I just want to get this over with.

I handed the old man the plastic bag with a polite attitude as always, when
our eyes met one more time. As long as you don’t show an opening to them,
nothing bad will happen. Though this might have the opposite effect if this
was a yankee.

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“Your change is 800 yen! Thank you very much for your purchase!”

“…I thank you.” The man turned around as his long hair wavered in the air,
and left the bookshop.

When he walked past the electronic door, he took a step to the side out of
shock because the bell was clinging again. I don’t really get what just
happened, but I’m glad it’s over.

“…That was one hell of a customer.”

“……”

“Ichinose-san?”

“…………Fueeh.”

“Eh…?”

Ichinose-san’s eyes were wide open, as she stood there frozen. Because she
gave me no response, I had to look at her face, only to find her shoulders
quivering. H-Huh? What is this…No, wait a second! This is bigger than I
thought!

“Ichinose-san! Maybe that was too much? Let’s take a quick break in the
residential space, okay!”

She didn’t look me in the eyes. I just used my arm strength to carefully push
her to the residential space in the back. I tried my best to not look at the
transparent liquid building in her eyes, and somehow managed to have her sit
down on the tatami mat. I put down a tissue box in front of her, and headed
towards Gramps who was working in the storage.

“Store manager, could you head to the register really quick? I want to call
your wife here.”

“Why? What happened?”

“There was a rather problematic customer, and he, well, made Ichinose-san

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cry.”

“Whaaaat!? Where is Mina-chan!?”

“I had her take a break in the residential space, but please don’t head there.
It’ll just hurt her more.”

“Y-You’re right…Ah, I get it. I’ll take care of the register, so you deal with
it.”

“Thanks a lot.”

I went up to the second floor, and went to talk to Gramps’ wife, who was
working on her laptop. After explaining the circumstances, she responded
with a flat ‘I got it’, and went to where Ichinose-san was located. I’m
worried, but this is definitely better than Gramps going there.

“…She cried, huh.”

I mean, I can’t blame her. If someone like that appeared on my first day of
work, I’d probably cry myself. Might have even called the police.

“……”

This is actually pretty serious. Although she definitely wasn’t used to this
job, this being her first day, it’s clear that she’s mentally very weak, and
easily gets anxious. Even if this incident was out of her control, there’s a lot
of complicated customers like that. I feel bad for Gramps, but there’s a good
number of customers who are very much into literary studies. It’s only a
matter of time until another customer like that walks through the door again.

At school, she’s always alone. Even when Ashida and I are causing a ruckus,
she barely gives us a sideways glance. I don’t mean to deny that wall of self-
protection that she clearly built, but that won’t get her through life. Will she
even be able to improve herself when it comes to dealing with customers?
Not to mention that she already has problems when it comes to talking with
me or Gramps’ wife…

“…Maybe I’m just jumping to the wrong conclusion…”

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Let me first consult with Gramps, he’s the store manager after all. As her
Senpai, it’s my duty to report Ichinose-san’s current progress. Maybe we
might even come up with a good idea.

I passed by the residential space, where I spotted Gramps’ wife consoling

Ichinose-san in her arms. I guess that she’d grow weak when it comes to a
crying girl. Since I didn’t have the courage to just jump in there, I instead
went to meet Gramps at the cash register.

“Store manager, your wife is taking care of Ichinose-san, so she should be

fine.”

“I see…Sajou-kun, what kind of customer was it?”

“The literature type, for sure. Was blabbering some philosophical nonsense
that nobody understood. But honestly speaking, I deal with customers like
these almost every three days.”

“Hm…That type, huh. I’m interested in older literature…And, I can kind of

understand what they are talking about.”

“Eh, really?”

To me, it just sounds like some odd chant of a magic spell. Maybe I’d be able
to understand it if I offered myself to literature like them…From what I
understood though, that guy’s head was pretty rotten, so maybe not.

“Um…store manager, this part-time job, and dealing with customers…you

need to be able to hold a proper conversation at least…”

I don’t think it’s that hard to be honest. Even if I say conversation, you
basically have to act like a robot just dealing with customers like they’re
coming at you on a conveyor belt.

“You’re right…Yeah.”

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“Yup…”

Once I’m done working here, and Gramps will take care of all the easy work
like dealing with customers, Ichinose-san will have to take care of the rest…
and that won’t work. As someone working somewhere, you need to fulfill
your duty and carry your own weight. Even if Gramps really likes her, he
won’t allow that. Should I say it? I’ll say it.

“Store manager, I don’t think that Ichinose-san is made out for this…”

“What, are you only looking at—”

“Weren’t you watching her? I doubt your wife would be willing to take over
dealing with customers, you know.”

“……”

I knew I sounded rather aggressive and forceful, but that’s just how it is.
Luckily no customers were around, so I could be frank, but I was still
surprised at that. That customer might have been one of the worse ones, but
I’m pretty sure I was annoyed at Ichinose-san as well. Her personality of not
standing up for herself in particular. I guess it’s just me being narrow-
minded.

People are more fit and less fit for things, and I know that not everybody can
do everything. But, seeing that she couldn’t even manage the bare minimum
of human conversation and dealing with customers hit deeply. Maybe it’s just
me. Either way, despite me truly feeling that way, I was worried if Gramps
would take my words seriously and to heart.

“Mina-chan…”

“Hm?”

“Mina-chan…is a cute regular of this store…”

“……” Baffled, I looked at Gramps’ face.

His expression looked like he had no idea what to do. Almost like there was

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nothing he could do in the first place.

“:..Um.”

This was the first time I saw any kind of ‘weakness’ from him. Since he
always seemed like a strong and confident person, it was unbelievable. The
strong and reliable old guy is what I looked up to. That’s why, it made me
want to do something about it.

“…Your wife—” I started my sentence, only to stop myself.

She’s the person who tried to cut Ichinose-san’s bangs, so although she might
be experienced, she can’t really do anything for the person that is Ichinose-
san. They might be both female, but I doubt she will be able to sympathize.

“…I’ll go try and talk with Ichinose-san.”

“R-Really…?” Gramps gave me a hopeful gaze.

This is the first time somebody older than me looked at me with such high
expectations. Is this the pressure of being relied on? I don’t want that, yuck.
That’s why I don’t want to join the student council or public morals
committee.

“I’m sorry, but…don’t get your hopes up too much.”

“…Aye, I know.”

At school, Ichinose-san is always alone. There’s definitely nobody she can

rely on. But, the Gramps here definitely cares for her. If not, she wouldn’t
come here that often. This place—this location is not something she should
come to hate. That’s why…this isn’t the time to care about her being
introverted. At the very least, she has to be fine even if she falls over.

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 Chapter 11: The Girl Chooses

“You can’t just start crying about everything, you know? At times, a girl has
to be strong—”

“Um, excuse me.”

“Oh my, Sajou-kun. I just taught Mina-san about a proper work mentality.”

“Haha, it seems like she stopped crying at least. Thank you very much.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s for our cute Mina-san after all! The more she smiles,
the better!”

“Thanks, but you can leave the rest to me now.”

“Oh…? But, I wanted to talk a bit more with her.”

“Well, you have to take care of your own registering work, so I figured that
would be more important.”

“…Well, if you’re that adamant on it.”

Mrs. still seemed to be concerned about Ichinose-san. I don’t know how

much she favors her compared to Gramps, but the choice of leaving Ichinose-
san alone didn’t exist in her head. Even so, she’s willing to listen to me. Is
that expectation? Trust? Either way, the pressure I’m feeling is no joke.

Ichinose-san did stop crying, but she hasn’t uttered a word since. She’s got
her eyes cast down as well. Can’t even judge if she was properly listening to
Mrs.

“I don’t need you to answer me, just show me that you’re listening.”

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“……”

I sat down in front of her. With how introverted she was, having someone in
front of her must be uncomfortable. Even so, I have no guilt about this. This
desire to be liked by Ichinose-san in any way has completely vanished after
all.

“That customer just now sure was a weirdo, right? But, I can tell you that
guys like these come to visit at least every three days, even if they might not
be on the level of that guy.”

“……” Ichinose-san had her gaze downwards still, but at least shook her
head to show that she was listening.

“It makes sense that you wouldn’t be good at dealing with customers in the
beginning, you’re not used to it. That can’t be helped, and I can understand
why you would be so scared that you’d start cry.”

The head in front of me slowly but steadily was raised, and she gave me a
bewildered gaze. Yeah, I don’t think she’ll cry again. I’m sorry about this,
okay?

“When you deal with customers who try to give you some logical nonsense
as they hammer into you, just do it like I did. Act like you don’t understand
anything, like some flashy guy who has no brain at all. There’s a part of him
being a man, but they’ll just think that all his high and mighty words won’t
work, and give up.”

“Ah…”

“If it’s Ichinose-san, then…yeah, you should look directly at him, like you’re
a gal looking for someone to bully. Though I understand that this is difficult.”

This is experience I gained from working part-time at that convenience store.

When you act like someone lousy and uncaring, the customer will treat you
like you’re below them. It might seem idiotic in the moment, but nobody will
bother with you after work is over. Because they think that you’re a pain to
deal with it. Of course, if someone actually bothers with you, then you have

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to pull through with that act.

If anything, guys who take it too seriously and act earnest are the ones who’ll
get a bigger earful if they mess up.

“Dealing with customers isn’t easy. Even if they aren’t problematic

customers, you might have trouble dealing with them. But, you need to make
it past that, otherwise they’ll get angry at you all the time.”

This part-time job is pretty easy. Of course, the pay isn’t exactly high, but
you don’t feel the burden of dealing with customers too much. That’s why I
don’t feel annoyed or demotivated when heading to work. I definitely won’t
be working in customer service in the future.

“—So, to get back on the topic. When can you do that, Ichinose-san?”

“Eh…”

“As I just said, you have to deal with customers in some way, even if it’s just
a fake persona. Assuming you’re bad at talking, you have to at least show
that you can do it in some way.”

Dealing with customers is a must when it comes to part-time work like this.
Most part-time jobs in this world are related to customers in some way or
another. If you want to work, you need to acquire this skill. Not being used to
it is one thing, but if you even struggle in your private life, then you’re just
wasting your time.

“—Can you do it?”

“…Ah…ah…”

She must be unsure how to answer, as her gaze shifted left and right. The
reason she sometimes glances at me is probably because she’s expecting
some kind words. Ahahaha…This is pissing me off.

If you can’t do it, then that’s it. As long as you’re aware of your strengths and
weaknesses, you’re not wrong. The world isn’t naive enough to let you
achieve everything with just will alone, yet neither will it accept that fact that

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you can’t do something. You have your limbs and head to use, so if you can’t
even put a strong face, what else is there?

“—If you can’t, then you’re not made out for this kind of work. Put up with
the allowance you get from your parents, okay?”

“…!”

I said it with a gentle voice. Must be annoying, right? Yeah, I bet. That’s
right, I want to see you blow a fuse. Glare at me. Raise a loud voice.

“There’s no need for high school students to work part-time. Why not quit?
That’d make it easier for you.”

“……”

Ichinose-san’s eyes were shaking left and right. I can tell that she’s shaken.
An odd feeling of wanting to bully her more was growing inside of me. But, I
remembered the expectant gaze from Gramps, and calmed myself down. This
isn’t what’s important right now. Don’t act arrogant. You may be an idiot,
but you’re still her Senpai. She might be inept, but she still is your Kouhai.

“……”

“……”

Silence reigned. Unable to bear with it, I cast my face down. This lingering,
‘wrong emotion’ finally subsided. However, the anger still existed inside of
me. So, I looked at Ichinose-san again.

“……”

“…!”

Ohh? She seems angry. Seems like my words had some effect on her at least.
I bet it doesn’t feel great to constantly be on the receiving end like that, huh?
Makes sense that you’d be pissed, right? Sorry, but I’m not gonna sit here in
silence either.

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“…H-He was talking nonsense…This is a second-hand bookstore, not some
antiquary bookshop. He should correct his views, yes.”

“Doesn’t mean you can just let him get the upper hand on you.”

“Eeek…!?”

Even if I knew that, my head immediately cooled down after saying it. My
voice was much more cold than I would have imagined it to be. Maybe my
overly oppressive tone was a bad choice after all. All I have to do is make
Ichinose-san choose, not steal her choices. I knew that, and yet…

“That isn’t something you need to worry about. Let’s leave aside if you can
do it or not.” I averted my eyes, and continued.

Looking at Ichinose-san right now will just have me blow a fuse. For now, I
just have to make Ichinose-san choose if she wants to quit or not.

“No need to think about it in any complicated way. Do you have the desire
and ability to deal with customers from here on out, or not. Just use your head
to tell me…that’s all I want.”

“Ah…”

In all probability, she won’t give me the answer I expect. If Ichinose-san quit
now, nobody will be happy. When she came as a customer, she felt happy to
talk with Gramps, which is why she became a regular, right?

“—No.”

“…Eh?”

“—No! …I don’t want to quit!”

“…Eh?”

She glared at me with tears in her eyes. That was the strongest expression
I’ve seen from her to date. But, why? I feel like I was pretty much breaking
her heart there. She didn’t say anything back, and yet ‘I don’t want to quit’

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now? She doesn’t seem that desperate either? What’s going on?

“I-I’ll definitely become able to do it…! So, please don’t make me quit!”
While quivering, holding back her tears, Ichinose-san let out a fairly loud
voice.

She was on her knees. Let me say it again, she was on her knees, head on the
ground, begging.

“—Huh!?”

Eh? Wha!? What is this girl doing!? What’s going on!? I’m sorry, but I’m
only a part-time jobber myself!?

“Please, raise your head! I’m begging you!”

What is this guilt I’m feeling right now? It’s strong enough to rip my heart
apart. I don’t even get this entire situation too much. Why is she prostrating
herself in front of me? Was I that scary? Did I have that much pressure!?
Please, just raise your head!

“I-I’m only working part-time here myself, so I can’t make you quit, okay!”

“I-I’ll become able to do it, so…!”

“I get it, I get it! I can see that you’re motivated, so raise your head! This is
stupid!”

With these words, Ichinose-san finally raised her head. We exchanged

glances, her eyes riddled with anxiety. I nodded a few times, to which her
eyes narrowed in relief. If this had continued any longer, I would have
forcefully pushed her head up, seriously.

“W-What!? What happened!?”

“Nothing at all! It’s totally fine, store manager! Ichinose-san will continue
working here! She’ll be here tomorrow as well! Hooray!”

“R-Really!?”

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“Really!”

That..was too close for comfort! One more step, and I would be a Chain
Chompa. Also, what did I do to make an introverted girl like her prostrate
herself in front of me?! I pretty much deserve a guillotine haircut at this
point, right!?

“I-Ichinose-san! If you’re motivated, then let’s try our best tomorrow as well,
okay!?”

“Y-Yeshh…”

She gave me a terrified response. I wonder…this feeling inside of me…

makes me want to kill myself. Will I be able to make it home safely today…?
I might just jump off a bridge if I’m not careful…

“I see…I’m glad to hear that. It’s time already, so you two can head home.”

“Ah, no, I haven’t finished my usual work yet, so I’ll stay behind.”

“Don’t worry, today’s an exception. Just do your best tomorrow. Same goes
for Mina-chan, okay?”

“…I-I see. Understood…”

Although Ichinose-san stopped crying, her eyes were still red from the tears.
Thankfully Gramps’ wife had seen her cry, but I was still worried that they
would all blame me.

“Then…let’s go home for today, Ichinose-san.”

“Y-Yesh…”

Woah, she’s looking at me with a ‘I’ll get scolded if I don’t respond’ look in
her eyes. Am I some P.E. class teacher? We’re classmates, remember…Not
to mention that we sit right next to each other.

I packed my things, and stepped out of the bookstore, and spotted her
leaving.

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“I-Ichinose-san? You still have your hairpins in…”

“…Ah!” Ichinose-san nodded.

She took out the hairpins, which resulted in her bangs covering her eyes. I
was worried that she couldn’t look in front of her, but at the same time, I was
glad that the traces of her tears were gone. Proof successfully hidden…Man, I
really am the worst today. If I died now, I definitely won’t be going to
heaven. I’d be pulled to hell, kneeling on my knees on a mountain of needles.
A blood bath? I can smell the metal.

When we split up, I watched the back of Ichinose-san grow more distant. For
some reason, Gramps gently tapped me on the back. Please, not now.

I don’t even know when I got home. I took a shower, showed my face in the
A/C-blasted living room, and just walked off somewhere. Despite it being
noon only, I feel so exhausted…Am I tired?

“Wataru, your phone’s been buzzing for a while now.”

“Ahh…my smartphone, right.”

“Right, that.”

Mom was washing the plates I presumably used to eat before, and told me
about my phone going crazy. I feel like I’m constantly correcting her that it’s
a smartphone, not any other phone. With my hair still a bit wet from the
shower, I unlocked my phone screen. But, it all didn’t feel too real.

‘Huh? Did Wataru read that?’

‘You’re right. He must be working right now though?’

‘Working…sounds tough.’

‘Hmm…He didn’t tell us the details after all~’

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It’s the continuation of the conversation I saw before during my break.
Natsukawa realized that my read notification popped up. The conversation
continued after that. And, they’re still talking right now?

‘I wonder…Does Wataru have time in the afternoon?’

‘Maybe? It’s Sajocchi after all~’

I do, but…Eh, what? Is she going to invite me depending on my

convenience? Yeah no way, they wouldn’t invite a boy when they’re having
fun.

‘Sajocchi! Let’s go meet Aichi and Ai-chan in the afternoon!’

Are you serious? That is an actual invitation, alright. What should I do about
this…I don’t feel like I can put up my usual tension. Leaving aside in the
classroom, dealing with girls in my free time still has me nervous. Also,
‘Aichi and Ai-chan’ is a bit annoying, don’t you think.

Alright, let me think this through. If I spend the rest of the day with such a
melancholic feeling, I’ll be completely worn out tomorrow. Then, maybe I
should take this as a change of pace, and jump into the unordinary. Maybe I
should take another shower then, with a strong body soap this time.

‘Tell us when your part.time work is done, okay?’ is what Ashida said, only
to add ‘I’m coming over right now!’. It seems like she’s going to take a
shower and head over to Natsukawa’s place.

“Ashida…got ahead of me?”

Never thought I’d lose against Ashida when it comes to Natsukawa…

Actually, I did. I’m always forced to watch how those two are flirting around
after all. But, I’m glad that they’re getting along. You can forget about me,
just let me keep watching, okay?

‘Good work, peeps. What are you guys talking about?’

‘Sajocchi! We’re not some company! You overworking yourself?’

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‘…So you are working.’

‘Thank you very much, Natsukawa-sama.’

‘Sajocchi, Aichi won’t know how to respond.’

I was planning on nonchalantly joining the conversation, but my dear

Goddess suddenly appeared and threw in a comment. What else can I do but
give her my honest gratitude. Should I bring my offerings over? Or, does she
like cash money more?

‘Sajiwa’

…Hm?

‘Sajo~ When?’

Alright, calm down. Don’t jump up from the bed. Let me buy some sweets
from the convenience store first. That’s a good idea. I want to drown in
cream. My head’s all sweet inside as well. Just wait a bit, Airi-chan. I’m
ready to accept all your energy right now, and repent for my sins.

‘I’ll bring some stuff.’

‘Ai-chan already forgot about Sajocchi after all, lol.’

‘She did remember a while back, but…when I asked her who played with
her, she said Iihoshi-san’s name.’

‘No way~’

Airi-chan…? So my rival is Iihoshi-san after all. That is tough.

‘What’d you say for her to remember?’

‘That you had a weird head…’

‘Thank you very much.’

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‘Sajocchi. Don’t make Aichi feel sad, will you.’

Why? I’m thankful that she wanted Airi-chan to remember me. Also, Ashida,
are you already at Natsukawa’s place? Am I the late one? Can I actually go
there now? This feels more like a girls’ gathering at this point, so wouldn’t
being there just break the mood? Don’t wanna do any of that.

‘Should I really come?’

This one’s important. I do try to understand a girl’s heart, but I have yet to
accomplish that. Even now, they might be like ‘We’re having plenty of fun
without you’, so I don’t wanna force myself in there. Right now, it’s just the
two girls, right? If I went there without a thought at all, they might hate me
for real. That’s why I need to at least ask again.

‘Eh? What are you on about, get your butt over here.’

