CH 25

The Beautiful Transfer Student that Sulked Like a Child

TL: PuffyPyjamas.

ED: Daemon.

“Well, it’s about time I head home. You guys, be careful on your way home too.” 

It seemed that Miyu-sensei was satisfied and was done with saying whatever she wanted to say as she turned her back on us and walked away. There was an awkward atmosphere flowing between Charlotte and me who were left behind. It’s all because of that teacher’s unnecessary intervention.

At least have the consideration to get rid of this atmosphere before leaving, Miyu-sensei. I complained in my heart while looking at the direction in which Miyu-sensei had left.

“Why don’t we… head home as well…?”

“Yep, let’s go home.”

Thinking that there was nothing to gain just by standing still here, I hurried and agreed with Charlotte’s words. While the two of us started moving towards our house, I contemplated on how I could start a conversation. I feel that if we parted ways with this awkward atmosphere, we’ll just be avoiding each other starting tomorrow.

“Hey, Charlotte-san, what type of things do you like?”

“What do I like…? Let’s see…”

Although I just asked a simple question, Charlotte began thinking seriously. The appearance of her thinking whilst placing a finger on the lips looked somewhat sexy when illuminated by the moonlight. I fell for her a little more.

“…It’s got to be manga.”

While I was fascinated by Charlotte, the words that she spoke with a delighted expression made me doubt my ears.

“Eh? What was that?”

“I like manga the most, but it’s difficult to disregard anime.”

Charlotte, who was clearly ignorant to my confusion, seems to have gotten immersed in the world of anime and manga. Honestly, I wondered if I was overthinking it earlier.

I thought she wouldn’t be interested in such things because she has the demeanour of a legitimate young lady, but it seems that she’s quite interested in otaku culture. Well, Charlotte is free to like whatever she wants, but I thought that it was a little unfortunate.

The reason being—I hate manga and anime.

“I am very happy to be here in Japan because there’s manga practicallyeverywhere, and the quality of anime is very high.”

“I-I see.”

“I studied Japanese a lot because I wanted to read Japanese manga. I wanted to watch anime with the original Japanese voices, so I worked hard so that I could have a conversation in Japanese.”

“I-is that so…” 

“Also, there’s Akiba? There are a lot of people who are cosplaying, right? I definitely want to go to Akiba at least once.” [1]

“Y-yeah…” 

Charlotte started talking excitedly as soon as the topic shifted to manga and anime. What was the awkward atmosphere up to this point? I can’t keep up with the difference in energy.

However. I glanced at Charlotte’s face. I thought that Charlotte’s happily talking face was the cutest thing ever. Honestly, I can’t keep up with the conversation, but if she’s having fun, it’s not too bad to be a listener.

“After that—Ah… I’m sorry…” 

Charlotte, who was absorbed in talking, suddenly came back to reality. It’s hard to make out in the dark, but it seems that her face has been dyed bright red. I think she’s embarrassed that she kept talking alone.

“It’s fine. Charlotte-san really loves manga and anime.”

I returned a smile to Charlotte who apologized. When I saw Charlotte’s shy appearance, I felt a little giddy. I couldn’t keep up with the conversation, but I didn’t dislike listening to her speaking. Rather, I’m glad that I got to know a new aspect of Charlotte’s personality.

“Aoyagi-kun is very kind…” 

Charlotte muttered something in a low voice, and for some reason, placed her hands on her cheeks and stared at my face. What happened?

“What is it?”

“I-it’s nothing… What type of manga does Aoyagi-kun like?”

I asked her if there was something wrong, but I immediately thought that I had failed. Charlotte could have asked me what type of things I liked, but for her to narrow it down to manga… How should I answer? I don’t have a favorite manga, and I don’t know much about them in general. I know the title of a manga that Akira often reads, so should I answer with that… 

“I—”

I attempted to answer Charlotte’s question, but I closed my open mouth. It’d be convenient for me to lie here. However, I’m sure that the truth will come out soon.

If I were to answer with the title of the manga, whether she knew about it or not, Charlotte would definitely be interested. It would be particularly bad if she recognized it. It will become a topic of conversation, and I will be asked about my favorite characters and developments. Then it wouldn’t long before I was put out like a rag.

More than anything… I stole a glance at Charlotte’s face. I didn’t wish to deceive the girl who was looking at me with such pure eyes.

So I decided to confess honestly.

“Sorry, I don’t read manga. So I don’t have any idea…”

“Eh… is that so…” 

Charlotte, who heard my answer, had a disappointed expression on her face. I’m really heartless, you can almost see her as being depressed.

“I apologize…”

“No, it’s nothing for you to apologize for… But why don’t you read any manga…?” 

“…I hate manga, so…”

“You hate manga?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I read books, but they’re fact-based historical novels. I hate fantasy stories such as manga and anime that aren’t really possible.”

“Why though? Manga and anime are really wonderful.”

Despite being denied what she liked, Charlotte was trying to understand my thoughts without getting angry. Why do I hate manga and anime so much—I do in fact have a clear answer.

Development that makes you happy using mere luck without making any effort. A story in which everything goes well because of the main character’s born talent from the superiority of their parents and ancestors. The hero who is cheated on by a girl for unfounded reasons. No matter how desperate the situation is, there is always a way to overcome it.

All of this comes out just by trying to think about the points that I dislike.

Above all, I hate the development that is convenient. Reality is not so sweet, it’s just bitter and harsh.

I realize that my perspective is strange. It’s silly to ask for reality in a fantasy story. However, I still look at it with cold emotions. That’s why I hate it.

“Well, it’s more meaningful to spend time studying than to spend time on manga.”

Although it’s a little different from the reason I hate it, I do think that it would be more meaningful to spend time actually studying, so this isn’t a lie either. Charlotte wouldn’t feel good if I ruthlessly denied what she liked, and I’d like to change the topic soon… 

“Ah, Aoyagi-kun hates manga without ever trying to read it.”

“Eh?”

When I looked at Charlotte’s face after hearing a pouting voice, her cheeks had puffed up like a child before I knew it. When I saw it, I was really scared.

“Okay. I’ll make Aoyagi-kun take a closer look at the wonders of manga and anime! It’s too late today, so it’s inconvenient, so I will recommend it to you tomorrow. Please read the manga…!” 

Where is Charlotte’s usual grace? Charlotte was full of childishness, so I just nodded away without thinking.

TN: