Opening

A slightly bitter Valentine’s Rhapsody.

Kaju’s giving her handmade chocolate- not to her older
brother!?
Kaju will never do something like that, even when the skies
fall. …Despite my nervousness, the people in the Literature
Club aren’t moved at all.
“Imouto-chan has a crush on someone, right?” “Oh, it’s a
guy, right?”
…These losers don’t even realize how serious the problem
is. Kaju is still in her second year of middle school. It’s 200
years too early for her to give honmei chocolate to
someone.
After hearing Yakishio’s suggestion, I will sneak into
Momozono Middle School for an investigation- wait, you’re
making me change into a middle school uniform?
If Kaju sees me in a place like that, …no, I think she’ll be
overjoyed…
The 5th edition of the super popular losing heroine rom-
com. What is the fate of the brocon little sister and siscon
older brother?
Prologue

The sudden splashing sound dragged my consciousness

from dreamland back to reality.
The raindrops are hitting the window of the living room.
I stretched my back on the sofa and silently closed the
reference book.
It’s the end stretch of the final exam.
Even though I made it through today, I can’t let my guard
down yet.
“There are two days left…”
I mumbled to myself and glanced at the calendar on the
wall. One of the dates is fixed in my eyes.

The following Sunday is- February 14. Valentine’s Day.

As you all know, Valentine’s Day is when family members

give each other chocolates. I will not accept any objections.
However, things are different this year.
I received birthday presents from the Literature Club girls
last Christmas.
Based on this trend, it’s very likely that I’ll receive obligatory
chocolates this year.
However, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not trying to brag
about my popularity or getting chocolates from the girl I
love.
It doesn’t matter if someone’s alone or has no interest in
actual romantic relationships.
Valentine’s Day is the day when everyone’s a bit restless.
They will check for things in their desk drawers or the inside
of their shoe shelves.
Even so, a high expectation means a high disappointment
from not receiving chocolate.
Anyway, I should focus on the exam right now.
…However, I’m making good progress in my preparation for
tomorrow.
Let’s read some light novels for a change of pace.
If I remember correctly, <Let’s Talk About the 100 Days It
Took Me to Realize This Is an All-Boys School> is in my
room.
This is an ambitious novel where all the “heroines” are
cross-dressing guys. However, the support from the stans
kept this series going.
Also, this is from the Literature Club. It’s not my personal
property.
This is extremely important.
“Well, let’s take a break.”
I put the reference book on the sofa and stood up. A sweet
scent radiated from the kitchen during this time. It tingles
my nose.
My little sister Kaju is humming a song. She seems to be
blending and stirring something.
Her black hair is swaying like silk threads. With a petite body
and an even more delicate and well-proportioned face, she
looks perfect in an apron despite being my little sister.
I subconsciously approached Kaju and looked at the thing in
her hands.
“Kaju, what are you doing?”
There are colorful bowls in front of Kaju. She’s stirring a light
green substance.
“I’m testing new chocolate for Valentine's. Onii-sama, please
try it.”
She scooped up some of the stuff in the bowl with a spoon
and handed it to me.
I tried a little. The refreshing sweetness spreads through my
tongue, and a gentle green scent drifts into my nose.
“What is this flavor?”
“Pistachio.”
“I ground it into a paste and mixed it into white chocolate.
Though, the texture still leaves a bit to be desired after it’s
set. This one has black currant paste instead. Please open
your mouth and try it.”
I opened my mouth earnestly. I can feel a slight bitterness
and sourness on my tongue.
“Both of them are perfect. Onii-chan thinks all of Kaju’s
chocolates are very delicious, okay?”
Kaju barely contained her smile. However, she suddenly
turned serious and cleared her throat.
“Ara, onii-sama can get chocolates at school even without
Kaju giving them to you, right? Or is it that…?”
Kaju’s cheeks lightly flushed. Her eyes are sparkling with
uncontrollable curiosity.
“-Are you giving chocolate to someone else?”
Why would I do that? Kaju can say confusing stuff
sometimes.
“I don’t know whether I’ll get chocolate or not. Obligatory
chocolates are like New Year cards and gifts, so it depends
on the mood. Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, but-”
I paused for a moment because continuing.
“There may be obligatory chocolates since it’s also the
school open day, but I’m not sure. I mean, it’s not like I want
chocolates. This is just the general situation.”
Kaju smiled after hearing my speech.
“Yeah, that’s what Kaju thought. There’s someone Kaju
wants to give chocolate to this year.”
Oh, I see. Kaju wants to give chocolate to someone…?
“Kaju, you mean-”
Kaju interrupted me by gently poking her own cheeks.
“There’s some sweet and delicious chocolate on Kaju’s
cheeks. Onii-sama, can you wipe it clean for me?”
Didn’t she put chocolate on her face just now…?
I searched for paper tissues but couldn’t find them for some
reason.
Fine. I took out a handkerchief and wiped Kaju’s cheeks.
“Alright, it’s clean now.”
“...That’s why I don’t like this part of you, onii-sama.”
Why is Kaju upset? I don’t understand why, but this must be
puberty, right?
“By the way, which person is Kaju trying to give chocolate
to?”
An unfamiliar ringtone went off at this moment.
“Oh! Onii-sama, can you hold this for me for a second?”
She handed me the bowl in the hot water bath without
waiting for my reply.
“Eh, what should I do with this?”
“Please stir it slowly until it’s at 45 degrees Celsius! Kaju will
leave it to you!”
Kaju took out her phone as she slowly made her way out of
the living room.
Eh, is that what I’m really supposed to do? Anyway, I guess
I’ll keep stirring it for now…
I slowly stirred the chocolate and took a deep breath to calm
down.
She said she wanted to give chocolate to someone. Could it
be that she’s not giving it to a boy?
No, there’s no way.
Also, she was practically saying, “Onii-sama doesn’t need
Kaju’s chocolate” earlier. It’s a little concerning. Is she not
going to give me chocolate?
No, of course, it’s not like I’m really looking forward to my
little sister’s chocolate.
Even so, Kaju has never missed giving me chocolate since
she was 1. We should sit down and talk if there are some
sort of misunderstandings.
“...Ah, I forgot to measure the temperature.”
Shit, it would be bad if Kaju’s mad. I quickly put the
thermometer inside. The screen is showing precisely 46
degrees.
Yep, it’s within the range of errors. I took out the bowl of
chocolate from the hot water bath and stared at the door
that Kaju had just left.
…What should I do next? Is Kaju still on her phone?
She’s still out after a few moments. So, I took the bowl to
the corridor’s entrance.
“Hey, Kaju…”
I called her name quietly before peeking out. Then, I saw
Kaju standing with her back toward me. She’s whispering to
someone at the door.
“Mm-hm, yeah, but, …hmm, indeed. But are you sure it’s
fine? Gon-chan’s- okay, she’s fine with it, right?”
Her phone is pressed close to her ear. She frequently nods
as she speaks.
Even though they seem to be having a serious conversation,
she can’t even wait for me to give her the bowl of
chocolate…?
“Let’s go over the details when we see each other, okay? It’s
not good to talk about this on the phone, after all.”
Oh, they are done talking. I sighed in relief and walked out
to the corridor.
“Alright, I got it. I’m free on the 14th. Well, see you at school
next time- Tachibana-kun.”
…Eh? I was thrown into the freezer by that last sentence.
Kaju put her phone back into the pocket of her apron. She
turned around with a swirl.
“Huh, onii-sama, how long have you been standing there?”
“Eh, no, I just got here. The chocolate is 45 degrees…”
I lied with ease and handed over the bowl. Kaju dashed over
with a smile.
“Thank you. Sorry, I spent too much time on the phone.”
Kaju returned to the kitchen with cheerful steps and put the
bowl in ice water.
“I’ll have to lower the temperature with this. …What’s
wrong, onii-sama?”
Apparently, I’m staring at Kaju subconsciously. I hastily
looked away.
“No, well, who were you talking to on the phone…?”
“It’s my friend from school. We talked about something
school-related.”
Hmm, it’s her friend. He seems to be a guy based on the
way she addresses him. Also, it looks like their conversation
is about freeing up the 14th.
I watched Kaju humming a song as she stirred the
chocolate. Cold sweat is dripping down my back.

Her effort in experimenting with this chocolate- and the

February 14 promise with a male friend-

This is, …could it be…?

“Hey, Kaju. Who are you planning to give the chocolate to?”
I asked casually. Kaju immediately what she was doing.
“...Who do you think it is?”
Kaju’s voice is unusually composed.
Gulp. My throat made a voice.
“Ah, it’s a female friend of yours- right?”
I said the opposite without thinking too much. However,
Kaju showed me a slightly embarrassed smile.
“It’s a secret.”
Chapter 1: Don’t Even Get to
Outsmart Each Other

It’s been 4 days since the start of the final exam. There’s
only one day left.
But this exam isn’t the most important.
It’s after school. I remembered what Kaju was like yesterday
as I quickly made my way to the club room.

-Kaju plans to give a boy honmei chocolate on Valentine’s

Day.

Of course, it’s not weird for Kaju to have a crush on a boy.

But Kaju is still in her second year of middle school. Isn’t it a
bit too much to give her honmei chocolate out this early on?
What if the boy doesn’t feel that way?
No, he has to feel that way. Kaju is too adorable, after all-
I thought about that as I entered the west building.
Someone yanked my arm as soon as I entered the gloomy
corner of the stairs.
The person who drags me to the dark corner next to the
stairs without hesitation is- the student council vice
president Teiara Basori.
She pressed me onto the wall and glared at me.
“Nukumizu-san, have you been avoiding me recently?”
“Eh? How could that be-”
My voice suddenly trembled, and I paused. I’m a little afraid
of this person, after all.
Teiara-san’s eyes looked down after I fell silent.
“...You are really avoiding me, right?”
“No! That’s not it. I’ve been busy preparing for the exam
recently. That’s why I don’t have the time. Well, what’s
wrong?”
I randomly changed the topic. Teiara-san’s expression
seems relieved. She’s so easy.
“Please teach me again. …Of course, this is a trade offer. I’ll
thank you properly!”
Eh, aren’t you too late? The exam ends tomorrow.
Indeed, Teiara-san’s grades aren’t good.
She doesn’t want others to know this. We even had a bit of
disagreement at the end of the year. However, (for some
reason) she still asks me to teach her occasionally.
Please just talk to me normally.
“Uh, it’s primarily social studies tomorrow, right? I’m not
good at that. Also, this is a subject about memorization. It’s
probably better for you to study alone, right?”
“But there are other subjects! Let me see. What are the
other-”
Teiara-san took out a paper from her school bag. She
squinted her eyes and looked.
“...Health and physical education.”
Silence ensued.
Teiara-san plopped her head down and shivered. Her ears
are red.
“...That’s not what I meant.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“That’s not what I meant!”
“Ahh, I really know. So, let’s just forget about studying
together?”
Teiara-san opened her arms and stopped me from running
away.
“But I can’t express my gratitude to you if that’s the case!”
…Huh? Basori-san is just trying to show her appreciation
with the study meeting?
“Uh, actually, you don’t really need to do that.”
“B-But isn’t that- on next week? You know, that one.”
Teiara-san is writing a “ ” on the floor with the tip of her
shoe.
What’s happening next week? Teiara-san has nothing to do
with Valentine’s Day, right?
…Ah, right.
“You mean the open day on the weekend? Will the student
council do something for us?”
Tsuwabuki High School Open Day. This is to help the city’s
middle school students with their future studies. The guests
can also learn about club activities. That’s why we’re
considering what the Literature Club should do.
I see. She’s trying to give me a favor for helping her to
study for the test.
“Ha? Open…day?”
Teiara-san looks puzzled. I don’t think I’m correct.
“If that’s not it, then what-”
I swallowed my words.
The corner of the stairs is already gloomy enough. Right
now, it’s further enveloped by darkness.
“Naughty girl, …I’ve found you…”
The girl appearing from the darkness with a frail body is the
student council secretary, Yumeko Shikiya.
Shikiya-san put her chin on Teiara-san’s shoulder and leaned
on her softly.
A lot happened to this girl at the end of the year because of
Tsukinoki-senpai too. She seems to be a bit happier after
that. It’s probably not my imagination.
“Senpai!? Why are you here…?”
Teiara-san anxiously looked behind. Shikiya-san is waving at
me.
“Nukumizu-kun, …it’s been so long…”
“Yeah, it’s been 3 days, right?”
I greeted her back. Teiara-san glared at me displeasedly.
“...Excuse me. Can you not flirt when I’m between you two?”
“We aren’t flirting, though…? Right, Nukumizu-kun…?”
“Yeah, we aren’t.”
We nodded. Teiara-san’s face turned dark.
Shikiya-san seems to have noticed it. She stroked Teiara-
san’s head from behind.
“How about I teach you homework…?”
“Huh? Uh, but that’s-”
Teiara-san jolted. Her body trembled before straightening.
Shikiya-san is gently stroking her back.
Then, Shikiya-san tilted her head in confusion.
“Teiara-chan, …what happened…to your bra…?”
“Fufu…”
Teiara-san raised her head with an arrogant smile.
“Senpai, if you think you can keep doing whatever you want
and untie my bra, you’re dead wrong.”
Teiara-san quickly turned around and puffed up her chest
smugly.
“What a shame. I switched to a front-button bra! Now you
can’t untie it whenever you want!”
Wait, what’s happening? I’m still here.
“I see. …That’s…good, too…”
Shikiya-san slowly reached her hand out.
Then, between the ribbons lining up Teiara-san’s shirt, she
reached her hand into the gap and fiddled with something.
“Senpai, why are you putting your hand in there? Eh-”
“It’s untied, …right?”
Teiara-san hurriedly pressed on her chest.
“Eh, hold on!? It’s really off-”
Teiara-san froze and turned toward me clumsily.
“Ah, well, …Nukumizu-san. Did you see?”
Of course. I nodded.
“So, what kind of play is this?”
“It’s not a play! Stop looking, will you!?”
I’m not going to stop even if you say that, okay?
Shikiya-san waved at Teiara-san and whispered.
“Teiara-chan, …your bra size…isn’t right…”
“What!? I-I’m not putting on airs or anything!”
…Teiara-san, you don’t need to explain in detail.
By the way, I’ll interrupt their flirting session if I stay here
any longer, right?
I slowly distanced myself from the two of them.
“Well, I’ll be leaving. Enjoy, you two.”
“Mm-hmm, …have a safe trip…”
“Wait!? Nukumizu-san! That’s not it! We aren’t like that!”
“It’s fine. I know. You girls aren’t like that, right?”
I hastily left after saying that.
I don’t know what else it could be if it’s not that. However,
any man who dares to step into a yuri relationship deserves
to die, even I know that much.
*
West building. Literature Club room.
I adjusted my breathing before the door. We’re about to
have a brief meeting.
It’s the exam period, but things are serious this time. The
exam is nothing compared to Kaju’s crisis.
“Sorry for the wait.”
I opened the door. There are two girls inside. Anna Yanami
and Chika Komari.
For some reason, they are standing shoulder to shoulder
and looking at the wall. The girls are biting something black
quietly- it’s a whole sushi roll.
…What’s going on here?
After that, Komari coughed as she put the half-finished roll
on the plate.
“I-I can’t eat something t-that big…”
She finished the tea in the cup with teary eyes and glared at
me.
“Y-You’re too late. W-We left some for you.”
Me? I looked in Komari’s direction. There’s a thick stick of
sushi rolling around in a plastic wrap.
“One roll for each person? In that size as well?”
“S-Shut up and eat it a-at once.”
No, … the size of this sushi roll is in the Yanami standard.
However, even Yanami can’t finish this in one bite, right-
“Phew. …Nukumizu-kun is late, so I’ll dig in first.”
“Eh!?”
I turned around and saw Yanami crossing her legs leisurely.
She wiped her lips with a handkerchief.
She finished the entire roll when Komari was messing with
me?
I’m kind of impressed as I sit on the opposite chair. Yanami
points at the wall behind me.
“The eho is behind you, you know? Here. Finish this at
once.”
In other words, …this sushi roll is an ehomaki? [TL: Eho
means the direction of luck. You’re supposed to eat the
entire roll quietly while facing that direction. There are
usually 7 ingredients involved to represent the Seven Lucky
Gods. Do not cut open the ehomaki, as it means cutting
away your luck.]
“But Setsubun was yesterday, right?”
“Yeah, these are leftovers. I brought them here.”
Yanami tore open the plastic wrap of the roll and passed it
to me.
“Alright, no talking. Finish it at once. Quick. I added a bunch
of sakura denbu for Nukumizu-kun, you know?” [TL: It’s a
pink fish powder that tastes sweet.]
Really? But I don’t really like sakura debun…
I hesitated. Komari glared at me furiously.
“E-Eat it like your life depends on it.”
You aren’t eating yours, either.
“Uh, I’ll finish this once I have time. Also, where’s Yakishio?
Is she not here?”
“Remon-chan is still in her tutorial class.”
“Tutorial class? Aren’t we still in the exam period?”
Yanami started devouring Komari’s leftover sushi with a
solemn face. This girl eats a lot, for sure.
“The results of the first day are out. The Tsuwabuki teachers
formed a special group. She won’t make it to the next year if
she doesn’t start studying now.”
… Has Yakishio fallen this far?
“Alright, let’s leave Yakishio to the teachers. There’s a
reason why I called you two here today.”
I imagined the future where Yakishio calls me senpai as I
took out a box from my school bag.
“What’s this, Nukumizu-kun?”
“Shhh. Try one first.”
Yanami cheered upon opening the box.
The flat box has many smaller columns. They are filled with
colorful chocolates.
This is Kaju’s special mixed chocolate set (experiment no.3).
“Eh, what’s this? It’s adorable. Can I have one? I’m very
picky about chocolates, you know?”
I know, but what are you picky about mainly?
“Ah, this one’s bitter, and that one tastes like milk? Uwah,
there’s even a caramel sauce one. Quick, Komari-chan. They
will be gone if you don’t hurry up.”
Komari put the chocolate in her mouth a bit sheepishly.
“T-This is pistachio, right? I-Is this handmade?”
“Yeah, it’s a sample for my little sister’s Valentine’s Day.
Also, this one-”
I took a red heart-shaped chocolate and raised it before
them.
“She said she’s giving this to someone else, not me.”
Yanami and Komari suddenly stopped reaching their hand
out. I looked at the girls calmly.
“She’s not telling me who is she giving it to either. So, as
her older brother, I want to understand the mindset of a
second-year middle school student- when she’s giving her
crush honmei chocolate.”
…No answer.
“Komari-chan, what’s inside of this?”
“I-I don’t know. Almonds, p-probably.”
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. The two girls continued eating the
chocolate.
“Uh, …did you two hear what I just said?”
Yanami and Komari glanced at each other and spoke up
nonchalantly.
“Imouto-chan probably has a crush on someone.”
“Oh, it’s a man.”
…They don’t understand how serious this is.
I cleared my throat and faced them again.
“Fine. I’ll give you two some special hints. My little sister is
meeting with a male friend on the 14th. However, I think
that’s just a feint. Giving him chocolates in such an obvious
situation is like a trap from a novel or movie’s perspective,
right? Isn’t there a possibility of her being tricked by bad
guys or dragged into a game of death? I’m her older
brother, after all. I should intervene properly-”
My earnest request didn’t work at all. The two of them took
out textbooks and notebooks from their school bags.
“Hmm, maybe. Komari-chan, do you need the past exam
questions for tomorrow?”
“Eh? Y-You have something like that.”
The two started studying for their exam.
“...Can’t you two girls think about this properly?”
Yanami sighed impatiently. She spun the red ballpoint pen in
her hand.
“Isn’t the answer obvious? You know it, right? She must feel
nervous when deciding whether they should go out, alright?
Let them deal with it themselves.”
Komari nodded.
“Y-You have to show your tolerance here. T-They will be
more stubborn if the family says no.”
“But, look, she’s making chocolate in front of me, okay?
Perhaps she wants to tell her older brother something. That
might be a possibility.”
“No, Nukumizu-kun doesn’t even know what love is.”
“L-Looks like you don’t understand. Reflect on it.”
Even though you two are single for as long as you have
lived…
Anyway. the two current high school girls share the same
opinion. Let’s look at this objectively. Kaju should have a
crush on someone- perhaps that’s the case. Also, it’s very
possible that person is the Tachibana-kun she’s meeting on
the 14th.
However, on the other hand, objectiveness is just the
greatest common divisor of subjectiveness. Literature Club
members thrive on creativity. Can all of us just accept such
a conclusion uncritically?
After all, just because she’s giving out handmade chocolate
on the 14th doesn’t mean it’s honmei chocolate. Eliminating
such misunderstandings has much to do with the Literature
Club’s future activities, right-
…I thought about many things subconsciously. How long has
it been?
Komari glanced at the clock on the wall. She took her bag
and stood up.
“Komari-chan, are you leaving?”
“I-I was asked to be on duty in the library.”
“Ah, Komari’s on duty today.”
Literature Club has been helping out the library recently.
Even though we can’t borrow books during the exam, the
study room is open.
“Komari-chan, are you sure you want to do that during the
exam? How about letting Nukumizu-kun go in your place?”
Don’t just push me out, girl.
“I-I’m just going to sit at the reception. I-I can still s-study.”
After Komari left, Yanami reached her hand toward the
chocolates as she read the textbook.
“Nukumizu-kun, are you fine with the exam? You’ve been
restless since morning.”
“Kaju’s in danger. Why would I have the mood to prepare for
the exam? I have to show that worthless guy how much I’ve
got.”
My reasoning is sound. However, for some reason, Yanami
shook her head and gave me a wry smile.
“...Well, when will Imouto-chan give him chocolate?”
“Hmm? Valentine’s Day on the 14th, of course.”
“This year’s Valentine’s Day is on Sunday, you know? In
other words, she’s meeting with a boy and giving a boy
chocolate during the weekend. Doesn’t that mean they are
already going out or about to go out?”
Fwap. Yanami flipped open the textbook.
“Hey, but look. I have never seen any signs that Kaju is in
love with someone, you know? We’ve been together in the
house. I’m very sure about that.”
“That means they are getting closer in school. They are
almost at the final stop, right? Don’t interrupt them, okay?”
No way. I shook my head.
“Perhaps she’s also hanging out with other friends on the
14th. Unlike me, Kaju has many friends.”
“Well, you should confirm her plans. Imouto-chan would’ve
told you if it’s not a confession or a date, right?”
I see. That makes sense.
I took out my phone.
“Perhaps she has a schedule on the calendar. Let me see.”
Yanami frowned and raised her head.
“Why does Nukumizu-kun’s phone have Imouto-chan’s
schedule?”
“I don’t know. I share my calendar and drive space with my
little sister.”
Yanami slowly moved her chair away from mine.
“...Nukumizu-kun, this is a bit too much.”
“My little sister set it up herself. She even has a password. I
can’t change it-”
I opened the calendar for February. Valentine’s Day is on the
following weekend.
…There’s nothing. I came back empty-handed.
My fingers stopped just as I was about to turn off the screen.
There’s an unfamiliar plan for this Saturday before me.

<Going to Toyokawa Inari with Tachibana-kun ♡>

…!
I subconsciously flipped my phone and slammed it on the
table.
Alright, let’s calm down and piece everything together first.
…………
…………
…This has to be a date.
Tachibana-kun should be who Kaju was calling on the phone.
He has to be a guy if she calls him -kun. Also, I guess he’s
either in the same year or her kouhai. It’s also possible that
he’s a weirdo who likes to make younger girls call him -kun.
Let’s put that aside for now.
That’s how you spell Tachibana, …I see, …Tachibana-kun, …
a guy…
“Who the hell is Tachibana-kun, anyway!?”
I wrapped my hands around my head as I spiraled into
depression. Yanami knocked the table.
“Nukumizu-kun, can you calm down and study? Don’t worry
about Imouto-chan too much.”
“No, this is a big deal! Kaju has a planned date during the
weekend, you know!?”
I handed her the phone. Yanami squinted her eyes and
looked at the screen.
“A date? It’s a study meeting with her friends, right?”
…? What is she talking about?
I looked at the screen in disbelief. Her initial plan has
disappeared.
Instead, it’s-

<Study meeting with friends>

…Huh? What does this mean?

“Wait, wait, wait, it just said <Going to Toyokawa Inari with
Tachibana-kun> here! There’s even a heart symbol following
that, alright!?”
Did Kaju change the plan to avoid being seen by me? If
that’s the case, that means their relationship must remain
hidden from the family. As her older brother, how can I not-
Yanami suddenly stood next to me and patted my shoulder.
“You must be tired, Nukumizu-kun.”
“It’s true. Kaju’s going on a secret date with Tachibana-kun
during the weekend-”
Yanami shoved a piece of chocolate into my mouth before I
could even finish. The sweet and sour taste of the black
currant radiated through my tongue.
“Let’s calm down, okay? Here. I made some tea for you.”
“Thank you. …Right, perhaps it’s really just a study
meeting.”
Yep, that must be it. I suddenly had this feeling.
“I must have been seeing things just then.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Yanami nodded gently.
“Kaju is just a second-year middle school student. It’s too
early for her to have a boyfriend or a date.”
“Yep, yep. That’s right.”
“Yeah. Also, it’s impossible for Kaju to fall in love with
someone this early on. Our Kaju is a hardworking middle
school student who has nothing to do with love. She focuses
on her student council work. Komari and Yanami-san just
can’t stop thinking about love, right?”
“...Shut up.”
Yanami mumbled deeply.
“Eh? What did you just say?”
“You still don’t get it, Nukumizu-kun. They must be going on
a date. Yep, a date.”
She suddenly turned on me.
“But the calendar says study meeting.”
She slammed herself onto the chair and crossed her legs on
purpose.
“The study meeting is just a feint. Imouto-chan and
Tachibana-kun are going to Toyokawa Inari for a date. They
want to make a final confirmation of their feelings as
Valentine’s Day approaches.”
“...No, I was just hallucinating. There’s no way it’s a date.”
Right now, the only piece of evidence exists in my head.
This is an irrefutable and perfect theory.
“Even if it’s a hallucination, Imouto-chan’s popular. It’s not
strange for her to date someone, right?”
My theory immediately collapsed.
“Perhaps that may happen one day, but it’s impossible for
the date to happen at the exact same time and place as in
my hallucination, right? Also, unlike Yanami-san, Kaju is a
serious girl. She won’t go on a date behind me.”
Dum. Yanami raised her eyebrows.
“Oh-ho, …let’s have a match if you say so.”
A match? I looked at Yanami confusedly. She’s giving me a
provocative glare.
“It’s on Saturday, right? I’ll win if Imouto-chan is on a date.
Nukumizu-kun wins if she’s not. How about that?”
“I don’t mind a bet, but how should we make the
judgment?”
“They are meeting at Toyokawa Inari, right? The exam is
over on that day. We can just go check on them, hmm?”
She’s trying to witness and confirm it.
“...Alright, I accept. But I can guarantee that Kaju won’t be
there. My victory won’t be shaken.”
Yanami raised her lips slightly, facing my provocation.
“Well, how about this? There are a lot of delicacies in
Toyokawa Inari’s temple town. Whoever loses has to treat
everything the other person orders.”
“Well, that’s-”
We’re just eating as we walk even if one of us has to treat
the other. I just need one or two Inari sushi-
“Hold up, isn’t that very unfair to me?”
“Nukumizu-kun doesn’t believe there’s a date, right? I think
they are dating, so the condition is fair and square. I may
even be drawing the short straw since there’s the possibility
of overlooking Imouto-chan.”
“...I see. Yeah, it’s fair and square.”
I agreed. Yanami started humming a song as she studied for
the exam again.
“Did you know there’s a restaurant for creative Inari sushi?
Many types exist, but inari sushi can be finished in a bite.
That’s why I think we can review every single one. Ah, does
Nukumizu-kun want the past exam question for World
History?”
“Uh, if you’ve brought it, let’s take a look.”
I took the printout as suspicion raised in my heart.
…Hold on, something isn’t right. Is this bet really fair and
square?
“Uh, Yanami-san. You know what? Let’s call it off. Stalking
my little sister is a little-”
“Right, Nukumizu-kun. This is yours.”
Yanami interrupted me by handing me a sushi roll.
“But I don’t have the appetite…”
“I sure hope the weekend is sunny.”
After seeing her smile, I could only eat the sushi roll silently
while facing the wall.
*
The long final exam is finally over. It’s the morning of
Saturday.
Kaju took a swing before the mirror at the entrance. She
patted the collar on her coat to fix it.
Kaju’s wearing a light-brown coat with fluffy white edges
and short boots. There’s even a flower ornament on her
head.
A study meeting with friends- she seems to be spending too
much effort on her outfit for that.
She noticed me staring at her. Kaju smiled at me.
“Onii-sama, the lunch is in the fridge. Please reheat and eat
it.”
“Yeah, got it. Be careful when on the train.”
I paused for a moment. Then, I realize she’s waiting to be
patted. I started rubbing Kaju’s head.
“Ehehe, well then, I’m off. See you later.”
I checked my watch after confirming Kaju had waved and
left.
It’s precisely 10 AM. I took out my phone and made a call.
…It rang twice. The person on the other side of the phone
picked it up, as if she was waiting for me.
“What’s the situation, Nukumizu-kun?”
Yanami’s voice came through. She’s more serious than
usual. I can’t help but get nervous too.
“Yep, Kaju followed the plan and went out. She’s dressing
beautifully, but she’s acting as usual. Perhaps she’s really
just going to a study meeting instead of a date, right?”
“What does Imouto-chan’s bag look like?”
Yanami asked.
“She has a small handbag.”
“That’s not for a study meeting, right? Where are her
stationery and books?”
…I can’t believe Yanami is so sharp. I was trying my best to
escape from reality.
“Maybe, but it’s also possible she’s just hanging out with her
friends.”
Yanami ignored my powerless struggle.
“Perhaps, but our goal is to confirm that, right? Get
prepared.”
“Do we have to go together? Why can’t I just go alone?”
“What are you going to say if you bump into Imouto-chan?”
“Uh…”
I was speechless. Yanami launched another attack with her
cheerful voice.

“Alright, Nukumizu-kun. Let’s have a match, shall we?”

*
I looked at my watch. It’s just past 11 PM.
I was the first one to exit Toyokawa Station. My body is
shivering from the chilly breeze.
The west wind of East Mikawa is strong and dry during the
winter.
“...If only I have a scarf.”
I couldn’t help but mumble. I got the scarf from Teiara-san
on Christmas.
The reason I don’t have it is that I’m a little embarrassed-
“So cold! Nukumizu-kun, why are you going first?”
Yanami held the front of her coat tightly as she walked down
the station stairs. The girl came next to me and hit me with
her elbow lightly.
“It’s because you were looking at the map before the gate. I
don’t think it’s good to disturb you.”
“Aren’t we going together? We’re supposed to look at the
map together, right? Aren’t you cold?”
Yanami smacked my back.
Ah, sheesh, I should’ve come alone…
“Sorry. I’m about to freeze. Let’s go. Look, we’re going
there.”
I ended the conversation half-heartedly and pointed at the
other side of the bronze fox statues. There’s a torii saying
“Toyokawa Inari Monzencho” there. It’s the entrance to the
shopping street.
Yanami pointed at me when I was about to pass through the
torii. She spoke up seriously.
“Nukumizu-kun, are you ready? The match has already
begun, you know?”
“Yeah, Yanami-san wins if Kaju’s on a date. I win if she’s
not.”
We entered the street again. There are many visitors since
it’s the weekend.
My eyes subconsciously chased after the couples. I snapped
out of it and smiled bitterly.
…I must be overthinking. Why would a brocon like Kaju go
on a date with boys?
Sorry, Yanami. The victory of this match is mine already.
I mumbled and comforted myself as we walked. Yanami
suddenly talked to me.
“Hey, hey, Nukumizu-kun. Why are there so many masks in
that bookstore?”
I was about to turn around and check it out. Yanami
suddenly pulled my arm again. What now?
“Forget about that. Look, do you see how cute this
pharmacy’s billboard is!? Take a photo for me!”
Why is this girl so excited today? Honestly, I’m a bit
annoyed…
Yanami made a pose. I could only take it for her.
“Is it good?”
Yes, the billboard is clear in view. It covers half of Yanami.
“It’s great. I’ll send it to you later. Let’s go.”
The crowd is getting intense as we approach the end of the
street. There’s no way for us to see Kaju even if she’s here.
I take it back. Even though I think it’s impossible, it’s still a
little nerve-wracking…
“Hey, Yanami-san. If we go a bit further-”
I turned around. Yanami isn’t here. Eh, where did she go?
I started looking everywhere. Then, Yanami dashed toward
me with senbei in both hands. [TL: Rice crackers.]
“Here. This is Nukumizu-kun’s. It’s fresh out of the grill, you
know?”
I took it subconsciously, but this is a big senbei. It’s almost
as big as Kaju’s face.
“Why did you get mine as well?”
“Didn’t we agree we would eat as we walk today? Finish it
up. We can’t check out the next store otherwise.”
I see. If possible, I want you to ask me about my portion
beforehand.
Yanami ground through the senbei. She’s about to finish it.
“Come to think of it, why didn’t you invite Komari and
Yakishio here today?”
“What? You don’t like hanging out with me alone?”
Yanami finished the senbei and glared at me with sharp
eyes. This girl is sensitive.
“The exam ended yesterday. I was thinking of bringing
everyone here as a celebration.”
“The four of us stand out a lot, right? Won’t Imouto-chan run
away if she sees us?”
Yanami curled the tip of her hair with her finger and
continued embarrassedly.
“Also, I was really looking forward to coming here today,
alright?”
“Eh, that’s-”
Yanami is actually looking forward to hanging out with me?
…What does this mean?
I’m surprised. Yanami nodded gently.
“Mm-hmm, actually- there’s a branch of Toyokawa-Inari in
Akasaka, Tokyo. It’s a great spot for ‘cutting ties’, you
know?”
Did I just hear something ominous?
“Wait, what are you talking about? Cutting ties?”
“So, it’s about blessings. This place is like the headquarters.
I feel like the effect will be very strong too, okay?”
Is there such a mechanism for temples too?
“Uh, I’ll ask this just in case. Do you have a relationship that
you want to cut off?” It’s okay if you don’t want to answer,
by the way.”
“...Who knows?”
Yanami smiled and walked toward the creative inari sushi
shop. She’s scary.
Feeling scared, I decided to watch the visitors passing the
street.
There are not just elderly people and families with children.
Young couples can be seen as well.
…Kaju was in a really good mood this morning. She even
asked Mom to paint her nails.
Even though she didn’t put on makeup, she spent much
time dressing up. Even I can tell that-
“Huh? Yanami-san?”
She disappeared when I wasn’t paying attention. Where did
she go?
It can’t be helped. I’ll wait for her as I eat this senbei.
This is my first time eating a freshly-grilled senbei. It’s hot,
and the scent is coursing through my nose. It’s better than
expected.
…But this is really huge.
Yanami swallowed it like paper, but this was tough for me.
Yanami returned with her hands full of stuff when I finally
finished it.
She’s even holding a skewered fish cake in her mouth, just
like a stray dog from an old anime.
I have no idea what she’s talking about. However, she keeps
moving her chin forward. I guess she wants me to take away
the skewer in her mouth.
I reluctantly did what she ordered. Yanami sighed in relief.
“Phew, that was rough. I bought one for Nukumizu-kun
because you were dazing out.”
I didn’t ask you to do that.
“You bought a lot. Are you eating them right now? All of
them?”
“Yeah, didn’t I say I would eat as I walk?”
Where is she even walking to?
“There are a lot. Warabimochi, grilled inari sushi, inari
meatballs, and- this one’s a kitsune burger.” [TL:
Warabimochi is like regular mochi but made with starch
instead of rice.]
“Kitsune burger?”
I took a look. It’s a burger with a regular patty, but the buns
are made of fried tofu.
Sandwiching fried food with fried food, it’s like an item
specifically designed for Yanami, just like the meat-wrapped
riceball…
“We have this too. There is 10 creative inari sushi inside. I
want to share half of it with you.”
Uh, it’s this one, right? I took a box from the mountain of
food.
“There is only 5 inside.”
“Yeah, they are tasty.”
She split them in half already.
“Here, Nukumizu-kun. No need to be polite. You can eat the
fish cake too.”
Eh, you want me to eat that? The one you just took a bite
out of?
“No, thank you. Here. Please have it, Yanami-san.”
I handed the skewered fish cake to Yanami’s lips.
“Ah, bite it horizontally, okay? Just a bit higher. Alright,
stop.”
Yanami’s biting the fish cake like she’s eating corn.
I think the chicken in my elementary school used to eat like
that. It’s a bit funny…
However, people will probably think she’s insane for doing
that on the street. I feel like everyone is looking at us.
“Yanami-san, we should hurry to the temple now that you’re
done eating.”
“Well, let’s finish this up. Here. Do your best too, Nukumizu-
kun.”
There are still bits of fish cake on Yanami’s lips. Her smile is
pretty charming.
…Ah, I have to eat too?
*
We’re on the stone path toward the main temple.
Yanami raised her head and admired the giant stone torii as
we went under it.
“Hooo, it’s huge. No wonder this is one of the best shrine in
Mikawa.”
“Yanami-san, Toyokawa Inari is a temple.” [TL: It’s both a
shrine and a temple.]
“...Seriously?”
“Yes.”
She didn’t know that? Even though she knows a lot about
cutting ties?
“Well, can I not offer any money then?”
“No, you have to.”
How is that her first idea?
Our boring conversation continued as we put some money
in the main temple’s offering box. We clapped our hands
and prayed.

