confess

by vamer

ok

I Couldn't Confess to the Girl I Liked, so I Compromised
MiyujiPerez1

Published: 2022
Source: https/

Episode 1 - The goddess confesses

Suddenly, a question.

What would you do if you liked someone but someone else confessed to you?

Generally, they will say no, because they have someone they like.

So what if that person you love completely doesn't turn to you ?

What if the person you love loves someone else?

In that case, what would you do?

After all, would I refuse because I can't give up on someone I love?

Or would they go out with someone they love to give up and forget?

A compromise, so to speak. Is the act of trying to satisfy one's greed with a reachable partner because the person one loves is out of reach?

...Let's add more conditions.

What if, if I don't get a girlfriend in the next ten days, I'm forced to quit living alone and get engaged to a recluse girl from who knows where?

And what if the person who confesses to you is the most beautiful girl in school and is known as a goddess?

In that case, what should I do?

You don't believe that's possible?No, no, no, I don't believe it either.

Unfortunately, I'm not handsome, athletic, or studious, and aside from a rather peculiar family environment, I'm a very ordinary high school boy.

So I'm even more puzzled.

"Komiya Youta kun. Can I hear your reply?"

I, Komiya Youta, can't believe that the goddess of the school confessed her love for me.

"... If you're okay with me."

I never dreamed that I would end up dating someone I didn't even like.

Spring.

I, Komiya Youta, was in a hurry.

[Make a girlfriend by seventeen. If not, you will have to return home. And you are going to get engaged to a recluse girl I know. Okay?]

This is the promise I made to my father when I graduated from junior high school.

After asking to be allowed to live alone to get out of my parent's house as soon as possible, I was forced to accept the ridiculous conditions.

Of course, I was young and foolish at the time, so I thought, "I can at least have a girlfriend in a year!I was young and foolish at the time, so I left home with great enthusiasm.

April 11th.

Ten days left until I turn seventeen.

Currently without a girlfriend.

It was hopeless for me to get a girlfriend in the remaining ten days, as I had mastered mediocrity to the point of mediocrity.

"Haaa..."

I still have a year to go and I'll be fine. I still have six months to go and I'll be fine. I still have three months and I'll be fine. I was thinking, "I can afford to be self satisfied," but here we are.

The limit was ticking away and I couldn't help but sigh.

If I confess appropriately to all the girls in the area, maybe, but it is too risky.

Besides—–

"What's wrong? You look pale."

"Ah no, nothing !"

"Is it really fine? Your face looks red? Maybe it's a fever."

"It's really fine !"

I had someone I loved.

Tohno Hitomi, the girlfriend sitting next to me who has been worrying about me and saying kind words to me since a while ago, is someone I have had a one-sided love for nearly a year.

A kind-hearted girl approached me when I was lost at the entrance ceremony and took me to school with her.

I fell in love with her at first sight.

"So, ... something troubling you?"

Her distinctive reddish-brown shortcut sways and she tilts her head slightly, so cute that you want to hug her.

There is no way I can say that my inability to date you in front of me is a problem.

"No, it's really nothing. I just haven't been sleeping well."

"I'm just not sleeping well.Do you want to go to the infirmary?"

"No, no, ... I'm still fine. If it's really bad, I'll go."

"Don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

So kind. But now that kindness is sinking in...I want you to abuse me so that I can hate you anyway.

Aa, if it were Tohno san, I might be happy to be abused.

I don't accept the words, "If you love her so much, confess it quickly". If I could do that, I wouldn't have any trouble, and I don't want people to make fun of my timid nature.

Someone once told me that confession is a confirmation.

So I've been trying for the past year to get her to turn around ... But I've been too cautious.

One day after school.

Tohno san, do you have someone you like !?

When I saw her shyly talking to his classmates about such a conversation in the classroom, I was blindsided.

I couldn't rule out the possibility that it could be me, but the more information I gathered, the closer to zero I got.

It seems that she has a handsome childhood friend. Damn it.

I was afraid of ruining my relationship with her and always put off confessing my feelings to her because I was too scared to do so.

That's why I almost gave up on my feelings for her.

How shameful to give up before even confessing.

I want to give up but I can't. But I also have to get a girlfriend.

Only frustration grew, time passed, and spring break ended.

Toward the end of the year, it was so hard for me to talk to Tohno san that I avoided him for no reason at all.

Even so, Tohno san, who is now in the same class as me, is still kind to me.

Every time I talk with Tohno san, I am flooded with unnecessary thoughts again.

... but if you can't confess anyway, let's just ask what's on my mind at the end.

I have to ask myself whether she really loves her childhood friend or not. If I could hear her say that she really loves her childhood friend, I might be able to give up on her once and for all.

Or perhaps there might be a possibility.

The last bad step? Whatever!

"B-by the way. I heard that.."

"Hmm? What is that ?"

"Tohno san has a childhood friend, right?"

"Eh, where did you hear that!?... I have."

Oh, I knew it...

Here is a pathetic man who asked his own question and is now depressed himself.

No, ... It's not over yet !!

"W-What does that person mean to you, Tohno san?"

I still have to ask in a roundabout way here because I'm still a bit scared.

"Eeeh ?! W-what's that out of the blue... That, of course, means a lot to me, Aki chan."

Even calls him with a nickname...even though I'm just [Komiya kun]

At this point, I have already lost. It is only natural that her childhood friend and I have accumulated different numbers of years.

Oh, man, I'm desperate!

"B-By that, You mean you l-l-l-l-l-like him?

I ask...I asked it !!

Maybe this is what we call giving up.

——hmm it's just a childhood friend

If only I could have heard that one word... I was impressed with myself for my own resignation even here.

"T-That...yeah...that's right.."

Perhaps embarrassed, Tohno san blushed and answered in a voice that became progressively quieter.

K.O. completely defeated.

... it's over. The more I listened, the more hurt I felt, but I couldn't stop myself.

I can tell by the look on her face. She seems to like him a lot.

"D-Don't ask too many strange questions. You have to listen to the lesson properly, okay?"

With that, the conversation was forcibly interrupted, leaving only despair in my heart.

I'm sad to say that I'm still not ready for this kind of finalization.

But I can't go out with Tohno san.

Still, I must have a girlfriend.

"Oh, God!What am I supposed to do!!!!I'm not going to get a girlfriend in a week!"

Struggling with such a dilemma, after school, I greeted the day with a feminine and woozy feeling.

She appeared before me, a half-wit, plopped down on my desk.

"Komiya kun"
"I-Ichikawa san !?"

When I looked up when I was called, there was Ichikawa Aoi from the same class.

Did you hear that?

Where I was screaming my head off. Ha, that's embarrassing ...

Ichikawa san, however, sat at the desk next to mine and stared at me as if she didn't care what I was thinking.

"Ee, Can I help you?"

"Yes, I've been looking for you."

"...me? Why ?"

Unfortunately, Ichikawa san and I don't have that much contact. We were in the same class in our second year and have only exchanged a few words.

What does she want with me?

"I have something to talk about with you."

"Something to talk about..."

"Yes. Do you want to hear it ?"

"Wel..."

I can't even understand what you're talking about.

But I agreed, thinking that if I was alone and just brooding and worrying, talking would distract me.

"Thank you. Komiya Youta kun."

"Ssuu"

She calls my name, and my heart leaps.

When I look at Ichikawa san, she stares at me intently with serious eyes.

Please don't. I don't have a tolerance for girls.

However, her beautiful eyes captured me with strong power, as if she had decided to do something.

W-wait a minute? W-what is this feeling...C-could it be?

"Well, hear me out."

My throat rumbled at the unfamiliar situation. I nodded my head in silence.

"I like you. Will you go out with me?"

And then came the unexpected words.

I, Komiya Youta, received a confession for the first time in my life.

–

–

–

Episode 2 - The goddess of the school is now my girlfriend

Ichikawa Aoi.

The most beautiful girl in my grade...no, in school.

She is the top student in her grade and has excellent athletic skills. She is a true combination of talent and martial arts.

She is well received by teachers and even more well-liked by the public.

A girl loved by God who can do anything she puts her mind to and does it well.

That kind of girl confesses to the ordinary...me?

"...Sorry, can you please say it again?"

"I like you. Will you go out with me ?"

I asked again and it was the same.

"..."

No, no, no, you're lying. Is this some kind of punishment game?

I looked around and saw no one.

Maybe someone is hiding outside the classroom and they are enjoying watching me in a panic.

"What's going on ?

"No..."

However, I do not feel any malice from her.

I don't see any signs of concern outside of the classroom.

I wonder if she is just a good actor or if she can do anything..., I think she could do that well.

"I'm sorry. I don't see any element in me being confessed to by Mr. Ichihara."

"Well, you're a very, very unremarkable person."

...Huh ?

"Is that the right thing to say to someone you've confessed to?"

"I'm the type of girl who likes an ordinary boy."

"..."

I can't help but feel that we are not having a good conversation at all, but let's just calm down.

Is ordinary boy your type?

I know some people say normal people are their type, but ...It's just weird.

There is no reason for someone as good as Ichikawa san to choose me.

That's the good-looking guy in the same grade, the captain of the athletic team, the ace of the club, and so on. Or the smartest guy in the class.

Why me? It was natural to ask that question.

"I don't see the purpose."

"Purpose?Is there such a thing as purpose in love? Aah, Indeed, love is a byproduct of the human instinct...for procreation, which is a biological emotion. So in other words, yes. So with that said, as an ultimate goal, I would love to procreate with you."

"What are you talking about! You're making too big a leap!"

What is she talking about with a clear face ?

Aren't you ashamed to say it? It's embarrassing to me!

Did Ichikawa san have such a blasted mindset ...?

"All I'm saying is, do you really like me? ! I suspect that you approached me for some purpose. For example, you know, ...the punishment game."

As I suspected earlier, this is the most likely scenario.

It's sad to think about being chosen as a target for punishment, though. I'm very sorry if this is a mistake, but it should be the only way.

"Don't say that it's weird. If it's really a punishment, then more and more I don't need to pick someone as ordinary as you. Even more so for other purposes. What do you think I can expect from an ordinary man like you?"

"Y-You are the one who confessed to me right ? why are you telling me that much ?"

You've been saying ordinary to ordinary for a while now. I'm aware of it, but it's going to hurt me. I'm asking because it's not right to confess to that ordinary boy.

I'm starting to wonder if you really like me?

"You're treating my once-in-a-lifetime confession as a punishment...It's sad."

I was impatient to see Ichikawa san with a sad expression on her face, holding her mouth and keeping her eyes down.

"S-Sorry ! I didn't mean it that way... I was just wondering if you really like me..."

"Yeah. That's why I told you that I have fallen in love with you. I like you."

"Tshhh!"

I was skeptical, but Ichikawa san moved her beautiful face closer to me.

Smells good. Long eyelashes. Cute.

In an instant, my thoughts are captivated by the charm she possesses.

It seems that the sad gesture earlier was an act.

"If I have to prove it, I could kiss you."

"K-kiss..."

Ichikawa san's kiss ?

This is bad.

Her marble-like eyes are fixed on me. Her eyes are so beautiful that they almost suck you in.

I gulp. My face is hot.

Slowly the face comes closer.

And naturally, my gaze is drawn to Ichikawa san's soft lips.

If you bring your face close...my lips and Ichikawa-san's lips will overlap ...!

"Y-you don't have to go this far. I somehow know that you're serious."

"Yes. But it's too bad"

I stopped myself just before our lips met and turned my face away.

She smiles a bewitching smile and pulls her face away.

"Houuu..."

My heart is loud.

I was so nervous, but she was unconcerned.

"So about that. Komiya Youta kun. Can I hear your response?"

"..."

It was impossible to think properly in such a state.

My face is hot and my heart is like a rampaging horse.

Ichikawa san, with a giggle, seems to be enjoying her interaction with me somewhat.

I was getting annoyed because I couldn't see what she was really thinking.

"I wonder if you don't need me?"

"...what do you mean?"

"It's exactly that."

After thinking about it for a while, I asked again.

"Did you hear me, by any chance?"

"Okay??"

I'm fooling around, but I definitely heard this one...

She says this knowing that I have to have a girlfriend in a week. I was stumped.

"Honestly, I don't know what you're confused about, but I promise you won't regret it."

A goddess smiling before my eyes.

To be honest, I still have some doubts...but if what she says is true I think it's nothing short of a miracle that such a beautiful girl fell for me.

More importantly, Just when I had to get a girlfriend.

In my mind is the image of the girl I have a crush on who is also in my class this year.

But this feeling will never come true.

...

But is it okay?

"You're thinking that it is probably not okay to go out with half feelings, don't you ?"

"Wait, how ?"

"Your face is too easy to read. Normally, I would have thought that if a beautiful woman like me confessed her love to me, I would have said yes immediately. I'm a little shocked."

"You say that yourself."

There's no doubt she's beautiful, though.

Besides, do I look that obvious?

"I don't mind though."

"Ee?"

"Even if you don't have feelings for me. Even if you were to go out with me for some calculating purpose, I would accept it."

She replied as if she knew everything.

"If you go out with me and don't like me, then you can leave me."

"It's not that easy—"

"But I'll make sure that doesn't happen, and I'll make sure you can't live without me."

"Tss!"

My heart jumped again.

"So, have you decided on an answer?"

"..."

That smile is not fair.

My heart beats faster.

In the end, I don't know what's really going on. Maybe she really likes me, or maybe she has other goals.

But I found what she said very appealing.

It's as if she's saying that I can go out with her and avoid a commitment to my dad and then break up with her because I like someone else.

But if I do that, that's the worst.

But I was sure that her words made me feel somewhat better.

I exhale slowly and then regulate my breathing.

I then looked firmly at Ichikawa san.

"—–If you're fine with me."

And so I gave up on my feelings for the person I loved and became a girlfriend with Ichikawa Aoi, the most beautiful girl in my grade.

I, Ichikawa Aoi, confessed my feelings to a boy today.

He, Komiya Youta, was an ordinary boy with nothing special about him.

That's why I thought he is a good choice.

Even if he can't exercise or study.

I felt that such a person overlapped with someone from some time ago.

I like him as he is. What I seek is ordinary.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

My boyfriend has already left and I am the only one left in the classroom.

Dusk is already falling. Night will soon come.

We could have gone home together, but we will save that for another time.

"Fufu, I'm in your care, Komiya Youta kun."

After a small murmur, he left the place.

–

–

–

Episode 3 - The goddess Surroundings

I, Komiya Youta, have a girlfriend.

Let me say it again. I have a girlfriend.

How wonderful that sounds.

This alone will make mornings more energetic and give a boost to my school life.

But remember, I haven't exactly fallen in love with her yet.

I had someone I liked. I haven't sorted out those feelings yet either.

Even though there was someone I liked, I gave up on that love for one reason or another and I am now dating my current girlfriend.

Aside from the fact that this is unethical, my girlfriend, Ichikawa Aoi, is incredibly beautiful.

It is as if that smile alone could purify the human race.

"Oh, you're so quiet."

"Hahaha–, Because that's what they usually do, right?"

It is After school the day after I started dating Ichikawa san.

All the boys were blown away from the fatigue of the day when they saw her smiling politely in a casual conversation with his friends.

"Today, the goddess is really bad~" ( TL/N : bad from the word "Yabai", nowadays the Japanese people sometimes use that word as slang for expressing something cool, or crazy.)

"Thanks to that person, I feel like I've survived the day."

"I know right? Now I can get more motivated tomorrow !"

In this way, she has a tremendous influence on the people around her. Mainly boys.

"Oh, what are you talking about?"

"Let me hear it for myself~!"

"Me too–!!"

She has a wide circle of friends.

The boys and girls, the so-called "cheerful" ones, all gather around her.

"Yes. Shizuka is—-"

She repeated the same topic and laughed happily.

"Damn you, Jinguji and the others!"

"Die you, handsome man !!!!"

"Screw you!!!!"

And among her friends who often hang out with her, a boy called Jinguji is particularly resented by other shady boys in this way.

It's mainly envy and jealousy.

Jinguji Ren is handsome and athletic, and his popularity with the girls, adds to this even more.

"Ahaha, That is strange Aoi!"

"I know right? That's what makes Aoi so interesting."

"Is that right? I'm just doing what I do."

A handsome man and a beautiful woman. The picture of them laughing together is a very well-matched couple.

The other girls also made statements to the effect that they approve of their relationship, saying, [If it's Ichikawa san, she's a good match for Jinguji kun, so it can't be helped.]

The boys are also saying, [Jinguji is a good guy, so we can trust him.] and I don't know from which perspective.

But I am the one who is actually dating her, not Jinguji.

Amazing. I don't know why it's me and not Jinguji.

"..."

Thus, I had mixed feelings when I saw them as if they were a couple laughing in front of each other.

Well? I don't think it's a good idea for a guy who hasn't yet gotten over a previous love to suddenly act like he's your boyfriend, right?

After all, it's no fun to see her being told that she's a good match for some hot guy besides her boyfriend, right?

What is it? What is this feeling that is rising in me?

"Fufufu."

I couldn't help but smile wryly.

"What's with that creepy smile on your face?"

"Shut up.."

I immediately responded to the sideways retortment.

The person who retorted, Fujimoto Ataru—–A.K.A Naka. He's also my only best friend.

Unlike me, who has a faint presence and a mob, Naka is a fine, cheery person . He's a guy who has a wide circle of friends, plus he's a good-looking guy there, and I don't know how he got on with me.

If anything, he is the one who should be with Jinguji and the others.

He is good friends with Jinguji and the others, but he basically hangs out with me most of the time. When I asked him why he was with me, he said, "Because it's easy". I don't understand this guy.

"Today's also, the goddess was in perfect form."

Naka mutters, looking in the direction of the laughter.

"I know right."

"What, are you jealous of those guys?"

"It's not like that."

"Have you exchanged a conversation yet?"

"Leave me alone."

Naka knows that I liked Tohno san and often teases me about my inability to confess.

And he knows that I was in despair the other day when I heard that she likes someone else.

"Why didn't you just confess anyway~?"

"How can you do that when you know you're going to get dumped?"

"Still as cowardly as ever. If I were you, I'd confess."

"You don't know because you've never been dumped."

"Well yeah."

"It pisses me off when people say things like that with confidence. Even though You ended up being disillusioned later on."

"Y-You bastard ! the thing that's sensitive to me !"

"We're both in this together."

Naka has a nice face, but he's a disappointment on the inside. It can't be helped.

And there's no way I could confess to her now, either.

I already have a girlfriend. I know it's not easy, but I have to say goodbye to this feeling now.

"I wonder if those two are dating."

Naka's gaze returns to Ichikawa san and Jinguji again.

"They're not."

I blurted out.

I had no intention of saying this to Naka. It was a reflection, so to speak. But Naka did not miss it.

"Hmm? How do you know that? Don't tell me you really fell for Ichikawa san?"

"N-not that. I just happened to have a chance to talk to her the other day, and I just asked."

"Hmmmmm~? Is that right??"

I'm glad this guy was simple. I convinced him somehow.

But am I really dating Ichikawa san?

It's been a day, but it's kind of hard to get a sense of what it's like to be in school and not be involved in this way.

I wonder what will happen if word gets out that someone like me is dating her.

From what I've seen of the boys I've just met, It's scary to think of what would happen if the other party was me, who's an ordinary one.

Well, I don't have to force myself to be with her at school.

She has hers. I have my community.

Surely my ordinary life would end if it became known that I was dating her.

If I get a chance to talk to her again, I will ask her to not get involved with me at school as much as possible.

I doubt this is really a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.

"Well, let's go home Aoi–"

"Yeah, Let's go home."

"Oh? Do you want to stop somewhere?"

"What about club activities, Ren kun?"

"Today's a day off"

"Then let's just drop in at a random cafe!"

With such conversation, Ichikawa san and the others got up from their seats.

I knew that conversation is very riajuu-like.

A cafe on the way home? I've never been there.

"Oh, it looks like they're leaving. We're going home, too."

"Yeah, I think so."

Naka and I got up from our seats and decided to leave, with Ichikawa san and the others behind us.

We have the same timing, but if possible, I hope we don't have to go home together. It's kind of awkward.

"—-!"

As I was thinking about this, my eyes met Ichikawa san's in the group.

Then she smiles at me with a sly grin.

Then she winked lightly and then her mouth moved.

"!"

When she finished saying something, she returned to the group and left again.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"...No, nothing."

"Is your face turned red?"

"Because you're hot and bothering me."

"Isn't that rude!?"

After insulting Naka lightly, we headed home while talking nonsense.

If it wasn't my imagination, She said [See you later].

A message directed only to me. Not bad.

–

–

–

Episode 4 - Secret with The goddess

Ding-dong, the chime rang early in the morning.

I woke up to that sound.

Then, as I was still sleepy and rubbing my sleepy eyes, the sound rang once more.

"... who is it?"

I live alone and the only people I can think of who visits my house, other than my friends, are delivery men.

But deliveries never arrive this early on a weekday morning, and that was the same for my friend.

I get up and walk out of the 1K room into the hallway and head for the front door.

In the meantime, the chime rang three times.

"Yes yes, who is th–!?"

"Good morning. Komiya kun."

"W-Why?!"

Standing at the door was Ichikawa san, who became my girlfriend the day before yesterday.

"I told you on the way home yesterday that I would see you again."

"Ah that ! but, Is that what you meant?!"

[going to my house tomorrow morning]?How should I understand that?

"Is it weird for a girlfriend to come to wake up her boyfriend?"

"It's certainly a situation I long for. But my question is, how do you know where I live!"

"...?If it's someone you like, you should at least know where they live."

What's with that confused face...?

I am under the illusion that I am wrong because she says it as if it was normal.

"Sorry, I was surprised because someone knows my address without being told."

"Is that it? Isn't it normal to want to know everything about the person you love?"

T-that's right, I certainly wanted to know everything about Tohno san.

Even though I haven't had Tohno san to tell me where she lives. but I know her house.

Oh, I'm not a stalker! I just happen to know! Really by accident!

That means...Hmm? Ichikawa san is not wrong ?

Or perhaps that's not the answer?

Oh no, I'm confused...

"I'm sorry to interrupt you while you're thinking, but it's still early for school, so would you mind letting me in?"

"Eh !? You're gonna come in ?"

"What is it that you don't want me to see? Like your computer history?"

"Noo!! Don't do that, so don't ever look at it!?"

Most teenagers' rooms, regardless of gender, have things they don't want to be seen in.

Either way, the computer is NG. (TL/N : NG is Not good)

"..."

"I-Ichikawa san ??"

What's wrong?

I called out as it suddenly became quiet.

Ichikawa san still did not respond, but kept silent and thought about something.

"Yes, it was rude of me. It was certainly rude of me to come out of the blue after what happened yesterday. I'm sorry. I'll be waiting for you at a nearby park, so please come when you're done getting ready."

That said, it was still six o'clock.

Even though it is April, the mornings are still slightly chilly depending on the day.

And I have just woken up, so it will still take some time, and I can't bear to have her waiting outside in the middle of such a situation.

"W-wait"

I stopped Ichikawa san, who turned away and started to walk away.

"Y-You can wait in your room if you want."

She is my girlfriend. I can't turn away a girl who came all the way to pick me up.

"Ara. So I can look at your computer history."

"That's not it"

"What's wrong?"

"D-Delicious!"

I asked her to wait until the room was ready, but it was the first time I was alone with a girl, so I couldn't help but be nervous.

Moreover, she even made breakfast with what was in the fridge. However, the refrigerator was almost empty, so I could barely cook anything more than rice and miso soup.

The ingredients are supposed to be the same, but it tastes much better than what I make.

What's going on? Is there anything she can't do, after all, as rumored?

Ichikawa san stares at me as I sip miso soup.

I've never had people look at me like this before, but when the other party is Ichikawa san, it's hard to say.

"Etto, something wrong?"

"It's nothing. I'm just looking at the profile of someone I like."

"..."

I feel itchy when Ichikawa san tells me to my face that she likes me.

I'm usually embarrassed by that.

I looked at the TV to escape her gaze.

From the TV I hear morning horoscopes.

[Ninth place goes to you, Taurus! You may be swept away by the opposite sex this week. Try acting with a Gemini with whom you have great chemistry! Your lucky item is a mechanical pencil!]

Oioi. Ninth place. How subtle ... I mean, it's mid-week, but weekly horoscopes?

Being pushed around by the opposite sex...It's already happening though.

I looked at Mr. Ichikawa from the side.

"I think you and I are a perfect match."

"...Ee? Oh, you are a Gemini."

"Yes, June 21st is my birthday."

"Hee...Wait a minute. Do you know when my birthday is?"

"Ara. You say funny things. Next week, the 21st, right? I'm just two months after you. I guess it's fate."

I knew it.

Something like that doesn't surprise me anymore. I want to ask her how she knows where I live and how she knows me so well, but I'm afraid so I don't.

And what about the idea that we are destined just because we share the same day? If we were doomed just because of that, the town would be full of doomed people.

"Thank you for the meal."

I then enjoy the breakfast I had made and take the dishes to the sink.

The time is just before seven o'clock. It is still a little early to leave for school.

Ichikawa san is sitting on a cushion, watching the TV news.

When I look at her profile, I still can't help but think that she is extremely beautiful.

Once again, it was uncomfortable to have that Ichikawa san in my room.

"Ara, what's wrong ? Did you admire my profile?"

"Tsss, no..."

Figures.

"Well, we still have some time, so why don't we have a little chat?"

"That kind of aggressiveness is very welcome."

Ichikawa san turned off the TV and turned to me. I sat down beside her across the table.

"..."

"..."

I don't know what to say, even though I said so to somehow cover up the story. I think I was calmer during the confession.

Ichikawa san continues to stare at me as if she was going to blow a hole in me.

Do you have any topics to discuss? ...

Oh, yes. We need to talk about this properly.

"A-about school."

"It's about what we do with our relationship right?"

As if she knew what I was talking about, Ichikawa san interrupted me.

Maybe she sensed my gaze yesterday.

"It would be a big deal if people knew that you and I were dating."

"Ah no...yes."

She seems to be aware of this. There is so much difference between me and her.

This must be discussed thoroughly to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

"I know. You and I are like Beauty and the Beast. If the villagers find out you are beasts, they will attack you."

You called yourself beautiful, how consistent. You're not wrong, though.

"You are more on the side of the villagers than the beasts, though."

A correction has been made.

So I'm a mob that can't even be a beast. This is not wrong either.

"But wouldn't it be nice to have a story about a villager and a beautiful woman?"

"... that story is interesting?"

"I think it's a novelty, though."

If you want to read it as a story, that would be different.

Let's get back to the subject since we've gotten off track.

"Well, I'm sure nobody cares about me, but still, Ichikawa san is different."

"Still, I think it's only a matter of time before people find out."

"Why?"

"I'm not that patient of a woman."

"What do you mean by that..."

"'Fufu, I mean I always want to be with the person I love."

"Tssu."

It's hard to say that we should try not to hang out too much at school when she says it with confidently.

"But it's okay. I don't like flirting in public that much either. And I don't want people to talk about it. Let's not tell anyone."

"Sorry."

It's beyond shameful to make a girlfriend you've gone out with say something like this.

I'm sure she knew what I was thinking and said so.

Ichikawa san seems to know everything about me.

"Don't be sorry. I understand and I don't want to cause trouble for the people I love. Besides, there are plenty of ways to keep out of sight. Will you at least eat lunch with me?"

Ichikawa san looks a little sad.

How could I refuse if she said that to me with a face like that?

"Oh. If that's alright with you."

"That's a deal."

Ichikawa san immediately returned smiling when I said this.

Is Ichikawa san an actress or something? It's pretty sneaky.

–

–

–

Episode 5 - A Certain Glimpse of the Goddess

"Haa..."

"What's wrong with you, sighing all morning?"

"...Naka. Nothing."

When I arrived at school and took my seat, Naka approached me.

"If you keep sighing like that, happiness will go away, you know? Ah, is it already gone ? don't mind it."

"Noisy. Don't dig at people's wounds!"

implicitly, I am saying that I had my heart broken the other day.

"But well, ... don't be so depressed. In times like this, it's important to switch things up. Let's move on. Next!"

"You know what? Maybe you are misunderstanding something, but that's why I'm sighing."

"For example, look."

"Listen to me."

I was about to say that the reason I was sighing was not because I was heartbroken, but Naka interrupted me and turned his gaze toward the entrance of the classroom.

Ichikawa san had just entered the classroom and Naka seemed to be watching him.

"Still beautiful today too huh ?"

"Ha, Hahahaha..."

All I can do is laugh thirstily.

I have not yet told Naka that I am dating Ichikawa san.

And the reason I sighed is because of her.

That was before the school day.

＊＊＊

"Hey, this is ..."

"Don't worry about it."

We left home and headed to school together.

After discussing it, though, we had just agreed that we would try not to be together at school too much, so when school got closer, I would go first.

"That's why this kind of thing..."

"Fufu. It's okay~ because we are dating."

Now I am being held firmly by Ichikawa san's arm.

And I feel two soft touches of something on my arms. The soft, soapy scent wafting from her tickles my nostrils.

It is very stimulating for me, who has no experience with women.

Thanks to that, I've been having a heartthrob since a while ago.

The way I walk also seems awkward.

Speaking of Ichikawa-san, her cheeks seem to be a little loose.

Cute. It's unbelievably cute. I can't believe it's the same person.

This is a rarely seen side of Ichikawa san, who usually gives a cool impression.

She didn't seem to care that she was pressing her chest against me.

... it's no good. At this rate, I can't even make it to school, even if it's only halfway there.

"I-It would be nice to have a little more distance."

"I don't want to. We don't get to spend much time together at school, so why not?"

It's just too cute.

No, You don't want to keep it a secret.. It's really too much of a mystery why it's so highly sensitive.

"This is how we will go to school every day from now on."

"Okay..."

I had no right to veto.

＊＊＊

It is depressing to think that every day I have to fight in this way.

What? Too extravagant?

Say what you want. I know that, too, but equipment that is too big for you will bring doom.

As a virgin unaccustomed to gratuitous favors from women, I'm sorry, but I still have a hunch that something is going on..

A vicious cycle of self-loathing at such a pathetic self.

"If there was someone who could go out with Ichikawa san, he would be happy."

"... are you going after Ichikawa san?"

"It's not that. It's true that I'd love to be able to date a beautiful woman, but it's impossible. Jinguji isn't dating either, is he? I knew that a beautiful woman can only be entertainment. So what do you think about Ichikawa san?"

"...I don't know why it would lead there. You can't be like me in a normal way."

Yes, it is impossible in the normal sense of the word. This is not modesty or anything.

"The goal is too high. And you are too self-deprecating. You're a good guy. Sure, you may not be as good-looking as Jinguji, but maybe there's a chance."

"'You don't have to compare one to the other. you can either praise or insult me."

"I'm complimenting you. Well, Ichikawa san is just an example, but the point is that when you have a broken heart, you should fall in love elsewhere."

What you are saying is most likely. Even though I had promised my dad, too, it was those feelings that led me to the conclusion that we should go out.

Rude to say, I am thrilled with her, but this means that I am simply not used to women and have not fallen in love with her yet. It's just that she's beautiful, which makes it all the more remarkable.

I went out with her because she confessed to me. That was my honest feeling toward her now.

"Well, she seemed to be looking at you with a lot of passion yesterday, too, right? Since we're now in the same class as the goddess, let's let one of our stories bloom. I'll give you my help."

"No, thanks."

Naka, who may have mistakenly thought that I had feelings for Ichikawa san, headed toward her.

He then spoke to Ichikawa san, who was chatting and laughing with a friend and immediately joined the circle.

That guy's awesome.

It seems that being able to communicate with anyone without fear is an essential talent for that kind of character.

Naka seemed to be having fun, occasionally looking at me and talking to Ichikawa san and the others about something.

"Hey, Youta. Come here."

That guy, seriously.

I head to Ichikawa san's desk, feeling somewhat awkward since I promised him that I would try not to get involved with him too much at school.

There was only one other female student around Ichikawa san. If I'm not wrong...Sakino Shizuka san ?

With her light brown hair color and out of uniform, she is what one would call a gyaru. A synonym for cheerful. If anything, I may not be good with that type.

It seems that no other members have arrived yet today.

"This is Youta. My friend, I was telling you about. I hear he's hungry for a woman, so be nice to him."

"Hey, watch your language!"

"Ahaha, Nice to meet you–. Just as you've said Naka, what a truly shadow person ! We're in the same class, but I've never seen him before!"

Uwa, That's the one that usually hurts ...

It's been a week since school started and I'm still a shadow.

"It's Sakino Shizuka! You can call me Shizu chan, Shizuka-sama, whatever you want to call me!"

Sakino san says so cheerfully. She is only a gal, and for her name, her personality is the complete opposite of friendly. (TL/N : Shizuka is japanese for quiet)

"Then–, this one– Aoi ? what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. Nice to meet you, Komiya kun."

When Sakino san approached Ichikawa san, she stood up, turned to him, and held out her hand with a smile.

Our relationship isn't public, so it's kind of weird.

I hold her hand in confusion.

"Nice to meet you...Ugh!?"

Then the hand that held it gripped me with more strength than I had imagined, and I almost screamed out in response.

"Hmmm??"

"What's wrong??"

"N-nothing..."

But soon my hand is released, only pain remains.

Naka and Sakino san did not seem to notice this.

"Fufu."

Chill runs down my spine.

Huh? You're smiling, but your eyes aren't smiling.

"What's wrong Aoi?"

"Nothing"

"I think you're quite tense?"

"Nothing, I'm fine."

"Hee–, you're lying–"

"No, I'm not."

"You're definitely not in a good mood!"

"It's nothing."

...

"I wonder what happened to Ichikawa san."

I don't know either...

In the end, the chime rang without me knowing why Ichikawa san was suddenly acting strangely.

–

–

–

Episode 6 - Jealousy of the Goddess

"What were you talking to Ichikawa and the others about?"

"Ee?"

When I returned to my seat, Tohno san, my neighbor, called out to me and I panicked.

I was completely caught off guard because I was thinking about Ichikawa san.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just small talk!"

"Small talk..."

"No, Because it's really nothing!"

I desperately try to make things right with Tohno san, who for some reason looks at me with suspicion.

It makes me feel somewhat guilty.

"I-I was just wondering if Komiya kun also likes Ichikawa san?"

"Ue??! W-Why?"

"Well, because boys like beautiful people like Ichikawa san...even as a woman, I think she's very beautiful..."

H-How should I answer this...

"I'm not as pretty or as stylish as Ichikawa san...I really envy her."

Indeed, Tohno is not much bigger than Ichikawa san. If anything, she is on the small side.

But it is no exaggeration to say that together they bring out her cuteness.

...I'm thinking like a professional, it's creepy, let's stop.

What I am trying to say is that if Ichikawa san is called beautiful, then Tohno san is cute.

I wonder if Tohno san is still struggling with style and such.

I think it's cute enough as it is.

"...I guess boys like people with style more."

I could barely hear the little voice blurting out.

Somehow Tohno san's face seems to be somewhat depressed.

"What's wrong?"

"Ah no ! Just a little bit!"

Is this...misunderstanding ?

"Is this about your childhood friend?"

"Ee??! Why ?!"

This panic. No doubt about it!

She's having trouble getting the person she loves to turn to her.

It must be that!

Damn you, handsome childhood friend! You're disturbing Tohno san!

If that were the case...There is only one thing I can do. Support her.

Just the thought of Tohno san going out with someone else is destroying my brain, but as a loser, I have no right to interfere with that love.

I want her to be happy because I loved her more than anything.

Come on, me! You must encourage her!!

"IIII-I think Tohno san is cute enough."

"Tssss. I-Is that right...Thank you !!"

I chewed too much. What's with "cute"? Am I a Chara boy?

More importantly, Tohno san seems to be in better spirits than before.

Thank god. But her face is red.

"Tohno san ? Are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine ! As you can see!"

When I said this, Tohno san hurriedly moved away from me and struck a pose as if she were making a power hump with her right arm.

Her white arms were quite slender.

"Ahaha. It's not done at all."

"Ugh, you're laughing ?! No problem, I'll make it!"

Tohno san sulks and turns away.

The situation made me smile and laugh.

I feel like I am more in touch with nature than before.

Perhaps it is because a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

Maybe it's because I don't have to think about what to do if I get dumped or other unnecessary things.

Maybe I'm getting back on my feet sooner than I think.

I would be lying if I said I no longer have feelings for her.

But I had a feeling that maybe soon I would be able to sort out these feelings.

That's what I'm going to miss, though.

I mean, it's still very dishonest. I haven't told Ichikawa san that I had someone else I like...

Ichikawa san told me that it was okay if I didn't have feelings for her, but was this really the right thing to do?

Should I talk to Ichikawa san properly?

That I have someone I like.

But...

I remember how grumpy she was this morning. I am not sure if I can speak properly from that

I'll try to apologize once I'm on my lunch break...

The reason for this is still unknown.

I wasn't even aware of it.

That someone is watching with a smile but sharp eyes.

lunch break.

With a piece of bread I bought at the store, I head for the stairs leading to the rooftop.

Unfortunately, the rooftop of this school is closed and cannot even be accessed. My destination is not the rooftop, but the stairs.

I headed for the stairs and there was a person sitting on the stairs already waiting for me.

"Here you are, finally."

"Sorry, I had to go to the store."

"I don't mind."

Ichikawa san does not change the expression on her face and begins to take out her lunch box without hesitation.

I still feel like she is not yet cured of her morning grumpiness.

No, this may be her normal state. Cool is her usual state. Right...?

We had agreed to have lunch together in the morning and to meet here, in a less crowded place, at noon.

Naka persistently asked me where I was going, but I somehow managed to fool him and come all this way.

"..."

"..."

Awkward.

A different kind of awkwardness comes over rather than the one at home this morning.

Ichikawa san is silently chewing on her lunch box. The bento was a vegetable-based menu, and it was apparent that she is careful about what she eats daily.

O,Okay !

"Oh, you know? Are you mad at me?"

"Do I look angry to you?"

I have trouble with that answer. If anything, I think she is ... angry, but I'm not sure I can make a stupidly honest affirmation here.

"No, H-hmmm..."

"This morning."

As I was pondering what to say, she interrupted me.

"I wonder if what Fujimoto kun said this morning is true?"

"Naka?"

What did he say?

"He said you were hungry for women."

"Ahh, That is...ts!"

Maybe you were mad at me for that!?

"I wonder if Komiya kun is still not satisfied with his girlfriend. Are you aiming to be a harem king?"

"No, it's not that ! The thing is..."

"Haa. Was it Tohno san? You seemed to be having a lot of fun talking to her."

"N-Not like that...It's.."

Bad, bad, bad. Did she see?

Ee? Did she see me talking to someone I like?

I'm pretty sure it sounded like I was having a good time.

"S-sorry."

"Sorry? I wonder if you realize you did anything wrong enough to apologize."

There is no escape.

It's not like I cheated on her or anything, but I originally liked her, so I feel guilty for going out with her in a less blown up state. ... Oh, God, what am I going to do!

"Komiya kun is a flirt, isn't he?"

"N-No I am not..."

"I have to punish Komiya kun for that."

"Hii!?"

Your eyes are not smiling!!!

Ichikawa san approaches with a wry smile.

"If you are a boyfriend that does think that I don't like, then..."

I-I'm finished...

I was too terrified to see.

"...mugu!!??" (SFX)

She stuffed something in my mouth.

When I bite into it, it pops and spreads sweet and salty juice in my mouth.

Is this ... cherry tomatoes?

When I fearfully opened my eyes, I saw Ichikawa san smiling elegantly.

I no longer feel the pressure that I felt earlier.

"Ara, what's wrong? You look like you've been pinched by a fox? Did you think I was mad at you?"

Huh...she's not mad?

"Maybe I could be an actress."

This time and this morning was an act?

"Fufu"

"Ugh!!!"

Completely fooled!!!!

I've been played!!!

"Komiya kun's reaction was so amusing that I felt compelled to tease you. I'm sorry."

"Give me a break."

I can't take it.

I was thinking of ...

"Ara, But it's true that I was jealous. If I see you talking happily to another girl again, I might really stab you in the back."

"...You're kidding, right?"

"Well?"

More and more reasons why I couldn't tell her that I like Tohno san.

–

–

–

Episode 7 - Conversation Between Childhood Friends

"Huh...? Where did he go ?"

I, Tohno Hitomi, am looking for Komiya kun, who was sitting next to me.
These days as soon as it's lunchtime, he goes away.

We usually have lunch with Fujimoto kun at Komiya kun's seat, but I haven't seen him there since this Wednesday.
Today is Friday, and it happened again.

"I wonder if he's going somewhere to buy food?"

Maybe, the school canteen?
Just as I was thinking this, I saw Fujimoto kun enter the classroom blurting out something.

"Damn, he ain't here today too, ... where'd he go?"
"What's wrong?"

I was curious about the situation and approached Fujimoto kun.

"Ee? Ah, Tohno san. Did you see Youta ?"
"Komiya kun ? I haven't seen him. Wasn't he with Fujimoto kun?"
"No, that's the thing. Lately, I've been having a hard time keeping up with him. He says he has something to do and then goes away."
"I see. I heard that he is being summoned by the teacher?"
"No, that's not it. It's been like this for 3 days straight. I don't think that guy, who doesn't stand out in any way, gets called out that much."
"Yeah, I think so too...Ah well, maybe another friend?"
"Unfortunately, he has no friends besides me."
"Ah, okay..."

It sure seems like he is always with Fujimoto kun.
I think he is always alone when Fujimoto kun is with others.
"These days Aoi is always gone, where does she go? Shizuka, do you know something ?"
"Well, I don't know about that~. She always said that she has something to do but didn't tell me what it was"
"I wonder where she goes? Don't tell me it's a boyfriend or something!?"
"... It's impossible for Aoi."
"Yeah, I think so too."

While talking with Fujimoto kun about the whereabouts of Komiya kun, a similar conversation was heard from Jinguji kun and the others.

"I guess Ichikawa san is missing over there too."
"It seems."
"I don't know, maybe they are together."
"Hee?!"
"Wait, No way, not for him! It can't be helped. I'm curious, but I'm having dinner with a different guy today. See you later, Tohno san."

Fujimoto kun said what was on his mind and walked into another group of boys.

"Where are they really at ...?"

In the end, Komiya kun did not return after that until after lunch break.

Lunch break is over and fifth period classes begin.
Even at this time of the day, when my stomach was somewhat full and sleepiness was coming on, I was still wide-eyed, wondering about what Fujimoto kun had said at lunch.

Next to me, Komiya kun, who caused the problem, is in a daze.

I want to ask him.
I wonder where he was and what his business was without telling his friend Fujimoto kun, and I wonder if he was meeting with Ichikawa san.

...I'm curious.
'Well, Komiya, a sentence on this page. Read it."
"...Tss, Yes !??"

Right now, it's English class.
Komiya kun, who was called by the teacher, gets up from his seat in a great hurry.
Then he looked at his textbook and froze.

"What's wrong? you didn't hear me?"
"N-No..."
"(It's the second sentence on page 14.)"
"!! e e, Now look at—"

When I sneaked up next to him and told him, Komiya kun began to read a sentence, and when he finished, he sat down.

"(You've been a big help. Thank you.)"
"(You're welcome. ..., ah about that)"
"(Yeah?)"
"(Where do you go for lunch these days?)"
"(—-Ts!!)"

A chance to talk came up and I asked him what was on my mind.
Continuing to whisper and ask about lunch in a quiet voice, Komiya kun bounced his body in the same way he did when the teacher pointed at him earlier.
The desk makes a little noise with the impact, and Komiya kun's mechanical pencil falls to the ground with a clatter.

Komiya kun didn't seem to notice that either and continued talking.

"(I'm just eating lunch with Naka.)"
"(But, Fujimoto kun also seemed to be looking for Komiya kun, right)?
"(... I was going to go to the cafeteria with Naka, but then I remembered the teacher called me to the staff room)"
"(For the last three days?)"
"(Y-Yeah...)"
"(So it's like that)"

Hmm ? It doesn't explain the situation.
But he has no reason to lie...

"(Sorry. CCC-Can I take notes?)"
"(I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.)"
"(No, it's okay.)"

Komiya kun says so and starts looking for a mechanical pencil.

Oh, you didn't notice that you dropped it earlier?
It's a little far, but I'll take it.

However, Komiya kun also reached out his hand just in time to notice that a mechanical pencil had fallen out.
I didn't notice it, but at the same time, I reached for the mechanical pencil—–

[Ahh...]

Our hands touched.
Then we looked at each other, and for just a few seconds, Komiya kun and I froze as if time had stopped.

"S-Sorry !"
"M-Me too!"

He pulls his hand back in a hurry.
Hot. My face is hot.

The mechanical pencil was safely in Komiya kun's hand.

The last class of the day is coming to an end.
I was still bothered.
Because the more I thought about lunch, the more I felt Komiya was lying about something.

If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine, but I kind of didn't want to be lied to.

"A-Alright. This time..."

I took a deep breath and then spoke to Komiya kun next to me as soon as the chime rang.

"Ko-Komiya kun. Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"What? Tohno-san? I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I have some business to attend to now. ... I'll see you next time! I'm sorry!"
"Eh? Komiya kun !!"

Komiya-kun left the classroom in a hurry when he thought I saw where he was going.

Also no good...
I then left the school alone.

"Ha..."
"What's wrong ! You looked dejected"
"Aki chan !"

As I was about to open the gate of my house, I was approached from behind and turned around.
There was my childhood friend, dressed in a girl's uniform from the same school.

"What about today's club activities?"
"I'm off today. I called you, but you didn't see me?"
"Oh, Is it? Sorry."

I looked at my cell phone and there were several messages from Aki chan on it.

"Hey, Can I go to your room?"
"Okay, then, come"

I did not open the gate, and went straight into Aki chan's house, the house next door, and went to her room.

Me and Aki chan – Mitsushima Aki – have been childhood friends since elementary school and are great friends.
We often go back and forth between each other's rooms like this for a long time. Recently, Aki chan's room was more often.
To be honest, I would have wanted to be with her at school, but for some reason, we kept the fact that we were childhood friends a secret at school.

Aki chan's room was cluttered with a small number of things, and on her bed were scattered shounen manga that she had probably read yesterday.

"Mou, Aki chan. You're always making a mess."
"Yes, yes, scold scold. I'll clean it up later."
"You say so, but you don't always clean up your mess, do you? I'm always the one who cleans up."
"Hitomi is my mother right?"
"I don't remember having a baby this big."

Aki chan is a tomboy girl in both looks and personality.
Her hair is short and her face is neutral.
She is also a promising ace in short-distance running on the track team and is a very cool and manly girl even to me as a person of the same gender.
Not only that, but her behavior is also very manly, which is why she is often admired by female students.
She is very popular with the girls in a different way than Jinguji kun.
I think she was confessed to by a junior girl just the other day as well.

Even Ichikawa san, who is indeed considered a perfect superhuman, would be no match for Aki chan in terms of athletic ability.

"So what's troubling you? Oh, by the way, did you manage to ask that boy you've been thinking about out to play?"
"About that..."

I honestly told Aki chan that I could not invite a boy in my class – Komiya kun – to play with me.

"Ahh Mou, you need to hurry! You need to be more aggressive!"
"C-Can't help it ! I only realized I liked him recently..."

It was only recently that I started to become aware of it.
In the first year, we were in separate classes and I was the first one to call on him at the entrance ceremony. Then we happened to be on the same committee, and we had more opportunities to talk, but I wasn't really aware of it.
But towards the end of the year. He started avoiding me.

This made me feel sad and gloomy for days.

When I talked to Aki chan about this feeling that I couldn't quite understand, she told me, [That's love]
Looking back, I have been indebted to Komiya kun in various committee-related ways over the past year.
My cheeks naturally relax as I reflect on what happened with him.
It was true that he was a boy I was interested in, although I wasn't sure if I liked him yet.

But I have no confidence.

"No, no, no, I could tell from what you said. That boy is definitely conscious of Hitomi."
"It's not that! I'm not that cute..."
"(This girl ...even I wouldn't leave you alone if I were a man)"
"Eh? What did you say?"
"Nothing !"

It was too small to hear.

"Make sure you ask him out next week. If you fail to do so, I'll have to take a piece of your skin. Do you understand?"
"What? Hey, what are you going to do!"
"Well, I guess it's just for fun. If you didn't want me to do anything, you'd have asked him out quicker."
"Uuuu..."

Aki chan is the type of person who acts immediately rather than thinking. If left her alone, she will act on her own and you never know what will happen.
I was cornered.

–

–

–

(TL/A : Now this will be interesting)

Episode 8 - The Way Home with the Goddess

"..."
"...fufu"

Currently, I am on my way home with Ichikawa san.
Of course, with arms clung.
I'm doing my best to keep my composure.

When Tohno san spoke to me after class, I felt her sharp gaze on me.

The look was from Ichikawa san, who before lunch, forced me to cut off my conversation with Tohno san and left the school.
Then, for some reason, Ichikawa san, who was ahead of me, caught me and decided to accompany me home.

Even though we are a little far from the school, I feel that if we repeatedly go to and from school together like this, someone might see us someday.

I mean, I still have this feeling, so things are not good.

"H-Hey, Ichikawa san."
"Yes? Oh, should I cling more? You're so bold."
"No, that's no—Wait !?"
"Fufu. So cute"
"..."

I eventually had no choice but to accept it because I knew it was futile to resist.

But I'm a boy, too. So all kinds of troubles come up.
It takes advanced mental strength to suppress it.

I need to distract myself with some conversation...

"Come to think of it. You always come home with the others, what happened?"
"The others? Oh Jinguji kun and others right? They have club activities, and I told Shizuka that I had some business to take care of and came home. We haven't had lunch together lately, though, which has made her suspicious."
"I knew it..."

People will suspect something when the person they have always been with suddenly disappears. Naka suspects that I may have gotten a girlfriend as well. I totally fooled them though.

"I told you to keep this between us but, did you tell your friends?
"I didn't"

The only thing I suggested at the time was to keep people from finding out about our relationship. In that sense, friends can be included, I thought it would be possible to tell a truly trusted friend.

"I feel like it's okay to tell a friend."
"So you told Fujimoto kun ?"
"...I haven't."

If I tell that guy, he's definitely going to make a big deal out of it, and I'm sure he'll spill it somewhere...
Trust is another matter.

"Well, in my case, I'd probably tell Shizuka. The others are out of the question."

Huh...?
You are not that close with anyone other than Sakino san? It didn't seem that way to me.

"The only person I consider my best friend is Shizuka. The rest are just friends."
"I'm surprised you say such harsh things. From the outside, it looks like you are all a closed group."
"It's not all about what you see. That is because Shizuka does a great job. I wouldn't even go out to play if it wasn't for Shizuka."

I see. In other words, I thought everyone was rallying around Ichikawa san, but it seems that Sakino san was the one who was making it all work.
She seems to be dry to everyone except Sakino san.

"She's pretty careful about her surroundings. I'm just worried that I'll make her feel guilty about me asking to keep it a secret. But I really wish I could go public."
"I-I'm sorry."

I'm a pathetic man, I'm really sorry...
It was Ichikawa san who asked me to keep quiet, but it was like I made her say it.

All because I'm too pathetic and have too low specs.
Are you really glad that I'm an ordinary boy?

"I don't blame you. But we may not be able to keep running away like this forever."
"Y-Yeah..."

That is absolutely correct. At some point, this relationship will be discovered by Naka and his classmates.
If we go home together like this or have lunch together like we did today, it is almost impossible to hide it. Even now, I am suspected of something.

"I'm going to wait for as long as it takes for you to feel confident in yourself."
"...!"

A saint. This person.

"Fufu, So, try your best to flirt with me soon so that everyone will know and I can make out with you without a problem."
"I-I'm gonna try my best..."

If you say that, I have to do my best too.
I can't imagine me and Ichikawa san making out in front of our classmates, though.
Huh? Didn't you say the other day that you weren't good at flirting in front of everyone?
I don't understand women's minds...

"Well, there's another reason I can't talk about this to Shizuka."
"Eh?"
"Never mind. I'm talking to myself."

What was that about?
I've been left out, but I'm curious.

"That's right. Komiya kun."

Ichikawa san doesn't seem to have any intention to talk about it and calls me by name as if she had something in mind.

"Can I get a picture of you?"
"Huh? Mine?"
"Yes. I've always dreamed of taking a picture with my boyfriend when I date someone and having it as wallpaper."
"Ahh, yeah.."

What a surprise, Ichikawa san is surprisingly trendy...
I thought she wasn't really interested in that kind of thing.

"Okay, let's get a quick shot."
"Eh ? Right here !?"
"Eee"
"Wai– !?"

Ichikawa san leans into me without fear of being seen. I was at a loss for words at the increased level of closeness than when we had just crossed arms.

This is bad. My head is spinning.

Ichikawa san leaned over me backward as if to hug me and took out her phone.

I'm on the screen and my face is stiff with a clenched fist.

"Hey, can I get a more smiley face?"
"Aa, yeah..."

Ichikawa san seemed to enjoy seeing me nervous as she appealed to me with her eyes through the screen.

Kashak. (SFX)

"Tss!?"

And when I was distracted by Ichikawa san, she suddenly pressed the shutter.
I hope I didn't look weird.

"Fufu. What a nice face. I've sent it to you on line."
"Y-yeah. Thanks."

The moment Ichikawa san said that, my phone rang.
I open the chat with Ichikawa san and look at the pictures she sent me.

Let's see.

"Ee?! I look so weird!"

I was in a half-lidded state with an awkward smile on my face. It was the worst picture I had ever seen.

"Ee, Didn't you always look like this?"
"No, what does my usual face look like ?!"
"I think it's good. I like it so much I've already set it as my wallpaper."
"Stop !?"

I'd like you to re-shoot it.

"Fufu. Now when they see you, they won't even recognize you."

Is that okay? Ichikawa san?
But she seems happy, so it's okay.
If you say that it's bad and you get close again as you did earlier, that's fine too ...

Then we walked a little more, and as we approached a crossroads, Ichikawa san stopped.

"Well, that's enough for today. Thank you for accompanying me."
"You're welcome"
"This is as a thanks"
"Eh?"

Something soft hits my cheek with a kissing sound.

"Well then.."
"..."

... ...

Oh, come on, Ichikawa san.
Is it okay for me to fly this high?...
Me? Of course, I feel okay.
By the time I regained consciousness, It was already dark

–

–

Episode 9 - The Goddess's Friend

Friday is over and Saturday has arrived.
Every time I remembered yesterday I was in agony alone.

Ichikawa san's positive attitude was amazing, even from the first day.
What is it that drives her so much? I'm not that attractive, right?
Haa, No no. I had decided not to be mean to myself to become someone who could measure up to her.

Today, too, an invitation to play came on line from Ichikawa san.

[I'm just wondering what your plans are for today. Can I come over to your house?]
[I'm sorry. I'm afraid I have some plans today.]
[Plan? What kind of plan is it for you to leave this cute girlfriend ?]
[I'm going to my parent's house. I have to tell my parents something.]
[I see. Then I don't mind.]

"Haa...I'm glad you understand. Ichikawa san is pretty...scary sometimes. Yesterday, when I was talking to Tohno san, she was staring at me. She said she was joking, but I think she meant it with those eyes..."

Just remembering Ichikawa san, who showed an incredible glimpse of herself, gave me chills and made me shiver.

At the same time, the phone shakes twice with a short boo-boo, and Ichikawa san's message appears on the screen.

[By the way, my underwear is pink today.]

"Bu !?!?!? What is she doing !?"

Along with the message was a picture of Ichikawa san from her shoulder to her arm.
It was indeed a pink bra strap. Is it fortunate that the whole thing is not in the picture?
I sneak another peek at the screen, checking the surroundings.

[Good luck for the day with this.]
[What was that...]

Please don't underestimate high school boys these days. I don't think they get excited over a bra strap.
After trying not to look at her too much I gave her a dog stamp back.

Chira. Chira. Chira (SFX)

"..."

What can I say, it's far from the cool impression I initially imagined.
If anything, the approach is too passionate.

Somehow I think she knows that I still don't like Ichikawa san myself.
I'm glad we went out, but I haven't told her I like her yet...

"Besides, I have a feeling that if I'm not careful, she will know that I like Tohno san."

I can't confirm that because I'm afraid to do so, but clearly, I feel that her attitude was different when I talked to other girls and when I talked to Tohno san.

"The curse of an untouched Goddess"
"What are you looking at your phone and mumbling to yourself?"
"Uwa !?"

On the way to the station, I was muttering to myself in an exchange with Ichikawa san on the street when she suddenly called out to me and I dropped my phone.

"Ahaha~ Why are you so surprised? Maybe you were watching something naughty~?"
"Aa, S-Sakino San !? It's nothing!"

The person who approached me was Sakino san, who is also a close friend of Ichikawa san.

Sakino san was dressed in a short skirt and a fluttery shirt, giving her the appearance of an onee san.

It's a little refreshing because I never see my classmates in plain clothes.
I think it's a little too exposed, though.

"Ah, what's wrong~? Perhaps you've fallen for me?"
"N-No...Nothing really..."

I resent myself for not being able to give a good response at times like this.
If it were a Chara boy, I would definitely say [It looks good] and just said I've fallen for her.

It was a bit embarrassing and impossible.

"Ahaha~ You're so naive~. Yo"

Sakino san teased me about my shyness and picked up the phone I dropped.

"Here you go"
"T-Thank y—-ou!!"
"??"

And when I received it, I remembered what was projected on it and snatched it away from Sakino san.
However, this behavior seems unnatural to Sakino san.

"Hmm? That flustered look on your face, did you really see something naughty?"
"Nonononononono, I won't look at that kind of thing in broad daylight like this."
"Ahahahahaha! Komiya kun, you're too easy to read! If you deny it so much, it's like you really saw it!"
"tss"
"Well, Komiya kun is a boy, too, right? I don't think it can't be helped, but the way you saw such things when you're outside is, wow~"

It's not like that. Of course, I would look at it if it was sent to me so suddenly.

"I thought Komiya kun was a shadowy, ordinary boy, but I thought you might be pretty interesting. I had not talked to you since the last time we talked with Naka kun together, so why don't we exchange contact information?"
"Hee?"

Wow, such optimism. Great communication skills. So this is Gal.

"Aaa, If it's okay with you ?"
"Don't be so polite~ Come on, bring me your phone ! Ah, Turn off the naughty bits somewhere!"
"I told you, it's not!"

I unlocked my phone and quickly returned the screen to home.

Then again, we exchange IDs with each other after restarting the line.

"Now it's done, Wow ! That's an icon cat!!" ( アイコン猫 ( Icon Cat))
"Ahh, I kept him at my parents' house. Her name is Kemi san."

It's a Three-haired cat so it's Kemi. It's simple right
(The kanji for the cat type is 三毛 and can be called Mike, hence the name)

"Cute~!! Hey, Are there more ?!"
"I-I have though."

What is this ? Suddenly, she came so close to me that I was very surprised.
Smells good.
N-No. Don't even think about it! And that's my girlfriend's best friend!
These people have a funny sense of distance. Yup. They simply like cats.

I operate my phone again, tap Kemi san's picture at random from the image folder, and show it to her.

"Uwa~, this is bad !! I want it so bad !!" "Nope" "Eeeee~~"

Sakino san slides the photos in a complaining manner.
slides one after the other, capturing every scene of Kemi san's life in her eyes.

That's where I notice it.

"Ahh"

This is bad. In that one, There are two-shot photos that were taken yesterday with Ichikawa san.
If you see that photo taken with such a sense of distance...

Suddenly, cold sweat began to flow.

"I love it~~~"

If I rushed to ask for the phone back again, I might be suspected of something else.
I hope it's just a misunderstanding as far as naughty pictures being saved, but I have to defend the photos with Ichikawa san to death.
No, the naught pictures misunderstandings are not good either !!

Gently stealing a glance at the screen, I saw that the picture Sakino san was looking at had only recently come to light.

"Howaaa~~~~!"

W-What should I do !?
I don't have any choice but to take the pho—-
"Here. Thank you ! I got to enjoy the kitty component."
"Ohh, yeah. Thank god"
"??"

My heart is loud.
The photo on that phone that finally came back was one before the two shots with Ichikawa san.

"I knew it, I'd love to own a cat in the future."
"Y-yeah. Sorry Sakino san, I've got some business to attend to."
"I'm sorry too, even though you have plans ! I'm gonna go too. Bye bye~. Ah, Don't look at naughty things outside, okay~~~?"
"I don't!!!"

For some reason, Sakino san, who was leaving in the distance, said so loudly.

Please give me a break.
But still, she was as noisy as she looked.
I have to be careful with Ichikawa san...

I took a short break, then headed to the station and boarded the train that would take me to my parents' house.

[Don't look at naughty things outside, okay~~~?]

When I got that message on line, I thought it was quirky and persistent.

–

–

Episode 10 - My Parents' House with My Cheeky Step Sister

It has been about a year since I left my parents' house.
Although they send me money, I have never been back to my parents' house.

In a normal parent-child relationship, it may be called disobedient.
But, my father and I don't have a normal relationship.

"I'm just going to my parent's house but I am nervous."

Griefing will not change the reality, and if I take a step forward, I will be crossing the threshold of my parents' home.

"What are you doing ? Oni chan?"
"Ah...I'm home, Kaede"

So, when I was stuck in front of the gate for a while, I was approached from behind by my sister on her way home from shopping.

"If you're back, that means you couldn't keep your promise to dad, right?."

I sat down on the sofa and opened the door. Kaede makes a pity smile while petting Kemi the cat and saying that.

"So when will you move back home to our parents?"
"Hey. Why are you going on the assumption that I couldn't get a girlfriend? Isn't it possible that I came back to report because I have got a girlfriend?"
"Impossible ! No one likes to go out of their way to choose a normal person like onii chan"
"Is that what you say to your brother? Oii"

Ahaha, Kaede laughs happily and makes fun of me completely.
But, This is not because she doesn't like me and is making fun of me, but it's like communication between close siblings.

Sometimes she makes fun of me, sometimes she is happy when something good happens. It is a very normal relationship between siblings.
Well, it's not wrong that she underestimates me though.

"Well, Don't be discouraged. You didn't get a girlfriend, but you got a fiancée, right? Congrat—"
"But, what a shame."

I interrupted Kaede while making hand gestures.

"What?"
"I came home today to tell that I have a girlfriend."

I laughed, proud of myself.
You made fun of me a lot, but now it's my turn.

"...Oni chan. You don't have to be so delusional just because you couldn't get a girlfriend. You don't have to force it. I'll comfort you if you're having a hard time..."

Hey, don't pat my head, and don't cry.

"No, It's real"
"Yes yes. You don't have any proof anyway, do you? I don't think dad would be fooled by that."
"Proof ? I have though?"
"Eh?"

I took out my phone and operated it to display a two-shot photo of me and my girlfriend, Ichikawa san, and showed it to Kaede.

"...Ha!? What is this ?! Why is my brother taking two shots with a girl!? This is impossible ?!"

By the standards of taking two shots with a girl, of course, it's possible. What do you think I am?
Then Kaede takes the phone from me and stares at the screen as if it were pierced.

"...Oni chan. Editing is not okay. There's no way my brother could be in a relationship with a beautiful woman of this level, no matter how much he wants to be. rush too much, you are more likely to fail."
"What do you mean by fail? I'm not editing it. Come on, Look at this"

I take the phone back and this time display the line talk screen and show it to her. If you see the exchange, you will know that we are lovers.
The content that Ichikawa san sends is a bit unusual, but it should be fine since there is also daily conversation.

"I-It's real...It's a real lovers talk.."
"Finally believe me huh"
"But...But...This is that right ? Punishment game ? Because otherwise, onii chan wouldn't be with someone like this..."
"Saying that again. I was really appropriately confessed to, and she denied about the punishment game too."
"Well, If it really was a punishment, you wouldn't be stupidly honest about it."
"That is right though..."

Those eyes were very serious.
Remembering her confession, my face naturally heats up.

"I know. It's the beauty bureau ! Oni chan, Later a scary man will come out and ask for money...Aaa !!"
(Beauty bureau is "A man extorting money by deceiving another man with a beautiful woman", well, that's what I found on the internet...the kanji was 美人局)
"You are Persistent!"

I'm gonna be anxious if you say that much!!!!
I'm very aware that it's not balanced.

"Uu...even so...It's kind of hard to be shown a relative's girlfriend line chat"
"Don't say that."

I know the feeling.

"Ee...But, You're making her send this stuff?"

Scrolling through the photo folder, Kaede found something and showed it to me.
There is displayed a photo sent to me this morning showing a glimpse of her bra strap.

"Wai– That's !!"
"Uwaa, I'm shocked"

Why is this happening!?

After that, Kaede hit me and went out again.
She left a meaningful note at the end.

[But if you really have a girlfriend...a~a..]

"What was that all about?"

Meaningful words are prohibited. Even from Ichikawa san, when she confessed to me, she said something meaningful to me and I didn't understand what it meant.

"These things are flags right.."

As I muttered this, the sliding door of the tatami room opened and a man entered.
The man, dressed in a kimono, sat in front of me across the table.

"I'm so glad you're back. Youta."
"I wouldn't want you to call me that."
"You don't talk to your own father that way."
"Don't act like a father now."
"Your mother will be sad, okay?"
"You're trying to pick a fight?"

As you can already guess, my relationship with my father is hopelessly bad.
There's a feud between me and my dad.

The reason for this was that my dad remarried soon after my mom died.
If it was just a remarriage, it was still good.

But that time ...
I couldn't forgive myself for the loss of my mom, and I haven't spoken to him since then, except for administrative matters.

And actually, my sister Kaede and I are not blood related. Kaede is my stepmother's daughter.
Still, I was lucky that Kaede missed me.

The rest, I have one brother, but he left home early and I haven't seen him in a while.

Putting aside the family structure, I came here today for one reason.

"You are gonna talk about that thing right?"
"Aah, As promised, I got a girlfriend."
"...Hmm?"

My father looked surprised as if he hadn't expected what I had said.
I look at it and burst out laughing.

It felt good more than anything to be able to give this man a shot.
I was able to beat this guy for the first time. I'm so happy about it, I can't stand it.

"Oh, you doubt it, aren't you? I have proof. Here."

I say so, and try to put a two-shot of me and Ichikawa san on the screen with my phone, just like what I did to Kaede earlier.

"No, that much is not necessary."
"Eh...??"

But he brushed it off with his hand as if to say he wasn't interested.

...damn. It's disappointing. I thought I'd see the look of frustration on this guy's face...!

"Haa..."

But I succeeded in making him sigh. Well, I guess that's good.
That's what I thought.

"Youta. No matter how much you don't like me, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Ha? What are you talking ab–"

At the same time I spoke, the sliding door next door slammed open.
Standing there was a girl with beautiful hair like golden threads.

"Hee? You're my fiance?"
"Hee?"

And with that one word, I was reminded.

–

–

Episode 11 - Fiancee's Pride

Eh, who? I mean, why? This ...?

Suddenly I froze up.
However, the blonde girl comes tucked in and stares at my face at point-blank range.

She is as beautiful as Ichikawa san.
My heart screams at the distance that if I get a little closer, I can almost touch her.

But I've developed a bit of tolerance with Ichikawa san myself.
If it's only a little...

"Hmm~?"
"T-To close..."

It's a lie. I'm not tolerant.
Don't stare at me so hard. It's embarrassing!

"He seems ordinary. Plus you look boring."
"Haa?"

What's that out of the blue? Why should I be told such a thing if she has been staring at my face?

The blonde girl takes her face away from me and sits back down in front of me.
Then she began to drink tea and relax as if it were her own home.

W-What's with the rudeness...
Did you say fiancée?

"Dad, what is going on? Fiancee...wait, Fiance ?!"

I looked at my father, confused.
"...This is the granddaughter of Shinozuka san, a man I am indebted to. Your would-be fiancée."
"Fiancee...?"
"Yes. If I hadn't heard from you and you hadn't made a girlfriend, I was going to have her engaged to you."

So, I managed to fulfill my promise to my father, so that means the engagement never happened.
...Well, Why is this person here?

"Hmph. I came over to see what he looked like since he is my fiancee... And found out that he has a girlfriend. What a waste of time!"

She swears to answer my question.

"...That's how it is. I'm glad you're here. The engagement will be officially broken, but we can talk a little bit about it. I'm going to sit this one out."

With that, my father got up and left the room.

... What do you expect me to say when you leave us alone in this situation?
And with someone who just had a broken engagement. This is beyond awkward.

"..."

She turns away grimly in front of me.
Do I have to follow up on this?

...Haa. I have no choice.

"Hey. I don't want you to be engaged to me either."
"Suzu"
"Eh?"
"It's not [You]. My name is Shinozuka Suzu. Suzu is fine."
"Ah, yes.."

W-What's this ?

"Shinozuka san—"
"Suzu"

Apparently, she doesn't like to be called by her last name.
It's strangely nerve-wracking to call the opposite sex by their first names.

"S-Suzu...don't you hate it? engaged to someone you don't even know."

My parents decide things on their own and I don't like it.
So I'm relieved that this thing has broken, but I don't know how she feels about it.

She said I looked boring, but when I saw her complaining about the engagement breaking up, maybe she thought I was a little...

"Of course I don't like it. I have seen you in pictures, but when I met you, you still looked unreliable, a bit dumb, and not my type. It sucks."

There is no way she thought it was a good idea.
... I'm sorry for looking so dumb.
But you don't have to say it's the worst.
If you thought it was a good idea, you can have my apologies feeling back.

She is beautiful but has a harsh personality. She and I don't seem to get along with each other at all.

"Well, We're both happy with this. I'm glad I'm not engaged to someone like Suzu."

I was so pissed off at being ragged on that I said something a little sarcastic.
Even if I had not been dating Ichikawa san, it would have been impossible for me to be in love with such an obviously quarrelsome person.

"Haa——?! What did you say?!"

But that wasn't good. Suzu raises her voice, perhaps not liking the way I said it.

"You should be thankful that a boring guy like you, who never seems to be popular with anyone, is about to get engaged to me!!"

She is looking down on me.
I was annoyed at the way she said that.

"Who's that ! I don't need to get engaged to a girl like you, I have a girlfriend prettier than you!"
"Haah? Is she prettier than I am? Of course not."

Suzu, who had raised her voice earlier, turned around and snickered away.
She seems to be very confident in herself.

"There is no one prettier and better than me!"

Where does that confidence come from, seriously?
I want to break her confidence.

"In what world is a girl with a personality like yours a good woman? It's impossible. Get out of here!"

I feel sorry for this overbearing, prideful girl.

"Haa?! You're not much of a man yourself! I'm sure the girlfriends of guys like you are similarly potato-smelling anyway. I have no choice but to pretend I didn't hear what you just said, and I'll ask you again who's prettier, me or her. Well, Choose me!"
"If it were up to me, I wouldn't choose a girl like you even if I died !!"

Besides, why are you going through the motions like you want me to choose you!?

Afterward, we argued about this and that.

"Haaaa..."
"Haa..."

We complained to each other a lot and took a moment to catch our breath.

"Do you really have a girlfriend in the first place? You're not lying to look good, are you?"

I see. This girl actually thinks I don't have a girlfriend?
If I show my smartphone, it's over.

"Of course I have. I've got proof right here—"
"I've never had a boyfriend, so there's no way you could have one!!"

Suzu interrupts my statement and makes a statement in high spirits.

... This girl never had a boyfriend? I see.
She's certainly beautiful, but she has a ... personality.
I guess boys see through that too.

Or maybe he'll confess, but I think she'll cut her off, saying he's not worthy of her. She seems to have high ideals. Ah, that's more likely.

I couldn't say much about others because I never could either until Ichikawa san confessed to me...

"Fuu"

Regardless, I was convinced I was going to win this game.
That's why—

"Don't tell me ... you're jealous because you've never had a boyfriend yourself? Are you so frustrated that you are single and a boy like me has a girlfriend? If you're so frustrated, go find yourself a boyfriend or something."

I was agitated. With all my might.

"..."
"Suzu...?"

I wondered if my words had had any effect, but I was worried about Suzu who turned her head and shook her body, so I called out to her. I may have said too much...

"You pissed me off !! If you're going to go that far, let's do it. Engagement!
"...HA?"

Suzu turns red in the face and declares to me.

What is she talking about? I don't understand what she means by doing the engagement.
Just a few minutes ago, our engagement was on the verge of breaking up!

"You don't think I can do it, do you? If I asked my grandfather, he'd have us engaged in no time."
"... grandfather?"
"Yes, he is. My grandfather was amazing. If I say a cute, 'Please?' and he'll do anything I say. The other day I said I wanted a cake from that pastry store that was on TV the other day, and he bought the whole store for me!"

...Hee?. I didn't know that cakes were something you bought by the whole store.
No, who is this girl's grandfather? He's crazy!

My dad said he was also indebted to him...
I mean, how am I going to get engaged to someone like that!

But if that's the case, I think it's kind of a bad idea.

"That's why me and you are engaged!!"
"You're out of your mind! I told you I have a girlfriend!"
"It's not my fault that you stir things up."
"How can you even think of getting engaged to someone you don't like for the sake of such trivial pride!"

Suzu sees me getting impatient and continues to smile high in front of me.

"Yes, my pride!I will never forgive you for making fun of me! That's why I'm going to take you away from her. And I'm going to make you fall in love with me so much that you won't be able to live without me with crying and begging!"

"Ugh !!!!?"

I've heard that line somewhere.
Oddly enough, it was the same words that Ichikawa san said to me one day.

... This girl is crazy.
Seriously, what am I going to do?

"Shiver and wait."

It was annoying to see Suzu smiling at me with a victorious look on her face.

"Well, I'll give up on you gracefully if you don't fall in love with me. Until then, my fiancée?"

... Are you seriously going to get engaged?
I don't know how much of a man his grandfather is...

How do I explain this to Ichikawa san?
I went home and found my fiancée?
... I feel like that's a bad idea.

No, no, no, it's not a done deal to begin with, and I'll be fine. If by some chance she does become my fiancée, I still have a fighting chance. There's no way I'd fall in love with her.
I believe what she said, but
We won't see each other while school is in session anyway. It's almost like something is not going to happen. ... It's okay, right?

"Oh, and just so you know, I'm going to be going to the same school next week."
"...You're lying"
"Well, I'll keep quiet about it to her."

This girl gloating in front of me looked like the devil.

...That's definitely not true either.
Oh, God. What did I do?

I, Shinozuka Suzu, spoke for the first time today with the man I was going to be engaged to.

When I first saw the picture, I thought he looked ordinary and boring.
However, even if it is the person with whom I am going to get engaged. I went all the way to see him because I thought I should meet him once.
And when I actually met him, none of my impressions were wrong.

And when he went there, he got a girlfriend.
In other words, the engagement was broken. It was a terrible waste of time.

I was angry at the wasted effort and the fact that even though I had never had a boyfriend before, and yet this ordinary guy had a girlfriend.

And as we talked we got into a fight. I thought we were not good friends.
I was truly glad I didn't become engaged to this guy.

I thought, and yet somehow I had declared that I would get engaged again.
... I can't help it!

I can't stay like this.
I had never lost to anyone before, and my pride would not allow it.

I don't have any cheap ideas that having a girlfriend is a win, but it was kind of aggravating to fall behind that guy.

I could make a boyfriend in a heartbeat if I wanted to, but I decided to annoy that guy who made fun of me anyway.

And as I suspected, that man was in a hurry.
However, we have only just begun.

This is where it starts for him and me.
I will definitely make that guy fall in love with me and treat him like a slave!

"I thought it would be boring, but it turns out to be a lot more fun than I thought."
I muttered quietly and decided to make a plan for the next week.

Episode 12 - Prince of the school (female)

I stayed overnight at my parent's house, and the next day, Sunday came.
I had left my parent's house and was about to return to my studio apartment where I lived alone.

The case for living alone continues.
After that, I asked my dad if he had heard anything about Suzu, but he hadn't heard anything yet.

[I see. You're coming home. Did you have a good time at your parents' home?]

When I told Ichikawa san that I was leaving on line, I received such a message back.

[Well]

I replied with such short words.
I was happy to see my sister, but nothing else made me happy.
In fact, I almost had a fiancée.

"How do I explain this one..."

What kind of person gives up on someone they love the same day they go out with a different girl and come back to be almost immediately engaged to someone else?

...I am outrageous.

It's a very complicated problem. Even though I still haven't clearly broken off my feelings for Tohno san.

[If I see you talking happily to another girl again, I might really stab you in the back.]

I got a flashback from the dialogue at lunchtime the other day.

"I'll explain again at ... some other time."

I don't have the courage to explain to Ichikawa san now.

Pikon. (SFX)

[I wonder if you had a lot of trouble with a girl?]
"..."

I pulled my face.

What is this person? And Esper?
It's not like she knows, right? Or maybe...?

"Nothing happened, you know."

I replied and put my phone in my pocket and got on the train.

I strap for a few minutes on the train for a few stations.
Since it was Sunday afternoon, the train was quite crowded there.

After a few stops, I noticed something odd.

The girl next to me was about to start crying.

At first, I thought she was in bad shape, but apparently not.
The girl is trembling.

After noticing the anomaly, I looked closer and saw the old man's hand reaching toward the girl's buttocks.

This is ... molestation!

I am a little confused by the first molestation I encountered.
If it were a comic book or something like that, it would be standard practice to save the day in a cool way, but when I saw it in real life, I couldn't make a move right away.

Is it really molestation, or is it just my imagination that his hand is hitting her?
Or perhaps the couple is just playing that way.
I can't take action because of all the unnecessary thoughts that come to mind.
However, the more time we spend, the paler the girl's face becomes.

I feel spoiled as if someone else will do it for me even if I don't do it myself.

"Tss!!"

You idiot. If this is the case, I'll always end up being an ordinary Komiya kun.
I decided to be worthy of Ichikawa san.

I got up the courage to try to grab the hand that was touching the girl's ass.

"What are you—"
"What are you doing?"

...Huh?

Her beautiful alto voice echoed through the train.
The hand I was about to grab cut through the air and another person grabbed the old man's wrist instead.

"L-Let go of me !! What's this!?"
"You were just touching her, weren't you? I was watching you."
"W-What are you talking about!!!! I didn't do anything!!!!"
"Uncle, it's too noisy. Anyway, could you get off at the next station? You can make your excuses there."
"Shut up! I didn't do anything!!!!"
"You saw it too, right?"
"Eh!?"

The man holding the old man's hand was a neutral looking guy with glasses. He was a different type of handsome man from Jinguji.
I was watching such an exchange between a handsome man and an old man when I suddenly got asked.

"Eh, Aaa, Yes..."
"Look, there were other witnesses. You can't get away with this."
"Ugh"

The loud noise causes a buzzing and commotion all around.
[What? Pervert?] [Disgusting.] [Gross...]
The old man looked at me with a white eye, and his previous courage began to fade, and he became quiet as if he had given up on the idea.

"Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes..."
"I know this might be scary, but can you get off at the next stop?"

While restraining the old man, the good-looking man also says a few words of concern to the girl. Then the girl nodded.

"I'm wondering if Onii san could come down with me. I'd like you to testify if you'd like."
"Ah, Okay"

I grabbed the old man's bag immediately. I think it was almost a reflex.
However, it caused the old man to lose his balance and fall on the spot.

Then, in the blink of an eye, the handsome man assembles the old man and restrains him tightly so that he does not escape once more.

"Please don't get violent."
"S-Shut the fuck up and get off me."

The old man was unable to move a muscle in front of the handsome man's brilliant restraint technique.
Everyone gathered around, some taking pictures.
Still, he remained calm and continued to restrain the old man until the station staff arrived.

After that, I became a placeholder and handed the old man over to the station staff as I was swept away by the handsome man and explained the situation.

The impression I had the whole time was, [Wow, he's such an Ikemen]
I knew it, good-looking people have so much energy.

I'm trying to solve it while I'm at a loss as to what to do.
It's that smiley face you give to the girl when you say goodbye.
The girls looked ecstatic.
She definitely fell in love.

Even I, a man, would fall in love with him if he smiled at me like that.

"Thanks to you, too."
"Ah, it's nothing..."

Once I learned what the handsome man was capable of, the girl left and we were alone.

Waiting for the train is awkward.
And the silence continues after getting on the train. He seems to be in the same direction.

Talking to a true ikemen is kind of nerve-wracking, even if you're the same sex.

... hmm, same sex? Wait. I've seen this guy somewhere ...

"Do I have something on my face?"
"Uh, no...I thought I saw you somewhere ..."
"Hee...Maybe we went to the same high school."
"Hahaha, that can't be right...tss!!!"

Natural face, slender and tall, moderately toned body.
The way he stood there overlapped with someone somewhere.

Yes, I have seen someone in high school who resembled this body type.
However, the person had a bit longer hair and did not wear glasses. Most importantly, he was wearing a girl's uniform.

"Is it...Kounan High school?"

I name the high school I attend.

"...! That's right. How did you know? Are you also in Kounan by any chance?"
"Yeah...:"

I get it.

"Mitsushima san right?"
"Amazing. Are you a classmate? I don't think I've ever seen a guy like you before."

Yes, this is a famous person who is the twin of the goddess at our school.
She was a girl with a history of being known as the prince of the school.

Episode 13 - How to Handle A Princely Girl

There are two famous Ikemen at my school, Kounan High School.
One of them, I don't have to tell you, is Jinguji Ren. He is the enemy of men, seducing numerous women with his sweet mask and gentle sweet words.

And the other one is Mitsushima Aki, who is now in front of me.
This person wins overwhelming popularity among girls with a neutral face and surprisingly masculine personality.
However, the gender is female, not male.
Her alias is Prince. Or a nobleman. Even though she's a girl.
She's much more popular with girls than most boys. Even though She is a girl.

"I was surprised. Are you a classmate ? I don't think I've ever seen a boy like you before."
"Oh, because I'm just a shadow."

I didn't notice because she had been to the hairdresser's, her hair was shorter today, and she was even wearing glasses.
In addition, her simple attire of a casual hoodie and jeans in plain clothes made her even more Ikemen.

Besides, I wasn't looking too directly into her face. I was almost jealous.

"Besides, you tried to save the girl earlier, right?"
"D-did you notice?"
"Of course. But I didn't realize it until after I grabbed that uncle's hand. You reached out and froze, and I was sure you were trying to help her. The courage you had to try to save the girl when so many people around you were pretending not to see her, I don't think that's something someone can do very often."

She praised me so much.
There is a kind of embarrassment that is hard to describe when the person you helped praises you.

"You also helped stop him when he was about to run away."
"No, I didn't do anything. It was Mitsushima san who actually saved her, wasn't it? I was mostly just watching, and what happened earlier was just a coincidence. I think it's more impressive that Mitsushima san did everything from following up with the girl to explaining everything to the station staff."
"I'm used to it. I often encounter molesters. Oh, of course, I'm not the one being touched."

I don't like the idea of having a life that often encounters molesters...
A disposition to get into trouble. And the ability to solve them. This also seems to make her Ikemen stand out more.
She looks like a template protagonist, this person.

"'Even if you couldn't do anything, your willingness to help is what counts. That's what I thought."
"T-Thanks.."

Even her words and actions are Ikemen.
I want this handsome power and manliness too. Maybe I'll become her apprentice.

"But weren't you scared, Mitsushima san, even though you're a girl?" "Mitsushima san?"
"Aah, Sorry. It's nothing. As I said, I've never been touched. And when I see things like that, not just molesters, I just can't leave them alone."
"Is it always like that elsewhere?"
"I do. I act the way I want to."

Cool. What a way to live.
I seriously want to become her apprentice.

But is that okay?
It's nice to have a sense of justice, but there are still many strange people in the world.

"But don't overdo it okay? After all, Mitsushima san is a girl, and if you get a scratch on your face, it would be irreversible." "Mitsushima san?"

I worry because she suddenly becomes silent.

"Ah. Sorry. You're the second person to treat me like a woman. I'm a little surprised."

What's that?
Ugh. Maybe it wasn't good! You mean don't treat you like a woman?
It was taken in a sexist way!

"Ah, no, This is not because you are a woman or anything like that..."
"Fufu. I understand. I would at least ask for help... If I thought it was dangerous."

I know I sounded quiet at the end, but it's true, isn't it?

"Well then, I'm at this station. See you at school."
"Ah, yes, see you"

Then, in the middle of our conversation, Mitsushima san arrived at the nearest station, waved to me, and got off the train.

"Fuh..."

I get off the train and take a break.
I, Mitsushima Aki, somehow felt full.

[After all, Mitsushima san is a girl.]

"I'm a little embarrassed."

Alone, I remember what just happened and mutter to myself.

When was the last time I was treated like a girl?

Ever since I can remember, I was often mistaken for a man.
My face was fortunately neutral, but I was often ridiculed as 'male and female' because of this behavior and personality.

This became especially apparent in elementary school, I think.
At that time I often played with the boys and even got into one-on-one fights with boys who harassed the girls.

It made them treat me like a man even more so, and for a time I was troubled by that.

Then a pretty girl moved in next door to my house.
The girl – Hitomi – was even more shy than she is now, and at the beginning of her new school, she didn't fit in with her class.
And seeing such Hitomi, the boys were amused, harassing them extraordinarily.

I was afraid of being treated like a man, so I kept quiet, but seeing those eyes made me feel like I had to protect her, and I found myself punishing the boys like before.

I did it. They say I look like a man again.
So prepared, I looked into her eyes and she said, with a twinkle in her eye

[I want to be a cool girl like you, Aki chan].

Even if I am like this...one person at least sees me as a girl. Just thinking that made me feel so much lighter.

Then I continued to be a protector of Hitomi and the other girls, not caring that I was treated more and more like a man.

The boys were still teasing me about being a 'boy and girl'.

And when I entered junior high school, this did not change, in fact, it seemed to get worse.
All the guys who were in puberty made fun of me for having short hair and wearing a uniform skirt.

Each time I silenced them with an iron fist, but most such boys had no delicacy, and after repeating such things, before I knew it, I became popular with girls and I was treated more and more as a man.

And to this day, I have naturally come to accept the idea of acting like a man.

Although I am no longer as hostile to boys as I used to be, few people see me as a woman.

Live like a man even if you are a woman. I thought I was accepting such a way of life, but after all, it was not that I was not troubled by the way of life as a girl as before at this time when the gender difference begins to become obvious.

So what happened earlier was a surprise.
One word like that made me surprisingly happy.

I am sure there was no great significance there.
But—–

"Ah, Aki chan, welcome home !"
"Hitomi. I'm home. You are cute today too"
"Hah? Wait a minute ?!"

I embrace Hitomi whom I just met at the door.

"Aki chan, is there anything good that happened?"
"...Fufu. I guess so. Meeting Hitomi, perhaps?"
"Mouu !!"

Afterward, after a brief conversation with Hitomi, we went back to each other's homes.
Then I go back to my room and lie down on my bed.

"That's right. I have to meddle a little for the sake of Hitomi. What did the boy next door's name was... hmmm? I'll ask Hitomi again."

Hitomi's loved one.
I am sure he is a good guy. After all, she has good eyes.

"Come to think of it, I haven't even heard his name...Well, it looks like we go to the same school, so I guess we'll see each other soon."

I decided to just close my eyes and go back to sleep.

Episode 14 - Shuraba

The week is over and Monday comes again.
Monday, I don't want it to come if possible.

[I'm going to the same school next week.]

Every time I think of these words, I feel heavy. My stomach churns. She didn't say when, but it could very well be today.

"What's wrong with you? You're looking even more depressed than usual."
"How's that for a first thing in the morning to say to your boyfriend?"
"Ara, Boyfriend has a nice ring to it. I guess it means I'm becoming more self-aware."
"Ugh..."

As usual, I am going to school with Ichikawa san today in the same way.
I'm still not ready to talk about my fiance.
I know I have to do it fast, but I'm just so freaked out. I'm a coward.

By the way, the arm hold seemed to be only the first week, not today.

What is it, what's going on?
Even though she was glued to me until last week. W-well it's not like I want it though. If she does, my heart will beat hard and my mental strength will be worn out.
It's because I don't miss that soft feeling.

"[I wonder why she hasn't hugged me today] right?"
"Hey...Can you please stop reading my mind a little bit?"
"Fufu. Well, it's good to do these things sometimes right? If I did it every day, you'd get bored, wouldn't you? I'm going to watch you fumble forever."

I've always thought Ichikawa san is an S.
She's the type to bully the boy she likes.

"N-No, I'm not fumbling around."
"Is that right? Then, I'll have to come up with something more exciting next time."
"That's raising the bar for Ichikawa san more and more, are you okay with that?"
"I'll be fine. Ultimately, it's about procreation."
"That's why !! don't say things like that in the morning."

Please stop. I just yelled out loud.
Ahh, so embarrassing. even if no one else is around.

"You're excited right? Do you want to take the day off from school and go to a hotel today?"
"I won't !!!"

I don't understand Ichikawa san's thought process at all.
Perhaps, but isn't it a crisis of chastity to be alone with Ichikawa san in a room where you live alone?

"Well, you can go ahead of me around here. I'll wait for Shizuka and then go."
"Ahh, okay, see you"

I parted ways with Ichikawa san on the way and I headed off to school by myself.
Basically, when I go to school with Ichikawa san, I leave home early.
That way, there is less chance of someone seeing us.
Ichikawa san then meets Sakino san on the way before going to school.

"It's just that this means I'll be getting to school much earlier~"

With a yawn, I walk down the hallway, which is still empty of students.

"Let's take a nap when we get to class...Wh–?"
"Hmm"

When I think about that, I bumped into someone in a corner.
The recoil of the reaction makes me fall on my buttocks.

"Ouchh"
"Sorry, you're okay?"

Unlike me, the person I bumped into had the luxury of not falling over and even reaching out to me.

[Aaa]

Then we recognize each other and our voices leak out.

"It's yesterday's"
"Y-yes"

It was Mitsushima san who was extending her hand.
I thanked her and went straight to stand up with the help of Mitsushima san's hand.

When I looked at Mitsushima san, she seemed to be sweating and her hair was a little wet.
Nonetheless, it smells sweet and good.
Is it deodorant?

"I just finished morning practice and came back to class.
"You're a hardworker, aren't you?"
"Yes. It feels good to run. You're welcome to join me sometime if you'd like."
"...I'll pass."
"Haha, I was dumped."

...Ah, But thinking about it, it might not be a bad idea to train myself.
I don't mean to be extreme, but this is another way to break away from my ordinary self.

"I might as well run in the morning after all."
"...What's with that?"
"I was just thinking about it. Ah, but only on weekends, I guess. School days are quirky."
"Fufu, well, You can run with me if you want ? And on Saturdays and Sundays, too, because I run in the mornings."
"Ah In that case..."
"Well, could we exchange contact information?"

Then Mitsushima san takes out her smartphone. I took it out too and we exchanged contact information.

I think, I didn't get involved with girls at all until the other day, but I feel like I've had a lot of contact with them recently.

And I never thought I would even exchange contact information with such a celebrity.
This may be another good change from being able to associate with Ichikawa san.

"Komiya kun"
"...Eh?"

Just as I was thinking about Ichikawa san, I suddenly froze when I heard her voice coming from behind me.
Then I slowly turn around.

"What are you doing?"
"I-Ichikawa san..."

There, Ichikawa san, whom I was supposed to have left in the morning, was standing alone.

"W-What about Sakino san?"
"I'm asking the question first. What in the world were you doing?"
"N-No, this is—"
"You, you are Ichikawa san right?"

While I was still thinking, Mitsushima san interrupted as I managed to squeeze out a few words and stepped in front of Ichikawa san.

"...Yes. and you are Mitsushima san right?"
"Yes, that's right"
"Will you step aside, please? I'm here to see Komiya kun over there"
"Sorry, I can't do that"
"Why is that? I don't think you have any reason to disturb me at all."
"I don't mean to intrude. Right now, I'm talking to him. So if you need something, I think it would be polite to wait until after that."

They cross their gazes without taking a step back from each other. It almost has a sound effect of a bachi. (SFX buzz buzz)
For me, it's a very awkward atmosphere. I can't stop thinking this is bad. I can't get in. It's not that I'm scared or anything.

"What were you talking to him about?"
"It doesn't matter what it's about, does it? It's none of Ichikawa san's business."
"I'll be the judge of that. Tell me what you were talking about."

The two are getting more and more heated up.
Both Ichikawa san and Mitsushima san are staring at each other.

It's really not good if things continue as they are. It's almost time for everyone to get to school. I don't even want to imagine if word gets out that these two celebrities are fighting because of me.

I have to interrupt here!!!!

"H-hey!"
"Shut up Komiya kun"
"Yes..."

It was impossible.

"What's wrong with you being so obsessed with him? I don't think he was ever in the group of good friends you always hang out with."
"It's none of your business."
"Maybe you are bullying him?"
"... me a bully? Could you please not say something that is so baseless?"
"But he was scared, you know?"
"Tss"

It's a misunderstanding.
I was scared, but I wasn't being bullied or anything. ...
I'm too scared of Ichikawa san to say anything
I'm too bad at this

Then, for a moment, Ichikawa san's expression seemed to cloud over.
This is bad!

"Mitsushima san, about earlier–"
"Anyway, he's freaking out, so can we do this again later?"

As soon as I was about to interject, Mitsushima san's words were covered.

"...Okay, that's fine"
"Ah, Ichikawa san...Ugh!?"

Ichikawa san took a sharp glance at me, sighed a little, and entered the classroom.

S-Scaryy...
I'll have to make excuses later, though, ... it's too scary.

"Are you okay?"
"Eh? Y-yes"
"Sorry. I had a feeling you might be in trouble. I hope I didn't annoy you."
"Ah no..."

It's really getting messed up, but it's hard to say that I am when I'm offered such a good-looking smile.
In other words, it seems that her natural sense of justice was triggered and she thought I was in trouble, so she helped me out.

"D-Don't get me wrong, I'm not being abused by Ichikawa san."
"...Is that right? But she did seem very angry."
"There's a deeper reason for that..."
"Deeper reason?"
"A-Anyway, that was a misunderstanding earlier, and there's really nothing going on with Ichikawa san! So, bye!"
"Ah..."

I forced myself to end the conversation right there and then and went after Ichikawa san.

–

–

Episode 15 - A promise to that girl I've always Longed for

What should I do? How should I apologize to Ichikawa san?
If I apologize, I am likely to be told, [Oh, I wonder if you are aware that you have done something so bad that you need to apologize]

Before that, why was Ichikawa san there, she was supposed to go to school with Sakino san?
That, I will know once homeroom begins.

She is off today because of a cold.

Sakino san! Why! Why do you take a day off at this time!
Thanks to that, it turned into a shuraba!

Speaking of the atmosphere at that time, I don't even want to recall it.
In the meantime, I would like to find the right time to talk to her.

"Gununu"
"H-Hey Komiya kun"
"Gunu? A, eh ?"

While I was racking my brains, I was approached by Tohno san next to me.
I was surprised

"W-What are you doing this Saturday?"
"Saturday?"

I don't have anything special planned for this week. I have no plans with Ichikawa san or Naka, and if nothing else, I'll just laze around at home.

"Nothing in particular, I guess."
"R-Really?!?"

Tohno san asks with a greedy smile.

"I-It's your birthday this week, right?"
"...You knew"

Unsurprisingly. The only people who would know my birthday would be Naka or Ichikawa san.
My cheeks relax at the fact that the person I loved remembers my birthday.

"A-Actually, I had asked Fujimoto kun about it before. When we talked about everyone's birthdays, it just came out of the conversation!"
"O-ooo"

Apparently, Naka had told her. This was probably Naka's idea, too.
I praised Naka in my mind.

"S-So if you like...this Saturday. I know it's after your birthday, but can we celebrate Komiya kun's birthday?"
"...Heee?"

Tohno san celebrates my birthday?
I pinched my cheeks, which had been loosened by the unbelievable words.

Ouch. I-It's not a dream.

"I-is that a no?"
"N-nonono, I haven't done anything to be celebrated by Tohno san, and I'm sorry, it's okay!"
"B-But Komiya kun has been a great help to me since last year...no?"
"Ughh..."

The cuteness of Tohno san's puppy-dog eyes, looking up at you with a wistful smile, is destructive.

"N-no but suddenly...just the two of us..."

But, only the two of us are bad. If it had been me the other day, I would have happily jumped on it.

"...a"

For a moment, Tohno san looks sad. But she quickly switches her expression.

"O-of course with everyone"
"Everyone?"
"Yes, Of course!!"

I-I know, right! It's not like it's just the two of us!

"Is that a no...?"

And don't look at me like that! Who can refuse this?
Well, if you only want to celebrate ?
If we all do it together, Ichikawa san may forgive me.

"Well, it's okay"
"Really ?! Thank god !? then, Keep it open!"

And so I was able to celebrate my birthday with Tohno san, whom I adored.

A birthday celebrated by someone other than Naka. That made me happy again.
besides, who else is everyone?
I don't know anyone else who might want to celebrate besides Naka and Tohno san...
You don't mean all my classmates ...?

The tension was short-lived when Tohno san invited me to join her.
I have something I have to do.

It is to regain the good mood of her, Ichikawa san. It is to clear up misunderstandings.

During recess, I nervously get up to go to Ichikawa san.
Ichikawa san is surrounded by the usual rear group members, with the exception of Sakino san.
It's pretty nerve-wracking to try to talk your way through all those people, but I can't talk about that.

"Youta, where are you going?"
"N-No, I have to go to Ichikawa san for a minute. I have some business with her."
"To Ichikawa san? That's unusual. Oh, maybe you're in love with her? That's nice."

Naka teases me happily.
The involvement is annoying.

"Leave it. then, I'm going out for a while."
"Yes. Go shatter it!"

Why the assumption that it's a ball-breaker?
I regained my composure and headed for Ichikawa san.

"And then~"
"I-Ichikawa san"
"...how can I help you? Komiya kun"

Interrupting a flirtatious girl student named Nagano, I spoke to Ichikawa san. People around me were scowling, as if they didn't expect someone like me to talk to her.
Ichikawa san, on the other hand, gives me a sharp look that makes me flinch for a moment.

... I'm being looked at so much.
I summoned up the courage to second-guess myself, even though I was frightened by the stares of those around me.

"A-About what happened earlier."
"Yes yes, Mob kun ! If you want to confess, do it some other time~"
"That's right ! It's not sensible to confess in such a short space of time."

When I tried to talk to them, Nagano and Maesawa, the girl from earlier, stood in my way.

It's not a confession !!
Ahh, Ugh ! They've made everyone around them see me that way!

"You two be quiet, please. He says he has a thing with me."
"Ah okay, sorry"
"Sorry..."

Aaa, Ichikawa san...Thank you !!

I thank Ichikawa san in my heart for saving me from the two of them.
This way, we can clear up the misunderstanding right away and make up—

"Komiya kun, was it?"
"Y-Yes"
"I don't know what you were talking about earlier. I'm sorry. I have to get ready for my next class."
"Y-Yes..."

The next class is math. There was no need to move classrooms, so there was no preparation
So this was a clear rejection.

She wasn't going to forgive me at all...

"That's Aoi ! It's cool that you said it cleanly!"
"It's true! Put him in his place"
"You guys...Don't say things like that."
"..."

After I leave, Nagano and Maezawa say things like making fun of me. And Jinguji warns me about it.
Ichikawa san was silent about what she was thinking.
I feel alienated. It's a bit painful, even though I deserve it.

To the boys around me, it must have looked like another poor guy who got dumped.
You're right though!
Uu...I don't think she even wants to talk to me...

"Okay, You're back after getting dumped early."
"Shut up. I wasn't rejected."

After that, lunchtime came and went without me getting a chance to talk to Ichikawa san.

At lunchtime, after buying bread at the canteen as usual, I headed for the stairs leading to the rooftop.
That was the only hope.
If she's not there, I have to aim for the return from school time.

I run up the stairs, hoping that she is there.
I climbed as fast as I could, not caring that I was out of breath.

"Haaaah...I-Ichikawa san !"

I run up the stairs, reach my usual sitting spot and shout.
But there was no one there.

"I knew she wasn't here. ... what should I do?"
"Ettoo"

Ichikawa san and one other. It's a boy's voice.
The voices come from an empty classroom down the stairs.

I slowly approach the classroom and peek inside, trying not to be noticed.
Inside were Ichikawa san and the male student who was the owner of the voice I just heard, and the male student was trying to tell Ichikawa san something.

I was overcome with a sense of relief that I had found Ichikawa san and a sense of excitement that I had seen something I should not have seen.

Is this ... that? Confession.
I knew Ichikawa san was popular.
Is the other party ... Takeda?

The other guy was a boy on the soccer team from another class.
Not good looking enough to be described as good looking, but a face that you would at least like. And he was a member of an athletic club, so he was clearly of a higher human status than I was.

"I-I've loved you since freshman year! Please go out with me!!!!"

...tss

He confessed to my girlfriend. I saw such a scene seriously, and I felt sorry and frustrated.
When you confess to someone you like, you are definitely better than me. I couldn't even do that.

...

Furthermore, I had a bit of a complicated feeling, overlapping the confession scene with my own and Tohno san's.

"I'm sorry. I can't go out with you."

Then, heartlessly, Ichikawa san snapped the other party's confession in two.
I find myself feeling some relief at this.

"Could it be that you're dating Jinguji after all!"
"Jinguji kun? I don't know why you're talking about that. He's just a friend. If that's all you want to say, then."
"Wait! Well then, how about at least a friend? Wouldn't that be nice!"

Still, Takeda was not discouraged
It is said that persistent men are disliked, but I would like to learn from his spirit of not giving up even after being rejected.

"I'm afraid I'm not going to be friends with you. If we become friends, will you be my friend forever? Doesn't that give you hope that you can go out with me? I'm sorry, but I don't intend to do that at all, so if that's okay with you, I guess you can do whatever you want."
"Not a millimeter of possibility?"
"No. I will never like you."

The second time the ball was broken.
Ichikawa san, who beat him to death.

Even though she is usually cool, she responds reasonably well when she is spoken to, but she does not show any mercy to those who are persistent.
If she just takes it easy, as she said earlier, she may give hope to the wrong person.
I guess she knows that in a situation like this, it is effective to say it clearly.

"When people get under your skin, you get on top of them."

But I'm glad she was with someone who was willing to back down on that.
This man got upset over it.

"Wait ! Let go of mee !"
"Shut up! You're just a little too good looking to stay high and mighty!"

Takeda grabs Ichikawa san by the thin arm.

This is bad.
I have to save Ichikawa san somehow!
I found myself screaming.

"W-What are you doing? Sensei will come in a moment you know?"
"...tch!"

I think my voice was probably trembling. I think it was too small.
But Takeda, perhaps afraid of the word [sensei] clicked his tongue and left.

What can I say, I think to myself. It's a pathetic way to help.
I wish I could have stood in front of her in style and saved her, but I didn't have the guts or strength to do so.
As a boyfriend, this was beyond pathetic, but it was the best I could do for now.

"..."

Ichikawa san was tight-lipped at my sudden appearance.

What shall I say to her after this?
[Hey, how have you been?] that's wrong...
[Are you okay?] yes, this is it
...no, wait. She's the one who's going to say, [Do I look okay to you?] What a thing to say.
What should I do?...

It's just so awkward.
I can't get the first word out.
I was the smallest guy in the world.

"So, what can I do for you? Komiya kun."
"Ah..."

In the end, Ichikawa san couldn't bear to see me and called me over.

–

–

Episode 16 - The Goddess's Ice Melting

"So what can I do for you?"
"W-Well…"

Uu…Ichikawa san is cold. It's really cold.
This is what I mean by unapproachable.
Where should I start?

……I have no choice. Let's rely on my secret weapon right from the start here!

"I-I thought we could have lunch together. ……"
"Lunch"
"Y-yes…I bought some delicious-looking desserts at the store. Would you like to eat it with me?"
"Desert?"

Oh, she took it.
Girls like sweet things. I have already learned that from my younger sister, Kaede.
And that's what I bought for her!

I shuffle through the plastic bag and pull out the items I've bought.

"Pudding right?"
"Yes. Pudding !"

Kounan High School's famous special pudding with plenty of fruit and fresh cream.
The price. A ridiculous 1000 yen! (About 8 American dollars)
The price is too high for a single student.

But with this, there is no girl who won't fall!….Must be

"I'm not good at sweets. I don't like sweets."
"Eh?"

It hurts.
This is news

OI Kaede !! You are wrong about this !! I always get you in a good mood when I buy you something sweet, but it doesn't work for Ichikawa san!

I mean, I don't know anything about Ichikawa san's tastes yet.
We've only been dating for a short time…..

But Ichikawa san, wondering what I was thinking, accepts the pudding from me, which is already drooping.

"Eh? I thought you didn't like sweets……."
"I didn't say I wouldn't take it. Komiya kun went to the trouble of buying it for me. I'd rather take it than throw it away."
"No, I won't throw it away though….."

Ichikawa san went straight to the stairs leading to the rooftop as usual with the pudding and sat down.
I went straight after her and sat down beside her.

"I don't remember giving you permission to sit beside me."
"Ugh…"
"I'm kidding"

Heartbreaking.
But she is still…… angry. And instead of putting her in a good mood, I've given her something she doesn't like. No wonder…

"……"
"….."

Well. We're back to square one. The secret weapon has had the opposite effect, and now what to do about it…..

"Thanks for helping me out earlier."
"Eh?"
"You were the one who pretended to call the teacher and helped me, weren't you, Komiya kun? So thank you."
"Y-Your welcome…"
"Do you think it's so weird that I thank you?"
"N-No it's not that…"
"Komiya kun. You think I'm mad at you."
"Eh? Am I wrong?"

I was puzzled because I didn't expect her to thank me.

If you're not mad, what is it? …… No, wait? I've seen this nonsense before, haven't I?

She pretended to be mad at me to make fun of me. So…This is the same thing ?!…..Ah, Then you should have said so earlier.

"I'm angry at myself. I had no idea that Komiya kun was cheating on me during that brief time. I am angry at myself for not foreseeing such a thing. I never should have let Komiya kun go at that time, even if I had to tie him up."
"…….."

….I was wrong.
But that's scary.
Eh? What are you talking about with your cool face?
Eh? I feel nothing but madness.

"You're definitely mad at me, right?"
"I'm not mad. If I may say one thing, the way you helped me earlier was a bit pathetic. I would have wanted a man to step forward and protect me. I almost had my hand out."

Here comes the no-no I mentioned earlier.
You say it so much.

"Maybe, but didn't you need help in that situation?"
"I'll tell you what. Next time, if that guy had pulled me, he would have lost his reproductive function."
"Ouch.."

I was stunned. I won't ask.
Apparently, it was an unnecessary worry.

"But it was nice of you to be tactful and help me out right there."
"—Tss"

A complete change from the too-cool expression she had earlier. The gentle smile left me speechless.

Surprised……. It's not fair. That smile is sneaky.
My face burnt…

"Fufu. You are red up to your ears you know?
"No, not that"

It's even more embarrassing when people point it out, so don't do it.
For now, is it okay that I have been forgiven?

I looked at Ichikawa san's face sideways while turning my face away.

"So what's your relationship with Mitsushima san?"
"Ou…"

But that's just for show. She won't let me go.

"Speaking of Mitsushima san, she was a very popular girl with the girls, wasn't she? It's surprising that such a girl is acquainted with Komiya kun."

But this is an opportunity. A chance to prove that this morning was a misunderstanding and that I have nothing to hide.

"The truth is, yesterday—–"

I told her how I got to know Mitsushima san from there, from yesterday to today.

"Oh okay. So there is nothing going on with Mitsushima san."
"Y-Yes ! There is really nothing ! But I'm rather doubtful that the other side even knows who I am."
"For all that…I saw you were quite intimate with each other though?"

Intimate? Was it? We only had a normal conversation in the morning.
If you are as good a communicator as Mitsushima san, even with a plain student like me, you might be able to see it that way.

"I wonder if it's my imagination…."

Ichikawa san put her hand over her mouth as if thinking about something.

"Well, okay."

Perhaps having settled on an idea, Ichikawa san opens the lid of the pudding.
She then scoops it up with a plastic spoon and brings it to her mouth.

"……"

I wonder why. A woman bringing something to her mouth is like…..yeah.
For some reason, I couldn't bear to see it, so I turned away from Ichikawa san.

I take my own bread out of the bag and open it too.

"It's sweet"
"By the way, What about lunch, Ichikawa san? I bet you didn't eat your lunch."
"Ee. I didn't have time to make it today. I was going to buy some at the store. But thanks to Komiya kun, who just bought this for me, it saved my life."
"Eh? Maybe that's all you have for lunch?"
"I guess so. I don't think there's going to be anything left if I go buy it now."

Indeed. It's already half past lunchtime.
If you go there now, there may or may not be a loaf or two of bread left.

But I'm worried about the pudding alone, no matter how high in calories it may seem.
In addition, she looks like she is slender and doesn't seem to eat much regularly.

"…"

I offered Ichikawa san the long type of jam bun I was now holding in my hand.

"You can eat this. If it's only that, you will get hungry right?"
"……Thanks"
"………..?"

Although she thanked me, Ichikawa san did not accept the bread she offered but only stared at it.
When I froze in place, not knowing what her intention was, Ichikawa san opened his mouth.

"Aaaan"
"Eh?"
"What's wrong? Aaaan"

Seriously?
Eh? Are we doing this?

"I don't think I've forgiven you for what you did this morning.Aaan"

It is typical of Ichikawa san to cite the morning's incident in this regard.

E-Embarassing…
But I have to do this, she is not going to let me go.
Eeeei, Whatever !

I nervously take the torn piece of bread to Ichikawa san's mouth.

"Aumm"

With a cute voice not unlike Ichikawa san's, my mission was complete.

"Sometimes sweet things are not bad"

………Me, I think I'll hold off on the sweet stuff for a while.

Episode 17 - Shuraba ー1/2

Two days have passed since I made up with Ichikawa san, and today is Wednesday.
Since then, Ichikawa san is no longer in a bad mood when I talk to girls, including Tohno san, if only for a little while.

That's how good that "aaaan" was, apparently.
However, she does make a few snippy remarks.

And today, as usual, I went to school with Ichikawa san.
Still, no one knows about the relationship between me and Ichikawa san.

Perhaps they saw us together, but I'm too shadowy and Ichikawa san's aura is too strong, so it is possible that they do not recognize me.

The challenge came when we were caught off guard.

"Eh? Youta ?"
"Eh? N-Naka ?"
"Ara, Good morning. Fujimoto kun"

It is now the time where I go to school in the morning.
Naka, my best friend, sees me and Ichikawa san next to me and freezes.

"……EH? Eh? E? E? E?"
"……….."

Naka looks at me and Ichikawa san in turns, repeating the same words.
It seems his brain is not processing what is happening in front of his eyes.

After all, Ichikawa san is hugging my arm with all her guts today!
What a time to meet!

It's only past seven o'clock!
It's too soon!!!!

This is bad…How can I fool him?
So why is Ichikawa san still hugging me! And she's even calmly saying hello!

"Naka, this is—"
"W-What is going on? Why are Youta and Ichikawa san ……?"
"Fujimoto kun. Let me explain this to you."
"Y-Yes!"

As I was wondering what to say, Ichikawa san moved away from me and approached Naka, took his hand in her and said so.
Even the mighty Naka could not hide his nervousness at being held by her hand and seeing Ichikawa san's beauty at such close range.

The man who once went to talk to Ichikawa san and Sakino san with great enthusiasm, saying he would give me help, is no longer there.

Let's see how Ichikawa san will excuse herself. Or will she reveal it? In her case, I think it is possible.

But as long as he sees this, I don't think she can get away with it.
And, do you have to hold his hand ??

"I usually come to school early, but I was feeling a little sick today. Komiya kun walked by just then."
"Ahh…so that's what happened"
"Yes. So I asked him to help accompany me and I took him by the hand."
"Hand-holding!??"
"Wait a minute."

You're using the wrong term!!

"Yes. So there's nothing that Fujimoto kun seems to have a hunch about."
"Well, that makes sense."

You're not going to convince him? Ichikawa san was very sticky even though she was not feeling well, but can she cover it up with this? He is a bit of an idiot after all.

"But it's too bad."
"Eh?"

What's too bad?
I tilted my head, not understanding the meaning of the word.

"I thought you were rather well-matched."
"Ugh !?"

What is this guy talking about all of a sudden!

"I think. Ichikawa san, a perfect beauty who can do anything, and Youta, a boring guy whose everything is plain, seem to have an uneven relationship, but I think they would fit each other's sensibilities that they don't have."
"….You. I thought you were just an idiot, but now I've changed my mind. I thought you were just a stupid guy, but now I see you for what you are."

Oi. Sorry for being such a plain and boring guy.
And, Ichikawa san, don't be so greedy.

"Well. I want my best friend Youta to be happy. He has been sulking about his one-sided love until now, and he's about to go to a girlfriend-less calendar = age… Ouch ! What the hell !?"

This is bad………Ts!
I rushed to cover Naka's mouth as soon as I heard the word.

"…… one-sided love?"

But it was too late.
The sensation of sweat gushing from the pores of the skin is overwhelming.
I slowly turn my head toward the voice.

"Ugh !?"

Then I let out a small scream.

"What are you doing ?! You finally woke up to a man?!"

Naka, who had taken advantage of that moment, broke free of my restraints.
Naka was not aware of any of Ichikawa san's condition and seemed to think I had attacked him.

"Fujimoto kun. Can you tell me more about that story?"

I turned to Ichikawa san once again and there she was, smiling as usual. However, I think her eyes are not smiling.

"Well, he has always had a one-sided love that often gets complicated. In the end, he always gets heartbroken without ever confessing it."
"Hee"

Please. I'm begging you for the rest of my life, shut that mouth already!

"I said, [Get on with it and confess]. But he's a bit of a coward."
"Yeah. Well I know what you feel"
[ee]

Ichikawa san's unanticipated agreement made both Naka and I scream in uncontrollable excitement.

"I know how painful it is to have a one-sided love. I know what it's like to be afraid to confess your feelings."
"…….."

It is too unexpected.
I wonder if Ichikawa san has also suffered from unrequited love.

"Have you ever had a one-sided love, Ichikawa san?"
"Yeah"
"Seriously? even Ichikawa san can be like that."

Naka asks a question as if he were speaking for me, and Ichikawa san answers it shortly.

"Oh, no! It's already that time!"

When the air calmed down a bit, Naka checked the time and panicked.

"Ichikawa san, he may be an ordinary, boring guy, but he's a pretty nice guy, so please continue to get along with him. I think he's a good match for you! I'm going to go now. See you later!Youta, make sure you take Ichikawa san, who's not feeling well, home too!

Naka left only what he wanted to say and ran off, saying so cheerfully.

"….It kind of makes me feel guilty for fooling him. It's just so pure."
"…..yeah"

We both feel like we've been poisoned.
There was some negativity mixed in, but I didn't realize he felt that way about me. I'm not Ichikawa san, but I've changed my mind.
I had a good guy for a friend. I'm sorry for being an asshole.

Afterwards, I was relieved to have successfully avoided the shuraba.
I'm curious about the one-sided love that Ichikawa san mentioned though.

"I wonder if you care about my unrequited love?"
"……."

This time, Ichikawa san makes a good looking face.
she can see right through me completely.

"How should we do this? You tell me who you had a crush on and I'll tell you who I had a crush on."
"Hey, I can't believe you looked scary just now."
"Fufu. I was just amused at how upset you were. I wouldn't get mad at you for having a crush on someone."

Again, it was an act, apparently.
Please don't do this because it will shorten my lifespan.
How much of this is an act? Is your unrequited love a lie, too?

"Still, I'm glad we did this. We're lucky we didn't get found out."
"Hey. Are you glad that we are this sneaky ?"
"Eh. I've said it right? I said I was comfortable with it, too. It bothers me that people will talk about it all over the place, and we've only just started dating. I'd like to have a little more quiet time to deepen our love."
"…."

Ichikawa san is a girl who talks about petty and embarrassing things without hesitation.
Thanks to you, my face is hot

"Ara, Are you embarrassed?"
"I'm not"
"Fufu. If you're like that over something like this, you'll have a hard time making a baby, won't you? I'd whisper more love in your ear."
"I-I told you it's too early to talk about that!"
"Not yet? Then I'll wait a little longer. We're a good match."

Damn. She's definitely enjoying this. I don't know how serious she is.

Ichikawa san is in quite a good mood, probably due to Naka's comments as he was leaving.
It's good to be in a good mood, but I can't take being teased at this rate.

Ichikawa san hugs my arms again.
It was more intimate than before. This time, she even holds my hand.

…This is the first time I connected my hands. Are my sweaty hands okay?

"Fufu"

And once again, I found myself in a battle with myself.

But in a little while, it will be our usual meeting place with Sakino san.

Endure! Endure, me!
My spirit is on the edge, but if I can hold out that long—-

"H-Huh?…Komiya kun…to Aoi?"
"Ugh !"

There was no way it could be helped.

One crisis goes away and another one comes back.
Why ?
Hey..Why is this happening ? Sakino san…….

Episode 18 - Shuraba -2 / 2

"Eh? Eh? E? E?"

Sakino san, I am already full for that response from Naka earlier.
Once again, I held up my head with Sakino san having the exact same reaction.

Ichikawa san, on the other hand, froze at the unexpected appearance of Sakino san.
I guess even Ichikawa san can become like this...

Ichikawa san's impatience here made me, on the contrary, calm.
Ichikawa san helped me out earlier, and now it's my turn.

"T-that Aoi...? Eh? Komiya kun...?"
"Shizuka, T-this is..."
"Sakino san. The truth is, I met Ichikawa san along the way. She wasn't feeling well, so I was giving her help."
"!!"

Interrupting the unusual rushing Ichikawa san, I give the same explanation as before.
Ichikawa san looked surprised as if she did not expect me to interrupt her.

"So that's it"

Houuuu...Thank god. Somehow I managed to foo—-

"That's a lie right?"
"Eh ?!?"

Seems I was wrong
Why ?!

"I mean, she's not feeling well, but isn't she a little too sticky? Does she have to be that attached to you?"
"Uuu..."

So sharp.
Unlike Naka, it seems that it is not a simple matter.

"So, what happened?"
"N-no, this is..."

Somehow scary.
Where is the lively character you used to be!?

"Hey, can't you answer the question?"
"N-No...this is..."

I am one-sidedly choked, and I am at a loss for words. This makes my earlier explanation even more unconvincing.

"Shizuka ! This is–"
"Please stay quiet Aoi. I'm asking Komiya kun"

S-so strong...
That Ichikawa san was held down!?

The usual look is no longer there.
So scary, this girl...

Why don't we just tell the truth already?
No, but I can't just say it on my own, and if I say anything...I'm in danger...Tss!

"I-it's the truth. Ichikawa san wasn't feeling well. I think she was off balance earlier, and it just looked like she was all over the place after I supported her."

Can I finally fool her...?! Please ! Please let be fooled!!!

"...hmm?'"
"..."

She Doubts. It may be impossible after all.

"Well, whatever. If you think about it, that's true. There is no way Aoi would go out with someone like Komiya-kun who watches naughty videos outside."
"Wait, that's.."
"Naughty video? Heee"

Don't go stepping over landmines without permission!
Maybe I could have fooled her somehow, but then another problem strikes.
There is a terrible amount of pressure from the side...

"Shizuka, Can you tell me more about it?"
"The other day, was it Saturday? I happened to meet Komiya kun, and he was grinning at the screen, so I called out to him and he panicked! It was like he was looking at naughty pictures. I only caught a glimpse of it, but I saw a woman's underwear on the screen. I could see some kind of exchange, so I guess it was a picture sent to him by someone he'd connected with on social media or something. Isn't that bad?

...You're lying, right? Did you see that at that moment when I called out to you?

"Hey, what do you think?"
"Tss. W-well, That's perverted."

...Huh? Isn't this hurting Ichikawa san?

She seemed to realize that the naughty things Sakino san was referring to were those pictures that Ichikawa san herself had sent.
Aside from the fact that I've become a pervert who saw something nasty from a specific person out there.

"the one who sees it is the one who sees it, but the one who sends it is the one who sends it, too right? Well, Maybe it can't be helped, though, since there are a lot of people with loose chastity on social networking sites..."
"Gohok Gohok" (SFX coughing)

Stabbed.
Every time Sakino san says something, Ichikawa san gets hurt.
Ichikawa san was not safe from her best friend's blunt words.

It may be unusual to see her so distraught.
That was also somewhat fresh and made me laugh lightly.

"Aoi, are you okay?"
"...Eeee. I'm fine. Well, Don't blame him so much. It could just be something going on."
"...Hmm?"

Perhaps fearing the damage that would continually come to her if she continued to talk about the subject, Ichikawa san dropped the subject.

"Well, it's fine though. But I'm worried! I'm worried that a pervert like Komiya kun will play a prank on Aoi because she's not feeling well."

Don't call it a prank. It sounds like a crime.

"...I'm fine. He got me here with no problem."
"...Okay"

Sakino san, concerned about Ichikawa san, nodded her head and tilted her head toward me, her gaze sharp and piercing.
It's scary.

"..."

When she stares at me, Sakino san comes up with something.

"S-Sakino san?"
"[But the thing before is really ...No, that can't be right. But here's one thing. I'll let you feel a little pain. Okay.]"
"Ugh?!"

Sakino san suddenly looked up when I thought she was mumbling something.

"I'll go first, but make sure you take Aoi to school with you."
"Eh?"
"Your answer?"
"Y-Yes !"

Aren't you going with Ichikawa san?
I wonder if she decided to let me take care of her after hearing what I've just said.

"If you make Aoi cry, I'll chase you to the ends of hell."

This does not seem to be the case.
S-scary..

"Aoi, if you're not feeling well, walk slowly! Bye!"

In an instant, I thought my eyes were shot, but then I turned around. Smiling, Sakino san headed off to school.
I'm still afraid of her.
I feel as if I have seen a side of her that I should not have seen.

"Did she get fooled?"
"I wonder. Maybe Komiya kun has been identified by Shizuka as a person to watch out for by the looks of her."

What did I do...

"I mean, the real reason you said you couldn't tell your best friend before is ..."
"Yeah. She's so blind when it comes to me. If she finds out about our relationship, it will be very difficult for her. Of course, it's true that stories spread fast. Maybe she's just playing for a fool."
"Ha...Hahahaha"

All I can get out is a thirsty laugh.
I heard that Ichikawa san and Sakino san are best friends, but I get the feeling that they are more than just friends. What is it?

"Well, Do your best to get her approval. Komiya kun."
"..."

Could you not say that as if it were someone else's problem, Ichikawa san?
What will happen to me now that Sakino san, who is said to be as troublesome as Ichikawa san, has her eyes on me?

I, Sakino Shizuka , left early today.
There was no particular reason, but since I had woken up early, I thought I would wait for Aoi at the meeting place slowly by chance.

The usual crossroads.
That is our meeting place. Aoi has not come yet.
I bought a can of coffee there and was about to wait in the fresh morning sun when I saw a figure from the other side of the street.

Perhaps Aoi has already arrived?

I looked in that direction and saw Aoi with her arms around a male student.

Moreover, the other party was Komiya kun.

Komiya Youta kun.
He is an ordinary boy with no special characteristics who is friends with Naka kun in the same class.
The last time I saw him, I teased him and exchanged contact information with him because his reaction was amusing.

We exchanged at first, but it was still just a normal conversation, so the lines became less and less appropriate from the middle of the day, and we stopped.
If I just wanted to have a normal conversation, it was more fun to communicate with the usual members or with Naka kun, for example.

So his position in my mind was just a classmate. That was all.

And yet, he is doing like that with Aoi...?

I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and I stormed around him.

He then said that he was just accompanying Aoi, who was not feeling well, to school when he happened to meet her.
And the reason for the sticky situation was that Aoi got dizzy and lost her balance.

I thought it was too obvious a lie, but when I thought about it, I realized that there was no way that Aoi would fall in love with and hug an ordinary boy like Komiya kun.
If it's the other way around, no worries. He'll be dumped anyway.

But I'm going to make sure.

Although it was a difficult decision, I asked him to make sure Aoi got a good walk to school.

I arrived first, waited for them to come to school, and looked at them.

"Oi...oi..."
"What happened? What's with that guy?"
"Who is the guy beside her?"
"Damn ! Get lost!"
"He'll be in the dark later."

As Aoi and he approached the school, they were met with strong stares from all around.
Mainly boys. There are definitely a murderous intent in their gaze.

Aoi, Sorry...!

I apologize from the bottom of my heart.
This storm of stares. Aoi never feels good about it.

But this is for Aoi's sake!

I have to protect Aoi

–

–

Episode 19 - The Trial of the Goddess's Friend

We were actually going to go to school separately after Sakino san saw us.
However, Ichikawa san stopped me from doing so.

[What will happen if Shizuka finds out that Komiya kun didn't properly accompany me when I was sick?]

That being said, I have no choice but to go to school with her.
Certainly, that look in Sakino san's eyes was serious.

"But this looks..."
"Yeah. It's not very pleasant."

As one might expect, we inevitably attract attention.

"Well, you can stay calm. I'm sure Shizuka will do something about it so that word won't get out."
"Sakino san will?"
"Yes. I'm sure she knew what would happen if I went to school with one of those boys, so it's no problem."
"Those kinds of boys..."
"I'm kidding"

Putting aside the fact that she treats me inappropriately even though she is my girlfriend, Ichikawa san puts her full trust in Sakino san.
I simply envy that relationship.

Not that I don't trust Naka, but he's an idiot...

Then we headed to class, feeling uncomfortable.

When we enter the classroom, all eyes are on us at once.
It was proof that the talks about Ichikawa san had already gone to school with a normal boy was already spreading.
By now, I might be wanted as the man who seduced the school's goddess.

Ichikawa san, on the other hand, was not bothered by such stares. She said she didn't feel good, but she didn't seem to care too much.
I feel as if I am the only one who is in a rush.

Then we go straight to our respective seats, ignoring the glances.
At that moment, a shadow forms over me.

"Hey Mob kun. Is it true you went to school with Aoi today?"

It was Nagano Kakeru, a flirtatious guy who was in the group with Ichikawa san, who approached me.
I am sure the other boys were also curious.
His ears twitched here and there.

"Ah, that makes me curious too."

And then Jinguji comes on board.
At first glance, Jinguji came in fresh, but I wonder if he is still concerned about me and Ichikawa san.

"It's true though..."
"Come to think of it, I remember you approached Aoi the other day, didn't you? Don't tell me that you somehow took advantage of Aoi's weakness and went to school with her?"
"Nonono, I don't know anything about that !!"

Why should I be called that just because we went to school together!
To only go to school together after finding her weakness, what a sad creature.

"Ha? How do you like it ? Because there is no way you can go to school with Aoi if you don't do that. We never even went to school together."

I don't care!
And, what's with that determination ...
This is why I'm not very good with Chara guys

The boys around me nodded their heads in agreement with Nagano.

"Oi, Kakeru. It's not nice to talk like that."
"Ren ! but!"

But it was Jinguji who stood by my side amidst the cold stares.

...what? Is he really a good guy?
After all, are good-looking people also good-looking in their hearts?

"Heyhey. So, Ichikawa san, are you dating Komiya kun?"
"I'm curious too~!!"
"Aoi, You shouldn't be with that mob!"

At that time, the girls' high-pitched voices can be heard coming from Ichikawa san's side.
Apparently, Ichikawa san is surrounded by girls as well.

Although Ichikawa san gets along with everyone on the surface, she never went to school with a particular boy as she did this time.
For a girl who likes to talk about her love life, they couldn't help but bite when they heard about the flirtation of a girl who represented her grade.

"Tch. There's no way that's normal. They're ..."
"No way, right?"
"100% impossible"
"I know right. I'll bet you 1.000.000 yen" (About 7500 USD)
"Me too !"

The boys, who had heard this, chattered, with Nagano at the head of the group.
The last ones. I'm sorry, but I'm definitely taking that one later. Remember that.

And the boys as well would get into a conversation about whether or not I was dating Ichikawa san. All of that was 'impossible', though.

Very uncomfortable for me.
I was feeling bad earlier because of Nagano's involvement, but now my heart is racing back.

Fortunately, people don't seem to think that's true. ...
And Ichikawa san looked a little troubled.

It seems that even the great Ichikawa san is fed up with being involved in this kind of controversy.

"Ouuu–, What's all this fuss?"

Then a savior appeared before us.
Everyone's attention is focused on the person who said this in a loud voice as soon as she entered the classroom.

"Ah Aoi, Good morning ! What's wrong with you being surrounded by everyone?And even Komiya kun?"
"Ah Sakino san ! Did you hear? I heard that Ichikawa san and Komiya kun are dating!

Hey ! Don't twist the rumors!
Even though it's true !!

A girl classmate's comment makes me break out in a cold sweat.
I can't imagine that she would help me after she had just spotted me.

"Haa ? Komiya kun and Aoi ? impossible"

However, Sakino san completely denies the rumor.

"Eh? But they went to school together today, you know? That Ichikawasan, you know?"
"Ahh, then ? It's not like that. Aoi, I heard that you got sick on your way to school today. Komiya kun just happened to be there. I had something else to do, so I left Aoi to Komiya kun! Right? That's right, isn't it? Komiya kun?"
"Y-Yes"

I'm afraid to smile...
Why are you asking me ...

"Aoi, Was she sick?"
"Ah...but now she's fine"

Jinguji is immediately concerned when he finds out how I got to school with Ichikawa san.
It's a lie, but since that's the way it's supposed to be, I answer with more lies.

"I see. Thanks for sending Aoi."
"...You're welcome"

Maybe he was simply thanking me for his concern, but the way he said it bothered me.

"That's what he is saying, so don't get too involved, Kakeru."
"Well if Ren said that. If you say so, it feels like it's true. Hey, Mob."
"It's Komiya"
"I don't care either way, Komiya. I'll give you one piece of advice. Aoi may not say it because she is kind, but don't get the wrong idea. I relied on you this time because there was no one else around."

Nagano says this and leaves my seat.
The boys around us soon lost interest and left like spiders.

...not a good feeling.
Frustrating. Why do I have to be told this much?

I knew it, but if they find out that I'm dating Ichikawa san, it will be like this.
More and more, I didn't want to be found out. At the same time, I also lost confidence.

... Anyway, thanks to Sakino san for her help.

"Thank you. Sakino san"

I regained my composure and honestly expressed my gratitude to Sakino san, who remained on the spot.

"It's fine ! I didn't mean to help Komiya kun. I only helped Aoi."
"A-ah yeahh"

Can you not say it with such a smirk and sting? I'm scared.
Not doing it for me, but for Ichikawa san, right? Not for me, but for Ichikawa san?

"Komiya kun, be careful. Komiya kun is the one who will be in trouble if there is a rumor about Aoi."
"T-Thanks for the heads up."

It seems to contain many nuances.

"If, just if...Ichikawa san date someone, what will happen?"
"Eh-, That's a bloodbath, of course!"

You should lower your tone of voice a little more. That's not what you should be saying with that brightness.
And don't make the motion of putting your thumbs down and scratching your neck. It's scary.

My characterization of Sakino san has been set in my mind.
Absolutely no one must know about the relationship between me and Ichikawa san.

Ichikawa san, on the other hand, turned her mouth towards me at a time when Sakino san was not looking at her.

"F I G H T"

I-Impossible.

The operation worked.
Once Aoi and Komiya kun get into a rumor like this, I will certainly deny it.
This makes the awareness that she and Komiya kun have nothing in common more clearly marked.

As I warned him, it must have sunk in that if he approached Aoi carelessly, he would end up in a situation like today.

Fufu, Perfect !
...Aoi I will protect you.

–

–

Episode 20 - Shuraba

"H-Hey...I heard a rumor that you and Ichikawa san are dating. Is it true?"
"Bwah ?!"

Before homeroom begins.
Tohno san, who arrived late, asked me about this morning.
I almost spit out the tea in my mouth. Some spilled.

"W-Where did you hear about that?"
"Um, people are talking about it..."

Tohno san looks at me somewhat uneasily. I wonder what's wrong.
They say the rumors have not yet stopped.

I cannot tell the truth only to Tohno san before it has been settled by Sakino san's mouth earlier.
I feel a little guilty about denying it so clearly, but I guess it's inevitable.

"It's impossible. It's only a rumor okay"
"...! thank god"

Thank god? What ? Eh? Are you saying you're glad I'm not dating Ichikawa san?

"Are you perhaps..."
"Ah n-no you're wrong, look, Ichikawa san is quite popular, so if that's what you are dating, Komiya kun is going to be in trouble!"
"A-ah so that's what you meant"

It was just a normal concern.
What the heck? I thought I was ...

"Y-Yeah that's right ! No way ! that's not it !"
"A-Ahaha..."

You don't have to deny it so much.
I was even more heartbroken.

"B-By the way, sensei is late today."

she bluntly went off topic.
Well, That helped because I couldn't tell her anything about the rumors about me and Ichikawa san in depth.

"Yeah it seems so. I wonder what's going on."
"Usually sensei come as soon as the pre-bell rings. It's unusual that sensei don't come even after the main bell rings. Oh, here comes!

Just as we were talking about this, sensei came in.

"I'm sorry. I'm late."

Sasaki sensei wipes her sweat lightly and takes her place at the teaching table.
I feel that the situation is somehow different from usual.

"Sensei ! What's going on ?"

Perhaps sensing the teacher's state of mind, one of her classmates asked her a question.

"Ahh, In fact, today I'd like to introduce you to a new student."

It was a shock to the ears. My classmates, who had been talking about me and Ichikawa san in the morning, were all excited by sensei's words.

And at the same time, I remembered a fact I had forgotten.

[I'm going to the same school next week.]

An exchange with a blonde girl I met at my parents' house last week.
Too many things were pushing it to the back of my mind.

"Okay, please come in"
"Excuse me"

A cold sweat breaks out at once at the high-pitched voice I have heard before.
With a steady thump of her footsteps, the figure stood next to the teacher.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Suzu Shinozuka."

She winked lightly at me and laughed happily.

"Hahaha..."

[I'll keep it quiet from your girlfriend]

I can't face her..
That's what she said, but I'm not sure how much I can trust that statement.

I should talk to Ichikawa san before that.
At the moment, I've been completely freaked out and avoiding talking about it, but the bill is coming due.

The appearance of Suzu creates an uproar in the classroom.
This is because Suzu is a beautiful girl whose appearance is as good as Ichikawa san's.

"Then, will you sit behind Komiya kun? The boy in the very back seat over there."
"Okay."

It seems the heavens have given up on me everywhere.
I think there was a seat in the back that I didn't know about
The boys look at me again with resentment.

It was Nagano who was giving me the strongest look with his gaze.
... Give me a break.

"Nice to meet you. Suzu is fine"

Suzu, who had taken a seat behind me, suddenly spoke to me.

"Aah...Nice to meet you"

Seeing my stiffened face, Suzu smiles with satisfaction.
She's definitely enjoying this situation. She is somewhat more friendly than before, but her inner thoughts are unknown.

"My name is Tohno Hitomi. Nice to meet you. Can I call you Suzu chan?"
"That's fine. I'll call you Hitomi, too. Nice to meet you."

Then Tohno san, who was standing next to me, introduced herself.
If possible, I don't want anyone but my girlfriend, Ichikawa san, to know about my relationship with Suzu.
As for me, I can say that it's made the situation more difficult because it's just more secrecy.

"What's wrong? Komiya kun."
"N-no...Nothing, Tohno san"
"..."

But how do we separate Tohno san from Suzu? It is physically impossible in this seat.
Moreover, due to Tohno san's gentle nature, there is even a possibility of her meddling with Suzu, who is unfamiliar with the school.

"Hey Hitomi. I want to ask you, are you close with that guy there ... Komiya? Are you dating him by any chance?"
"Eh ?!"

This girl? What kind of question is that?
And you said you'd keep it quiet from her, but you're trying to make her notice right now!

"N-no !! Me and Tohno san aren't dating! Right, Tohno san?"
"Eh, Y-yeah..."

I rush to get between them and deny it.

And Tohno san, perhaps sensing my desperate appeal, nodded in tune.

"Hmmm? I see. I was wrong..."

Did I manage to fool her off?
I don't think I had to deny it in such a hurry because it's true that we are not dating ...

This makes it sound as if I don't like Tohno san.

"Uu..."
"Eh?! Tohno san ?!"

This is bad !!

Tohno san was next to me, teary-eyed.
I think I hurt her by denying it so strongly.

W-What should I do?!

"But I think you two would make a good match."
"EH !?"
"Haa?!"

But then, Suzu makes an outrageous statement.

"You two are actually dating, aren't you?"
"D-Don't be silly. How can a guy like me go out with Tohno san?"
"I-it's not like that..."

Tohno san's face, which had been gloomy until a moment ago, suddenly turns red at Suzu's words.

Huh? Seems like Tohno san is not fully...N-no ! It shouldn't be. She has a beloved childhood friend.
She is simply not used to this kind of teasing.

"Well, it looks like you really aren't."
"Hey..."

Apparently, Suzu said that to confirm the relationship between me and Tohno san.
It's a good nuisance.

"(Ehehe. Me and Komiya kun...Ehehe)"

Tohno san?

Tohno san was in her own world, mumbling something.

And Suzu leaves Tohno san like that and gives me an earful.

"Hey, what's that?
"Hmm?"

Behind Suzu's gaze...

"——–Tsss?!"

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

A terrifyingly deadly gaze shot through me.

"..."
"Why is she staring at me like that?" Did you do something?"
"No..."

I am at a loss for words.
Needless to say, the current situation is not good.

"Somehow, I don't like it."

Such Suzu also glared lightly back at Ichikawa san and pulled her face away from my ear.

"(Ehe. Ehe. dating...Ehehe)"

Tohno san was immersed in her own world during this time.

What is going to happen to this?

–

–

Episode 21 - The Scream of the Goddess

I, Ichikawa Aoi, was not feeling well.
I thought I was a person who could control my emotions.
But I realized that was just being self-conscious.

If you're wondering why this is happening, it's because my boyfriend is flirting with a new student who arrived today...

...That's not the reason.
I certainly had my thoughts on that too, but it didn't matter.

"I think it is annoying for Aoi too, right? I can't believe that she is rumored to be with that guy."
"'Yeah, for a moment I thought you were really dating. Aoi, I'm sorry."
"Hey, Don't say that. Komiya helped Aoi. Well...I really wish I could have gotten in real close."
"Huh~? Ren kun are you jealous?"
"Eeh~ I'm so jealous that Ren kun is jealous of you, Aoi."
"Shut up. It's not like that."
"He's so embarrassed! Shizuka, can you say something ?"
"Kakeru, Shut up"
"Eh??"

My head hurts.
I was fine in the morning.

As long as he could laugh and let it slide, I was willing to do nothing.
I couldn't understand what he was saying, but I still couldn't get rid of the sad expression he showed me for a moment, which stuck in my mind.

The scene was somehow settled when Shizuka came along halfway through, but I still didn't feel good.
Finally I managed to smile at him, but now it's tough to even put on a fake smile.

[Uwa~ here we go again]
[It's always dark when I saw it...]
[hey, isn't it stink?]
[Speak more clearly.]
[I wish Kou kun didn't have to be so nice to that guy.]
[Mobsters should be mobsters and stay out of it.]

The words that go through my head. It stirs my heart.

"...Tss"

It throbbed again and stimulated my head.
I felt as if something I had been holding inside of me was being peeled away.

...Ah, it's tough.

"Aoi? You okay ?"

As expected, Shizuka seemed to realize what was going on.

"Noo, I'm fine"
"...Really? Don't force it, okay?"
"Fufu, Shizuka says the craziest things."
"Mouu !"

I stroke her gently and Shizuka turns away, embarrassed.

"But still, isn't the new girl cute?"
"Oh, it's Shinozuka, isn't it? She sure is a beauty."
"I know right~. Maybe she's really my type"
"Didn't you tell me that, too?"
"Ha ?! I didn't say that !!"
"Is that right~?"
"Well, Kakeru you are a bit of a sucker"
"It's true !...But, after all, she was sitting behind that mobster again. He can't read the air."
"It's the teacher's decision, and she is sitting in the very back, so you have no choice. Give it up."

They continue to talk without regard to my poor mood.

"Eh~I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that. I'll nail him again, just in case. Before he gets the wrong idea."
"...Don't say too much okay ?"
"It's fine. You wouldn't want him to get it all wrong and turn into Aoi's stalker, would you?"

... can't bear to hear.

"Well, that's true, but ..."
"Stalking, yuck."

...My head hurts

"It doesn't look like he'd go that far. ..."
"You don't get it, do you? Those things are sticky. If you're going to deal with him, it's better to deal with him now."

Stop it.

"I understand~"
"So scary~"
"Hey, You think so too, don't you, Aoi?"

At that moment, I felt something snap.

"Enough!!!!"

The desk makes a loud noise and echoes.
The classroom was quiet all at once.

Shizuka, Nagano kun and Jinguji kun who were around me.
Fujimoto-kun and Komiya-kun who were talking in the distance.
Everyone in the classroom had their eyes on me.

"...Ts"

I did it. I did it.
I looked around and finally remembered that I had raised my voice and I stood there in silence.
Then I stepped out of the classroom.

"A-Aoi?"

Shizuka calls out to me from behind.

"I'm sorry. I'm feeling a little sick."

I shook off Shizuka's concern and ran out of the classroom.

I ran out of the classroom and proceeded down the hallway at a quick pace.
I'll go somewhere where I can be at peace.
It was the usual place that popped into my head.

"Ouch !!"
"——–Tss"

On the way, I bumped into a female student coming out of the restroom.
She had beautiful blonde hair and was a new student today.

But before I had time to apologize, all I could think about was leaving the place.

"Hey! Apologize!"

I hear a loud voice behind me.
I ran down the hallway, suppressing a headache that was getting worse.

The classroom was in an uproar.
It was because Ichikawa san, who always acted so cool, suddenly started yelling.

Jinguji and Nagano, who were usually around her, as well as her other classmates, all seemed to have no idea what was going on.

Even Sakino san has a puzzled look on her face.

"I wonder what's going on, Ichikawa san. ..."

Naka, who had just spoken to me, mutters.
I've never seen Ichikawa san like that either.

And my feet were naturally moving to go after her.
However, as if to block my way, someone entered the front of the room before I could get out of the classroom.

"Hey, Komiya. You did something, didn't you?"

The identity was Nagano, who had been relentlessly involved with me since the morning.

I can't wait to get to her.
...I'm getting annoyed.

"...Why?"
"Aoi's behavior became strange after she went to school with you today. I can't think of any cause other than you."
"I didn't do anything. Just step back."
"I'm not backing down until you tell me what you did."
"This guy ! Enou—"
"Hey. Move out of the way!"

When I couldn't stand it and tried to force my way through, Suzu came back from the corridor and called out to us who were blocking the entrance.

"S-Shinozaki san...Ugh!"

Nagano was clearly upset by Suzu's appearance.

"Damn. That woman has the nerve to ignore me after bumping into me. I'll complain to her later!..Wait, what's with the atmosphere?"
"Ahh, that.."

Suzu was swearing at something, but the disturbing atmosphere in the classroom made her twist her head.
Nagano, flustered by this, tried to call out to her.

But this is my chance.

I take advantage of the momentary gap and run out into the hallway.

"Ouch, Wait !"

Then, without looking aside, I started running.
On the way, I passed a teacher who came at the chime, but I pretended not to hear him.

Episode 22 - The Goddess' Past

＊＊＊
I, Ichikawa Aoi, was a plain student.
I was not particularly outstanding in athletics, studies, or appearance, and lived a modest and quiet life.

I would be lying if I said that I did not admire them.
I want to live a sparkling school life like them. With such a monthly thought in my mind, I lived each day without incident.

[You like that, too?]

He talked to me like that.
He was like the sun, shining brilliantly in class, and he fished me out of the shade into the sun without belonging anywhere.

For a long time, no one looked at me. I don't know whether I am there or not.
He helped me to see the outside world...

...It is not that. People around me didn't allow it.

[You got carried away just because Kou kun was nice to you.]
[People like you should stay at the edge of the classroom.]
[Listen? People like you only get sympathy]

[Oi, what are you guys doing !? are you okay?!]

[It's your fault!]
[The worst]
[Don't come to school anymore]

The more he stood for me, the more I was brought back into the shade.
Go to a deeper and darker place than before.

I was alone again.

[You look so bored.]

That was my first encounter with that person I admired so much.

＊＊＊

"Ichikawa san" "Ichikawa san !"
"..."

I suddenly opened my eyes and there he was.
He was looking at me with kind eyes like that boy back then.

"Se, I...ts. Good morning, Komiya kun"
"It's not [good morning]...you make me worried"
"I see. It looks like it took you a long time to find me."
"That's...I thought I would find you on the stairs, but you were not there. I went to the infirmary, but you weren't there. I was in class, so it was hard to find you."
"But how did you know where to find me?"

I raise my body with a whimper.
It was still early afternoon, and the sun was shining relentlessly.

Mid-April has passed.
If you stay outside too much, you may need sunscreen.

"You wouldn't expect me to be on a rooftop you're not supposed to get in right? How did you get in?"
"I don't know? Maybe it was unlocked."

Actually, the story is true, the lock on the rooftop here has been broken for quite some time.
Maybe someone else might know it too, but I have never met another student here before.

Maybe it's because I don't come here often.

"So ... what happened?"
"What?"
"You don't have to act like that. I've never seen Ichikawa san like that"
"...I see"

Komiya kun glances at me as if he thinks that I don't want to talk.
He seems to think that he has not been exposed to it.

Fufu. So clumsy.

"I was angry."
"Eh?"
"I was irresistibly angry that my boyfriend, Komiya kun, was being made fun of by them."
"...That kind of thing?"

Komiya kun looked surprised that I had done something like that for such a reason.

But this is true as well.
To be honest, I never expected Komiya kun would be treated this badly.

I thought it was only rumored at most. Because Komiya kun was not that much disliked by those around him. But I was wrong.
It was a complete lack of imagination. I was angry with myself for that.

"I don't see why not. I think that's a good enough reason."
"No, well about that. I don't know what to say... I didn't think Ichikawa san would get mad at them for my sake. Even if it weren't for that, Ichikawa-san would probably tell me to see how well I could beat them."
"I wonder what you think I am?"

That's just rude.
And no matter how much I would have said something like that if it had been ... always just the two of us.

"N-no..Not just that. Ichikawa san looked so distressed at that time. I thought there was a bigger reason."
"..."

I was surprised.
"... You're looking at me more than I think."
"I think it's normal for most people to think there was something wrong. So what happened? Ah, it's okay if you don't want to."
"This is that kind of day for me"
"Eh?"

Komiya-kun looks as if he has been caught off guard by this sudden confession.
Then he became obviously suspicious of my behavior as if he understood what I meant.

Seeing him like that makes me smile. It's funny.

"I'm just frustrated, that's all. Don't worry about it."
"Y-Yeah..."
"My stomach still throbs and It hurts."
"Eh??!"

Without waiting for Komiya kun's reply, I rest my head on his lap.
Komiya kun's face, seen from below, is tinted red, is he embarrassed ? he does not make eye contact with me.

"...Well, that's a relieve"
"Fufu, Thanks for worrying about me."

I fooled him.
But not everything was a lie. Half of it is true and half of it is a lie.
It's true that Komiya kun was annoyed at being made fun of, but that's not all.

"Hey, Komiya kun"
"...what's up?"
"Why don't we tell everyone about our relationship?"

[Why don't we tell everyone about our relationship?]

The girl resting in my lap said that before she fell asleep.
Even with her eyes closed, she is a beauty to fall in love with.

Now she's sleeping and regularly breathing smoothly

"..."

I feel it would be profitable just to take a picture of this sleeping face and resell it.

"Nono, what am I thinking !!"
"Fufu, Komiya kun is a pervert"
"Tss!?"
"..."

I hear Ichikawa san breathing in her sleep again, just as she did earlier.

"You're talking in your sleep."

For a second I thought my heart was going to skip a beat.
I mean, what kind of sleep-talking was that?

I stare intently at Ichikawa san's face as she sleeps peacefully.
I can't look at her properly unless it's a time like this.

More and more, I don't think she is too good to be my girlfriend.
Still, I couldn't leave her alone if she showed me a face like that.

"I'm sure she's hiding something."

I suppose it's also true that she got mad at them for making fun of me.
But there's another reason she bared so much emotion.

I kind of thought so.

"This is bad. I, towards Ichikawa san..."

My ears were burning when I said it out.

Episode 23 - Agony of a close friend

I, Sakino Shizuka, regretted the event today.
That incident today... my dear best friend, Aoi, revealed her anger in the classroom.

It was the first time I had seen her like that since we became friends.
What has turned her against the wall?
When I thought about it, I immediately understood why.

Komiya Youta.
He had been a conspicuous figure in his class, but he and Aoi went to school together.
It was only natural that there would be an uproar all around.

I tried to prevent him from misunderstanding his relationship with Aoi or making it difficult for him to create such a situation in the future.

Aoi is quite popular. It has happened in the past that some unpleasant people have come to her just because of her appearance.
I have heard that she has struggled with such a misunderstood boy in the past.
Besides, that guy I had heard she liked was clearly not the shadowy type like Komiya kun.
If anything, he would have been a high-spec person like Jinguji Ren kun.

Because of that, I thought Aoi also had a liking for him.
I wished she could go out with Ren kun, as people around me said she and he were a good match.

But was I wrong?
I don't know, but she certainly showed her anger at the malice directed toward Komiya kun.

That time when she yelled and left.

I realized for the first time that I had made a mistake.
Yes, I have overdone it.

I didn't expect my classmates, and by extension Kakeru, to react so overly aggressively.

Nothing I did was good for her.
I failed again.

After Komiya kun had left the classroom, I managed to quiet Kakeru, who was about to turn malicious toward him again.
What we should do now, I said, is to worry about Aoi.

It was the least I could do.

And when Aoi finally returned to the classroom in the afternoon, she was back to her usual routine.
But I couldn't face her or talk to her.

"What should I say to her...No, no, first I should talk to Komiya kun? No...I have to apologize first..."

During math class, I listen to the formulas I heard and organize what to do.

Komiya kun, who left at that time, no doubt went to look for Aoi.
They returned separately to the classroom, but I had a hunch that something must have happened between them.

"How should I...Ah, Line, Line...Line..."

I take out my phone and try to type.
However, the fingertips won't move

[I need to talk to you]

"Not that..."

I erase the letters I typed once.

[Sorry..]

"T-This is all too sudden, and it doesn't even make sense."

Ettoo...

"...Kino"

[About today]

"Ahh not this too ! I knew it was better to be in person, not on the line."
"Oi, Sakino !!"
"EH!??"
"Put it out. Your smartphone"
"Eh? Ah, no..."

I scratched my head and tried to cover it up, but it was already too late.
The teacher approached me angrily and held out his hand.

The teacher found out. That I was using my phone during class.

I gave up and reluctantly placed my phone in his palm.

"You can line your boyfriend, but make sure you listen to your teacher's class, or I'll cry."

There is laughter all around.
I sat there, red-faced.

"Sakino should come to the staff room immediately after class"

I nodded at the teacher's unforgiving announcement.

In the end, I was unable to talk to Aoi after class.
The awkwardness of the situation got the better of me and I just couldn't take the plunge.

That's why, I can get it from Komiya kun...
It may be an escape, but it was the only choice I could take.

Right after class.
I dash to the staff room.

If I don't do this, I will miss the time to apologize to Komiya kun.
If I get there early and have it returned right away, I just might make it!

But that idea was naive.

"Excuse me."

Released from the teacher, I breathe a sigh of relief.

... That was a pretty stiff lecture
When he confiscated it in the classroom, it wasn't like that, but in the staff room, I feel like the teacher's anger is getting stronger.

When I returned to the classroom, no one was there anymore.
Too much time had passed.

"Ah...If it's like this, Aoi will hate me..."

If possible, I want to talk to both Komiya and Aoi. But I missed that timing.

I'll contact them in line...ah, But what if they ignore me? ...
But I don't want to put it off until tomorrow. ...

"Uuu...what should I do..."

Tears well up in my eyes.
My best friend might have hated me. The fear makes my heart ache.
If you say I deserved it, that's all I'm saying, but ... still.

"Gusu...Gusu" (SFX Crying)
"Ah– Sakino san ?"

Then someone called out to me.

When I tried to take Ichikawa san home, she refused.
She wants to go home alone today.

I nodded in agreement, guessing that she had a lot on her mind.

I'm such a sensitive guy!
Just kidding.

When I returned to the classroom, I thought I was going to get another painful look, but I wasn't.
Nagano was still the same though. Well, it was fortunate that he just stared at me and didn't do anything.
The Neighbor Tohno san was worried about me.
For some reason, Suzu's gaze was discouraging to me.

Apparently, Sakino san made her classmates quiet.
It was unexpected.
Or, rather, I can't help but think that it was Sakino san's fault in the first place.
Well, clearly some of the boys (mainly Nagano) were on the verge of going out of control.

Did I do something to make him hate me?

Then I come home and realize something.
I've forgotten my phone.

Although a pain in the ass, living without a smartphone is an unbearable task in today's society.
I had no choice but to go back to the school to get it.

What would it be ?
I could hear what sounded like sobbing coming from the classroom.

I'm scared. The time is just before 6 pm.
Twilight time, you say? The sound of crying from an empty classroom at a time of day when things out of this world are said to come out.

Eh, Scary.

Still, I take a deep breath and then open the classroom door.
And inside...

"Sakino san?"

She is Ichikawa san's best friend.

I call out to her, and Sakino san looks up.
Her face was wet with tears and her eyes were red.

"Eh, W-wait, don't look !!"
"SSSS-sorry!!"

I felt a sense of immorality as if I had peeked at the scene of a change of clothes.
No, I just saw her cry.

Sakino san frantically wipes away her tears.
However, the traces of tears remained clearly visible.

"What happened to you Sakino san?"
"I-I am..."

Sakino san is at a loss for words and turns her head down. It is a rare sight to see her in such spirits.

I have an idea of what to expect. It must be Ichikawa san.
I didn't see them talking after she left the classroom and came back.
I am sure that Ichikawa san must have been aware of Sakino san's situation.

"About Ichikawa san?"
"...tss. About that...yeah..."

I'm correct. Sakino san seems to think that the root cause of Ichikawa san's anger was her fault. That is exactly right, though.

"... you're surprisingly perceptive."
"[Unexpected] is unnecessary."
"S-Sorry..."

Ah, stop. Don't hold back the tears again, okay?
It's like I made you cry!!!!

"I ... feel like I have to apologize ... to Komiya kun as well."

Sniffling, Sakino san struggles to squeeze out a few words.

Apologize to me? Apologize for what?

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry I made you feel bad ..."

Sakino san bowed her head, her face wet with tears.
I'm sure she wanted to protect Ichikawa san from the bad people (me).
I understand. An ordinary guy like me is suspicious.
If you commit some crime and are interviewed, you can usually picture a student like me.
[I didn't think he looked like the kind of boy who would do something like that.]
[It was a shadow of its former self.]
[I don't think I did anything particularly wrong.]
Yes, like this. Who's the criminal, hey

But that self-righteous thinking of hers is very dangerous.
Maybe she acted because she thought it was for Ichikawa san's sake, but was it really necessary for Ichikawa san?

I do not know the relationship between Ichikawa san and Sakino san to any great depth, and I know it is a matter of consequence, but this action was thoughtless. I have to agree. I was also affected.

Perhaps this time around, there may have been a rift between the two of them.
But I didn't want them to stay that way.
Most importantly, I know that Ichikawa san speaks happily of Sakino san.

"I won't forgive you"
"...I know right...Sorry..."
"So I'm going to punish Sakino san."
"P-Punish..?"

Not the dirty kind, okay?

"Let's go see Ichikawa san now!"
"...Eh?"

Sakino san's tear-stained face looked a little silly with her makeup removed.

–

–

Episode 24 - A goddess, a Best Friend, and a New ...Mastery?

Currently, I'm in the park.
I've never been to this park at all.
It seems to be a park near Ichikawa san's house. I say "apparently" because I don't know where Ichikawa san lives.
Sakino san told me.

Sakino san didn't seem too comfortable with the idea, but when I threatened to forcefully threaten her with a dangling punishment, she had no choice but to comply.

I haven't even contacted Ichikawa san yet. There is a possibility that she may not come even if I contact her, but what will happen, will happen then.

"Hey. Why this park?"
"No, It wouldn't be good for me to know directly where Ichikawa san lives if she didn't give me her address, wouldn't it?"
"S-seems so"

I operate my phone, select Ichikawa san from my contacts, and make a call.

After about three calls, I heard an answering tone on the other end of the phone.

[Hello? Komiya kun? What's wrong?"]
[Et-to, Actually, I'm at Shiratani Park near Ichikawa san's house.]
[...I wonder why you know it?]
[No, this is..I'll explain the situation later, but can you please come out?]
[...I think that's the part where you say, 'I lied, but it's because I wanted to see you. You can try again]
[Eh...Should I say it?]
[If you don't I won't come]
[Don't say that..]
[Goodbye]
[W-Wait]
[Okay, go ahead]
[...Because I want to see you]
[Your heart's not in it. Again]
[B-Because I want to see you !!!]
[Can't help it. If you insist, I'll go.]

The sound was muffled from the speakers, a poo-poo and empty sound lingering in my ears.

Maybe she got out of her house because she is in great spirits.
I feel that Ichikawa san was back to her usual self.

"Komiya kun why ... Aoi's phone number ..."

she was far enough away that she didn't seem to hear the conversation, but it sure is strange when you think about it.

"W-well stuff happens?"

I had no choice but to go with that

Then, just a few minutes later, I heard footsteps.
It was Ichikawa san who appeared at the entrance to the park.

Then Ichikawa san slowly approached us and looked at Sakino san next to me and frowned.

I'm now afraid of that reaction.

"Shizuka, why are you here?"
"I'm sorry..."
"Wait, Shizuka ?!"

Ichikawa san is confused when Sakino san suddenly hugs her.
From her point of view, everything must have been sudden.

"Et-to, I'm sorry. I don't know what the situation is ..."

While hugging back the sobbing Sakino san, Ichikawa san asks me for help.

"Why is Shizuka with you?"

She looked at me with a creepy, cold look.
How shall I explain ...?

"N-No...I went back to the classroom to pick up something I had left behind, and Sakino san was there. She said she wanted to apologize to Ichikawa san for what happened today.
"To me? Why?"
"Well..."

Ichikawa san does not seem to be aware of it.
I can only speculate, but Sakino san feels that she is to blame for what happened today.

So I believe she wants to apologize to Ichikawa san.

"I'm sorry ... for making you feel bad ... because of me."
"...So it's about that"

With that one word, Ichikawa san seemed to understand everything.
What's going on with your insight?

"I don't have any bad feelings about it."
"...Eh?"
"I am sure that Nagano's and others' words were offensive, but this is my problem as well. And if you are going to apologize, it's the wrong person, isn't it?"
"———-Tsu"

Sakino san's shoulders tremble at Ichikawa san's words.
Ichikawa san urges her to apologize to me.

"Ah, she already apologized to me"
"And you forgive her?"
"...Ah, it's no problem for me"

I myself don't think of anything today.
In fact, it was Nagano and the others who said something to me. Sakino san kept the place in order after I was gone, and it's not that she said anything particularly bad about me.

"Shizuka. Have you really apologized to Komiya kun?"
"...Eh?"
"You apologized to him because you thought I was angry, no?'
"...Yes..."

Sakino san seems to think so, and with a huff, she gave a small nod once again.

"Then what you should do is not to apologize to me, but to him, sincerely apologize to Komiya kun. After receiving a sincere apology from you, Komiya kun will decide whether he forgives you or not. Isn't that the way it should be?"

Ichikawa san has a point. I accepted the apology as I was being swept away earlier, as I was being apologized to.
Sakino san trembled at the harsh words coming from Ichikawa san.

Then, once again, she breathes in and then turns to face me.

"Today...About hurting Komiya kun...I'm really...I'm really sorry!"

Once again, Sakino san looked me in the eye and slowly lowered her head.
Eyes that I did not see earlier.
I could see the seriousness in her eyes.

I don't know how she really feels about it, but it's enough for me to get a serious apology from her.

"Yeah. It's fine really. I forgive Sakino san"

When I said this, Sakino san sobbed again.

After a while, Ichikawa san slowly embraces and comforts Sakino san.
From the tone of her voice earlier, Ichikawa san herself said she didn't feel bad about it, but I felt like she was angry because of me as well.

"I'm sorry too Aoi...I.."
"You did that because you thought of me, didn't you?"
"Ts"
"You've always been a great help to me. But you know, if you really care about me, don't go out of control and make sure you talk to me too. You are my only best friend."
"Uuu, Aoi..."

Sakino san nodded her head many times in a small way.
It's a beautiful thing when they get along.

I saw that, too, and felt as if a weight had finally been lifted off my shoulders.
I didn't have any responsibility that I should feel.

It's kind of frustrating to watch ... relationships between girls.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's my parents calling. Because I suddenly came out."

Ichikawa san's phone rings just as she finishes comforting Sakino san.
Ichikawa san took the incoming call and moved a short distance away.

"Thank you so much for today"

Once we are alone, Sakino san thanks me once again.

"Ah no I didn't do anything"
"No, I really appreciate it. If Komiya kun hadn't taken me out this far, I wouldn't have been able to do anything. I'm not sure if I will resolve problems with Aoi or not. I'm glad I was able to apologize to Komiya kun one more time."
"I really didn't do anything."
"But still. Komiya-kun is more dependable than I thought."
"I think that might be the first time anyone's ever told me that."
"Ahaha..Sorry. I really thought of Komiya kun as just a shadowy classmate. But not anymore."

...hmm?

"I kind of like Komiya kun."
"!?"

Sakino san looked at me shyly.

"Ah, no, I'm-"
"I'm sorry. I have to get back soon."

Just as I am about to squeeze out a few words, Ichikawa san returns from the phone.

"No, Thank you. You made time for me."
"Fufu, It's a small price to pay for Shizuka."
"Well, I'm gonna get going"
"Okay. Is it okay if I don't accompany you?"
"Nope, Don't worry ! Thank you very much for today !"

Sakino san was in her usual good spirits and ran with light steps.
I can see her waving widely in front of the park.

"Heyy. What were you talking to her about while I was on the phone? I thought I saw something red on her face."

Ichikawa san's question made my shoulders tremble.
It's scary, but it's even scarier to keep it quiet.

"S-She told me she was curious about something"
"...Is that so"

The air is freezing. It's April now, it 's strange.
It's even harder to talk about...

I had a feeling of a new shuraba...

–

–

Episode 25 - Hot battle of the Goddesses

It's been a day since yesterday's agony. Do you know what today is?
Yes, it is my birthday.

Happy Birthday to me.
In the morning, Ichikawa san congratulated me.
After arriving at school, Naka, and then Tohno san. I got congratulations from Suzu too, in case you were wondering.

It just wasn't much more than that. Sad.
Can I at least assume that Ichikawa san, even if only temporarily, is my lover and that there will be something after this?
However, I think it is a bit impolite to expect something from someone who has just become your lover.

Well, it's better not to feel lonely if you think it's just like any other year. ...

"Fugigigigi, Uu!!! Haaaahaaahaaa..."
"Yippey~, 33~"

I am currently taking a physical fitness test in my P.E. class.
The current measured grip strength number is 33. 5 points scored. Not so good, not so bad.
It was an ordinary score.

I knew I was ordinary no matter what I did. ...

"Okay !, next one is me ! Oryaaaaa!!!"

I pair up with Naka and take measurements.
Naka took the grip strength meter from me and put all his strength into it with a shout.

"51..."
"Yes~ I guess I didn't get 10 points."

Naka's grip was 51. He scored 9 points.
It's just plain awesome.
I knew this guy was athletic.

I was a little depressed by the difference between myself and the others.

"Oh, the girls start at 50 meters."

Today, we will measure grip strength and the 50-meter run. The boys will start with grip strength and the girls will start with the 50-meter run.
After that, they would take turns, but since the grip strength test would be over soon, the boys would watch the girls run the 50-meter race, and the girls would watch the boys run the 50-meter race.

"Wow~ it's a spectacular view."

And most of the boys look at girls in that way.
Speaking of high school boys, it is inevitable that they see a little because of their sexual desire, but what's with the dirty look?
The girls' faces were blatantly twisted when they noticed such boys' disgusting gazes.

"You saw too much Naka"
"No, I'm just genuinely interested in which girls have the fastest feet."
"Bullshit."
"I knew Ichikawa san's style was too good" (He said "too Yabee")
"Oi"

Naka ignored my words and looked at the girls. When she said Ichikawa san, I reflexively looked in that direction too.

"..."

Ichikawa san in her gym clothes is also fresh.
Her hair is in a ponytail, unlike the way she usually wears it down, and the nape of her neck is quite dazzling.
Other boys also have hot eyes for her, and I still sometimes wonder if she is really my girlfriend, whom everyone admires so much, or if it still feels unrealistic.

"That is a solid D"
"..."

Naka's idiotic comment brought me back to reality and I almost tsked. Watch out, watch out. By the way, I gave it an "E".

"I knew it, you are into Tohno san?"
"That's n—"
"Well, just see"
"Ouch !"

Naka forced me to turn toward Tohno san.
Then I see Tohno san in her gym uniform.

"Ugh!"
"That was some good stuff."

I did think they were on the large side. But I had no idea that she looked that big just by wearing gym clothes. She was also receiving enthusiastic stares from the boys here.
I'm aware of that too, and my face gets hot.

"The rest is ~oh! Shinozuka san has quite a good style, doesn't she? Not to be outdone by Ichikawa san, it's good ..."

Finally, it was Suzu that caught Naka's attention.
As Naka said, her style is almost similar to Ichikawa san's. However, Ichikawa san was better overall.

What? Well, let's not ... too much over there.

The three main ones that Naka mentioned were the ones that caught the boys' attention.
I mean, if you think about it, they're all girls I've been associated with lately.

The women's 50-meter run began amidst a storm of stares from the boys.

I, Shinozuka Suzu, hate something.
That is to lose to someone else.

And what I like to do is stand out from everyone else.
I transferred yesterday and was the center of attention because of my good looks.
Many boys flocked to me and flirted with me.
Many female students also came beside Hitomi who was seated nearby.

This moment felt great. Self-affirmation is enhanced.

But that would soon come to an end. Because there was some kind of commotion in the classroom.

I stare from afar at the person who had ruined my stage.

My gaze fell on a female student, Ichikawa Aoi, who was stretching carefully.
She is paired with a girl who may be a friend of hers.

The boys look at her that way.
I prided myself on having better looks and style than most girls and would stand out in PE.
Aside from the pros and cons of the boys' gaze, the girls would have been envious.

However, when you open the lid, some are getting a lot more attention than you.

That was also unforgivable and provoked my pride.

Why ... Why is that woman more noticeable than me !!! I don't like it!

I don't know about losing.
I always think I am the best, and I have never lacked the effort to be so.

"Hmmph. It doesn't look so bad."

From what I have seen of her appearance and style, she is about on par with myself.
I rarely acknowledge others, but I appreciated her in a way that was rare for me.

"Well, I'm better than her."

Yet I do not feel in the slightest that I am losing.
That's why I can't tolerate anyone who stands out from me.

"Heyy, Hitomi. Do you know her?"
"Eh? Ichikawa san? She is really beautiful right"
"Is she famous?"
"Yes. She is one of the two most famous people in our school. She's beautiful and can do anything, athletically or academically, so I think there are a lot of boys and girls who admire her. I think more boys admire her than girls, though. ...
"Hee...So she is the highest-ranking student in the school's caste, so to speak."
"Well, well, I don't know if there's such a thing as a caste, but it's like that. And they call her a goddess."
"Hmmm?"

Even after hearing her story, my feelings toward Ichikawa remained unchanged.
Thinking about it, I can't help but feel that there is something about her that reeks of a relationship with Youta.

... I still don't like it.

A goddess instead of me? You've got some nerve.

To be the best above all others.
That is my way of life.

"Fufufu"

Then all I had to do was prove it. I just have to show that I am better than Ichikawa, a woman who stands out from me. And I will take the position of goddess.

"Suzu chan ? What happened?"
"E-ehemm. Nothing"
"O-okay.."

I was smiling and Hitomi worried.

"Ah, but Suzu chan is just as beautiful!"
"Thank you."
"I'm not flattering you, okay? I really think Suzu chan is as beautiful as Ichikawa san!"

I smile back at Hitomi who suddenly praises me.
I am used to being told this much and I believe it is a well-known fact.

So it's no surprise I'm beautiful and pretty.

"Oh, the first run is about to start. Shall we line up?"
"Yeah"

At the urging of Hitomi, I lined up properly in the lane made on the ground.

In doing so, I decided to move away from Hitomi and approach the desired person.

"Hey, do you want to go for a run with me?"
"...Me?"
"Yes. you"

I spoke to a girl named Ichikawa who was talking to a friend of mine.
She seemed a little surprised to be talking to me, a transfer student.

Two 50-meter runs are to be performed.
The first run is a light preparatory run, and the second run is the main run for recording purposes.

So I was trying to beat her by offering her a real run in the first run. I planned to use up all my energy and slow down my time in the second run for the real race.

Let's start with exercise. Let's take that spot away from this woman who is said to be able to do everything.

I believe Aoi is the same type of person I am.
I can study and exercise better than anyone else because I don't want to lose to anyone else
So if I could set up a match, I naturally knew I would not be turned down.

"No"
"Eh?!"

But, no way, she refused. This made me impatient.

"Ha? Haa? Are you afraid of losing to me?"
"Losing is ... not something I intend to compete with or run with.
"So run and compete with me! I heard you're fast!"
"I'm not really concerned with winning or losing. I just do what I do normally and the results follow."
"...ugh!!"

But I frown at this woman who talks as if she can do anything without effort.

"Nah, then fine. We can just run together in the same group on our own!"
"... I don't mind that, but don't complain if you lose because of it."
"Haa!? Who's going to lose! You'll see!"

I thought I didn't like her ... but I knew I hated this girl!

I am convinced that I have never experienced being taken advantage of to this extent.
And as declared, we were in the same group and it was our turn.
She does not look at me at all when she sees me getting ready in the next lane.

"Ha, So you don't care about me?"

I felt like I was the only one who was aware of it, which made me even angrier.
But there was no way I could lose to someone else. So I couldn't wait to see her look disappointed afterward.

"On your mark. go."

As soon as the teacher raised the flag, the 50-meter run began.

I'll humiliate you...!

"Haaaa Haaaa Haaa Are you kidding me?"

My time was 7.1 seconds, while Aoi's time was 7.0 seconds.
It was the moment when my pride was shattered.

–

–

Episode 26 - Hot battle of the Goddesses

I feel like Suzu is getting involved with Ichikawa san a lot?
Maybe she found out about the relationship between me and Ichikawa-san...?
No, no way.

We have agreed to talk somewhere, but nothing concrete has been decided. If she finds out, that's fine then, but Suzu seems to be a ... hassle.

From a distance, it looked as if Ichikawa san and Suzu were arguing about something.
They ran the 50-meter race together, and Ichikawa san won by the narrowest of margins.

And Suzu glared at Ichikawa san with a sharp look. Ichikawa san, on the other hand, looked cool even though she had run 50 meters.

Suzu's face was streaked with frustration. I could even see this from a distance.

You are overproud, aren't you?

"Okay, Next, Let's measure the others. Stop looking at the girls."
"Don't put me in your shoes."
"Isn't that the truth?"
"..."

I can't talk back! But it kind of pisses me off when this guy says it.

"I'm going to go to the bathroom first."
"What? You're going to pull one out?" "I'm kidding! Hurry up or you'll miss Tohno san's bumps!"

This guy...

Dismayed by Naka, I refuse the teacher and head for the restroom.

After doing my business there, I was about to go back when I ran into someone who was also coming out of the women's restroom.

"Aa"

We looked at each other and froze.

"You use the bathroom?"
"Eh, Aaa yeah"

For a moment, I was about to ask back, [You too?, but I didn't because I felt it would be sexual harassment.
Why is it that there is no problem with girls to boys, but it is that way with boys to girls?

She smiles softly at me even as I think about this, and Mitsushima san's ikemen smile is as dazzling as ever.
And she looks great in a jersey! I don't know if that's a compliment.

"Mitsushima san, are you doing 50 meters now? Or are you done already?"
"The first one, yes. But too bad."
"Hmm? What's too bad?"
"I ran my first run fast, but I didn't think you would even look at me. I am sad."
"Eh?! Et-to.."

I did not expect Mitsushima san to talk to me like that. I don't know what to say back and get flustered.
Incidentally, Mitsushima san is in class 5 and I am in a different class 4, but we were in a joint class in PE. The same goes for class 6.

"Haha. Ahahaha, I'm kidding"
"...so it's a joke"

Mitsushima san seemed to enjoy my flustered reaction for a little while.
Why do people make fun of me? I don't know.

"Because I think it's cute when you get upset."
"W-what's with cute..."

I'd prefer to be told but If Mitsushima-san says I am cute, I would be like a maiden.
Even though I was told that I was cute, my face was still hot with embarrassment.

"It's true, though, that I'm sad that my friend doesn't see what I'm good at."
"Friend?"
"What? No? I thought you and I were friends. I'm getting sad again."
"Ahhh, yes friends"

I was surprised that Mitsushima san thought that about me.
We only talked a little at the scene of the molestation and the day after, but ... I knew the communal mass is not so much better.

"Since we're at this point, will you call me Aki?"
"It's so sudden..."
"Wouldn't that be normal if we were friends?"

Maybe so, but the bar is set too high!
Is this a true high chara? She said the distance between us is halved!

"Fufu, Then I guess I'll call you out on it. Let's see..."

Mitsushima san froze with her hand on her chin.
If you think about it, I certainly didn't introduce myself. Mitsushima san is famous within the school and I know her one way or the other, but a mob like me has no way of her knowing me naturally without self-introduction.

And yet, I was surprised that I was recognized as a friend.

"Youta, Komiya Youta"
"! Ahh, Youta. I'll called you that"
"Tss"

I can't get used to being called out by girls.
Suzu? Suzu is something else. It seems like she calls out to everyone in a big way.

"Hmm? Your face's red?"
"I-It's your imagination"
"Then I'll put it that way. Okay, call my name too."
"Ah, but I have to get back soon."
"Call me then get back."

Damn. She didn't catch it.

"A.A- Aki..."
"What's up, Youta ?"
"Mou, That's it! Come on, let's get back!"

Ahh, Hot
I wish I could stop my face from turning red so quickly.

"One more thing, please."
'"... still have anything?"

She stops me again as I'm about to go back.
I'm afraid I'm going to get yelled at if I don't go soon.

"I'm really going for it on the second run of the 50-meter dash, so will you cheer me on?"
"Ahh, that thing? I'll at least cheer you on. Go for it!"
"...Now I'll be able to do it again next time. Well, goodbye!"

Mitsushima san smiled and dashed back.

What was that ...?

After all, the teacher was angry with me for coming back late.
I don't get it.

"Hey, where have you been, Aki?"
"I have to use the bathroom."

When I, Mitsushima Aki, returned to the field, the second leg of the 50-meter run had already begun.

As I stood in the line that formed the lane, Hitomi, who was in front of me, spoke to me in secret.

At school, I try not to hang out with her too much so that others don't know we're childhood friends, but we at least talk.
I do that with all the girls, so there is no reason to suspect that we have a deep relationship. However, Hitomi is very conscientious about her surroundings and speaks to me in a quiet voice.

"You're in a great mood for someone who just went to the bathroom."
"Well, let's just say it was a good thing."
"Good thing?"

Naturally, Hitomi, unaware of my earlier exchange with Youta, tilts her head.
Her appearance is like a small animal and makes you want to hug her.

"I guess so. Well, I made a friend."
"Eh, Friend? ! Why ?!"

Since I started high school, I have not made any friends that I can clearly call friends.
As for friendships, I kept them shallow and broad.

As for Hitomi, she could not help but be astonished because she knew the reason for this.

"I'll tell you another time. Soon it's your turn right?"
"Muuuu...it is though.."

Hitomi remains unconvinced but begins to prepare

I said I would tell her next time, but what shall I do?
It would never occur to me that I am making male friends.

"Fuh"

My cheeks relaxed a little just remembering the embarrassed look on my male friend's face earlier.

"You must be very close with Tohno san."
"...Ah, Ichikawa san"

Then, before I knew it, I was approached by Ichikawa san, who was standing in line in the next lane.
It was totally unexpected, but I reacted calmly.

"What can I do for you?"
"Nothing. I'm only talking to you because you seem so close to Tohno san, even though you're so distant from the other girls."
"Tss"

I was a bit at a loss for words, although I didn't show it in my expression, because she had detected the way I treated the other girls and Hitomi
However, I quickly switched and returned it calmly.

"It's nothing out of the ordinary. Hitomi and I went to the same junior high school. We talk at least."
"Hitomi ? You even go that far"
"——Tss"

Ichikawa san, with her great insight, was able to corner me.
It was unintentional. I didn't call her out or talk to Hitomi with any intention.

"Well, I'm not really interested in what kind of relationship you two have. I'm just glad to see you in that rushed state of mind of yours."
"..."

I see. So this is payback for the other day.
I don't know what kind of relationship she had with Youta, but, surprisingly, she had roots in him.
She is a goddess who does everything without hesitation and basically acts cool.

"Fufu, You're more competitive than I thought."
"What are you talking about?"
"No, I'm talking about something. By the way, Ichikawa san.?
"What?"

Looks like I'm the loser this time.
I'll admit that. But I can't just leave it at that.
Therefore,

"I'd like to play a second game with you if you don't mind."

I decided to give the school goddess a run for her money.

–

–

Episode 27 - Hot battle of the Goddesses

Aoi is confused.

"I'd like to do the second game with you, if you don't mind."

Originally, Aoi, who was not at all interested in the game as she had been with Shinozuka Suzu, was going to refuse the offer.
If she wants to run next to her, you can do it on your own. That's what she was going to suggest this time as well.

However, something tugged at the back of her chest, and she swallowed the refusal words that had been halfway out of her mouth.

"..."

For some reason, She did not want to run away from this competition with Mitsushima Aki. Such was the feeling that was running through her heart.
When she thinks about it, she feels uncomfortable with the actions she had just taken.

Why did she say something that made her doubt the relationship between Hitomi and Aki, when normally she would show absolutely no interest in anyone other than Shizuka, except Youta?
Why did she want to outsmart Aki?

Calmly conduct a self-analysis. And reach one conclusion.

[I wonder if this is jealousy.]

The other day. That had planted in Aoi's mind a sense of dislike toward Aki.

Weak, This may be a poor way of putting it.
It's not that it's painful to see each other.
But she doesn't want to lose to this opponent, that's how she feels.

She felt inexplicably anxious about being struck by such an unknown emotion, and she acted impulsively.

She had told Youta herself that she might be jealous, but she had not the slightest idea that she would really be.

[...No, I can't be jealous...]

She was aware of it but didn't want to admit it.

"Well, It's fine. I'll take that match."
However, She found herself accepting Aki's proposal.

Her opponent was an ace in the short-distance track and field team. It was obvious that there was no way she, who was not even active in the club, could win.

Still, it must have been willpower that led her to accept the match.

[If this is jealousy or not, maybe a match will tell me something. The chances of winning may be slim, but I can't help it if I don't want to lose. If I lose, I'll ask Komiya kun to comfort me later.]

"Fufu, I'd like that."
"...Then I guess it's settled."

For a moment, Aki was puzzled when Aoi smiled at her, but she was able to accept the match and switched.

"We're serious about this, right?"
"Yeah, I wouldn't cut corners either."
"Yeah, I don't want to lose later and have to make excuses."
"Same as you"

A strange atmosphere had formed between them.
On the one hand, she is a beautiful girl who is called the goddess of the school and is popular mainly among boys.
And on the other hand, she is called the prince of the school, a beautiful girl who is popular mainly among girls.

There was a commotion all around, with no idea why the two were staring at each other.

"Heyy, that"
"What's wrong, Naka ?'

The men's grip strength test was over, and all that remained was to wait for the women to complete their second measurement.
The boys begin to move to the ground side and watch the rest of the girls' 50-meter run as they walk.

Then, as I was moving around talking with Naka, Naka looked at the girls and muttered.
Looking around, the other boys are all looking at the girls.

Not the people competing, but the girls lined up behind the lanes that had not yet been run.

"Eh"

The two people who were at the end of the line of sight were Ichikawa san and Mitsushima san.

What's going on?
They buzzed each other and looked at each other, and sparks were flying.

"Are those two guys not getting along? I haven't seen them talk much."
"W-well.."

I can think of some.

I think it's a possibility, or rather a certainty, because of what happened that morning.
That dangerous atmosphere. I don't want to remember it.

After a few days ... why?

Youta doesn't think for a second that the two are fighting because of him.

As many boys and girls watched, the staring contest between the two continued, and the 50-meter run proceeded.

"W-Wait a minute!"

At such a time, while Aoi and Aki were both in a fighting spirit, someone intervened between them.

"Why, you didn't compete when it was me, but you'll take it when it's her! Who is this boy? Why is there a boy here? Wait, she's so ikemen!"
"You need to calm down a little."

The one who came in between us was Suzu, who had just lost a game without being taken seriously.
Aoi was a little taken back by Suzu's machine-gun-like questioning, but she quieted her down.

Aoi understands what Suzu is trying to say.
Among the group of girls, she floats differently than Aoi and Suzu.

"boy is ... a little hurtful. I'm still a girl after all these years."
"What? A good-looking guy like you can't possibly be a girl!"
"Suzu chan, calm down!"
"Tss"

Then came Hitomi, a childhood friend of Aki's.
She came out of the crowd thinking that Aki and Suzu, who transferred today and became friends, were in a struggle.
With the appearance of Hitomi, Suzu regains her composure and comes to her senses.

"Aki chan is a fully-fledged girl !!"
"...Hitomi, is that the truth?"
"Yes, I'm her childho- ...we're in the same middle school. It's true that Aki's looks are boyish, but if you look closely, you'll see that she has long eyelashes, beautiful skin, a small face, and her happy face when she eats her favorite strawberry daifuku is soooo cute!"
"W-wait !? H-Hitomi ?! What were you saying ?!"
"...Ah"

Hitomi now realizes her blunder.
Aki, on the other hand, was red in the face.

Aki, who usually displays a princely air and has captivated all kinds of girls with her boyish personality and face, is dismayed.
All the girls who had seen her in such a rare form had formed a pool of blood in unison.

[Precious]

And this sighting was also witnessed by many boys, evoking some inexplicable feelings in some places.

"A-Anyway! I know this is off-topic, but I just don't get it! Why did you run away from my match, but play with yours!"
"I'm not running away. Besides, I just won, didn't I? I told you not to complain if I won."
"That was just an accident! If I put my mind to it, I'll win this time!"
"You're not going to make it."

Aoi's sighs only increased from earlier.
She's also dealing with her own unfamiliar emotions and being so entangled with Suzu, who just transferred to her new school today.

[Though that's pretty much a given]

When she looks at Shizuka, she is watching us quietly. She seems to be a little timid because of the incident the other day.

"Then, why don't you run with her? Since we're going to run in the same lane, it will be easier for us to compete."
"You've got a good point! You're not only good-looking!"

In the end, Aki suggested that Suzu participate in the game.
And even Suzu, who had been at Aki's heels just a moment ago, agreed with her in good spirits.

"Haaaah...do what you want"

Aoi, taken aback, allowed Suzu to participate in the game.

Then the rows in front of us were rapidly being erased, and Aoi and her group were the only ones left.

The curtain rises on the battle as both boys and girls look on.
This level of attention is extraordinary for mere physical education.

"Ah...helloo...why me, too..."
"Come on just run along us Hitomi"

Hitomi, forced by Suzu, looked resigned.

Four people line up in the lane.
And the teacher holds the flag.

"Get set, Go!"

The real battle of the maidens begins here!

–

–

Episode 28 - Heroine Race

Apparently, according to the story, for some reason Ichikawa san, Mitsushima san, and for some reason Suzu decided to compete in the 50-meter run.

Source : Sakino san.
It seems that Naka heard about this from Sakino san. She wanted to do something about it, but she could not act badly because of the other day.
Well, I understand the feeling.

Ichikawa san and her team lined up in the lane, bending and twisting to condition themselves.
For some reason, Tohno san was among them, and she was frightened by the atmosphere

It feels so out of place.
It's like a puppy thrown into a cage with a bunch of ravenous beasts, and it makes me want to protect it.

It is just physical education, but they are as enthusiastic as if they were anchoring the class relay at a gymnastic festival.

"Who do you think will win?"
"I guess Mitsushima san."
"No, Ichikawa-san was pretty quick on her feet, too, wasn't she?"
"That girl who just transferred today, I saw her earlier, and she was fast!"
"I'm going for the big hole, Tohno san!"

The boys are getting excited about who will win on their own.
Normally, Mitsushima san, who is a track and field athlete, would win. Surprisingly, however, the votes were split.

"I knew it, those legs! I can't get enough of that muscularity!"
"But if we're talking about faces, she's the goddess by far!"
"Idiot. Look at that flabby fruit! Think of the initial microtremor duration!" (Basically B00bs)
"Hmph, Are your eyes blind? Blonde hair and flats are the best, of course!"

It was more like a popularity contest than foot speed.
What's with the level of enthusiasm?
Still, everyone should tone down their voices a bit more.
The girls' stares are painful.

"Hey, Who are you betting on?"
"I wouldn't bet on anyone."
"Tch"

This is where I should support only her, Ichikawa san.
Normally, I'd have been concerned about the eyes around me, but with everyone's attention on me, I'm sure that if I were the only one cheering, it wouldn't be like before.

However, it just so happens that the other three people in the lanes for this race have more than a little to do with me.

Mitsushima san, for example, I said I would support her earlier, and Tohno san was the one I originally had a crush on. Suzu is also my former fiancée, though tentatively.

Who in the world could have predicted that these four would be competing against each other?
I am inclined to support everyone, but is that a good idea?

As I was thinking about this, Mitsushima san looked at me and waved her hand with a smile.

"Tss"

Was it egotism? It seemed like she was dumping on me, but there were other boys around.
Mitsushima san's waving hand made the boys around her even more enthusiastic.

Now that there is so much noise around me, I feel like I can support them too.

"M-Mitsushima san ! Go for it !!!"

I raise my hands and cheer along with those around me.
I'm sure she didn't hear a word I said, but just as I waved my hand, Mitsushima san nodded her head in satisfaction and looked straight ahead.

It must be a coincidence.

The next moment, Ichikawa san in the next lane tilted her head sharply toward me.
Then she smiles evilly.

I was horrified.
Huh? Don't tell me Ichikawa san just asked me that?

Then I looked at her and she looked straight at me and her mouth started to move with a crack.

[W-H-O–A-R-E–Y-O-U–C-H-E-E-R-I-N-G–O-N-?]

I had goosebumps. For some reason, I felt like she was telling me so.

I'm just looking at it from a distance, so maybe not, but is it my imagination that ... it seems to be that somehow?
If they were, that would be a message entirely directed at me.

"I-Ichikawa san ! Fight !!!"

I couldn't resist cheering for Ichikawa san so I do the same.

When Ichikawa san heard this, she smiled and turned her head to the front with a satisfied look on her face.

... I knew you heard that, didn't I?
Ichikawa san may have hell ears.

I felt the voltage of the men who saw Ichikawa san's smiling face reach its maximum.

The relief was short-lived.
Now Suzu is glaring at us.
I know this. She's definitely staring at me.

[Support me too!!!!] This is what you must be thinking.

"G-Go for it...Shinozuka san!"

That was close. I almost called it off.
The volume is smaller than the other two, but that's okay.
Something about the way Suzu is looking becomes good. So, can she hear me too?

And when it comes to this, I feel sorry for Tohno san if I don't support her.
Maybe she didn't need my support, but I couldn't help but cheer her on as she shrank so much.

"Tohno san too...Go for it"

I muttered in a small voice that no one could hear.

Finally, the four of them line up at the starting line with the teacher's shout.

"On your mark, go."

As soon as the teacher raised the flag vigorously, all the girls started running at once.

Before the start.
The boys who were doing the grip strength test had finished their measurements and were coming toward the field.

Lined up in the lane, Aoi and others had found Youta among them, buried among the boys around him.

[Ah, it's Youta. You said earlier that you would cheer me on, but I think it would be a little difficult to do so with all this attention. I wonder if he would if I waved to him?]

[Fufu, If I can get Komiya kun to cheer me on, maybe I can win.]

[Watch me, Youta. Watch me defeat these girls.]

[Awawawa. What should I do ?!

[This is definitely a losing situation ... Komiya kun will see me embarrassing myself ...]

And even though no one mentions Youta, they all develop their own feelings for him.

It was Aki who made the first move in this context.
Although she was not particularly conscious of it, the innocent waving of her hand toward Youta further spurred the fighting spirit of the other three.

Youta, who could be seen in the distance, was looking shyly back at her as he waved his hand.

[Aha, he gave it back to me. It's something to try, isn't it? It's kind of amazing what's going on around here...]

[... Looks like you need to be punished. Who the hell are you rooting for?]

Aoi saw this and said something to Youta with a mouthful.
Then immediately seemed he waved his hand back at Aoi as well.

[Fufu, that's good. You support me first]

[Haa?! So you don't support me!?]

This time, Suzu was inwardly angry, thinking that no support was being sent to her.
She still doesn't know who Youta's girlfriend is, but she didn't like the fact that he was supporting two other people instead of herself, who was going to be his fiancée.
But that quickly changes to cheering for herself as soon as Suzu glares at him.

[Hmph, You should have done that from the beginning!]

[If this happens, let's run hard! I'm sure Komiya-kun will praise me for doing so...?]

Hitomi was earnest in her thoughts, not caring about anything else.

And so they are enthusiastic about the competition.

For the record, this is just a physical fitness test.

"On your mark, go."

Then the serious competition began.

The first to make a successful start was, surprisingly, Suzu. Aoi was next.
Although Aki had originally wanted to make a crouching start, she opted for a normal standing start to maintain fairness here.
The unfamiliar starting method caused her to fall behind.

Hitomi, by far, was the slowest to start.

In the first few meters of the short 50-meter race, Suzu, Aoi, and Aki were in a three-way battle of strength.
However, the difference in power gradually began to emerge. Aoi, who has accelerated, is closing in on Suzu, who is running in front.
Moreover, from behind it, Aki is coming at a furious pace.

[she's fast ... at this rate ... oh]

"Ah!?"
"Eh?"
"Wait !"
"Uuuuuu—!?"

It was a moment when Suzu, who was in the lead, was distracted by two people on the side.
Voices are raised from the boys who were watching the four and the girls who were cheering them on.

"Haaaa Haaaa Haaaa...H-Huh...?"

There is a winner.
The first one is

"Am I the winner?"

It was Hitomi

Episode 29 - Ex-Fiancee's Gratitude

"This is the worst..."

I, Shinozuka Suzu, was on my way to the infirmary.
I got too worked up over something as trivial as the 50-meter run in P.E class.

I had challenged her to a match and never thought I would lose both times.
And I was so disappointed to lose the second one because I had a good start.

That time. Just before the finish line.

When I was about to be side by side with her, I tried desperately to shake her off, tangled my legs, and fell over with a loud crash.
This caused the two people beside me to get involved.
Neither of them fell, but they were forced to slow down.

Meanwhile, Hitomi, who had been running selflessly, reached the finish line.
It was the moment she won the game.

As a result, I was the only one without a record.
It was a bad sign with everyone's attention on them.

"Ah–, I'm an idiot !! Why do I have to tease my legs in that place! It's impossible!"

With all due respect to Hitomi, I had no eyes on anyone but Ichikawa Aoi. However, if I listened carefully, I heard that the good-looking girl was also a member of the track team.
Even so, a loss is a loss.
In one day alone, I have suffered a total of four defeats.
The first time, I was indeed caught off guard, but this time I have no excuses.

Including this, my ability. It was my complete defeat.

"But I'm glad I got to see that girl's confused look on her face."

In the end, Ichikawa Aoi and the good-looking girl ran through the race despite being out of shape.
My fall had ruined the game, and they did not look happy about it.

Then she came over to voice her concern, but I brushed her hand away. It's funny to remember the dumb look on her face at that moment.
It was a strange way to take a shot in the arm, but oh well.

"Anyway, Where is the infirmary ?"

It would have been nice to come out alone, but there was no way I could have known, as I would have transferred yesterday.

"I should have asked Hitomi for this."

Hitomi had said she would accompany me, but since we had a grip strength test coming up, I told her I would go alone and come out.
Above all, I didn't want anyone to see me in a state of disarray after I fell and even more so after I lost.
The ugliness is enough for that place.

"Ouch..."
"Are you okay?"

It was that guy who called out to me from behind as I wandered limping down the hallway.

"What's with that, disgusting"
"Hey you...People came to you because they were worried about you, and that's the first thing you say to them?"
"I'm not asking you to come here. No one asked you to come."

This bo–Youta cursing me by saying [I shouldn't have come.]

"Infirmary"
"What?"
"You don't know, do you? Besides, I don't think there's a teacher here at this time. I'm on the health committee by the way"
"What about the girls"
"Everything has been thrown to me"
"...Haa, So it's like that. Then it's your job to show me around. You're supposed to show me the way."
"Can't you be a little more polite?"

Thinking it was better than another stranger coming in, I ordered Youta to head for the infirmary.

We entered the infirmary and sat in the appropriate chairs.
Then, with a familiar hand, Youta began preparing to disinfect the patient by taking chemicals and gauze from the shelves.

"Come on, get your legs out."
"Suspicious. Pervert"
"Not that ! I can't disinfect it!"

I pulled up my jersey and had no choice but to show my bleeding leg.

"Wow, it looks painful. It looks like it's going to stain."
"If you hurt me, I'll get angry."
"Don't be absurd."
"Just get on with it."

Youta lightly clicks his tongue and then uses tweezers to bring a gauze soaked in antiseptic solution close to my wound.

"This is going to sting."
"!!"

I involuntarily close my eyes and turn my face away.
I don't know how much this act means, but I can't see it directly.

"~~~~Tsss!!!"

And as expected, unrelenting pain strikes the wound.

"It hurtssssss !!!"
"There it is !? Wait, don't kick me ! Don't be violent!Patience!"
"ImposibbleImposibbleImposibbleImposibbleImposibbleImposibble!!!"
"Okay !!"
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!"

I resisted as best I could, my voice not quite a maiden's scream.

"Haa...Haa...Haa..."
"...so, anything to say?"
"It hurts...Unforgivable"
"Hey you..."

My disinfection was successfully completed, but perhaps because of my desperate resistance, Youta was fully wounded.
He was kicked off, hit his head on a shelf, and was battered by tweezers stuck in him.

"I can't help it. It was too painful to do anything about it."
"You've got something to say about that ?."
"I understand okay ?...Thanks..and sorry"

It felt weird to thank him myself. And an apologize
Perhaps I was happy that he came to the infirmary to give me first aid.

"...!"

Of course not!It's just a whim.

"What's with that face"
"No, I thought so you could say 'thank you'."
"...I can say that much"
"That ain't cute though"
"Shut up"
"Ouch !?"

I lightly tapped Youta on the head.

Aaa mouu, I went to the trouble of thanking you, but you're making me angry
But it's not bad to be able to say whatever you want without worrying about the other person.

"Fufu"
"What are you laughing at? That's enough. I'm leaving."

As if in disgust, Youta says this and turns to leave the classroom.

"Wait !!"

But I called him again

"What again?"
"My feet hurt. You have to carry me."
"Are you dumb. Walk yourself back."
"I can't do it. My legs hurt. Or what? Can't you carry one girl on your back?"
"Tch. Let's do it!"

When I say this in a silly way, Youta sighs and comes up to me as if he has no choice.
Then he extended his hand with his back to me.

Fufu~n, It was just as I'd planned. Thank God he was simple after all.

"Quickly"
"If you touch anything funny, I'll punch you in the face."
"I'm going to get angry."

Come to think of it, maybe this is the first time I've been carried by a boy?
I feel a little embarrassed, but no one is probably back in the classroom yet, so it should be fine.

After a few light words, I finally lean back against Youta's back.
With a shout of [phew] Youta stood up on the spot.

Hmm? You are surprisingly powerful.
But aren't your arms slightly pulled? This makes it look like I'm heavy!

"Hey, just hang on a little longer!"
"Shut up !! you're actually quite heav—Ouch !?"
"Rude !!! I'm not heavy."

Reflexively, I smacked Youta on the head. But it was not a good idea.

"Hey, don't take your hands off me!"
"Kya !"

There is the sound of curtains being pulled.
Even though I quickly closed my eyes and tried to wait for the shock, what awaited me was a soft touch feeling.

"Hnn..."
"Ouch..."

When I slowly open my eyes, I see his face in front of me.

"Ts !?"
"A..."

It's so close! What, why!

"Excuse me."

Then, at that same moment, there was a rattle and the sound of the infirmary door opening.

Episode 30 - Shuraba

"Excuse me. Suzu chan, are you her—-!?"

That one word brought me back to myself.

Looking toward the entrance of the infirmary, I saw a surprised Tohno san with her hand over her mouth and a face that looked like she had seen something unbelievable.

"T-Tohno san ?"
"I'm sorry...I...I...Ts!!!"

Her face was pale. Seeing Tohno-san on the verge of tears, I conversely became calm.

Let's look back at my current situation.

Alone in the infirmary with a (beautiful) female student who has just transferred to the school.
Moreover, I had pushed that schoolgirl, Suzu, down on the bed with me.

The person that saw it was Tohno san, to whom I originally had a crush.
she saw a scene that should not have been seen.

It is the worst.

I discovered today that people become calm when they can't help themselves.

"Tohno san. What's wrong with being frozen at the entrance? Komiya kun is insi——...!!!!!"

Her face was pale. I was trembling when I saw Ichikawa san, who appeared at the entrance with no expression on her face.

Let's get my current situation straight.

A female student (beautiful) is pushed down in the infirmary.
The other person who saw it was my girlfriend, Ichikawa san. And she is a very jealous type.

I guess people naturally shake when they can't help themselves. That was another discovery.
I'm so terrified that I'm almost tingling at a good old age.
Afterward, I can't seem to stop sweating.

"..." "..."
"..."

It was a moment that created an unprecedented atmosphere in the infirmary with four different faces.

The end. Please look forward to Komiya Youta in the next life .

"So. How long are you two going to keep doing that? Are you going to pull something now?Yeah, go ahead. Start right in front of me. I'm going to be observing practical health and physical education. Go ahead, do your thing."
"Awawawawawa..."
"I-Ichikawa san, this is..."
"G-get out of me !!"
"Ouch !!"

As soon as I called out to Ichikawa san, I was kicked out by Suzu in front of me and rolled off the bed.

"You animal!"
"Wait ! Don't talk like that!"
"Heee..."
"It's a lie...Komiya kun...is doing that kind of thing..."

I feel that the misunderstanding was deepened by Suzu's statement, which made her face turn red.
I'm already afraid to even look at their faces at the entrance.

But I can't break out of this situation in silence!

"I-Ichikawa san. Let's just calm down."
"What is it, Beast kun? I'm calm."

Beast kun...
Ichikawa san said this to me with blank eyes. That gutted my heart.

"Ichikawa san and Tohno san misunderstand me. I really didn't do anything!"
"You were just about to do that, weren't you? I'm sorry to have disturbed you."
"That's not true either! Hey, Tohno san. Will you listen to me?"
"Hii..."

Ah, this is bad. Why are you about to cry, Tohno san? ...
I'm the one who wants to cry. ...

'Well, you make your point. Anyway, if you don't hurry up, the next class will start, so we're going. Tohno san, are you okay?Let's go slowly."

Tohno san nodded her head and sniffed at Ichikawa san's words, and then she went, with Ichikawa san holding her by the shoulders.

"..."

Eh, What? Why was Ichikawa san so calm?
That scares me in reverse.

"What am I going to do?"

I hold my head up.
I can't stop shaking. No, deep breaths for now.

"Su...Haa.."

Okay, calm down. Get your head around what you need to do.
I haven't apologized to Ichikawa san for my behavior. I'm going to make the most of that experience!

If it's just me, she may not listen to me. So, first, there's Suzu. I'm going to work with her to explain to the two of them that what happened earlier was an accident.
I was out of my mind earlier, but this time if I explain it to you politely, ... I'll get a point out !!

Speaking of which, how's Suzu? I think she's been pretty quiet since she kicked me out.
Even though she seems to make the most noise. What's wrong?

I turned around to see her still on the bed, still hugging her body and cowering, her face red.

"Hey"
"..."

I'm stunned. Why is this happening?
I get worried and call out to her again.

"Heyyyy"
"...Ha ?! W-What ?!"
"What's wrong with you suddenly freezing up? If it's possible, I'd like you to help me clear up the misunderstanding we had earlier."
"Ha, Ha !? Why me! You did what you did and you won't even take responsibility for it!"
"Responsibility? Well, I'm sorry I pushed you down, but it was an ... accident. That's not the point. How can I clear up the misunderstandi—-"
"How can you say such a thing?!"

She's crazy red-faced and pissed off. Why ... I was just covering for her.

"W-W-What should I do...I'll have a kid...I...about to become a mother"
"No, wait"

Kid? Earlier? Does this girl think she has a child because of what she just saw? Is she an idiot?

"you're not having kids."
"Ha?! How could you possibly know that!!!!"
"Hah...how should you know it ?!"
"W-We have touched bodies!!"
"...Ha?"

No, indeed. We did overlap, though. Physically.
There's no physically surprising way to stack them, but that's not the point.

After that, the way you say it, it's graphic.

"You know. Suzu. You can't have a child just like that."
"No, you're lying! I was taught that! I was told that if I lay my body on top of yours, I could have a baby!"

Hey, someone give this girl a proper sex education. Who the hell taught her that!
Speaking of which, did you say you were a recluse? I wouldn't know if she was a recluse all the time, but I've seen her at ... Hard to imagine this girl being a recluse.
Where do I begin to explain this

"Anyway. You can rest assured that you won't have kids with what you just did. And don't ever say anything like that to anyone else, okay?"
"Well, then how can you do it?'

No, don't ask me that?
Why is this girl so pure of heart?
You're not a child. ...

How do I fool her?

"... storks." (There is a myth that storks bring babies)
"Ha?"
"The storks bring it to us..."

I'm in pain!
I'm not sure that's a good enough excuse to use on a child...

"I've heard that one before!"

I did. Good.
Maybe this girl is pretty stupid.

"... but then why did they say a thing about layering?"

... Sorry, Shinozuka family. I may have blown up something strange.
Because it certainly wasn't wrong.

"Well, I don't know about that, but things have happened, haven't they?"

It was a super appropriate mishap.
I feel like I could fool around with anything now.

"...Okay. Well, sometimes I don't know what those people are thinking."

...I win. That was close.
Still, I'm glad I managed to clear up the misunderstanding.
Wait, ... is not the time to be clearing up these misunderstandings!!!

"For now, please explain to Ichikawa san and Tohno san that it was a misunderstanding earlier from Suzu's mouth!"
"Why should I do that?"
"I'd rather hear why you said no! You're the one who made me do that!"
"I don't have a problem with being misunderstood. It would be more convenient for me. You're going to be my fiancée."

As if remembering, Suzu grins and smiles.
Ouch. Considering this girl's personality, it certainly was.

"Plus ..."
"Plus?"
"Nothing. I just want to check something. I'll go ahead then. You'd better keep up, too. Oh, and put that away, too."

Saying this, Suzu quickly got up and left the infirmary, not even showing a pretense of having a sore foot.

"..."

Looking around, the curtains had fallen down and were in disarray.

"This is the worstttttt!!!"

My shuraba is still going on

"I'm in trouble."
"Uu..."

I, Ichikawa Aoi, had just left the infirmary and was walking back to the classroom.
Beside me is Tohno Hitomi, who is in the same class.

Tohno san herself is in tears.
Frankly, I don't know why she is crying.

Because you saw the scene earlier?
Certainly, it might be shocking to witness such a lewd act by a classmate at school.

But is that enough to make you cry?
I guess that's how shocked she was.

I, on the other hand, was getting angry just remembering ...

I can imagine that Komiya kun must have gotten his feet tangled or something and ended up like that by accident, anyway.
So I am not mad at him.

The problem is who it is. That transfer student who was pestering me today.
I let her off the hook if she was just messing around with me, but to use my Komiya kun sexually, should I cook her ...?

"Fufu...Fufufufu"

After all, Komiya kun must be punished as well.

"Gusun..." (SFX)

But first of all, her.
I decided to call out to Tohno san, who was sniffing next to me.

"It's fine. I'm sure it was just an accident."
"...Eh?"
"The curtains would have fallen. He must have lost his balance when he was carrying her on his back with a broken leg."

I think it's very skillful of him to get into that position, though.

"And I don't think Komiya kun has the guts to do something like that in broad daylight at school. She just transferred to a new school yesterday. It's hard to believe that she would get involved in that kind of relationship after just yesterday."
"...C-Certainly."

I noticed that Tohno san had stopped crying. Her eyes are red and swollen, but she should be fine now.

"Yeah, right! Yes!"

Suddenly you're feeling better. Well, I'm glad you stopped crying.

"I'm so glad. I thought Komiya kun was ..."

But what is it? What is this feeling of bewilderment?
Even though Tohno san was feeling better, there was a coiled feeling in my chest.

I am curious. What in the world is this?
My heart feels like it is beating faster than usual.

"Tohno san. May I ask you something?"
"Eh, what is it? Ichikawa san"
"Why was Tohno san crying?"
"Eh, Et-to..."

"Actually, I'm ...towards... Komiya kun ...!"
"...!!"

Oh, God, Why?

Episode 31 - A Promise with The Goddess

When I returned to the classroom, I found Tohno san there in her usual state.
Her eyes were a little red, but the tears had completely cleared and she was in good spirits.

She is nibbling on a piece of bread, perhaps hungry from crying.

... What happened?

"T-Tohno san?"
"Ah, Komiya kun..."

Perhaps embarrassed to be seen with bread in her mouth, Tohno san hurriedly pulled the bread down from her mouth when she noticed me.

Cute. Breadcrumbs are attached to her mouth.
If it were an ordinary girl, it would have ended in mockery, but when Tohno san does it, there is nothing but cuteness.

"Um, about earlier..."
"S-Sorry ! I was distraught earlier..."
"N-No, I'm sorry too. I let you show something weird"

[What do you mean weird?] I asked myself in my mind as I looked at Tohno san.
She was in a perfect mood for someone who had been crying.
Okay, I can say it now. Here's my chance.

"I'm not sure if it was a misunderstanding or not. Suzu said she had injured her leg and couldn't move, so I decided to give her a piggyback ride, but she lost her balance and..."
"...! I knew it. That's great! Just as Ichikawa san said!"
"...Eh?"

What does that mean? Did Ichikawa san see through that situation?

"W-What did Ichikawa say?"
"Et-to... I think it was, "Komiya-kun, you wouldn't have the guts to do something like that at school.]?"
"Hahaha..."

Can we say that this is trustworthy?
What a sad trusting relationship.

"Well, I'm glad we could clear up the misunderstanding."
"Ehehe. When I felt relieved, I got hungry."

Tohno san begins to eat the rest of the jam buns.
She must have been very hungry.

"I'm surprised you cried at that level."
"Uu...Suzu chan, I'm sorry I misunderstood you."
"You don't have to apologize to me."

And Suzu, who didn't even help me clear up the misunderstanding, got into the conversation suddenly.
She's a good guy, even though she had been making a fuss about having a child a while ago.

...Huh? Come to think of it, why was she crying?

Well, now that the misunderstanding is cleared up.

Lunch break.
As usual, I go to the stairs to the promised place.

According to Tohno san's story, Ichikawa san was aware that the matter was a misunderstanding.
But that does not mean I can treat her the same way I always do.
The first step is to apologize in advance.

... Huh? I've been apologizing a lot since we started dating, haven't I?
And it is always at this stairway.

Disgusted at my own incompetence, I climbed the stairs and there, as usual, Ichikawa san was sitting ahead of me.

I was relieved. I wondered if perhaps she had come to me angry again.
I hope you're not mad at me anymore.

"Oh, Beast kun. You're late."

Correction. She still seems angry.

"I-Ichikawa san"
"Don't apologize. It's probably about you anyway, It just happened that way, I suppose."
"..."

Am I being pushed away?
Am I already hated...?

Such anxiety passes through my heart.

"Why don't you sit down instead of standing there?"
"Ah, yeah..."

Without hesitation, I sit down in my usual position.
When I stole a glance at Ichikawa san's face, I saw her usual calm expression.

"What's with the relieved look on your face? You pushed down a woman who wasn't your girlfriend."
"Ugh !"

I choked. I knew you minded...

"S-Sorry"
"...[It's fine]...is what I would like to say"
"Huh ?!"

Suddenly I'm being hugged and my body goes very stiff.
Smells good. My face is hot. ...

"Let me do this a little bit."
"..."

I guess I hurt her after all.
I feel that her spirit is somewhat unstable after yesterday.

It was me, of all people, who let it happen.
My mind is filled with apologies to Ichikawa san.
If I can reassure Ichikawa san even a little.

And so, for a while, I continued to receive Ichikawa-san's embrace without speaking to each other.

"Fifty points."
"...Eh?"

And the end was anticlimactic. Ichikawa san, looking as if she had been given a score, was relieved and released me from the embrace.

"If your girlfriend is feeling insecure and hugs you, it's polite to hug her back and pat her on the head."

It was a bad idea.

"Oh, that's enough. I've absorbed enough of the Komiya kun ingredients."
"Ingredients..."

That's a very cute expression.
But she won't even give me a chance to start over, apparently.

"Come on, let's have lunch."

Ichikawa san then opens her lunch box.

I'm sure that this has flushed the matter out of her mind earlier.
... but I felt this wasn't good enough.
I can't just keep begging for Ichikawa san's forgiveness. ...!

"I-Ichikawa san ! Let me apologize!"
"Apologize?"

Ichikawa san looks at me with a scowl while holding a meatball in her mouth.
Cute...Ah, not the right time.

"Y-Yes! Apologies for making you uneasy."
"...I wonder what will you do"
"Anything ! Anything you want me to do, Ichikawa san!"
"Anything...okay"

After swallowing what is in her mouth, she mumbles, [anything?] and dresses thoughtfully for a while again.

"Then—"

Well, what's coming? Another ahnnn? Or ...

"Can I stay over at your place today?"
"...eh? Eh ?!"

I-is that what it really means ?!"
Eh, Wait a minute ! We're still in the early stages of dating, and I'm not prepared for anything ...

I just thought about that from what she has said so far.

"I want to be with you today."

But when I saw Ichikawa san say sadly, my euphoric feelings were quickly quieted down.
I felt uncomfortable with Ichikawa san, who said that she wanted to stay as if she were talking about something else.

"...Is that a no ?"

It's not a no. She wants to be with me and I'm not bold enough to say no without a reason.

When she hugged me earlier, she seemed different from the usual Ichikawa san. It is the same now.

"It's okay, I won't do anything today that you might imagine." "I just want to be with you today."
"I understand:
"Fufu, then it's decided"

When I nodded, I felt Ichikawa san's smile finally return.

"(I was actually going to stay there originally, but here we are.)"
"Eh?"

Ichikawa san mutters in a small voice.
What did she say?

"No, it's nothing. Besides, it's your birthday, right?"
"...ah that's right"

I had forgotten. I had been congratulated that morning, but nothing more, so I was already going about my day as a normal day.

"I really wish I could have started yesterday."

Ichikawa san took a breath.

"I want to be with the person I love all the time on their birthday."
"~~~guh!!"

I wonder if there is anyone who does not blush when someone expresses his or her feelings to him or her in a straightforward manner.
At least I wasn't one of those people who could do the dexterous trick of not showing it on my face.

"You're blushing."
"... because Ichikawa san says all kinds of embarrassing things."

Lately, I feel like I'm being drawn into her pace more and more.
But I'm glad you're feeling better.

"I wonder what you were imagining back there? Something dirty?"
"..."

Too much energy was also a thought.

Episode 32 - The Goddess's Present

"Aoi, come home with me! I have something I need to talk to you about!"

After school, Shizuka asked me to go home with her.
I am supposed to stay the night, but only once she returns home.

Originally, I would have liked to go home with Komiya kun, but he said he had to clean his room and that it would take some time, so he asked me to kill some time at random.

... Well, let's now look forward to seeing what he hid.

Be that as it may, I haven't been able to eat lunch with Shizuka lately, and when my best friend says she has something she wants to discuss with me, I have no choice but to nod my head.

"Okay, I understand"
"Hooray !"

Shizuka's face brightened at my response. She seemed to be seriously pleased because I had been refusing for some time now.

"Aoi, wait a minute."

Then, as Shizuka and I were leaving the classroom, someone called out to me from behind.

"...what's wrong, jinguji kun?"

I turned around and there they were Jinguji, Nagano, and the other members who always gather around them.

Yesterday, after I yelled at him in the classroom, he didn't approach me much today, whether it was because he read the atmosphere or simply because he was uncomfortable. ... What does he want?

"W-We can go home together if you want. We can stop off somewhere like we usually do."

He still felt some awkwardness and was more awkward than usual.

"This guy wants to buy you a drink as an apology for yesterday."
"Oh, yeah! yeah? Please!!!!"

Nagano kun puts his hands together and looks at me as if he is praying.
Jinguji kun was watching from behind.

I guess they thought that speaking of an apology would create an atmosphere that would make it somewhat difficult to refuse.
Certainly, I felt the air around me, though somewhat, as if Nagano apologized and I forgave him.

"Hmmm..."

Nagano kun's face lights up when I mutter something like that, and Jinguji kun smiles gently.

But,

"I'm sorry, but Shizuka and I have something to do alone today. If you want to apologize, please do it some other time. Come on, Shizuka, let's go."
"Eh?! Ah, yeah !!"

I turned it down.
With my back to Stunned idiots, I and Shizuka leave the classroom.

I guess they didn't expect to be turned down.
That shocked look on your face was just a little bit comical.

"Fufu"
"...?"

I can't help but laugh a little again when I remember

"Shizuka, is there somewhere we can stop?"
"...Yeah !! in front of the station! Let's go!"

After leaving the school we headed toward the front of the station.

"So, what can I do for you?"

We enter a complex in front of the station that contains a general store and a fashion store and start such a conversation as we walk along.

"Actually, you know what? I heard it was Komiya-kun's birthday today. ..."
"Uhh"

My heart jumped, not expecting Komiya kun's name to be mentioned.

"Did you know that by any chance?"
"Eh, yeah..I'm pretty sure I remember someone saying that."

I answer quietly, trying desperately to mend the situation.
We have been talking about our relationship, but no specific timing has been set. So I was afraid to say it at this time.

"So, I know it's a little late for this, but I thought I'd buy him a birthday present!"
"Y-Yeah. So what do you have in mind?"
"That's where it's at~. I'm not sure what I want. If I had to say a standard item, I'd say accessories or small things."
"Accessories and small things..."

That being said, I cringe a little.
As a matter of fact, I have already bought a gift for him.

I had been debating all day as to when to give it to him and decided to give it to him when I went to stay the night.

And after hearing Shizuka's story, I began to worry about whether the gift was not out of touch with the world, as I was not familiar with romantic relationships.

"Yes, I think a stylish person would be happy to receive a necklace or bracelet, and I would be happy if my boyfriend wore something I gave him."

Shizuka's face relaxes a bit as she imagines what I said.

I wonder if he is interested in necklaces and bracelets ... like that? It's as if I can't imagine him wearing them. ...

"What about the little things?"
"Well, if it's a small item, something more practical would be good. If he is a frequent train or bus rider, maybe a commuter pass holder or a pass case. That way he could bring it to school every day and it would be easy to use!"

But he walks to school. It may not be a problem, but I don't think he will use it every day.

So far, none of my purchases have been any of the above. Maybe that's why I feel a bit of relief.
What in the world is the right thing to give him?

"Well, when it comes to that area, money is no object. If you insist on expensive things, there are plenty of them. ... The most important thing to remember is that you can't afford to spend a lot of money on a new product. Unless you have a lot of money from your part-time job,... but I'm broke right now,..."

I heard a sad murmur.

"I mean, we're just classmates now, and I wouldn't want to get him something that expensive. So as a thank you for the other day, I'll give him ... this!"

With that, she picked up one item at a grocery store she entered.

"...It can't be"
"...hmm? What's wrong?"
"No, nothing"

Then I spilled out when I saw what Shizuka had picked up.
In her hand was a ... men's handkerchief, the same one as the gift I had bought him.

Seeing this, my impatience accelerates.

"Y-You're going with that?"
"Yes ! This wouldn't be too expensive or too cheap, and it would be perfect for a classmate's birthday!"

Yes, that's what I thought too. It's still early days when I say we are dating.
If I tried to give him something expensive like that, he would surely refrain and give it to me.
So when I thought about what I wanted to give, I just had the same thought as Shizuka.

To think that I made a blunder...I never think of it !

"D-Do you want another one? Here, over here! You said accessories were nice. This one's a little more affordable."

I picked up a wooden bracelet and showed it to her.

"I don't feel like he is putting on that kind of thing, Komiya kun."
"..."

I generally agree with that.

"Then, I'll go buy it !"
"Ah"

Eventually, Shizuka took it and headed for the cash register before I could stop her.

What should I do with ...? I wonder if I can give him the same thing ...
I'm his girlfriend, so it's okay. But ...

Seeing Shizuka looking so happy, I began to feel a blur in my chest.

Am I okay?...

"Aoi? Hey Aoi !!"
"Ugh"
"Mouu, What's wrong, You've been in a daze."
"Eh, No no. Nothing"
"Is it? I'm tired. Let's stop over there for a minute!"

Shizuka pointed toward a certain fast food restaurant.

We enter the restaurant, order the appropriate sides and we sit down.
That's when we talked about the rest of the birthday story.

This time, we're talking about what we would have loved to have had for our birthday.

"Gifts are nice, but I think it would be nice to do something memorable with them, like an experience or something."
"Memories?"
"Yes, yes! I'd be happy if someone took me somewhere just for that~! Isn't it nice to have a special experience with a special person?"

I was a little surprised, more than a little, to hear from a direction I had not thought of at all.

"You're right..."

It's a memory with a special someone. ...

It reminded me of the old days just a little bit.

... but that's also possible.
Yes, let's do that. Let's do that for Komiya kun.

I arrive at the answer to what would make Komiya kun happy.

"Thank you, Shizuka."
"...? You're welcome?"

I came up with an idea of what I would do for Komiya kun, and I was back to feeling a little down.

"Are? It's Ichikawa san and Sakino san."

Then, as if to throw a damper on the proceedings, a visitor appeared.

"..., what's with the nasty look on your face?"
"What do you want? I don't think we were ever close enough to talk to each other."
"Well, don't say that. We've just met, and it was nice of you to let us share your seat."

The one who came was Shinozuka san, the student who fell down spectacularly after trying to win the game.

"You guys, Ichikawa san and Sakino san were here!"

Just as I was about to refuse, Shinozuka san immediately beckons someone over.

"H-Huh ? Aoi?"
"Coincidence, I guess."

Coming from there were Nagano kun and Jinguji kun, whom I had just parted from in the classroom.
Coincidence? No, this is ...

Episode 33 - His Intention

Without waiting for our response, Shinozuka san forcibly twisted us into a seat together.

Wondering what on earth was the purpose of her approach to us, Shinozuka san quickly took her seat in the ladies' room.

"I was surprised to see you when I came by. If all I had to do was to come here, I would have come with you."
"Ah, Yeah, that's right!"

Jinguji kun was smiling, while Nagano kun reacted as if it was a coincidence that they really met.

"...Hmm? What's wrong Aoi?"

When I looked at him doubtfully, he laughed softly and tilted her head.

"It's nothing"

I laugh and fool myself too.

It smells fishy.
I have come to feel that way about him, especially these days.
I had never been particularly concerned about it before, but I felt it became more pronounced after I started keeping my relationship with Komiya kun a secret.

He is very popular in class and many people try to get him and me together, but I really wish they would stop.

Just a short time ago I didn't care about him, but now he's like ...
Let's talk about the right things and then, when the time is right, we'll leave.

"But there are so many people. I'm sick of it. I've never been in a place like this before."

As if to interrupt my thoughts, Shinozuka san returned from the restroom. She sat down on the sofa, looking around curiously.

"Hmmm~, I know right!"

Then she picks a potato and takes a bite and throws them in one after another.

"Shinozuka san, do you need anything? If you want something extra, I'll get it."
"No need"

Seeing Shinozuka san like this, Nagano kun is concerned about her.
Shinozuka san shook her head and lightly scoffed, and Nagano kun nodded.

... That's pretty straightforward.

"So what were Shizuka and the others talking about?"

Leaving his friend drooping beside him, Jinguji kun asks a question to Shizuka.

"Eh? Aaah...things !"
"Oooh, secret right?"

Shizuka was momentarily at a loss for words at this, but brushed off the content.
Was it simply out of concern for my friendship with them, or did she not want him to know about her birthday gift to Komiya kun?

... probably both of them.

But still, it's weird that you're asking Shizuka, and not me.

"I wonder why Shinozuka-san is with Jinguji kun and the others."
"That's.."
"I actually invited her after Aoi and Shizuka turned us down. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to go to a school that has a different type of schooling, but I'm sure it's a good idea. Right, Kakeru?"
"Huh?Oh, oh, yes! I want to get along with Shinozuka san!"

Apparently, this is true.
Nagano kun seems to have a crush on Shinozuka san.
Shinozuka san is frowning when her words are interrupted, though.

"It's just fine. Because lately, Aoi has been avoiding us."
"... it's not like that."
"I think it happens. I think there were some misunderstandings like the last time because I didn't talk with Aoi much."

...You're mistaken.
I wonder if it is only in his mind.

"So Kakeru also has something he wants to say to Aoi."
"Oh, oh! Yes, that's right. Aoi! I'm really sorry about the other day!"

Saying this, Nagano kun bowed his head, paying no attention to his surroundings even though he was inside the restaurant.

"Hey, Aoi. Kakeru is apologizing too, so don't be bent out of shape forever. You should forgive him. Then we can all make up and have a welcome party for Shinozuka san"

There is nothing to forgive.
It shouldn't be me they should be apologizing to.
And I'm not sure you really feel sorry for him.

A welcome party? What are you talking about?
... I don't feel good.

"Hmm, so that's what you're thinking"
"Hee?"

As I was wondering how to respond, Shinozuka san interrupted me from the side.
When I looked at her face, she looked sincerely uncomfortable.
Nagano kun raises his lowered head and is puzzled by her appearance.

"So you invited me here just to talk to Ichikawa."
"Ah, no, that's not rig—"
"Huh..I'm sorry but I'm leaving"

Shinozuka san, perhaps offended, gets up from her seat.
Nagano kun called her back, but she left the restaurant in vain.
This led us to disband as well.

To be honest, I didn't have a very good impression of her, but kudos to her for this.

After we disbanded, I hurried home.

"It's boring."

I, Shinozuka Suzu, was still hanging out alone at random after the disband.
I could have called for a pickup, but I was kind of in the mood to walk around town.

I got angry and left the store, and that fancy-headed boy named Nagano or something chased after me and apologized.
He said it was a misunderstanding or something, but I don't really care about that.

The persistent bowing was getting depressing enough, so I ignored it and left the place.

The reason I was invited by that Jinguji and decided to follow him this time was simply because I wanted to know more about Ichikawa Aoi.

There was also the fact that I lost in a PE case, but then about what happened in the infirmary.
In hindsight, I felt there was something between her and Youta.
I suspected that she might be Youta's girlfriend, but I have not been able to obtain any proof.

[Let me tell you something about Aoi.]

I'm so angry at myself for being fooled and taken for a lark by such sweet talk.
I thought that once I found out about Ichikawa, my relationship with Youta would become clearer, but I was wrong.

And he also knew where Ichikawa was.

It was also that man who designated that place.
I met him by chance, so I thought I'd shake him directly in front of his friends, but that was his palm, too, I guess.

So that last thing. I'm sure that guy knew earlier that I had a delicate relationship with Ichikawa and thought he would take my side.

It was stupid of me to believe his words so easily.
when I ask Hitomi, he seems to be a very classy and trustworthy guy ...

"Well, it looks like he screwed up, and that's a good sign."

In the end, I got no information. I have no intention of hanging out with those guys after this.

"Maybe I'll put it on later."

I told Youta that I would not tell her girlfriend, but not if it was Ichikawa.
My pride would not allow me to remain defeated. Especially if it was Youta's girlfriend.

"...Is that, Ichikawa?"

As I was thinking about this, I happened to see Ichikawa after the disband.

Before I know it, she had changed from your uniform to casual attire.
It has been an hour since then, so that is not so strange.
She had come out of the supermarket and was apparently shopping for food with a large package.

"What is it? I'm curious."

She didn't have that baggage earlier.
This means that once she got home, she brought it with her.

"..."

I decided to keep her figure in view and follow her trail.

After following her for a while, she enters the apartment.
A slightly older, ordinary apartment that doesn't even have an auto-lock.

"You don't live here, do you?"

I don't think I would live here, it is a shabby place.
I watch her go up the stairs from outside and stand in front of one of the rooms.
She rang the intercom and out the door came.

"Tss, I see"

It was Youta, my own (planned) fiancée.

"I knew it..."

I gave a small laugh and then watched them disappear into the room.

Episode 34 - The Goddess' Dinner

After I got home and finished cleaning up, I waited for Ichikawa san to arrive.

When I heard that Ichikawa san was going to stay at my house, I was in a hurry.
The house was not clean enough to accommodate people because I had been slacking on cleaning for a bit the past few days.

So I was sorry to Ichikawa san, but I decided to let her kill some time at random until I finished my cleaning.
I heard that she was just invited by Sakino san.
And I had to call her to let her know that I was done cleaning too, so she could come over anytime she wanted.

"Ichikawa san seemed a little strange at lunch."

I don't know exactly what, but I thought it was unusual for her to spoil me like that. The teasing in the end was the usual, but I still had a strange feeling that I couldn't quite shake.

Did something happen with Tohno san?... I don't think so.

"I can't be nervous about it though..."

I am not comfortable just waiting for a girl at home. I can't help but fidget.

"I'll clean up a little more."

I thought I had carefully cleaned the room, but I still checked many times to see if anything strange had fallen out, etc.

The chime rang as I was using the corocoro to roll the carpet in my room over and over again.

At the same time, the tension increases all at once.
I went to the front door, opened it, and there was Ichikawa san with a large package and a supermarket bag.

"Sorry I'm late."
"No, come on in"
"Sorry to bother you."

When I entered the room, I felt that Ichikawa san was not there in her usual state.
When she came before, she seemed to be calm and composed, but I wonder if she is nervous as well.

"Leave your bags there."
"Ah, yeah, thanks"

I am trying to make things right, but my appearance is somewhat awkward.
I don't want you to do this, because you usually tease me for a handful, but this kind of thing makes me even more nervous.

"What about dinner? Are you hungry?"
"Fufu, I think I'll cook dinner tonight. Is that okay?"
"Oh, yes !!! Please !!"

I was still happy, though I had expected a little more from the supermarket bag she brought.

My first home-cooked meal. ...
I guess I'm one level up as a human being now. ...!

"Fuu, okay ! I'll borrow your kitchen!"

After taking a deep breath, she pulls an apron out of her bag, puts it on, and tucks in her long black hair.

"..."

The exposed nape is quite ...

Then she takes out the ingredients and begins to move swiftly.

"I'll help you. What do you want me to do? I'm not sure I'll be much help though"

I offered to help, thinking that I could not be left in charge at my own home, even though I am not a regular cook and would only be a hindrance.

By the way, the kitchen is more than big enough for one person to live alone and I can have it too.

"No, you go ahead and relax. It's your birthday and I'll take care of this."

... refused.

"I think you should go take a bath while you're at it.I'm still making it now, so it will take a while."
"Ah yeah"

I thought sure, and I started boiling the bath at the touch of a button.
In about fifteen minutes, the bath will be boiling.
What shall I do until then?

Pulled by the rhythmic thump-thump sound of vegetables being cut, I looked at Ichikawa san's back.

"I get nervous when people look at me that much."
"Eh !?"

Do you have eyes in the back of your head!?

"I know everything about you."
"Haha..."

That's kind of scary.
Soon after doing so, an electronic beep sounds to let you know that the bath is boiling.

"Go ahead and get going. It's still going to take me a while too, so go ahead and make yourself relax."
"Ah, yes.."

The exchange was something like a newlywed couple.
And the way she called me, earlier, it was you (Anata). Well, I guess this is not you (Anata) in that sense. It is just a tone of voice." (Anata is usually what the wifey called her husband)

"You must think we're like a newlywed couple. I could give you a back rub."
"N-No, I'm fine !"
"You don't have to be shy."
"I-I'm going"

I hurriedly grabbed a change of clothes and ran to the changing room.
I had a feeling that Ichikawa san might really charge in.

When I got out of the bath, I could smell the good smell.
There is even a sizzling, delicious sound coming from the kitchen, which makes me feel hungry all at once.

"Welcome back."

When I enter the room, Ichikawa san greets me, wearing an apron and her hair tied up.
I found myself thinking that it was kind of nice to see that.

"I-I'm back"
"It will be ready soon. Go ahead and sit down and wait for me."
"Thanks"

White rice, miso soup, and soaked spinach were laid out on the table, and the open space in the rear center could be expected to be the main course that she is now grilling for me.

And when it was done grilling, Ichikawa san brought me a plate with shredded cabbage.

"Waah, looks tasty..."

My stomach grumbled uncontrollably.
The dish Ichikawa san cooked for me was a hamburger steak.

There is nothing wrong with this, although it may be fairly standard.
Boys love hamburgers.

"Then let's eat."

Ichikawa san unties her apron and sits down on a chair.
I waited for her and then I joined hands.

"Itadakimasu" (Japanese table manners before eating)

I immediately reach for my chopsticks and crack open a hamburger steak. The juices from the inside overflow at once.
I took it straight to my mouth.

"...Delicious"
"Thank god"

Ichikawa san, who had been looking at me a little nervously, showed a look of relief.
That was somewhat unusual for me to hear.

"Were you nervous?"
"It's weird"
"Eh?"
"You were fine before."
"Is that..."
"I hope you got a little jolt when I said that."

Smiling, Ichikawa san was in her usual self.

"..."

I thought I'd been fooled again and ran in for some white rice with my hamburger.

"Fufu, Itadakimasu"

Satisfied with what she saw, she finally reached out and began to eat the food.

My stomach was full of satisfaction after enjoying the dinner Ichikawa san had prepared for me.
Although I lived alone, I didn't do much cooking that I could call self-cooking.

At best, it's curry or stew.
At any rate, it is an indispensable recipe for those who live alone because it can be managed by putting it in a pot and simmering it.

"How did I do?"
"It's really delicious, thank you"
"Fufu, that's a relief. "
"I'll make you some tea."
"Okay, Thank you"

I get up from my seat and go to the kitchen to boil water before making green tea.
I then took the teacup to her and sat down again.

"...Fiuh"
"...?"

Ichikawa san, not understanding why I took a deep breath, tilted her head.

"Ichikawa san, I need to talk to you."

I, Shinozuka Suzu, were lost.
Since that woman disappeared to Youta's apartment, I had made many trips back and forth from the station to this apartment.

It's not for health reasons.
Why on earth are they doing this?

"Should I bump it up? No, I should. No, but ..."

Yes I am on the fence about whether or not to crash at Youta's house.
Originally, I had planned to do the assault after some time had passed.

But if. I couldn't do that because my face got so hot thinking about what if I had assaulted him at the right moment of the affair.

[I was taught! I can have a baby if we lay our bodies on top of each other!]

I want to punch myself in the daytime.
When I later asked Hitomi what this meant, she told me with a red face.

If you used your phone to look up the site, you would see a large number of sites that could not be shown there, and we managed to avoid those sites and checked the content carefully on the Wiki.

I never thought I'd have to do that ... to have ... children.
I haven't heard that!!!

"And that guy..."

What's with the storks!!!!
That's no lie either!!!!

Thanks to you, I get hot as if my face is on fire remembering what I said that time.

And once you become aware of it, the last thing you want to do is think about what might be.

"Nono, it's not that. No, there isn't. ... But I did read that, as a percentage, fifty percent of high school students these days have already had their first experience."

I took out my phone again and put the same word in the search field and reviewed it again.

"Fiuh. As expected, Youta can't do that. Even I haven't even done it yet."

I finally made up my mind and came to the front of Youta's room.

"Okay. I'm your fiancée. It shouldn't matter if I go to your house unannounced! Okay. ..."

Then I opened the door to the room without even ringing the chime.
It was not locked.

"Youta! I'm here for you...aa"

There was that woman, Ichikawa Aoi, who was playing with Youta with only a towel.

Episode 35 - The Color of The Goddess

"Ichikawa san, I need to talk to you."

When Komiya kun in front of me opened his mouth like that, I felt a thud.
My heart was pounding fast, and I felt as if the food I had just eaten was rushing up to me.

"Something to talk about?"
"Ah~, hmmm where to start..."

Komiya kun is tight-lipped, perhaps because he is uncomfortable saying it.

No, it calms me down.
If we were to break up, this timing is unnatural.
If he wanted to break up with me, he would have refused to stay over today in the first place, and he would not have surrounded the dinner table in such a way.

"..."

Ahh, what is it? That makes me feel a little more relaxed.
... So what's the story?

I don't have anything to talk about: ...

"Tss ?!"

D-Don't tell me you're not going to let me sleep today!
N-No way. No, it can't be. He is the Komiya kun who is a goofball on the ground.
There is no way he could ever lay a hand on me. ... No, but!
Just if !!
Ah, What should I do? What kind of underwear did I bring today?
Red, blue? Or was it black?
Let's check back a bit later.

"I-Ichikawa san ?"
"Ugh, what can I do for you?"
"No, You were kind of in a daze all of a sudden, so ..."
"I think so. By the way, what color do you like, Komiya kun?"
"Eh? Color?"
"Yes"
"E~tto, I think blue"
"Blue...I understand"
"...What's that?"

The worst-case scenario is that I go back for it.

"Can I talk to you about it?"
"Something to talk about?"
"Yes, I need to talk to you about something."
"... that reminds me."

Careful. I almost went into my own world.

"I mean, when are we going to talk about our relationship?"

I was interrupted by a completely different angle from the one I had been thinking about right before.

"I'm sure you've heard that I said I'd do that before, but nothing concrete had been decided, right?Well, it may be that I'm always unreliable, but ... I didn't want Ichikawa san to keep feeling bad because of that."
"..."

But I was surprised. I never thought he ... Komiya kun would take me so seriously.
He surely doesn't really want to show off too much.
Nevertheless, I was glad that he thought of me and talked to me about it himself.

"Hopefully, starting next week or so? Well, I'm not going to publicly declare that we are dating, but I thought we could gradually increase the amount of time we spend together at school. So I think I'll just answer if they ask...what do you think?"
"...Fufu"
"What are you laughing at, Ichikawa san? I'm pretty serious. ..."

Komiya kun frowned when I laughed.
He has no idea why I am laughing.

"I'm sorry, it's nothing. Yes, I think that's a good idea. I'll leave it to Komiya-kun, shall I?"
"Have you really thought about it?"
"Fufu, I have"

With that, I pulled out my chair and stood up.
I then slowly approached Komiya kun.

"...Ichikawa sa—-"
"(Thank you)"
"Tssssss!!!"

I then hugged Komiya kun from behind and whispered in his ear.

Komiya kun turned bright red in an easy-to-understand manner. Seeing this, I laughed again, somewhat amused.

"Well, I guess I'll take a bath, too."
"Uu~, I-It's the door on the right as you exit the bathroom hallway."
"Thanks. Well, I'll be off then."
"T-Take care"

Komiya kun, perhaps embarrassed, turned his head away from us and said bluntly, his face red up to his ears.

Chapon (SFX of water)
Naked, I took a shower and then a leisurely soak in the bathtub.

"Haa...'

A sigh flooded my mind.
I submerged my face in the bathtub.

"Maybe I went a little overboard earlier."

My face lights up as I remember what just happened.

I always remember it after every action and feel ashamed.
I find myself wanting to tease Komiya kun when I see his face, but even if it's okay at the time, later, when I'm alone, I feel a twinge of embarrassment.

I don't know how I could have acted so boldly.
But still...

"No, it must be the heat of the bath. It must have been."

I muttered to myself.

"B-But after this, maybe there's a ... maybe, right ...?"

The thought of it makes me even hotter.

"...This is bad. I think I'll just take a cold shower."

I get out of the tub and raise the shower lever again.
The setting is not too cold, but just the right temperature to wake up a little heat.

Let's go up a little later.

Ah~, that was a little bad earlier.
It's such a thing to have someone whisper in your ear.

"Tsss"

I remember it, and it gets hot again.
Oh no, no, no. I'm going to wake up to a strange habit.

...Oh, I was going to say one more thing. No, two things.
When shall I say it?

I went to the kitchen, took a bottle of mineral water out of the refrigerator and poured it into a glass.
And then I drink it all down in one gulp.

"Buhaaa. OK !"

Once again, I fired myself up.
Tighten back the tension that was once loose.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom first..."

When I get out of the bathroom, I head to the washroom to wash my hands.
Then, after entering the washroom, I realized.

"..."

A gurgling sound rumbles in my throat.
The silhouette seen through the frosted glass created a sense of tension that was difficult to describe.

"No, if I stand here longer, I'll be teased again, she will wonder if I've come to peek!"

I wash my hands quickly.
Fortunately, Ichikawa san seemed to be taking a shower and did not notice me.

I must be quick before Ichikawa san comes out.

"———–Ts!"

I caught my foot on the basket with Ichikawa san's change of clothes in it, which she had left on the ground.
It hit me on the knee and it hurt me severely.

"~~~~Ugh !!!"

Suppressing the inaudible voice, I put back the overflowing clothes from the basket.
And in the midst of it all, I find. Red cloth.

"...Eh?"

I stiffened when I saw it in my hand.

T-This thing...

At that moment, I heard the shower stop.
T-This is bad! I rushed out of the bathroom before Ichikawa san left.

"Haaaa...Ha..."

My heart is beating fast and loud.
I haven't been exposed? She hasn't found out, has she? Okay, the rest is to slowly go to the living room!
I was in too much of a hurry and didn't put Ichikawa san's underwear back!

Damn. How do I do this? How do I handle this...

"Haa...Haa..."

My heart is beating fast and loud.
When I turned around, I saw a flaming-faced Ichikawa san staring at me in only a towel.

"Underwear"
"Eh"
"You took my underwear, didn't you?"

She knew. No good. I can't think of anything.
If this keeps up, I'm just another underwear thief...!

"T-This is...Y-You're wrong ! It was never ..."
"You can make excuses later. This outfit...ehem. Come on, give it to me. Of course, don't look at me."
"Y-Yes !"

I turn my face away from the entrance so as not to see it in my hand and Ichikawa san in a towel in front of me.
Then the front door opened.

"Youta! I'm here for you. ...aa"

I was staring at the front door, and my eyes met those of Suzu, the person who opened the door.

"Ugh..."

Oh God Why...

Episode 36 - Shuraba

"What, Eh? Ae? Oh?...Eh?"

Suzu opened the front door and froze with an unspoken voice.
Seeing this, I and Ichikawa san, who was dressed only in a towel, froze as well.

"Ugh !!"

Then Ichikawa san came back to herself in just a few seconds, snatched it from my hand, and hurriedly withdrew to the sink.

"S-Suzu...This isn't like that. ..."
"Hiiii ?!"

I let out a slow little voice so that I wouldn't irritate Suzu, but she fell into a coma on the spot with a bloody nose.

"...What should I do"

"W-W-What's the meaning of this !! Is it that kind of thing ?! Is it ?! T-The storks?!"

Suzu woke up within minutes of losing consciousness and shouted in the living room upon waking up.
Perhaps because of her confusion, she is speaking in a slightly unintelligible manner.

I was here to care for her, and Ichikawa san was there, firmly dressed in her pajamas.
Needless to say, I was speechless at how sexy Ichikawa san looked in her satin fabric pajamas!

This caused me to leave Suzu at the door for a little while.

"Calm down. I wonder if you enjoy walking into people's homes and suddenly falling down screaming."
"Haa !? that's not possible!!...so, why are you here...?'

Seeing Ichikawa san, who called out to her, Suzu finally regained her composure.
Apparently, her memory before and after she fainted is fuzzy. It's a good thing for me.
Was the sight of naked boys and girls that shocking?

...This is bad. My face is getting hot again when I remember.
And I wasn't naked to begin with. It was an accident, an accident.

"Y-Yes! I remember! I saw you go into Youta's house, that's why I came!"
"You, Don't tell me you were stalking me after that? Even I am horrified."
"Don't pull it! No, it's not. It just happened! I just happened to see you!"

[After that] you mean you met her before you came here?
Why again?

"Hmph ! I just saved you from him, and now you're acting like a jerk!"
"I'm not asking you to help me. That was just you getting angry on your own, wasn't it? And you have no shame in patronizing me for saying it."
"You're irritating me~~~~!!!!!"

Suzu turns red in the face in frustration after being outspoken by Ichikawa san.
I knew Suzu is kind of an idiot. She said she was smart, though.
And who is that [guy] ... I'm curious ...

But it's time for both sides to start heating up.
I can't just sit back and watch the argument unfold before my eyes. I have to stop this!

"Hey, calm down, both of you!"
"I'm calm. Komiya kun."
"That's right, you shut up."

Huh?...There is no sign of stopping at all.

I interrupted them, but they were staring at each other.

I knew These two are the worst match for each other...
I mean, I feel like this has happened before.

"I'm going to take this opportunity to make this clear."
"If you have something to say, please don't hesitate to say it. It's easier for me"
"You've got some nerve! I'll tell you what. I don't like you!"
"I was just thinking the same thing."
"Ki——–Tssss! And that attitude of being comfortable is pissing me off too!"
"Why don't you have some break? You've just been making a lot of noise since yesterday.Maybe that's why you fell down today."
"Y-You've said it !?"

Ah~this is bad. What should I do about this? I think I'll watch TV.
I want to leave this place. Can I go?

Slowly, Quietly...

"First thing !! Why are you in Youta's house!"
"Ara. It's obvious."
"Ah, eh, Ichikawa san !"

Ichikawa san tangled her arms around me as I tried to flee the scene.
I'm being pulled abruptly and force-summoned to the field.

"This kind of thing..."

Eh? W-wait, don't tell me...?

"Of course it's because Komiya kun and I are lovers."
"What !?"
"Eh?!"

She said it !?

"I-I-I knew it! I knew that would be the case!"
"Yes. So there is nothing unnatural about me and Komiya kun being together as lovers. I'm not even sure why you're here in the first place, since you're not related to me. Can you leave quickly?"
"...Ts...a..."

Suzu looks like she wants to say something and glares at me.
What do you want me to do?

In the first place, I told Suzu that I have a girlfriend, and there is no reason for her to complain about that.
It was surprising that Ichikawa san would reveal it here, but one day she would find out. It might have been a good opportunity.

"Ku...hee.hee~. But for someone who calls you his girlfriend? You call each other by your last names."
"...What are you talking about?"
"Nothing~? I just thought that Youta and I call each other by our first names, but with you, it's your last name."
"S-Suzu...Wai-...!!!"

Ichikawa san's head, which had been entwined with her arm, turned toward me with a movement like a Japanese doll in a horror movie.
And then I dug my own grave.

I tried to wait on Suzu and called Suzu myself.

"Hee...Call it"

I start to slowly break out in a cold sweat. I can't turn my head away from the lateral pressure. ...!

"Then why do you call Komiya kun by his name? What kind of relationship do you have with him?"

Don't say it! Please, don't tell her!

"It's"

What are you so proud of? Stop it!

"Of course he's my fiancee!"
"...Ugh!!"
"..."

I want to run away. I want to run away. I was actually going to tell her today.
It's true. About Suzu and ... Tohno san.
I was going to tell her because I didn't want to go out with her without telling her.

After all, timing is everything, right?
But it's not now.

"I don't know if you're floating around in a relationship, but I'm his fiancée! How's that? Are you frustrated? You're frustrated, aren't you? Right?"
"..."

Hey, don't encourage her! I don't know what's going to happen, so don't encourage her!
This is no time to be thinking about that!

"Komiya kun"
"Y-Yes..."
"Please elaborate"

I am afraid to speak so I only talk in a straightforward and necessary minimum number of words.

"No, it's not. Ichikawa san. I'm not her fiancee! To be precise, I'm just a stranger who almost got engaged to her!"
"Hmph, I'll take what I want by force. That's why you're my fiancee."
"Shut up. You shut up ! You said it yourself, didn't you? You said if I didn't fall in love with you, you'd give up gracefully! I'm not in love with you, so give it up!"
"I'm going to make you fall in love with me now."
"Where have I ever been in love with you!"
"For now. Will you two please be quiet?"
"Y-Yes"
"Hmph"

I was forcibly silenced by Ichikawa san. For some reason, Suzu also complied with the pressure to say whether or not she was there.

"Fufu, So this is your secret weapon."
"...!'

But surprisingly, Ichikawa san was not distraught and calmly smiled at Suzu.
Suzu also distorts her face at the fact that Ichikawa san was unchallenged.

"I'm not sure. If it were girlfriend and fiancée, fiancée would be the better one, right?"
"There is no up or down. There's no point in having a relationship that's just a formality."

Oh, oh! You said it. Ichikawa san, you believed in me too!
Thank you, God!

"You seem relieved, Komiya kun."
"Y-Yes"
"You do understand, don't you?"

I knew she didn't miss it.

"W-What would it be ...?"
"I won't let you sleep tonight."
"That sounds like a different meaning. ..."
"Well? That would be fun either way."
"..."

I can only feel your S-ness, Ichikawa-san. (You probably already know what S means...)

"You're not gonna give up? I'm his fiancée."
"I'm sorry, but I've already assumed that much. If you think I'm going to give up because of that, you're wrong."

You've anticipated it...is that true?''

"Hmph. But it has to be that, or it's no fun."

It's not interesting at all over here.

"Okay, If you want to."
"Yes"
"I will take Youta away from you!"

So Suzu declared to Ichikawa san in high spirits.

"You wish. If you can, do it."

And Ichikawa san took it head-on.

A diagram of them fighting over me. How did this happen ...?

"Okay, well, for starters."
"...?"

Then, after making her declaration, Suzu turned her gaze away from Ichikawa san and looked at me. She continued to head straight for me...

"Eh, W-What !?"
"!?"

I felt a soft touch on my cheek.

"N-N-Now that's my lead! O-O-Okay, I'm going home!"

I guess Suzu was embarrassed, too, because she turned red and walked out as if she was running away.
Both I and Ichikawa san remained frozen.

"I-Ichikawa san...Just now...I-I have no choice..."
"If it had touched your lips, I would have disposed of that female right then and there."

Scary.

"Ichikawa san...I-It hurts though..."

Ichikawa-san straightens my eyes and repeatedly rubs the place where Suzu just touched with the sleeve of her own pajamas.
I tell her I'm in pain but she won't stop.

I'm going to lose my cheeks. ...

"Fufu...I knew I wouldn't let you sleep today."

Then Ichikawa san looked me straight in the eye again and said the same line as before.

"...which way do you mean by that?"
"Secret"

...I hope I don't lose sleep.

Episode 37 - Punishment from the Goddess

After Suzu left, there was a peculiar air between us.
Somehow, I feel like it's been a long time since I've had this feeling too.

It was still some time before bedtime, so we sat together on the couch and watched a variety shows.
I felt that there was something of a mismatch between Ichikawa san and a variety show.

Sometimes Ichikawa san rests her head against me.
She had just taken a bath and the soft smell of shampoo tickles my nostrils.

She used the shampoo that she brought with her, not the one I have at home.
It had a sweet smell different from mine.

Still, I wonder. Why do girls smell so good after their baths?

"Fuaa"

It was already some time there when I was thinking about that.
Ichikawa san yawns cutely, perhaps feeling sleepy.

"Getting sleepy?"
"Yeahh, a little"
"Ready to sleep?"
"Shall we do that?"
"Okay, I'll get you a futon."

In case you are wondering, there is a futon for guests in this house.
I had never used them before, but I didn't think the first person to use them would be Ichikawa san.

"I don't need a futon."
"Eh?"
"I'll sleep there."

Ichikawa san pointed to the bed I always use.
Well, if Ichikawa san wants to use it, I don't mind, but ... I'm kind of nervous about the opposite sex sleeping on the bed I always use.

"Okay, I'll take the futon."
"Not that either"
"...What do you mean?"
"Because today we'll sleep in one bed."
"...huh?"

Ichikawa san and I together?
I mean, this bed is just a single bed, so I don't think there's enough room for two people to sleep... No, but you can if you pack it in.

If we do that...

"No, Impossible Impossible Impossible Impossible Impossible!! That's Impossible!!"
"Ara, that's rude. Are you so unhappy about sleeping with me?"
"Not that!"

No, no, no, sleeping with a girl is too hard!
I've never been with anyone until the other day, and now suddenly we're sleeping together and ... skipped too many steps!

"I-Ichikawa-san? Think about it. I'm a man, too, you know?"
"Yes, I know. But I believe in you. Komiya kun is not that kind of person."
"What does that mean!"
"Come on, let's brush our teeth."

Ichikawa san leaves me in a distraught state, takes a toothpaste out of her own bag, and heads for the sink.

The pace is too fast. ... I say I'm in such a hurry, but Ichikawa san is fine with it?
So you're saying my patience will be tested tonight. ... Is that what you mean by not letting me sleep?

Then I followed Ichikawa san and brushed my teeth, too.

"Oh, before I go to bed.."
"What's wrong?"

It may sound a little bit weird to say that we are finally going to bed, but Ichikawa san stops me just as I am about to fall asleep.

I knew it, maybe we should stop sleeping together?

Ichikawa san was behaving a bit suspiciously, her hands behind her back.

"This..."

Ichikawa san then held out her hand in front of mine, which she had been turning so as not to look at me.

"Happy Birthday."
"Ah"

I almost let out a strange voice.
The unexpected surprise and the sight of her embarrassed face in front of me made my face light up with heat.
Then I came to myself and accepted the gift offered to me.

"T-Thank you. May I open it?"
"Yes"

Its carefully wrapped box is a bit small.
My heart is filled with gifts I received from women, except my step sister, for the first time.

The ribbon was untied and a dark blue men's handkerchief emerged from the box.

"W-Woahh!! T-Thanks...I'm so happy"
"I was a little nervous about whether you would like ... because it was the first time I had ever picked one out for a boy, so I was a little worried. I'm glad."

Ichikawa san, showing a rare sign of weakness, patted her chest.
Seeing such a figure makes my heart beat frighteningly loud.

This is bad. Cute. I want to hug her.

Suddenly, I almost feel such an urge.

"Come on, let's get some sleep."
"...Eh?"

Despite my inner conflict, Ichikawa san easily went to bed.
Then she lay down, opened the futon, and laughed at me.

Nononononono, ImpossibleImpossibleImpossibleImpossible!!
I can't do that at this time!!!!

"What's wrong? Let's quickly go to bed."

Ichikawa san made one of the biggest teasing faces of the day.

—–She got me...

Then I turn off the light and we get into the futon together in a state of mindlessness.
I have my back to Ichikawa san. I think if I turn around, our faces are close enough to collide.

Knowing this, Ichikawa san follows me closely.
A soft touch is felt from behind through the back.

H-Help...
Pi. Let's count pi.
It's the only way to make my mind go blank.

Here we go!
3.14159265..., no! I only know this far!!!!

"Are you nervous?"
"Feeiii!!!?"
"Fufu, I don't know what's wrong with you. You sound so weird."
"N-No..."

"Hmmm..."
"Fuooooooooo!?"

Stop it! Don't make sexy noises and stick together!
What do you mean by this, you said earlier, that you believe in me!
Too cruel, right?

"Fufu"

As I was thinking about whether there was any way to panic Ichikawa san, she spoke to me from behind.

"Oh, by the way, fiancée. right?"
"Eh?"

My heart jumped with a thump.
This is different from the high-pitched rumblings of earlier.

"Suzu. You call her by her name. I wonder if you are close?"
"N-No...Somehow, it just happened. ..."
"Hmmm~? Komiya kun, you somehow manage to call out a girl who isn't your girlfriend."
"N-No..."

W-W-Wait a minute. Could this be... Maybe this is a chance to call out...

"But don't call me that either."
"..."

It seems that there were none.
W-Why?

"I don't want the reason to be that you're doing it to other students."

You are right...
I'm so pathetic.

"You have nothing else to hide from me?"
"H-Hide?"
"Yes. You seem to be getting along with a lot of girls lately."
"Ugh!"
"You seem to know what I'm talking about."

This is also a figure of speech.
That being said, for some reason, I feel like I have more opportunities to talk with girls these days.

"F-for example?"
"Well? You didn't promise to play with any other girls besides me, did you?"
"Aah, that kind of thing..."

Well, I think I promised Tohno san that I would celebrate my birthday with her this coming Saturday. She said she was going to invite her friends too. ... Is this out of the question too?

I-I guess I have to say it. ...

"Well, to be hones—"

I decided to be honest about my promise to Tohno san.
After listening to the story, I could hear Ichikawa san's tone of voice change again.

I know I deserved it, but she's going to get mad at me again ...I'm scared.

"That's okay"

Surprisingly, I got an OK.

"What? Are you sure?"
"It's fine. You're just celebrating a birthday, right?"
"I-I intend to."
"I don't mind if you do. But tell me everything that happened."
"... I will keep that in mind."

Reporting is important!

"But I guess ... you still need to be punished."
"Ugh!?"

Ichikawa san then pulled me over and reversed the direction of my body.

Even in the darkness, I could tell that Ichikawa san was right in front of me.
If I put my face forward even a little, I would touch Ichikawa san.

What do I look like now?
I can hear Ichikawa san's breathing.

"Eh—-"

Then something soft is pressed against the lips, and the sound of the touch is muffled.

"Hmm...Fufu. I was thinking of doing it again, but it's too early for you. Good night."
"..."

Then Ichikawa san settled in my arms.

"..."

Needless to say, I ended up so bleary-eyed that I didn't sleep a wink until morning.

Episode 38 - A Day Without The Goddess ( Before)

"Morning, Wait what happened? Your eyes are getting really dark."
"...Morning. This is nothing"
"O-Okay...That's fine though..."

Today is Friday.
Naka was worried when he saw my face after I got to school.

If I close my eyes, I feel as if I could fall asleep at any moment.
But after today, tomorrow is Saturday. I'm going to go to sleep immediately after I get home...

Ichikawa san was calm after waking up as if nothing had happened yesterday.
I couldn't sleep at all.
And even in the morning, we went to school separately today because she had to leave her stuff at home once before going to school.

"G-G-Good morning. Youta"
"Ahh, Good morning"
"Good morning Shinozuka san"

While I was talking to Naka, Suzu came over and sat in the back seat.
The greeting was a little awkward.
But sleepiness prevails and I don't go so far as to point it out.

"What? Is the tension low?"

So Suzu seemed to have figured out how I was doing.

"I'm sleepy. Leave me alone."
"H-Haa!? What's that !! I've done so much over here, you should react a little more!"
"That much ?"

What did she do...? A question mark appears in my head with Naka next to me.
Yesterday, I was with Ichikawa san...Ah yeah, Suzu too!''

"H-How could you forge—–Ouch!?"

The moment I remembered that, I hurriedly covered Suzu's mouth.
Dangerous.

"W-What are you doing?!"
"You don't have to say that!"
"What! You shouldn't be because you don't look the least bit embarrassed!"
"No, that's.."

I'm sorry Suzu, but because Ichikawa san had overwritten my memory, I had forgotten half of it.
If I think about it, that one with Suzu is embarrassing enough when I remember it.
But still ...

Remembering Ichikawa san, my face lights up.
And Suzu makes a face as if she misunderstood something

"The thing is, don't tell the others okay?'
"Hmm, What should I do~"
"If you say that, I'll never talk to you again!"
"...T-That's not fair!"
"It's a secret between you and me. Okay?"
"S-Secret...Okay"

Somehow I was able to control Suzu's outburst
Suzu blushed slightly and then left the classroom as if to escape.
She's a busy girl.

But if she tried to do that in front of Naka, it would attract attention.

"What? When did Youta become such good friends with Shinozuka san?"
"No...It's your imagination"

So I fooled him
Ah~, my eyelids are falling off. ...
I couldn't think of any excuses because of it.

"Komiya kun, Good morning !"

Then, this time, Sakino san, who had just arrived at school, spotted me and calls out to me.
One difficulty goes away and another one comes back.
L-Let me sleep...

But when I saw Sakino san calling out to me, I realized.
Sakino san was alone.

I wonder if she is not with Ichikawa san. They should be going to school together today.

"Good morning, what about Ichikawa san?"
"Aoi? I think she's having a break today"
"Eh?"
"Do you have something with Aoi?"
"No, not that.."

She didn't say a word about that in the morning ...
Is there something wrong by any chance?
Did she get sick or something? Or did I lose control yesterday and unknowingly do something ... no, quirky ...? It shouldn't be.

"She said she had some urgent business to attend to at home."
"O-ohhh"

I am relieved to hear that one word. I'm glad it was for home.

Hmm? I wonder what Ichikawa san said yesterday when she stayed at my house.
Maybe her parents found out she stayed the night without telling them? It's not like that's why she can't come to school, is it? ...I'll call her later to confirm.

Then Sakino san was still fidgeting in front of me after the greeting and didn't return to her seat.

"H-Hey"

Then she spoke again to me in a hushed tone. she still had something to do.

"Can I have a word with you later?"
"Word? What kind?"
"That's a secret !!"

Secret...I wonder what she will say.
What did I do to Sakino san?

"Oi oi, Shizuka. What? You want to be friends with him too?"

Seeing me and Sakino san like this, I could hear them laughing.
There is only one person who makes this offensive laugh.

It's Nagano, the man who approaches us with a silly grin.

It seems like it's becoming a thing to get involved when I'm talking to someone else.
Does he hate me that much? I haven't done anything to Nagano in particular...

"What, Kakeru? What's it to you, Kakeru? It's up to me which classmates I get along with."
"Ugh"

But Sakino san stepped forward to defend me and directly contradicted Nagano.
Nagano flinched when he was told in a very clear manner that he did not expect to be confronted

"W-What do you like about him?"
"There's nothing good or bad about it. I'm just talking to my classmates, right? What's wrong with that?"

It's exactly the right argument. It's annoying to be confronted every time you talk to a classmate.

"At least he doesn't make fun of others like Kakeru does these days, and that makes him easy to talk to, and unlike Kakeru, I think he's fun to talk to."

[I'm used to be like that too] I heard her mutter quietly.
I am sure she is talking about the time I went to school with Ichikawa san before. She had never been made fun of directly, but she had lost sight of Ichikawa san.

"Ha, Haa? You're saying that guy is better than me?
"I told you there is no good or bad! Why don't you get it?"

The mood between the two began to sour.

"You should get rid of that kind of persistence. If you're like that, Shinozuka-san won't like you either...Kyaa!"
"Hey, you!"
"Ugh!"

I quickly stepped forward to Sakino san.
Nagano became agitated after being talked back, and tried to jam Sakino san with great force.

I don't think he intended to hit her, but if he had, it is possible that Sakino san would have been scared in some way. No, she may have already been scared.

But nothing really happened. Not even to me in between.

"Kakeru can't do that either. Calm down a little."
"Ren...S-Sorry"

This is because Jinguji stopped Nagano from behind.
Jinguji's words brought Nagano back to his senses.

"I'm sorry, Shizuka. I'll have a word with Kakeru. He's been under a lot of stress lately.
"..."

Sakino san nodded quietly in agreement.

"Sorry about that, Komiya kun."
"No..."
"Fiuh"
"Ugh"

Jinguji, smiling for a moment, turns Nagano around.

What a disgusting look in his eyes.
He didn't say it out loud, but he looked down on me. Such a look.

... No, He has often been like that

Don't think of your classmates that way. I think he's simply a nice guy.

"Tsk. What's going on ... with both Aoi and Shizuka lately?"
"Yes yes, let's go"

Swearing, Nagano was taken by Jinguji.

"Are you all right, Sakino san?"
"Y-Yeah...S-sorry. My fault for getting you in trouble again. ..."
"I'm fine, but maybe I shouldn't have provoked him so much. Nagano seems to be very angry these days."
"Y-Yeah. Sorry.."

Sakino san apologized and went back to her seat apologetically.

"When did you become such good friends with Sakino san, too?"
"...It's your imagination"

Naka had no choice but to mislead once again.

"Et-to, Good morning, what's wrong?"
"What is this atmosphere?"

Then Suzu, who had just left, and Tohno san, who had just arrived at the school, came in and the doorbell rang.

Episode 39 - A Day Without The Goddess ( During )

After the teacher arrived, I secretly looked at my phone and saw that Ichikawa san had contacted me.
Apparently, her father had temporarily returned from an extended business trip overseas.
That's why she took the day off.

I was a little relieved.
I wondered what I would do if they found out she was staying out overnight and asked me to come and greet their parents.

So today I am free for lunch for the first time in a long time.
Maybe Naka and I will eat together for the first time in a while.
To be honest, I've come full circle and now my eyes are bright. I feel like I can do anything now.

As I was thinking about this, Tohno san next to me called out to me.

"K-Komiya kun! w-would you like to have lunch with me today?"
"Eh?"

I was also confused by the unexpected invitation.
Why is it suddenly again?...
Although my schedule is open only for today, it is natural for me to decline the offer considering Ichikawa san's situation.

But how can I refuse? In front of these innocent eyes.

"Of course it's not just the two of us! I'm inviting Fujimoto kun and Suzu chan too!"

Then, perhaps sensing my confusion, Tohno san hurriedly corrects her statement.
In response, Suzu spoke to me from behind.

"That's what is going to happen. Come on, I'll go first"
"Aside from Naka, Shinozuka san is..."
"What ?!"
"Well~Let's go to the cafeteria and have lunch for the first time in a while! Because yesterday you suddenly went somewhere. I'll buy you dinner instead of yesterday's birthday present."
"...Well if that's what you mean."
"Wait a minute! What? Did you have a birthday yesterday?

She didn't know, did she? Well, of course. I didn't tell her. I don't think this girl would look into it on her own.

"So that's why you were together with her yest—-Ouch !?"
"You never learn, don't you! just shut up for a minute!!!!"

Once again, I mercilessly clamp down on Suzu's mouth as she is about to say something.
Then she turns away so that the two people behind her can't hear her.

"P-Puhaaa, what the hell are you doing!!"
"I told you that in the morning, didn't I?"
"...!! Ah yeah.. It's a secret"

"(Ah but wait? Perhaps that's what she stayed for yesterday? Come to think of it, when I looked up that thing, when a couple has a birthday...)——-Tsu!!!!!"
"What's wrong?"

Suddenly she started mumbling and talking to herself.

"(Eh, impossible, is that it?! Eh, after I did that!? I-it's a lie...After I was satisfied...E-Embarasing...)"

Suzu suddenly turned red and stiffened beside me. It seems she did not even hear me calling out to her.

"W-Wait a minute !! Yesterday !! What did you do yesterday ?! are you doing that with that gir—"
"No, I didn't do anything !! I didn't do it, I promise you!

She continued, about to say something outrageous, and then I interrupted her.

She put too much knowledge like that just yesterday. Where is the pure ... stupid Suzu that believed in storks until yesterday?

"H-Heeee. Yeah...Does that mean you're still a virgin?"
"Haven't heard that expression in a while. ... Well, I am."
"Hee...Heee~!!"

What a pain in the ass. There are plenty of people who don't have that experience.
Are you that happy that I have no experience? Or maybe you're one of those people.

"(Hmmph. Then I guess I haven't lost to that woman yet! Then I will be the one who take Youta first...Wait what am I thinking !?)"

"Shall we go to the cafeteria?"
"Shinozuka san, are you sure you want to be alone?"
"It'll be fine"
"Aren't you treating Suzu chan kind of crappy?"
"It's your imagination"

I left Suzu twisting around behind me and headed for the cafeteria with Tohno san and Naka.
I don't doubt that Ichikawa san will forgive me if Naka is with me, although I can't help but feel a little guilty.

The cafeteria, which I hadn't been to in a long time, was crowded with people.
Until now, Ichikawa san and I had eaten together, so this feeling was fresh and nostalgic.

We were lucky enough to find and secure an open seat among them.
Each person purchases a meal ticket before receiving their food and taking it to their seat.

I accept my oyakodon, too, and head for my seat.

Then Tohno san's food seemed to be ready ahead of her and she was already sitting down.
And a strange man is standing next to her, talking.

The man was a bit shallow but solid looking and had a good face.
The word "manly" would be more accurate than "good-looking".

What is it? Picking up girls? At school?

However, as I looked at Tohno san's face from a distance, she did not look that uncomfortable. I could just tell that she was confused.

And when I approached, the person who had noticed this waved peacefully to Tohno san and left.

"Who is the person?"
"Ah Komiya kun. That person is...Nishino san, a senpai from middle school"
"So that's it. You guys are pretty close ?"
"Eh? Ah~yeah ? I think [close] is the right term..."

Nishino san?
Still, he seemed somewhat crisp.
It's not that I hate him.

"I-In fact, he confessed to me the other day..."
"Eh !? Confessed ?!"
"Y-your voice is too loud..."
"S-Sorry"

I screamed out. I knew it was only the person I had a crush on, and I was upset when she told me that such a manly man had confessed his love to her.

Tohno san looks embarrassed.

"Ee-to So what happened?"
"I-I refused"
"I-i see"
"...yeah, So it was a little awkward."
"I-I understand.."

It is a mixture of indescribable emotions.
Is this just curiosity?

"Why did you say no to him?"
"...I-I had someone on my mind."

She mumbled this quietly as she glanced at me.
I guess I was a little too curious.
She's embarrassed, isn't she?

... I guess it is her childhood friend after all.
Even that senpai is cool enough. I guess she likes him a lot, her childhood friend.
Senpai, Amen

...Well I guess even Tohno san is popular.

"L-let's stop this discussion ! I want to talk about tomorrow !"
"Tomorrow?"
"Eh? You forgot?"
"Ah, no, I don't ! Et-to What am I supposed to do tomorrow?"
"During the day, Can you come to the front of the station at 13:00? Since we're here, I thought we should all hang out and then celebrate!"
"The front of the station right? Roger !!"

I haven't had many friends celebrate like this, so it's kind of refreshing.
But still, who will everyone be?

"Hey, who else is coming?"
"Eh !? T-that's a...secret! Look forward to it!"

Secret...Something like that has been happening a lot lately. Is it an epidemic...?

"Ah yeahh, alright"

Later, Naka with his udon noodles and Suzu came back with a set meal that cost 3,500 yen, which she thought no one would even order, and everyone enjoyed their lunch.

"Then again, you didn't go anywhere right away today."
"Eh?"
"Well Ichikawa san is on break, she said something happened...?"

The air in the room froze.

"Just kidding !!!"
"..."

Naka was very sharp.

Episode 40 - A Day Without The Goddess ( Later )

"I-I'm sleepy...I can't take it anymore..."

At lunch, I circled back around and said I was fine or something, but after all, beyond that, it was hell.

After all, when you go over the peak, the valley comes, and I was in an extreme situation.
Despite this, today's fifth period is a physical education class.
Moreover, it was a continuation of the physical fitness test I had taken the other day, which consisted of a shuttle run.
It is truly hell.

I finished PE like I was going to fall down in the seventy-second cycle.

The rest of the class was taken while fighting extreme sleepiness.
And today, as bad luck would have it, the class was followed by a teacher who was strict about sleeping.

The combo of PE that teacher was diabolical.

I managed to keep my wits about me and managed to get through the day with the occasional wake-up from Tohno san next door.

"Youta. Do you want to go somewhere after this?"
"I'm going to pass. I'm going to bed as soon as I get home."
"What are you doing that makes you so tired? You ain't got the stamina."
"I don't want to be with you, you exercise fool. Anyway, I'm going home."
"Bye~. I'll just stop by the arcade and go home"

Naka looked bored and left when I declined his invitation.
And I, too, make my way home alone.

"Are ? Youta. What's wrong, you looked dizzy"

As I walked out the front door, I was approached by a student in a jersey.

"...Aah. Aki. I'm sleep-deprived and when I get home ... I'm going to bed as fast as I can."
"Not enough sleep? What's wrong, are you okay?"
"Well, something happened...Aki, are you going to club activities now?"
"Yes, that's right. I'm having a voluntary training day today for grounds maintenance. I'm going outside for a run."

Voluntary training is a day when there are no club activities, right?
She is so stoic~

"Speaking of which, though, what about that promise we had the other day?'
"Promise?"

Hmm, what did I do...I can't remember. My head is a bit fuzzy.

"...You don't remember?"
"Eh? Ah, no...it's that right ?!"
"Hee~, then, What is it? Tell me"

PromisePromisePromise...damn. I forget about it
Aki looked at me with a dumbfounded look.
This seems to be a perfect example of her seeing that I don't remember that promise.

...I can't tell her lies

"Sorry. I forgot..."
"I thought it would be something like that. We've exchanged contact information since then, but I haven't heard from you at all."
"Ah–, I'd say a lot has happened. ..."
"Well, I didn't send it to you either, so that's my fault too. So, about the promise, you said you were going to run in the morning on Saturday and Sunday. I was just wondering what you're going to do tomorrow."
"...ah"
"I'm so sad. You completely forgot about it. Oh, I'm so sad."
"Sorry ! I'm really really sorry !!"
"It's not that I want you to apologize. I'm just looking forward to running with someone because I've always been alone in the mornings."

I didn't know she was looking forward to it that much.
What a sorry thing to say about that. But there was really a lot going on, and I'm sure I didn't think about Saturday.

"Oh, but then Aki should have asked me out ..."

When I said that, Aki gave another small sigh.

"... guess!"
"What !?"

Aki lightly poked me. It was a simple pain.

"So what about tomorrow? You haven't slept enough today, have you? If it's too physically demanding, maybe we shouldn't do it tomorrow."
"...no. I'll go. We made a promise, and it's bad enough that we have to pretend it didn't happen for our own reasons. If I go to sleep now, I can make it in time."
"Fiuhh, I've got to go! Well then, send me the address!I'll run and pick you up in the morning. I don't want you to go to bed and forget it, so I'll come right away! I'll be there in a bit!"
"Eh?"

Aki told me what she wanted to say and stormed off.
She has a lot of energy, or whatever you want to call it. Did she want to run on impulse?

"...Address huh ? How energetic are you, running when you come in the morning?"

I then sent my address to her line so I wouldn't forget it.

"Ah-. it's bad...My eyes are blurred. I should go home quickly."

I then left the school and hurried home.
Finally, halfway past the road, I heard a voice behind me.

"Komiya kun !!"
"Eh. what? Sakino san ?"

Sakino san comes running over with a slightly clouded look on her face when she spots me.
Then she kneeled down in front of me to catch her breath and looked mushy again.

"Why are you leaving first!"
"Eh"
"I told you I wanted to talk to you after school. ..."
"Ah..."

She told me she had to talk to me later in the morning. After school came, and I skipped it again and went home.

... I guess I'm really screwed up today.
Lack of sleep makes it hard to concentrate. This is equivalent to Ichikawa san's curse.

"you're gone while the teacher is calling me. It's awful. ..."

Upon hearing this, Sakino san's face went from angry to apologetic.

"No, no, no, it's my fault! So what's the story? Can we do this here and now?"
"Eh, ah yeah. It's fine ! Et-to. Actually, I heard it was your birthday yesterday."
"Ah, yeah. That's right"
"I knew it! So I have something for you!"

Sakino san rummaged through her bag and pulled out a box.

"T-This ! Happy birthday! That's why I've got a present for you!"
"Eh, for me !?"
"Yes, to Komiya kun !"

I did not expect to receive a gift from Sakino san.
I'm glad I got it, but I don't think Sakino san and I are that close... How depressing.

"Well...You might be wondering why we haven't been that close before...Well...Thanks for all you did for me and Aoi..."

Sakino san's words became smaller and smaller.
I see, so this is a thank-you as well.

"I-I knew it's a nuisance, right?"

Sakino san's face is becoming more and more tinged with anxiety.
Sakino san, who tends to rush into things, must have wondered about this as well.
I don't know if it's appropriate to give a gift to me, with whom she has a shallow relationship.

But she took the trouble to choose it. I don't think I can turn it away.

"No...if it's a [thank you]. I'll receive it. Thanks"

Sakino san's face lit up when I accepted the gift.

"Thank God! Oh, it's a handkerchief. I'm not used to giving gifts to ordinary friends of the opposite sex, so I wasn't sure."
"Ah yeah. I see. Thanks"

Apparently, she has no sense of surprise. She quickly revealed what was inside.
It's very typical of her.

Wait, It's the same one as Ichikawa san on the inside. ...
Well, Let's take good care of both of them.

"Fuaaa..."
"Ah, sorry. You said you were tired. I'm sorry for keeping you. Are you that sleepy?"
"Frankly, I can't wait to dive under the covers."
"Ahaha, what's that ! Are you okay ? Won't you fall down on the way?"
"I'm confident that if I fell, I wouldn't wake up for half a day."
"Eehh?! That's not okay ! Where's your home? I'll take you home!"
"Eh? Ahh–, no"
"Don't be shy! Come on!"

And so I had no time to say no, and Sakino san had to take me home.

(TL/N : I have a bad feeling about this...)

Episode 41 - A Three Way Battle

"Here is fine"
"What are you talking about? We've come this far, I'll take you home. It would be a disaster if you collapsed on the way."

I tried to say goodbye to Sakino san before reaching home, but Sakino san would not allow me to do so.

"Who's home?"
"No, I live alone."
"Eh? Is it ?"

[I didn't know] Sakino san mutters.
I am not a person with that wide a circle of friends, and I don't have to tell everyone that I live alone, so not many people know about it.

Ichikawa san and Naka are probably the only ones who know about it.
...Ah, Suzu too.

But after I said it, regret came over me.
At this rate, Sakino san is likely to come into the house.
I would like to avoid making her come to my house at all costs.

And eventually, Sakino san followed me to my house.
Somehow, I feel like a lot of people know where I live these days.

"Hee, so you live here"
"It's just a regular apartment, right? Well, then, I'll be fine here, thank you."

I was about to go up the stairs of my apartment when I thanked her.

"H-Hey ! I can cook dinner for you tonight if you want."

Again, Sakino san suggests to me.

"Ah, no, I was going to eat yesterday's leftovers today. I'm fine!"

This is not a lie or anything. I have frozen the hamburger ingredients that Ichikawa san made for me yesterday.
So all I have to do is grill it, make a salad and miso soup and eat it, and my dinner is complete.

I can't stop thinking about Ichikawa san, who took such care of me because I live alone.

"I see..."
"Sorry"
"Okay, I understand ! then, bye bye"

Sakino san waved her hand toward me with a disappointed look on her face.
She made that face. It pains me to say this, but it is unavoidable.

I opened the door to my home and dawdled like a zombie across the hallway, tossed my belongings in their proper place, and collapsed into bed.

"Aah...bed is so nice..."

As it was, I closed my eyes and instantly fell into a dream world.

How long have I slept?
At times like this, when I wake up, the sun has gone down and it is pitch black in the room.
I feel that it is already nine or ten o'clock, one step before midnight.

But the brightness is visible even when shutting the eyelids.
This is because of the electricity in the room.

... Huh? Did I sleep with the lights on?

I think about what it will be like when I return with sleepy eyes and a brain that has yet to awaken.

I remember that after I left Sakino-san, I went into your room and collapsed on my bed as if I were going to die, right?
... Obviously I didn't turn on the lights.

Then why is the room so bright?
And my body is still too lazy to feel like I've slept at all. I felt like I had been asleep for about two hours.

... What's that? When I think about it, I can hear something talking?
Tss. Speaking of which, I went straight into the room and didn't lock the door!!
Damn ! I forgot to close it yesterday and I'm sure I forgot to close it today too...I mean, isn't this bad?
It's definitely a thief, right? Maybe I'm in a pretty tight spot right now?

When my head finally sensed the danger, I jumped up.
And what I saw in front of me was...

"Hmph, This food I cook is definitely the best!"
"Have you ever cooked before? It doesn't look like much."
"I'm a pretty good cook, I won't lose!"

"...What are you guys doing"
""Ah""

There were three people there, an unfamiliar combination, Sakino san, Suzu and Aki.

Time goes back to the time when Shizuka left Youta.
After Youta refused her proposal to cook dinner, Shizuka was walking back the way she came with a sinking feeling.

"Ha~I knew I shouldn't have suddenly asked him if I could come over to his house. It would have been tiring and annoying.

Reflecting on her remarks, Shizuka told herself that the timing was not right this time.
In the midst of all this, Shizuka saw a back figure she had seen somewhere before.

"That's Shinozuka san, isn't it? What is she doing here? Does Shinozuka san live around here too?"

Shizuka saw the back of a blonde girl who had recently transferred to her new school.
She remembered that she was momentarily admiring her fine, silky blonde hair.

As She was curious to see what she was going to do, Suzu approached a specific apartment while keeping a wary eye on her surroundings.
The apartment was the one where Youta, whom Shizuka had just sent, was living.

Then Suzu went up the stairs to a certain room.

"S-Shinozuka san. What are you doing?"
"Ugh !? A, Eh ? Et-to..."
"It's Sakino Shizuka. That's Komiya kun's room there. ...?"

Shizuka, who had been watching Suzu, realized that the room she was about to ask for belonged to Youta, so she chased after her and approached her from behind.

At this time, Suzu was lost.
What an excuse to make.

In the first place, she wondered why a classmate, and friend of Ichikawa Aoi, was near Youta's house.
And as for Suzu, she was planning her revenge because Aoi had completely overwritten her memory of kissing him on the cheek yesterday.

Fortunately, today was her break, so the possibility of being alone with him was great.
Hence, she acted immediately.

"What about it!?"
"Eh...?"

When Suzu was mentioned about it, she reopened it.

"It's okay for me to go to Youta's room!"
"Youta...Shinozuka san, what is your relationship with Komiya kun?"

She is very familiar with him, even though it's only her third day at the new school and her seat is behind him.
Shizuka was concerned about the relationship between Suzu and Youta.

"T-That's...it's this. Well, A marriage between two parents? It's like that
"Eh ?! Fiancee?!"

Suzu lied. It is how she almost became engaged to him, but she is not his wife, and they have absolutely nothing to do with each other at the moment.

If she could make him fall in love with her, she would be his fiancée, but ... she was greatly preoccupied with Shizuka, who could not know about it.
The reason was that she felt like she was going to be somewhat of an enemy.

"T-That's right. So there's nothing wrong with me going into Youta's room."
"B-But I've never heard anything like that from Komiya kun?"
"H-Hee~ Maybe it's because Youta is shy."

But Shizuka soon realized that Suzu was lying.
Suzu clearly looks away and is not accustomed to lying.
Still, She thought there was some kind of relationship.

"That's a lie, right?"
"...Hmph. Then you can find out."

Saying this, Suzu put her hand on the door of Youta's room.

"He really fell for me!"

She said confidently.

"That's not a good thing to hear."

But soon a dignified voice interrupts it.

Then came Aki, who was running outside for her own training.
After running the appropriate distance, Aki checked the address that had come to her phone and ran a preview of where she would be picked up tomorrow.

What does she think? A female student whom you know is arguing with someone in front of the address written down.
If she eavesdrops on the conversation, it seems to be in front of Youta's room, and Suzu is saying that Youta fell head over heels in love with her.

It was there that Aki also could not resist and called out to her.
Her forehead is slightly sweaty.

"Hey, you are the handsome girl!"
"Hey, have you recovered from your injuries yet?"
" ...Thanks to you it still hurts."
"That. It looks like Yota's room, can I go in?"

Aki ignores Suzu's sarcasm and asks if she can get in in the first place.

"Most of these things seem to be locked up tight."

Hearing this, Suzu pulls on the handle.

"...hmph, it's open !!"

Then she grinned and opened the door to show them.
And then, before She has time to stop her, she tries to go inside.

Shizuka and Aki looked at each other.

[Is it okay...]
[I have a bad feeling...]

Still, Suzu was not bothered and went inside, so the two of them visited the house where the boy they were interested in lived alone, with the great intention of stopping her.

(TL/N : I wonder what will happen if ichikawa knows this...)

Episode 42 - Shuraba

Suzu visited yesterday, but this was the first time Shizuka and Aki had been up to a house where male lives alone.

Therefore, they proceeded somewhat restlessly, glancing around even in the corridor.
When they went through the door at the end of the hallway, they found themselves in a 1K room.

The room is dimly lit with curtains closed.

"The power is..this one"

And shortly after entering the room, Suzu found the light switch and turned on the room light.

(It's tidier than I thought...)

Shizuka, who had assumed that boys' rooms were more cluttered, had this impression.

The reason for this is simply that Youta cleaned up the mess yesterday because Aoi was coming.

"Ara, he's sleeping."

Suzu said as she quickly found Youta collapsed and sleeping on the bed at the end of the room.

"I can't believe he didn't notice us coming. He must have been very tired."
"He said he didn't sleep well. What did he do yesterday?"

Both Aki and Shizuka had heard from Youta that he was having trouble sleeping, but they had not been told the reason why.

"Hmph. it's becaus—no. He was probably up late anyway." "I-It's nothing"

She almost let slip that Aoi was staying at this house yesterday, and she hurried to cover it up.
Even Suzu did not reveal the fact that they were dating without permission.

"So, you came in here without permission, what are you going to do? Youta is sleeping, right? Shouldn't we leave?"
"T-That's right. I'm kind of sorry..."
"Hmph. Then you two can go home as soon as you can. I'll stay here and wait for Youta to wake up. Okay, bye bye."

Their faces clouded in front of Suzu, who said such a thing easily.

""...""

The relationship between Yota and Suzu is unknown, but there is no reason to leave them alone together.

"I'll stay."
"Me too"

In the end, they too decided to remain there.

"What are you doing without his permission?"

When they looked away for a moment, Suzu was going through the refrigerator.
Aki notices this and sighs.

"Hmph. Since I'm here, I thought I'd make dinner for Youta. I'll catch Youta's stomach with this."
"Then so would I!"
"...Then me too"

And so began the battle between the three of them to determine whose food was the best for Youta.

It started with ... not that...!!
What do you mean! It's a normal trespassing!

It seems that the three of them went shopping after deciding to cook.
There were three supermarket bags filled with ingredients.

The kitchen, which was used by Ichikawa san yesterday, is now occupied by three girls.
It is a bizarre sight.

Frankly, I want them to go home. I'm still sleepy.

But still, I can kind of understand Suzu, but what about the other two...?

No, Sakino san, too?
She told me I was nice and gave me gifts ... I didn't expect her to be so aggressive.

Of all people, she is Ichikawa san's best friend.
I should either keep my distance or honestly confess my relationship with Ichikawa san, but doing so on my own, now that she is not around, could cause a rift in her relationship with Ichikawa san.

I guess we will have to accept this trend for now.

And so the most mysterious is Aki.
Why are you at home after we disbanded earlier, promising to run tomorrow?
...I don't understand.

"Get out of the way!"
"Hey, don't you see? I'm using this stove over here. Why don't you wait your turn for a minute?"
"If you two are going to fight, get out of there! I want to use it too!"

What a thought, the three of them are struggling in the kitchen.
They say that if three women come together, it's called adultery... I'd appreciate it if you could give me a break from the neighborhood for a bit.

Then, after paying attention and waiting a few more moments, Aki, who had finished cooking the first dish, brought the plate to me.

"Youta, thanks for waiting"
"Ah, yeahh.."

The dish placed on the table was an omelet rice.
And the other two are making the same omelet rice.

They decided that if they were going to have a showdown, it would be easier to understand if they were to be served the same dish, so that's what they did.

... Now I'm going to eat three omelets ...

The omelette that Aki made for me is simple looking and beautifully shaped.
And above all, the eggs shine.

On top of it was a heart mark in ketchup.

"..."

Girls tend to wear heart marks, don't they?
There would be no deeper meaning to this.
...and I don't mean to be rude, but she's a surprisingly good cook.

"Than, Itadakimasu"
"G-go ahead"

Aki looked at me nervously.
It's hard to eat if you see too much...

I break the egg with a spoon and put it in my mouth with the ketchup rice inside.

"...!! Delicious !!"
"Yes !!"

Aki couldn't help but show her guts at my impression.

"The ketchup rice tastes really good, the eggs are smooth, and I can't say enough about it."
"Fufu, Thanks. I had confidence in this one."

Aki smiles with her best smile.

"Ugh, next, me !"

And so it was Sakino san who brought it next.
Sakino san's omelet rice was covered with a demi-glace sauce, which was different from Aki's.

This also looks delicious.

"Itadakimasu"

I could hear Sakino san's throat slurping next to me as I tossed the sauce with a spoon.

"O-ohhh, this one is good too!"

The mushrooms in the sauce had a nice texture, and the butter rice inside was not mushy and matched the sauce.

"Yes !! Hehe, In fact, I even made the sauce by hand! I only had two stoves, so it took me a while to make it."

Sakino san breathed a sigh of relief.

The only thing left is ...suzu, but she is still struggling in the kitchen.

It was then another fifteen minutes before Suzu brought the food.

"It's done! If you eat this, you won't be able to live without me!"

What kind of food is that?
I have an endless bad feeling about this.

"You never disappoint me. ..."

I frowned when I saw what looked like food placed in front of me.

"Ugh..."
"Et-to..."

Aki and Sakino san both held their noses lightly and backed away slightly.

Don't go. I know how you feel. ...
It kind of smells very burnt.

And it looks black. The egg is ... Isn't this one unwrapped?
and the ketchup rice that's sticking out is too red?

"Hmph ! What do you think? It's pretty good for a first time cook, isn't it? Well, I made a few mistakes, but I followed the instructions on the cookie pad, so I think it tasted alright!"
"By the way, have you tasted it?"
"I'm not going to do it. You're going to eat it all." "Come on, eat up!"

Suzu is waiting for me now with a twinkle in her eye.

What is this pressure? Where do you get this confidence?
Why are you okay with it?

With these questions in mind, I grabbed a spoon and scooped up a bite of it.

"..."

The hand holding the spoon trembles.
I've never seen my hand go this far before.
If I eat this, I might be ...

No, let's not think about that. She went to the trouble of making it. Maybe something miraculous will happen and it will be different from what we imagined.

I took it to my mouth with force.

All kinds of strange sounds and textures mix in the mouth.

"...!!!!"

Then suddenly a terrible pain struck.

... I woke up an hour later.

"I'm pleased to announce who had the best taste. The most delicious was ..."

Gulping. I heard all three of them gasp.
Oh, no, two of them.
Hey, Suzu, why are you so confident?

"The best one is Aki's omelet rice!"

When I made my announcement, Aki looked relieved, yet happy.
Sakino san, on the other hand, looked a little depressed, saying, [Oh, no].
I feel kind of sorry.

I don't have to tell you about suzu.

"Why did you pick mine?"
"Ah~. After all, Aki's and Sakino san's were both incredibly beautiful looking, but I think the most important thing was that it was a simple omelette."
"Eh..."
"Of course, the demi-glace was delicious, but I prefer the old-fashioned ketchup rice."

It was the same way my mom used to make it for me when she was alive.
I mean, the common one is still ketchup.

"Well then, I guess I didn't do enough research. ... I guess I screwed up."
"I don't think so. Sakino san's was very good too!"
"Ugh. T-Thanks!"

Sakino san thanked me a little shyly.

"Fiuh. So it was simply a matter of the type of food rather than the quality of the food. ...what a shame."
"That's part of it, but it's not the only part."
"...? What does that mean?"

Aki tilts her head.

"It tasted familiar."
"Taste familiar?"
"Yes. It tastes just like the ones my mom used to make. So I am grateful to Aki for giving me this nostalgic taste."
"...I-I see. You're welcome"

Aki, who was a little embarrassed, was very girly.

"Hey, what about mine!"
"...Good luck"
"Huh! What's that! Just tell me what you think of it!"

The three then left before it was too late.

Suzu squeaked to the end, but Sakino san and Aki forced her to go with them.

(TL/N : I really miss this kind of scenario in harem...)

Episode 43 - Shuraba

After being freed from the three, I had a blast of sleep and woke up early the next day.
Then I take a shower, eat breakfast, and get ready.

This was the day I was to run with Aki, whom I had promised to run with for some time.
I promised and forgot, but promised to run again yesterday.

She informed me that she left the house before 6:30 a.m. to pick me up at my apartment.
I found myself a little excited because I haven't done much early morning running.
However, Aki seems to run every Saturday and Sunday, club activities plus running from this time, and I was impressed that our high school's big ace is indeed energic.

Still, I wonder if ... it will be okay, even though it will be a fair amount of running just to get here.

After a while, the chime rang with a ding dong.
I had already changed into my jersey, put on my shoes at the entrance as I was, and opened the door.

"Good morning. Youta. Looks like you are ready !"

There stood Aki, slightly sweating in her jersey, as she had been yesterday.

"Morning. Ah yeah perfectly. Let's go !"

I ran straight outside with Aki.

I was not sure if I could keep up with Aki, I don't usually run, but she kept up with my pace and ran alongside me.
I felt sorry that this would be a good practice, but she said she usually runs only lightly in the mornings, and this pace seemed to be fine for her.

I'm sure she was just trying to look out for me, though.
Aki was very attentive in teaching me how to do muscle training and how to run efficiently while I was running, which motivated me even more.

The running course is a road along a nearby riverbed.
Aki was also a little happy to be able to run with a different view than usual, as she doesn't usually come to this area to run.

"Fiuhh. Let's take a break."
"HaaaHaaaHaaa...yeah let's...Haaa.haaa.haaa"
"Thanks for the workout. I guess for someone who doesn't normally exercise, You ran pretty hard."
"...Is it? How good am I?"
"Hmm~About four kilometers?"
"Is it...?"
"Yeah. well..."

What a subtle reaction...
It's true that I'm already exhausted, but Aki still seems to have plenty of time to spare.
She has club activities later this morning, and she will run more there as well.

I'm feeling sorry for myself, to put it mildly.
I'm not sure how much exercise I can do compared to Aki,..., but as a man, I'd like to show my determination.

Should I run after school?

"I'm going to get a drink from the vending machine. Wait there."
"Yeah, I'll get one too."
"It's okay. You must be tired. Just sit there and wait."

Aki ran lightly again to the vending machine in the distance.
I decided to sit on the riverbed and wait for it, as Aki urged me to do.

"Fuuuh"

Breathe and feel good, get a breeze.

"Ichikawa san, what is she doing right now ..."

I have not received a reply from Ichikawa san since I received a call yesterday informing me that she would be absent from school.
Come to think of it, my phone was shaking just now. Maybe she's getting back in touch with me.

"I wonder if her father is home? I wonder what he's like."
"Would you like to meet him?"
"Well, I'd hate it if he was scary..."
"Not really."
"Well, that's relieving...Eh !?"

I turned my head hurriedly to the side.

"I-Ichikawa san? Why?"
"Why, you may ask, because this is where I walk every morning."
"W-walk course?"
"Well I only go for walks on weekends."

Ichikawa san was dressed in running clothes and had a lead in her hand.
Beside that lead is.

"Wan"

There was a cute little puppy.

"So you had a dog."
"Yes. Isn't she cute? she says, [Youta]"
"You're kidding, right?"
"Yes, I'm just kidding"

For a moment, I thought she was treating me like a dog.

"It's Mame"
"Ooh, Mame chan. So cute. So what kind of dog is she?"
"It's a pomeranian"

I approached the Pomeranian mame and petted her.
Mame was not afraid of me, either, and leaned in toward me.

"Fufu. Mame seems to like Komiya kun, too."
"That's good"
"So, what are you doing here, Komiya kun? I saw you running."
"Oh, Aki invited me to go running ...tss"

Ah, bad.
I never told Ichikawa san who I was running with now.

"Aki? Did you say Aki?"
"Ah, eh, no...that's..."
"Haa..."

I was caught in a deep sigh.
And I feel a cold stare.

It's my fault for not telling her all this.

"Hey, Could you please stop threatening Komiya kun?"

Just then Aki returned with a plastic bottle.
It is the worst possible timing.

"Ara, Good morning, Mitsushima san."
"Good morning. Ichikawa san. Are you scaring Komiya kun again?"
"Please don't say bad things about a person. He's not afraid of me."
"Heee. But I think he is scared"

Just like that day, hot sparks fly between the two of them.
...deja vu.

"Why is Ichikawa san here?"
"As you can see, I'm going for a walk. Why are you running with Komiya kun?"
"That's because Komiya kun asked me to run with him"
"...Is he"

Don't look at me like that, Ichikawa san. ...

"Then I'll give you a break for today."
"Give me a break? What do you mean? I promised him that we would run together on Saturday and Sunday mornings. That's why I'm planning to run with him tomorrow. Besides, he said he doesn't get enough exercise and he doesn't think he'll be able to keep going by himself.

Their argument intensifies.
I meanwhile was petting around her Pomeranian's mame.

This fur is soft.

"But Is it not enough for you who are involved in club activities, including track and field ? I don't think you need to go out of your way to match Komiya kun's pace."
"But I made him a promise. This is my role once I've undertaken it."
"Then you don't have to. Because tomorrow I will run with him. I think it would relieve you of that responsibility."
"I don't want you to decide for me."

This is bad. I had a cat at home, but I still like dogs too.

"It's Peaceful~, Mame."
"Wan"

This fluffiness is addictive.

"Isn't Ichikawa san supposed to be walking that dog, too? You don't have to."
"Can't? I can walk Mame again at another time. Even in the evening, for that matter. Unlike you, I'm not involved in club activities, so I have extra time."
"Heee. I see that you are free, Ichikawa san. If that's the case, I'd like you to give me the morning hours even more so. Ichikawa san can run another time."
"You know, that would mean Komiya kun would have to run twice a day, wouldn't it?Do you think he has the stamina for that?"
"Heyy, is this the most comfortable place ?!!!"
"Kuu~nn"

Mame looks pleasantly surprised when I rub her body.

"... So let's ask Youta. Which one of us would he like to run with in the morning?"
"I guess so. That's probably for the best."
"Hey. Youta"
"Which one do you want to run with?"
"Whoa! Mame, you're ticklish...What?"

As Mame was licking my face, they suddenly looked at me.
I was so engrossed in Mame that I missed what they said.

Huh? What did she say? I didn't hear it. ...

"Eh, ah~, no, et-to..." "..."
"Wan"

They are staring at me.
I'm starting to feel like I can't say anything bad about it.
What is this being asked of me?

"Et-to...what is it?"

I couldn't help but be respectful.

"Who do you want to run with in the morning, me or Ichikawa san?"
"Come on, pick one quickly."
"Pick one..."

I compare the two of them.
On one side is my girlfriend and on the other side is the friend who accompanied me on my run this morning.
Normally I would have chosen my girlfriend, but I also owe a debt of gratitude to Aki for running with me today.
What a choice. ...

I still thought I was a slacker in not being able to make a spastic decision.
But still...okay.

I take a deep breath
And then...

"Oo——"
"Well, even if I don't get picked, I'll be in front of Youta's house at the same time every morning."

I was about to say something when I was interrupted.

"... you, that's not fair."
"What? I just happen to run the same course at the same time of day."
"If you are going to do that, I would do that too."
"If that's the way it is, I don't blame you."
"I see. I don't like the idea though"
"...?"

What does that mean?
Does that mean I don't have to choose between the two anymore?

"Okay, then."
"Shall the three of us run?"
"Eh...?"

Wait a minute! This is serious!
I don't think I can stand this atmosphere every Saturday and Sunday morning. ...?

So, in the end, with no time for me to refuse, the running was to be done by the three of us, Ichikawa san and Aki.

"I mean, in the end, what kind of relationship does Ichikawa san have with Youta? I don't understand why Ichikawa san is so interested in Youta."
"And that goes for you, too."
"I-I'm not really. I just wanted a friend to run with, I guess you could say... Don't worry about me. Come on, answer me!!!!"

Embarrassed, Aki hurriedly returns to the question once more.

Oh, she finally asked it.
Well, she doesn't have to hide it anymore, and it's time to say it. ...

It's kind of hard to say, though. Ichikawa san is appealing to me with her eyes...

"I-It's"

When I was about to tell her about my relationship with Ichikawa san.
A tinny alarm sounded from Aki's side.

"Wait a minute! Oh, no! It's already that late!I'm going to be late for club activities. Okay, I'll go then! Thanks for today, Youta. Bye!"
"..."

Gone.
I guess I stayed too long
But thanks to it, I didn't have to say it.

"You are a slob."
"I have no words to reply."

Ichikawa san was furious.

Episode 44 - Birthday date?

After my morning workout, I went home and took a shower.
Ichikawa san and I parted ways after that, We parted ways, but she asked me about Tohno san afternoon's invitation, including where we were going to do it.

I wasn't given any specifics either, only the meeting place.

[I trust you, but please don't overdo it.]

Ichikawa san nailed it.
I kept this in mind and went to the meeting place.

I arrived at the station well ahead of schedule.

I was nervous because I had never had a friend celebrate my birthday in this way before.
I didn't hear who was coming or what they were going to do, but I kept that as part of the fun.

"T-Thanks for waiting!"

I turned toward the voice and saw Tohno san running toward me.

"G-good day"
"G-good day..."

Tohno san greets me shyly.
I was caught up in it and returned the greeting. It was awkward, as if I was a stranger to her.

This was the first time I saw Tohno san in plain clothes.
She was dressed in a flower-patterned one-piece dress and cardigan, which suited her well and showed a sense of neatness.

Cute.
So much so that I have to admit I fell in love with it.

"I-is it weird?"

Perhaps because I was too spaced out, Tohno san asked me worriedly.

"Ah, no, it really suits you"
"T-Thanks"

Bad. too cute.
I was upset by the fact that I had a girlfriend, Ichikawa san, and yet I was so disturbed.

No, no. It's okay, relax.

"S-So who else is coming?"
"A-Ahh about that..."

Tohno san clammed up awkwardly.
"The truth is. Fujimoto kun said he will come but h-he said he couldn't make it"
"...Eh? A-and the others?"
"T-there's no one else here."
"So...just the two of us?"
"...(Gulp)"

Tohno san gave a small nod.
...Is this...a...date?"

The moment I became aware of it, I felt a chill run through my body.

I, Hitomi Tohno, had made up my mind.
That is confessing my feelings for Komiya Youta, the man I have a crush on.

Ah, no, Even if it's not a confession, it's more of a way to make him a little more aware of me. ...
A-At any rate, the purpose of this date was to let him know that I was interested in Komiya kun.

And, I said date...

Here's how it all started.

I promised Komiya kun that I would let him celebrate his birthday, but I was not sure what to do, so I asked Fujimoto kun for advice.

＊＊＊

It was Komiya kun's birthday lunch break.
As usual, Komiya kun disappeared during lunch break.
I wondered where he had gone, but I took advantage of the timing to talk to Fujimoto kun.

"Youta's birthday? Yeah, I'm just going to buy him dinner... Eh? Tohno san, are you going to give him something?"
"Et-to...I actually already bought it, but I'm not sure if ... it's really the right one. I couldn't give it to him because I was afraid he wouldn't be happy with it. So I thought Fujimoto kun, who is a good friend of his, might know what he would like to receive."
"Ah~, sorry. I don't think I can give you much advice there. ... or whatever he'd be happy with."
"Ah is that right?"

I have bought birthday presents, but having never given one to a boy before, I wasn't sure if this was really the right thing to do.

"I-I have something... Actually, I invited Komiya kun to play with me on Saturday..."
"Eh !?"

Fujimoto looked quite surprised at what I said.
And soon he came up with something.

"(This doesn't mean that Tohno san likes that guy, does it? Eh, serious? Is it ! That means they're in love! That's it. I've got to help him and Tohno san with this one! Ah, But I said he and Ichikawa-san are perfect for each other...I hope Ichikawa-san is not like that... I hope that's not the case!)"

He is mumbling to himself, and I cannot hear up to the content of his speech.
Then he mumbled something and looked up.

"Tohno san"
"Y-Yes!"
"Answer honestly. If I'm not mistaken... maybe you like him?"
"—–Ehh !?"

The question was so straightforward that I could feel my face turning bright red.

"Ah, If it's hard for you to say, that's fine, but I thought that's what giving a birthday present is all about."

As easy as it was for him to see through my feelings for him, once again I am speechless as I recognize my feelings for him.

I nodded, but if he asks me if I like him, I still don't know for sure.
But I'm sure I'm interested in him. I sometimes think that I already like him, but I couldn't say for sure because I have no experience of liking someone.

"Ah...I knew it!"
"uuu...E-embarassing..."
"Nono, There's nothing to be shy about. I have a suggestion about that birthday present you mentioned earlier."
"S-suggestion?"
"Let's not give it to him today!"
"Eh!? W-Why?"
"I'm sure he would be happy with any gift, but let's give it to him on that Saturday. I think it would make a better impression."
"C-Certainly ..."
"So do you have a date plan in mind?"
"Actually, I was wondering if I could talk to you about that ..."

I tell Fujimoto kun what I originally intended to discuss with him.

It was good for me to take the plunge and ask him out, but Komiya kun seemed a little reluctant to be alone with me.
So I panicked and said we would all celebrate together, but I was at a loss to think of anyone to invite.

"I-I see...Why does he not want to be alone with you ...? Well, you can do it this way."
"Eh?"
"Tohno san invited me to celebrate. And I was supposed to take someone else, but I canceled. That's what you are going to call it."
"I-is that fine?"
"No puroburemu (Problem) ! Leave it to me! (He's too shy, I guess because he gets embarrassed when it's just the two of you. I've got no choice but to cooperate!)"

Fujimoto kun was proud and confident when he used his one-word English.

"Then Tohno san will be alone with him. Then you can enjoy your date, give him a present on the way home, and all will be well."
"D-Date..."

I react to the word "date" and my cheeks turn red.

"Then I'm rooting for you! Fight!"
"Y-Yes ! I am "

＊＊＊

That's how the operation worked, and I succeeded in getting us alone.
I'm nervous, but I got compliments on my outfit, so let's go ... today!

I decided to take Komiya kun with me and move out of the place.

A short distance from where they left.
There, unknown to the public, someone was observing their movements.

"I told you not to get carried away. But I didn't mean it would be just the two of you, did I?"

The person began to act accordingly as they moved on.

Episode 45 - The Goddess' Unfaithfulness Investigation

I, Ichikawa Aoi, had been feeling uneasy even after I left Komiya kun in the morning.

From noon today, he was to be congratulated by Tohno san and others.
But I don't know anything concrete, and I don't even know who will be there.

The members who come are limited in terms of his friendships.
Tohno san, Fujimoto kun ...and after that, maybe Shinozuka san?

Other than that, I don't know of anyone else he gets along with.
So that accelerated my anxiety even more.

Only Shinozuka san knows the fact that he and I are dating.
It's not that I'm hiding it anymore, but I'm not going to go out of my way to make it public, so it still remains unknown.

I think this is making things a little tricky.
He is not particularly aware of it, but as far as I know, there are several girls who have expressed interest in him.

One of them is also my best friend, and it's an indescribable situation.
My head hurts thinking about when to confide that.

In the end, I could not suppress such a heartbeat, so I came to the station where he had promised to meet her.

"Is it...only the two of them?"

Such murmurs overflowed as I checked Komiya kun and Tohno san from afar.

That possibility was not impossible.
I once asked about how she, Tohno san feels
She didn't say it clearly, but she definitely has a thing for him.

"..."

Others, as well, may simply be envious of that fact.
I may be...

I shook my head and shook off those feelings.

I watch their movements. They seem to be moving.
I moved sneakily along with them.

Sounds like something out of a spy movie.
No. That's like a wife who collects evidence of her cheating husband's infidelity.
If anything, I'm more comfortable with the second one.

They headed for a commercial complex near the station.

"It's totally not a date.."

At the moment, they do not seem to be planning to meet up with anyone.
It is hard to imagine going to the cinema to celebrate together in the first place.

This means that the idea of celebrating together was a lie and that this was Tohno san's goal from the beginning.

"Fujimoto kun must have been the one who suggested it."

I bought one ticket for the same movie as they had bought and entered the museum alone so as not to be discovered.

This is not good. In many ways.
Eh, the place we are going is...

"Et-to, cinema?"
"Yeah. Actually, I'm thinking of going out to a nice restaurant with you to celebrate, but I have some time before then, so I thought we could watch a movie together. Is that a bad idea?"
"Nonono, I-It's fine ! I, too, wanted to see the movie!"

Teary-eyed, upturned eyes are not fair. There is no way I can refuse a request like that.
Where did you learn such a strange trick? Did someone put you up to it?

Sure, I can just go out to dinner if you just want to celebrate.
So that was the reason for meeting at such an early hour in the afternoon.

Tohno san is well prepared and buys the ticket she reserved in advance at the ticketing machine.
When I told her I would pay for it, she did not accept it because it was my birthday.

The film's title is [ To the tomorrow you]
It was a romantic film.

But are the three of us, including Naka, planning to go to a movie ...? And it was a romance ...

After handing the ticket to the clerk, we entered the fourth theater.
We even bought popcorn and juice for the two of us before we left.

This may or may not be a date.
A date at the cinema with someone you used to like.

Not that I don't think about it, but it was someone else who comes to mind now.
I haven't even come to her yet. Such guilt runs through me.

Then, after a few short advertisements, the main feature of the film begins.

"It's kind of exciting."
"Ah, yes"

Indeed, it is a little nerve-wracking to watch a romantic movie next to a girl in this dimly lit room.
Such tension made me thirsty, and the juice I had just purchased was running low at a brisk pace.

The story begins with the main character, a man who has just transferred to a new school.
There, the protagonist is reunited with a childhood friend whom he thought was a man.

"I've seen something like this before."
"Ah, This is actually based on a manga. It looks like they made a live-action version from it. I think it's because they did a lot of commercials on TV."
"I see. So that's why."
"Yeah...A"
"...? ugh"

Inside a movie theater. Out of consideration for the patrons around us, our faces were pretty close to each other.
It's like snuggling up already.

"Ehem ehem"
""Tss""

I heard what sounded like a coughing sound from behind me, and Tohno san and I came to our senses and hurriedly pulled our faces apart.

My face is hot.
And Tohno san's profile, illuminated by the light of the film, also seemed to be slightly red.

... would it have been that noisy?
I thought I was talking pretty quietly. ... My bad.

The main story continues to progress from then on.
The main character was interested in his childhood friend, but he had to get engaged to someone his parents had decided to marry. That partner was a popular girl in his grade.

... Somewhat deja vu.
I didn't realize that you can't date the person you love and get engaged to someone else.

From there, the love triangle becomes entangled.

I found myself hooked on that movie. I don't often watch romance movies, but I was drawn to the realistic depiction and the emotions of the characters.

Right now, the main character and his childhood friend are hugging each other, expressing their feelings for each other.

I pick up the popcorn placed between Tohno san's seat and mine, with such a scene on the sidelines.

She reached out while looking at the screen and I didn't notice the hand reaching out from the other side.

""...Ah...""

Our hands touched and we stopped at each other.
My eyes met Tohno san's next to me, and my heart spluttered.

Gakon. (SFX)

"S-Sorry!"
"M-Me too"

This time, something hit my seat from behind, causing us to huff again and apologize to each other.

After that, everything went on without incident until the climactic scene.
In the end, the fiancée could not win over his childhood friend, and the childhood friend and the protagonist had a happy ending.

The end roll is played and the lights are turned on in the theater.

"It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be."
"Yeah. I'm so impressed."

Tohno san's eyes were a little watery, as if she had apparently been moved to tears by the final scene.

"Okay, let's go."
"Okay let's go"

I was about to get up from my seat.
I felt a firm squeeze on my shoulder.

"Tss"

Tohno san does not notice this and moves forward.
Just as I was wondering what was going on, someone came up to my ear and whispered.

"You looked like you were having a lot of fun."
"Eh...?"

That one word sent chills down my spine. No way, was it ... that was behind me?

The person who whispered to me quickly left me.

"Are? What's wrong, Komiya kun?"

Tohno san noticed my delay, turned around and asked.

"N-No, it's nothing. I'll be right there."

I couldn't look back.

Episode 46

When we left the movie theater, we went to the food court inside the theater.
There was still time for dinner, so we decided to relax here with a cup of tea.

It's kind of really date-like.
I can't be so cheerful. No, I'm not.

It happened at the movie theater earlier.
It was definitely Ichikawa san who spoke to me from behind.
And that one word.
No doubt, she must have seen the exchange between me and Tohno san.
To begin with, I told her that today I will be here with Tohno san plus other members of the group.

So being just the two of us in the cinema was like...
Obviously, it looks like a picture of me lying and cheating on her.
Very unpleasant.

I must somehow find Ichikawa san and clear up the misunderstanding.

Of the several establishments in the food court, we walked into a crepe shop.
Tohno san bought a crepe there.
The store sold drinks in addition to crepes, so I decided to get an iced cafe latte.

The food court had already peaked out, and we could see a sparse number of seats available. We sat in one of them.

Tohno san sits down and then tastes the crepe. Then she makes a happy face.
She looks kind of cute, like a small animal.
I thought before that Tohno san is quite fond of eating.

"Delicious?"
"Fuee? Ah...yeah. Delicious, yes..."

Perhaps my abrupt question caught her off guard, or perhaps she was too focused on the crepe to speak respectfully, Tohno san answered shyly.

Tohno san is aware that I am watching her and eats more moderately than before.
That makes me laugh because it is kind of funny.

"Don't worry, you can eat as usual."
"...Mouu. Komiya kun, you must think I'm a glutton."
"Eh? Am I wrong?"
"It-s not...that you wrong..."

The fresh reactions I get when I tease Tohno san make my cheeks loose again.
Thinking about it, I may be more relaxed now because I was so cautious with her before that I didn't even mess around with her in this way.

"D-Do you hate girls who eat a lot, Komiya kun?"
"Ugh..."

The power of the upward glance given while shyly holding the crepe is high.
I know It's not on purpose but, this is...

Tohno san is cute after all.

"No, I don't care about that."
"Fufu, that's good"

Tohno san, who looked relieved, tucked into another crepe.
I'm at peace with that.