‘Ah, yeah…’

S-So fast…! Did Natsukawa get scared because of Ashida’s immediate

answer and joined in? Eh? Why does this feel so warm? It’s like I was stupid
for asking. Like, they’ll get angry if I don’t go there? That surprised me…like
Ichinose-san before…Ah, I remembered something I’d rather not have.

‘Huh? You’re coming, right?’

‘Yeah yeah, on my way~’

‘Alright!’

I-Is it just my imagination? I feel like the atmosphere around me suddenly

heated up, despite us talking over messages like this…Nothing bad will
happen, right? Ashida-san can be pretty scary after all. With what happened
before, I might have ended up with a trauma related to female classmates…
Haha, hahahaha. No, I don’t mind it.

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Chapter 11.5: What An Older Sister
Is

“…Huh~”

After summer break started, I got myself a part-time job, but since I didn’t
have any clubs to worry about, I pretty much had nothing else to do. There’s
still some summer homework left over, but it’s become somewhat of a
routine for me to work on that when I was on break at my job. I’m really not
the type who can study at home either, so I definitely needed a place like that.

With thoughts like that, evening arrived. In the morning, I would get up early
and head to work, eat lunch after coming back, and then spend my days
playing mobile games and using up all of my daily stamina. However, I
started to feel scared of that fact. Is my summer break going to end with just
that…?

I sat in front of the TV in the living room, enjoying some music TV program
while playing on my phone, and cursed my loner self. Would I have felt more
fulfilled if I was busy with clubs from morning until evening? Not like I’m
the sports guy either. I did take swimming lessons when I was younger
though.

“…Why are you just sitting on the sofa?”

“You’d push me off if I was lying down, right? Also, the sofa is hot during
the summer.”

Big Sis came home from her student council work, and went to change—or
rather, take off her uniform. In her left hand, she had some steamed buns.
Why is she always eating them before the actual dinner?

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“…What’s that? Some song festival?”

“Yup, haven’t seen it yet.”

“I’ll be watching my own stuff at 7pm.”

“Aye aye…”

I’m not the type of person who would fight over reign in that. At the very
least, when Momo’s home, it’s always Big Sis first. The stuff I’d watch
doesn’t interest Big Sis, and I don’t plan on fighting over that now. But, I at
least wish she wouldn’t delete my recordings…

“Aren’t you a bit cheeky towards your great older sister?”

“Great older sister…You surely jest mygueh!”

Big Sis fell onto the sofa like she was a pro-wrestler, and then reached out
her legs to use my back as a resting space, pushing me into the sofa as I was
looking at my phone. Since this kind of treatment hasn’t started simply right
now, it’s honestly not that big of a deal. If anything, it feels like Big Sis is
massaging my back with her heels. But, not letting down my guard, because
if I spoiled her mood in this position, she can use those heels as a blunt
weapon. One small misstep will cost me my life. I’m pretty sure I’m the
biggest loser of a younger brother this world has to offer.

Hold on, I might be kindly forgiving her, but isn’t she pretty rude of an older
sister? What does she think my back is? A man’s back tells a thousand
stories, so if you step on it, I just feel more pathetic, you know? I feel like
Ishihara Something said that!

“Big Sis, a bit higher.”

“Mm.”

“Ahhh~~~”

Big Sis-dono gently moved her feet a bit more upwards, hitting all the right
spots on my shoulders. Weird…I was planning to complain, and yet I

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requested something…? And, why is she even listening that earnestly? I
mean, it feels great, I can feel my stiff shoulders relaxing. Reflexively, I put
more strength into my back, pushing against Big Sis legs, but she only
heightened her force as well…Ahhh, this feels so good…

“……”

“……”

H-Huh…? Is this her kindness or something? I mean, I can’t call it kindness

since she’s basically stepping on my back. Still, why is she just listening to
what I request? Was she actually a tsundere? Isn’t that kindness of hers a bit
too twisted? Also, this really isn’t any dere at all, thinking about it. Wait a
second, Big Sis got great control over the strength in her legs, isn’t her
balance crazy good? This is like some massage chair.

“Why are you this good?”

“Huh?”

What am I asking. I mean, wouldn’t you? How can she be so good with her
legs? Is it that? Stepping on the backs of the K4 on a daily basis? She’s doing
the same thing to these handsome guys? Aren’t they all members of
distinguished families? And yet, she’s allowed to do that? Why can I see her
flash an evil grin while she does…

“Who knows? My talent?”