-May my family be safe.

This is always my wish ever since I can remember.

I subconsciously glanced next to me. Yanami is mumbling
something with her eyes closed.
She’s serious about it. I wonder what her wish is, …but I
don’t really want to know either…
Yanami finally finished her curse- no, I mean, wish. She
opened her eyes in satisfaction.
“What is your wish, Yanami-san? Of course, you don’t have
to answer depending on the situation.”
“...Who knows?”
She tilted her head and turned around. …Fine, this topic
ends here.
My eyes squinted as I looked at the spacious precinct from
the main temple’s stairs. I can’t see anyone resembling
Kaju.
“What’s wrong, Nukumizu-kun? You’re suddenly being
suspicious.”
“Our initial goal is to confirm whether Kaju’s going on a date
here. Now’s not the time to chat, right?”
Yanami looked at me. She seems interested.
“Oh? Didn’t you say it’s impossible for Imouto-chan to go on
a date? Are you starting to worry?”
“What if she is? I have to see her in the act, okay? Kaju’s too
young for a date.”
Yanami shrugged helplessly.
“Did you know? A date isn’t something you should be so
anxious about. Nukumizu-kun, I don’t think you understand
at all.”
Guys, this is from someone who has never had a boyfriend.
“Well, what is a date then?”
“It’s simple. A boy and a girl spend the same time together
watching the same stuff. They confirm each other’s
thoughts and feelings. That’s a date.”
Yanami walked down the stairs with light steps. I followed
her.
“Will they know from just going out together…?”
“They do, Nukumizu-kun. They can feel whether the other
person is right just from their walking pace and rhythm
alone.”
Yanami suddenly stopped at the stairs. I hastily avoided her
back.
“Uh, so it’s like guys are supposed to walk on the side closer
to the road?”
“That’s a bit different, right? Well, it’s important to be
considerate to each other at all times, hmm?”
For some reason, Yanami is looking at me with a reproachful
gaze.
“Ah, but girls like Kawasaki-chan like the overbearing type.
They don’t want people who walk in sync with them. So, I
guess everyone’s different.”
Who’s Kawasaki-chan? I don’t know her. Is she into arrogant
people…?
I thought about the unfamiliar Kawasaki-chan as I walked.
Yanami suddenly pulled my hand forcefully.
“Look, it’s the Reikozuka! Let’s check it out!”
The Reikozuka- I think it’s a mound dedicated to many fox
statues.
“Alright, but don’t pull me that hard, girl.”
Yanami urged me. We followed the small path toward the
mound.
I don’t know whether it’s a coincidence, but no visitors are
around.
There are countless flags raised along the path. It feels like
I’m being brought to another world.
…Suddenly, I glanced at Yanami’s side profile as we walked
together.
Anna Yanami. I always forget since she’s always like this, but
she’s a cute and popular girl.
I know she joined the Literature Club to escape reality after
being rejected by her childhood friend Sosuke Hakamada.
However, she has been hanging out with Hakamada and
Himemiya-san lately. The Literature Club’s role as a refuge
has been fulfilled already.
Then why is Yanami still staying in such an insignificant club
and even willing to sacrifice her precious holiday for Kaju-
“Hmm, what’s wrong, Nukumizu-kun?”
“Heh?”
She called me. I finally realized I had been staring at
Yanami.
Yanami got closer to me too.
“I know you’re bewitched by me, but you’re staring at me
too much, right?”
“Ha? No, I was just looking at your side profile a little-”
Huh, what did I just say?
A mischievous smile appeared on Yanami’s face.
“...Oh, you were looking at my side profile?”
“Eh, no, that was just-”
“Is this angle alright? How about I tie up my hair? What do
you think?”
Yanami showed me her side profile with the opportunity.
Damn it, that was the biggest blunder in my high school life.
It’s really not what you guys think, okay? I just took a peek.
It’s like watching cat videos. I’m not attracted to Yanami.
Moreover, I’m more of a dog person- ahh, come on, Yanami,
stop hitting my shoulder.
I ran away from her to the end of the path.
*
The Reikozuka. This shrine is deep inside the encirclement
of over a thousand fox statues. These stone statues were
dedicated by people who had their wishes granted.
This is a breathtaking view. Yanami and I dropped our jaws
as we stood next to each other.
“Uwah, there are so many. Let’s split up and count them.
You start from the left, Nukumizu-kun.”
“Eh, we don’t need to count them, right?”
“Ah! That fox looks a lot like Nukumizu-kun, right? Look, the
25th one from there.”
“I won’t count them even if you say that.”
Sheesh, how naive of you to think your words will have an
effect on me. You’re wrong. All of them are fox statues. It’s
hard to even think about which one to start counting from.
That fox over there, does it look like me? The one next to it
looks so slim and cool as well.
I asked Yanami quietly.
“...So, which one do we start counting for the 25th one?”
*
I collapsed onto the bench in the manju shop after returning
to the shopping street.
I had to stop Yanami from naming the fox statues and keep
an eye on her as she fed the koi. It was exhausting.
“Nukumizu-kun, I won’t eat koi feed no matter what, okay?”
Yanami handed me a package saying “Pearl Manju” before
sitting beside me.
This girl bought me another thing without asking me again…
“Then why did you look up ‘koi feed’ and ‘is it fine to eat
them’ on your phone?”
“It looks pretty tasty when the koi are eating them. That’s
why I wonder how they taste. Nukumizu-kun is curious too,
right?”
I’m not. Don’t ask for my opinion either.
“Also, are you still going to eat, Yanami-san? Didn’t you
already eat a lot before we visited the temple?”
“We were walking and eating. Now we’re sitting. It’s
different.”
Well, indeed, a manju is nothing to Yanami. She was
showcasing what “walking and eating” actually meant just
then. Even the foreign visitors wanted to give her a round of
applause.
I looked outside dazedly. The store entrance is right by the
street. Many visitors are coming and going.
I searched for Kaju in the crowd before gradually giving it.
My eyes are just following people’s direction.
…What was I even thinking?
I went all this way just because of such an uncertain piece
of news. There’s no way to find Kaju this way, even if she’s
here.
“...Yeah, Kaju isn’t here.”
I spoke up calmly.
“Yeah, Imouto-chan isn’t here.”
Yanami said it, too, as if it was to confirm my words.
Finally noticing her tone, I realized Yanami came here just
for my sake today.
It’s not easy to accept something and let it slowly sink into
your heart.
Not only does your mind have to understand it, but your
heart also needs time to digest it slowly. It takes time.
So, Yanami isn’t just worried about me. She went out of her
way to come here to accompany me as my senpai, right?
Yanami swallowed the manju and spoke up calmly.
“It takes a long time to get used to the feeling that you’re
no longer the most important person in that someone’s
heart.”
Yanami’s smile has a tinge of confusion and loneliness.
“Is this life…?”
“Yep, the most important person in that someone’s heart
has changed, but the most important person to you can’t
change right away.”
I’m being a bit narcissistic, but I always think I’m the person
who matters the most to Kaju.
One day, Kaju will have another most important person to
her.

I thought I would understand, but I wasn’t prepared to

accept that day is right now.
The same goes for Yanami. She must have felt the same
way after Hakamada and Himemiya-san started going out-
No, hold on. Come to think of it, was Yanami really his most
important person…? Maybe not, …but I guess the result is
the same, right…?
Just as I’m thinking about these things-
“-Hey, you’re not eating that?”
Yanami looked at my manju. She returned to her usual
cheerful tone and asked me.
“I just ate senbei. I don’t have the appetite.”
Yanami looked at me in disbelief.
“The senbei is pretty thin. It doesn’t count as food, right?
Seaweed has low calories as well. From my perspective, it’s
pretty much zero.”
Is this Yanami Theory really correct? I think something’s
wrong.
I handed the manju to Yanami silently. She smiled and took
it.
“You’re too slim, Nukumizu-kun. You should eat more.
Speaking of which, what is your weight?
Weight? I don’t think I’ve paid attention to it.
“I think…it was 52 kg the last time I measured it.”
“Eh.”
Yanami dropped an “eh”.
She stopped unwrapping the package and sat there silently.
What? Did I say something weird…?”
“What’s wrong, Yanami-san? Is there any issue with my
weight-”
“It’s nothing! Show me the photo you just took! Now!”
Ehh, …why is she suddenly angry?
The photo I just took, she meant the one with the pharmacy
billboard sign, right?
I took out my phone and opened the album. No photos were
taken after that, so I just needed to send her the latest
picture-
“...Huh?”
For some reason, there’s an unfamiliar photo in the album.
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Nukumizu-kun?”
Yanami got close and looked at my phone. She tilted her
head unbelievably.
“...Nukumizu-kun, when did you take this photo?”
I don’t blame Yanami’s disbelief.
There’s a photo of Yanami and me walking on the street with
senbei in our hands. Some other ones show we’re eating
burgers, me feeding the fish cake to Yanami- and even one
for her feeding the koi.
“I’m in the photo. I didn’t take it.”
“Then why are these photos in Nukumizu-kun’s photo?”
I know who it is- or I should say, only one person could’ve
pulled this off.
A person shares the apps and folders on my phone while
knowing I’m coming here.
Another photo is uploaded when we’re looking at the
screen.
“Huh!?”
I hastily stood up. The photo shows a boy and a girl sitting
on a bench inside a store.
-It was Yanami and me a moment ago.
*
It’s the evening. I sank my shoulders into the bathtub in my
house and sighed.
“Today is exhausting…”
I watched the water drops dripping from the ceiling as I
remembered what had happened during the day.
-Yanami and I immediately ran out of the store after
receiving the sneak shots, but Kaju was nowhere to be
found.
Kaju must have been there. In other words, the <Going to
Toyokawa Inari with Tachibana-kun ♡> on the calendar isn’t
my hallucination.
“Well, I guess it’s a draw, right?”
Ultimately, I didn’t even know whether that counted as a
date.
We’re covering each of our expenses if it’s a draw. I guess it
makes sense-
…………
…Hmm? Does it? I did what Yanami said, but don’t tell me
she tricked me…?
I’m starting to suspect things. Then, a black shadow
suddenly appeared on the glass of the door.
“-Kaju?”
I subconsciously stood up from the tub.
“Onii-sama, how’s the temperature?”
Kaju’s familiar and bright voice resonated.
I sank my body into the tub again.
“Ahh, it’s just right. Uh, what’s wrong?”
“The shampoo ran out, so I took a new bottle. Excuse me.”
Creak…
The door squeaked and opened slowly.
Kaju reached her petite hand inside and put the shampoo
bottle on the bathroom floor.
Her hand quickly retracted, but the door remained slightly
open.
“Thank you, Kaju. I’m finishing up. You can go back now.”
No answer.
Kaju is standing still on the other side of the frosted glass.
The silence is unbearable. I was about to speak up, but Kaju
asked me in her usual tone.
“Where did you go during the day?”
Eh? Why did she ask that? Isn’t Kaju the one who took the
photos?
No matter what, there’s no way Kaju isn’t involved, right…?
I hesitated before speaking up.
“Uh, I went out with my friend. Why did you ask?”
“It’s because the lunch in the fridge is untouched. I thought
something happened to you.”
…I completely forgot about that.
For some reason, Yanami kept shoving me all kinds of food
on our way home. That’s why I’m not hungry at all…
“I just ate outside. What about you, Kaju? Where did you
go?”
I asked casually. After a moment of silence, Kaju answered
with the same casual tone.

“-I studied with my friends.”

I’m the one who falls silent this time.

Shake. Kaju’s long hair swayed on the other side of the
frosted glass.
“Dinner is onii-sama’s favorite inari sushi. You look
exhausted, so I made them sweeter.”
Creak…
The door squeaked before closing.
“Take your time, onii-sama.”
Intermission: Everyone in the Student Council

After school, student council room.

Vice president Teiara Basori slammed open the door.
“Listen to me, Prez!”
Teiara dashed straight toward Prez’s seat and slammed her
hands on the table.
The student council president of Tsuwabuki High School,
Hibari Hokobaru, raised her head from the table. She tilted
her neck in a calm demeanor.
“What’s wrong? You look so freaked out.”
Teiara approached Prez. Her face is as red as a tomato.
“Shikiya-senpai untied my bra again! In front of a guy as
well!”
Hokobaru gave a wry smile as she closed the reference
book.
This is her third time hearing such a complaint this year.
A shadow suddenly appeared behind Teiara just as she was
about to say something.
It’s the secretary of the student council, Yumeko Shikiya.
She wrapped her arms around Teiara and leaned on her
softly.
“Bad sizes, …not good…”
“T-The size is fine! It will be sit soon!”
“But the…shape…will change, …right?”
“It won’t! Even though I don’t know what you’re talking
about!”
Hokobaru watched the two girls’ interaction. She waved her
hand without attempting to hide her smile.
“You haven’t changed, Shikiya. But it’s bad to do this in
front of people, you know?”
“Yes, …next time, …I’ll find a empty place…to do it…”
“Good to know.”
The two senpais nodded. Teiara couldn’t help but yell.
“What’s good!? She isn’t supposed to take it off in the first
place! Say something too, Prez!”
“But there’s no point in me talking, right?”
Hokobaru smiled bitterly and frowned.
“...What? What’s wrong with pointing out a problem?”
“No need to hide. Basori-kun and Shikiya are like that,
right?”
“We’re not, okay!?”
“There are many types of love. I’ll do my best to clear my
biases. Feel free to talk to me if you two have any-”
“I said we’re not like that, okay!?”
Teiara denied it vehemently. Shikiya slowly shook her head.
“You found out. …It can’t be helped…”
“No one found out! No, we aren’t like that in the first place. I
should say it’s the opposite- a-ahh! What on Earth is
happening!?”
Teiara is going haywire. Then, she heard a gentle voice.
“Alright, I prepared tea for everyone. Let’s take a break.”
The person watching the three girls having fun is the last
student council member, the first-year treasurer, Hiroto
Sakurai.
He’s the only male member as well. There’s a teapot in his
hand.
Sakurai-kun put the cup on Shikiya’s seat and poured the
steaming black tea inside.
“Peach tea, …I like…”
Shikiya’s attracted by the tea. She approached her seat
dazedly.
“Take a break too, Basori-chan. Here, sit down and have
some tea.”
“Sure, I’m exhausted…”
Teiara put her hand on her forehead and slumped onto the
chair.
After checking it, Sakurai-kun distributed small plates to
everyone.
“There are chocolates as snacks as well. Feel free to try
them. It’s handmade, you know?”
“Oh? Handmade. Who gave them to you?”
Hokobaru looked at the chocolates curiously.
Sakurai-kun poured tea into Prez’s club as he answered with
a warm smile.
“You girls know about Nukumizu-kun from the Literature
Club, right? He gave me these.”
“Ha!?”
Clang. Teiara dropped the cup on the floor.
“Basori-chan, are you okay?”
Sakurai-kun quickly ran toward her.
Teiara immediately stood up and ignored the handkerchief
he handed over. She grabbed Sakurai-kun’s wrist tightly.
“Sakurai-kun!? You received the chocolate from Nukumizu-
san!?”
“Y-Yeah. I gave him info on last year’s open day. He gave me
these as thanks.”
“That person…is not satisfied with Prez. He now wants to
drag Sakurai-kun down too…?”
Teiara held Sakurai-kun’s arm tightly as she mumbled.
“...What was that?”
“Sakurai-kun! Please tell me more about when you received
the chocolate-”
Teiara suddenly covered her nose with her hands.
“Huh? What’s wrong, Basori-chan?”
Teiara-san raised her head and looked at the ceiling. She
slowly shook her head.
“Nothing. Well, I’m just too excited. …Nosebleed.”
“...Why?”
Sakurai-kun is confused. Shikiya appeared out of nowhere
and put her hand on Teiara’s shoulder.
“No, …you have to take a break…at a quiet place…”
“Ah, sure. Sorry, let’s take a break on the sofa in the corner-
hold on, why are you bringing me out of the room? Shikiya-
senpai? Where are we going!?”
“It’s okay. …I won’t do anything, …really…”
“Why are you bringing me out if you’re not going to do
anything-”
Bam. The student council room door closed.
Sakurai-kun watched their departure before sighing deeply.
“It can’t be helped. Hiba-nee, let’s have a cup first.”
He turned around. Hokobaru is standing there awkwardly
with the cup handle in her hand.
Again, only the cup handle is in her hand. The shattered pot
and tea are all over the floor.
“The handle broke when I was about to pour tea for Hiroto. I
didn’t do anything.”
“Are you okay? It’s fine. I’ll take care of it. Have a seat.”
Sakurai-kun pressed his stomach lightly as he squatted
down and picked up the teapot pieces.
Tsuwabuki High School Student Council. Even though it’s an
elite group, not everyone knows the fourth person who is
truly carrying it yet.
Chapter 2: Reversing at Full Throttle

It’s the next week. The first lesson is PE on Monday. It’s a

long run as well.
The cold air in the morning stabs through my thirsty throat
when running at the outskirts of the school.
I’m already exhausted. I slowed my pace down.
Running for 3 laps is too difficult. I’m not good at this. Can I
just fall behind for a lap and laze around…?
Phew. A summer scent came through just as I was slowly
running at the back of the group. This is impossible on a
winter road.
A wheat-colored body appeared next to me during my
confusion.
“Nukkun, are you already tired?”
-Remon Yakishio.
She’s a weirdo who got really excited when hearing about
the long run and got into her gym clothes this morning.
Amanatsu-sensei scolded her in the end, and then her
friends started making fun of her when she returned to the
classroom to change into her uniform.
“Look, this is just the first lesson. You need to conserve your
energy. Won’t you feel exhausted from running for long
distances in the morning?”
“Eh, running in the morning is the best. Look, you should
run faster!”
Yakishio went behind me and shoved my back with force.
Please stop.
“Girls are supposed to run in the playground. Why are you
coming to the guys’ route?”
“I was at the finish line already, but it wasn’t enough. I
convinced the teacher to let me run in the guys’ route.”
Energetic, as usual.
I’m dumbfounded and impressed at the same time. Then,
Yakishio let go of her hand and approached me.
“I heard it from Yana-chan. Your little sister has a
boyfriend?”
…What a loudmouth, Yanami.
“No, I’m just suspecting it. I think he doesn’t exist when not
observed. In other words, it carries the same meaning as my
little sister not having a boyfriend-”
Nope, I can’t talk while running…
At this point, I’m already running out of breath. Yakishio
went in front of me and got close to my face.
“Nukkun, I don’t understand at all. In other words, you mean
your little sister will have a boyfriend if you observe?”
“I suppose…that’s the part…whether you can tell she has a
boyfriend…or not.”
I barely managed to answer.
Yakishio spoke up calmly.
“Then why don’t we just observe her?”
Eh? What does that mean?
My brain is scrambling for an answer despite the lack of
oxygen. Yakishio continued.
“As part of my make-up exam, I have to write a report for
<Activity for Social Contribution>.”
“Is there…something like that…in the exam?”
“I won’t make it through the normal make-up exam. That’s
why I can only use the secret technique. Amanatsu-chan
told me it’s dangerous and don’t tell the others. That’s why
it’s a secret, okay?”
Uh, I don’t think you should tell me either…
“Does that…have anything to do with me?”
“It’s about the observation. The Track and Field Club in
Momozono allowed me to watch their practice. I can use
that in my report.”
Municipal Momozono Middle School. Yakishio and I studied
there. Kaju’s in there too.
“In other words, …I’ll also-”
“Right. We can just follow her to get the intelligence of her
boyfriend. Is your little sister in any clubs?”
“Student…council…”
Shit, I’m at my limit. I can’t talk while running.
My steps are gradually getting wobbly…
“Oh, I didn’t know your little sister is in the student council.
Well, I’ll give a heads-up to the teachers in Momozono!”
Yakishio patted my back and picked up the pace.
Her figure quickly disappeared into the distance. I finally
gave up and decided to walk.
*
That night, I’m stirring something in the pot in my house’s
kitchen.
I’m in charge of dinner since my parents and Kaju will be
home late.
I turned off the stove and put in blocks of curry.
The door to the living room opened as I watched the slowly
dissolving curry blocks.
“Onii-sama, I’m back.”
Kaju walked into the room with blushing cheeks due to the
cold.
“Welcome back. You’re pretty late.”
“Yeah, there was a lot of work in student council. We had to
bid farewell to the graduates today.”
Kaju dashed toward me and hugged me from behind.
“No, don’t do that when I’m cooking.”
“Nope. Kaju’s onii-sama battery is at 0%.”
With that, she put her face closely onto my back.
…My my, this side of her never changes.
However, such a clingy Kaju is starting to keep secrets from
me.
I know this day will eventually arrive-
“Alright, charging complete. I’m all worked up now. Onii-
sama, are we having curry tonight?”
Kaju said that as she left me and opened the fridge.
“Well, Kaju shall make salad then. Should I put in some bean
sprouts?”
Kaju is just as cheerful as always.
I casually asked her as I stirred the curry on low heat.
“Ah, right, Kaju used to be in charge of general affairs in the
student council, right?”
“I started to be the vice president last month. The new term
starts at the new year in Momozono, remember?”
…Is that so? I recalled some vague memories, yet Kaju
showed a displeased look.
“Onii-sama, you only graduated from Momozono last year.
Did you already forget the sweet school life with Kaju?”
Sweet what? All I remember is trying to escape from Kaju’s
clinginess.
“No, I was in the Going Home Club. I had nothing to do with
the student council. If Kaju’s the vice president, what does
the president look like?”
“He’s Kawai-kun from the same class. Onii-sama, why did
you ask that?”
“Ah, it’s nothing. I’m just a bit curious.”
…Hmm, is the president not Tachibana-kun? But there are
other members in the student council. Tachibana-kun can be
one of them. However, it’s also possible for him to be her
classmate-
“Onii-sama, it’s better for you to turn down the heat, you
know?”
I can’t believe I forgot about that. I turned down the heat.
Kaju washed the cabbage as she hummed a song. I glanced
at her.
“Well, will you be home late because of work in the student
council?”
“This will probably keep up for the week. I’ll be home at
around this time.”
“Hmm, I see.”
I slowly stirred the curry at the bottom of the pot.
-Yakishio and I are going to Momozono Middle School
tomorrow after school.
Kaju came back just before 7 PM today.
If the same goes for tomorrow, I can fully observe how
Kaju’s doing in school.
“...Onii-sama, are you lonely because Kaju is home late?”
“Ha?”
Kaju chuckled and rubbed her head on my arm.
“It’s troublesome when you’re doted on too much. Kaju feels
lonely when I can’t see onii-sama, too, you know?”
“Alright, don’t move around when I’m cooking.”
…Well, it’s not like I need to deny that.
I added some haccho miso as seasoning before closing the
lid.
I must be careful with tomorrow’s “observation”- I need to
act as a kind and gentle big brother as usual.
*
Next day, after school. I went to my old school- Momozono
Middle School’s playground.
No time for nostalgia. Yakishio’s energetic voice resonated
everywhere.
“How’s everyone doing!?”
“Great!”
Yakishio raised her fist. The group of girls followed her soon.
-Momozono Middle School Girls’ Track and Field Club. These
ladies are as hyped up as Yakishio.
There are students in uniforms too. They must be retired
third-year students.
Yakishio certainly knows a lot of people. …The kouhai girls
feel like a pain, though…
“Indeed, it has to do with her conduct. A more subtle way to
put it is that Yakishio-san is an angel.”
The person repeatedly nodding with her bright forehead is
Chihaya Asagumo.
She’s an elite girl who’s going out with Yakishio’s crush.
However, at this point, you can say she’s Yakishio’s best
friend.
…But what are you doing here? You didn’t graduate from
Momozono, right?”
“Uh, …Asagumo-san. It’s a little hard to say this, but why
are you here-”
At this point, I noticed several dozens of eyes focusing on
me. The Track and Field girls are staring at me.
“Eh, …what…?”
I backed down out of fear. A high-pitched voice blew through
my ears.
“Senpai, who is that boy?” “Is he your boyfriend?” “So
unfair!” “So slim!”

Uwah, are middle school students this loud? I looked at

Yakishio for help. However, she chuckled- and suddenly
hugged my arm.
“Hey!?”
I wanted to run away, but Yakishio’s grip remained firm.
“Hmm, what do you girls think? Yes, please tell me your
honest opinions!”
An excited cheer exploded among the crowd.

“Boyfriend! Boyfriend!” “You’re here to show off, right!” “So

envious!” “So unfair!”

Ehh, …what’s with this situation? I’m dumbfounded. Yet,

Yakishio blinked at me and let go of my arm.
“What a shame. He’s not my boyfriend! The correct answer
is Nukkun!”
What was that? Even a middle school student won’t believe
that answer, right?

“Nukkun, hello!” “Nukkun, do you have a girlfriend?” “Teach

me!” “Nukkun’s so slim!”

The girls waved as they approached me.

It worked. These girls are indeed Yakishio’s kouhai.
I suppressed my emotions. Yakishio took a step forward.
“Well, let’s start running! Is everyone ready?”
“Ready!”
My my, they are finally starting the practice.
The plan is to slip away during practice.
I was about to sneak away. Yakishio then threw her uniform
jacket onto me.
“...Eh? Hey, Yakishio!”
I had to call her. Yakishio unbuttoned her shirt in the middle
of the playground.
She ignored my attempt to stop her and quickly removed
her shirt after getting rid of the tie.
She’s- wearing Tsuwabuki Track and Field Club’s uniform
below.
“Look. I’m wearing it inside.”
Yakishio laughed as she pulled open the zipper on her skirt.
Just because you’re wearing it doesn’t mean it’s okay.
I was going to stop her, but Asagumo-san patted my
shoulder.
“Right, Asagumo-san, tell her-”
“Alright, please take this as well.”
After that, she handed me Yakishio’s shirt and tie.
“Ah, this…”
“Well, Remon-san. I’ll fold the uniform and put it over there.”
Asagumo-san picked up Yakishio’s skirt and walked toward
the corner of the playground.
“Thank you, Chiha-chan! Alright, do your best, everyone!”
“Yes!”
I stood there with Yakishio’s clothes in my hands. Asagumo-
san waved at me.
Asagumo-san showed a mischievous smile after I dashed to
her.
“Nukumizu-san. Let’s leave after folding the clothes, okay?
It’s fine. Everyone totally forgot about us.”
Ah, I see. Now’s the opportunity for us to slip away.
Did Yakishio take off her clothes before everyone for this-
no, she’s just a klutz, right?
I subconsciously looked to the side. Asagumo-san’s smiling
with Yakishio’s dress in her hands.
“...Asagumo-san, you seem overjoyed.”
“Mitsuki-san used to study in this school, right? Honestly,
I’m looking forward to it. I have to find all of Mitsuki-san’s
traces.”
Asagumo-san picked up the pace in excitement. I followed
her.
Well, having someone instead of investigating in the school
alone is less worrying.
However, even so-

…Why is she here?