It's peaceful... Wait, it's not the time for this!
Let's find Ichikawa san for now!

"I'm sorry, Tohno san. Can I go to the bathroom for a minute?"
"Eh? Yes, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay ! Stay here and wait for me!"

I told Tohno san that and left the place.

"Haa..."

I, Ichikawa Aoi, was wandering around the facility after I left the theater and after talking to Komiya kun.

Bewilderment, irritation. I was also frustrated with myself for being swept away by these strange feelings.
I'm sure that Komiya kun would not have lied to me and left me alone with her, but the thing happened...

"I think he's flirting too much. I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose."

Thinking back on it, my heart is blurring again.
And I feel like complaining about it.

"He needs to be punished again."

What kind of punishment shall I give him?
I know it's not his fault, but I can't help what irritates me.

However, when I have given him the permission to go, complaining about it makes me feel as if I am a small person.

"No. If I trust him, I should leave him alone."

Still, I shake off the negative thoughts and force myself to change my mind.

"I don't know what I'm going to do now."

I wasn't sure whether to leave or not.
Or, since I've come this far, I'll just wander around as I see fit.

But if they are in the same facility, there is even a chance that I will run into them.
Then it would start bothering me again.
Even now, it is thumping from the inside of my chest again.
I'm curious about the things that bother me.

"...H-He still needs to be monitored. This is a problem before trust and all that. He may be fine, but we don't know how Tohno san will react."

I tell myself as if I were making excuses.

"Worst case scenario, it wouldn't be a bad idea to show up in front of the two of them. I might even see Komiya kun get flustered."

It's getting more and more fun to think about that.
Yes. That's who I've always been.

"Once that's decided, let's get started looking for them."
"Eh? Aoi?"

As I made up my mind to do so, I heard someone calling me.

I, Mitsushima Aki, was lounging around in front of the station after finishing club activities.

"Uu~"

I feel more tired than usual today. If it was only a morning practice, I would usually stay and practice, but today I couldn't concentrate much and had to cut out early.

This may have been due in part to the fact that I was thinking back to the events of the morning.

"It's kind of frustrating..."

I was very disappointed with the results, as if I had abandoned the run in the middle of the day because I didn't have time.

But that wasn't all.

"What kind of relationship do Youta and Ichikawa san have ...?"

When I went to the vending machine to buy a drink and came back.
I couldn't get it out of my head that they were talking happily together.

"I don't think they're going to go out..."

I don't mean to put down Youta at all, but the other party is that Ichikawa san.
If you were to say that she is dating a very ordinary Youta by any stretch of the imagination, it would seem quite unbalanced.

"Aaaaa~Uuuuu~"

I felt like blowing off this fuzziness with something.

"Ah...?"

There I see a commercial establishment just around the corner.
Maybe there would be something there that would be a nice change of pace.
With that in mind, I decided to stop by.

Enter the museum and window shop as I see fit.
When it comes to fashion, all I see myself in are just safe. I don't think frilly, girlish things look good on me.

The only skirts I had were school uniforms, and I always wore gym shorts underneath, which was not sexy.

What would I look like in the girlish clothes I see in my eyes?
I wonder what kind of feedback I can get from Youta.

I wonder if he will think it is properly girly.

"...Ugh. W-Why is Youta coming out?"

For a moment, I shook my head and drowned out the person who had crossed my mind.
That's not what I'm talking about now.
Chanting excuses all by myself.

Look in the mirror and see my reflection.
Short, freshly cut, girlish hair and slightly tanned skin.
Besides, now is club jerseys.
The picture was too tacky.

Guuuh~My stomach rumbled.

"Bad, I'm hungry..."

Now the foodiness has won out over the sexiness.
Remembering that I had not eaten lunch, I headed for the food court.

When I went to the food court, the seats seemed to be empty from time to time, perhaps because the peak lunch hour had passed.

I just make sure my seat is open and go to put my bag down.

"...Eh? Hitomi?"
"A, Aki chan !?"

Next to that seat was Hitomi who was sitting alone.

Episode 47

"Et-to, back from club activities?"
"Yeah. I was surprised to see you here."

When she looked at me, Hitomi rolled back in her head.
Hitomi seemed to have eaten the crepe and now only the wrapping paper lay on the desk in emptiness.
And across from Hitomi was a can of café latte.

Is she here with someone?

"Sorry, were you here with a friend by any chance?"
"Ah~, Et-to...yes"

Somewhat absently, Hitomi nodded.
This response ... perhaps?

"Oh, maybe it's the neighbor kun I've heard so much about!"
"Hey! You're talking too loud, Aki chan!"

Sounds like a hit.
Hitomi screamed, her face red with embarrassment.

But still, She was finally able to ask him out. Nice work, Hitomi.

"HoHo~ Well, well, well, I must say hello."
"Mouuu. You're so quick to get carried away. We go to the same school. You know that?"
"Come to think of it, We are."

Yes. We kept it a secret at school that we were childhood friends.
Is it correct to say that I try not to get involved in school with Hitomi too much rather than secret ...?
Speaking of reasons, I had a lot of problems with that when I was in middle school.

"But ... I can't keep doing that forever."

Hitomi was thinking the same thing, and muttered without effort.

"Okay. I've decided! ! I will introduce him to Aki chan today. I also want to introduce him to Aki chan. As my precious childhood friend."
"Hitomi..."

I was so happy to hear what Hitomi had said that my teary eyes relaxed.

"Ehehe, are you crying, Aki chan? You're overreacting."

Then, she gives me a good pat on the head. That is also comfortable.
And my stomach made loud noises again, probably because I felt so relaxed.

"Ah~ Hitomi made me cry and I'm hungry. I'm going to get something!"

With that, I took my seat.

"Ehehe"

I, Tohno Hitomi, was filled with joy.
I can introduce Komiya kun to Aki chan. And I can also introduce Aki chan to Komiya kun.

Komiya kun and I haven't developed a special relationship yet, but I still didn't want to keep a secret from the person I love.

"Komiya kun, where did he go?"

He said he had to go to the bathroom for a while. Before he went, he looked a little pale and I wondered if he was not feeling well. I wonder if he is okay.

While worrying about Komiya kun, Aki returns with a tray.

On the tray was a large bowl of udon and a pile of tempura on a separate plate.

"Wow. You eat a lot."
"Well. It's the end of club activities! Oh, but wait! It would be a little embarrassing if Hitomi's boyfriend saw me in such a large quantity."
"B-Boyfriend !? It's not that yet!!"
"Hoo~ Does that reaction mean it will be soon?"
"Mou ~ Don't make fun of me!"
"Hehe, Sorry sorry"

Aki chan apologizes with a laugh and slurps down her udon in one gulp.
She still eats with energy. But that's one of the things I love about Aki.

"Speaking of which, Aki chan."
"Hmm? What's wrong?"

Aki chan listens as she ladles the noodles on top of the bowl.
She seems to be concentrating on udon now. When she finishes putting the noodles on, she anxiously brings it to her mouth along with the broth.

"What's troubling you?"
"Eh...Ugh Ugh ?! Hmmmm...W-Why?!"

Aki chan, perhaps having hit the bull's-eye, was choked up and then asked in surprise

"When you somehow came here, you looked unusually dazed, which is unusual for Aki."
"... How did you figure that out?"
"Fufu. We've been childhood friends for several years. You look like you did in middle school when you were in a track and field slump."
"I wonder if I looked like that. ..."
"Maybe you're in a slump?"
"Not really..."

Aki chan turns her head away in embarrassment. She is always sensitive to other people's problems and asks about them, but when it comes to her own, she has a bad habit of not letting them out.

"What's wrong, I'll listen if you want?"

I asked Aki chan, not my usual way of giving back, but I wanted to help.

"...T-Thanks"

Aki chan's embarrassment is cute.

"It's not that I have a problem, it's more like ... hey, let's say I have a story, will you listen?"
"Yeah, tell me tell me!"

It's not often that Aki chan asks me for advice, so I can't help but feel a sense of regret.
If it is not related to club activities, then what is it about?
It also makes it more interesting, and I listen.

"For example! I mean, really, just for example?"
"Just hurry up!"
"Don't rush me so much! So, that ... girl friend of mine gets bothered when a boy she is interested in is with another girl. ... I wonder what this is all about. ..."
"..."

I was in raptures. I was speechless.
Aki chan is fidgeting and her cheeks are blushing. How cute!

"H-Hitomi?"

My dear childhood friend who is always cool and reliable.
She's a manly woman and has never heard of any such talk before, and she's ... bothered by her male friends talking to other girls? Is that what she means ...?

"Tss"

Too cute...
My childhood friend is too cute...!

"Hitomi !"
"Ahh !?"

I was shaken by Aki chan and came back to myself.
Aki chan seems to be perplexed by an emotion she has never felt before.

But ... that Aki chan is ...
Fufu. As a childhood friend, I am genuinely happy.

"Aki chan... That's Love."
"...Ha?"

Aki chan freezes at my words.

"W-Why?"
"Why... hahaha, Aki chan is funny!"

I laughed because it was funny to see my cool and handsome childhood friend confused. Aki chan looked unconvinced and her mouth twitched.

Aki chan said the same thing to me in the past.
It was when I asked for advice that I was bothered by Komiya kun.

"Aki chan, you said the same thing when you were with me. Don't you remember?"
"Ugh"
"Aki chan's face is red!"

Aki chan is insensitive when it comes to herself.
Once Aki chan realized that she was in the same situation as I was at that time, she became more and more red, as if she couldn't stop herself.

That's nice. Aki chan, you are a maiden.
Who in the world is her male friend who did this to my Aki chan?
... I'm a little jealous.

"Bbbbb-but, it's Nnnnn-not that"
"Hmmm~?"

Ahh~ Aki chan, cute~"

"Why?"
"It's only been a few days since we met. We haven't really ... played together much or anything."
"But you don't like it when he talks to other girls, do you?'
"That's...Yeah..."
"Aki chan. It doesn't matter how long it takes. If you like the person, it's love."
"L-Love..."

She was almost steamy
Seeing Aki chan like that makes me happy.
I will tease Aki chan from now on, because she has teased me so much up to now.

Just when I had made up my mind to do so, someone approached me.

Episode 48 - Shuraba

Eventually, I went looking for Ichikawa san, but when I couldn't find her, I went back to Tohno san.

"Tohno san. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Ah, Komiya kun. Welcome back."
"...Eh? Aki?"
"Ugh!? Y-Youta?"
"Eh? Youta...?"

When I returned to the food court, I found Tohno san there and Aki in a jersey for some reason.
Apparently, Tohno san and Aki met by chance or were talking.
I mean, they knew each other. I didn't know.

What is this air about though ... ?

Both Aki and Tohno san were frozen. Aki was frozen in shock when I showed up. Tohno san for the fact that Aki called my name?

I have a bad feeling about this.

"H-How did you know Youta, Hitomi?"
"A-Aki chan. Youta..."
"Wait a minute. You two...know each other?
""Ah...""

I didn't know what their relationship was to each other, so I asked questions.
They both hold their heads as if they are thinking about something. Neither of them can hide their confusion.

...I wonder what I did wrong.

Only anxiety builds and builds until the two of them answer something.
"T-Tell me, what kind of relationship do Komiya kun and Aki chan have?"

It was Tohno san who started the conversation.

My relationship with Aki? If you ask me what kind of relationship, there can only be one.

"Friends, right? Aki."
"...Eh! Ah, yeah. Friends...(Friends)..."
"Komiya kun is Aki chan's friend ... Eh, that means the ... she just said."

What's this reaction...
Something's going dark in both of them!
I hope I'm not wrong in my answer!

"Youta what is your relationship with Hitomi...?"
"Et-to, It's friends though.."
"(I knew it, it's only friends...)"
"Ah, yeah...That's...right..."

Heavy. Eh, what? Really, what!
Why are they both sinking like this!
What am I going to do about this?...

I-I don't have a choice. I'll ask then what's on my mind, too. Then I might be able to find a way out of this.

"Et-to. What about Tohno san and Aki? What's your relationship?"
"We are ..."
"...Yeah"

I ask a question and they look at each other.

"We are"
"Childhood friends"

And they replied.

...Hmmm?
Childhood friend? Tohno san's childhood friend is a ... handsome guy and Tohno san likes that guy.
I remember that part clearly because that's what made me give up.

Oh, so that means you have another childhood friend!

"Do you have another childhood friend?"
"...? There is not"
"I don't have any other children I can call childhood friends. We live next door to each other, and I don't think there's another girl I'd call a childhood friend."
"————-tss"

I was immensely impressed.
What, are you kidding me...? Could it be? Maybe, just maybe, Tohno san's childhood friend is ... Aki?

[That of course, means a lot to me, Aki chan.]

I have a flashback to what Tohno san told me in the past.
...Ah
Apparently, I had made a terrible mistake.

Tohno san didn't have any good-looking childhood friends.
No, Aki is definitely good looking, but that's not what I meant. It's that I never had a male childhood friend.
As a childhood friend, important. That's what she was talking about...

"Komiya kun?"
"Youta?"

I was so shocked that I lost my mind.
... Wait a minute? So who is that person Tohno san likes that I heard about in that classroom at dusk?

I started thinking about it and it started to bother me more and more.

When Youta was alone, he began to think and started to enter his own world.

Aki and Hitomi were whispering together.

"Hey, Hitomi. if you don't mind me asking, but the guy you like sitting next to you, is it Youta?"
"Oh, you also, Aki chan. The guy friend you were talking about earlier is Komiya kun?"

Ask each other questions that are obvious to both parties and confirm them.
Even though they knew, they still didn't want to believe it until they heard it from themselves.

"W-When in the world did this happen? Since when are Aki chan and Komiya kun friends?"
"About a week ago, It was the molested thing on that train."
What? Aki chan was molested!?"
"Huh? No, no, no! We both caught the pervert. That's how it started, I mean."
"I see what you mean. But why all of a sudden? You weren't interested in boys, were you, Aki chan?"
"I was never interested ... for sure, but Youta is different from other boys..."
"Which part is that?"
"It's ... that ... treated me like a girl properly, or how can I say it ..."

Their conversation heated up and up.
Surprisingly, Hitomi's eyes were devouring and Aki's a little withdrawn, the opposite of what they usually are.

"..."
"..."

They thought about what to do with each other.
Childhood friends are important. If that person has someone they like, They want to support her.
But they don't want to give up on the people they love either.

They felt that way about each other.

(There's nothing like this. ...)

Hitomi's feelings were dark and somber.
She had the courage to ask him out on a date (albeit in a deceitful way), only to find out that her precious childhood friend likes him there.
She thought it was the worst.

"I-I'm sorry, Hitomi. If I had known that Youta was Hitomi's loved one..."
"No, Aki chan. That's not true. Don't think that way."
"Uu...Sorry..."

Hitomi knows what Aki is thinking and scolds her.
Aki has always tended to sacrifice herself. It was for herself, not for anyone outside of herself. It was unbearable that she was giving that up again because of herself.

"..."
"..."

They don't know what to do. Such silence flows.

"N-No, it's not that. Am I wrong?"

He, the party in the middle of all this, is carefree and alone with his head in the sand.

Hitomi thinks. She has been relying on her too much.
So Aki will always put her first
If that so-

(...Ok)

Hitomi made one decision.

"Aki chan."
"Eh, what?"
"I-I won't lose!"
"Eh !?"

What Hitomi did was a declaration of war on her precious childhood friend.

"I know it may be convenient after all the trouble I've caused Aki chan, but I, for one, don't want to give this up!"

She declares so loudly.
Hitomi made up her mind to go forward without relying on Aki, putting her feet on the ground on her own.

(Actually, maybe I just don't want Komiya kun to be taken away from me. ... Still...)

In contrast, Aki also felt as if the fog in her head that had been bothering her earlier was clearing.

(...I-I don't want to give up either!)

Such feelings were induced.

And the feelings that Aki had for Hitomi until now. Hitomi feels liberated from the sense of duty that she has to protect her.

Hitomi doesn't need her to protect her anymore. She has become strong enough to stand up to someone like this. That made Aki happy more than anything else.

Therefore, I will take it in confidence.

"Me too. I won't lose to Hitomi either!I won't give up just because we've known each other since childhood!"
"That's my line. Aki chan. Don't hold a grudge if I win."
"You too. No whining."

In this way, the two became more deeply bonded as childhood friends.

"Okay, first things first."
"Eh? Hitomi?"

Hitomi turns back to Youta, who is holding his head.

So I am OK with the fact that Tohno san didn't have anyone she liked?
That's what I'm talking about.

... prematurely?

"Komiya kun."
"Eh?"

When I have gathered my thoughts, I am approached by Tohno san.

Tohno san pulls something wrapped from her bag and holds it in her hand.

"Happy Birthday! I know I'm late, but here's a present!"
"...Ah, T-Thanks"

I am puzzled by the gift given to me without any context.
The person who gave it to me, Tohno san, blushed with embarrassment.

"S-So. I have something to say."
"H-Hitomi, what are you...?"

Aki called out to Tohno san who said so, but Tohno san stopped her by signaling with her eyes.

"I've had a lot of help from Komiya kun since the first grade. I was really happy to be in the same class as you."
"Y-Yeah..."

What's with this reforming feeling.
The hustle and bustle of the other customers in the food court was almost unheard of.
Only Tohno san's words catch me straight.

"And you know what? I realized something."
"W-What's that?"

Hey, you're kidding, right?
What is this? This is just like ...

"I love Komiya kun!"

...Serious?

Episode 49

"Huh? Aoi?"

I hear a man's voice and I turn toward him.
There he was, waving his hand, Jinguji kun.

"What are you doing here?"
"...Well I do what I want."
"Arara. That's cold."

I sleeve Jinguji kun as he approaches me.
(TL/N : I don't know what this meant)

Still, Jinguji kun doesn't seem to be going anywhere. On the contrary, he is smiling.

"I wonder if you are alone in a place like this."
"No, I'm here with a friend, or a childhood friend, I guess."
"...is that right?"

I hadn't heard much about Jinguji kun's friendships outside of school.
I didn't know he had a childhood friend.

"So Aoi is alone?"
"...Yeah"
"I see. Do you want to play together if you want?"
"I'm not in the mood. I have things to do. Leave me alone."

Once again, I cold-shoulder him.

"Ren. Sorry, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Oh, Kou. I don't mind."

At that moment, another man approached Jinguji kun and called out to him.

This voice ... somewhere ...?

"Tss!"

Then I looked in the direction of the voice and the sound of my heart jumped.
I desperately look away from that person.

What ...? Why ...?

My head is filled with such questions.
My heart was pounding faster and faster.

"Hey, is that girl over there an acquaintance of Ren's?"
"Oh. That's right. Same class."
"Ohh~"

Then he called him "Kou," and he looked at me with a stern stare.
It's as if he's trying to decide what to buy.

I turn my face away from him so that my eyes do not meet his. I try not to look impatient in my expression.
The tension is starting to seep through my hands, and I start to sweat.

Calm down. He shouldn't know anything about me now.
It's okay. Take a deep breath.

"She's a pretty girl."
"T...Thanks. I'm sorry. I have some errands to run."

With that said, I frantically moved away from the place without looking aside.

Aoi left Jinguji and the others, leaving only the two of them. Jinguji's childhood friend, called Kou, in their place.
They watch Aoi's back as she leaves and begin to talk.

"That girl just now, I know I've seen her somewhere before."
"Oh, yeah. Maybe it's someone you used to do it with?"
"No, I think I'd remember a beauty like that if I did it once."
"That's all right then. I don't want to be a girl with the fingerprints of Kou."
"Don't worry about it. Maybe it's a girl I don't know. What's her name? Tell me." "No, no, no, I'm not going to touch your girl, no matter how much I want to. Maybe."
"I don't trust you."

They began to move from the spot while having a condescending conversation.
To the casual observer, both are quite good looking and stand out.

Hence, all the girls who pass by look back equally.
Then, when their eyes meet, they wave briskly, and the girls who are waved at are colorful.

"Is that the girl you were after?"
"Well"
"Oh, poor guy. Such a fresh-faced prick targeted her."
"How can you talk about others?You're just as quick to put on a sweet face for a girl and do whatever you want."
"No doubt about it."

The two exchange light banter and laughter.

"That's unusual, even for you. I can't think of anyone that Ren is that obsessed with."
"She's not really interested in me. That's what makes it interesting. I've lost a lot of guys like that in the past. This one is no different. She's tougher than I've ever been."
"Here you go, dawg, how many women have you made cry because of it?"

In terms of making women cry, this man called Kou was no different.
They are both haunted and play the role of polite, respectful, honor students in public.
However, behind the scenes, they had two sides to them, a womanizer.

"So what's her name?"
"Oh, it's Ichikawa Aoi"
"Ichikawa Aoi...? I feel like...I've heard it...Ah"
"What's wrong"
"Aah, Ahaha. I remembered"

Kou grinned and smiled wickedly.

"I knew you knew each other."
"I'll tell you something good."

Saying this, Kou began to tell Jinguji in detail about her girlfriend in junior high school.

"Haa...Ha...Haa..."

I found myself running a long distance at a fast pace, forgetting to breathe.
Still, I had not yet left the facility, and a few more steps and I would be at the exit.

"...Fuu"

I take a deep breath once more to regulate my disordered breathing.
Finally, things are calming down.

"I-Ichikawa san!"
"Ts!"

It was my lover, Komiya kun, who came to me.

Now he has come to the place I least want him to come.

"I finally found ... feet, too fast ..."

Komiya kun puts his hands on his knees and gasps for air.
Apparently, he had been frantically chasing after me since he found me.

I didn't notice it at all because I was thinking.
More than that.

"Why are you here? Weren't you playing with Tohno san?"
"Uh, about that."

Komiya kun scratched his cheek awkwardly.

I wonder what happened. Did they get into a fight? But I don't think that Tohno san would get into a fight.

"Actually, we've already disbanded for the day."
"...Eh? What's wrong?"
"It's a long story. ... But more to the point, I knew it was Ichikawa san behind me at the movie theater."
"Eh, yeah"
"I wanted to clear up that ... misunderstanding."
"I don't see what the misunderstanding is about. I don't care. Anyway..."

I wanted to go home right away.
Talking with Komiya kun like this makes me feel a little better.
But I didn't want to keep showing myself that is weak.
I was afraid to continue relying on him.

"Ichikawa san, you look pale, are you okay?"
"Ts"

I realize that after being told.

"I-It's nothing. I'm going home now."

Not wanting him to worry, I quickly make my way to the exit.

"I'll walk you home then!"
"It's fine. I'll go home alone today."
"No, I can't let you go home alone with such a pale face—!"

I pressed my own against his lips as if to cut off Komiya kun's worry.
I can see the puzzled look on his face.

"Fufu, Komiya kun. I'm really okay. Please."
"..."

I left the place, leaving Komiya kun frozen in place.

"What was that about ...?"

It seemed to me that she was somewhat overwhelmed.
But so was being kissed in public like this, and I couldn't help but listen to her if she asked me for a favor like that.

People around me were watching them and saying things like, "It's nice to be young!"

Simple embarrassment and Ichikawa san's sudden change.
And my head hurt when I thought about Tohno san's confession.

"Oh, oh, was that ... Aoi and Komiya kun? Were they kissing? Huh? Huh? Is that what you mean ...? That's ..."

And I had no idea at this time that I was being watched by someone I knew.

(TL/N : I hope nothing really "bad" happened about Ichikawa and her "ex")

–

–

Episode 50

The week begins with Monday.

I, Ichikawa Aoi, walked to school with heavy steps.

I really wanted to take a day off.

I told him last night that we will go to school separately on Monday.

Komiya kun responded with a cat stamp that said OK.

I couldn't bear to see Komiya kun, but I also had the contradictory feeling that I didn't want to see him.

In a situation like this, that person would be able to ...

I compare Komiya kun to that person.

"...Ts"

W-What am I thinking.

I put a lid on my lowest feelings.

This blur was something that had begun to sprout over the past few days.

But no matter how many lids I put on it, it will overflow.

"I can't do it. Not at this rate."

Sighing does not make this sinking feeling any better.

The teacher entered the classroom at that moment.

Is Komiya kun off ...?

He was not in his seat.

It was lunchtime and as usual I headed for the stairs leading to the roof.

So I take out my lunch box alone and start eating lunch.

No matter how long I wait, Komiya kun will not come here.

During homeroom, the teacher informed me that he would be absent today due to a cold.

I felt both relieved and disappointed. I had mixed feelings.

Still, I came here because I wanted to be alone and I felt like I could feel him here.

"..."

As usual, I was frustrated by my own contradictory feelings.

"Fiuh..."

After finishing my lunch, I think in a daze about what is to come.

I wonder if I should go visit him.

I should go there usually. But...

I was lost.

"I found you."

"—-?!"

The stairs where I sit.

I thought someone had come up from downstairs and wanted to see me.

"So you used to eat here all the time."

"..."

Then he sits down beside me.

I turn my body slightly away and shift so that we are not in close contact.

"Alone? Or should I say, Alone today?"

"What do you mean? Jinguji kun."

He still stares at me with a smile on his face, not knowing what I am thinking.

"You don't have to hide anything from your friends. About you and Komiya kun."

"..."

He knew.

I didn't mind telling him already, but somehow I felt that Jinguji kun should not know.

"So, I heard something interesting from Kou that day."

He then showed me the smartphone he was carrying.

I have a bad feeling about this.

"This is Aoi, right?"

"...Tsss"

What was projected on the screen was myself in junior high school. Unlike now, I was a fussy person, wearing glasses and with densely grown hair.

I was soaking wet and miserable in my underwear.

Monday came again after the holidays.

I headed off to school, feeling a little sluggish at the beginning of the week, but then I got a fever.

Unseasonal cold.

So this was the cause of my laziness. I wonder if I was just tired.

I think I pulled it off for the first time in about two years.

And today, for the first time in three days, I finally went to school after getting over a cold.

In the meantime, everyone was contacting me with their concerns.

Among them was Tohno san, who, according to Aki, was feeling depressed because of her own confession.

It sounds like Tohno san, but I don't think the confession has anything to do with it at all.

I certainly had my head in the sand about the confession and Ichikawa san.

Ichikawa san has been communicating with me normally after that.

I had hoped that she would come to visit me, but she was busy and that wish was never fulfilled.

Instead, Tohno san, Aki, Suzu, and Sakino san approached me to visit, but I turned them all down.

I might move on, and above all, it felt somehow different to meet with a girl other than Ichikawa san in this current unstable relationship.

It was the first time I had been to school in three days, but my steps were still heavy.

Even though we are communicating on line, the last exchange with Ichikawa san was like that, and most importantly, Tohno san is next to me.

What in the world am I supposed to look like when I go to school?

That day. I remembered Tohno san's confession to me.

＊＊＊

"I love Komiya kun!"

I froze at the unexpected confession from Tohno san.

Beside me, Aki looked at me the same way in surprise and froze.

My mind was blank.

That Tohno likes me ...?

Tohno san, whom I liked?

Does that mean we were in love with each other?

So, if I had confessed to Tohno san, would I have gone out with her?

[If you go out with me and don't like me, then you can leave me.]

"..."

I shook my head at the lousy idea that passed my mind for a moment.

Calm down. Tell yourself that you are just confused right now.

I had never experienced anything like this before.

I can't believe that the person I gave up liking confessed to me.

And in a situation where I am dating someone else.

I don't know how to answer what.

Perhaps sensing my confusion, Tohno san continues to open her mouth.

"But...But I don't want an answer now."

"...Eh?"

Again I fall into confusion.

Then the question of why pushes in.

"That's...I-I was actually going to say at the end of the day ... that ..."

"...!"

Tohno san glances at Aki. Something has happened between her and Aki.

"So, you know? Even if I say it suddenly!Komiya kun, you too! I thought you should have time to think about it!"

Tohno san panics and takes me in the direction of postponing my response.

"Ah, What should I do?! I'm getting embarrassed...aaa..."

She was now beginning to realize that she had just confessed to me, and her face rapidly turned red.

The momentum from earlier to the confession was fading fast.

"W-What am I going to do...I was going to have lunch afterwards with you, but now I'm too embarrassed to go with you..."

I could even hear the small murmur of her worries.

"... Can't help Hitomi anymore. Youta."

"Y-Yes!"

Then Aki, who had been quietly watching until a few minutes ago, interrupted.

Is it that she can no longer watch her childhood friends in their current state?

"Hitomi is like this, so that's all for today, okay?"

"Ah, yeah. I'm good, but ..."

It was a suggestion I was grateful for.

"W-Wait Aki chan ! Why are yo—"

"Look at your face. It's bright red. You look like a boiled octopus. Can you and Youta go on a date after this in that condition?"

"Auu..."

Tohno san, perhaps a figurehead, becomes small at Aki's suggestion.

Date...

"I-I'm sorry. Komiya kun. I was going to celebrate your birthday, but ... well, I'll see you later. Shall we do it another time?"

"I-I don't mind."

"So today, we're disbanding. I'm sorry, Youta. We'll stay here a little longer."

I can't help but feel that this day is becoming more and more unrelated to my birthday, but does another time mean there will be another time?

Was it right to make such a promise?

Aki looks at me. I left the two of them behind.

Somehow. Now, I wanted to see Ichikawa san and decided to look for her again.

＊＊＊

"Good morning. Komiya kun. Is your cold alright already?"

"G-Good morning. Tohno san. I'm all right now."

Maybe it's because I'm too conscious, but Tohno san is the same as before.

I was awkward, though.

"Thank god. I was so surprised when I heard you had a cold. Maybe it's my confession...!"

However, Tohno san was not unaware of this.

I am at a loss for words if I remember saying it myself.

I'm embarrassed by that too, remembering again, and we both look away from each other.

Awkward ...

I looked sideways at Tohno san and saw her face reddening.

"...Ts"

"Tss"

Tohno san also glanced at me sideways and our eyes met. The moment we met, she looked away from me with a tremendous force, and I turned even redder than before.

Oh ... how long can I stand this air ...

When am I supposed to get an answer?

But the answer to this question will come sooner than you might think.

"Komiya kun. Let's part ways."

"...Eh?"

It was an abrupt farewell from Ichikawa san.

(TL/N : You don't know how much I am sweating just to know what will happen with Ichikawa's story

Oh yeah BTW, the author said this message at the end of the episode, so I think I can take a small breather...

[The comments section was a parade of "Stop NTR!" But the current trend is completely Ichikawa-san's. ... No, it's nothing.

I don't want to say too much that will crush your anticipation of what is to come, but I will say this.

I hate NTR in romantic comedies!!!]

Oh yeah, btw, with this, the story will enter the final arc, and I just took a glimpse of what's waiting...and the arc is full of drama...

–

–

Episode 51

It would have been the same as usual after I arrived at school in the morning and greeted her lightly.

But, lunch break.

As usual, I headed to my usual spot and there was Ichikawa san with a mysterious look on her face.

Today she did not have a lunch box.

And then she told me.

Let's break up.

I listen back, not knowing what the hell she's talking about.

"C-Can you say that again?"

"Didn't you hear me? break up with me."

"Wai...Wait a minute !! Why such... rush?"

"Ara. I suppose saying goodbye is always sudden."

Unlike me, who was upset, Ichikawa san proceeded quite calmly.

"T-That's not what I'm talking about!"

"Well then, what is it?"

"At least tell me why!"

"Reason? I see ... is fine. I'll tell you if you want to know. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm sick of it."

"S-Sick of it?"

"Yes, It's that one-sidedness of yours. You were too distracted by the other girls. I wanted you to tell me clearly that you liked me. That's all"

I have nothing to say to Ichikawa san's words.

Indeed, since I started dating Ichikawa san, I seem to have had more opportunities to get along with other girls than ever before.

And I had never said I liked Ichikawa san. I had half-hearted feelings for her for a long time.

Now, that fact weighs heavily on my mind.

"I'm sorry. I told you that you could leave me if you no longer liked me, but I just couldn't take it. I'm really sorry. Bye."

Ichikawa san says just that and stands up.

"Wai–"

I tried to call her, but I didn't know what I was supposed to say now.

In the end, I had no choice but to stare at Ichikawa san's back as she left.

After Ichikawa san walked away, I sat on the stairs, stunned.

In retrospect, it was a short period of time.

There were many times when she came at me aggressively and left me scratching my head about many things, but I can hardly remember doing anything for her from me.

I didn't know anything about her, even if I can excuse the shortness of the period.

I wonder why I was dating her.

My heart is in pain.

"You broke up with Komiya kun. Thanks for your hard work."

I said goodbye to Komiya kun and was about to return to the classroom when I passed Jinguji kun in the hallway.

Perhaps he was waiting for me.

He looks at me with a sickening smile on his face and I glare at him as hard as I can and say.

"I'm telling you, don't think that just because I left him that I'm going to be with you.

"No, no, I didn't say that, did I?'

"So, Which one of you is saying this?"

I was impressed that he could say such a thing after bringing up such a picture of me in the past.

That time he showed me a picture of me in the past and Jinguji-kun had a devilish smile on his face.

"I'm not saying, [Break up with him] or anything like that. I'm not saying that you should go out with me or anything, but you should choose your partner a little more carefully if you are going to go out with him or her. Being with such a mediocre and boring person will only lower your value."

"Don't touch me."

I shook off Jinguji kun's hand that was trying to pat my head.

What is funny, he still laughs.

"I am the only one who is worthy of Aoi. I assure you, after a month, Aoi will be mine."

"..."

"I'll take my time and let you teach me about Aoi. Right?"

"...Tss"

With that, Jinguji kun leaves.

I shudder with a sickening feeling.

I am sure he is enjoying it in his own way.

I'm not going to give in to him, but if you want to threaten me, citing past photos is a quick and easy way to do so.

But is he not doing it because he is enjoying the pleasure of slowly tormenting me, or is he trying to gain the mental upper hand? Or does he have his own aesthetics for getting women off his back?

Anything like that is a real headache, though.

I truly regretted not seeing his true nature, which he had hidden from me during the year I was with him.

I am sure that if I continue to date Komiya kun, I will cause him trouble.

So I made the decision to break up with Komiya kun.

I didn't want to involve him in my affairs.

With Jinguji kun's influence, I'm sure it would be no problem for him to do something terrible to Komiya kun.

That day. I did the same when Komiya kun and I went to school together.

... but that's not the only reason we broke up.

"...Seita san"

What would his brother have done in such a situation?

I also compared him to his brother and realized that I was a nasty woman to the end.

A few days have passed since then.

My relationship with Ichikawa san has surprisingly returned to nothing like it was before we started dating.

I go to school alone in the mornings, and I eat lunch with Naka, as I always have.

I never go to that staircase. The only difference is that Tohno san and Suzu are also members of the group that eats lunch together.

One girl confessed to me and one girl claimed to be my fiancée.

But I didn't have time to think about that now.

Ichikawa san's friendship has changed since then.

Basically, she and Sakino san only work together.

As usual, when Nagano approached her and was turned down, he persistently tried to bite back, but was stopped by Jinguji.

Jinguji looks at Ichikawa san each time he does this.

Ichikawa san turns away from it.

There were rumors around that a large couple was about to be born.

They says that Ichikawa san is embarrassed by her boyfriend, Jinguji.

My heart ached again when I heard that.

However, I was certain that I felt a little uncomfortable with that as well.

Ichikawa san really doesn't like it.

I have watched Ichikawa san closely, even though it was only for a short period of time. So I think I know what she doesn't like.

There were other discomforts as well. To put a finer point on it, although they were alone, I felt that Sakino san was somewhat awkward toward Ichikawa san.

Naturally, Ichikawa san is aware of this, but she seems not to mind.

What has happened?

... No good. I find myself thinking only about Ichikawa san. Even though I've already been rejected.

In the end, no matter how many days passed, that never changed.

–

–

Episode 52

I, Mitsushima Aki, was in front of Youta's house on Saturday morning, who seems to have a crush with.
I say "apparently" because I have yet to sort out this feeling that I realized after Hitomi, my childhood friend, told me about it.
No, perhaps I am just confused because I have never been conscious of the opposite gender before.

And the person who told me this confessed to him, one step earlier.
A reply to that is pending.

Surprise and frustration.
When I saw my childhood friend's confession right in front of me, many emotions ran through my mind.
I never thought that my childhood friend and the person I love would be together.
I never thought that that childhood friend who always hid behind me would come forward and confess before me.

I was filled with such feelings.
After all, seeing her like that, I really didn't want her to take Youta away.
This may be a sure thing.

So I have to approach him in various ways, but he was absent for the first half of this week due to a cold.
And when I think he's here, he says he's not well for some reason.
Hitomi also said that when she asks, he doesn't seem to tell her, and that he occasionally stares into space and sighs deeply.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to talk to him in school, but on Saturdays.
Every Saturday, we have an appointment.
The real intention was to do Sunday as well, but on Sunday morning, he wanted to sleep, so it became only Saturday.

Aside from this background, through this running, I will listen to the problems that Youta has and solve them.
In this way, We would deepen our friendship. That was the plan.

I come to the front of Youta's apartment and ring the doorbell.
It rings briefly.

"...Are?"

However, after a short wait, there was no response.
I ring again.

Another short sound. But there was no sign of Youta coming out.

"I-Is he and Ichikawa san already left?!"

Such concerns pass through my mind.
She would do it. For some reason, I get difficult with her.
I don't really want to get along with her, which is fine, but she tries to outsmart me just like I try to outsmart her.

"Even though he has an appointment with me- ...hmm?"

At that moment, the apartment door slowly opened.

"Yes..."

Out of it came Youta, still sounding drowsy and rubbing his eyelids.
When Youta saw me like that, his eyes widened at once.

"Eh?...Aki...?"
"Good morning, Youta. Did you oversleep, by any chance?"
"Ugh. Ah yeah...running...:"
"...? Are you okay? Maybe you're not feeling well?"

Youta seems to have forgotten his promise to me again.
However, unlike the last time, there is something wrong with the situation.
He felt kind of tired.

"Ah, no...I'll be ready in a minute."

Then the door slammed shut again, and a few minutes later, Youta came out after changing his clothes.

Then we run the same course as before, just like before.
During that time our conversations were not as lively as they used to be.

There was an indescribable feeling of dullness in the air, and when I broached the topic of conversation, I would immediately receive nothing but empty replies.

After all, something is wrong.
What would be a good topic of discussion?
Then I remembered that Ichikawa san, whom I had promised to run with last week, was not here.

Alone with Youta so much, I was afraid to bring up the subject of her, but what there was nothing to talk about.
And I was somewhat concerned that she wasn't there.

"Speaking of which, what happened to Ichikawa san?"
"..."

When I asked him about it, Youta was obviously upset.

"I lost this today."

But I quickly switch over and answer, keeping my composure.

"Speaking of which. Aki, are you still going to be involved in club activities after this? Today, morning or afternoon? Afternoon?"
"This afternoon."

Then he blatantly went off topic. I saw that and immediately guessed.
He said that something had happened between him and Ichikawa san.

After that, Youta and I did not talk about her any further.

After the week began and school started, I met Ichikawa san in the bathroom.
Just as we are about to wash each other's hands.
Ichikawa san looked at me for a moment and giggled.

Seeing her like that, I asked.

"Hey, What's up with you and Youta?"
"...What does that have to do with you?"

But what came back was the usual stinging response.
But I respond to it as well.

"That's like admitting there's something wrong with you."
"... Mitsushima san has a vivid imagination, doesn't she?"
"Hmmph, I see"

I was the one who was the goodwill. Ichikawa san's expression did not change even when I attacked her.
But something is stuck. A little more poking around and something might come out.

"Last week, I went running with Komiya kun. Ichikawa san didn't show up, so it was just the two of us. Thanks."
"What does that mean?"
"Just like that. I think I've fallen in love with Komiya kun. I still can't believe it myself."
"I see"
"So I didn't want Ichikawa san to have anything to do with Komiya kun."
"... don't worry about it. Me and him have nothing going on right now."

After saying this, Ichikawa san washed her hands and immediately left the women's restroom.

"Now... I knew it was Ichikawa san's fault."

I was convinced that the strange behavior of Youta was Ichikawa san's fault.
And I was surprised that I was able to slur my feelings for someone else and reveal to her.

It was not until the end of the week that I felt a sense of discomfort.
I looked everywhere for some of the textbooks I was supposed to have prepared, but could not find them.

I look up and see a few girls.
And soon the girls start grinning.

Oh, I feel like it's been a while.

This has happened before. It was when I was in middle school.
Common harassment. Or should I say bullying?

I can't speak for myself, but the girls who had admired me before suddenly became my enemies.

I'm sure Jinguji kun is responsible for this.
I guess he is spreading rumors about what is and is not true.

I silently glared at Jinguji kun next to me.
He noticed the look and chuckled.

"Don't you have a textbook? Great, I'll show you."

Then he pulls down his desk without hearing my reply.
I felt the girls glare at me again when they saw that.

He must have decided to weaken me mentally.
The same way as Sagawa kun.

This certainly doesn't make ... feel very good.
It's like being forced to dig up past traumas.

But I will never lose to him.
I'll have to figure out some way to fix this.

That said, trauma is still a gut-wrenching experience.
I felt sick all at once and could not think much.

–

–

Episode 53

Lately, Youta has not been well.

It was Hitomi, seated next to him, who felt this most acutely.

That's how it's been since he missed school last week because of a cold.

Lunch break on the day he arrived at school sick, to be exact.

At first Hitomi thought he was not feeling well, but apparently not.

As the week wore on, Youta's condition did not change.

Whenever she saw him, he seemed to be somewhere up in the air, thinking about something.

Hitomi is worried about him, and when she calls out to him, all she gets is a curt response.

She was worried that if She had confessed to him, she might be doing so, but that didn't seem to be the case.

Something seems to be wrong with the air in class these days.

This made her feel that there was something wrong with Youta's behavior.

"Do you know anything about it, Suzu chan?"

So Hitomi decided to ask Suzu, a good friend of hers in the class, how the class was going.

"….Well, I don't know. But it sure is weird. It's kind of a bad atmosphere. Especially the girls"

"Yeah….."

That seems to be due to some of the girls in some of the factions.

Those girls are always around Jinguji and his friends a lot these days.

Aoi and Shizuka used to be in this position. But they rarely see them together anymore.

And the girls stay there to take their place.

Somehow, though, the girls were disturbing the air. Hitomi and Suzu both sensed this.

"I wonder if that's why Ichikawa san isn't in good spirits. Did she get into a fight with Jinguji kun?

"……. I wonder about I thought that woman didn't really care about Jinguji or anything else. I besides…"

"Besides?"

"No, it's nothing."

Suzu retracts the words that were about to come out.

Hitomi does not know the relationship between Aoi and Youta. So she thinks that Jinguji and Aoi, who were often together before, are good friends, but in fact they are not.

(Rather, it's that woman and Yota. Did something happen?)

Suzu looked as if the two were avoiding each other at school as well.

"Well, I'll ask her myself."

"Eh? Ichikawa san?"
"Yeah. I'll ask around on the way home."

"Okay !"

So Suzu decided to ask Aoi directly.

Hitomi and Aoi are not close friends. However, as a classmate, she is naturally concerned if something is wrong. Hitomi has such kindness.

(If I can figure that out, maybe I can learn something about Komiya kun!)

And at the same time, although unconsciously, she also had a calculating mindset.

"But were you that close to Ichikawa san, Suzu chan?

"What? We don't get along. In fact, I hate her."

"Eh……"

Hitomi was speechless at the brazen statement of dislike.

"Well, I'll listen to whatever I want to hear."

"I-I see."

However, because it is Suzu, She is not afraid to take on any opponent.

Hitomi, who was timid, envied her a little.

"…….What can I do for you Shinozuka san?

After school, Aoi was about to go home alone when Suzu called out to her.

She had just arrived at the shoe box.

"What's been going on with you and Youta lately?"

"…… you too, I see."

Aoi sighed a little and muttered in a voice that Suzu couldn't hear.

"It's nothing."

"I'm sure it's not nothing. If I knew what was going on between you two, I would know something was wrong."

"………I wonder what you're trying to say with that Are you worried about me by any chance?"

"Haa!? Of course not. I-It doesn't matter to me what happens with you and Yota………it's more convenient for me!"

"I see. Then I will gladly give it to you. Me and Komiya kun, we're splitting up."

"Haa?!"

Suzu was puzzled by the unexpected words. She had thought that they would have had a fight at most.

"You've got to be kidding me. You were so hostile to me."

"I'm the one who said that. I think you should be happy here. his love interest is gone. Now you can officially get engaged or whatever."

"…… you really mean that?"

For some reason, Aoi's somewhat throwaway argument made Suzu angry.

Before, She would have kicked her down and thought She was going to take it from her. Now she is like a tiger with its fangs pulled out.

Because of her frustration of losing in a competition, she makes Youta fall in love with her and takes him away from such an opponent.

Then I will take revenge on the person I lost to.

I thought so.

(What is this……..)

Suzu was not happy about winning after being given away like that. Rather, she felt as if she was being made fun of.

"If that's all you want to talk about. Then…"

"W-Wait !"

Without waiting for Suzu to stop her, Aoi opens her shoe box.

"———-"

"…………?"

However, she quickly closed it. Suzu also tilted her head, not understanding the meaning of Aoi's actions.

"What? Aren't you going home?"

"…… it's nothing. More importantly, didn't you just call me up and want to say something?"

"I know. Are you really breaking up with him? Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"I said yes. I'll hate you if you persist too long."

"You're not very convincing when you talk like that. If it was just a fight, I suggest you make up quickly."

Not wanting to let Aoi win and run away in a strange way, Suzu proposes to make up with Youta.

Normally, she would have taken this as an opportunity to take action once she found out that they had broken up, but she didn't even know why she was saying this.

"Or what? Do you want me to listen to your problems or whatever? Oh, sure, you owe me one."

She said so proudly. It was the usual Suzu's plan to take the mount from Aoi.

Suzu wanted to beat Aoi and then take Youta away from her. That was Suzu's way and pride.

But—

"….sy"

"Eh, what?"

"Noisy !"

"………."

"Leave me alone! You don't know what you're talking about, so don't stick your neck out for me! You're making me uncomfortable!"

"Hey…."

Suzu was speechless with so much passion.

And soon the anger boils over on Suzu's part.

"Oh, yeah! Then you can do whatever you want. Just watch me go out with Youta and get engaged with your fingers in your mouth ! Idiot!"

Saying so, Suzu took out her own loafer without hiding her irritation, put on her shoes, and left.

"Haa……."

After Suzu runs off, Aoi opens her shoe box once more.

There was a large amount of trash in there, and Aoi's loafers were filled with it.

Aoi takes out a plastic bag that was just in her bag and puts that garbage in it.

"even put a thumbtack in my pocket. so nasty."

She puts on her shoes after finishing putting the studs in the soles of her shoes into the bag securely.

She even felt a sickening sensation of wet feet as if she had been drenched in water the moment she put them on.

"It's really disgusting."

Tomorrow will be a consecutive holiday. I feel somewhat better thinking that there will be no school for the holidays for a while.

–

–

Episode 54

I, Sakino Shizuka, heard a strange rumor.

"Do you know? I heard that Ichikawa Aoi was really ugly in middle school!"
"Ehh!! Is is?"
"Yeah. She was bullied for it."
"Well yeah that's for sure!"
"I mean, I've always been annoyed by that clear-cut attitude."
"she's really on a roll. Everyone's talking about it."
"And I hear she's a bitch, changing men all the time."
"What? Weren't the boys swinging around?"
"I'm sure she's quiet at her own school. I heard rumors that she's been having a lot of intercourse with boys from other schools. I heard that's why Jinguji kun dumped her."
"Was she! That sucks."
"Yeahh!"

I was in a private restroom room when I heard the girls having such a conversation.
When I came out of the private room, the girls who had been talking about it were already gone, and I didn't even know who had been talking about it.

"Aoi..."

I think of my dear best friend.

I had somehow noticed that Aoi had been acting strangely of late.
However, Aoi was acting as if nothing had changed as usual, and I assumed that I was just imagining things.

The reason for this was the previous Saturday.
Because I can't help but remember that day.

That scene where Komiya kun and Aoi were kissing. (Ahh so it was her who saw it...)

...I have to admit, I was curious about Komiya kun.
I couldn't say for sure that I liked him, but I had been feeling something close to that lately.

I really wanted to hear it.

What is this all about? Why are you hiding this from your friend?
How did you feel when we were choosing birthday gifts together?
Was the promise you made then a lie?

The more I think about it, the more it overflows.

But I kept my ears closed to that fact because I felt that if I listened, something would break, something would change.

That is why I was so full of myself and did not know how to respond to Aoi's strange behavior.

And rumors like the one I just heard.
The girls' conversation just now convinced me that I was in the right place.

"...Hey, What am I supposed to do ...?"

my feelings for Komiya-kun and my relationship with Aoi
This complicated, smoldering feeling had reached a point where it could not be contained.

I plan to go home with Aoi after school.
But today, Aoi had gone home first because I had been summoned by the teacher. I followed her later.

The teacher's errand was not a big one, so I quickly followed Aoi and was able to catch up with her a few minutes after she left the school.

Aoi, walking slowly, somehow reminded me of the old days when she was transferred to ... our junior high school. The most important thing to remember is that you can't just take a look at the internet and expect to be satisfied with it.

...I knew it, from earlier...

When I called out to Aoi, her body When she realized that it was me who called out to her, a look of relief appeared on her face.

Then we headed home, chatting as usual.
But I couldn't concentrate much on the conversation, and occasionally I stared into the air.

"...Shizuka !"
"Hee!?"
"Shizuka, What's wrong? You've been in a daze since a minute ago."
"Eh!? Ah, noo..."

Aoi noticed this and looked at me.

I still can't get my thoughts on Aoi straight, and I haven't been able to treat her much the way I usually do.
Aoi acts like nothing is wrong, but the truth is that it must be painful.

"What's troubling you?"

Such concern from Aoi made me keep my mouth shut.

———Isn't that Aoi?

Such words almost jumped out at me.

"I-It's nothing"

Somehow I swallow it and work through it.
However, Aoi did not miss such an anomaly of mine.

"Shizuka, if you have any problems, don't hesitate to tell me. We have nothing to hide from each other, right?"

Aoi smiled gently at me.

Why are you smiling like that?
You're lying. You're not telling me anything.

But those words provoked a black emotion in me.

"Tss"

But I soon realize it's something I shouldn't be directing at my best friend, and I hate myself for it.

"What's wrong? You're acting really weird. If you're not feeling well, we could take a break..."
"I-It's fine!!"
"...ah"

I involuntarily brushed away the hand that was extended to me.

I see Aoi's confusion in my eyes.

"I-It's okay. I'm sorry too."

But Aoi immediately apologized.
Seeing this, I calm down once again and now I ask her.

It's okay. Calm down.

"Aoi is the one who's been acting strange lately, what's wrong?"
"... is nothing."

After a long silence, Aoi still did not speak.
I felt something inside me snapped as she turned her face away and misdirected me.

"Why...?'
"S-Shizuka...?"
"Why !?"

Aoi seemed confused by what I had shouted.
Seeing Aoi like that, I can't stop talking as if I had been dammed up. Emotions overflow.

"Why won't Aoi tell me anything? Why doesn't Aoi rely on me?"
"Shizuka! Calm down!"
"Nothing to hide? What are you talking about? It's Aoi who has something to hide, isn't it ...?"
"!"

I could see Aoi's eyes swimming. She seems to be self-aware.

"Aoi, you've been acting weird lately." "Yet Aoi won't talk to me even though I worry about her. I want to help, but ..." "I know, you know? I also know that Aoi is dating Komiya kun. Why didn't you tell me?"
"T-That's...! N-no..."
"If I'm so unreliable, why don't you talk to Komiya kun all you want!"

I spat that out and ran away from Aoi.

"I suck. ..."

When I got home, I went into my room and collapsed on the spot.
Tears naturally well up in my eyes.

My head was a mess.
Now I was just sad.