Yeah, that shit-eating grin is what I mean. She’s definitely doing that. She
looks like a final boss with that. Personally, with that ‘talent’ of hers, I think
she’d be a good fit on the S&M branch, right? But wait, since I’m feeling
good from this, am I an M? That shouldn’t be the case. I do forgive Big Sis,
but if this was Natsukawa, then I wouldn’t…Wait, Natsukawa would be
stepping on my back?

Oh my, my heart is racing now. Was I actually an M after all? Just imagining
it made me feel like I was crazy. I want to be stepped on. God, gross.

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“You…you’re not asking some random girl for this as well, are you…?”

“First of all, stop making it sound like I actually asked for this.”

“But you did.”

I only wanted you to adjust the position of your feet, is all. Never said to
‘step on me, Queen’. Don’t act like you’re above me just because you know
how to use your feet, alright? Also, why does that sound so bad?

“Not to mention that I don’t have a girl I’m close enough to do that.”

“Hmm…I wonder.”

“What do you want?”

“Rich coming from someone who’s been flirting with a friend of mine.”

“Who was flirting, huh?”

Shinomiya-senpai is just playing with the fragile heart of Sajocchi, and taking
my jokes at face value. Do you hear that, Ashida-san, my official name is
Sajocchi now…A while ago, some random girl tapped me on the shoulder,
saying ‘What’s up, Sajocchi!’, you know? My heart skipped a beat there,
what do you have to say for yourself?

“Eh, wait, Amuro-chan appeared!”

“Ouch ouch ouch ouch!?”

Big Sis rammed her feet right into my back with a 5-time combo. Because of
that, my finger slipped on the screen, opening some weird ad on my phone!
What if you made me pay for some weird service, oi! That’s how recent
mobile games are making their money!

When I looked at the TV screen, I saw some collaboration event and a

‘Special live concert’ from a singer that was supposed to have retired. Since
Big Sis is a fan of them, she went crazy. She was taking pictures even.

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“Huh? Who’s that old man? I don’t need some boring collab with you. I only
want to hear Amuro-chan, so piss off!

“Guho!?”

Now she kicked me straight in my shoulder blade, making my heart shake

left and right. I feel like an old man after a simple massage. She probably hit
a really bad spot. I thought my body was iron after everything I went through,
but maybe not.

Deal with it, me…! You can still keep going! My body won’t break from
this! Focus all your energy on your back muscles! And don’t tap some weird
ads on your phone!

“Haa…Amuro-chan really is godlike.”

“Urk…Urgh…”

Big Sis was drawing the Ying-Yang symbol on my back. I could feel it sink
deep into my body, sending shivers down my legs. It hurts…It really hurts…
but it also feels good? This ain’t half bad…More…

“I’ll listen to it in my room.”

“Woah!?”

Big Sis leaped off my back, and stood up. She put her arms up, letting out a
suggestive ‘Mmmm~’ moan as she stretched her back, and scratched her
stomach while leaving the living room. I bet the K4 would be paying to
watch this happening…But to me, she just looks like some old man.

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“…Ah.”

After hearing that dinner was ready from Mom, we were pretty much waiting
for Dad to come home. Maybe I should play some games in my room as well.

“…H-Huh?”

When I stood up, my body felt oddly light.

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 Afterword

Everyone, how are you all doing. I’m the author Okemaru.

How did you enjoy volume three? I believe we had quite the severe
development in the later stages of this volume. If I assume myself to be in the
position of the protagonist, it’d probably be quite unbearable. When I deal
with docile and quiet people, I just don’t know what to do. A more outgoing
friend of mine told me to deal with them without trying to read too much into
it. He’s not referencing me, right…?

Now then, everyone, it’s a romcom wave, isn’t it. I feel like we have new
romcom series every single month. A while ago, isekai reincarnation and
isekai fantasy series were all the hype, but now it sure feels like we’re riding
a romcom avalanche. According to my editor, this [Yumemiru Danshi wa
Genjitsushugisha] series has appeared in the middle stage of this big wave.
It’s scary to think about losing balance and drowning in the sea of other
series. And, I’d like to tell my point of view as I was riding this trend.