*
I peeked at the corridor from the boys’ toilet on the second
floor.
A sigh of relief followed after confirming no one was around.
I stepped out.
After a moment of hesitation, I unhooked the collar button
and took a deep breath.
Indeed, I’m not wearing Tsuwabuki’s uniform.
Instead, it’s the male uniform of Municipal Momozono
Middle School.
“The sleeves are a bit too short, right…?”
To hide a tree, go into the forest. I’m investigating in secret
with my middle school uniform.
While Yakishio’s idea makes me nervous, this isn’t a bad
plan since I don’t like standing out.
…By the way, is she still not done?
I turned to the girls’ toilet entrance.
Then, a girl appeared from there.
This girl is wearing a one-piece uniform. She twirled once
around me.
“How do I look? It’s a little embarrassing.”
The person before me is Asagumo-san in Momozono’s girls’
uniform.
“Yep, it’s good. You can totally pretend to be a middle school
student.”
“Ara, thank you. …But that wasn’t a praise, right?”
Her forehead is shining as she shows me a coy smile.
Really? I thought girls liked being told they were young.
People say that all the time online. I guess you can’t trust
them.
“This is Remon-san’s uniform, so the skirt is a bit too long.
Look, the sleeves are oversized too.”
Asagumo-san reached out her hands and grabbed the
sleeves.
“Ah, but people normally won’t notice it.”
…However, the loose sleeves feel kind of nice, you know?
There’s a girl in the Literature Club with loose clothing too,
but she feels totally different, okay?
Asagumo-san’s floating from the excitement. She clenched
her fists tightly before her chest.
“Alright, let’s start our adventure. Where’s Class 3-4’s
classroom?”
“Eh? My little sister is in her second year, though.”
“That’s Mitsuki-san’s previous classroom. With such a good
opportunity, let me know more about my boyfriend.”
What are you even here for? Why is she here, anyway.
“I’m in Class 2, so I’m not sure.”
No, wait, was I in Class 2 in my second year…?
“Well, where are the third-year classrooms then?”
“Well, it’s on the third- no, it should be the new building,
right? Are we in the old building?”
“...Nukumizu-san, did you really go to school here?”
That’s impolite. It’s just that my middle school memory is a
little vague.
Asagumo-san regained her energy and pointed at the end of
the corridor.
“Well, let’s check it out then. The second floor is for the first-
year classrooms, so the third-year students should be on the
fourth floor, right?”
Asagumo-san headed toward the stairs with light steps. It’s
almost like she’s gliding.
“Even though I’m fine with it, it’s kind of awkward to bump
into an acquaintance in this outfit.”
“Do you have any acquaintance here?”
“No?”
Asagumo-san nodded silently and got on the stairs
cheerfully.
I chased after her.
After passing the third floor and approaching the fourth, I’m
surrounded by a sense of unusualness and nostalgia.
The memories are slowly taking shape in my mind.
I always plopped my head down on the stairs every
morning.
The seventh anti-slip that had been peeled off for a year has
now been repaired neatly.
Breathing lightly, I entered the fourth floor and gazed at the
long empty corridor.
It’s lit up by the dim evening sunlight.
Even though it’s been less than a year, it feels so strange.
It’s like I’m watching the scene through a phone screen.
“Mitsuki-san’s classroom is the one furthest away. I’ll go
check it out.”
Asagumo-san, with her sparkling eyes and forehead, left me
behind.
I slowly walked past the corridor and stopped before the
Class 3-2 sign.
-This was my classroom.
I heard someone going up the stairs just as I was sinking
into sadness.
People will see me if I just stand here…
I immediately dashed into the classroom after checking no
one was there.
My seat was the third one from the back by the window.
I hesitated for a moment before sitting on the chair.
The city hall outside the window hasn’t changed, yet the
table I have been using feels pretty tiny right now.
“It’s been less than a year…”
From that point onward, I felt like I didn’t belong in this
place.
I always looked outside the window. My classmates felt as
distant as the strangers on the playground-
*
Municipal Momozono Middle School, Class 3-2, Kazuhiko
Nukumizu.
This is the given name I have now.
My identity as a middle school student ends in March.
That’s why there’s no need to worry about not having
friends at all. No worries.
It’s the lesson break. I put my elbow on the table and
opened the book I borrowed from the library.
I’ve been immersed in the <The Lapis Lazuli Kingdom>
series. It’s an adventure story about a high school girl
named Ryoko being reincarnated into a Chinese-style world.
The plot went into overdrive during Chapter 2 of Volume 7.
The emperor of the rival empire has proposed to Ryoko.
Honestly, I really want to know what happens next.
…Ryoko, that girl’s growing restless just because of the
mysterious and handsome emperor’s gentle treatment. Did
you forget the tsundere and manly general waiting for you
back home?
I flipped the page worriedly. Then, at that moment, a voice
from the seat next to me stopped my hand.
“Seriously!? That was 5 spins!”
The person with the cheerful voice is my classmate, Remon
Yakishio.
She made a pose with her slim and tanned limbs. The girl’s
spinning around as if she’s doing a ballet dance.
Yakishio immediately hit my table before I could even say
anything.
“Ow, sorry!”
“Ah, no, it’s fine…”
I closed my book and mumbled.
“Sheesh, what are you doing, Remon?”
“Here. Sit down.”
“Eh, but-”
Even though Yakishio gave me an apologetic look, honestly,
I just wanted her to leave me alone. I just want to be the
class’s background.
“I’m really sorry.”
Yakishio clapped her hands and apologized before returning
to her seat.
Now, allow me to start reading again. I opened the book, yet
I felt I couldn’t concentrate.
-Remon Yakishio. I think she’s the captain of the Track and
Field Club. She consistently receives heaps of praise during
homeroom.
Athletic, all-rounded, popular, and very cute.
The complete opposite of me. She’s someone I’ll never be
friends with.
…By the way, Yakishio’s look always reminds me of
something-
Her tanned face. Momozono’s uniform is a one-piece skirt
with unique line designs-
“Isn’t that just a cute Enoki mushroom?”
I couldn’t help but mumble to myself before raising my
head. It’s not an Enoki mushroom- but Yakishio’s face
instead.
“Enoki mushroom?”
“Eh!? No, uh-”
Yakishio looked at my speechless face.
“What are you reading, Nukumizu?”
“Eh? Uh, it’s from the library-”
“Hey, Remon. I’m going.”
The girl’s voice covered the words I barely managed to
squeeze out.
“I’ll be right there! Sorry for bothering you, Nukumizu!”
“Eh, ah, yes.”
…I can’t believe that girl knows my name.
Yakishio disappeared like a gust of wind. Silenced returned
to the classroom.
Alright, I can finally focus on reading now. The battle that
decides Ryoko’s fate and the peace of the continent is about
to start.
…………
…………
…By the way, isn’t this too quiet?
I raised my head from the book. I’m the only one in the
classroom.
“Ah, it’s music next.”
I took out a recorder from my school bag and quickly walked
toward the music room-
*
I looked around the classroom as I was immersed in
memories.
Ultimately, I spent all my time until graduation reading
novels and textbooks and looking out the window.
It’s not that I regret it a lot. I’m already a high school
student right now. I can figure out that much.
Whether I like it or not, this is where I once was.
Where I am right now- is a little lively. The past me would’ve
probably run away.
I gave a wry smile and looked outside the window. The Track
and Field Club girls are nowhere to be found on the
playground.
Huh, did they run outside the school?
“Yakishio, please don’t cause any trouble…”
“You calling me?”
Wha!? Yakishio showed up out of nowhere. She pulled the
seat next to me and sat down.
She looks pretty cold in that uniform. However, her body is
steaming slightly due to the sweat.
“Phew, that was a lot of running. The kouhais are all pretty
good. I’m relieved.”
“Uh, why are you here? Are you done with the Track and
Field Club already?”
“Everyone’s playing hide and seek. They say I’ll have to
treat them juice if they catch me.”
“In…the school?”
I feel like they are about to cause some trouble.
Yakishio waved her hand toward her face and stared at the
blackboard.
“This must be the angle. Hey, I think I used to sit here,
right?”
“No, …maybe?”
I couldn’t help but answer vaguely.
Remembering a girl’s seat feels disgusting when we didn’t
have anything to do with each other then.
“Look, you still remember, right? Nukkun sat next to me.”
“Eh? Did you know me from that time on?”
“Isn’t that obvious? You didn’t talk to anyone and spent all
your time reading. I thought something was wrong with this
guy.”
…Well, no objections there.
“Come to think of it, your impression of me was just a guy
reading books alone?”
“I don’t think that’s everything. Well…”
Yakishio crossed her arms and started thinking. Then, she
suddenly remembered something and clapped her hands.
“Ah! Nukkun was a stalker, right!”
What!? What are you talking about?
“No, no, no, that didn’t happen at all!”
“Huh, no, wait, Nukkun was the one who was being stalked.
My bad.”
What a big misunderstanding, …eh?
“Someone stalked me? First time heard of it.”
“Yeah, she’s a petite and cute girl with long hair. Any clues?”
…So many clues. I acted calmly and asked.
“Was that person always there?”
“She was here for most of the breaks. Sometimes during
class as well.”
Seriously? I didn’t notice at all.
“Hey, that’s a lot of love. Nukkun, did she ever visit your
house?”
She’s here every day. We’re even living together.
“...She’s probably my little sister.”
Even Yakishio’s face turned down after hearing what I said.
“Why are your little sister being a stalker?”
I wonder why. No idea.
“Even if she’s a stalker, my little sister is one of the
healthier ones. It’s fine.”
“Eh, is there such a type?”
…Sorry, no. My heart aches at Yakishio’s crystal-clear eyes.
“Didn’t you meet my little sister during the preparation for
Tsuwabuki Fest? She came to the classroom, right?”
“Oh, right. I think that girl is definitely Nukkun’s stalker.”
With that, she seemed to have realized something and
stared straight at me.
“What?”
“So, Nukkun is the stalker today.”
…I can’t retort.
However, I’m doing this to protect my little sister. You can
say I’m a righteous stalker, a white knight.”
“By the way, now’s not the time to sit around. Yakishio’s still
playing hide and seek, right?”
A girl in gym clothes appeared at the entrance before
Yakishio could even answer.
“Senpai is in here!” “Hey, there she is!” “I think they are
flirting with each other!”
Yakishio bounced up.
“Crap! Well, talk to you later, Nukkun!”
She hastily dashed out of the backdoor that wasn’t blocked
yet.
I slowly stood up as I watched the Track and Field girls chase
after her.
-Now’s not the time to act all nostalgic. I should start the
investigation.
I should group up with Asagumo-san, right?
However, that girl is terrible at secret investigations. How
about I just go alone…?
As if she saw through my thoughts, Asagumo-san’s head
poked out of the classroom door.
“Nukumizu-san, you two were flirting, right?”
“Asagumo-san, can you please stop messing with me?”
“Ara, I’m not messing with you. Alright, I’ve already acquired
the intelligence. Let’s go.”
Asagumo-san waved at me. I went to the corridor.
“Eh, uh, where did you go?”
“I didn’t want to be interrupted. That’s why I was walking
around the campus. Fortunately, I found the library.”
“There’s a teacher on duty in the library during the evening,
right? Are you okay?”
“Yes, we’re already buddies now. She introduced the school,
class reports, and clubs to me- I’ve already checked every
student in this school.”
Huh? What is this girl talking about? I chased after
Asagumo-san as she walked down the stairs.
“Eh, you mean you went through every student in this
school already? In that little time?”
“Yes, I have a special trick up my sleeves.”
Asagumo-san knocked her forehead and continued.
“Remember the necessary pages through images and then
slowly reread them in your mind. That reduces the time
required for memorization to a minimum.”
I see. I get it, but there’s something I don’t understand. Is
Asagumo-san really a human?
I’m a little startled. Asagumo-san smiled.
“You’re investigating the relationship between your little
sister and Tachibana-san, right? There’s only one person
named Tachibana in this school, not even teachers and staff
members.”
Asagumo-san suddenly turned around at the end of the
stairs. Her skirt gently swayed around.
“Class 2-4, Satoshi Tachibana. A male student in the
Gardening Club.”
*
The Gardening Club’s room seems to be behind the school
building.
I think. Since this is my first time knowing the existence of
the Gardening Club, Asagumo-san probably knows more
about Momozono when she can remember the school map.
…This person can be the graduate instead of me, right?
Asagumo-san gently nodded at the third-year students
passing by as we walked shoulder-to-shoulder in the
corridor.
“This is such a grand library. It’s bigger than Tsuwabuki’s,
right?”
“It was combined with some other rooms during the
renovation. We became something called a demonstration
school as well. That’s how they got it this big.”
I still know a lot, you know?
Asagumo-san stopped and looked out the corridor window.
“That’s the Gardening Club’s field. Look, the one next to the
greenhouse.”
I looked in her direction. It’s a field around half the size of a
classroom. There’s a greenhouse next to it too.
There’s a boy in blue gym clothes in the field. He’s spraying
white powder from the bag in his arms.
“That boy must be Tachibana-kun, right? His photo is on the
club introduction.”
-He’s Tachibana-kun? My throat is rumbling.
He looks to be on the shorter side of the kids his age.
He has a slim body, like a middle school student.
His eyes are quite long, which makes him look good.
Aside from the freshness, there’s an indescribable sense of
attractiveness radiating from him.
…I think he’s a popular guy.
Popular boys are all no good (bias). I have to reveal who he
truly is.
“Well, let’s go, Nukumizu-san.”
“Eh, hold on.”
Asagumo-san stepped out of the building and approached
Tachibana-kun without hesitation.
I paused for a short moment before following her.
“Hello. Excuse us.”
“Hello. How can I help you?”
The young man Tachibana raised his head. Asagumo-san
put her hands before her chest and greeted the boy.
“We’re Watanabe from the first year. It’s kind of sudden, but
please let us tour around the Gardening Club.”
Huh!? How unreasonable do you have to be to say first-year
students in middle school? Also, us?
A giant question mark hovers over my head. Asagumo-san
gave me a mischievous look.
“We’re fraternal twins. Right, Kazu-kun?”
“Eh? Y-Yeah, onee-san.”
Wait, why are we throwing in such a complicated setting?
I nodded clumsily. The young man Tachibana looked at me in
disbelief as he put the bag on the floor.
“Well, visits are always welcomed. I’m Tachibana from the
second year. Are you two interested in gardening?”
“Yes, I’ve been intrigued by it for a long time. Senpai, what
are you doing right now?”
Asagumo-san looked at the young man Tachibana’s feet.
“I’m preparing to plant cabbage. There are sprouts
cultivated in the greenhouse. Do you two want to take a
look?”
“Sure, we would love to.”
The young man Tachibana headed to the greenhouse with
light steps. I grabbed Asagumo-san’s arm before she could
follow him.
“Hold on, Asagumo-san. Why did you bring up twins?”
“There are 6 people named Watanabe in the first year. It’s
harder for them to check.”
“Even so, twins are more likely to be suspected, right?”
“Well, how about I be your fiancee then? This feels like a
rom-com. It’s so exciting, Kazu-kun.”
…Asagumo-san, are you having fun?
The greenhouse is about 8 tatamis. It’s very tidy.
“I’m cultivating the sprouts with seeds. Now’s for the final
pruning.”
The young man Tachibana pointed at the big workstation at
the center with a pleased expression.
A small pot is packed in a tray containing about one bundle.
The pot is a small plastic plant pot used to grow seedlings
before planting them in the ground. Inside, there are sprouts
with a few leaves attached.
Some of the leaves are growing out.
Asagumo-san watched them with sparkling eyes.
“Pruning means pulling off the leaves?”
“Yeah, leave the largest one intact. The rest has to be pulled
off. You two can try it too, you know?”
“Sure, I would love to.”
Asagumo-san started working in excitement.
“Asa- onee-san is very interested in these things.”
“It’s because practice gives you the knowledge you can’t
obtain through books. For example, even the biggest sprout
has many factors at play, such as height, stem thickness,
and width of the leaves, right? Kazu-kun, don’t just think
about it. Use your hands too.”
Even Asagumo-nee-san’s tone changed as well.
I stood there dazedly. The young man Tachibana spoke to
me in a gentle tone.
“You’re the little brother, right? Would you like to help me
out?”
…Hey, a middle school student is worried about a high
school student.
“Ah, yes. What should I do?”
“Can you take off the extra sprouts in this row? Take your
time.”
Hmm, so I have to take out the biggest sprout in the pot.
That side- no, it’s this side, right? But this leaf looks better…
“No need to hesitate so much. Just go by your gut.”
“But won’t it wither if I pull the wrong one?”
The young man Tachibana smiled gently.
“It’s right as long as you choose it. This is just a club
activity. It’s part of the experience, no matter how you
cultivate it. Don’t worry about it.”
…How come I feel this person is more mature than I am? At
least his mental age seems older than Yanami's.
The three of us continued working for around 10 minutes.
Asagumo-san wiped the sweat on her forehead with a
charming smile.
“Phew, …senpai, I’m done.”
“I’m done too. The little brother- oh, I guess that’s fine.”
That’s what people say when it’s not fine.
The young man Tachibana put the sprout tray on the shelf
and clapped his hands.
“We’re planting seedlings next week, so please pay us a
visit. Which class are you two in?”
“Eh?”
…Shit, we didn’t go this far into the setting.
I didn’t know what to say. Asagumo-san pulled my arm.
“Kazu-kun, we have to meet the teacher. Sorry, senpai. We’ll
be leaving.”
“Ah, I see. There are always people here after school every
day. You can come anytime you want, okay?”
The young man Tachibana showed a carefree smile.
“Yeah, I’ll come again. Show your gratitude, too, Kazu-kun.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you for taking care of us.”
We bowed deeply and left the Gardening Club’s field. I felt
like someone stared at us until we entered the building.
Afterward, I caught my breath and got my arm out of
Asagumo-san’s hands.
“That was so unnatural, right? We suddenly left when he
asked about our class.”
“Yeah, but that couldn’t be helped. Actually, Remon-san just
texted me.”
Yakishio just texted her? When did that-
Asagumo-san smiled and reached her hand toward me.
“Tada. Onee-chan has a smartwatch.”
Smartwatch. I think it’s connected to smartphones that
allow you to do various things.
The screen displayed the secret message from Yakishio.
<Category S approaching.>
…What is that? Asagumo-san swayed her finger before my
frowned face.
“Kazu-kun. Even though Remon-san looks like she’s just
running around blindly, she’s actually exploring the campus
while searching for the target.”
Category S- as in the “S” in “sisters”?
“Ah, we should leave if Kaju’s coming here.”
I turned around and tried to run away, yet I almost bumped
into someone.
“Uwah, sorry! I’m in a rush.”
“No, me too. Are you okay?”
The person who apologized was a tall girl with a hoe on her
shoulder.
I think I’ve seen her before-
“Gon-chan, where are you-”
“Eek!”
I don’t think I have to say who this voice belongs to.
I grabbed Asagumo-san’s hand and hastily left.
We turned around in the corridor and watched her
movement in a dark spot. During this time, a petite girl
dashed toward the direction we were just in.
Shiny black hair, petite face, slim limbs, and running slowly.
I don’t have to say it- it’s Kaju.
“Nuku-chan? What’s wrong?”
“I heard from the teacher that Gon-chan went to the
Gardening Club, so…”
I can hear their conversation faintly.
I leaned my body as forward as I could and listened.
“The new hoe is here. I want to give it to Satoshi.”
“I see. Kaju has something to do with Tachibana-kun as well.
Can I go with you?”
“Sure, but why, Nuku-chan?”
“I want to talk about the arrangement on the 14th. It’s a
little inconvenient to talk about that in the class. So, can I?”
I knew it. They are meeting on Valentine’s Day.
Also, it’s something you can’t talk about in the classroom…?
Gon-chan, say no. Say no right this instant.
“Hmm, well, how about you give him the hoe as well?”
“Huh, are you sure you don’t want to see Tachibana-kun?”
“It’s okay. Well, I’ll leave this to you.”
“Sure, got it. Leave it to Kaju.”
My prayers were in vain. Kaju and the young man Tachibana
will be hanging out alone.
Gon-chan left in the direction where Kaju came from.
…I observed the corridor after a while. Kaju is already
nowhere to be found.
Should I go after Kaju? But there’s nowhere to hide in the
Gardening Club.
I can’t get close enough to hear their conversation…
Asagumo-san suddenly shook her head as I was thinking.
“Kazu-kun, was that tall girl your little sister’s friend?”
“Uh, I think she’s indeed Kaju’s friend. She visited my house
several times- are we still going with the whole twin's
thing?”
“I like that setting quite a lot. Alright, I have to adjust the
device.”
…Adjust the device? Asagumo-san started clicking her
smartwatch with sparkling eyes.
“Wait, don’t tell me you did something in the Gardening
Club? Didn’t you promise not to use GPS anymore?”
“Yes, I’ve already learned my lesson. Stalking someone with
GPS is an action that violates their dignity. It’s unforgivable.”
Yes, that’s right. I’m glad you understand.
“What are you doing then?”
“Nukumizu-san, will you blame someone if he overhears our
conversation just then?”
…Eh? I couldn’t help but look around.
There’s no one in the empty corridor. Only the cheers of
sports clubs can be heard from afar.
“It’s okay. This is the corridor, anyway. It can’t be helped
that people hear us.”
Asagumo-san nodded forcefully.
“Yes, that’s why. A building’s exterior can be seen by
everyone freely, right? Well, then accidentally hearing
someone’s conversation in public won’t get us scolded,
right?”
I see…? I think I get the gist of it.
“So, in other words, you installed an eavesdropping device
instead of a GPS?”
Asagumo-san slowly shook her head.
“Humans are creatures guided by languages. It’s not an
eavesdropping device, but a Smartbug- that’s what I call it.”
What was that? That sounds rad.
“In other words, listening to their conversation is morally
fine. …That’s what you’re saying, right?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“It can’t be helped if that’s the case, but don’t tell others,
alright?”
“I know. This shall be a secret between us.”
We both stuck our ears close to the smartwatch after it had
been adjusted.
<-Are-you-sure-this will->
A lot of noise is mixed in between, but the voice sounds like
the young man Tachibana.
Asagumo-san and I kept our ears close as we moved to the
window suspiciously. The noise disappeared.
<-Well, shall we go along with the plan?>
The voice is definitely Kaju’s. I won’t mistake it. I can’t help
but hold my breath.
<Oh, I’ll leave it to you. Sorry for making you come to the
Gardening Club.>
<Kaju doesn’t mind. It’s a little embarrassing to talk about
this in front of people.>
A little embarrassing to talk about this in front of people…?
No, wait, just because something is embarrassing doesn’t
mean it’s about love. I was a middle school student at one
point. One time I called my teacher “mom”.
My confused brain became utterly fried with the following
conversation.
<Hmm, about this, your brother->
<Fufu, …make sure to keep what happens on the 14th a
secret from onii-sama, okay?>
Ha!? Keeping something embarrassing a secret from me!?
“Onii-chan will never acknowledge something like this!”
I yelled at the top of my lungs. Asagumo-san is shocked.
“Nukumizu-san, they can’t hear you over there, alright?”
“Oh yeah? Then I’ll just go there and-”
“They will see you if that’s the case. Are you sure?”
This is bad. I need to calm down and think about this. I put
my hand before my chest and took a deep breath.
…Kaju is there to talk about Valentine’s Day with the young
man Tachibana.
It’s just that it’s hard for her to talk about it with others. It’s
embarrassing. That’s why she’s keeping it a secret from me-
“No, something’s definitely not right. Don’t you think so,
Asagumo-san?”
“Nukumizu-san is the only one not right since then.”
Maybe, but my knees are still shivering.
Based on their conversation, the two of them seem pretty
close. Even though I don’t know whether they are going out,
there’s not a boy in this world who won’t fall in love with
Kaju-
“In other words, he will become my little brother. …Onii-
chan is about to become the brother-in-law…?”
“Alright, let’s pause for a moment.”
Asagumo-san put her hands on my pale cheeks.
“Eh, pause what-”
“Alright, take a deep breath-”
“Ah, yes.”
I took a deep breath.
“Then, exhale! Exhale!”
I took a deep breath twice after that. I finally calmed down
slightly after the third one.
“Are you good? Your little sister is just flirting for a little bit.
Onee-chan and you do the same, right?”
“No, never.”
You’re not my older sister.
“Well, we can do that later, okay? Alright, Kazu-kun. Let’s
group up with Remon-san and go back. Here. Wear your
uniform properly.”
Asagumo-san reached her hand toward my neck and
buttoned the top of my shirt.
Huh, …is she really my older sister? She’s my older sister,
right…? I’m Kazu-kun, …Kazu-kun is me…
A petite female student passed in the corridor as I stared
absentmindedly at the forehead before me.
The girl stopped. Her eyes bulged in disbelief.
“Huh? Huhhhhhh?”
The girl grabbed my hand and hopped around.
“Kya! Onii-sama!? What’s wrong with you!? Did you go back
to middle school again!?”
Onii-sama, …ah, right, …I have a little sister, …is this…my
little sister…?
“Are you Kaju…?”
I finally regained consciousness, yet Kaju leaned on me
tightly.
“Uwah, uwawah! Onii-sama looks so handsome in our
uniform too! Sorry, can we take a photo-”
Kaju took out her phone with shiny eyes.
“Huh? You’re Asagumo-san, right? Kaju saw you in my house
before. Why are you wearing our school’s uniform?”
Asagumo-san smiled and answered.
“It’s been a while. I’m Kazu-kun’s older sister today.”
…Wait, don’t complicate things, okay?
Kaju’s eyes began to glow eerily after hearing the “older
sister” word.
“Onii-sama’s older sister…? That’s unfair! Kaju wants to be
the older sister too!”
See? I told you. Kaju shook my hand in utter excitement.
“No, please calm down.”
“No way! If it’s the older sister, I have to feed Kazu-kun,
change clothes for him, wash his back, and sleep with him-
ahh, sheesh, one day isn’t enough!”
A normal older sister won’t usually do that.
Well, what she wants to do isn’t that different from the usual
Kaju.
“Alright, I got it. Let’s pause. Here. Kaju. Look at my fingers.”
I raised the index fingers on each of my hands.
“These two fingers are chasing each other. This finger is
getting closer. It touched this one.”
“It’s going after the other one. Oh, they touched…”
Kaju followed the fingers with her eyes. Did she finally
recover?
She returned to her serious look and cleared her throat.
“Have you calmed down?”
“...Yes. Well, onii-sama, can you explain what’s going on
here?”
“Eh? Well…”
Shit. This happens when things calm down. Of course.
I looked to someone for help. Asagumo-san nodded and
took a step forward.
Alright, I have high expectations of you, onee-chan.
“Kaju-san. The reason why Kazuhiko-san and I are in such a
pose here is that-”
“What?”
“-It’s a play.”
“Meow!?”
My expectations are betrayed.
“A high school boy and girl sneaking into their old school in
their old uniforms playing a siblings game- they must be
enjoying an unethical game like this. This is definitely not a
secret investigation. No way I can think of something this
ridiculous!”
Asagumo-san said all of that before looking at me smugly.
Ehh, …this person thinks that was the correct answer? I’m
so sorry if she thinks that will get us out safely.
Kaju opened her mouth and coughed before trying her best
to speak up calmly.
“W-Well, please follow me. I’ll hand you two to the student
guidance teacher.”
Asagumo-san tilted her head curiously.
“Ara, we’re not here to investigate, you know? This is just a
play.”
…That’s enough. Kaju’s looking at me in a way I’ve never
seen before.
I’m already prepared for tonight's family conference- then
Kaju’s body suddenly lifted.
“Kya!?”
“I got the vice prez! The meat buns are mine!”
Kaju’s getting princess-carried. The person who let out a
victorious cheer is Yakishio.
The Track and Field Club girls followed soon after. They
appeared at the turn of the corridor.
“She got ahead of us again!” Remon-senpai is too
energetic!” “Wait, it’s not over yet!”
Yakishio looked at her kouhais with an arrogant smile.
“Fufu, …the meat buns are yours if you can take the vice
prez back from my hands. Come chase me!”
“Eh, hold on, Yakishio, what are you doing?”
“Leave it to me!”
Yakishio winked. She then started running with Kaju in her
arms.
The girls chased after her after that.
“Wait, meat buns!” “Go around from that side, girls!” “I’m
attacking from the second floor!”
…What are these people even doing?
Only we remained with our jaws dropped after Yakishio and
her kids disappeared.
After standing still for a while, Asagumo-san poked my
shoulder.
Uh, Kaju got carried away, but- Yakishio said to leave it to
her.
…Well, let’s leave it to her.
I nodded earnestly and unbuttoned my shirt.
*
My memories as a young child are non-existent.
That seems to be because even though I remembered it, I
quickly forgot afterward. Or that I do have the memories,
but I just can’t recall them.
I was only 1.5 years old when Kaju was born. I shouldn’t
have the memories normally.
So, this is a memory forged by stories from my parents and
what I remember after growing up.
I used to be the center of the family, and I was replaced. I
threw a big tantrum.
It’s natural to think about it right now. It must have been
rough for my parents to care for me when I barely knew how
to walk when Kaju came into this world.
My little sister’s name was pretty hard to read. I couldn’t say
it correctly.
I think I used to feel lonely and angry about this new
character in the world.
Then, I finally returned to the center of the stage on my two-
year-old birthday. However, I got really pissed when Mom
had to accompany Kaju when she cried.
I threw away the paper crown and curled up in the corner of
the room before falling asleep eventually.
I don’t think much time has passed since I woke up.
“Good morning, onii-chan.”
Mom ignored my sulky look and carried me up.
She brought me to Kaju’s baby bed.
I stared at Kaju from above in Mom’s arms. She looked like a
human despite being much smaller than I was. It was
unbelievable to me.
“Kaju woke up too. Quick, say good morning to onii-chan.”
Kaju woke up and reached her tiny hand out.
I carefully stroked it with my fingers. Kaju grasped my hand
tightly.
It was small and warm but felt stronger than I thought.
I froze on the spot. Then, Kaju- suddenly laughed.
I realized it at that moment.
-I’m the older brother.
My first memory of becoming the older brother started when
I was 3.
As for Kaju, she kept following me like always after getting
into middle school.
So, that’s why I’ve always followed my memory at the time
and kept pushing the date of Kaju’s departure on my own.
That day will eventually arrive- but not today. I thought.
*
It’s already nighttime before I even realize it. The streets are
dark.
My sight fell to the stone slabs on the pedestrian walk, and I
only paid attention to walking forward.
The pavement ended, while the crosswalk lit up by road
lights appeared.
Someone grabbed my arm when I was about to step on the
crosswalk.
“Watch out for the car, Nukumizu-san!”
Asagumo-san stopped me.
She looked at me confusedly in her Tsuwabuki uniform.
“Hey, where are you going?”
“...Eh? I want to go home.”
I looked around after saying that. This clearly isn’t where my
house is.
I seemed to have wandered off to Toyohashi Station.
“Sorry, did you follow me all the way here? I’ll be fine after
this, so-”
Asagumo-san shook her head determinedly.
“I can’t leave Nukumizu-san alone right now. Let’s go rest
somewhere.”
Her line can cause misunderstandings. She brought me to a
place called Matterhorn. It’s a vintage western dessert store
in Toyohashi. This is my first time coming into their cafe
section.
I sat down and looked around the antique-style cafe.
Asagumo-san showed me her phone.
“Yakishio-san bid farewell to her kouhais as well. She’s
coming here.”
The waitress put a cup of coffee before me. I nodded
silently.
“Is that all you want?”
“I’m not feeling hungry.”
Asagumo-san has a cake and mixed juice before her. Her
smile quickly faded away.
“...You should take care of your sugar intake. An exhausted
brain needs adequate resupply.”
“I know. Sorry for making you worry about me today.”
I added sugar to my coffee and stirred it. Asagumo-san
handed me a fork with a piece of cake on top.
“Here, ah-”
“Eh? Hold on. There are people here.”
“Didn’t I say we could flirt with each other later? Onee-chan
never breaks a promise.”
Is that game still going on?
It looks like she won’t give up. Fine, I’ll eat it. A nostalgic
sweetness radiated in my mouth.
Asagumo-san ordered a plate of Matterhorn cake, named
after the store. The thin sponge cake is mixed with cream
and chestnuts. It’s been a long time since I’ve tried. This is
really good, after all.
I’ve always been a chocolate fan, but returning to the classic
seems a better idea now…
I saw Asagumo-san’s smile just as I reached for my coffee.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Thanks. I’m a lot better now.”
I can’t be upset all the time when she’s so worried about
me.
I reluctantly smiled and saw a sports bag next to Asagumo-
san’s seat.
“What are you two doing?”
Yakishio’s looking at us. She’s staring downward with her big
brown eyes. Uwah, she saw us doing something weird.
“I’m Kazu-kun’s older sister today.”
“What? That sounds fun! Ah, sorry!”
Eh, that’s all it takes for her to understand?
Yakishio sat next to Asagumo-san after she ordered.
“So? I heard you seemed pretty depressed, but you look fine
to me right now. You still have the energy to flirt with each
other.”
She put her elbow on the table and spoke up mischievously.
Things will get troublesome if Ayano knows. I have to
change the topic.
“By the way, Yakishio brought Kaju- my little sister away.
What happened to her?”
“Imouto-sanr? I think she’s a bit confused.”
Of course. That’s not what I want to ask.
“Uh, you did release my little sister, right?”
“I sent her to the student council room. I won the
competition!”
I don’t know about the rules, but you won?
…Well, it’s good that she’s okay.
I drank my coffee. Yakishio’s black tea and chocolate cake
arrived.
Yakishio’s dessert is a cross between chocolate cake and
sponge cake with a layer of chocolate around it. This has
always been popular.
Yakishio mumbled in an unusually calm tone as she stabbed
the fork into the cake.
“Imouto-san. How should I put it? Is she okay?”
“...Did you talk to my little sister?”
“Not a lot since I was busy running. However, she’s on good
terms with everyone around her and has a lot of friends.
How should I say it?”
Yakishio took a bite of cake.
“-She’s a reliable girl. She’s determined with her own
opinion. I know you’re worried about her, but you should
trust her more.”
Yakishio scooped up some cake with her fork and handed it
to my mouth.
“Here. Kazu-kun. Open your mouth.”
“Hey, what are you doing, Yakishio?”
I looked away in fear. Yakishio approached me.
“You can eat Chiha-chan’s things but not Remon-onee-
chan’s cake?”
“Hey? Hey?”
Yakishio can be tough sometimes. Even Asagumo-san joined
in on the fun.
It can’t be helped. I ate the cake. A satisfied smile appeared
on Yakishio’s face.
“Alright, this is solved. Here. Let’s enjoy our cakes.”
Solve what? Even so, as the older brother, I have to believe
Kaju more.
…By the way, just because they are close doesn’t mean
they are going out. I’m the best example, after all.
I nodded by myself. For some reason, Asagumo-san looked
out the window nervously.
“It’s pretty late. Nukumizu-san, your little sister is already
home, right?”
“She has work to do in the student council. She’s probably
still at school. I think she will be home late this week.”
“Then now’s the perfect opportunity.”
…? What does that mean?”
I’m confused. Asagumo-san showed me the smartwatch on
her wrist.
“Chiha-chan, what’s that?”
“It’s a smartwatch. With this, I can monitor the bugs I’ve
planted all over Momozono Middle School-”
“Stop, Asagumo-san!”
I hastily interrupted her. Asagumo-san nodded seriously.
“...This is a Smartbug. It’s not a normal one.”
Didn’t I tell you to stop?
Yakishio looked at Asagumo-san’s wrist with shiny eyes.
“What’s that? That’s so cool! It’s like a detective’s secret
tool, right?”
“Yes, indeed. I can hear voices from afar with this through
my detective powers. The noises before the student council
room, to be precise.”
Detective power is so scary. Huh, hold on…?
“Can we still get the signal after leaving Momozono?”
I questioned reasonably. Asagumo-san answered naturally.
"I left the main unit of a mobile Wi-Fi in the school. The
signals from the sub-units are transmitted from there."
“That’s why you signed up for a Wi-Fi service? Just for this?
Seriously?”
Asagumo-san smiled and started adjusting her smartwatch
quietly.
…Whatever, do whatever you want. I admitted defeat as I
watched Asagumo-san’s detective power.
“Hey, hey, Chiha-chan! What’s with this thing? Does it
glow?”
“I can add some LED lights next time. Alright, it’s
connected.”
We stuck our ears close to the smartwatch.
…Only faint noises can be heard.
“I can’t hear anything. Is nobody there?”
“Ah! I think it just picked up something!”
We did hear something. All of us held our breaths, yet no
voices could be heard again.
Then, Asagumo-san seemed to have realized something and
raised her head suddenly.
“This isn’t through Wi-Fi. Instead, it’s the radio straight from
the eavesdropping device.”
“Smartbug.”
“Yes, Smartbug.”
I’m glad you understand. Also, if the eavesdropping device
is nearby, that means-
“Did someone use the same device coincidentally?”
“No, this is connected to the app. No way.”
Asagumo-san shook her arm as she looked at me. She
stopped.
“...Why are you staring at me?”
“Nukumizu-san, what’s in your bag?”
“Hmm? The Momozono uniform I just wore.”
Asagumo-san’s forehead glimmered when I opened the
bag’s zipper.
The radio is getting stronger. There has to be something
inside.
Eh, no way, right? I took out the shirt and searched. In the
end, something dropped from behind the collar. I picked it
up. It’s a small black chip the size of the tip of the pinky.
Wait, there’s a number on it.
“...No.1?”
“This is the Smartbug I’ve planted on the student council
room door. …Wait, then this reaction is-”
Asagumo-san reached her hand into her bag.
After a while, she took out the exact same chip.
“No.2- this is something I planted on Imouto-san’s uniform.”
Did this girl really just do something like this? I think now’s
the time to call Asagumo-san “this girl”, right?
We fell silent. Yakishio held her fork and watched us in
confusion.
“Uh, anyway, what happened?”
Asagumo-san put her index finger on her chin and tilted her
head awkwardly.
“It looks like Watson-onii-san got tricked by the cute
Moriarty.”
“Yeah, Watson-onee-chan got-”
“Hmm, I don’t really get it, but thanks for the food.”
Yakishio clapped her hands before the two Watson-kun.
Intermission: The Person Who Is Left Behind Spends
the Time Leisurely