I, Ichikawa Aoi, stood there.

I hurt someone close to me.
It was self-inflicted.
If only I had been able to explain well that I am dating Komiya kun.
If I hadn't kept it a secret, I wouldn't have hurt my precious best friend like that.

"Shizuka..."

Still, to think that I was able to keep her away from that man with the rotten guts...

"Uuu"

The ground was wet with drops.

I had to think rationally about things.
I cowered in place, unable to move for a while, even though I knew in my head what was happening.

–

–

Episode 55

In the end, after Ichikawa san dumped me, I went on a holiday weekend as if nothing had happened.
My mind still wasn't blown, and even though I tried not to think about it, I couldn't get Ichikawa san out of my head.

"It's pathetic."

I lie down on my bed and mock myself with a potty mouth.
Then I get a phone call.

What was displayed on the smartphone was the word 'Kaede'.

"..."

I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone right now, but if I don't answer the phone now, it's that sister of mine. She might even storm into the house.
If I think about it, it would be better to pick up the phone now.

"Hello"

It took a while for the call to start ringing, but I managed to get out.
As much as possible, keep my tone of voice the same as usual so she doesn't know I'm feeling down.

"Slow———!!!"

My ears keened as a loud voice rang out from the caller's mouth.

"Noisy !!!"
"It's onii chan's fault for being late getting out! So what are you depressed about?'
"... No, I'm not depressed. What the heck, out of the blue."

"Yes, yes. If you were my onii chan, you'd always say, [You make it sound like I'm always depressed!] You don't have the sharpness. And there was a strange pause before you replied. ...What is it? Did you get dumped by that super beautiful woman?"
"Ugh..."

That's my sister. She gouges my heart precisely.

"Wait, What? You can't be serious!"
"...Shut up"
"Ahh–"
"don't mind it. That is something good. Let's go next time. Next time! She was too beautiful for onii chan. You are not worthy of her."
"Hey!? That's what you say to a heartbroken onii chan?!"
"Because, Onii chan, it's so weird when you moan."
"Don't be disgusting. And I don't remember showing you any tears in front of you."
"Yeah, you were a bit of a wuss before you started high school."
"Wha?! You, why?!"
"So if you've been dumped and you're not busy, come home to your parents! your cute little sister will comfort you by playing with you.
"Don't call yourself cute."
"Don't fall for your sister just because you're heartbroken, okay?"
"Who"
"Forbidden Love Between Siblings: ...Kyaa!"
"Listen to me."

What the hell is this guy getting all excited all by herself?
It's certainly safe to say that we're not blood related.

"Oh, now you think it's safe because we're not blood related. Gross."

What is this girl really?

"Well, that's why you should come home to your parents! I'll be waiting for you!"
"...What's the point? All right, all right."

I doubt that they are really waiting for it.
...Well, I don't have time to stay home alone. I'll remember Ichikawa san again, and maybe that's okay once in a while.
I don't want to face my father, though.

"Oh, and while you're at it, bring me lots of ice cream and snacks. The ice cream is from Hagen..."
"Bye bye"

Kaede was still saying something, but I pressed the end button, no questions asked.
But soon another call rings out from Kaede.

"I was in the middle of something!Oh, and the snacks...patsu (Closed phone)"

She's a noisy girl, but she cheered me up a bit.

"I have no choice. I'll at least buy her some Haagen-Dazs."

Just as I was thinking that, my phone makes a sound again.
Even I, a quirky guy, was irritated by the third call.

"You're being a pain in the ass! You're annoying me!'
"Ah...S-Sorry..."
"...Eh?"

The voice I hear stops me from thinking.
When I talked to the phone and checked the name displayed, it showed 'Tohno san' there.

I did it. ...

"Uu..."

A sobbing voice comes over the phone.
I made her cry. ...

"Tohno san! Sorry, I'm sorry! I mistook you for my sister and ...!"
"Fueee? Oh yeah?"
"Yes!!! She was being persistent, so I just went... Sorry I didn't see your name!"
"...I'm not bothering you?"
"Y-you are not a nuisance."

It seems surprisingly persistent.

"Thank god"

From the other side came the sound of relief.

"Um, did you need something?"
"Yeah...Actually, Komiya kun, you haven't been well recently, have you? It's Golden Week after all. ... right?"

I could sense a slight tension in her voice.

"So if you'd like, we can go hang out."
"...!"

I was more than a little surprised, as I did not expect to be invited to play.

Apparently, I have made Tohno san pay attention to me.
Certainly the last few days have been quite depressing. If we had been sitting next to each other, she would have been able to tell.

I guess Tohno san's intention is to take me out and refresh me.
I knew Tohno san was kind.
For a guy like me...

"..."

But what is going on?
I just now made a promise to go back to my parents' house. It's a little awkward to make them feel uncomfortable and turn down their invitation.

"I knew It's still annoying, right?"
"No! That's not what I meant! I just told you I was on the phone with my sister. So I just promised to go home to my parents. ..."
"I see. ..."

I could sense that Tohno san's voice had clearly toned down.

"All through Golden Week?"
"No, I don't think I've made up my mind."
"Well then! It doesn't have to be today, we can do it another day! I still have some time off, and I'm always available! So call me if it's convenient?"

I chuckled a little at how desperate she seemed.

She said she's always available ... for me?
When I became aware of this, I remembered her earlier confession and my face got a little hot.

"...Komiya kun?"
"Ah, yeah. Sorry. I will do so, then, when it is convenient."

In fact, when I say I'm leaving, it will probably be today and tomorrow.

"Tohno san."
"Y-Yes"
"Thanks"
"Nono, I'm not. Well, then, if you really feel like it, that's fine. Bye."

Finally, I thanked her and Tohno san gently said so and hung up the phone.

She really is a sweet girl from what I can tell.

"...Are?"

And after I hung up the phone, I noticed a strange feeling inside me.

To say that I was happy that Tohno san invited me was an understatement.
But that's just in terms of her concern for me.

It did not at all lead to the feeling of being spoken to and having one's mind floating as it had done before.

"Well, that's okay"

I immediately stopped thinking about it, got ready to go back to my parents' house as soon as possible, and as soon as I finished, I took the train to my parents' house.

–

–

Episode 56

When I returned to my parents' house, Kaede was waiting for me at the entrance with a mysterious look on her face.
I had told her the time of the train I was taking, so she must have been waiting for me , but I wondered what was wrong.

"Welcome back. What's that thing?"

Hearing that, I immediately knew why she had that look on her face.

"Yes, yes, this "

I hand a large bag of ice cream and sweets to my sister, Kaede.
Kaede's face breaks into a smile when she receives it. What a lively person.

...But even so, I can't help but feel like I'm grinning.
What on earth are you up to?

"What is it? Why are you grinning so much?"
"Hihihi, that's a secret!"

I had a bad feeling about this.
Kaede flipped around and slid the front door open, shouting loudly into the house.

"Onii chan's back!"

She didn't have to let my dad know every single time.

With this in mind, I follow her into the house.

"...hm?"

But when I was about to go up to the house, I noticed that the unfamiliar leather shoes and elegant heels were neatly arranged.

"Someone here?"

If so, I'm embarrassed that Kaede yelled in front of the guests to let them know I had arrived.

I followed Kaede with some hesitation.
And soon my doubts about the shoes that lined the entranceway were answered.

I walked into the living room and immediately saw those figures and was convinced.

"I didn't know you were home."
"Hey, long time no see."

The one who turned a fresh smile toward me and raised his hand was my older brother, Seita Komiya.

"Ah, Youta kun! Long time no see!"

Then, following her brother, a woman appears from behind.
I gulped, involuntarily, after seeing the woman. My own cheeks heat up.

"I-It's been a while."

Nervous at the unexpected resumption, my voice trembles.

"Aah! Big brother, you're blushing!"
"Shut up"
"Ouch !?"

I smacked my sister lightly on the head, who was grinning beside me and teasing me, and she screamed.

Then I dropped my stuff off in my room and went back to the living room where everyone was gathered again.

Makimura Sayaks. After a year of not seeing her for the first time, her beauty has become more polished, and she is so beautiful that it is hard to believe that she is from this world.

... and well, my brother's fiancée ... is already his wife. It would be lascivious of me, my own brother, to give such a woman an ah-ha evaluation, so I won't.
Well, only with beautiful women.

When I see my brother and his girlfriend happily flirting in front of me across the table, it makes me a little ... or even a lot nervous.

"The Jealous Gaze."
"You've been too loud. It's not like that."
"Auch!?"

I poked my sister, who was sitting next to me, on the forehead and she glared at me resentfully.
You say a lot of unnecessary things.

Sayaka is a childhood friend of mine and my brother. She is the same age as my brother.
We are seven years apart in age, and I have looked up to her as an older sister since I was a little boy.

She is beautiful, caring, dignified and kind.
How could I not fall in love with such a super perfect sister who was so close to me?

Yes, I liked Sayaka.
After all, my brother, who is also a perfect superhero, and his girlfriend got engaged and broke my heart.

That was a little after the third grade, wasn't it?
I knew they were dating, so a loss was a loss at that point. I'll admit that ... was a bad ... way to go.

"By the way, where does Youta kun go to high school now?"
"...Kounan"

There is a pause for a moment, but I quickly answer.

"Oh, I see. ... I thought for sure that Youta kun was going to Kita!"
"Well, well, well. Youta seemed to be having a lot of trouble."
"Eh? Is that so?"

Kita High School is the alma mater of my brother and Sayaka san.
It is a very prestigious school with a frighteningly high deviation value and strong sports teams.
I was on my way there too and had no problem with the decision.

But I didn't go to that high school.

The reason for that is ... that. It is puberty.

Oh yes!!!
I was in shock from a broken heart and an inferiority complex to my perfect, superhuman brother, and I lost all motivation to do anything.

The more I knew the two of them as perfect beings, the more I realized that I would never get there. I no longer see the point in trying.

In hindsight, I think I was young. I am young enough now, though.

Anyway, since then, I have not been motivated to do anything, and I have been spending as much time as possible in a normal way, and now I am here.

"..."

The more I look at them, the more I see that they are a perfect match.
Now I don't really think of Sayaka san that much anymore.
I still get nervous when I see her in front of me, though.

I watch them smiling at each other as they get along.

Her kind expression with a sly smile and naturalness when talking with her brother is somewhat similar to Tohno San's. Or perhaps Tohno San has an atmosphere similar to hers.

"..."
"Jealous—–Ouch!?"

Huh? Maybe I'm ...

The true nature of the discomfort that had been stuck inside me. It was right around the corner.

My dad came home after that and we went straight to dinner.
It was a relief because I would have had heartburn if I had to watch them make out any more. For the first time in a long time, I was grateful to my father.
According to the two ..., they are not aware of any flirting.

Then, after eating dinner, I went back to my room again

I lie down on my bed and think again about the discomfort I sensed earlier.
Earlier, I described Sayaka san and Tohno san as similar in that they are introverts.

On the extroverted side, there is another person who is similar to Sayaka san.
The dignified figure of a capable adult woman with the colorful scent of an adult.
These reminded me somewhat of Ichikawa san.

"...Haa"

Another unintentional sigh escaped me.
I remember Ichikawa san, and I feel down.

I took out my phone and looked at the two shots I had taken earlier.

Oh, no. I'm starting to cry when I remember.
The vision blurs a bit.

"Youta, I'm coming in."
"Tss"

Faster than I could reply at almost the same time as the knock, my brother entered the room.
I hastily wipe my eyes.

The meaning of knocking!!

"Where was that? Um... what happened...?"
"No, nothing!"
"...hmm? You dropped your phone."
"Ahh!?"
"Hooo?"

I somehow managed to fake it, but when I picked up the phone my brother had dropped, I remembered what was on the screen.

I've been seen...

"This girl is somewhere..."
"Seita! There you are!"

I was about to say something when Sayaka entered from behind me.

"Oh, Youta kun, I'm sorry to bother you. What are you looking at?"

And then she goes straight into my phone.

I wish you would stop.
It's kind of very embarrassing.

"Uwaa~ An amazingly beautiful girl. What?Youta's girlfriend?"

... former, though.
I'm too embarrassed to tell you.

"Hey, Sayaka. Have you seen this girl anywhere?"
"Eh? Hmmm..."

Similarly, Sayaka san was also puzzled by Ichikawa san's photo.
And then immediately give an answer.

"Oh, it's her! Aoi-chan!"
"... Yes, that's right. It's Aoi chan!"
"Eh?"

I had no idea that my brothers knew Ichikawa san, and my bare voice came out.

There, for the first time, I heard from both of them about events in Ichikawa san's past that I did not know about.

–

–

Episode 57

After Golden Week, the first day of school.
However, this year's Golden Week vacations had three days off in between, so if I go today, tomorrow will be Saturday again.

After all, I never played with Tohno san during this holiday weekend.
It somehow felt different to play with these mixed emotions now.

When I heard Tohno san's sad voice when I called her once more to say no, it made my ... heart ache.

After arriving at school, I change my shoes in front of the shoe box.
Perhaps because I was thinking, I didn't notice the presence of other students until I looked up after taking off my shoes.

""Ah...""

As soon as we look up, our gazes collide with each other.
The other side didn't seem to realize that I was right behind her, either, and she let out a surprised yelp.
There she was, my former lover, Ichikawa san.

"G-Good morning"
"..."

Ichikawa san fully ignores my greeting and hurriedly tries to go and hide something.

... It's still weird.
It's not like Ichikawa san. That may be because she has no reason to be nice to her ex-boyfriend.
It's not like her to do that.

Was it because she had cooled down somewhat over time, or was it because my brother had told me about her past?
I could now clearly sense the discomfort that I didn't notice when I was dumped because my mind went blank.

What my brother told me about Ichikawa-san was shocking to me because I had never heard of her.

＊＊＊

"W-Was she bullied?"
"Yes, that's what Aoi chan said"
"Yeah"

According to my brother's story, he met Ichikawa san when she was alone in a park late at night.
A junior high school girl was alone at such an unusual hour, so he couldn't resist calling out to her.

So Ichikawa san told my brother what had happened.
According to Ichikawa san, she was being bullied at school and everything became so painful that she ran out of the house uncontrollably. And she found himself at an unknown park in a neighboring town.

My brother protected her and took her home.
From there, Ichikawa san became involved with my brother and Sayaka san.

"Yes. So I asked Sayaka and my friends from other universities to take Aoi out to cheer her up. "
"Aoi chan, at first, was pretty wary of me. I think it was inevitable because she was bullied so badly. Even so, I wanted to do something about it, so I went to see Aoi chan many times, and she finally opened up to me."
"I remember she told me that her parents were away on business trips overseas and were hardly ever at home. I'm sure she was also worried about being alone."

I was so open-mouthed when I heard that story.
I was shocked that Ichikawa san, that perfect girl, had such a past.
Plus the fact that she knew my brother.

And most of all, I was terribly angry that she had been with him without knowing any of that myself.

"But Aoi chan. After all, she stopped showing up in front of us after about six months."
"Eh?"
"Ahh, I was pretty worried about it. ..."
"So what happened?"
"I didn't do anything."
"W-Why!?"

I thought Ichikawa san was going through something hard again, so I stuffed up with my brother. That was in the past, and perhaps it was nothing to think about now, but it was unconscious.

"Youta kun!"
"Relax. It's ... Well, you know what? She left me a message before she left."
"Message?"
"Yes, I guess it's like a thank you and a statement of commitment. And that's when we stopped meddling any more."
"...I see"

I was relieved to hear that, and found that the heat that had just swelled all at once was rapidly cooling down.

"Well, I'm relieved, though. I didn't think Aoi chan would be Youta's girlfriend."
"Yeah, yeah! You suprised me."

I can't ... tell them. I can't believe I was dumped just recently.

"Make sure you protect her, okay?"
"Yeah! She's a good girl, I promise, okay?"
"Ha, Haha..."

I can't tell ... I can't tell the truth to my brother and his wife who look at me expectantly.

"Nice smile by the way."
"...!"

My brother said so when he saw the picture.
I thought so too.

＊＊＊

When my brother told me that, I thought that something was quite overwhelming for Ichikawa san now.

Is it related to the story of being bullied in the past?

If there is anything I can do for her.
Is it still meddling that I want to do something to help, even though I am the one who was rejected?

I wonder if I can do as well as my brother.
Concerned, I call out to Ichikawa san again from behind.

"I-Ichikawa san!"
"...!"

Bite.
Oh, that's embarrassing. Maybe I still want her to just walk by normally.

Despite my conflicting feelings, Ichikawa san stopped in her tracks.

... Well, the result is okay.

And if I'd called at the street, she might have ignored me, right?

Ichikawa san stopped and did not look back.
I approach Ichikawa san and call out to her once again.

"Ichikawa san. Are you hiding something from me?"
"——-Ts. No. I have nothing to hide from you."

The response was somewhat delayed.
That was like an affirmation of my question.

"I may be unreliable and have no redeeming qualities. ... but I want to help Ichikawa san if she is in trouble. I want to help."

I thought that more and more as I learned about Ichikawa san's past.
Not by my brother, not by ... anyone else, but by myself. If you are in trouble, I want to help Ichikawa san.

I thought Ichikawa san's shoulders shook slightly at my words.
I wonder if my words worked.
I can start right now...

"I'm sorry... Komiya-kun. It's really nothing. Don't get involved with me any more."
"Ts"
"Half-hearted meddling is annoying."

Again, I could not move from my spot, staring at Ichikawa san's back as she left.

It's lunchtime and I eat lunch alone and lonely at my usual place.
As usual, Naka said, "Not again!" What was said, but I didn't care and came out.

Somehow, I feel that the atmosphere among the girls in the classroom is awkward.

Slowly, I sit down on the stairs and take out a bag of bread.
I opened it and then put it in my mouth.

"Annoying ... damn ..."

I was determined, but I sank spectacularly.
There is no doubt that she has problems, but she doesn't want me to worry about them. I guess that's what she's saying.

But leaving it as it is is not an option for me.

"I don't have ...but ..."

It is quite heartbreaking to be rejected.
Is it really in her best interest for me to do something?

She doesn't want it?

"I don't know. What would my brother do in a situation like this?"

I think of my brother, a man of action.
my older brother helped Ichikawa san during her middle school years when she was suffering.

"I'm going to go talk to her as many times as I have to."

But that's the difference between me and my brother. In fact, my mentality has been destroyed by just one rejection.
If I go there one more time and the next time they seriously reject me, I may not know what to do either.

"What should I do..."

I am really different from my brother, it seems.

"K-Komiya kun!"

I heard a voice calling me with my head in her hands.

–

–

Episode 58

I haven't spoken a word to Aoi today.
I know the cause. It is because I pushed Aoi away before Golden Week.

I want to do something about it, but I can't. I spent today with such frustration and feelings akin to impatience.

I had no idea what I was supposed to do or what I wanted to do.
Aoi is definitely struggling with something.

I am a good friend and I want to help Aoi. But I wonder if she doesn't think so about me.
Not being able to rely on me was the hardest thing for me.

Besides, the Komiya kun thing is also on my tail.
Why didn't you tell me? Would it have hurt you to hide it from me? Or did you already ...
That, too, had turned into doubts about Aoi.
If she had told me, I wouldn't have had to face these ugly feelings.

These two different events folded together in my mind, and I was unable to sort out my negative feelings toward Aoi.

As I was thinking, Aoi was gone from the classroom before I knew it.

"Maybe I'll eat somewhere alone."

I also left the classroom because I felt Nagano kun and his friends would call me if I stayed in the classroom.

When I left the classroom, I saw Komiya kun's back. Komiya kun seemed to be eating somewhere else.
Recently, he seems to have started eating with Naka and his friends like before, but before that, he used to disappear without a trace at lunch time.
Now that I think about it, Aoi was the same way, so it must have been that way.

"You should have told me."

Here, the emotion pretends to return again.

I am sure he will eat somewhere with Aoi.
I followed him because I was curious about him, even though I shouldn't have.

He ended up on a staircase leading to a closed rooftop.
I see. Certainly people don't come to places like this.
It's a great place to be alone.

Now he is still alone. I am sure Aoi will come later.
I thought so, but Aoi never showed up.
On the contrary, Komiya kun had his head in his hands and seemed to be troubled by something.
I could see that he was suffering.

Seeing this, somehow I had jumped in front of Komiya kun.

"K-Komiya kun!"
"...Sakino san?"

Komiya kun looked surprised that I had appeared.

"What's wrong"
"Ah, et-to..."

I jumped out and was totally unorganized and sloppy.

What on earth did I want to do, me ...

"I-I was eating lunch here."

At any rate, I'll say what comes to mind.

"Ah~, yeah, well"

However, the reply was somewhat toothless.

"Isn't Aoi with you?"
"Eh? Why...?"
"Why?...ah"

To continue the conversation, I asked him what was on my mind casually, and I forgot that I was not supposed to know.

"Uh ... actually, I knew. That you two are dating."

I can't help what I have said. I don't think it's anything to hide what I know, so I tell the truth.

"Et-to, from when?"
"Maybe the Saturday before last?you were together, and I saw you..ki– ..."

Having said that much, I was at a loss for words. My face got hot as I remembered that scene.

"Ah, yeah..."

Komiya kun also looks uncomfortable, as if he has an idea.

"Oh, Sakino san, actually..."
"You're terrible, Komiya kun!"
"Eh?"
"If you were dating Aoi, you should have said so!"

Say it plainly. As much as possible, as usual.

"That's...Sorry"
"Did you think I was going to get mad at you?"
"Uu..."
"Well, if it had been the old me, I would have been angry."
"Ha, haha..."

The incident where Aoi left the classroom screaming. If not for that incident, I might have been angry that Komiya kun, whom I considered unworthy of Aoi at the time, was dating her.

Yes, that incident changed my view of Komiya kun.
I thought he was a no-brainer, but I ...towards him...

At that time. If only you had told me.

"If you had told me, I wouldn't have ... felt this way ...!"

I was in the middle of speaking when I began to feel an uncontrollable swell of emotions within me.
Painful.

Were I starting to like him?
No, this was probably, I'm sure I really like him.
So painful. Between the board with the person I love and my best friend.

"S-Sakino san?!"

Komiya kun was puzzled when I suddenly began to shed tears.
Of course. I suddenly appeared and cried. If it were me, I would have chosen Aoi over this depressing woman.

"Uu...sorry, suddenly"

And yet, I can't stop the tears from flowing.

I sniffed.
Komiya kun quietly watched me cry for a while.

It's embarrassing.
I thought to myself, ah, my heart is weak.

I was feeling unstable with Aoi and my feelings for Komiya kun overflowed.

"You okay?"
"Not yet...but I'm fine"

Komiya kun chuckles at the contradiction in two words.
And now he opened his mouth.

"Actually, I didn't tell you, but ... I got dumped."
"...Eh?"

Why!?

I froze in place at the completely unexpected words.

Does that mean Komiya kun is not dating anyone right now?
Then what was the point of me crying!

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I found myself feeling a sense of joy, even though it was inappropriate.

"Ah, so maybe what was bothering you earlier was because Aoi dumped you?

The state of my visit here. Komiya kun was having a hard time wrapping his head around it.

"Ah-, no, yeah. That's part of it, though."
"Though?"
"I don't know where to begin."
"Oh, tell me!"

I lean forward to devour it.
I want to help Komiya kun who is suffering as much as possible.
It was a manifestation of such feelings.

Then I listened to Komiya kun.
From how they originally got together to how they were dumped.
And even that he is troubled by Aoi's rejection of him after he was dumped.

Seeing him hurt like that, I feel somewhat unable to leave him alone.

"Komiya kun. Am I no good?"
"...Eh?"

And then I found myself saying things that I couldn't help myself.

"Is that means..."
"I love Komiya kun."

Komiya kun's eyes go black and white at my statement.
I'm puzzled. I said before that I kind of liked him, but I wouldn't have expected to confess at this point in time.

"That's why I want to comfort Komiya kun."

I thought to myself, this is the worst.
I'm trying to replace my best friend.
I put myself before my best friend's problems.

"..."

Komiya kun looks at me with a serious face as he accepts my confession.

"Sorry"
"...ts"

It was an obvious answer.
Because Komiya kun likes ... Aoi.

I was told that he was not sure if he liked Aoi or not, and that they got together because of unstoppable circumstances.
But I was convinced as soon as I heard the story.
Komiya kun said he is completely in love with Aoi.

The fact that he is not clearly aware of this is also strange.

I don't know why it was the right time for me, even though I knew it was.

"Haaaa. I got dumped."

I feel it in words.
A fitting end for a cowardly woman.

"Sorry"

Komiya kun apologized once again.

"Don't apologize! You're making me miserable."
"So-..."

Komiya kun almost said the same words again when I said that, and kept his mouth shut.
Komiya kun is still kind.
That's the way it is.

"But it felt better, so never mind."
"Eh?"

This is the way I really feel.
It is easier to give up if you are rejected once and for all.

"Hey, Komiya kun. Komiya kun, you like Aoi, don't you?"
"...Ah, eh?"
"I'll tell you something since you don't seem to have noticed. Komiya kun is falling in love with Aoi."
"Eh, me?"
"Yeah. Komiya kun" "I'm surprised I didn't notice it before. When Komiya kun talked about Aoi, he sounded so happy. It almost gave me heartburn."
"Is it?"
"Yeah"

Komiya kun blushes with embarrassment.
Oh, God. I'm getting kind of frustrated. This frustrating feeling!

"Oh, that was hard. It was hard when the person I love fell in love."
"T-That's"
"Ahaha, I was joking. Komiya kun, you're cute that way."
"..."

So I teased him.
I could see Komiya kun's flustered look on his face, and it cleared up the confusion inside me a little more.

Komiya kun looks at me with a stern look.
... Let's change the subject.

"Hey, Listen"
"Eh?'

Komiya kun was flustered because I was getting serious again.

"Aoi, she's having trouble. She won't talk to me, but maybe ... she's being harassed by other girls. Quietly so they don't find out."
"T-That's...ts"

I'm sure Aoi didn't want to involve Komiya kun. She is keeping Komiya kun away from her because she loves him. That's what I think.

If I think with a clear head, my thoughts will become cleaner and cleaner.

I see, that's why...

Convinced myself of my own ideas.
That's why Aoi didn't even tell me. I can't believe I'm realizing that now.

"I'm so stupid, I ..."

My small muttering to myself did not reach Komiya kun either.

"Komiya kun!"
"Y-Yes!"
"Don't let a little rejection stop you!"
"What's with you all of a sudden?"
"You were just upset because Aoi dumped you, weren't you?"
"I don't kn–...I knew it"
"Okay"

I looked at Komiya kun, who was trying to cover it up, with a stern look, and he admitted it.

"No, you can't. You are a boy. Aoi isn't keeping you away from her because she really wants to. I'm sure she wants Komiya kun to help her."
"That's..."

Komiya kun is frightened that getting involved with Aoi again will lead to another rejection.
The point is, he is not confident.
Why on earth does he have so little confidence in himself?
Why did I fall in love with such a person? I don't know.

...geez

"I said terrible things to Aoi. I did a cowardly thing. That's why I have to apologize properly."
"...eh?"

Komiya kun flutters at the unconnected story.
I would still continue.

"So I'm going to apologize, Komiya kun, and I'd like you to help me."
"...! that means..."
"Komiya kun helps Aoi for me. How's that? Isn't it good?"

I guess he understood what I was trying to say.
Komiya kun laughed.

"I understand. I'll help you."
"Yes! If that's what you decide! I'll take care of Aoi and identify the harasser, Komiya kun, gather information too!"

I stand up and tell Komiya kun so.
Now that I had a clear idea of what I needed to do, the gloomy feeling inside me was blown away.

"Roger!"

Komiyakun also stood up and responded.
It seems that he has finally made up his mind.

Then I turn around and close the distance between me and Komiya kun.

"...?"

...Chu

"Hee?"

The sound of my mouth and Komiya kun's cheeks touching became quieter.

"You know you owe me one now, right?"

I said this and left the place as quickly as I could.
My face was hot to the point of death.

(TL/N : God...the mc is so slow..it's hurting me)

–

–

Episode 59

"Haa~"

After Sakino san was gone, I sighed deeply.

After hearing from my brother, I decided to take action to help Ichikawa san, but I was unsuccessful.
Sakino san gave me the blackmail I needed to finally get my act together again.

She confessed and showed her strength in the state of being rejected.
I was embarrassed to see Sakino san like that, and I was ashamed to be so shy.

And...

I scratched my cheeks, which had been hotter than ever before.

"I don't know what's so great about me."

I'm a pathetic man but I still try my best
I wonder if Ichikawa san will accept me like this again.

"I have to do it for Ichikawa san."

I switch my thoughts and focus on Ichikawa san's site.

If Ichikawa san is indeed being harassed, I need to identify the perpetrators.

As Sakino san said, she did not seem to see any such signs in the classroom, and I guessed that they were repeatedly harassing the students at the very edge of being clever and not getting caught.

In the case of such a person, it is unlikely that they will honestly stop when you identify them and tell them to stop, but it is still better than not knowing who is doing it.

"Are there people who would harass Ichikawa san? ..."

I don't have any idea.
Unfortunately, my extremely small circle of friends doesn't have access to information about what anyone thinks of anyone else.

I guess it's best to ask someone who has a wide circle of friends for this kind of thing.
That's how I got my phone out and contacted a certain person.

I, Mitsushima Aki, was excited to receive a call from a boy I was interested in.
The contact was a simple one.

"Can you take some time after school today?"

Yes, It's fine !!

I would have answered immediately, but unfortunately, I have club activities to attend to.
It was the first time I had ever been in a club and sighed about it.

But I cannot give up just yet.

"What if it was after club activities?"

I reply to that with a little hope.
Then the line comes back again immediately.

"OK. I'll just kill some time until the club activities are over. Let me know when you're done!"
"...!"

I gutted it out in my mind.

Youta was not in good spirits these days because of Ichikawa san.
I don't know why he contacted me, but I will comfort him as much as I can.
And then...

"Fufu"
"Eh? Isn't Mitsushima san kind of grinning?"
"N-No way, A Gentlemen has contacted her?!"
"That's a lie! That's not true!"
"I can't believe it"
"Nooooooooooo!!!!"

A girl in my class saw me grinning at the line from Youta, of all people.
For some reason, the girls collapsed to their knees, and the ah-ha moment spread.

"A, Ahahahahha..."

After that, I somehow managed to mend and cover up the situation and was able to get away with it.

Next time I hear from Youta, let's make sure no one is around.
I swore to myself.

After club activities were over, I wiped my entire body thoroughly with towels and body paper, and used every kind of antiperspirant I could find to eliminate odors.

Our high school does not have showers except for the swim team, so taking care of sweat after exercise is a must.
Especially when meeting with a boy who I have a particular fondness for.

After changing into my uniform, I sniffed myself again.

"...It's okay right?"

After asking myself this question, I called Youta and headed for the place where Youta was.

I arrived at the family restaurant where Youta was killing time, and upon entering, I found him.
Then I approached that table with great energy.

"Thanks for waiting Youta!"
"Ah, yeahh!!"

Youta was somewhat grumbling.
I am sure he is still not in his right frame of mind. There is no doubt that something happened between him and Ichikawa-san, but since the other side stepped down of their own accord, I just let her do what she wants to do.

With Youta at my side, I sat down in the front seat.
As brightly as possible. With that in mind.

"Haa~ I'm hungry because I'm done with club activities! Can I order something?"
"Ahh, I'll buy you a drink if you like. Let's have a normal dinner first."
"Really !?"

That being said, I was glued to it.

Hitomi says I'm a glutton. Because, don't you think it can't be helped?
I run so much every day and burn so many calories. Of course I'm hungry.

Making such excuses to myself, I called the waiter and I ordered more and more food.

Then I ate all the food that kept coming.
I was quite hungry and ate selflessly.

"Fuuuuh, I think I'm full"

Seeing me rubbing my stomach after finishing my meal, Youta seems to be smiling heartily.

"What's wrong?"
"Ah, no..."

I question Youta's subtle response.
Huh? What have I done?

"Tsss"

And I noticed it right away.

"Youta sorry! I forgot that it's your treat!"

I can't believe I asked for a large amount of food when I was told it was on the house. How rude of me.
I intended to have only one dish. But as I was eating, I got more hungry and ordered more one after another. By that time, I had forgotten that he was paying for the meal.

"S-Sorry. I'll pay for this myself."
"No, no, no! That's not what I meant. ...! I just thought it was kind of surprising that Aki eats so much! Don't worry about the money!
"...Tss!!!"

After being told this, I look at the amount of plates laid out on the table, and all at once my face turns red with shame.

I see.
Youta said it was his treat, and instead of laughing at me for asking without reservation, he looked at the amount of food I ate and ...

I've been made. Oh no. My face is hot.
I never cared because I had never before eaten a meal in front of the opposite gender outside of my family.

Ahh, what should I do !?

I hope he is not demoralized...

"Youta don't like girls who eat a lot ...?"

I ask Youta, turning my head over with a voice that sounds as if it is about to disappear.

"No, not at all!"
"Yes, that's a relief. Then that's good. Oh, but I'll pay for my own food!"
"Oh. All right."

Yeah, really. I never thought I'd ever be so concerned about the eyes of a Male
But, Youta...

"I'm sorry. So, what was it that you wanted me to do today?"

It was about to get awkward, so I dropped the subject. The topic was the reason why he invited me.
Maybe it's me...or not.

Youta's appearance was brighter than before, if not for his mind. He looked as if he had made up his mind.
Could it be, perhaps?

My heart fills with anticipation.

"Oh. Actually, I have a favor to ask."
"Favor? Couldn't you just call or line?"
"No, I just think it's better to be direct about these things."
"I see. So what's your request?"
"It's about Ichikawa san."
"Eh!!?"

My cheeks, which had been hot just a moment ago, cool down at once.
Despite my expectations, I felt as if I had been doused with cold water.

–

–

Episode 60

From there, I spoke with Youta about Ichikawa san's current situation.

That Ichikawa san is apparently being harassed.
Youta wants to help her.
But he is rejected by the person in question.

uuuu...I-I figured that's what it would be about.
Mouu ! I'm so embarrassed to be soaring on my own. ...

I understood why Ichikawa san has been acting strangely of late, but in the end, I have not been able to ask her about the important things.

I ask Youta, trying not to let him know that I am blushing.

"So, you know. In the end, what kind of relationship do Youta and Ichikawa san have?"
"Oh, do I have to say that ...?"

Youta looks embarrassed.
I had a bad feeling when I saw him.

"Are you in a relationship where you can't tell me?"
"Not that I'm saying that, but ..."
"So, will you tell me?"

It was a question I asked casually, so as not to let my own disturbed mind be known, but Regret came over me.

What if it's not the answer I want?

When I thought about it, I realized that I really shouldn't have asked, and my heart was beating faster and faster in my chest.

Maybe of maybe, but you two are no, no, no, no, no, no.

On the one hand, she is a beautiful girl who was one of the top deities in her school, and on the other hand, a boy who is quite good-natured and kind, although he is ordinary with no particular features.

There can't be ..., can there?

I can't even say that.
While denying it, it crosses my mind that they are together.
My heart began to shoot out a thumping pulse.

Oh, I don't want to. I still don't want to hear it.

"To tell you the truth... we were dating."

A scene and quietness comes at once.
There was a lot of noise around us, but for some reason, his voice was the only thing I could hear.

"I-I see"

I answer in a trembling voice.
Calm down. Calm down, me. I'm about to demonstrate the mental strength I've developed in club activities. ...!

"I see. ..."

Once again, I spit out the same words and try to get my mind right.
It solidified their relationship in my mind.

I knew they were dating.
Ouch. My chest hurts. It's harder than I thought. ...
Oh, no. Endure.

"but, I got dumped."
"Eh!?"

With those words, I looked up quickly.
The tone of my voice brightens a bit, even though my heart is still beating noisily.

What a selfish woman I am.

"Et-to, Does that mean you're not together right now?"
"Yeah..."
"H-Hmmm?"

Then. It's still safe, right?
It doesn't matter if I like him, right?

So that's why Youta has been so down lately...

I had been pleased with the fact that my own feelings had been inappropriately dumped.
But I quickly reconsider my thoughts again.

But Youta still wants to help Ichikawa san. That means ...

"Y-Youta still likes Ichikawa-san, doesn't he?"
"...yeah. I guess so."

I asked the question with trepidation, and the answer I received was in the affirmative.

There is no such thing.
I've been treated like a man, and I've just met a boy I think I like.

Moreover, my best friend likes the boy. but He likes another girl.
I wonder if ... Hitomi knows about this.

"I didn't originally have any feelings for Ichikawa san or anything like that. Sakino san made me realize that. I was made aware of it.

Sakino san would have been the girl who was Ichikawa san's best friend.

"Sakino san told me that she was probably rejecting me so that I wouldn't have to deal with that harassment. I'm sure that's why she rejected me."

This means that they are in love with each other.

"I know it's not because of that, but even if Ichikawa-san doesn't like me, I still want to help her if I like her."

If you love them, you want to help them. Regardless of what they think.

"I need your help. I need Aki's help to save Ichikawa san. Please!"

Youta bowed his head toward me, saying so.

It's not fair. Really sneaky.
Youta doesn't understand. I'm falling in love with Youta.
And that's why I can't believe he's asking me to do this.
It's really unfair. It's cruel.

If I didn't help him here, Youta would surely be sad.
But if I help him, I'll be helping them put their relationship back together.
I am not rewarded.

Ahh mouu! What should I do!?
It's so unlike me to be this distressed!

What do I want to do!
Do I want to help Youta? I want to help him!

But that doesn't mean I don't want to lose to Ichikawa san, who dumped Youta on ... his own and made him sad!

Even if this means helping to undo the relationship between Youta and her.
I want to help Youta.
And I will prove to him that he deserves better!
To do so, first.

"I understand. I'll cooperate."

Youta's face lights up when I answer that.
I felt a slight prickle in my chest at the expression on his face, but I held it in and continued speaking.

"When you say "cooperation," what do you mean by that?"
"Yes. Aki gets along with a lot of girls, doesn't she? So I want you to interview various girls and find out who is harassing Ichikawa san."
"I see. Okay, I'll take care of it"

As Youta says, he is confident that my friendship with girls is wider than anyone else's.
There are many girls who get along with me not only in my class but also in other classes.

Through such friends, the interviews will definitely lead us to the culprit.

"Thank you. Aki."
"You're welcome."

Youta is relieved.
But I'm not saying that I would do anything for a boy I like for free to arrange a relationship with a girl he likes.

I can't afford to lose.

"But there are conditions."
"Eh?"
"Listen–"

I smiled and offered Youta one condition.

"And then..."

Youta looks surprised at the suggestion.

After a few moments, Youta thought long and hard about the conditions I had proposed, then nodded.

Negotiations were concluded.
Then even I can act for someone I really like.

However, my heart ached again when I realized that his feelings for Ichikawa san were that serious after all.

No, it's okay. It's okay. I have a chance.
I heard somewhere that if you give up, the game ends there.

So I definitely won't miss this chance.
I will make Youta fall in love with me!

(TL/N : damn I really hate this scenario where the girls were rejected directly or not, it made me remember that scene from Saekano Fine movie...still traumatizing...

Oh yeah btw, The writer said that from here, the story will be brighter, well, it just took 10 chaps...10 CHAPS wtf..)

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Episode 61

Shinozuka Suzu could not hide her irritation.
It was a recent incident with Ichikawa Aoi, whom she (selfishly) regarded as an enemy.
When Suzu packed up with Aoi, who was acting strangely, she was told by her that she had broken up with Youta.

Suzu realizes that there is something wrong with even her words. Suzu then proposes to make up with him.
In retrospect, she didn't even know why she made such a proposal, which was a rare instance of sending salt to the enemy, but in the end, even that was rejected.

"It pisses me off."

She is still angry when she remembers it now.

Suzu murmured in a potty voice.
Looking toward the corner of the classroom, She saw Aoi reading a book by herself.

And the same could be said for Youta.
She also understood why Youta had been in such low spirits recently.

Perhaps it is normal to feel down after being dumped, but seeing him woozy, She wondered where he had gone from the way he was when he and I had our altercation.

"You seem to be in a bad mood, Suzu chan."
"Yeah, I'm in a bad mood."
"...What's going on?"

Hitomi, who had said this to her so openly, was at a loss for words for a moment.

"What does Hitomi think of Ichikawa?"
"Ichikawa san? What does Ichikawa san have to do with this?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Look."
"Eh! Suzu chan!"

Suzu beckoned Hitomi to her and hugged her directly.

"Fuu. It's a nice touch. When I'm stressed out, this is what I need."
"Wait...that's..."

She then buried her face in the plumpness.

Suzu decided to kill some time after school. She did not have any particular plans, but she somehow did not feel like going home.

"Ah, I have much free time."

After school, Youta also went away quickly.
Hitomi is not here either, as she has some business to attend to.

I wandered around town, but it was kind of tasteless being alone.
Although Suzu has been confined to the house all this time, even then she liked to go for a walk.
It was a good way to organize her thoughts.

"Heyy, you.."

Sometimes she feels as if someone calls out to me from behind, but she brushes past them as if they are not even in her ear.

In the end, the day was over without finding an answer to why I was so irritated with Ichikawa Aoi and with Youta.

"Idiots. Why do I have to think so much about that guy ..., what was that?"

As I muttered this, I saw a familiar face emerge from the family restaurant.

"Youta and ...the good looking woman?"

Suzu follows their trail so as not to be discovered.
Soon after, they parted when they reached the station.

"Heyy"
"... Whoa!"
"What a lame voice"

As Youta looks away from Aki, a voice suddenly calls out to him from behind, and he raises his voice in a very pathetic manner.
Hearing this, Suzu immediately laughs in derision.

"What is it, Suzu?"
"What, I'm not good enough?"
"No, it's not that bad. It's just that I'd be surprised if you showed up out of the blue."
"Ohh, I see"

Youta is puzzled by the cold response after having spoken to her himself.
If it had been the usual Youta, he would have made some kind of a tsk tsk.

"What's wrong with your mood?"
"You broke up with that woman?"
"Tss"

The question that Youta fired was ignored and he was hit back with a question as well. On the most painful topic of the moment.

"I'm right on the money with that response."
"... Well. You heard from Ichikawa san?"
"Yeah. That sucks."
"Yes."
"..."

Suzu frowns at the fact that this is not the reaction she was expecting.
If it were Youta as usual, he would have said something back.

But now, in the midst of his heartbreak, She thought he would just reply without energy.

(Why are you smiling so goofily? You're disgusting.)

Frustration also grows over the fact that the response is not the expected one.
Suzu doesn't understand why she is so frustrated with Youta as well.

"... you got dumped and you don't look fine."
"Do I look well? I'm just plain depressed."

I try to be sarcastic, but it doesn't get through to Youta now.
It would be a lie to say that he is not dragging it out even now. However, Youta, who had set his sights on what he needed to do, had no intention of dwelling on it any longer. Hence the smile on his face.

"Hmph, Then you should have cried out more plaintively!"

Suzu, who has no way of knowing such a thing, lashes out with unreasonable anger.

(What's the matter with you? Are you saying you don't care about Ichikawa anymore? That's the extent of your feelings for her?)

I was angry at him for being so stubborn, but I was also angry at him for being in a giving up mode like that.

In fact, it is due to a misunderstanding by Suzu.

(Why are you suddenly so pissed off ...?)

Youta himself, who is being yelled at due to a misunderstanding, is naturally baffled, unable to understand the meaning of his anger.
However, he soon realize.

(Oh, maybe ...)

"Are you comforting me?"
"...!? H-Haa!? W-Who are you to be consoled by me?"
"That's why you called on me, right?"
"I'm not saying I'm worried or anything! It's definitely not that!"

Suzu was impatiently denying it, but it got to the heart of the matter.

Aoi is in fact in love with Youta, but he deceives himself about it.
And Youta, unaware of this fact, is depressed and smiles as if he has given up.

In Suzu's eyes, they looked like that.

(I can't watch you do that!)

Yes, Suzu was worried about them.
However, Suzu, who had never worried about anyone before, was unaware of this unfamiliar emotion.
But because of her clumsiness, he had become a means of venting her anger.

"I-I approached you... yes! I was just wondering what you had to say to that hot chick! yes, what did you talk to her about? Don't tell me you're going to try her next just because she dumped you?"
"... I'm sorry you had to hear that. I was just asking for advice."
"Hee. Consultation. Consultation. ... what did you talked about?"
"What? Nothing."
"So you can't tell me?"
"I mean, do you really care about me that much?"
"Hey !?"

She was countered again, and her face was hot.

"No, I'm not! I just don't like the fact that I keep losing to her! And you!"
"Me?"
"That's right! I'm not at all happy that I'm getting engaged to you under such a generous situation!"
"No, we're not getting engaged."
"Whatever! I don't like you or that woman! If that's what you guys want, I've got an idea!You're in for a treat!'

With that, Suzu said just what she wanted to say and left.

"What the heck is this ...?"

And Youta, who was left behind, looked away from Suzu's back, scratching his cheek.

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Episode 62

A few days passed and I was called to that staircase by Sakino san.
Speaking of what we talked about, it was, of course, about Ichikawa san.

These days, Ichikawa san seems to be avoiding even Sakino san. More to the point, the same
Jinguji and other members of his group seemed somewhat indifferent, and I was unable to talk to them about Ichikawa san.

So I contacted Aki and asked her to come.
I expected a network of information by the prince of the school, who boasts overwhelming support from the girls.

"So why is Mitsushima san here?"
"I've been called out by Youta. What does this mean?"

...I did it
I did bring up the subject of Sakino san, but I didn't tell Aki that I was also working with Sakino san.

The reverse is also true. After getting my ass whipped by Sakino san, I did not mention that I asked Aki for help.

When the two met in the classroom, I thought it was somewhat disconcerting.

No, no, no, it's all in my mind.
They weren't that close ...I think.

"Komiya kun, explain."
"Youta?"

Huh? The pressure is ...

The two girls came packing toward me with sharp eyes.
Is it my imagination that I am under the illusion that I am being stuffed for cheating when I have done nothing particularly wrong?

Yeah, it's still my imagination, it's still my imagination.
Is it wrong to ask for help from others ...?

"You see. I was depressed because Ichikawa san dumped me, and Sakino san woke me up. Then I talked to Aki about it. ..."
"Heee"
"Hmph"

What? What's with that reaction!
I said something bad!

"(I thought I was the only one...)"
"(You don't understand... woman's mind at all, do you?)"

They both mumbled something in a small voice, but I couldn't hear them.

Awkward. Why is that?

However, things will not progress if I remain silent under the pressure of this atmosphere forever.
I'll apologize later if I stepped on any land mines. If that will help.

"In the meantime, though, can Aki let me know what you find out?"
"...Haa. It's fine though"

The way she sayst is like small bones get stuck in your throat. ...

"I know who's harassing Ichikawa san.
"Eh?! Really!?"
"Wa– Youta!?"

Hearing this fact, I was so excited that I grabbed both of Aki's shoulders.
Aki's cheeks turn red and her face turns away.

"Ah..."

And I too noticed such a reaction from Aki and froze in place.

This response.
I know how Aki feels before this. I haven't been able to tell her directly, but if I'm not being egotistical, I would know that Aki towards me...

"Ehem. Do you two realize what you're getting together for right now?"
"...Y-yeah.."
"I know you do. ...!"

Sakino san's coughing, cold stare, and low tone of voice brought me and Aki back to ourself.
I took my hand off Aki's shoulder, too, and we took some distance, and Aki had a strange tone.

"So, getting back to the point, the guy harassing Aoi is ..."
"Oh, yeah. Furukawa Minami. That girl seems to be the main culprit."
"... That girl!"

Aki mentioned the name of a girl in the same class.
The moment she heard the name, Sakino-san looked as if she were biting a bitter bug.

I'm not particularly close with the girl either, but she's definitely not my type if I were to judge by looks alone.

She looks like a gal with a tough personality. In a different sense from Ichikawa san, Aki, and the others, she is a person who is positioned in the upper caste of the girls' group.

Recently, I see her especially with Jinguji and his friends.

At any rate, I decided to ask Sakino san, who seemed to know something about Furukawa san, what kind of person she was.

"Is Sakino-san good friends withb Furukawa san?"
"No, I'm not! She's such a b*h!"

She got angry. I don't think they' re close based on the way she reacted earlier. Yeah, it's my fault. It's my fault.

"...Sorry"
"Ah, no...I'm sorry too. ..."
"Did something happen with Furukawa san?"
"Haa, She was in the same class as Aoi and me in the first grade. In fact, Aoi and her were in the same class in the first grade. Since then, Jinguji kun has been hanging out with us a lot and often got involved with us.
"...I see"
"Yeah. But after a while, Jinguji kun seemed to have said something. She didn't get involved with me much anymore. ..."

So what's this all about, and why are you getting involved again?

"This girl named Furukawa went to the same junior high school as Jinguji-kun. She has been in love with him since then and thinks she is the right person to be next to him. And now she is attacking Ichikawa-san again. That's what I've heard from the other girls."
"...so that's what is all about."

Aki answered my question.
According to Aki, Furukawa has a moderately troublesome personality.

women's jealousy is scary, but ... that's not a good reason to harass

"By the way, has anything been done to you, Sakino san?"
"No, She has not."

Hearing that was a bit of a relief.
... But then why only for Ichikawa san?

"You're just concerned that Aoi is the only one being targeted, right?"
"Ah"

Sakino san said it as if she could read my mind.
I wonder if I looked that obvious.

"Aoi is a very good friend of mine and I am very happy to see her. Aoi denies it, but Jinguji-kun doesn't seem to be too upset about it."

I thought we were a good match too until the other day, Sakino san muttered, barely audible.

"What are you going to do about this Furukawa girl? I can tell her myself."
"No, I'll tell her that. I don't want Aki to get the brunt of it."
"O-okay...? I-If Youta says so, I'll go along with it." "..."

Aki turned her face away for some reason. Then, for some reason, Sakino san gave her the jitters again.

"But even if Komiya kun said it, I don't think that Furukawa would take him seriously."
"That's for sure."

If she would stop doing that, she wouldn't be sneaking around and harassing her. My influence on my classmates is almost nonexistent.
I don't care if it's Jinguji, there's no way she'd listen to me.

It would be foolish to question them without any evidence, although I would like her to stop harassing Ichikawa san as soon as possible.

It would be a waste of time if it intensified the harassment or made her more wary of us so that we would not find her.

"Hmm..."

I'm trying to think of a better way to do it.

'Well, why don't you get Jinguji kun to ask her to do it? He told someone to stop the other day, didn't he? If it's in Ichikawa san's favor, I think it's a good idea."
"Yeah, I think that's the quickest way to do it too."

Indeed, Aki is right, that may be the easiest way. It's not that it didn't occur to me, either. However, I also felt uncomfortable taking advantage of Jinguji's affection for Ichikawa-san.

... Well, maybe it's not for me to say now.

If that will save Ichikawa-san, I will accept any amount of abuse later.

"Well, I'll talk to Jinguji myself."
"...Yeah"

However, Sakino san, who nodded her head, looked somewhat dismayed.

"What's wrong?"

Oh, you mean you can't rely on it from me after all?

"No, it's just something that's been bugging me."

I guess not. Good. No, not good.

"Jinguji kun, lately he has been distant to Aoi."

That being said, it is certainly true that the all-around good-looking Jinguji would have noticed Ichikawa-san's abnormality immediately.

"I hope my fears are just unfounded."

Sakino-san says something meaningful. But now I have to rely on him.
Jinguji is a man who is good to everyone. There was no way he would refuse.

So I decided to call Jinguji, explain Ichikawa san's current situation, and ask him for a favor.

But.

"Nope"

The words that came back were so cold.

(TL/N : OMG, the drama is still going on...I'm tired...

BTW, with this, we have caught up with the series, so the next chapter I'm afraid...will have to wait..The writer has a random update rate but he/she always updates with a minimum of 1 Chapter per month...

The drama may still go on but...see you on the next one!)

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