Under my name Okemaru, I’ve come from the web novel area of things. Ever
since I got my first flip phone ten years ago, I’ve been reading every single
day. I think that pretty much since 2007, my tastes and experiences had
solidified, and at the time, we had a lot of school romcoms and modern
romance genre series, where not even isekai series existed, and the fantasy
genre was on the growth. Since this was before the ‘Isekai Reincarnation’
boom, orthodox fantasies were the most found. I just simply didn’t touch
them, I believe.

Back at the time, you didn’t call it ‘Web novel’ either. If my memory serves
me right, that is. Since I was basically using my phone to read them, the term
‘phone novel’ might be a bit more accurate. Though, you really don’t hear it
that often anymore. Instead, since everything is available on the internet, it’s

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turned into a ‘Web novel’ after all. Just the fact that this word had been
accepted by the masses shows how much we’ve progressed.

And also, this did exist before PCs became the norm, but a lot of derivative
works were born back then as well. These ‘Doujinshi’ existed before I was
even born, but web novels were free to read, which spread much easier. A
dawn of a new age, you could call it. I’ve checked out a few of those works,
especially original source materials of the ones I read.

In 2010, I remember the predominant genre being ‘Academy battle fantasy’. I

still remember my friend reading one of these in the class, only to get kicked
out by the demonic teacher we had. And not just that, it really felt like web
novels, light novels, anime, and all other genres were invaded by that.
Though, most of the fantasies back then were fairly orthodox.

Two, maybe three years passed after that, when the period drastically
changed. Of course, academy battle fantasies or romcoms were still on the
rise, but the ‘Isekai Reincarnation Fantasy’ genre was just beating both of
those. The first series I read in that genre got me hooked, with a [Cautious
1
Hero ] development. Of course, I still read series of that genre right now.
They feel great to read. But, these kinds of novels being turned into light
novels would happen a bit later down the line. They first got great success as
web novels.

I’m pretty sure it happened during this time…that web novel titles got longer
and longer. I’m fairly certain it’s to avoid having your novel lost in the ocean
of others. After all, rather than reading a summary, it was much easier for
someone to pick up a series if the title directly explained what it would be
about…or that’s what I believe at least. Honestly speaking, I personally
choose rather according to title than summary. And if it has a relatively
normal name, it generally has a summary that makes me go ‘Oh!’ instead. It’s
a twist on a twist of marketing.

From 2012 to 2018, it was always ‘Isekai Reincarnation Fantasy’ I feel like.
I’ve read a good share of them as well. I’m sure that both web novel and light
novel readers were focussing on that. Talking about other genres, not many
managed to stand out, and the big titles were growing even longer. Talking

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about modern romcom series, there’s that, and talking about academy battle
fantasies, there’s that…but that’s about it. Right now, the big genre is
possibly ‘Online Game’, which I like a lot myself.

Finally, in 2018, I feel like a great difference in popularity of the industry

was born. After all, ‘Isekai Reincarnation Fantasy’ series received anime
adaptations. This told the world of the web novel and light novel industry,
and crossed boundaries. I mean, they were talking about it on TV, can you
imagine that? At the same time, I feel like Isekai Reincarnation series started
to lessen in numbers. The market was probably saturated after being filled to
the brim with this opening that the genre created. As a result of that, older
forgotten genres came back to fill that hole. Of course, there are still plenty of
isekai series, but it definitely isn’t comparable to before. For those who
started reading web novels now, the hurdle must have gone up as a result.

Finally, we reached a time where the romcom genre has come back, or so it
seems. Personally, it feels like we just walked in circles. They seem to have
become more popular in the anime industry, but the same can be said about
web and light novels. It’s scary. Okemaru will try his best.

This is pretty much how I experienced the times change. The center has
changed a lot, hasn’t it. I feel like a lot of people have experienced this. Even
so, there were enough novels that always healed my exhausted heart. I’m sure
that a lot of students find saving in novels in some way, and I would be very
delighted if [Yumemiru Danshi wa Genjitsushugisha] would take that role for
you.

This has been Okemaru.

1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cautious_Hero:_The_Hero_Is_Overpowered_
but_Overly_Cautious

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