Clubroom, after school. Yanami and Komari don’t really have

anything to talk about. They are doing their own thing
respectively.
Yanami was reading a magazine while resting her arm on a
pillow and murmured, "Oh."
“Komari-chan, this looks pretty good. It’s a mochi
chocolate.”
“Uweh? C-Chocolate…mochi?”
The sudden conversation caused Komari to frown and put a
bookmark in her book.
“Yes. In other words, it’s a chocolate-flavored mochi.”
“U-Uh, …is that so?”
Komari’s confused by the lack of increase of information.
“Look, Valentine’s Day is almost here. Didn’t the Literature
Club girls promise to gift obligatory chocolate to each
other?”
“D-Did we?”
Komari tilted her head. As for Yanami, she nodded with
confidence before shaking her head slowly.
“...No, we didn’t. I forgot.”
“R-Right?”
Komari opened her book again. Yanami closed the magazine
in boredom.
“The open day is at this weekend, right? Don’t we have to
prepare something?”
“T-The president has been useless lately.”
“Yeah, Nukumizu-kun’s siscon stuff is a headache.”
Normally, they should be preparing for the weekend open
day by now.
Apparently, the Literature Club gets a decent number of
visitors every year.
“It’s not right for Nukumizu-kun to skip out when we’re this
busy.”
“H-He went out with Yakishio, r-right?”
“...What’s that? How come I didn’t know?”
A vicious expression appeared on Yanami’s face. She raised
her head.
“Uweh? D-Didn’t they say they were going to Momozono?”
“Middle school? Remon-chan’s starting from middle school
again…?”
Perhaps that’s better for her- Komari swallowed her words
before she could say them.
“N-No, h-he went to his little sister’s school to stalk her.”
“Oh, right. They studied in the same middle school.”
Yanami shrugged helplessly.
“Sheesh, Nukumizu-kun’s like that whenever it involves
Imouto-chan. Well, let’s have some smacks if that’s the
case.”
With that, Yanami took out a pack of cheap chocolate cake.
It looks to be a very thin chocolate pie.
"I'm really into this lately. Especially the part with the two
pieces is nice."
Yanami opened the bag and took out the two pieces of
chocolate cake.
“Komari-chan wants it too? It’s tasty, you know?”
“W-Well, I’ll have one-”
Komari reached her hand out, yet Yanami stacked the two
pieces together and took a bite.
Komari turned stiff. Yanami handed her a new bag.
“This is delicious when stacked. Do you want to try it?”
“I-I’ll just have one…”
Yanami finished all 3 bags before Komari could even finish
her slice. She stood up to make tea.
“Nukumizu-kun is too unreliable. It looks like the open day’s
preparation is down to us. Even though we said we were
going to make a club magazine, none of the drafts were-”
“U-Uh, I’m almost done with mine.”
Komari said as she ate the second slice of chocolate cake.
Yanami stopped making tea.
“Look, the middle school students won’t be happy from
getting a club magazine, right?”
“I-I’m not so sure about that…”
Komari retorted weakly. Yanami slammed the cup before her.
“Komari-chan, we are high school students, you know? We
have to fight with something we have that middle school
students don’t.”
“S-Something that middle school students d-don’t?”
Yanami sat on the chair and swayed her hair exaggeratedly
on purpose.
“-It’s girl power.”
Chapter 3: Tried to Shoot the
General, But the Horse Is Too Strong

The next day, after school. I’m at the downtown library, not
far away from the station.
The library takes up the second and third floors of the
building. There are even activity spaces and cafes on the
stair platforms.
Initially, trendy areas like this were my enemy. However, it’s
a library, after all. The atmosphere is a mixture of energy
and peacefulness. It’s comfortable.
I’m sitting in the double-seat room. I flipped open the book
as I remembered what happened yesterday.
The secret investigation in Momozono Middle School.
I found out one thing in the end- Tachibana-kun is an actual
person. This fact already pushed me toward my limit, yet I
even heard Kaju flirting with him.
Regrettably, I’m not a siscon. That’s why the damage isn’t
fatal, but I’m still recovering.
…Well, Kaju is a second-year student in middle school, after
all. It’s normal for her to have a male friend, right?
Yep, even though I didn’t even have a male friend then, it’s
not weird for Kaju to have a friend of the opposite sex. They
are just friends.
Compared to that, the open day tour at the weekend is
more important.
I attempted to avoid reality as I turned to the information
page in the novel.
My club magazine draft has no progress, yet another
undeniable fact.
I jotted some notes in my notebook for ideas. Then, my
phone screen flashed on the table.
I took a look. It’s Komari texting me on Line.
<Where are you slacking off from club activities?>
…My my, what a misunderstanding. This is a part of proper
club activities as well.
There’s no time to care about Komari. I flipped my phone
over after telling her I was writing the draft in the library.
I’m thinking about the short novel to be published in the
club magazine.
The setting is about a mysterious and beautiful FMC
appearing next to the FMC, yet I haven’t decided on the key
heroine yet.
“A good idea doesn’t just come out on a whim…”
I closed the book and stretched my back before looking out
the window.
The window is on the right-hand side of this room. You can
see the view through the curtains.
There’s a plaza made of stone slabs outside the building. A
bunch of high school students are on their way home.
…By the way, couples are everywhere.
This is a double seat as well. Come to think of it, the seats
before and behind me also seem occupied by couples.
If only these people need to pay more sales tax- I thought
about that. Then, a Tsuwabuki school bag is placed on the
table.
“Eh, Komari, what are you doing here?”
The owner of the school bag is Chika Komari. She looked
around before whispering.
“Hey, move inside.”
I followed her order despite the slight confusion. She sat at
the edge of my seat.
“Y-You didn’t come to the club. Right, w-what are you going
to about the open day on S-Sunday?”
“I told you I was thinking about the draft for the club
magazine. I’m researching but can’t think of a good FMC, no
matter what.”
Komari reached her hand out toward the book I just read.
“Y-You mean this illustrated book of microbial?”
“Yes, I think mysterious FMCs are on the rise. That’s why
this may give me some hints.”
Komari flipped the pages. She shook her head and closed
the book.
“E-Even so, isn’t this too hard? Y-You should consider how
good you are.”
I have the same feeling.
Alright, I’ll just use a cat ear maid with glasses as the FMC
this time. The most important thing is to be honest about
your desires.
“Well, what about you, Komari? Are you finished?”
“I-I wrote the continuation of the Mishima and Dazai’s isekai
adventure.”
…? Isn’t that Tsukinoki-senpai’s novel?
“Uh, is that something like a relay novel?”
“S-Senpai didn’t agree to it. M-Mishima’s on top.”
…I can’t believe this girl dares to go for a forbidden reverse.
Well, contacting the third-year students during this period is
pretty hard.
Tsukinoki-senpai’s already applied to 5 universities. She got
rejected by one of them already.
As for Tamaki-senpai, he finished his Common Test for
University Admissions and is preparing for the second exam
for national universities. He seems to meet the minimum
requirement already, but this is only the start of the match.
“Anyway, I’ll finish before Sunday. Please relax.”
“W-When are you going to b-bind it?’
I scratched my cheeks and looked away.
“Uh, Komari and Yanami-san’s novels can be printed first. I’ll
print my part in a convienence store and let the visitors bind
them.”
“V-Visitors?”
I nodded smugly.
“An experience in making a club magazine. Even I think it’s
a good idea.”
“I-It’s just chores. S-Stay up all night and write it.”
Komari is being unprecedently cold.
“I didn’t go to the club room because of this. Tomorrow’s a
holiday. Give me a break. I’ll be there on Friday.”
I started writing in the notebook purposefully. Then, Komari
pressed her fingertips together restlessly.
“What’s wrong? Is there something else?”
“U-Uh, Yanami said we should do something else than than
the club magazine.”
Yanami said that? In other words-
“Whatever she’s thinking must be a pain in the ass. Give her
a piece of gum when you’re hearing her out. She’ll forget
it.”
Komari’s still fiddling with her fingers with her head plopped
down despite my advice.
“If it’s so troublesome that not even gum can fool her, we
can just give her fried rice or something-”
“T-The open day is on Valentine’s. T-That’s why she wants to
make obligatory chocolate a-and bring them here.”
Valentine’s Day, right? Yeah, it’s at this weekend.
My mental state is crippled due to Kaju. Come to think of it,
this whole fiasco is started by handmade chocolates…
“Well, what does obligatory chocolate have to do with the
open day, anyway?”
“She said i-if that’s the case, let’s also give some to the
visitors. …C-Crush them with girl power.”
…There’s no way, right? The Literature Club girls are the
farthest away from the concept of girl power. Yanami can
definitely crush it if it’s about chugging chocolate, though.
“But giving out chocolates sounds nice too. Well, do you
best.”
Ignoring the other two, Komari should be fine.
I was about to return to my draft, yet Komari lowered her
head. Her body slid toward me bit by bit.
“B-By the way, I-I heard about the stalking- from Yakishio.”
She heard it that quickly? I sighed and put down the pen
again.
“It’s not stalking. It’s a secret investigation. I’m on justice’s
side even if I’m a stalker.”
Komari looked around vigilantly before lowering her voice
and mumbling.
“...D-Don’t you want to know more about the guy your little
sister is into?”
“Eh, that’s-”
-It’s still not certain whether Kaju has a thing for Tachibana-
kun.
However, that is certainly a possibility based on their
conversation yesterday.
I couldn’t escape from reality after Komari said that.
Gulp. I listened to the voice from my throat like I had
nothing to do with it as I answered deeply.
“...I’m listening.”
Komari took out a book and placed it on the table quietly.
The title is "Strategies to Draw Out the True Feelings of
Someone You're Interested In".
What is that? I tilted my head, yet Komari puffed up her
chest chicly.
“I-I can ask her about that boy w-with my communication
skills.”
That’s absolutely impossible. I immediately answered in my
head, but I didn’t say it. This is a mature response. I
grabbed the book and checked it.
Let’s see. The author has a degree in psychology from an
American university. She’s a counselor at a foreign-owned
company. I don’t understand at all, but this seems
trustworthy. The author looks beautiful in the photo as well.
“Got it. However, how are you two going to meet? You don’t
know my little sister, right?”
“U-Uh…”
Komari put her hand on her chest and took a deep breath.
“T-The chocolate we ate in the clubroom last time w-was
really good. I-I hope your little sister can teach me.”
With that, Komari sighed and showed a relieved expression.
In other words, she wants to get some info from Kaju using
making chocolates as an excuse. But the one doing it is
Komari…
“Umm, my little sister can be pretty assertive. Are you okay
with that?”
My subtle advice isn’t heeded at all. Komari raised her chest
proudly once more.
“L-Leave it to me. I have a long experience of being an older
sister.”
I have a long experience of dealing with my little sister as
well, you know?
Although I’m slightly worried, I think this suggestion doesn’t
sound bad at all.
“Where are you going to learn making chocolates?”
“U-Uh, …N-Nukumizu’s h-house, ..well…”
Komari fiddled with her fingers. She lowered her head and
stopped moving.
Hmm, I didn’t hear her properly, but I guess she wants to
use my home as the place, right?
Come to think of it, Dad and Mom said they are going to the
cinema on tomorrow’s holiday.
“That’s fine. My parents aren’t home tomorrow too. Come to
my house, Komari.”
Yep, that’s good. My brilliant suggestion made Komari jump
up. She’s blushing.
“Ueh!? Y-Your parents aren’t home!?”
Didn’t I tell you? Why are you so startled?
“You want to learn to make chocolate from my little sister,
right? It’s more convenient in my house. Komari can have an
easier time when my parents aren’t home too.”
“R-Really? Y-Your little sister is there?”
“Of course. What else are you coming for?”
“...G-Go die.”
Why did she scold me?
But that comes in handy. I almost didn’t talk to Kaju at all
yesterday.
If she knew about the eavesdropping, I thought there would
be some kind of reaction. However, Kaju was completely
normal. It turned into me trying to avoid her instead.
I thought about just leaving it there. However, it’s harder to
talk about these things the longer you postpone it.
“It would be a great help if you can have a chat with my
little sister. I can prepare all the ingredients. You can just
bring your body to my house, Komari.”
“B-Body!? D-D-Do you have any idea what you’re t-talking
about!?”
What? Did I say something weird?
“Anyway, please calm down first. I’m writing the draft. Well,
what is Komari going to do?”
“U-Uh, I’m going to read!”
I said that as I handed her a book.
Komari took the book and opened it. Alright, let’s read the
textbook to prepare for tomorrow.
I glanced at her after a while. Komari is already utterly
immersed in that book.
Now I can hear Kaju’s sincere thoughts tomorrow- ah, wait, I
handed her that microbial book.
“Excuse me, Komari. That book’s-”
Komari isn’t interested in the textbook at all. She mumbled
quietly.
“Z-Zooplankton, …chromista, …campylobacter, …hehe…”
…She seems to be enjoying it. Let’s not disturb her and
focus on my draft.
I turned around calmly and continued writing in the
notebook with my pen.
*
Literature Club Report - Extra Edition
<Within a Dirty and Tainted World> by Chika Komari

[TL: BL warning.]
Some people aren’t supposed to exist in this world- they are
often called “Irregulars”.
They control powers that exceed the logic of this world and
even defy magic.
These people are also known as the reincarnated. They are
destined to wander without end.

Zavit Royal Magic Academy. Midnight.

A man in kimono is wandering around wobbly along the
night breezes.
He slowly took out a small bottle from his chest and opened
the cap.
The man- Dazai, shrugged and suddenly said the following.
“...Didn’t you die from meningitis?”
After a while, another man appeared from the darkness
behind.
“Didn’t you die as well? Yet you still look like a mackerel
swimming in thin air.”
The man’s name is- Chuya.
He narrowed his eyes at the exasperated Dazai before
nonchalantly closing the distance between them.
“Great timing. I’m here to welcome you. Even though I don’t
like you, the old men in the guild wants your help.”
Dazai’s face turned stiff after hearing that.
“I’m not going. Sorry. Tell that to them.”
Chuya ignored him and reached his hand out.
Dazai reflexively shook off his hand. As for Chuya- he
disappeared suddenly.
“!?”
Dazai’s confusion isn’t from Chuya’s disappearance alone.
He was next to the school building.
However, they are standing in the school’s training forest
right now. It takes an hour of walk to get here from where he
was.
“Chuya, what is-”
“How come you’re drinking such good alcohol? Did you
surrender to the hegemony?”
Chuya chugged the sake.
“Ah! That’s my sake!”
The sake bottle Dazai held appeared in Chuya’s hand for
some reason.
“Just come with me, alright? Unlike the other world, people
in the guild understand my poetry. You might brighten up a
little if you follow me.”
“No, I’m doing alright over-”
Chuya reached his hand out toward Dazai again. At that
moment, a white light flashed between the two of them.
The bottle split into two. The amber liquid is sparkling under
the moonlight.
“My sake!”
The two screamed at the same time. A man in a military
uniform appeared before them with a drawn sword.
“Please don’t approach that man, Dazai-san.”
“Mishima-kun? Great. I’m getting real tired of this boring
guy.”
Chuya glared at Mishima sharply. The latter readied his
pose.
“Are you Dazai’s lackey? Will you go easy on me?”
Mishima waved his sword silently. He learned the technique
- Enate during his time as an adventurer.
A flash of light split the sky and blazed across Chuya, who
was standing from afar.
"Go ahead, give it your best shot! Don't hold back just
because he’s the guild leader. It's just a little swordplay, so
don't worry about hitting him."
“Dazai-san, I really want to hit him. No, on top of that-”
Mishima is nervous. Chuya hmphed in contempt.
“You’re using some sort of skill, right? What’s your shitty
skill?”
“My skill is <Conviction>. The attack shall never miss as
long as I’m determined. There’s nothing that I can’t cut
through.”
Mishima lowered his blade and readjusted his sword to aim
directly at Chuya. The latter’s mocking smile grew even
bigger.
“None of your attacks shall hit their marks under my
<Intoxication>. A fellow like you can’t even cut through
tofu.”
Mishima continued swinging his sword, yet none of the
attacks connected as if it was a nightmare.
Chuya went past the dumbfounded Mishima and
approached Dazai leisurely.
“Wait, let’s talk! How about we call it a day for today?”
“Fine, I’ll let Mishima go, but you’re coming with me. We
have things to settle.”
“Eek!?”
Dazai turned around and ran. Chuya laughed and followed
him.
“You’re not getting away!”
Mishima threw away his sword and opened his arms. He’s
going to slam him with his body.
Then, Mishima felt dizzy for a moment. Dazai, who was
supposed to be running away, hit his body onto Mishima.
The two rolled on the floor.
“Dazai-san!? You need to run away-”
Mishima realized the scene before him wasn’t the familiar
forest before he could finish his sentence- Instead, it was a
bottomless cliff.
He would’ve leaped off if Dazai didn’t stop him.
“Is this…?”
Mishima is confused. Dazai helped him get up.
Chuya stood from a distance. He pinched the corner of his
sailor hat and spat on the floor.
“Hmph, I would’ve seen a failed tightrope walk in midair if
you hadn’t noticed.”
“...I see. I see.”
Dazai spoke up in a peaceful tone.
“What does that mean?”
“Your <Intoxication> isn’t simply about dodging attacks. It's
a combination of perception interference and reality
manipulation. The trigger for activation is- when an attack is
directed towards you, right?”
Chuya fell silent for a while. He smacked his tongue
displeased.
“...How did you find out?”
“I’m a bit of a coward, you see. That’s why I added a little
bit of wake-up potion.”
Dazai took out a second sake bottle from his chest.
“Your <Intoxication> only works on normal people. It’s
rather kind for lonely drunkards like us.”
Dazai picked up the sword on the floor and shoved it into
Mishima’s hand.
“Alright, I’ll forgive you. Let’s teach him a little lesson.”
“But Dazai-san, his skill will activate if I attack him.”
“It’s not a big deal once you know the secret. Mishima-kun’s
skill is <Conviction>, right? Skills are different than magic. It
involves reality and concept. The power of a skill depends
on the user’s mental strength when two skills collide.”
Dazai took a sip of sake. He was practically licking the
bottle.
“You can swing as long as you believe in your skill. However,
your blade needs to point upward. You’ll sober up even on
the inside if you swing too recklessly.”
Dazai stared at the blade without moving. He moaned.
“...I’m not falling for it. Your skill is <Liar>, right? A third-
rate thug like you wouldn't know the rules of skills."
“Ah, you’re right. Kawabata-sensei kept his mouth shut. It
took me a lot of effort on bed to get him to spill out the
beans.”
Mishima stopped Dazai, who still wanted to talk. He took a
step forward.
“Dazai-san, I’ll deal with the rest.”
The blade of his sword- is still pointing downward.
Chuya kept staring at the two of them. His shoulder
suddenly dropped.
“...Alright, you guys are too strong. I’ll let you two go today.”
Chuya swept off the dust on his cape as he said that. He
turned around and left.
Mishima wanted to go after him, yet Dazai shook his head
and stopped him.
“Let’s leave it here. Who knows if they have traps ahead?”
Mishima glared at the darkness Chuya disappeared into it
and sheathed his sword.
“...But Dazai-san, do you know that guy?”
“Chuya? A lot happened in the other world with him. Let’s
just go back and drink. Come with me, Mishima-kun.”
Dazai scratched his head as he walked. Mishima suddenly
grabbed Dazai’s collar.
“Hey, what’s wrong, Mishima-kun?”
"...I heard that nothing happened between you and
Kawabata-san, is that true?"
“All of that was lies. Don’t tell me you believe it- hey, are
you listening?”
Mishima’s powerful arms surrounded Dazai’s waist.
“I know you’re a playboy. The truth can only be determined
with your body.”
“Wait, think about where we are!”
“Where are we? There are only the two of us here. The same
as the bed yesterday.”
Dazai's exposed chest is highlighted white in the moonlight.
Mishima held Dazai’s chin and looked at his eyes forcefully.
“...Dazai-san, this is all your fault.”
*
It’s Thursday tomorrow, which is also National Foundation
Day. We get a holiday.
Kaju’s also free today despite my worries. Komari will be in
my house learning to make chocolate in the afternoon.
I bought ingredients on my way home from a walk.
I looked down from the calm and sunny sky to the ground.
There are white powders everywhere.
…Come to think of it, today’s the main festival day.
Toyohashi Ghost Festival is a historic festival held since the
Heian period and is designated as an Important Intangible
Folk Cultural Property by Japan.
There are ghosts around our house as well. That’s why Kaju
and I used to join in on the fun when we were little.
Upon a closer look, people around here have white powder
on their heads.
You may wonder what this is all about, but this festival
involves ghosts roaming around the town and scattering
white powder and candy, so everyone goes there to get
covered in powder.
Also, there’s an app designed to show you the precise
locations of the ghosts. That’s why people can be so
efficient at being covered in powder.
At this moment, I heard a pretty cute moan from a girl from
afar.
She must have been covered in white powder. I would love
to be sprayed as well. If only I’m free…
Alright, Komari will be there if I don’t hurry up.
I picked up my belongings and quickly made my way home.
*
All I saw was Kaju’s shoes at the entrance after opening the
door to my house.
It seems like Komari isn’t here yet.
“I’m home.”
For a moment, my voice is swallowed by the silent corridor.
Then, the door to the living room suddenly opened. Kaju
jumped out.
“Welcome home, onii-sama!”
Kaju dashed here and took the stuff from my hands.
“Your friend Komari-san will be here soon. Quick. We need to
prepare to meet her!”
“A-Ahh, yeah.”
Kaju’s normal. She felt unnatural to deal with lately, but it
might be my imagination…
I observed the joyful Kaju as I took off my shoes. Then, the
doorbell rang.
Is Komari already here?
I put on my shoes again and opened the door. As expected,
it’s indeed Komari.
-However, her whole body is covered in white powder.
“Hey!? What happened, Komari!?”
“T-The crowd swept me in when I w-wanted to take a closer
look at the ghosts.”
Komari coughed. White powder flew around everywhere.
But, by the way, it’s kind of amazing how she can get
covered in so much powder.
I heard a small cry from behind amid my admiration.
“Komari-san!? Onii-sama, please fill the bathtub with hot
water!”
“Eh? Ah, yes!”
Indeed, now’s not the time to stand around and watch. I can
hear their conversation as I’m running into the bathroom.
“Alright, please come here, Komari-san! I’ll get the clothes
ready.”
“Ueh? …B-But the pow-”
“Don’t worry about that. Come, quick!”
I sighed in relief after the bath was ready. Kaju walked into
the changing room and handed me a jacket full of powder.
“I’ll leave the jacket to you, onii-sama. Here, Komari-san.
Take this off as well.”
“W-wait! N-Nukumizu is s-still h-here!”
“...Please leave, onii-sama.”
Ah, yes. You’re right.
I quickly charged out of the changing room. The door behind
me slammed shut.
This whole tsunami of development made me stand in the
corridor with the jacket.
…Uh, I need to take care of the flour first.
“Hey, Kaju, can I use a vacuum cleaner for the powder?”
I called her over the door. Then, a noise of falling fabric can
be heard.
“Onii-sama, are you still there!?”
“Eh? But I don’t know what to do with the powder on the
jacket. If there are other clothes, please-”
Komari’s voice overwhelmed mine before I could even finish.
“G-Go die!”
…She cursed me in front of my little sister.
Fine, I’ll just sweep off the powder in the garden. I sighed
and walked toward the front door.
*
-It’s been almost 30 minutes since Komari arrived. Kaju
rushed down the stairs to the changing room while carrying
something in her hands.
“Komari-san, here are clothes you can change into. Please
use them.”
I stopped wiping the corridor.
…………
…Come to think of it, Komari’s taking a bath right now.
It didn’t click in my head when she was changing. However,
having a female classmate bathe in my house makes me
feel a little- anxious.
Yep, anxious. This is an unexpected situation. I started
making coffee in the kitchen to give myself a break.
There’s no deeper meaning, but I want to grind some coffee
beans now.
I spun the grinder as I looked at Komari’s jacket on the wall.
After some pats and using the vacuum cleaner, I carefully
removed the powder using a brush.
It looks just as new. You can’t tell this has been in an
accident. I bet Kaju will praise me-
I shrugged and stopped twisting the handle.
…This is probably why people think I’m a siscon, right?
However, Kaju has always been making snacks for me since
little. It’s not like I’m totally oblivious that she’s feeding me.
I thought of making coffee after grinding the beans, yet I
realized I didn’t want to drink it at all.
I just wanted to grind the beans. As for why, …crap, I’m
starting to get nervous again.
Are there more coffee beans? If that’s the case, let me grind
all of them, hmm?
The living room door opened when I searched in the
drawers.
Kaju marched into the room with jumpy steps. She suddenly
turned around and waved at the door.
“Alright, Komari-san! No need to hold back. Come in!”
“B-But…t-this outfit…”
She must have borrowed Kaju’s clothes. Perhaps it’s a little
embarrassing to wear a middle school student’s uniform,
but Komari’s appearance looks just like one-
Komari hesitated with every step she took into the room. I
couldn’t help but glance at her twice.
Komari’s wearing a black dress that goes just above her
kneecaps- the so-called goth loli style. There are also
patterned stockings on her legs and a lace hairband on her
head.
Her hair isn’t as messy as usual too.
The decorative hairband is holding her hair together. Parts
of her bangs are turned into braids.
“...Kaju, don’t you have other clothes for her?”
“How can Kaju let a guest wear my old clothes? This is the
only new one I have. It can’t be helped, you know?”
Kaju dragged my arm and forced me to stand before Komari.
“Quick, what do you think?”
Eh? My opinion for her outfit, but Komari’s the one wearing
it-
Komari’s cheeks are slightly red after taking a bath. She
lowered her head embarrassedly.
She tried to play with her bangs, yet her finger couldn’t
touch anything. That made her blush even harder. She’s
holding her skirt tightly.
Huh? Komari is a little different than usual…
“W-Well, uh, you’re pretty cute-”
“Una!?”
What I blurted out stained Komari’s face red.
“No, no! I mean, it suits you very well! I just want to say it
looks great on you!”
I quickly corrected myself, yet nothing changed.
“Eh, …so, i-it suits-”
Komari stopped responding in the middle. Shit, is this
another #MeToo event again?
“You look pretty good, Komari-san! This outfit is exclusively
used on onii-sama to- whisper, whisper.”
“Fueh!?”
Kaju said something next to her ears. Komari suddenly lost
all her energy and sat down.
…Eh? What did Kaju tell her? Am I about to be dragged into
court?
“Hey, Komari, are you okay?”
I reached my hand out. Komari stared at me with teary
eyes.
“...D-Dummy.”
Ah, her tone is a little different than usual.
For some reason, I’m getting restless again- I won’t tell
anyone about this.
*
Kaju’s dessert classroom is finally starting.
Kaju took out the thermometer from the melted chocolate.
She smiled and nodded.
“Alright, it’s 45 degrees now. Please put the bowl in ice
water and mix the ingredient slowly from the bottom.”
“Eh, …ah.”
Komari let out a voice as she put the chocolate bowl into the
ice water. I can’t tell whether that’s a response or a moan.
Kaju couldn’t help but show her admiration after seeing
Komari stirring the chocolate skillfully.
“Komari-san, you’re pretty good at this. Have you done this
before?”
“Ueh? Well, ah, uh, I did this…and c-cakes too…”
…She’s about to pass out. I stopped doing the dishes.
“She always makes biscuits and cakes but not chocolate.
Right, Komari?”
Yes yes yes. Komari nodded rapidly.
“I see. We should definitely bake a cake together next
time.”
Komari nodded furiously again.
…I forgot. This is how Komari behaves when a stranger is
around.
How will we get Kaju to tell us what she truly thinks if she’s
like this? I wiped the cleaned utensils as I observed the two
girls.
“The basics are all about temperature control, which
includes the amount of hot water and chocolate. Komari-san
can definitely pull it off in no time if you make appropriate
preparations. Oh, the cooling is done pretty nicely. Let’s
increase the temperature to 30 degrees this time.”
Komari nodded silently. I think she gave up talking already.
“Next, please put a layer of baking paper on the tray there.
We’ll solidify half of them, and then we’ll make raw
chocolate from the other half, okay?”
-Blink, blink. Komari’s eyes asked me for help.
Eh, I don’t know what you want with that alone.
Komari kept looking at the tray and me. Uh, what’s wrong
with the tray…?
“Hey, uh, Kaju, the tray…”
“Hmm, what’s wrong with the tray?”
I continued after Komari nodded repeatedly.
“Putting all that into the tray will turn it into a big slab of
chocolate, right? What are we going to do after that?
“Indeed, we need to cut the chocolate into smaller pieces
and paint another layer of chocolate on top. That’s how we
can change its taste and color. Moreover, the amount is very
important if we want to exchange them or hand them out to
visitors, yeah?”
I see. Komari seems to have understood as well. She nodded
several times.
But can you two quit making me the translator…?
Ultimately, I got forced into the activity as the person in
charge of Komari.
“So, Kaju. Is it okay if I heat up the whipped cream like this?
Now you just need mix it with the chocolate and let it cool.”
“Hmm, it’s unexpectedly easy to make raw chocolate.”
I guess Komari got used to our kitchen as well. She’s doing
her part skillfully.
…Upon another closer look, this girl’s outfit is ridiculous.
Goth loli clothing with a fluffy apron.
Goth lolis aren’t my cup of tea, but she looks like a maid
with an apron.
A girl classmate in the same year took a bath in my house,
and now she’s cooking while wearing a skirt and stockings.
Yep, this is totally a middle school student’s fantasy.
However, you can say I’ve achieved my dream from another
perspective.
Perhaps she noticed my eyes. Komari stared at me
suspiciously.
“Ueh, …w-why are you staring at me…?”
“No, it’s just that I don’t see Komari showing your forehead
much.”
Ah, did I commit another #MeToo again?
I’m already prepared for her to scold me, yet Komari’s still
stirring the bowl. She mumbled.
“W-Which one is better…?”
“...Eh?”
What’s with this conversation?
I secretly glanced at Kaju. She’s searching the ingredient
shelf on the other side of the kitchen.
“Well, you look quite good right now, but I’m used to your
everyday appearance.”
“I-I see…”
“O-Oh…”
…Like I said, what’s with this conversation?
I planned to get some info about that young man Tachibana
from Kaju. That’s why-
“Hey, Komari. How are you doing with that? Did you ask
Kaju about who she likes?”
I said that half-jokingly, yet Komari puffed up her chest
confidently.
“Ueh? A-A-Ahh, that’s right. L-Leave it to me. I can definitely
do i-it.”
Please, for the love of god, don’t push yourself.
I just needed an opportunity from Komari. If she can do that,
I can get Kaju to spill the beans with the communication
skills I’ve learned in the book-
“What are you two talking about? Can Kaju join in too?”
Kaju came back with a bag of mixed nuts.
At that moment, Kaju and I exchanged glances before she
stepped forward.
“K-Kaju…-chan!”
“Yes?”
Nice one, Komari. Let’s just start talking about love calmly-
Komari got slightly closer and yelled in her high-pitched
voice.
“T-The person you love! P-Please tell me!”
Wait, what are you doing?
I freaked out and stood before her. Kaju’s watery eyes
blinked.
“The person Kaju has a crush on…right?”
“Y-Yes…!” (x2)
Both of us couldn’t help but answer in sync. Kaju chuckled
gently.
“It’s not a secret, but telling others will cause him trouble.
“Eh? Then, the person you love really is-”
Kaju put her finger on my lips and showed an innocent
smile.
“Hmm, it’s not like I can’t tell you. However, there has been
a lousy elf lady flying around Kaju recently.”
“Huh!” (x2)
Komari and I couldn’t help but take a step back.
“Y-Your little sister is such a s-strange girl…”
Not that you’re wrong, but this is a little different.
Kaju smiled as she looked at Komari and my face.
“That elf lady goes to wherever Kaju is. Sometimes she’ll
change her look and trick Kaju’s friend. Other times she’ll
try to investigate Kaju’s secrets. Here, ah.”
Kaju put some chocolate bits into Komari’s and my mouth.
“She’s always up to no good. What do you two think?”
After that, she showed us the most precious and angelic
smile.
The timid Komari grabbed my arm tightly. But honestly,
she’s scaring the shit out of me as well.
“W-Well, even though pranks aren’t good, perhaps that elf
lady is a good elf, you know? It’s kind of like a righteous
stalker.”
“T-That’s b-bad. Y-You need to learn your lesson.”
Komari went around Kaju and started blaming me. This girl
just stabbed me in the back.
Kaju lifted my cheeks with both of her hands. She exhaled
as she got closer. We’re almost touching each other.
“That’s why- I’m not telling a bad child like you.”
*
Winter evenings are short.
It’s already completely dark outside when Komari’s clothes
are dry.
I closed the door and turned around. Komari’s standing
under the white street light restlessly.
“U-Uh, you don’t really need to s-send me back, so-”
“That won’t do. It’s pretty dark already. I’m walking you to
the station.”
…Also, Kaju will be mad if I don’t do this.
I smiled wryly as I took Komari’s bag and started walking.
Then, I realized Komari just stood there stiffly.
“Ah, sorry. I always do this when I’m going out with Kaju-”
I handed Komari her bag, but she ignored me and started
walking beside me.
“T-Thank y-you.”
“Eh? Ah, it’s nothing…”
Huh? I thought her curses would send me flying. This is kind
of freaking me out…
The silence continued subconsciously as we stepped into
the quiet residential street.
…Uh, I should say something.
“Thanks for helping my little sister today, Komari.”
“W-Well, you can leave trivial matters like t-this to me any
time.”
Komari fiddled with the three-strand braid Kaju did for her
embarrassedly.
“Even though we got no intel out of Kaju.”
I mumbled self-mockingly. Komari gave me a smug nod.
“A-Ah, we’re just a little b-bit away.”
Really…? Well, if she says so, …then I guess…?
“T-Then, what’s the next step of the p-plan?”
Eh? Are we still going through with this? I’m sorry, but
there’s no way Komari and I alone can defeat Kaju.
“I’ve already exposed my intentions. We should observe the
situation for now.”
“R-Really?”
“It’s necessary to take a second to calm down in situations
like this.”
Come to think of it, there’s one other thing I want to ask her.
I lowered my head and looked at Komari beside me.
“W-What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I’m just wondering why Komari is helping me
with all of this.”
“Ueh? …W-Well.”
If it’s Yanami or Yakishio, I think they probably just find this
funny.
But why is Komari so enthusiastic about this?
Komari opened her mouth and tried to say something, but
only several words came out of her throat.
“Y-You didn’t c-come to the c-clubroom when we w-were
talking about the w-weekend tour.”
“Ah, no, I’ve been kind of busy this whole week-”
“W-We’ll shut down if there a-are no new members. Y-You
need to reflect.”
…Speechless.
Not all visitors will become Tsuwabuki students, but some
will definitely take the entrance exam.
It’s best to give them an excellent first impression.
“I haven’t been to any Tsuwabuki tours. What’s the day like?
“I h-haven’t been to any either. I-I’m bad at talking to s-
strangers.”
…Hmm, she’s right.
Yakishio seems to be going to the Track and Field Club for
this open day. Yanami will be bringing in visitors separate
from the Literature Club. I heard that she would be joining
us in the middle.
Can two people with communication disorders do a good job
at reception…?
“By the way, will there be that many people?”
“F-From what I’ve heard from senpai, yes. I-I think they just
visit based on the order.”
I see. So, it’s not like they are signing up for the club either
way. That’s why some people are just looking around even
though they aren’t interested.
But I’m terrible at dealing with that kind of casualness. If
we’re putting out cat pictures first and getting serious when
Yanami comes here-
We came to the road across the residential area as I thought
about that.
It’s the station after the crossing.
I guess here is good enough. I need to go back and finish
my delayed draft.
Komari dashed across the road when I was about to hand
the bag to her.
“T-The lights are changing, you know?”
“Eh, hold on.”
I had no choice but to follow her. The signal changed when
we just made it to the station.
… We have to wait before the train arrives.
Komari reached her hand into the bag when I was staring at
the cars on the road aimlessly.
“What’s wrong, Komari?”
“U-Uh, the chocolate I made today.”
After that, she took a nice-looking wrapped bag.
It’s the chocolate she made today.
“Eh, when did you package it today?”
Instead of answering, Komari looked away and handed the
bag to me.
“T-Try it.”
“Why didn’t you ask me back then if you just want me to
try- alright, I know.”
How come she’s so straightforward? This girl gets really
assertive in weird places sometimes…
I took it without much choice. There were 4 kinds of
chocolates inside after I opened the ribbon on the bag.
I should’ve tried all of them already. …Huh? Didn’t we only
make 3 kinds of chocolate today?
We have the milk one, the bitter one, and the raspberry-
there’s a bright red heart-shaped chocolate aside from
those.
Did I lose my memory? A lot has happened these days, after
all.
I opened the package and put the heart chocolate into my
mouth subconsciously.
A slightly bitter sweetness radiated throughout my mouth-
this is black currant.
Right. I think Kaju made the exact same one a while ago, so
did she use the leftover sauce back then? Now I know, but I
can’t remember when we made this at all…
I realized Komari had been staring at me as I tried to search
my memories.
“...What’s wrong, Komari?”
“Ueh!? I-I wasn’t l-looking.”
You are looking, right?
“The chocolate is pretty delicious, you know? It will be fine
on Sunday, right?”
“S-Sunday…?”
“Didn’t the Literature Club girls promise to exchange
obligatory chocolate on Sunday? Something about giving
them to visitors and showing them your girl power.”
“Y-Yes, but, Yanami was the one who said that. I-It’s just that
do I really count as s-someone who can give obligatory…”
Komari’s voice faded away. I couldn’t help but lower my
tone.
“What are you talking about? Yanami-san and Yakishio are
your friends, right?”
I handed the bag of chocolate to Komari.
Komari’s head remained lowered for a while. Then, she
nodded quietly and took one chocolate.
“I-It’s tasty, right?”
I spoke in a climatic tone. Komari answered.
“I-I haven’t even tried it y-yet.”
Komari put the chocolate into her mouth. A faint and shy
smile appeared on her face.
*
The sweet cocoa scent is still floating around my collar the
next day.
The Friday classes ended while this feeling lingered around.
It’s time for homeroom.
We didn’t say anything much yesterday night. Komari and I
spent the last several minutes waiting for the train.
I feel like she has forgiven me for my terrible act toward the
Literature Club recently.
As usual, Amanatsu-sensei entered the classroom with a
tinge of laziness as I remembered the black currant’s
bitterness on my tongue.
“Eh, hmm, everyone’s here. There are reminders about the
open day on Sunday.”
Ahem. Amanatsu-sensei cleared her throat and continued.
“On that day, only people appointed as tour guides for
visitors and those of you in charge of club visits can come to
school. Make sure the rest of you don’t get it wrong. Don’t
come to school. Hey, the on-duty guy, distribute these
leaflets.”
The on-duty student started passing us the leaflets. It’s a
schedule of that day and the required preparations
beforehand.
…Hmm, the open day starts at 1 PM. The first half is us
students giving the visitors a tour around the school, and
then it’s free time. They can check out the school however
they want.
I don’t know when visitors will show up in the club room.
Also, I didn’t sign up to be a tour guide, so I’ll just wait in the
club room.
Amanatsu-sensei started explaining after everyone got the
leaflets.
“The tour guides go gather up in the gymnasium after I’m
done explaining. Others get prepared to work. Our class is in
charge of the notice boards on the first floor. Follow this
allocation table. You can go home once you’re done-”
After that, Amanatsu-sensei sat on the chair like she
finished her work.
“Ah, as everyone knows, you students are the stars of the
open day. This whole tour exists because we want to let
middle school students who wish to study in Tsuwabuki
know what high school life is like.”
…Huh, it’s rare to see sensei being so serious.
Even we’re getting anxious from her once-in-a-month “high-
probability mode”. [TL: Some lottery and pinball machines in
Japan have this mechanic where it increases your chance of
getting a prize. Here it means Amanatsu can be serious
sometimes.]
“That’s why the student council is running the show. The
tour guides are all volunteers too.”
Amanatsu-sensei smiled and looked around the classroom.
“And us teachers are- volunteers as well.”
Her “high-probability mode” is over. A dark aura flooded
around Amanatsu-sensei.
“No, it’s not like I’m complaining. I just lost a Sunday. We
don’t get breaks after that, nor do we get paid. Why did we
discuss that during the teacher’s conference if that's the
case? There are a lot of things I want to say, but a teacher’s
job is to help students-”
With that, Amanatsu-sensei suddenly started knocking on
the podium.
“Didn’t we agree that this isn’t work!? Follow the rules,
alright!”
Ah, the usual sensei is back.
Amanatsu-sensei leaned on the podium and moaned.
“Sensei…hasn’t even finished grading the final exam yet. I’ll
be sinking in exam papers on Saturday, and then I have to
volunteer on Sunday. When can I get a break…?”
Even though we can understand how she feels, there’s
nothing we can do. It’s the third semester already, yet this
teacher still can’t get used to it…
Sensei doesn’t seem to mind the entire class is staring at
her silently. She continued.
“Sensei is single not because I’m not popular, but because I
can’t meet anyone. My friend said why I couldn’t just pick a
good one and eat him, but guys aren’t edamame, you
know?”
That friend must be Konuki-sensei, right? It has to be.
Amanatsu-sensei’s acting like she’s drunk. She leaned on
the podium and kept flipping through the leaflets.
“Sigh, that’s all of sensei’s little talk. The materials for the
notice boards are in the Printing Room. Get ready. Alright,
disbanded.”
…The ending is lackluster, as usual. I stood up among the
sea of startled students too.
Uh, I’m not one of the tour guides, so I’m supposed to set up
the notice boards, right? Let’s look at the table. Okay, I just
need to put up guide maps around the entrance.
Alright, let’s get it over with quickly and go to the Literature
Club to prepare-
“Nukumizu is in charge of the guide map, too, yeah? Let’s
go together.”
The person speaking is Sosuke Hakamada. He patted my
shoulder with a refreshing smile.
“Huh, isn’t Hakamada in charge of visitor reception?”
“Ahh, I have something to do on Sunday. There’s a lot going
on for me as well.”
Hakamada spoke up with a bitter smile.
Sunday is Valentine’s Day, after all. The people who go out
of their way to do tourist reception definitely have nothing
to do with Valentine’s Day.
“Oh, Nukumizu-kun. I’ll go to the club room after I’m done in
the gymnasium, okay?”
Yanami patted my shoulder.
“Ah, yeah, I’ll be there after this as well.”
“Sosuke, don’t bully Nukumizu-kun, okay?”
The girl with nothing to do with Valentine’s Day waved and
left the room.
“Hey, Nukkun!”
The other nothing-to-do-with-it girl slammed my back. It
hurts.
“Eh? What? It hurts.”
“I’m going to the Track and Field Club after the explanation
is over.”
I see. Why did they tell me?
“Uh, Yakishio will be at the Track and Field Club on that day,
right?”
“Yeah, I’ll pay all my debt back to you. See you!”
Yakishio gently closed her hands before jumping out of the
classroom.
She’s just as lively as usual…
I’m dumbfounded. Hakamada poked my arm lightly.
“Hey, Nukumizu. You’re so popular.”
“Ehh, …please don’t bully me, Hakamada.”
“Sorry, sorry. But you were completely different in the first
semester, right?”
The first semester, right? I answered with an awkward smile
as we walked along the hallway. Hakamada and I need to
grab the promo materials in the Printing Room.
I felt girls looking at me as we crossed shoulders. This isn’t
my imagination. Some were even whispering to each other
while looking at us. Is this the so-called Hakamada Effect?
“What’s wrong, Nukumizu-kun? I’ll be embarrassed if you
stare at me too much.”
“No, it’s nothing. …Things are tough for Hakamada. Girls
keep looking at you even though you’re just walking.”
I listened to a handsome guy’s joke as I said that.
Hakamada showed a bewildered expression.
“No, you’re the one they are looking at.”
“...Huh?”
What’s that? Did I get exposed on the internet or
something? I was smiling like an idiot while holding the new
release in Seibunkan Bookstore’s manga section yesterday.
Was that too much…?
I looked at Hakamada worriedly. He patted my shoulder.
“Nukumizu, stand before the notice board there.”
“Eh? Ahh, sure.”
I followed his instructions and stood before the notice board
in the corridor. The girls standing behind us started
whispering.
“Huh? Isn’t he handsome?” “No, the one next to him.” “Ah,
…he’s normal.” “Yeah, he’s normal.”
…They keep saying I’m normal. That has to be me since I’m
with a not-normal guy.
By the way, girls think I’m “normal”, huh? It’s an
unexpectedly positive reputation…
Hakamada shrugged after the whispering girls left.
“You became the hot topic after what happened in the
gymnasium at the end of last year.”
The gymnasium- he means when I hugged Shikiya-san when
she was about to trip over?
Indeed, she was soft, cold, and smelled good…
“That can’t be helped. It’s definitely not sexual
harassment.”
“What are you talking about? Everyone says you’re in a
mess with the student council members. Some even say
you’re two-timing.”
…Ha?
“Wait, that’s not true. Come to think of it, I was the one who
got involved in every sense, okay?”
“Well, I do know. You’re not that kind of person.”
Hakamada nodded. I think this guy said the same thing at
the end of the second semester.
If that’s the case, his following line will be-
“Even though I know, it’s best for you to find an opportunity
to explain everything. People will misunderstand if they
think you’re keeping your distance or messing with their
feelings.”
“Are you sure you know?”
“Yes, yes, I know. I know.”
…This guy absolutely doesn’t know. My confidence
increased as I shrugged like Hakamada.
*
The notice board work ended successfully.
After that, I walked right into the club room. It’s a face-to-
face standoff with Komari over the table.
“A-Alright, hand me the draft.”
Komari knocked the table with the tip of her finger. Indeed,
we’re making the magazine next.
I nodded properly.
“Hmm, that’s right. A club magazine needs a draft.”
“Y-Your draft is the only one left. Y-Yanami handed in hers t-
too.”
Yanami completed her convenience store novel as usual.
Now all that’s left is mine.
I gave a smug nod again.
“I know you’re worried about my draft- but can you not
perceive that I haven’t finished yet?”
“I-I refuse.”
That’s mean. I haven’t even said it yet.
“Wait, hear me out. We’re making the club magazine for
visitors this time. The goal is for them to understand what
our club is doing, right? That’s why I want to make the club
magazine.”
“T-That was rejected already.”
“That’s why I said hear me out. This time, the club
magazine is made by stapling the draft with a stapler and
taping them together, right? First of all, we just need to get
the draft printed-”
I took out a piece of paper.
“I made a self-introduction table. We can let the visitors
write down a brief self-introduction and the books they like,
and then we can put those in the club magazine. That way,
it feels like the book belongs to that person alone.”
Komari took the self-introduction table and glared at it
quietly.
“There are other advantages as well. Once we know what
books they like, we can use that as an opportunity to heat
up the conversation.”
Indeed, talking about hobbies is the best way for two people
to become buddies.
I received Komari’s eyes full of suspicion despite my
confidence.
“W-Who’s going to cheer up the crowd…?”
“...Eh?”
Yanami doesn’t really read, right? In other words, it’s just
Komari and me, right? Well…
“Uh, …we can just let the visitors cheer the mood.”
“I-I see…”
No way. The sky will go dark when that happens.
I coughed and faced Komari again.
“Yep, that’s all. Let’s print all the drafts except mine out
today, hmm?”
“I-In other words, your draft is-”
Komari continued staring at me with her eyes full of
suspicion. I lowered my hand deeply.
“I’ll finish it before Sunday. Please wait a little longer.”
“S-Say that earlier.”
This must be humiliation- what a shallow thought.
If lowering my head means I can be forgiven for breaking
the deadline, it’s instead a victory.
I put my forehead on the table and smiled. Then, the door to
the club room opened.
It’s Teiara Basori.
She glared at Komari and me before holding the door handle
and stepping back.
“...Uh, are you two busy?”
“No, it’s okay. How can I help you?”
Very well. Now we don’t have to talk about the draft
anymore.
I stood up confidently. Teiara-san shot me hostile looks.
“Alright, I’m here to scold Nukumizu-san. Can we go outside
for a bit?”
Eh, that’s scary.
“Uh, we’re actually still busy. It’s an important meeting.”
“That one just then?”
“The table is pretty cold. It keeps my head awake. Right,
Komari?”
I looked at Komari for help. However, she’s staying
completely still in the corner of the room.
She’s so good at hiding her presence. I admire her.
She has a murderous aura. She’s raising her arm.
Teiara-san pushed my back forcefully.
“Alright, come here.”
“Eh, wait.”
Teiara-san put her hands on her waist and glared at me after
dragging me out of the club room.
“Nukumizu-san, why didn’t you come to the gymnasium?”
…Huh? That’s for tour guides, right?
“I’m not a tour guide. Even though I’ll be there that day, I’ll
just be responsible for the club visit.”
“Ha? I asked the on-duty Amanatsu-sensei to tell you to
come, though.”
Eh, there’s no way that person can do that. It’s Amanatsu-
sensei, after all.
Teiara-san sighed after noticing my look.
“It can’t be helped if the message wasn’t delivered. Anyway,
please take this.”
She gave me a handbook for the briefing session before I
could even follow up with her.
“It’s kind of sudden, but someone asked you to be the tour
guide today.”
“Eh? There’s a nomination system?”
“Yes, some people want to be led by someone they know.
Either that or they want to hear about clubs they are
interested in. We’ll try our best to fulfill their requests.”
Someone who nominates me, don’t tell me it’s a kouhai
from middle school or something like that. Or are they
interested in joining the Literature Club?
“Who wants me to be their tour guide? I hope they are a
nice person.”
“You’re the one leading them. Quick. It’s troublesome since
we just changed the list on a whim.”
Teiara-san pointed at the list in the handbook with her slim
finger.
Uh, …I’m leading Class 5 of Momozono Middle School, right?
There are 3 names on the list.

Asami Gonto, Satoshi Tachibana, and- Kaju Nukumizu.

*
Literature Club Report - Special Edition
<New Year’s Gift> by Anna Yanami
I usually have breakfast in the convenience store.
One of my recent favorites in the rest area is charcoal grilled
chicken skewers (salted). I don’t think I need to explain.
Those who are interested can look at the ingredients table.
Yes, the row with carbohydrates.
Even though I don’t remember the actual numbers, it’s a
champion because it’s so low.
Also, I’m having hot black coffee instead of a latte.
This is a champion for low values. That’s two champions in a
row.
Convenience stores these days let you choose your coffee
taste from “light” to “strong”, but it tastes especially strong
today.
I stopped leaving my house early lately. That’s why I don’t
see OO-kun going to school outside the window.
“Ako-san, you stopped eating meat buns these days, yeah?”
The person saying unnecessary things is my classmate, XX-
kun.
We’ve been eating together in the corner recently.
Also, I used to eat pork buns. What an amateur.
He’s always sitting two seats away from me. How self-
conscious. It’s disgusting.
Even though he doesn’t care about others in every way,
he’s even meaner today. I can’t believe he’s having an
American hot dog in the morning.
That’s right. The carbohydrates in a hot dog exceed 30
grams.
I want to eat that too.
Also, he just has to be drinking a latte instead of coffee
today.
I want to drink that too.
But I thought I could ask for a bite from him. Then, one of
the girls from our school started talking to XX-kun.
The two whispered something to each other, and then, after
a while, that girl took a bite of XX-kun’s hot dog before
leaving.
…Even though I don’t know who that is, she’s such a greedy
and despicable girl for wanting somebody else’s food.
XX-kun chuckled after I finished my skewers.
“Ako-san, are you still hungry?”
This guy is as impolite as usual.
XX-kun gave me something when I was about to ignore him.
It’s a yuzu pepper-flavored tofu stick.
One stick of this gives you 10 grams of protein. It’s pretty
chewy as well.
“I think you’re trying to lose weight lately. Here’s a little
snack for you.”
…This person is really impolite, after all.
I remembered that girl as I chewed on a tofu stick from
another person.
Comparing a tofu stick to a bite of an American hotdog, I
think I won here.
Although that’s how I feel, somehow, my heart is itching a
little. It’s irritating…
*
After printing the drafts, I’m standing before the bakery next
to the road not far from school.
Yanami called me here when I was about to go home.
Yanami has been getting bread here lately, but this is my
first time here…
I looked around before walking in. Yanami was checking out.
“Oh, you’re here. Nukumizu-kun, take this. It’s for you.”
She said that and handed me some bread. It’s “Ogura
Bread” with red bean paste.
Yanami always gets this. She eats 8 times a week if her
body is in good condition.
“Thanks. I’ll go get drinks. Is milk okay?”
“Okay.”
Yanami waved as she walked inside the store. There are
tables and chairs there. We can eat there.
I grabbed the milk and sat on the opposite chair. Yanami
opened the package and laughed.
“Nukumizu-kun, you have grown up.”
“Eh, what?”
I put the straw into the milk carton box while being alerted
to what she said.
“It’s because Nukumizu-kun used to start asking why 2
seconds after we met. Compared to then, you can now talk
properly.
Yanami took a big bite out of the bread.
Isn’t that because I’ve learned I won’t get the ball back even
if I shoot a straight ball at Yanami…? Does this count as
growth…?
“I feel sorry for asking after hearing that. Why did you bring
me here?”
“Eh, it’s because I’m hungry.”
Look, we still can’t have a proper conversation. I tried not to
sigh and opened the bread package.
“Yanami-san is always hungry, right? Uh, if you went out
your way to call me here, it means that you want to talk to
me, right?”
Yanami took out a small handbook as she chewed the bread.
“Nom nom nom nom nom nom.”
Don’t talk while eating.
Ah, this handbook.
“This is the handbook for tour guides, right? You brought
one for me.”
Yanami swallowed the bread at once.
“Nukumizu-kun, you didn’t come even though your name is
on the list, right? I want to give you a briefing.”
“Basori-san already explained that to me already, so it’s
fine. Let’s just meet up at 1 PM at the gymnasium.”
“Eh.”
Yanami stopped her hand when she was about to put the
straw in.
“Why is it that girl? Did she go out of her way to find
Nukumizu-kun too?”
“It’s because the student council oversees the open day.
Didn’t she find me because I wasn’t at the briefing session?”
For some reason, Yanami stared at me resentfully.
After a while, she seemed satisfied and shrugged as she
opened the handbook.
“Well, whatever, Nukumizu-kun is leading Tachibana-kun,
hmm? The kid who had a date with Imouto-chan at
Toyokawa Inari, right?”
My expression turned stiff. I stared at Yanami.
“...Yanami-san, do you know about Schodinger’s Cat?”
Yanami’s mouth left the straw when she drank the milk. She
tilted in disbelief.
“That one, right? The cat dies when you open the box.”
It’s close, but it’s a little different.
“In situations like this, an event is uncertain before direct
observation. I don’t deny Kaju and Tachibana-kun are
friends, but there aren’t any evidence to show that was a
date, not to mention going out.”
Yanami shook her head dumbfoundedly.
“Are you still saying that? Remon-chan told me about what
you did in Momozono, you know? Aren’t Imouto-chan and
Tachibana-kun acting all vague? They are having a date on
Valentine’s Day-”
Yanami seems to have finally reacted. Her eyes bulged.
“Yeah, Kaju and Tachibana-kun’s Valentine’s promise must
be about the open day. It’s normal for friends who want to
study in Tsuwabuki to come together, right?”
“Then, what about those embarrassing stuff that she can’t
talk about before people.”
“Kaju’s a girl in puberty, right? Isn’t it kind of embarrassing
to let her brother lead the way?”
“...Is Imouto-chan a girl like that?”
She is. Yanami put a hand on her chin and tilted her head.
“What about her handmade honmei chocolate?”
Tck, she got a critical hit. I chugged the milk at once to
replenish my calcium.
“My my, …you can give chocolates to friends too, right? Of
course, it’s not weird for Kaju to have a crush on someone-
well, I do understand the reasoning, but we can’t be sure as
long as Kaju doesn’t say anything.”
“Hmm, I guess that’s good too.”
Yanami said that chicly before finishing the milk at once.
“Imouto-chan won’t talk about it with you if you reject it too
much, yeah?”
“Hmm, …I guess.”
“That’s right, Nukumizu-kun. It’s normal for a middle school
girl to have a boyfriend.”
I don’t know why, but I feel like I can’t fight with Yanami
about this one- for some reason.
“But this isn’t to say it’s certain, okay?”
“Oh, …you hate admitting defeat so much.”
Whatever you say, girl. I tore down the corner of the bread
and put it into my mouth.
“Nukumizu-kun, how come you’re eating so slow?”
Yanami asked curiously with an innocent tone.
“I don’t know whether I can finish one. Also, I can’t finish my
dinner if I eat too much right now, right?”
“It’s okay. You can definitely finish it.”
Yanami spoke up determinedly.
‘Eh, but-”
“You need to believe in yourself more. A girl like me
managed to eat one only even though I subconsciously
bought two.”
That’s why she bought the bread for me.
Seeing that Yanami watched me finish half of the bread, …I
felt a little embarrassed to continue.
“Uh, …do you want half of it?”
I said that after feeling unbearable with the weight. Then, I
saw the most charming smile from today’s Yanami. She
reached her hand out.

“You can’t be helped. I’ll take off some of your burdens,

hmm?”
*
Intermission: Between Friendship and the Night

Gardening Club, Monozono Middle School.

The sun is setting. The small greenhouse is lit up by the old
fluorescent lamp.
The person standing before the potted pine tree is Asami
Gonto from Class 2-1.
She’s standing there with a pair of scissors.
“...Nuku-chan, outsiders can’t enter this place, you know?”
She mumbled quietly without moving her eyes away from
the branch.
The person walking into the greenhouse is Kaju Nukumizu.
Her long black hair swayed around as she smiled gently.
“I’m here because of the student council, okay? Gon-chan,
this is the council’s report for this month.
Gon-chan exhaled for a long moment as if she wanted to
vent out all the air in her lungs. After that, she put the pair
of scissors next to the pot.
“Thanks, but you’re so late today.”
“Yeah, I didn’t expect being the vice president to be so
tough, but I wanted the graduate send-off party to be
successful.”
Kaju handed over the report and looked at the plant on the
table.
The tiny pine is reaching its branches out like hands.
“Gon-chan, you really like potted plants, don’t you?”
“Didn’t Takamatsu-sensei retire last year? He was our
advisor. This is what he left behind.”
Gon-chan took the pair of scissors again and stared at the
branch.
After looking at her for a while, Kaju made up her mind and
spoke up.
“Can I?”
“...What?”
She mustered her courage again.
“I’m talking about Tachibana-kun, you know? Gon-chan, you
two have been very close since little, right?”
“We used to join the children’s party together. We were like
family and friends at the same time. What a strange
relationship.
A nostalgic smile appeared on Gon-chan’s face for a
moment.
However, she showed an uninterested look at the next
second.
“...Gon-chan is Kaju’s most important friend. That’s why I
was surprised to hear Tachibana-kun’s feelings. The first
thing I wanted to do is to talk about it with Gon-chan.”
Kaju awaited her answer.
After an unknown amount of time, Kaju decided to speak
again.
“Gon-chan, can we really go out?”
Chak. The pair of scissors in Gon-chan’s hand slashed across
the air.
“If that’s the case- how about that then?”
Kaju straightened her back upon seeing her stubborn
friend’s look.
“The day after tomorrow is the 14th- I think he’ll definitely
confess.”
“...Nothing will change between us, whether it’s me or
Satoshi.”
Kaju nodded silently after hearing her friend’s words.
Chapter 4: Be Prepared to Let Go

Tsuwabuki High School Open Day.

Right now, the clock is at 12:30 PM. There are 4 Literature
Club members surrounding the table in the room.
The girls exchanged eye contact. Yakishio was the first one
to take out a box.
“Well, I’ll go first! Please take a look. I’m really proud of
this.”
With that, she opened the lid. There are loads of chocolates
in various messed-up shapes.
Yanami and Komari looked at me silently.
Do they want me to be the one to give comments…?
“Ahh, it’s pretty good. Let me think. This should be the
amoeba we learned in Biology class-”
“This is the flower of Tsuwabuki. That’s the leaf. …Nukkun,
what did you just say?”
“Nothing at all. I get it. This is Tsuwabuki’s flower…”
“That’s the leaf.”
“Then this one is the flower?”
“That’s also a leaf.”
…Why is this so difficult? Is this one of those captchas on
overseas websites?
Yakishio gave me a displeased look.
“Hey, Nukkun, you’ve been kind of impolite since then, you
know?”
Indeed, I can give my feedback after trying these out. I took
a very twisted solid and put it into my mouth.
The taste of sugar along with a crunchy sensation radiated
through my tongue.
It tastes like a piece of chocolate that has been placed at
the bottom of a school bag for half a year…
“Uh, yeah, …it’s delicious. I can sense a ripened taste.”
I formulated my words carefully and gave my comments.
Yakishio took a bite of chocolate in disbelief.
“Really? I think it’s kind of bad. Nukkun, you sure have
special tastes.”
Eh, how could that be? I think it’s pretty bad too.
Yanami’s interest seemed to have grown after hearing our
conversation. She took a piece of chocolate and threw it into
her mouth.
“Ohh, it’s a bit hard to describe this chocolate in words. The
temperature isn’t quite there, but I feel like I’ll get addicted
to it after eating. It’s kind of nostalgic as well. It’s like the
dirt wall I’ve eaten before. I don’t really know how to put
it…”
Chew, chew. Yanami is still chewing it. Why does this girl
know how a dirt wall tastes…?
“U-Uh, I-I made this one.”
This time, Komari took out a bento box. It contains the
chocolate she made at my house a few days ago.
There are the bitter one, the milk-flavored one, and the
black currant one-
“Hmm? Where did the red heart-shaped one go?”
I said that calmly, yet Komari suddenly stopped moving.
“What’s wrong, Komari?”
“I-I only made one of that flavor! N-Not enough
ingredients!”
I see. I think she used the remaining sauce in my house.
I understand, but why are you blushing so hard…?
Yanami already ate a huge portion of Yakishio’s chocolate.
She now glanced at Komari’s chocolate.
“Yanami-san, we need to give these to visitors, right? Don’t
eat all of them.”
“I know. Also, I also made my own chocolate too.”
“How’s Yana-chan’s chocolate?”
Yakishio ate Komari’s chocolate as she asked.
“I want to help everyone to achieve their dreams. That’s
why I made the chocolate.”
It looks like it’s full of feelings.
Yanami took out a tall box and opened the lid carefully. I
think it’s supposed to be a cake box.
“Tada, this is Yanami-chan’s special chocolate.”
There’s a baseball-sized spherical chocolate inside the box.
Including me, the three people present fell silent. So, I acted
as the representative.
“Uh, …only this one?”
“Yeah, I had an idea and mixed all the ingredients into this
chocolate. Yep, it’s not easy to make such a perfectly
spherical chocolate.”
“So, how are we going to eat this?”
It was a serious question. Yanami tilted her head in
confusion.
“Eh? You just take a bite out of it.”
Yanami took a bite of it after saying that. She then handed
the chocolate ball to Yakishio.
Yakishio took a bite puzzledly, followed by Komari. At last,
it’s in my hands right now.
Seeing the three teeth marks, I decided to take a small bite
at the furthest side.
It- tastes like chocolate. Yep, it’s normal chocolate.
“...There’s no way we can give this to the visitors.”
Yanami gave me a displeased look after carefully putting her
chocolate back into the box.
“Nukumizu-kun, if you’re going to point out other people’s
faults, then shouldn’t you bring chocolate yourself too?”
“Eh? I have to prepare one too?”
“Of course. I told you before- even though I didn’t clarify,
you need to consider the situation and other people’s
feelings, etc. What are we going to do if you can’t even
prepare something as simple as chocolate?”
Ehh, …Yanami is the last person I want to be my boss in the
future. Ah, but-
“I did get chocolate before leaving. It’s not handmade, but
please take it if you girls don’t mind.”
I took out a box of chocolate from my school bag. The three
girls’ eyes bulged.
“W-Who gave i-it to you?”
“I bet Nukumizu-kun bought it himself, right? Did you buy it
in Kalmia? There are a lot of delicacies there, you know?”
I feel like people are saying really mean things about me.
“No, I really got it from somebody else. I won’t make up a
pathetic lie like that no matter what.”
Then, Yakishio took the box away from my hands.
“Heh, Nukkun sure is good. What kind of person is she?”
“What do you mean- I got this chocolate from Mom.”
Yanami and Komari sighed and sat back down while they
were standing up.
“I-I knew it.”
“It’s Nukumizu-kun, after all. That’s normal.”
The girls opened the box and started eating the chocolate
without my permission.
First of all, they took away my chocolate. Second of all, why
am I getting taunted at?
“Mom told me I should bring some chocolate and share
them before I left- but, Yanami-san, that doesn’t mean you
can eat all of them. Are you listening to me?”
I took the chocolate box back while tidying today’s schedule
in my mind.
-After this, everyone except Komari has to wait for the
visitors at the gymnasium.
After the basic introduction is over, only the visitors get their
free time. That’s why I’ll return to the club room at that
time.
Komari will have to stand by in the club room from start to
finish. If visitors show up before we’re back, she will be
dealing with them alone. Yes, Komari is on her own-
“W-What? Why are you staring at me?”
“Uh, it’s nothing.”
Come to think of it, I haven’t told Komari I’ll be the tour
guide for the visitors yet…
I looked at the document to avoid exchanging eye contact
with her. After that, Yanami wiped her mouth and stood up.
“Remon-chan, Nukumizu-kun. It’s almost time. Let’s go.”
“Right. Hey, Nukkun, get up.”
I slowly stood up. Then, Komari’s eyes started shivering.
“Eh, …N-Nukumizu is going too?”
“Someone appointed me as the tour guide. I’ll be back later.
Before that, though, I’ll leave it to you.”
I didn’t look at her. Komari grabbed my sleeve as I prepared
to leave the classroom.
“B-But I can’t d-deal with them on my own…!”
“But I have to go. Yanami-sa-”
I turned around and asked for help. Yanami and Yakishio are
already nowhere to be seen.
“These two ran away- hey, stop yanking my clothes!”
This is troublesome. I can’t get away. Then, I noticed a
woman showing half of her face outside the opened door.
“Sensei!”
“Do you need my help?”
This lady leisurely entered the club room. She’s the
Literature Club’s advisor and the school nurse, Sayo Konuki.
This person has all kinds of problems, but I should take the
lighter toll of the two.
“You’re just in the right time. I have to be the visitors’ tour
guide next. Can you please stay in the club room and
welcome the crowd together with Komari?”
“Eek!?” Komari gasped quietly. She ran to the corner of the
club room.
Konuki-sensei licked her lips and sat before Komari across
the table.
“Leave it to me. Despite everything, sensei still knows I
shouldn’t do bad things to middle school students.”
I understand. Glad to know that.
“Well, sensei, I’ll leave it to you. Komari, you should listen to
sensei.”
“G-Go die…!”
I left the shivering Komari and exited the club room.
-Yesterday, Kaju made chocolates for Valentine’s Day.
If this chocolate isn’t for me, she’s giving it to somebody
else today. That person is…
I shook my head self-mockingly. It has to be someone else.
Did Kaju and Tachibana-kun start going out already? Or is
she confessing today…?
I patted my cheeks to cheer myself up before speeding
toward the gymnasium.
No point in overthinking. Let’s just go with the flow.
*
A lively atmosphere surrounds the gymnasium.
I can see many students in their uniforms across middle
schools in the city. We’re talking about a grade’s worth of
people.
I wonder how many of them will become my kouhais.
Looking from the gymnasium's walls, the student council
members seem to be lining up the visitors according to their
schools.
Kaju appointed me to be her tour guide today.
Tachibana-kun is here too- perhaps Kaju is trying to
introduce him to me.
Her friend Gonto is here as well. Maybe she can help to
soothe things over if an argument happens. Suppose she’s
on Kaju’s side, of course.
I fell into thoughts. Then, a flower scent gently comforts the
inside of my nose.
A familiar prelude played in my mind.
“Nukumizu-kun, can I stand next to you?”
“Eh, sure.”
Karen Himemiya stood next to me. She’s the winning
heroine who became Sosuke Hakamada’s girlfriend. Yanami
views her as her rival in love.
Huh, come to think of it, that’s indeed the case-
“You’re not with Hakamada today?”
“Fufu, Sosuke will come to my house and cook for me today.
He wants to give me a surprise.”
Is that the “something to do” Hakamada mentioned earlier?
“A surprise? …But Himemiya-san knows already.”
“He’s always so clumsy. I think this part of him is quite cute,
though.”
Himemiya-san didn’t give a straight answer. She casually
talked about her love before looking around leisurely.
“Nukumizu-kun, it’s Valentine’s Day. Did you get
chocolates?”
…Huh? Is this how extroverts tease introverts?
I closed parts of my heart and answered at the same time.
“I got some from my mother this morning. It should count,
right?”
“Oh, …did Anna not give you chocolates?”
“Ha. She didn’t give it to me specifically.”
The chocolate in the club room- isn’t for me.
…That’s weird. Himemiya-san seems to be disappointed.
Somehow, I can feel the volume of the BGM decreasing as
well.
“I made chocolate with Anna in my house yesterday.”
Eh, I didn’t know she made that oopart-like chocolate in
Himemiya-san’s house.
Himemiya-san revealed her shiny teeth and leaned toward
me. She looked at my face.
“She put a lot of effort into it. That’s why I’m thinking
whether she’s giving it to someone important to her.”
Someone important? In other words, does Himemiya-san
think Yanami is the type who gives things to the boy she
likes?
Of course, I’m not going to deny that. However, this is the
only time I feel a little bad for her…
“Well, the Literature Club members all brought chocolates.
We’re planning to let the visitors try them. The spherical one
is the one she made, right?
“Oh, yeah. Wow, you guys are giving it to visitors.”
“How should I put it? …I tried it in the club room. We
probably won’t give hers to them.”
“Eh, why?”
Himemiya-san’s head tilted cutely.
To say why- the three teeth marks appeared in my mind.
“I can’t let anyone else eat Yanami-san’s chocolate.”
Himemiya-san’s BGM started getting chaotic after I blurted
that out subconsciously.
“Eh!? So, you’re saying…that?”
“...? Yeah, I mean that.”
I answered half-heartedly. Himemiya-san showed a
bewildered expression.
“Oh, …Nukumizu-kun. I didn’t expect you to be so
enthusiastic.”
“I don’t know whether it’s enthusiasm or responsibility. Uh,
anyway, I feel like I’m the one responsible.”
I’m the president, after all. I can’t let others eat chocolate
with high school girls' teeth marks.
Himemiya-san’s eyes bulged even harder after I said that.
“Responsible!? Nukumizu-kun, since when have you two
gone that far!?”
Himemiya-san’s reaction is unusually exaggerated.
Obviously, that’s because she doesn’t know I’m the
president of the Literature Club, but is it that shocking? …
I’m a little startled.
“Eh, …uh, it’s been like this a long time ago.”
“O-Oh, …I see. …You two have been like this a long time
ago.”
What’s with her reaction? Indeed, Himemiya-san and I never
seem to be on the same wavelength when we’re having a
conversation…
Himemiya-san is really excited. That’s why I have to spend
this awkward moment with her.
During this time, Prez Hokobaru walked onto the stage with
a microphone.
“Welcome to Tsuwabuki High School, everyone.”
The solemn voice immediately changed the atmosphere in
the gymnasium within a second.
All of the cheering middle school students immediately went
quiet. I couldn’t help but straighten my back as well.
After looking at the lined-up audience below the stage, Prez
Hokobaru started speaking in a calm demeanor.
“I think many students have already chosen Tsuwabuki High
School, while a huge chunk of students are still hesitating.
However, I hope all of you can ignore all of that just for
today. Just bring back the feelings you have after the visit.
Also, if there are still students who are willing to pick
Tsuwabuki- as part of our family, I’ll be incredibly honored.”
After the speech, Prez Hokobaru turned off the microphone
and bowed to everyone respectfully.
Her elegant manners are alluring. I watched her dazedly.
Then, Teiara-san’s crisp voice is heard throughout the entire
gymnasium.
“Alright, all tour guides please greet our visitors!”
I know I have to go.
At first glance, the leading student at every line has a sheet
of paper that says the name of their middle school.
I’m in charge of Class 3-5 of Momozono Middle School.
That’s why Kaju should be there too…
I searched for the one-piece dress uniform among the
crowd. Then, a familiar face appeared, a head taller than I
remembered.
“You’re Nuku-chan’s brother, right? It’s been a long time.”
It’s a tall girl in a Momozono uniform. I think I’ve seen her
several times back home.
“Ah, well, you’re-”
“I’m Gonto. Nice to meet you.”
“Ah, yes, nice to meet you.”
I answered nervously. A short boy- Tachibana-kun stood next
to her.
“I’m Tachibana. I’ll be in your care-”
Tachibana-kun’s expression froze in the middle.
…Ah.
“Eh, …Watanabe-kun?”
“Ah! That’s-”
Shit, I can’t think of any excuses at all.
The two of us stood still. During this time, Kaju leaned on
me and grabbed my arm tightly.
“Alright, that was actually a prank! What a success! Right,
onii-sama?”
“Eh? What is- ouch!?”
Kaju pinched my back.
Tachibana-kun didn’t react. Kaju started speaking to him
rapidly.
“With Tsuwabuki High School’s open day as an opportunity,
my onii-sama wants to understand Tachibana-kun as a
person. That’s why he came to check you out! Sheesh, onii-
sama, didn’t I already tell you Tachibana-kun is a serious
person?”
Even though I don’t really get it either, she seems to be
covering for me. Fine, I’ll just do what I can.
“Y-You’re right. Sorry, Tachibana-kun. I was being impolite.”
Tachibana-kun lowered his head and approached us. He’s
unable to hide his confusion.
“It’s fine. I was the one who brought up an unreasonable
request. I’ll be in your care today.”
…Tachibana-kun is such a nice person. I’m also nice, even
though I was a stalker.
Gonto-san looked at us dazedly. She then patted Kaju’s
shoulder.
“What happened? Does your brother know Satoshi?”
“Well- I’ll explain it to you later. We don’t have much time
right now! Let’s go!”
“Ah, hold on, Nuku-chan.”
Kaju and Gonto-san held hands as they stepped out.
After exchanging a glance, Tachibana-kun and I followed the
two of them out of the gymnasium.
“Sorry, I just suddenly came here and caused you trouble.”
Tachibana-kun said that worriedly. I hastily shook my head.
“No, no, no, that’s not true. Uh, do you want to check out
any places?”
I tried my best to say that in a cheerful tone. Then,
Tachibana-kun fidgeted and took out the handbook for
visitors.
“Uh, I want to join the public lesson in 1-C’s classroom.”
That’s my class, right? Even though Amanatsu-sensei likes
to complain, she still does what she needs to do.
The handbook says, “Please observe what our classes are
like normally”.
Although I don’t really want to show that lazy teacher to
others, she only gets serious during class, so it should be
fine for us to put her up there…
I spoke to the three people while on the corridor that
connects both buildings.
“Well, we’ll join the public lesson later. There’s still some
time before it starts. Are there any places you guys want to
go?”
Kaju held Gonto-san’s hand as she turned around to look at
me.
“Onii-sama, please bring us to places you usually go next!”
“Places I usually go? There’s no point in doing that, right?”
Kaju’s lips curled down as she threw a tantrum.
“It’s because Kaju wants to know what onii-sama is like
normally. Onii-sama rarely talks about school with Kaju after
getting into high school.”
It’s because I have nothing to say.
Aside from the classroom and the emergency stairs, the
places I usually stay at are…
“Well, I’ll give you guys a tour of the water pipes in the
school-”
“Onii-sama, are there any other places?”
Kaju interrupted.
“Eh, but the shape of the tap before the Arts Room
changed.”
“Anything. Else. Onii-sama?”
Ehh, …I feel like Kaju is a bit scary. But how can there be
anything else…?
“Well, the Literature Club’s room- you guys aren’t
interested, right?”
I couldn’t think of anything else. That’s all I could say. After
that, Kaju’s eyes brightened.
“I’m going! Actually, I’ve already prepared a draft to be
brought to the Literature Club!”
A draft to be brought…? We don’t have such an option.
“Uh, why are you bringing that?”
“Kaju has thought about this before. It would be so good to
publish my draft in the same edition of the club magazine
with onii-sama. Seeing the siblings’ names on the menu is
like we’re having a joint publication. It feels so good!”
“I don’t know that feeling, but we’re making a club
magazine today. Let’s try putting it up there.”
“Really!? Hey, Gon-chan, Tachibana-kun, are you two
coming as well?”
Gonto-san smiled and shrugged.
“I don’t mind. What about you, Satoshi?”
“There’s some time before the public lesson, anyway. I’ll go.
Uh, I’m a little interested in the…Literature Club as well.”
Ah, this guy isn’t interested at all, right? Some of us can’t
even tell the difference between the Gardening Club and the
Literature Club. I’m so sorry to make all of you worry…
Right now, he’s more mature than I am. He’s more
considerate, gentle, and handsome- but I’m taller and older
than him. Also, my blood type is A. I have a bigger
advantage during blood donation.
…Yep, this is a draw.
Tachibana-kun doesn’t know I’ve already started a match
against him. Instead, he showed me a warm smile.
“I’ve heard that Nukumizu-san is already the president of
the Literature Club, even though you’re just a first-year
student. That’s so amazing.”
“Huh? Ahh, well, someone had to take the position, after all.
In other words, I guess it’s a sense of responsibility.”
Tachibana-kun is such a nice person. I scratched my cheeks
to cover my embarrassment.
I’m already starting to trust him. That’s why I relaxed my
expression and walked into the building.

-But this doesn’t mean I’ve already acknowledged the

relationship between Kaju and him, okay?
*
I reached my hand toward the club room’s door at the
corner of the west building, yet I stopped just before
touching the knob.
Right, Komari and Konuki-sensei are inside, I think…
“What’s wrong, onii-sama?”
Kaju glanced at my hand puzzledly.
“I have a question for you. Kaju, the two of them are in the
same grade as you, right? Are they 14 years old?”
Inside here is the worst teacher in Tsuwabuki, in terms of
education level, that is.
After seeing the nod of approval from them, I reached my
hand toward the knob. Sensei, please…
“I’m Nukumizu. Here are the visitors.”
Clack. …I gently opened the door. Konuki-sensei faced me
with her back while squatting down.
As for Komari, she’s curled up in the corner of the room with
a chair as her shield. Sensei’s waving a cat wand at her.
“Good, good. Come out, Baby Komari.”
“Fuu!”
Komari hissed at her angrily.
Hmm, this is still SFW. It’s within my expectation. So, I
waved at the three.
“Here, make yourselves at home. Sit anywhere you like. I’ll
make some tea for you guys.”
“Ara, we have guests. Welcome.”
…Huh, everyone’s just standing at the door. They aren’t
coming in. Kaju carefully asked.
“Uh, what is Komari-san…?”
Of course, she garnered much attention. I looked forward.
Konuki-sensei nodded and started explaining.
“I’ll skip over the details. I wanted to get closer to her as an
advisor, and this is how it turned out.”
I’m quite curious about the skipped parts, but if that’s the
case, I can’t help it. Konuki-sensei is like that, after all.
The three visitors sat on the chairs confusedly. I gave them
some tea and chocolate. Gonto-san looked around curiously
and asked.
“What does the Literature Club usually do?”
“Writing novels mainly. We make club magazines and
exchange our thoughts after reading a book together.”
“That’s why all the books.”
“Yep, exactly.”
…That’s all of the explanation.
I’m slowly losing faith. However, I’ve already prepared for
such a situation.
“Uh, we have a self-introduction table here. How about you
guys try filling it out? We can staple it together with the
draft and make a club magazine out of them.”
I rapidly told them the lines I had prepared as I distributed
the self-introduction tables to everyone.
Tachibana-kun looked at the paper and raised his head.
“I don’t really read novels. Can I fill in a magazine or
manga?”
“Of course. You can even write about a movie, anime, or
game. Write whatever you want.”
…Glad to see this. I don’t have to say anything when they
are writing.
I thought about it. However, for some reason, instead of
writing, Kaju just looked around.
“What’s wrong, Kaju? You don’t know what to write?”
“Uh, can I…give my draft to onii-sama?”
Come to think of it, I did say something like that.
I agreed. Then, Kaju lowered her head shyly and took out a
piece of folded paper.
I took it. It’s a short novel. It has around 2 A4 papers’ worth
of content.
“This is the first time I’ve heard Kaju writes novels. When
did you start?”
“I suddenly had an idea after being too nervous to sleep
yesterday. This is my first time writing one. It feels really
embarrassing.”
She suddenly had an idea and then finished her very first
novel in one night…?
The content is yet to be investigated, though. Despite my
look, I actually have several months of writing experience
under my belt.
I suppressed my nervousness and flipped open the paper-
*
Literature Club Report - Special Edition
<Like a Bad Japanese Movie> by Kaju Nukumizu

The gloomy kitchen is enveloped by cold silence. The scene

before my eyes reminds me of a Japanese movie I’ve
watched somewhere, even though I can’t remember the
title.
I make breakfast here alone every day at 6 AM.
Crack. I tore off the head of a dried fish and took out its
organs.
Crack. After repeating it 10 times, I poured the dried fish
into a pot with water.
I only made one dish when the soup was boiling. I cut my
brother’s favorite raw ginger into slices and mixed them
with sesame and vegetable leaves for a simple meal.
My brother and I have been living together for 10 years. This
is an incredible duration in my eyes.
I continued with my routine as usual this morning.
-Even though this is my last day to live with my brother.
The clock points at 6:30 AM. Usually, my brother will sit next
to the table and start reading newspapers at this time.
I was worried. With a tinge of anxiety, I quietly came to the
corridor.
After opening the bedroom's sliding door, I saw my brother
standing at the center of the room.
He already got changed. There’s a suitcase next to his foot.
“Nii-san, it’s time for breakfast.”
He nodded, so I returned to the kitchen and twisted the
knob of the stove.
My brother entered the room with a newspaper. He turned
on the TV and sat before the dining table.
He watched the news on TV as he paid attention to the
newspaper. It was almost like he was checking the answers.
I have to make the miso soup during this time. The
ingredient is just sliced tofu. The broth is red Hatcho miso.
Then, at 7 AM, the two of us have breakfast together. This is
a habit we have never dropped for 10 years.
Not even during New Year. The two of us think this is pretty
laughable.
Oh, I think there’s one time when we broke the promise.
That was the only day.
The first time when my brother and I woke up under the
same blanket.
I acted like a spoiled child who didn’t want to leave her bed.
Then, my brother became my chef with his usual
expression.
I thought he would be more or less not used to it. However,
unexpectedly, I couldn’t believe he made a successful bowl
of miso soup. So, we still had our breakfast at 7. From that
day on, I’ve never stopped doing this piece of chores even
once.
I watched the blue flame on the stove as I carefully adjusted
the knob.
The water in the pot must not boil after pouring the dried
fish into it. The rich broth must be carefully prepared before
the sliced tofu is added. I also need to pay attention to
twisting the knob on the stove to avoid overcooking.
A bowl of miso soup is done after 30 minutes.
My brother loves to hear the noises from me preparing
breakfast.
-I prepared to turn off the stove as usual after sensing the
heat from the tofu, yet my hands twisted the knob in the
opposite direction.
-The blue flame burnt the bottom of the pot. The boiled tofu
is spinning around inside.
I’ve never let my brother cook during these 10 years. Right
now, all the time has turned into ingredients and melted
into the miso soup- it’s a complicated feeling.
I suddenly raised my head. My brother is doing the
questions in the newspaper.
For some reason, I feel like a total idiot. I quickly turned off
the stove and added the usual MSGs.
The clock pointed at 7.
My brother and I sat face to face and started greeting the
ever-unbroken morning during these 10 years.
He changed into his usual leather shoes at the entrance and
took the suitcase.
The suitcase contains the 10 years my brother has spent
here. Everything else is left at home.
He probably won’t come back ever again after leaving,
right?
-Perhaps it’s better for us to keep our distance for now.
I can’t believe I’m bidding farewell to him for such a vague
reason. Those words have been dragging on until this day.
My brother broke his long-maintained silence by quietly
mumbling, “Will she be alright alone?”
He’s such a bad brother. He always makes his own decisions
no matter what I say.
This is the first time I’ve realized my anger. I stared at him
furiously, yet I saw the anxiety in his eyes.
After taking a deep breath, I put my palm on the slightly
enlarged spot below my belly button and stroked it gently.
“It’s fine. It’s because I’m not alone.”
My brother is shocked. To that, I answered him with an
innocent smile.

-We’ll always be together, nii-san.

*
…I see. I put the draft on the table.
What kind of face should I make after my little sister
requested me to read this novel…?
I felt frustrated. Kaju looked at me worriedly.
“How was it? Kaju still feels I’m a little childish compared to
onii-sama.”
“No, it’s pretty good. Yep, it’s amazing how good this is for a
first-timer.”
“Really!?”
Kaju’s face immediately brightened up.
“So, are you not using a pen name? You’re going to use your
real name?”
“Yes!”
She’s going to publish it under her real name. I see…
Komari crawled out from nowhere and read her draft without
any permission.
After reading it, Komari stared at me like a piece of garbage.
“...H-Hand yourself in to the police.”
“This isn’t an I-novel, okay!? There are no real-life
elements.”
I took the draft back from Komari.
“Well, I need to print one out first. Hmm…”
It’s a bit of a walk from the closest convenience store. I want
to use the printing room, but our club has no budget left.
I struggled for a solution. During this time, Konuki-sensei
tidied her hair and stood up.
“Sensei can print it out in the teachers’ office. Lend me the
draft.”
“Eh, are you sure?”
“Leave it to me. Despite my looks, sensei is the Literature
Club’s advisor, okay? Do you still remember this setting?”
“Yeah, a little.”
Sensei suddenly turned around just as she prepared to leave
the club room. She seemed to have recalled something.
“Don’t sneak out while I’m gone, okay? Sensei will be pretty
sad if I come back and no one’s here.”
“Komari will be here. Please relax.”
“Good to know.”
Konuki-sensei winked at Komari before leaving.
“Alright, everyone’s self-introduction table- Komari, stop
kicking me under the desk, alright?”
I let Komari kick me as I looked at the three people’s papers.
Uh, let’s see. …I didn’t know Gonto-san liked period dramas.
“You watch period novels too? By the way, the TV show
<Furious Swordsmen> is adapted from a novel?”
“I started from the show as well. I collected the DVDs
between 1978 and 1989, but I’m just halfway through.”
Gonto-san puffed up her chest proudly. This girl is a die-hard
stan.
“Asami is Ken-sama’s biggest fan, after all.”
Tachibana-kun chuckled and spoke up.
Come to think of it, the protagonist of <Furious
Swordsmen> is born in Toyohashi.
He’s an experienced actor who starred in many famous
works. Aside from that, he always performs during the
festivals in the city.
“The same goes for Satoshi, right? There was a Ghost
Festival performance in the Children’s Club. You even
performed your Ken-sama-style samba dance. I was the one
who taught you when you kept forgetting the poses, okay?”
“Alright, alright, it’s embarrassing.”
Gonto-san said that in a mischievous tone. Tachibana-kun
waved his arm shyly.
“Eh, are you two old friends already?”
The two glanced at each other after hearing my question.
“Asami and I were in the same class during elementary
school.”
“Ken-sama came from our elementary school as well, you
know?”
Oh, …are these two just like Yakishio and Ayano?
I observed the two excited students as I paid attention to
Kaju.
Kaju doesn’t seem to mind. She’s writing something on the
paper with a pencil- at least, that’s what it looks like.
…According to a certain girl, everyone aside from childhood
friends are cheating cats.
Even so, if all they did was spend time in the same
elementary school, that means they weren’t that much of
childhood friends. It seems a bit too early to perceive that
there’s a cheating cat in my house just because of that.
I referenced my experience in love (2D) as I became lost in
thought. During this time, Kaju handed me her filled self-
introduction table.
“Alright, onii-sama. I’m done.”
Right, what has Kaju been reading these days?
…Hmm, not just light novels too. There are shojo manga and
romance novels as well.
“Ah, Kaju has read the <Lapis Lazuli Kingdom> series too?
Did you borrow it from Momozono’s library?”
“Yeah, it’s because it’s a recommendation from the
librarian.”
Upon a closer look, the table contains many books I
borrowed in middle school.
…No, it’s not even “many”, don’t tell me these are all the
books I borrowed in middle school.
If it wasn’t a coincidence, does that mean she checked all
the borrowing cards in Momozono’s records?
“Uh, Kaju, these books, did you-”
“Yes, what’s wrong, onii-sama?”
Kaju tilted her head cutely.
“...Well, you have quite the taste.”
“Yes, Kaju agrees.”
Very well, let’s just skip the topic by saying BS.
After a while, everyone filled out their self-introduction
table.
Komari silently placed the printed drafts on the desk.
“Stack the draft pages in order and staple them together.
The self-introduction tables will be in the inner cover-”
“W-Where’s your little sister’s indictment?”
Komari gently pushed my arm. I forgot about it. Also, that’s
a novel.
“Uh, then let’s put Kaju’s novel before mine, okay?”
“Is this Nukumizu-san’s novel?”
Tachibana-kun pointed at the title. It’s called <My Girlfriend
Has a Boyfriend, But I Didn’t Expect That It Wasn’t Me>.
-I nodded. This is a vanilla novel I’ve been cooking for a long
time. It has a rather high portion of NTR elements.
“Let’s put a sticky note up there first. I’ll put Kaju’s novel in
later.”
Now I just need to wait for Kaju’s draft, and then we can
start stapling them together.
…? Tachibana-kun has been looking around anxiously since
then.
He looked at the clock on the wall. Right, I think he wants to
join our class’s public lesson.
“Tachibana-kun, you still have to go to 1-C’s classroom,
right? We can leave the club magazine for later. Just go.”
“Ah, yes! Thanks for the work!”
Tachibana freaked out and stood up. I wanted to follow him,
yet Komari grabbed my shirt.
“Y-You won’t leave me here alone, right…?”
“Don’t worry. Konuki-sensei will be back right away.”
“I-I don’t want that either.”
I feel the same, but please bear with it.
I tried to convince her since Komari wouldn’t let go.
“Relax, Yanami-san will be here soon. Hmm, I think she said
she will be here in a little bit.”
“L-Liar.”
How did you know? I looked away nervously. Komoar gave
me a furious stare.
“Y-Your dead fish eyes turn really bright whenever y-you’re
lying.”
I can’t help it if it’s exposed then. I decided to change my
attitude.
“Komari, come over here. Don’t worry. I won’t do anything.”
“Ueh!? W-What are you doing…?”
I brought Komari to the corner of the club room.
“Listen up. The result of this open day directly influences
the number of new members we get next year. That’s why
welcoming Kaju and her friends is-”
“T-They are just second-year students. The year after this is
when they get in, r-right?”
“...Yes.”
“A-Also, other people are about to come after visiting the
Culture Club. That’s why we need to pay attention to
welcoming them. Also, y-you’re too close to me. Go away.”
I see. That’s indeed the case. Our vice president is kind of
reliable.
“But we can’t just ignore Kaju and her friends, you know?
Let’s split into two groups and-”
“I-I told you. Y-You’re too close to me!”
Komari pushed my body away forcefully.
“My little sister will hear us. Be quiet, Komari.”
“E-Everyone left a-already!”
…Huh? I turned around. Those three already disappeared
from the club room.
“Wait, where did everyone go?”
“Your little sister texted me and said she would be going.”
Komari showed me her phone screen for a glance. Right,
Kaju said she also wanted to go to our class’s public lesson.
In other words, this means I just forced Komari to a corner
and whispered to her. Doesn’t that make me a criminal?
At least Konuki-sensei didn’t see this- hmm?
I suddenly had a familiar feeling. I turned around. Konuki-
sensei is peeking at us behind the slightly opened door.
“It’s fine. Sensei will be watching and making sure you don’t
cross that line. So, please just follow your desire and
challenge the limit.”
I don’t want to cross or challenge anything. I tidied my
uniform after leaving Komari.
“Sensei, I still have to be the tour guide. I’ll leave the rest to
you. Komari should also-”
Komari smacked my back with her phone furiously before I
could even finish.
“Ouch, what are you doing?”
“T-That’s why I don’t like this part of yours!”
“I said it hurts. Sensei, please help me out.”
Sensei showed a pleased look after I requested help.
“That’s nice. Sensei will support you two developing such a
hobby.”
…Please don’t, and also please help me.
*
That was a lot.
Even though it was my bad for scaring Komari, she didn’t
need to be so pissed, right…?
I dashed out of the west building. Then, I saw the three of
them walking toward the new building through the corridor.
“Sorry, everyone. I’m late.”
“Onii-sama, are you really leaving Komari-san behind?”
Kaju said that half-heartedly. She speedy-walked away
before I could answer.
…I think even Kaju is mad as well.
I distanced myself from her a bit out of fear and came next
to Tachibana-kun.
“Sorry, onii-san. You can go ahead first.”
“I’m the one who should apologize. We just had a little
argument-”
…Eh? Did he just call me “onii-san”?
Eh, uh, don’t tell me the next scene is “please leave Kaju to
me”.
My heart skipped a beat. After that, Tachibana-kun spoke up
seriously.
“Thank you very much for giving us a tour today.”
I could only give him an “I mean” and a “well”. I didn’t even
know what I should say. Kaju was in front, so I observed
them at the same time.
The two girls are chatting as they are walking. They aren’t
paying attention to me.
“Tachibana-kun, what do you-”
What do you think about Kaju? I decided to swallow my
words before asking that.
“What’s wrong?”
“Uh, you want to get in Tsuwabuki, right?”
Unexpectedly, he gave me an awkward smile.
“Even though I really want to study at Tsuwabuki High
School, I’m not as academically gifted as Asami or Kaju-san.
My grades probably aren’t good enough to get into
Tsuwabuki.”
Eh, he’s not planning to enroll in Tsuwabuki?
“Then why are you here for the tour today?”
Tachibana-kun lowered his head shyly.
“Uh, there’s something I want to talk to somebody no
matter what.
…! I swallowed my saliva. Let’s just ask him.
“The thing you want to talk about- is it related to love?”
Tachibana-kun stopped in surprise after hearing that.
“Ah, did you ask Kaju-san already? Sigh, I told her to keep it
a secret.”
“But you still have to say it today nonetheless, right?”
Tachibana-kun nodded.
“Indeed, I want to muster my courage today and convey my
feelings.”
He still hasn’t confessed. I can sigh in relief, …but I don’t
have the time to do that.
“It’s starting soon, you two-”
Kaju’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
We are already standing before 1-C’s classroom. Kaju and
Gonto-san are waving at us.
Tachibana-kun nodded nervously. He raised his hand toward
Kaju.
…Is that what he really means?
I’ve read many rom-coms, so I already know what he wants.
The two’s story is about to reach its climax. What’s awaiting
them will be-

Confession.
*
Amanatsu-sensei’s public lesson has already begun.
The usual desks and chairs are placed in the corner of the
room. The whiteboard is right next to the window. All the
chairs are wheeled. Everyone can pick wherever they want
to sit.
After seeing Kaju and her friends taking a seat, I decided to
stand around the classroom entrance and listen to the
lesson.
I remember public lessons are for visiting students to
understand what classes are like, typically. I don’t think I’ve
been to such a special lesson before, right…?
Amanatsu-sensei stepped before the whiteboard when the
tens of visitors finally sat down.
“Well, I’m Amanatsu. I’m teaching World History in this
school.”
Everyone looked at her. With that, she cleared her throat
and grabbed the textbook.
Amanatsu-chan, you’re the teacher representative of
Tsuwabuki High School. I’ll leave it to you.
“Some say there’s no point in remembering dates whenever
it comes to history lessons and that they won’t get to use it
after growing up. I think these people should just kill
themselves.”
I’ll leave…it…to you…?
“Alright, I want to ask you people’s opinion on PE lessons. I
know already. You brats want to say, ‘We’ll be adults then.
Don’t tell us we have to make a living by jumping over
boxes or splitting our legs and doing a front roll.’ But sensei
is already an adult, so I’ll keep it brief. Okay, the lesson
starts now.”
Chak. Amanatsu-sensei opened the marker’s cap.
The darkness in her heart seemed to have subsided. Now
it’s time for a proper class-
“Huh, there’s the Literature Club president. Nukumizu!”
She suddenly dragged me in.
“Eh, how can I help you?”
“What’s the oldest novel you know?”
Everyone is looking at me. I’m startled. I scrambled my
brain for an answer.
“Uh, <The Tale of Genji> for example…?”
Amanatsu-sensei nodded and started writing on the
whiteboard.
“Indeed, the consensus is that <The Tale of Genji> is the
oldest novel. It was written in the early 11th century. At the
same time, the Byzantine Empire was in its golden era in
Eastern Europe.”
Amanatsu-sensei continued without stopping at all.
“Meanwhile, Japan was in the Heian period. During that
time, a palace servant wrote a slightly erotic novel. It got
passed down to the entire palace, and even Emperor Ichijo
read it too. On the other hand, the Byzantines won the
Battle of Kleidion and took over 10,000 prisoners. The
Eastern Romans scooped their eyes out and sent them back
to the country-”
…It looks like she’s finally in her teacher mode.
After that, Amanatsu-sensei threw out some topics for the
visitors to discuss. The lesson is going on orderly. The theme
seems to be about the difference between mindsets and
common knowledge for people in different periods and
cultures.
The atmosphere lightened up a bit. During this time,
Amanatsu-sensei split the visitors into two groups.
“Based on what you’ve heard, this group will be Paris
residents living in the 14th century. The other one will be
21st-century Japanese people who went back in time. The
two groups need to think of measures to alleviate the Black
Death at the time.”
Amanatsu-sensei crossed her arms and stood between the
two groups proudly.
“Sensei will be the host. Also, I’m born in the 23rd century.
My character is a stubborn conspiracist.”
What’s with such a complicated setting?
However, the class is going very well. Amanatsu-sensei
gave introverted students suitable topics and let them
interact with each other. At the same time, she slowly
guided everyone to make speeches. I’m very satisfied with
sensei’s measures. However, during this time-
Chak. I suddenly heard the noise of a snap.
I turned around. Shikiya-san is standing next to me. She’s
picking an angle to take a photo with her phone.
“Ah, Shikiya-senpai. The student council has to take pictures
too?”
“Photo records, …report…”
Shikiya-san checked out the photos she got.
It seems that Shikiya-san is satisfied. She nodded and
opened her white pupils to observe the situation in the
classroom.
“Despite her look, …Amanatsu-sensei actually has a…pretty
high reputation when it comes to class…”
“You’re right. It’s indeed true despite her look.”
“Yeah, despite her look…”
Shikiya-san stopped taking photos and stood next to me
while wobbling instead.
The discussion in the classroom is gradually getting heated
as we listen.
Kaju’s roleplaying as a 14th-century Paris citizen. She
explains how herbs are a cure for poison. The students on
the other side act as modern people. They seem pretty
shocked by Kaju’s explanation. They even nodded
frequently.
…Even I start to think Kaju’s right when I’m just listening.
“Can the Black Death really be cured by herbs…?”
“There’s no way, …right?”
Shikiya-san mumbled. She then took a photo of me.
“Why did you take a photo of me?”
“I feel like…somebody wants it…”
Shikiya-san said something weird before starting to type in
her phone.
“That’s true for senpai’s photo, but nobody wants mine,
right?”
I chuckled self-mockingly. Shikiya-san stopped.
“...Do you…want my photo?”
“Huh?”
Shikiya-san tilted her head. Her white pupils are vaguely
reflecting my face.
“Uh, well, let me check if I have to reference how everyone
thinks. Or I can see if anyone wants the photo-”
I began saying nonsense. Shikiya-san suddenly turned
around and leaned onto me.
After that, she reached her hand out- chak. She pressed the
selfie button.
“I’ll give this one to you. …Don’t…buy it from others,
okay…?”
I received a text on my phone. She already sent me the
photo.
“Eh, ah- is this photo for me?”
Shikiya-san nodded.
I looked back at the classroom in embarrassment.
Amanatsu-sensei radiates a dark aura.
“Don’t show off here, you two. Go flirt somewhere else.”
Hold up, Amanatsu-chan. You’re saying that before middle
school students.
Amanatsu-sensei recalibrated herself and continued the
lesson after complaining viciously.
I sighed in relief. Then, Shikiya-san and I observed the class
together.
…Right, we haven’t had a chance to talk alone ever since
Christmas Eve.
That day, Shikiya-san was giving out a slightly different
mood than usual.
Under the candlelights, Shikiya-san’s cheeks, along with the
scent of makeup products and perfumes, were mixed
together. They are deeply engraved into my memories.
That scene seems surreal. Sometimes I even revisit it in my
dream.
We’ll wave at each other every time Shikiya-san and I meet.
However- we aren’t actually friends yet. More than
acquaintances, less than friends, …I guess?
“Uh, how are you doing?”
I stared forward and lowered my voice before asking her to
avoid Amanatsu-sensei’s wrath.
“I’ve been studying and working. …No chance to play…”
Shikiya-san isn’t just a student council committee member.
She’s an elite student as well. Even though she looks pretty
chill (physically), she’s a busy girl.
I actually want to go to the board game cafe with everyone
one more time, but I’m too embarrassed to invite others…
Shikiya-san mumbled after seeing me spending all day
hesitating.
“You seem…to like board games, …so I bought it…”
Hmm? Did I let out my thoughts subconsciously?
“Eh, well, you’re talking about the board game cafe, right?
I’ll bring everyone next-”
“That board game…is for 2 people only…”
…Then everyone can’t play together. For example, Yanami
can’t wait to play her cards out in order.
“Well- the two of us can go next time.”
“Yes…”
Shikiya-san nodded slightly. I scratched my cheeks to cover
my shyness.
…What’s with this weirdly peaceful atmosphere?
“My little sister was on the student council trip last year.
Senpai, did you join as well?”
I changed the topic to avoid the awkwardness. Shikiya-san
glanced at me.
“I did, …Kaju Nukumizu…looks…just like you…”
“No, no, we’ve been- ah, we look like each other!?”
I complained as I thought about what Shikiya-san said.
It’s oblivious. Kaju and I look just like each other. However,
nobody told me this fact after all these years.
“Yeah, we’re siblings, after all.”
Tachibana-kun roleplays as a 21st-century citizen. He’s still
making his speech.
He hypothesized the source of the disease with plant
infections as an example. With all that, even the 14th-
century Kaju nodded in agreement repeatedly.
Both sides kept giving their opinions. Class is about to end.
After the discussion, Amanatsu-sensei started summarizing.
Tachibana-kun paid full attention to her.
…He’s not a bad person, based on our conversations earlier.
No, it’s more like he’s a great guy.

-Kaju is still too young to have a boyfriend.

My feelings remain the same, but it’s far better than her
being taken away by a weird guy…
Class ended as I was lost in thoughts.
Amanatsu-sensei cleaned the whiteboard.
“Remember, folks. Common knowledge varies in every
period. Also, common sense won’t change even for people
in different groups or stances. Even though something is
wrong from a modern standpoint, you guys should think
about how it turned out to be that way and why people at
the time were doing those things. It’s best for all of you to
have a basic understanding of history, so that you can
quietly ponder about it in the future.”
Amanatsu-sensei wiped the last word off the whiteboard
after saying all that solemnly. She then turned around.
“Well, that’s what I think about during class. I just give an
ordinary lesson according to the study guide. Please take
your studies seriously if you’re interested in getting into
Tsuwabuki.”
Amanatsu-sensei finished class with one last round of
random chattering.
At that moment, somebody clapped their hands. It was Kaju.
The other students followed and gave her a round of
applause.
Even Amanatsu-sensei seemed a bit embarrassed as well.
She turned around. “Alright, class is over. There’s nothing
left to teach.” She said that as she pretended to clean the
whiteboard.
…It’s time to bring the three of them back to the club room.
I wonder if Komari is getting along with Konuki-sensei.
During this time, Amanatsu-sensei seemed to have noticed
something. Her head turned.
“Oh, can someone help me move the whiteboard and
chairs? I took these out of the conference room without
permission. I’ll be scolded if I don’t return them.”
Tachibana-kun quickly raised his hand. I guess he’s thinking,
“Oh, it looks like she wants my help.”
“Yes! I-I’ll help you.”
He’s still that praise-worthy young man. Very well, I’ll return
to the club room first-
“Alright, give me a hand, too, Nukumizu. You have time to
flirt, anyway.”
Amanatsu-sensei looked at me with eyes full of despise.
…Sigh, I knew it. I gave up on running away and nodded.
*
Social Studies Data Room. This is a small room with books
and materials stacked like mountains inside.
Shikiya-san is already headed to the next photo location. As
for the four of us, we finished moving stuff and soon
surrounded the table in the center of the room.
“Thanks for the help, everyone. Have some tea while you’re
here. We have desserts as well.”
Amanatsu-sensei closed the fridge with her foot and
slammed down a 2L plastic bottle.
“I’ll pour it for everyone.”
I observed Kaju as I distributed the tea cups to everyone.
Normally, Kaju would be the first one to do things like this.
However, right now, she’s holding her paper cup while
looking around nervously.
Gonto-san lowered her head and stayed completely still. As
for Tachibana-kun, he seems to be super sensitive right now.
He will probably shiver from other people touching him.
Eh, hold on. Based on the current situation, don’t tell me
he’s going to confess right here. I think I chose a weird
command.
Amanatsu-sensei doesn’t care about this dangerous
atmosphere at all. She started handing out Western
desserts- Pyrenees cakes.
Pyrenees are very common Western desserts in Toyohashi.
There’s cream wrapped around in a layer of sponge.
Honestly, I’m overjoyed. It’s because this is delicious.
“No need to hold back. Eat as much as you like. This is
specifically prepared for you guys.”
This teacher can’t read the room as usual, but it’s quite
reliable for her to treat us…
Very well. I’m going to stop his confession right now. I’m a
man of my word.
“Thank you very much. Did you bring these just for today?”
“Well, I will hand them out during the conference a little
later, but nobody will know if you guys don’t say anything,
right?”
With that, Amanatsu-sensei took a bite of the cake.
…She’s letting us eat these? Amanatsu-sensei shoved the
cake into her mouth and destroyed the evidence. After that,
she wiped the corner of her mouth and glanced at Kaju’s
side.
“You three are wearing Monozono’s uniform, right? That
means you guys are my kouhais.”
“Eh? Sensei, you’re our senpai?”
I couldn’t help but interrupt. Sensei nodded forcefully.
“Yeah, I studied in Aoki Elementary School. You too,
Nukumizu?”
“Uh, my little sister and I didn’t, but the two of them-”
I looked at Tachibana-kun. He nodded.
“Ah, yes! I studied in Aoki as well.”
“Oh, I see. Perhaps we went to school together once. I’m
joking. Hahaha.”
I ignored Amanatsu-sensei's unfunny joke. During this time-
“...Yes, I remember you, sensei.”
Tachibana-kun spoke up. His tone is very serious.
“Did you visit Aoki for an education internship 6 years ago?”
“Yeah, it’s been that long already.”
Sip. Amanatsu-sensei took a sip of tea.
…Eh, I don’t think we’re fast-forwarding to the special event.
“I’m Tachibana. You taught our class before. I don’t think
you remember me, though.”
Amanatsu-sensei suddenly stopped upon hearing that.
“Ah- …yep, I remember you. I remember you.”
“Eh? Really!?”
Tachibana-kun leaned forward with sparkling eyes.
“Of course, …hmm, …well, I feel like…”
She gradually lowered her voice and looked downward. I bet
this person doesn’t remember.
…But does this mean any event is going to happen?
Gonto-san and he should also be in the same elementary
school if they are talking about this. Then, just as I wanted
to see her reaction, Gonto-san broke her long silence by
suddenly standing up.
“I’m going to the toilet.”
Gonto-san glanced at Tachibana-kun and hastily dashed out
of the room.
…Huh, one of the characters left. Why did Gonto-san
suddenly do that?
Amanatsu-sensei dropped her jaw as she watched her leave.
She then cheered herself up and cleared her throat.
“Anyway, Tachibana-kun. Are you in any clubs? Hmm?”
“Yes, I’m in the Gardening Club.”
She’s clearly trying to change the topic, yet Tachibana-kun
answered her honestly.
“I’ve always loved plants. I used to tend to the plants in the
classroom, and I grew a flower in the vase as well. Other
people always tease me for being girly since I’m on the
shorter side-”
Tachibana-kun tilted his head slightly and smiled in
embarrassment.
“But Amanatsu-sensei kept helping me. I’m really happy.”
“Oh, did something like that happen too…?”
“Yes, I think sensei was really cool at that time. The same
goes for when you’re teaching. Even though you’re short,
you look very manly and handsome. That’s outstanding.”
“Outstanding!? Me!? However, a teacher’s responsibility is
to help students develop things they are good at, I guess.
Fuhehe, everyone actually says that to me all the time.
Fuhehe.”
She must not be used to being praised, right? Amanatsu-
sensei’s chuckles are a bit terrifying. She then clapped her
hands.
“...Ah, I remember someone always having a flower on his
desk? Was that you?”
“It’s me! You really do remember me!”
Tachibana-kun’s smile blossomed.
“That flower always withers quickly, and it was kind of
depressing. But I’m satisfied if someone’s willing to see my
flower.”
“Yeah, I used to look at it every morning. It’s beautiful, after
all. I wanted to put it on the altar in my house, …no, never
mind.”

-I finally understood what was happening.

“And then, two years ago, I found sensei’s name on the

newspaper’s teacher list. I heard that Nukumizu-san’s
brother is studying at this school. That’s why I begged him
to let me come here just to see sensei.”
“Ha, why are you going so far for me?”
Amanatsu-sensei is holding a mug with a stunned
expression.
Eh, is she okay? This person should be able to figure out
what’s happening right now, right?

Aside from me, Kaju, Tachibana-kun, and Amanatsu-sensei

are present.
There’s no skip button in reality. Things will go once they
start happening.
Tachibana-kun suddenly stood up. His face is filled with
determination.
That’s right. He’s not confessing to Kaju-

“I’ve always admired you, and I’ve always loved you!”

It’s Amanatsu-sensei instead.

This confession is way too straightforward and clumsy. After

hearing that, Amanatsu-sensei’s reply is:
“Ha.”
Her voice is powerless.
Silence came as if time had stopped. I couldn’t bear it, so I
spoke carefully to sensei.
“Hey, sensei, you should say something, right?”
“Hmm…? Eh? Me!?”
Yes, you.
Sensei finally realized what happened after dazing out for a
while.
She stood up and approached Tachibana-kun.
“Ah- …you should be Satoshi Tachibana-kun, right?”
“Yes.”
“I truly appreciate your feelings. However, I’m a teacher. I
can’t answer your feelings.”
“Yes, I’m already satisfied with being able to confess my
feelings.”
“I see. I’m sorry.”
Amanatsu-sensei smiled warmly. The same smile appeared
on Tachibana-kun’s face as well.
-I witnessed a young man’s hopeless love ending within
moments.
Rather than depression, I feel more like a burden has been
taken off me.
Amanatsu-sensei gently put her hand on Tachibana-kun’s
shoulder.
“Also, if you have a brother who’s several years older-
“Sensei!? Don’t you have to go to a conference later?”
I immediately interrupted her. This person is always up to
something when she talks.
“Ah, yeah. I have to go to the small conference room. There
are 4 levels of stairs too.”
Amanatsu-sensei sighed deflatedly.
“Well, I’ll be leaving. I’ll leave the rest to you, Nukumizu.”
“Eh? Ah, yes.”
Sensei patted Tachibana-kun’s shoulder before leaving. “14
years old, …4 years left…” She mumbled and headed out of
the Data Room. It looks like she’s imagining what’s going to
happen 4 years down the line.
I remained on the spot after she left. Tachibana-kun
remained still, so I talked to him.
“Uh, …Tachibana-kun, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’m really sorry. I messed up the tour.”
“No worries. The other two know about this too, right?”
Tachibana-kun nodded silently.
The ever-shrouding uncomfortableness slowly disappeared.
He knows Amanatsu-sensei is my class teacher. He came to
the open day to convey his feelings that had been hidden
for many years.
He can’t get into Tsukabuki. This is perhaps his only method.
But new questions soon surfaced in my heart.
How did Kaju feel when she came here with him?
Also, why did Gonto-san leave before Tachibana-kun’s
confession…?
Right, Kaju has been pretty quiet. I looked at her seat.
-Kaju disappeared.
*
We talked about all sorts of things when I led Tachibana-kun
to the school entrance.
Even so, it was more like him talking about his memories
with Amanatsu-sensei.
In Tachibana-kun’s heart, Amanatsu-sensei is a free-spirited
and determined person. Even though she’s a bit clumsy,
she’s a sensitive woman.
Unbelievably, the teacher we both know is the same person.
However, the way he talks about her makes her seem pretty
attractive.
“I feel…a bit disappointed. I’ve been overthinking this the
entire time. I don’t even know what will happen when I wake
up tomorrow.”
Tachibana-kun suddenly said his sincere words and lowered
his head in embarrassment.
“Nukumizu-san must think this is just a child’s admiration
from a high school student’s perspective, right?”
“That’s not true. I think it’s not necessary to draw such a
clear line between love and admiration.”
“Is that- the case?”
His feeling of hesitating between love and admiration seems
to be turning into a beautiful memory already.
This is for the best. Love at a young age is just an
experience. He’ll find his true love one day.
I pondered these emotional questions for a long time.
Tachibana-kun bowed to me deeply when we arrived at the
east gate.
“Thank you very much for today.”
“It’s fine. Are you sure I don’t need to walk you to the
station?”
“Yeah, it’s okay.”
His smile is very refreshing. It’s as if he has let go already.
“Well, onii-san, I’ll be leaving.”
“Hey, Tachibana-kun.”
I couldn’t help but call him. I continued in surprise.
“You- what do you think about Kaju?”
“You mean Kaju-san?”
Tachibana-kun stood still at the unexpected question. He
seems confused.
“It’s because she’s very close to Asami-”
He seems to be formulating his words. His eyes floated
around. He then looked at my pupils and spoke up.
“...I feel overjoyed whenever I see the two of them having a
good time.”
My expression quickly relaxed upon hearing that innocent
answer.
“I see. I’ll leave Kaju in your care in the future.”
If he’s the one Kaju likes-
I believe it will be something incredibly fortunate.
*
I walked toward the school building through the boulevard
filled with tulip trees. On the way, I heard energetic and
coarse voices from the sports clubs at the playground.
I glanced in that direction. Yakishio can be found within the
Track and Field Club crowd. There are some Baseball Club
and Football Club members there as well.
She was very sporty in Momozono, but she’s different right
now. The girl is checking the visitors’ position. I can tell how
serious she is from afar.
That girl will be the senpai in April, and she has to lead the
kouhais, right?
I’ll also become a senpai- but we need to get new members
into our club first.
However, there’s a problem I need to solve before that.
Kaju disappeared somehow, and Gonto-san left the scene in
a blaze.
I don’t believe the two of them disappeared simultaneously
out of coincidence.
They must be going for Tachibana-kun.
Even though it was probably a bit rude for me to interrupt, I
still feel like I missed something-
“Isn’t this Nukumizu-kun? Did you split up with Imouto-chan
and her friends?”
Yanami called me. She returned to the school building after
leaving the shoe shelves.
“...Uh, I guess. Yanami-san, are you done with the tour guide
stuff already?”
“I split up with the kouhais since they were going to the club
activities. Right, Basori-san from the student council was
looking for you just then.”
“Me? Why?”
…Did I do something that could get me scolded by her?
I kept thinking about it. Yanami shot mea supiscious stare.
“You’ve been very suspicious with Basori-san these days.
What are you two doing? Did something happen between
you two?”
“It’s nothing. It’s probably because we were talking about
the open day.”
I did help her study sometimes, but it’s actually not like
what Yanami and I said.
I pretended I didn’t know anything. Seeing my face, Yanami
shrugged deflatedly.
“Let’s go to the club room if you have nothing to do. It’ll be
bad if we leave Komari-chan and Konuki-sensei there any
longer.”
Yanami said that as she took out a small box from her
pocket.
“Is that chocolate? You’re giving them to someone?”
I said that nonchalantly. For some reason, Yanami actually
started smiling. Her face looks so smug.
“You’re too naive, Nukumizu-kun. Valentine’s Day isn’t just
for giving chocolates. It’s for buying chocolates as well.”
“Buying chocolates? Uh, you have to buy it if you want to
give-”
“No, no.” Yanami shook her head and continued.
“The stores stock up on different products during this time.
There will be limited stuff on sale as well. So, today is a day
for buying chocolates for myself as well. This one on my
hand is a rare find. You don’t get to taste these every day.”
Oh, I didn’t know that’s how foodies viewed Valentine’s Day.
Yanami opened the box, grabbed a piece of chocolate, and
handed it to me.
“Alright, Nukumizu-kun can have one too. Here, try it.”
It will be troublesome if I reject her. I ignored the chocolate
she handed to me and took one from the box.
This one is spherical. It’s almost as big as a 100-yen coin.
There’s a layer of cocoa powder outside. This is standard
truffle chocolate, but it doesn’t look as strange as I
thought…
The taste of cocoa powder and chocolate immediately
radiated in my mouth after I put it down the hatch.
Other tastes include- chocolate and, uh, it’s really chocolate.
Yep, it’s chocolate-flavored.
“Thanks. …Yanami-san, what are you doing?”
Yanami remained in her pose with the chocolate in her hand
as she stared at me ferociously.
“Didn’t you see this hand?”
“But there are things in your hand. I really wanted to say
this back in the club room. It feels unhygienic to give
something to someone after you touched another thing.”
“............”
Yanami put the chocolate into her mouth silently. She gave
me a displeased look. What’s wrong with her…?
“Right, you should watch over the club room. Kaju
disappeared. I have to find her.”
“You’re looking for Imouto-chan? Heh, so something did
indeed happen.”
Yanami clicked her phone as she said that.
“What indeed- do you know something that I don’t?”
“Of course, I don’t. However, Tachibana-kun is in the same
class as Imouto-chan. He should be the suspect, right? I can
immediately tell something must have happened from
Nukumizu-kun’s attitude.”
Yanami put away her phone and started glaring at me again.
“You dragged me into this, so I’m kind of responsible, right?
How can I not care?”
“...Sorry, but I’m not sure what happened either. Anyway,
right now, I want to confirm the situation first.”
I thought about how I should explain this to her. Then, a
petite girl with swaying long hair dashed out from the
depths of the corridor. She’s Asagumo-san.
“You’re here, Nukumizu-san. Here. Please take this.”
Asagumo-san took out a small and thin box. There’s even a
ribbon on it.
I took the box subconsciously, and then my eyes bulged in
surprise.
“Is this- don’t tell me it’s chocolate!?”
“Yes, it’s because I’m always in your care.”
Asagumo-san smiled and turned around with light steps.
“Well, I’ll be leaving. Mitsuki-san and I have to go on a date
right now.”
“Huh? Ah, thanks…”
I looked at the chocolate in disbelief after Asagumo-san left.
Seriously? I already tried a bunch of chocolate in the club
room. I wondered whether I should count them as obligatory
chocolates, but there’s no need for that now. Even though
it’s just obligatory chocolate, I, Kazuhiko Nukumizu, have
finally received chocolate from an outsider at 16 years old-
“Hey.”
Bump. Yanami elbowed my side.
“Ouch! What do you want? That was such a good mood, you
know?”
“By the way, I still haven’t heard your feedback for the
chocolate just then.”
You’re interrupting me because of something like this?
I tried my best not to sigh and put the chocolate Asagumo-
san gave me into my pocket.
“Uh, it’s very much chocolate. Yep, it tastes like chocolate.”
“...So, is it good?”
“Yeah, it’s okay. It’s chocolate, after all.”
“............”
Yanami elbowed my side again. She turned around
displeased.
Ehh, …even though I praised her already.
I don’t understand why she’s suddenly mad. During this
time, she raised her phone above her shoulders and started
shaking it.
“I already helped you to find where Imouto-chan is. That’s
not the attitude you should give me, right?”
“Huh? When did you find her?”
“I sent a text in our class’s Line group and got replies right
away.”
I see. That’s a way to do it. Kaju indeed did come to prepare
for Tsuwabuki Fest as well. There should be many people
who know her.
Also, I’m not in that Line group yet.
“Thanks. Then, where is Kaju-”
I reached my hand out. Yanami took her phone far away
quietly.
“Eh? Tell me where Kaju is.”
“Nukumizu-kun, there’s something you should say first,
right?”
“Hmm? Didn’t I thank you already?”
Yanami’s face immediately changed as she turned her head
angrily.
…What did I do?
I don’t remember whether I made Yanami mad, but I
remember her being pissed of fat me constantly before.
Let’s start with what’s in front of me first-
“Uh, you mean I didn’t take Yanami-san’s chocolate?”
She reacted. Yanami’s eyebrows’ raised. It looks like I’m
right.
“That’s not actually what I meant. Look, there’s a flu going
on recently, right? Also, we have a bunch of foreign visitors
today. I think we should take preventive measures.”
I observed Yanami’s reaction and continued explaining.
“In other words, this is to prevent infections. I’m not saying
the resident flora on Yanami-san’s hand has any problems.
Even though people are different, resident flora can actually
prevent other bacteria from growing if the situation is
stable. That’s why their presence is actually good for
humans.”
“O-Oh, …I thought you were going to say something else.”
Yanami nodded. Her face looks like she’s observing some
kind of rare bird.
“Nukumizu-kun, that’s not the answer I want to hear at all,
but I have received your feelings already.”
I don’t know what feelings she received, but it’s good that
she got them.
Yanami pointed outside the gate.
“I’ve heard that she’s at the archery range. She’s with a girl
from the same school. How about you check out that side?”
“Thanks. I’ll go now.”
I turned around and prepared to leave after saying that, yet
I stopped once more.
“Yanami-san. Can you give me another piece of chocolate?”
“Eh? Sure.”
Yanami chuckled and handed me the box of chocolate.
“You actually think it’s good, right?”
“Nope, but it’s addicting.”
I put another chocolate into my mouth and walked out the
gate.
A girl from the same school, huh? Kaju should be with
Gonto-san, then.
I’m relieved they are hanging out together, yet my anxiety
still hasn’t disappeared.

What’s waiting for me in the future- may not be a happy

ending.
*
The archery range is located in an even deeper corner of the
old building. It’s surrounded by trees.
I nearly bumped into someone while I was walking down the
emergency stairs to go to the range.
“Kya!”
“Sorry- oh, isn’t this Teiara-san?”
“What do you mean by that? Also, please don’t call me by
my first name.”
Teiara-san sighed in relief. She tidied her bangs and
pretended nothing had happened.
“You’re here at the right time. Can I take a moment of
yours?”
“Sorry, can we talk about this later? I’m still searching for
my little sister.”
I took a step forward after saying that. In the end, Teiara-san
followed me as well.
“Ara, I want to talk to your little sister as well.”
“...Eh? With Kaju?”
What is it? I looked at Teiara-san cautiously, yet she just
fiddled with her bangs on purpose.
“I met her during the summer. She said she was pretty
interested in Tsuwabuki’s student council. That’s why I want
to invite her on a tour.”
Oh, I didn’t know you girls met during that summer trip.
But I don’t have time right now. Can she talk about this
another time…?
“Uh, excuse me-”
“She’s truly outstanding. That’s Prez’s opinion of her.”
“...Really?”
Teiara-san nodded. Whatever. Let’s hear her out.
“She was already acting as a good leader even though it
was only her first time meeting everyone. She also took care
of people who weren’t fond of groups. What a thoughtful
girl. Her admiration for Tsuwabuki and the most important
part-
Teiara-san paused for a moment at this point. A gentle smile
appeared on her face.
“It’s her love for her older brother. I’m deeply impressed.
However, I didn’t expect her older brother to be you.”
She’s praising Kaju. Why do I have to make myself pissed?
No wonder the student council wants her in. Everyone
thinks of Kaju highly.
“But my little sister is 2 years younger. She probably can’t
work with you, right?”
Teiara-san nodded. She then looked around.
“-I’m preparing to participate in next year’s student council
president election.”
“Ha?”
“I’ll recommend your little sister when it’s time for the next
student council handover.”
She smiled faintly after that.
“Of course, I have to get elected as the president first.”
I’m still worrying about what’s happening today and
tomorrow, but I didn’t expect Teiara-san to be considering
next year already.
She sure loves to worry…
But that’s all she wanted to talk about. I should let Teiara-
san avoid seeing this, right? I’ll probably talk about
relationships and love with Kaju, after all.
I can already see the archery range. I stopped and faced
Teiara-san.
“Basori-san, can you wait for a moment? There’s something
really important I want to talk about after this. You should…”
“Ha, something very important?”
I realized we were in a gloomy corner of the old building.
Teiara-san immediately blushed in embarrassment.
“What!? T-This is what you mean by s-something
important!?”
“Uh, I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, but it’s
not what you think.”
“Why won’t it be!?”
Why is she mad? Teiara-san always has such a unique
personality. It’s startling me. During this time, I heard noises
of girls arguing from the range.
One of the voices belongs to Kaju. I won’t get it wrong.
“Sorry, I’ll be leaving!”
“Ah, hold on, Nukumizu-san!”
I dashed in the voices direction after leaving Teiara-san.
I ran into the woods and immediately saw two girls. They
are Kaju and Gonto-san.
I don’t know what they are discussing, but they still seem to
be arguing. The two of them are in a heated debate.
So, I dashed before the two of them-
*
Just as Nukumizu is being tangled by a very troublesome
girl-
In a quiet corner near the archery range, there are trees
everywhere.
Asami Gonto, a second-year student at Momozono Middle
School, is standing there silently.
… Bowstring noises can be heard from time to time. A deep
sound resonates subtly when the arrow hits its target.
A breeze flew across the woods. Asami shivered.
She turned around and looked upward at Tsuwabuki High
School’s building.
She just dashed out of the room with a heavy heart. Then,
she soon heard footsteps approaching her.
That’s the vice president of Monozono Middle School’s
student council, Kaju Nukumizu.
Good grades and very popular among boys. The only thing
she's not good at is running.
It sounds like a joke, but she really does have a fan club.
Kaju nearly tripped over while running in the forest. She
stopped before Asami.
“Gon…-chan, …you’re here.”
Kaju put her hands before her chest and slowly adjusted her
breathing.
“How did you know I was here, Nuku-chan?”
“I know Gon-chan likes to stay in quiet places. There are
even trees as well.”
Kaju wanted to show a smile, but she couldn’t hide her
sadness.
“Hey, Tachibana-kun just told sensei-”
“I’ll go join a club after getting into high school.”
Asami interrupted Kaju. She raised her head and looked at
the archery range’s wall.
“Archery seems pretty nice, right? The arrow flies out.
Whoosh. Sounds cool from just thinking about it-”
“Listen to me, Gon-chan! Uh…”
“-Did Satoshi get rejected?”
Asami said nonchalantly.
Kaju hesitated to speak up several times. She nodded in the
end.
“...Tachibana-kun mustered up his courage and confessed to
Amanatsu-sensei.”
“I know.”
Kaju pouted after hearing that cold answer.
“Gon-chan, you just ran away at that time.”
“What if I didn’t run away and Satoshi confessed anyway?”
“Yes…”
Asami’s expression is kind of smug and lonely at the same
time.
Kaju doesn’t seem to understand her look. She slowly shook
her head.
“Hey, shouldn’t you go and stay with Tachibana-kun?”
“...Leave him alone.”
“But Gon-chan has always been into Tachibana-kun-”
“Stop, alright?”
Asami made it clear this time.
“You’re making it sound like I’m just waiting for Satoshi to
be rejected and use the opportunity to approach him-”
Asami turned her back to Kaju and mumbled.
“-Do you think I’m so miserable?”
The branches whistled in the wind. Her helpless words are
blown away by the breeze.
Kaju stared at her for a while. She then carefully formulated
her words.
“That’s not what Tachibana-kun thinks, right?”
“I know. This is my problem.”
Asami seems to have noticed her tone was a bit too strong.
She raised her head slightly and showed more of her side
profile before whispering.
“..I didn’t say I want to be with Satoshi.”
“Really? But Tachibana-kun is such a nice person.”
“I feel like our current relationship is already good enough. I
won’t mind if he has a girlfriend.”
“...Then why did you run out of the room?”
“That’s because…”
Asami turned around to face her.
She wanted to say something, yet nothing came to her
mind. In the end, she just remained there silently.
“You don’t want to stay there because you know Tachibana-
kun will be rejected by sensei, right?”
Asami didn’t answer. Kaju approached her.
“He’ll get taken away by someone if you do nothing. You
know that, right? Also, you two are aiming for different
schools! The two of you can’t always be together! Do you
really think that’s good?”
Asami finally spoke up under Kaju’s pressure.
“I want to participate in club activities with him and chat
about the weather together. That’s all I want.”
“You can’t do it.”
“...Eh?”
Kaju held Asami’s hands.
“Tachibana-kun can’t hang out with Gon-chan if he has a
girlfriend. What if that girl is in a club as well? What if she’s
also a member of the Gardening Club?”
Kaju sighed for a long while after saying that.
She wanted to say something else, yet Asami pulled a fast
one.
“...You’re talking about your older brother, right?”
Kaju was the one who held her breath this time.
“Nuku-chan, didn’t you say this before? Your brother
probably has a girlfriend. You can only stay with him for
another year even if you get into Tsuwabuki. The two of you
will go on separate paths eventually.”
“...Yeah.”
Kaju lowered her head. She held Asami’s hands even tighter.
“That’s why I don’t want Gon-chan to regret it. You two
won’t be in the same high school. There’s a year left until
graduation. I hope you can live through this time without
any regrets.”
“...Nuku-chan, everything you said is just what you’re trying
to force onto me, right?”
Kaju’s shoulders shivered after hearing that.
“You’re worried, so you’re trying to force me into worrying
like you, right? You actually don’t want your older brother to
have a girlfriend. Instead, you want to make him your own,
right!?”
“That’s-”
Asami observed Kaju’s eyes from above.
“Nuku-chan, you’ve always loved your brother, right!? But
you’ve never said it!”
“How can I say it!? Kaju is the little sister!”
Kaju let go of Asami’s hand and backed out.
“We can’t be together forever! Siblings will separate one
day! Onii-sama will definitely meet a brilliant lover and
spend the rest of his life with her!”
Her big eyes are flooded with tears. She seems to be talking
to herself.
“But I know there’s nothing I can do! Kaju is satisfied as long
as onii-sama is still next to me!”
“I’m the same, too! Nuku-chan, why can’t you just tell your
brother how you’re feeling!?”
“I’ll just be bothering him with that! Onii-sama just thinks of
Kaju as a little sister. He’s just spoiling his little sister!”
“No way you know that!”
“Kaju knows! It’s because onii-sama has a crush on-”
Kaju put her hands before her chest and took a deep breath.

“ A man!”
*
…Eh?
I ran before the two of them. That shocking reveal made me
stand still.
I only heard the last sentence- but I actually have a crush on
someone, and that person is a man as well?
I’ve never experienced these things firsthand before. That’s
why I’m surprised to hear all that. Kaju soon noticed me. Her
face went pale.
“O-Onii-sama!? W-When did you start listening to us!?”
“Huh? Uh, I want to ask about the love and hate thing you
talked about in the beginning. …What does that mean?”
My brain is filled with 100% purity question marks. Then-
“Weel, u-uh- I forgot to turn off the stove back home. I’ll be
leaving!”
“Eh!? Hold on.”
Uh, my head can’t follow the situation.
I found Kaju and saw her arguing with Gonto-san.
Then I found out I actually fell in love with a dude, and Kaju
just went home in the end.
Also, what do I have to do with the three of them…?
I remained at the spot, not knowing what to do. Teiara-san
chased me all the way here. She covered her mouth with a
handkerchief and squatted down.
“What’s wrong, Teiara-san?”
“No, uh, n-nose bleed…”
…Why?
“Uh, are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine! Don’t worry about me!”
Even so, Teiara-san’s face looks really pale.
“Hey, Gonto-san. Sorry, this person-”
I turned around. She already disappeared. So, in other
words…
Only Teiara-san and I remained in the woods behind the old
building. Her nose is bleeding.
…What’s going on?
“Can you stand up? I can walk you back to the school.”
“I-I’m fine. Go after your little sister. Don’t worry about me.”
“No way I can leave you alone. It’s fine. My little sister
should be home already.”
I reached my hand out to Teiara-san. She held it, yet her
own hand shivered.
Even though Teiara-san has already been a rigid and
stubborn girl, she’s very tame this time.
…If only she’s always like this.
*
I sent Teiara-san back to the student council office. It took
way longer than I expected. The sun had already set when I
got home.
I told the Literature Club people I would be going home on
Line, but then I got text bombed by Komari. It looked like
there were a lot she wanted to complain about. How about I
just not show up to the club room tomorrow…?
I sighed and looked at the sky. The faint dusk has painted
the horizon and is silently bearing with a stroke of dark blue.
It’s almost like it’s in a rush to go home.
Ka-cha. I stood before the door. The sensor detected me,
and the lights switched on.
I opened the lock as I thought about what I should tell Kaju.

-This story starts with Tachibana-kun’s hopeless feelings for

Amanatsu-sensei.

Then the next part is about Kaju, Gonto-san, and Tachibana-

kun. The story should revolve around the three of them.
Why did Kaju bring me up, then?
In other words, I just perceived these things as a story
between the three people.
There must be a purer answer-
I immediately started worrying. After opening the door, I
saw Kaju’s shoes placed tidily on the ground.
There seems to be no one on the first floor. Mom and Dad
aren’t home yet, I guess.
I mentally prepared myself and walked up the stairs. I came
to Kaju’s room door.
I knocked, but nobody answered. I opened it after a moment
of hesitation. It’s very dark inside.
The lights in the hallway trickle into the room. Her room
uses pink as the base color. It’s very girly. There’s even a
poster of me on the wall. I think she got a new one…
Kaju sat on the floor and leaned on the side of the bed.
She’s sleeping.
I finally sighed in relief after seeing her adorable sleeping
face.
Right, she said she couldn’t sleep yesterday.
I turned on the lights in the dark and saw an album before
Kaju.
The opened pages contain photos of Kaju and me. We were
very young at the time.
…Oh, this was taken during Shichi-Go-San. I wore a hakama
while Kaju was in a kimono. Both of us stood there with
bright smiles.
I ate a lot of chitose ame and got tooth decay. I remember
Kaju was really worried about me at the time. She
roleplayed as a dentist. It was a lively day in the house. [TL:
Chitose ame is a popular candy during Shichi-Go-San. It
signifies healthy growth and long life.]
In my heart, Kaju hasn’t changed a lot. She’s still my cute
little sister.
However, Kaju had slowly grown up before I knew it.
From now on, this album will have more photos of Kaju
without me.
I hope Kaju can still smile inside the photos. However, she
probably can’t hold her tears back off-camera, right?
The day when she cries in somebody else's arms instead of
mine isn’t far away.
I think true family members are people who are willing to
support me unconditionally whenever I want to stop and
take a break.
I gently flipped through the album with my finger, yet I
accidentally dropped several photos. A “sha” noise is made.
“Ugh, …ugh…”
This string of noises seems to be the last thing needed to
wake her up.
A faint voice trailed out of Kaju’s lips. Her eyebrows twitched
for a moment.
“Kaju, are you awake?”
“Onii-sama…?”
Kaju doesn’t seem to understand what’s happening. She
rubbed her sleepy eyes.
“Kaju fell asleep, …ah, onii-sama!?”
Kaju seemed shocked for a moment. She then suddenly
showed a disheartened look and grabbed my clothes.
“Onii-sama! I-In the school! When did you start listening to
us!?”
“Eh? Ahh, I think it was from you said the person I loved was
a man.”
“What about the part before that!? Did you hear what we
said before that too!?”
“Hmm? I didn’t.”
“You didn’t…? Phew, …glad to hear that.”
Kaju sighed in relief.
Wait, if she could let me eavesdrop on something like that,
don’t tell me there’s something bigger secret…?
“Right, Kaju. You said I’ve fallen in love with a man. What’s
going on?”
Kaju pouted as she threw a fit.
“Please don’t play dumb. Kaju’s talking about the man who
hung out with onii-sama during Christmas’s Eve.”
…? What is she talking about? Shikiya-san looks like a girl,
no matter what-
“Did you see onii-chan meeting with that male senpai?”
“Yes. Both of you shared the same drink. You two looked so
intimate.”
Kaju turned her head around.
“That senpai wanted dinner initially, but he got ghosted, so I
just ate with him. There wasn’t anything else.”
“Then what’s with that couple’s straw?”
“That’s- think about it. It just happened like that. Kaju must
have experienced it as well, right?”
“Nope.”
Yeah, I guess.
“Anyway, that senpai already has a girlfriend. They are so
lovey-dovey. I’m just a replacement.”
“...Really?”
“Yes.”
Kaju stared at my face for a while. She sighed in
satisfaction, yet she still had this complicated look.
“Right, Kaju. I want to talk about Tachibana-kun.”
“...Yes, that was unfortunate.”
Seeing the person she loves getting rejected makes her
even more worried about him. This is the kind of girl Kaju is
like.
However, the uncomfortableness of this is still at the bottom
of my heart.
Kaju wasn’t the only one in the woods behind the school.
Gonto-san was there too.

-Asami Gonto.

She’s a good friend of Kaju, and she seems to be an old

acquaintance of Tachibana-kun as well.
Her alone is enough to take up my entire brain from all
these complicated thoughts.
She ran away when Tachibana-kun confessed, and then she
had a big argument with Kaju. It ended with Kaju being the
one to run away from the scene.
She’s a character in this story as well.
I know- there’s a tinge of sadness in her eyes, and
stubbornness, too.

“Sorry, onii-chan misunderstood you.”

I suddenly said that. Kaju shook her head.

“No, onii-sama isn’t at fault-”
“I thought Kaju was in love with Tachibana-kun, but I was
wrong.”
Kaju’s head shivered a bit.
She hesitated to speak, so I reached my hand out and
interrupted her before continuing.
“Gonto-san likes Tachibana-kun. I know that much. Kaju can
understand what I understand as well. That’s why I think
Kaju is really weird today.”
“...Weird?”
Kaju repeated in confusion. I nodded at her peacefully.
“I can absolutely tell something isn’t right if my little sister
and her friend have fallen in love with the same person. She
must be frustrated and upset. In the end, she will be the
only one who gets hurt.”
I gently stroked Kaju’s head with my hand.
“So, if Gonto-san is in love with him, Kaju won’t have a
crush on him. How was it? Onii-chan’s logic is pretty clear,
right?”
“...Yes.”
Kaju looked like a child who just got caught pulling a prank.
She plopped her head down in embarrassment.
“Kaju really just thinks of Tachibana-kun as a friend. I don’t
like him romantically.”
“Yes, I know. It has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day when
you invited Tachibana-kun today. You two had been talking
about the open day in the beginning.”
Kaju nodded shamefully.
“What about that date in Toyokawa Inari then?”
“The two of us promised to go with Gon-chan before. A
senpai was preparing for the exam. We wanted to get her a
charm.”
I’ve been overthinking since the beginning.
I couldn’t help but give a wry smile.
“Then why did you say those things that were prone to over-
imagination?”
“It’s because-”
Kaju lowered her head and pondered about it for a moment.
She made up her mind and spoke up.
“Tachibana-kun called me when I was making chocolate that
day. Onii-sama should know that, right?”
“Onii-sama had been suspecting the relationship between
Kaju and him since then- so Kaju had a bad idea. I wanted
onii-sama to keep misunderstanding.”
Kaju looked away awkwardly.
“Onii-sama doesn’t have friends, right? Kaju has been
staying with onii-sama every day since we were little. Is onii-
sama friendless because of Kaju?”
“I’m 100% at fault for why I’m friendless, right?”
She seemed to have treated my honest thought as a joke.
She chuckled helplessly.
“That’s why Kaju is pleased when onii-sama got into high
school, joined the Literature Club, and made many friends.
Kaju probably doesn’t need to take care of onii-sama
anymore if you can get a brilliant girlfriend, right? …Kaju is
very worried whenever I think about this.”
Kaju flipped the album as she said.
“Kaju has been with onii-sama ever since I remember. Onii-
sama has always been next to Kaju, whether I’m happy or
sad. It’s natural to stay with your family, after all.”
Kaju peeled open the layer of the album and took a photo.
That was during the entrance ceremony of my elementary
school. I stood before the school gate worriedly. The 4-year-
old Kaju was crying with red eyes next to me.
Come to think of it- Kaju chuckled.
“Kaju thought onii-sama would never come home after
getting into elementary school. I kept crying during the
entrance ceremony.”
“I remembered. Kaju wouldn’t let me go that night.”
Kaju put the photo back and started turning the pages
again.
She stopped her finger at the next photo. This one should be
from around 3 years ago.
We took that while our family went to the beach.
The photo shows Kaju chasing after me with a starfish in her
hand. I was running away with my pretty serious look.
“...Weren’t you too mean, Kaju?”
“Onii-sama really liked power rangers, so Kaju thought onii-
sama would like starfishes.”
It does look like a weapon.
Kaju pointed at another photo. That was when Kaju first
wore the uniform of Momozono Middle School. She took it
with me as mementos.
Kaju hugged my arms with a bright smile while I looked
pretty upset.
“Do you still remember? Onii-sama even argued with me
since you didn’t want to be in the photo with Kaju.”
I remember it clearly.
I didn’t mind not having friends in middle school at all, yet I
didn’t want Kaju to see me like that.
That’s why I couldn’t sincerely congratulate Kaju for being in
the same middle school as me.
“...I was a brat before.”
I mumbled self-mockingly.
“Kaju is just a child as well. Kaju can see onii-sama slowly
changing, so I’m overjoyed, but I feel a bit lonely too.”
Kaju put her head on my shoulder.
“That’s why Kaju wants- onii-sama to pay more attention to
Kaju.”
Kaju’s silky black hair slid down. It’s tingling the back of my
hand.
The weight on my shoulder has never changed.
Kaju has always been taking the same steps as me as we
grow up.
However, from now on, we must go at our own paces as we
become adults.
“...Oh, Kaju. What about Gonto-san?”
“What about her…?”
We solved a thing for now. Even though I wanted to say
that, something else must be taken care of.
“Did she also support Tachibana-kun’s confession?”
“Not really, right? But-”
Kaju stuttered. I continued.
“She also knew Tachibana-kun would confess, right?
Tachibana-kun couldn’t avoid falling in love with someone,
but you shouldn’t ask her to help with the confession,
okay?”
“But Tachibana-kun likes sensei. Amanatsu-sensei is a
serious person. She would definitely reject him. Kaju did this
because I knew that.”
…No, that person is way too dangerous. Tachibana-kun
would be dead if he confessed 4 years later.
“Gon-chan said it’s okay to keep things as they are. She
even said she didn’t want to confess to Tachibana-kun even
though there are other girls who like him too.”
Anxiety. It’s not like I can’t understand how she feels.
But why did Kaju spend so much effort intervening in
someone else's relationship to the point of ignoring their
wishes?
“She already agrees with keeping things as they are. This is
a yes, right?”
“Really? Is that what onii-sama thinks?”
I nodded silently. Kaju’s eyes started floating around out of
nervousness.
“Kaju and them will be in our 3rd year in April. The entrance
exam is right around the corner. Everyone will bid farewell
after getting into high school-”
Kaju crossed her fingers and held them tightly.
“Gon-chan will definitely regret it if she doesn’t make a
move. The two of them will be in different high schools.
They will see each other less and less. Many people
eventually break up even when they go out. If this
continues…”
I stroked Kaju’s head as I asked her gently.
“-So, you let Gonto-san into this plan to stimulate her?”
Kaju’s shoulders suddenly trembled.
“Kaju…doesn’t want to see Gon-chan being upset. They
can’t be together if this keeps up, and they won’t talk to
each other anymore- it scares me from just thinking about
it.”
I finally realized it after seeing Kaju’s anxious look.
-Kaju projected our relationship to the two of them.
The Kaju in my eyes. The “me” in Kaju’s eyes.
Our parents have to work. That’s why I’m the one who has
spent the longest time with Kaju.
However, my ranking will definitely drop from now on.
Who will be with Kaju at the time? I don’t know, but I would
be lying if I said I wouldn’t feel lonely.
“...Is Kaju worried as well?”
“...Yes.”
I patted my kneecaps silently.
Kaju immediately sat on my lap in excitement.
“A lot of things will gradually change in the future, and I’m
also worried. I want to keep things as they are with Kaju if
you wish to as well.”
“...Really?”
I patted Kaju’s head instead of answering.
“But Kaju has been born for 14 years. The times that Kaju
and I’ve spent together will never change, right?”
Kaju raised her head and looked at my face quietly.
“For example, I’m patting Kaju’s head right now. This will
become the past in the next second. That’s why it’s
something nobody can touch nor change.”
I stroked Kaju’s head gently once more.
“Don’t worry about it. There are many memories between
us siblings, and nobody can touch them. This won’t change
even if we aren’t together in the future- even if you have
found that special someone.”
“...Yes.”
Kaju nodded helplessly.
“Perhaps there are a lot of memories between Gonto-san
and Tachibana-kun that only they can talk about. No one
else can make a decision for her.”
“But, onii-sama, won’t Gon-chan regret it if this goes on?”
I shook my head. There’s no correct answer in interpersonal
relationships.
We make mistakes and keep them as memories.
Sometimes, we forgive each other, and other times we
don’t.
I think this process should continue.
“Maybe Kaju is right. Maybe Gonto-san will regret it one day-
however, just because it’s right doesn’t mean it’s the
correct answer.”
Kaju tried to say something, but I interrupted her and
pressed on.
“She’s your best friend, right? It’s best for you to have a
nice, long talk with her.”
“...Yes, Kaju will go to school and talk to her tomorrow.”
Finally, Kaju cleared her thoughts and leaned on my
shoulder.
“Please hold Kaju like when we were little, onii-sama.”
Eh, have I done something like that before?
I can’t remember- now’s not the time to talk about that. So,
I hugged Kaju from behind.
Kaju pressed her palm against mine as she chuckled gently.
She looks like a child.
…I felt the warmth on my kneecaps, and yet another
question came to mind.
“Come to think of it, where’s your chocolate? You spent so
much effort on it. So, you’re giving it to someone instead of
me, right-”
“Onii-sama already got a bunch of chocolate in school even
if Kaju didn’t give you any, right?”
Kaju’s cheeks pouted like a pufferfish. She elbowed me.
“If onii-sama has received so many honmei chocolates
already, it would be miserable for Kaju to give you another
one. Kaju has a girl’s self-esteem too.”
“Wait, I didn’t get any honmei chocolate.”
Kaju overestimated me, as usual. I couldn’t help but smile
bitterly.
“...Onii-sama didn’t get any chocolate? Not even from
Komari-san?”
Kaju’s eyes bulged in disbelief.
“Everyone brought chocolate. It was for the visitors, but that
was all. I did get an obligatory chocolate-”
“You got it!? From who!?”
Kaju dashed toward me in excitement. I pushed her away
forcefully.
“It’s from Asagumo-san. She has a boyfriend, so this is a
99.9% obligatory chocolate.”
“...It’s not 100%?”
“When you buy a lottery ticket, you will wonder how you’re
going to spend the money after winning, right? This is as
important as that 0.1% possibility. For example, what if the
person who gave me chocolate was Asagumo-san’s twin
sister? It’s just that I don’t know her. Think about this
setting, okay?”
“I…see?”
Kaju rubbed the spot between her eyes with her fingers.
However, she doesn’t seem to want to ponder about it any
longer.
She wobbled as she stood up and took out something from
the desk’s drawer.
She hid it behind her and sat down in front of me.
“Hmm, …onii-sama, I’ll confirm it for the last time. Onii-
sama didn’t receive any honmei chocolate, right?”
“Yeah, I didn’t.”
Kaju fidgeted as she lowered her hand and handed out a
small bag. The package looks very cute.
“This is honmei little sister chocolate! Please take it!”
I took the bag puzzledly. The transparent bag is filled with
Kaju’s chocolates.
“...Are these for me? Didn’t you say you weren’t giving them
to onii-chan?”
“It’s because onii-sama didn’t receive any honmei
chocolate, right? That means onii-sama has accepted Kaju
for giving you honmei little sister chocolate this year!”
I see. It would be unreasonable for me to try and be logical
before a concept as mysterious as little sister chocolate.
Kaju blushed really hard. I gently stroked her head.
“Thank you. I’ll try them out with my heart.”
“Okay, onii-sama!”
Kaju’s energetic voice echoed through the room.
-During this time, a familiar car engine noise can be heard
outside the window.
“Dad and Mom are back.”
“Yeah, I need to make dinner.”
Kaju held my hand tightly as she stood up.
We finally got the most urgent things out of the way now.
Tachibana-kun’s love is over. Kaju is smiling. Amanatsu-
sensei is now a bit popular.
Even though the Valentine’s Day incident is over, it’s still
lurking in our daily lives.
I followed Kaju as we prepared to leave the room. Kaju held
the handle, yet she stopped.
“What’s wrong, Kaju? Are we not going out?”
“Onii-sama just said Kaju should give the chance to them if
Kaju has fallen in love with the same person as my friend,
right?”
Kaju mumbled quietly as she faced me with her back.
“Eh? Yeah, I did.”
“...It’s probably a little different.”
Hmm? What is she talking about?
Kaju turned around and straightened her back-

She gave me a kiss on my cheeks.

“Hey!? What are you doing, Kaju!?”
Kaju immediately backed away from me. She pointed at her
face.
“There’s some chocolate on onii-sama’s cheeks. Kaju helped
you wipe it off.”
“Ehhhh, you’re overstepping your bounds.”
“Hehe, make sure to keep it a secret from Mom, you know?”
Kaju said that as her smile blossomed.
I silently shook my head.

-I can only admit defeat if she’s already smiling so much.

*
The next day is a Monday. The west winds are unexpectedly
quiet today.
The northern sky has several stratus clouds floating around.
Municipal Momozno Middle School. The pure morning
sunlight is beaming into the Gardening Club’s greenhouse
from the ceiling. Asami Gonto- Gon-chan is facing a pot
under the sun.
Ka-chak. A pleasing noise can be heard from the gardening
scissors.
Gon-chan stared at the branch for a while. She made up her
mind and reached her scissors out again.
Creak. The old door of the greenhouse is opened. It’s
making noises.
The person who poked her head behind the door is- Kaju
Nukumizu.
“Gon-chan, can you hear Kaju out…?”
“There’s fertilizer over the ground there. Watch out.”
Kaju nodded silently. She avoided the bag next to her foot
and approached Gon-chan.
“Hey, Gon-chan…”
“Potted plants are all about imitating the scenes in nature
inside a pot. Check it out from this side.”
Gon-chan suddenly said that before waving toward Kaju and
asking her to come here.
Kaju approached her in confusion. Her eyes squinted as she
looked at the plant.
“Scenes- it feels like a miniature model.”
Gon-chan raised her head. She seems to be formulating her
words.
“Very close, but there are some differences. A potted plant
requires time to care for its trunk, branches, and leaves.
These things will slowly turn into a scenery at last.”
Gon-chan looked at the horizontally-growing branches and
mumbled to herself.
“...This plant is as old as us.”
“Has it lived for 14 years already?”
Gon-chan nodded in agreement.
How long has it been? Not even Gon-chan and Kaju know.
However, to them, this period is enough to cover everything
they ever have.
“The teacher who left this to me once said you could never
get a good look if you tried to trim trees into the shape you
wanted. However, those unexpected branches- turn into
beautiful scenery sometimes.”
Ka-chak. Gon-chan cut off the tip of the branch.
She stared at the cut briefly before gently putting down the
scissors.
“...I would be pretty sad if Satoshi got a girlfriend.”
“Yeah, so-”
“However, you would be wrong to say I wanted to go out
with him right now.”
Kaju wanted to say something, yet she kept her mouth shut.
Gon-chan slowly shook her head.
“The Satoshi next to me has always liked a teacher since he
was young. This guy is such an idiot. He’s very loyal. If I
confess to Satoshi and he changes his mind because of this,
he won’t be the Satoshi I know, right?”
“So, …you mean Kaju misunderstood you?”
Gon-chan couldn’t stop her lips from curling up after hearing
the unexpected words.
“Perhaps. So, I’ll be very glad if you can pretend you didn’t
see anything.”
“...Yeah, sorry, Gon-chan.”
“I should be the one to apologize. Sorry to make you worry
about me.”
The sun is already up before they know it. The whole
greenhouse is really bright.
Kaju looked around before taking a step toward Gon-chan.
“...Hey, Gon-chan. Can you hear me out?”
Gon-chan agreed. Kaju took out a delicately-decorated small
pink box.
“Kaju made friendship chocolate. Gon-chan, can you take
it?”
“For me? Are you sure?”
“Yes, Kaju hopes Gon-chan can take it.”
Gon-chan took her chocolate and handed the gardening
scissors to Kaju in return.
“Try to use it and trim these branches.”
“Eh? Can Kaju do it?”
Kaju took the scissors carefully.
“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter, even if it doesn’t look good. As
long as you have fun.”
Kaju seemed startled. Gon-chan then gently stroked her
head.
She stood before the pot nervously.
“There are iron wires on these branches. What are they
for?”
“Adjusting the shape of the branches. The branches will get
more sunlight that way. It’s good for ventilation as well. The
trees hibernate during the winter, and that’s when we use
the wires.”
“You install iron wires every year? This must be why the
plant looks like this right now.”
Gon-chan nodded and touched the branches gently.
“But its shape can’t be changed easily even with the wires.”
“Really?”
Gon-chan stared at the rough trunk lovingly.
“It will slowly grow up with time. Sometimes it makes the
owner satisfied, and other times it's unexpected. It only has
its current form after a lengthy trial of time.”
“After a lengthy trial of time-”
Kaju realized it after hearing that.
No matter how the future turns out to be, it requires a
lengthy trial of time.
Her brother’s future. Her own future. The siblings will
eventually go on separate paths.
But these are strongly connected to the times the two of
them have spent together.
“...Potted plants are kind of interesting.”
“Really? I can teach Nuku-chan anytime if Nuku-chan is into
it.”
Gon-chan’s eyes are sparkling. Kaju nodded and grabbed
the scissors again.
“Well, can I cut this part off?”
Asami quickly reached her hand out when Kaju put the
scissors on the branch.
“Can you raise the scissors higher?”
“This should be okay, right?”
“Ah, move it a little over to that side of the branch-”
Gon-chan couldn’t help but intervene. So, Kaju’s lips curled
down. She put her hands on her waist.
“Sheesh, Gon-chan said I could do it myself.”
Indeed.
Even though she may regret it. Even though she may cry.
She should tread every step determinedly as long as it’s the
path she has chosen. This is what she has decided.
“Sorry.”
Gon-chan gave a wry smile. She raised her hands and
surrendered.

“-The result is fine no matter how it grows, right?”

Epilogue: The Past and the Future

The second day of the open day is a Monday. I repeat. It’s a

Monday.
I missed an excellent opportunity to rest during the
weekend, and now I have to endure a whole week of school.
I feel very pissed on a Monday morning. Perhaps this is why
Amanatsu-sensei’s personality is like this…
I put my hand on my chin as I became lost in thought during
homeroom.
“Alright, that’s all of the notice.”
Amanatsu-sensei’s crisp voice dragged me back to reality.
I sat upright to avoid her calling my name. However, sensei
is in a very good mood today.
“We had the open day yesterday. Many students look like
they will have a bright future.”
Sensei smiled nonchalantly as she leaned forward on the
podium.
“I mean, a teacher will bump into all kinds of things. Yep,
they are mature women, right? Anyway, their bodies are
radiating with attraction to those puberty boys. Yep, I know
what they are thinking.”
…Don’t tell me she’s talking about Tachibana-kun.
However, I don’t think she has encountered such a situation
before. I guess she couldn’t help but feel a little excited.
“You guys should’ve admired a beautiful onee-san before,
but sensei probably won’t say yes. Ahaha.”
Amanatsu-sensei didn’t care about the dead atmosphere in
the classroom at all. She kept talking about love (?).
I don’t want to hear the story about how sensei was once
popular at all. So, I ignored her and thought about the
Valentine’s Day that just passed by.
…I finally got chocolate this year.
Even though it’s just a single one, and it’s also an obligatory
chocolate, I can’t doubt it, this is already a big step in
progress.
I didn’t receive any chocolates from the Literature Club
members, but it would be troublesome to give them
something back. It’s not ridiculous to say it’s better for me
to have not gotten anything. I’m serious.
“-Anyway, you guys are about to be second-year students.
The split into science subjects and literature subjects is
about to happen, and all of you will be in different classes as
well. Don’t think you still have a lot of time before
graduation. There’s only one shot as a first-year and
second-year student. Treasure the moment. Don’t regret it
like sensei.”
I then realized sensei suddenly drove the conversation
toward depression.
The story where sensei was once popular is emptier than
expected.
She cheered herself up and slammed the attendance table
on the podium.
“Alright, cheer up for this week as well, folks!”
*
Club room, after school.
The three girls in the Literature Club looked at each other
and dropped their jaws after hearing what happened
yesterday.
“I didn’t expect Tachibana-kun to be into Amanatsu-sensei.
…I see. …I feel bad for him…”
Yanami mumbled deeply as she chewed kaki no tane. [TL:
Small, crescent-shaped rice crackers.]
“Tachibana-kun is that boy who went on a walk with Nukkun
in the boulevard, right? You can never judge a book by its
cover.”
Yakishio nodded with a gripper in her hand.
Komari looked at the two of them and showed a worried
expression.
“I-Is that teacher that scary…?”
“Amanatsu-chan is a good teacher. It’s just that she’s a
bit…”
Yanami seemed to have noticed my glance. She shook her
bag of kaki no tane. It made a “sha sha” noise.
“Nukumizu-kun wants some too?”
“Ah, no thanks. Right, are you sure you’re fine after eating
so many sweets yesterday? Didn’t you say you were going
to start losing weight?”
“I’ve already started losing weight.”
Yanami said that as she kept sending kaki no tane into her
mouth.
Is this girl trying to change the concept of losing weight
again?
“Also, I ate nothing in the morning and noon yesterday. It’s
okay.”
“But it’s pointless when you ate so many sweets, right…?’
My point hits the mark. Yanami shrugged helplessly.
“Sigh, alright, Nukumizu-kun doesn’t know anything about
losing weight, after all. How about I teach you?”
“...Well, if you say so, go ahead and teach me.”
Yanami answered my dazed look with a smug face.
“The truth about losing weight is tricking your body.”
She said something strange, as expected.
“It means you have to trick your body by not giving it a
chance to be fat. The body will lower its guard without any
proper meals. That’s when you can eat snacks. Snacks
contain less sugar than actual meals. It’s the same as
fasting.”
…I feel like her theories are getting more supernatural by
the day.
“Uh, the burnt calories aren’t that different, right? Such
irregular eating habits will lower the rate of metabolism. It’s
going to make losing weight even harder, right?”
“It’s really fine. I’ve tried this method 5 times, and it worked
twice.”
The probability of failure is even higher.
In the end, she just wants to treasure this precious success.
I should stop complaining.
“N-Nukumizu-kun, here’s your l-little sister’s club
magazine.”
Komari handed me the three club magazines Kaju and her
friends forgot to take.
Come to think of it, the three of them went home without
coming back to the club room.
I tried to take the magazine, but Komari didn’t let go.
“Eh, what’s wrong?”
“...D-Did something happen between you and your little
sister?
“Didn’t I just tell you before? I said she helped Tachibana-
kun to meet Amanatsu-sensei.”
I used the opportunity to take the club magazine.
Yanami and the girls still don’t know I argued with Kaju.
I don’t expect other people to understand this. I don’t have
to tell anyone, anyway.
“Nukkun, your little sister doesn’t have a crush, you know?
But you don’t seem too happy about it.”
“Yeah, I guess…”
I looked away from Yakishio’s eyes and opened the club
magazine.
It’s the page that contains Kaju’s novel.
The siblings still go their separate ways at the end of the
story, but the time they spend together will never
disappear.
The brother heads to a new world, while the little sister is
left in her daily life.
I wonder how Kaju felt when she wrote this novel-
The club room’s door opened as if it was to interrupt my
thoughts.

“Onii-sama, Kaju is here!”

Huh!? I immediately dropped my jaws. Kaju- dashed onto

my lap right away.
She sat on my lap and hugged my neck with both of her
hands.
“Wait, why are you here!? Also, don’t you have to go to
class?”
Kaju didn’t flinch at my questions at all. She showed the ID
beneath her chest.
“Hehe, please look at this.”
There’s an ID hanging on Kaju’s neck. The word “Temporary
Entry” is printed above.
Then, the issuer is- the student council.
“Student council…? Kaju, why do you have this?”
“Tsuwabuki High School’s student council allowed me to
watch their duties up close.”
“Uh, …it should be just for today, right?”
Kaju smiled and hugged my neck tightly.
“Prez really likes Kaju. She said Kaju can come whenever I
want.”
…In other words-
“I’ll be in your care from now on, onii-sama.”
With that, Kaju rubbed my cheeks with her head.
Ah, …is she going to come in and out of Tsuwabuki from now
on?
“Hold on, calm down.”
I pulled Kaju away.
“Kaju is pretty calm, you know?”
“Then listen to me. You’re still busy with the student council
work in your middle school, right?”
“Yes, I’ll do my best to balance both sides.”
…Oh, she’ll do her best?
Kaju poked her head out and stared into my eyes just as I
struggled to think of a way to convince her.
“Kaju understood something after hearing onii-sama out
yesterday.”
“Understood something?”
“Yes, Kaju understood it completely. It’s torturous to not be
willing to face the present out of fear of what’s going to
happen in the future. The memories in the past are what
made us where we are right now. That’s why Kaju has
decided to experience as many beautiful histories as we can
with onii-sama.”
“It looks like you have already made up your mind.”
“Yes, Kaju has already made up my mind.”
…This will be tough.
I stared around for help. The three girls gave me a
dumbfounded look.
“Nukumizu-kun, we’re in the club room right now. Can you
hold yourself back?”
“Uh, congrats.”
“G-Go die.”
…Yep, I didn’t expect them to say anything good, anyway.
I’m a bit hopeless. Kaju answered them with a smile.
“Right, I baked some madeleine cakes for everyone.”
“Welcome, Imouto-chan!”
Yanami has immediately fallen.
“Komari-san, you can come to our house to play any time as
well! I’ve already prepared a new bath agent.”
“Really!? T-Then- I-I got it.”
Komari lowered her head sheepishly.
Yanami immediately showed a serious look after hearing
that.
“Bath agent…? Komari-chan, can you tell us more about
this?”
“Eek!? N-No! N-Nukumizu was the one who filled the tub-”
“Huh?”
What’s with this lethal ball pass?
Yakishio was the one who stared at me displeasedly this
time.
“...Nukkun, what did you do to Komari-chan?”
“This is a misunderstanding! Kaju, help me explain as well!”
Kaju smiled and nodded. Great, I’ll leave it to you-
“Kaju will support whatever onii-sama does! Please go
ahead and be wild!
“What the hell did you do!?” (x2)
Yanami and Yakishio yelled at the same time.
I didn’t do anything. I don’t deserve this.
…………
…Yeah, exactly. I didn’t do anything wrong at all.
I hugged Kaju and stood up.
“That’s not important. Let’s put that aside and start today’s
club activities! First of all, let’s summarize yesterday’s tour.”
“What do you mean by putting that aside…?”
Yanami took a bite of the madeleine cake and gave me a
ferocious stare.
It’s pretty scary, but I’ve anticipated all of this.
I thought Komari would continue and skip over the bath
incident.
I can immediately talk about the activity after she took over,
and then we can forget-
“N-Not important…? G-Go die!”
“I’m disappointed in you, Nukkun!”
…My plan has been foiled. Even Yakishio is looking at me
like I’m a criminal, not to mention Komari.
How did this happen? I didn’t do anything, right…?
I faced the three girls’ scolding and looked up at the ceiling.
During this time, Kaju whispered something next to my ear.
“We’ll always be together from now on- onii-sama.”

[TL: This is the end of Vol.5. There’s no news about Vol.6

yet, but the author tweeted about Makeine getting an
official English release. The date and publisher aren’t
confirmed yet. However, generally, fan translations stop
when a light novel gets licensed. We’ll keep going if Vol.6 is
out before the English version is officially announced. In the
meantime, there are a ton of special intermissions peppered
between Vol.4 and Vol.5. We’ll do those while continuing the
manga scanlations. Don’t expect them to be as frequent as
before, though. I graduated, and now I need to find a job,
lol. See you soon, hopefully.]
Afterword

<Too Many Losing Heroines!> is finally at its 5th volume!

This is all thanks to everyone’s support. It’s hard to put my
appreciation into words.
I’ve received great care from Iwaasa-shi as well- at this
current moment as well.
Indeed, there are other things I need to finish as of writing
this afterword. It’s routine already.
If only I could one-take pass with my first draft, …or at least
have it finished in the second draft…
Sorry, I still have to take a little sleeping time from Iwaasa-
san.
…I once again apologize for causing you trouble this time.

Anyway, let’s talk about Volume 5. Has everyone checked

out the cover yet?
You guys must have, right?
Kaju, born under Imigimuru-sensei’s pen strokes, is the
strongest, after all.
Please compare it with the cover of Volume 1.
The intensity of emotions you feel when experiencing the
cuteness of the strongest little sister must be on par with
your complicated feelings toward Yanami-san. Good luck,
Yanami. You can do better.
Well, the main story of Volume 5 takes place in mid-
February. Valentine’s Day.
It’s an investigation into the onii-sama lover Kaju’s secret,
joined by the slight siscon Nukumizu.
Yanami, Yakishio, and Komari, these losing heroines are
even more usual than usual.
May the readers accompany the losing heroine during their
remaining time as first-year students.

Volume 1 of Itachi-sensei’s manga adaption of <Makeine>

has been released already. It’s gaining popularity on the
MangaONE app as well.
I’m sure people can enjoy it whether they have read the
light novel or not. Please try it out.

Also, there’s a new collab with Toyohashi City, the stage of

this work.
The collaboration with JR East will be held in Kalmia inside
Toyohashi Station after the release of Vol.5 of <Makeine>!
I’ve checked the details already, and the unexpected scale
is pretty shocking to me…!
This event allows everyone to enjoy Imigimuru-sensei’s
illustrations. Please come and have fun.
Vol.5 of <I Told You I Like Toyohashi!> by Tae Sano-sensei
will be released a day before Vol.5 of <Makeine>. This is
such a fateful coincidence. Everyone can give some love to
<Damotoyo> too.
There are many great spots around Kalmia and the station.
All of them have appeared in <Makeine> and <Damotoyo>
as well. It will be fun for a visit.
Aside from that, the collaboration between <Makeine> and
Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park is at its last stage. It’s just
one stop away from Toyohashi Station. Come check it out if
you guys are interested.

…Well, like the previous ones, I’ve also requested the editor
to give me additional pages.
The strongest winning heroine and the strongest losing
heroine, the two good friends are spending after-school time
together.

Are these two really best friends, though…?

Rumors like this will go away immediately. I guess.
Extra: I Won’t Let You Sleep Tonight

Kalmia Shopping Center, Toyohashi Station.

There’s a pair of especially eye-catching Tsuwabuki students
inside the shopping center full of customers.
-Anna Yanami and Karen Himemiya.
The two of them sat down next to the station walkway after
getting some beverages at Yamayasu’s drink bar. [TL: It’s a
food retail store in Toyohashi.]
Yanami grabbed the plastic cup as she watched the stream
of people inside the station over the glass.
“Phew, I’m exhausted. Cheers, Karen-chan.”
“Yeah, cheers.”
The two took a sip after touching their cups.
The natural sweetness from fresh fruits coursed through
their tired bodies.
Karen enjoyed her “Avocado Milk” as she looked at the huge
amount of luggage on Yanami.
“You bought a bunch of chocolate, Anna. Who are you giving
them to?”
“Mom asked me to buy them. She’s giving it to people in her
office.”
“By the way, Anna’s mother is working in the city hall,
right?”
Yanami nodded and chugged her “Banana Matcha” in one
go.
“After that, I got some chocolates for the Literature Club
while doing errands. Uh, which one is it? This is for me-”
“...Anna, there’s something I want to ask you.”
Yanami raised her head in confusion after reaching her hand
into the paper bag.
“Hmm? What’s wrong? You look so serious.”
“Didn’t you just get inari sushi? Uh, if I remember-”
“It’s inari sushi from Tsubaya. As expected of Karen-chan,
you have sharp eyes.”
“You don’t have to take it out now, you know? Then, Anna
immediately tried to open it right after you got it, right?”
“Yeah, I wanted to say I could eat as I walk. I’ve held myself
back today and only bought a box with 6 takoyaki, so I’m a
bit hungry.”
Yanami showed her best smile with the box of inari sushi in
her hand.
Karen looked at Yanami seriously before putting her hand on
her shoulder.
“...Anna, we’re girls, right?”
“Eh? What’s wrong all of a sudden? Isn’t that obvious?”
Karen took a deep breath and stared into Yanami’s eyes.
She spoke up.
“Listen, Anna. Girls won’t eat inari sushi as they walk around
in Kalmia, okay?”
Yanami kept blinking as she looked at her best friend’s face.
“But, think about it. We just ate takoyaki in the underground
city, right? This is the same.”
“Uh, you can eat takoyaki in one bite, but inari sushi counts
as a proper meal. You can’t swallow it in one bite, right?”
“I can, though…?”
Yanami tilted her head. She’s confused from the bottom of
her heart.
Karen put her hand on her forehead. She’s frustrated.
“...Yeah, Anna is right. It’s my fault.”
“Even though I don’t really get it, cheer up, okay? Here. Do
you want chocolate?”
“Yeah, later- hold on, anna, that’s Valentine’s chocolate,
right? Why did you open it?”
“Eh? Why…?”
Yanami pondered for a moment. A charming smile appeared
on her face at the next second.
“It’s for the Literature Club, anyway. It’s fine. Does Karen-
chan want it?”
Karen shook her head before plopping down. She fell into
silence.
“What’s wrong, Karen-chan? Does your tummy hurt?”
“...No, I’m fine. Sorry, Anna. I almost said something very
mean just then.”
“You wanted to say something very mean to me…?”
Their friendship won’t change even if her good friend is
facing her appetite honestly.
Karen clenched her fists.
“Anna- let’s make chocolate!”
“Eh? We are making it?”
Yanami raised her head. She was staring at the opened
package of chocolate.
“Yeah, this is an operation to increase our girl power, you
know? I live alone, right? You can come anytime. You said
you wanted a sleepover in my house, yeah?”
“Oh, a chocolate-making sleepover. That sounds nice. How
about Saturday?”
“Yeah, it’s okay!”
“Well, we’ll make some chocolate for ourselves and watch a
movie or something. Let’s spend the night leisurely.”
“Sheesh, Anna. If you eat your chocolate, then on
Valentine’s Day-”
Karen suddenly remembered something. She gasped and
swallowed the last part of her sentence.
“What’s wrong?”
“Uh, …well, …sorry. I’m…a bit busy…on, …well, Saturday
night…”
Karen fiddled her fingertips fidgetly.
Perhaps Yanami noticed something. She lost her facial
expressions.
“...Ah, yes. I understand.”
She couldn’t help but speak respectfully. Karen hastily
waved her hands.
“It’s not that! It’s just that we promised each other
coincidentally before- right! Studying! We planned to stay
up the night to correct our final exam!”
“...In your house?”
“...Uh, ah, well…”
Yanami smiled silently. She turned to the view outside the
glass window.
Handmade chocolate, right-
Bringing them to the Literature Club sounds nice as well.
There’s a guy who hasn't treated me as a girl recently.
Sip…
Yanami chugged the remaining drinks loudly before chewing
the ice cubs.
…Well, I shall be generous and show my girl power.
Credits

EPUB/PDF:

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Translation:

https://skythewood.blogspot.com/

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