Volume 2, The Final Question

Volume 2, The Final Question

And finally, let's change it up a bit and have an English Question.

Please fill in blanks '①' and '②'.

"Without '①', the word 'Mother' would become '②' (someone unrelated)"

Himeji Mizuki's answer:

"Without 'M', the word 'Mother' would become 'other' (someone unrelated)"

Teacher's comment:

Correct answer. Taking the 'M' away from the word 'Mother' would give the word 'other' (someone unrelated). This is really a convenient way of remembering words.

Tsuchiya Kouta's answer:

"Without 'M', the word 'Mother' would become 'S' (someone unrelated)"

Teacher's comment:

No matter whether Tsuchiya-san's mother is called 'MS' or 'SM', sensei really doesn't know what to say about this.

Yoshii Akihisa's answer:

"Without 'money', the word 'Mother' would become 'ridding of a family relationship' (someone unrelated)"

Teacher's comment:

This has nothing to do with English, right?

"Ooowww…i got hit really bad…"

"Damn that Ironman. He doesn't even know how to let up."

In the end, Yuuji and I were unable to escape from Ironman's clutches and were caught. At first, I thought that since we started that commotion—the least we'll get is a suspension, and the worst is that we'll be expelled. But unexpectedly, the light punishment's just a severe warning (But since Ironman was the one punishing us, we also got away with bruises all over our faces).

"Most likely, it's because the old granny was helping out behind the scenes."

"You're talking about the punishment just now? Yeah, otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten away so lightly."

"And the old granny got saved. Though she still doesn't show any bit of gratitude."

"We saved the principal, so the principal did help us back in return."

Also, another reason why we were let off so quickly was also because of the Head of Teaching Staff. Thanks to the accidental fireworks that landed inside his office, they were able to use the excuse of repairing the office to carry out investigations inside the office. Now that it ended up like that, the principal would most likely carry out investigations on the Head of Teaching Staff and yank out his dirty deeds. So unexpectedly, the principal owes us one.

Even so, I still have to thank the principal. Even though I know that it's part of the deal, we can't forget about what others have done for us.

"Oh, so you finally came back. You're late."

"…We've already started."

"Ah, sorry. We were bothered a bit by Ironman just now."

As planned, all the Class F students were already gathered in the nearby park. This is a celebration of our success that needn't any special reservations, just some snacks and drinks would do. There's a unique flavour to this, and we don't have to spend a lot of money.

"Now everyone in school knows about you two."

"…(Nods head)"

"…It's not like I want to be associated with this guy anyway."

"That should be my line…"

The bad remarks about me continues to spread throughout the school. Maybe I won't be able to get a girlfriend in high school now.

"Since you did such a thing, and you didn't even get suspended, let alone expelled, of course there would be some strange rumours going about. Even I'm curious."

Minami pours some fruit juice into two cups and passes them to Yuuji and me.

"Ah thanks."

I thanked her as I received the cup, pouring it into my mouth. It's filled with orange juice, but it taste bitter. Is it some cheap good or something?

"Oh yeah. How's the earnings of the shop?"

I asked Minami, who remained like this after giving the drink over to me. She's the committee member, so she should be most clear about this.

"Well, although it's not a lot, it's not bad for two days worth of earnings."

Minami passes me that book that's used to record our earnings. It wasn't much, but for just two days, it isn't a small sum.

"Ooo, how much…?"

At this moment, Yuuji pokes his head out.

"We can't possibly buy tables and chairs with this, maybe some Tatami mats and tea sets, but that's it."

"Hm…looks like those guys that caused the disturbances in the beginning did a lot of damage."

For a teahouse, no matter how big the crowd is, there's a limit to how many tables we can change, and it, it's a limit to us. Really, it was really a waste when the place was empty.

"Sorry, I'm late~"

At this moment, a cute voice can be heard from behind. Seems like Himeji-san's late as well.

"Ah, Mizuki, how's the situation?"

"Yes! Otou-san agreed to it! It's all thanks to Minami!"

I endured and held back on shouting 'YESS!', which I did not.

Really, we prevented Himeji-san from transferring schools. This is great…

"It's been tough on you, Himeji-san."

"Ah, Yoshii-kun…"

On seeing my face, Himeji-san gives a delicate expression. Though I'm a bit mindful of it, I regain composure. Did I think too much?

"I'm sorry, but can you please pour me another cup? I just said a whole lot of words, and I'm thirsty."

"Ah, well yes, you can have it."

I pass my paper cup over, and nobody would dread to drink orange juice anyway.

"Thank you."

Himeji-san received the cup and gulps the juice down.

"Ah…!"

On seeing this, Minami let out a shout.

"Hm? What's wrong, Minami?"

"Eh? Does this cup belong to Minami?"

Himeji-san tilts her head and reveals a puzzled expression. This isn't Minami's cup anyway, it was my cup of fruit juice in the first place.

"No, no, it's not that. That…"

Minami replied in a rare stuttering manner.

"Does Minami want to take a drink as well?"

"Drink as well…? That's, that's right! Sorry Himeji, can I have a drink as well?"

"Ah, sorry, I drank it all up. I'll go get a new cup, so just wait for me."

Himeji-san runs towards the pile of fruit juice bottles. She really is a good hardworking girl.

"…It's useless to get a new cup…"

Strange, Himeji-san went off to get another cup, yet Minami's still sulking. What's she unhappy about?"

"Oh yes, Aki, I got something to say."

"Hm? What's up?"

"Yesterday, when you saved me from those weird guys, that…"

Minami shyly lowers her head. Seeing her blushing fully like this, what does she want to say?

"That…when you were throwing a temper and said 'You dare do this to Minami!', I was really happy…"

"Eh? Ah…no…that…this…!"

"I just wanted to say this! Just this!"

After saying this, Minami ran far away. Wha, what? What's with this extraordinary atmosphere?

"KYA!"

Just as I was puzzled, from far behind, Himeji-san lets out a little cry. I turn around and see Himeji-san holding cans of fruit juice as she fell down onto the ground. It'll be bad if she's hurt.

"Are you alright, Himeji-san?"

"Ah, yes, I'm alright."

"Really? Then hold on tight."

Hm? What's with me?

"Yes, I'm going to hold tight now…"

"Hii hii hii Himeji-san?"

She didn't grab onto my hand, but onto my waist. In this current posture, I feel that there's something soft that's grabbing onto me!

"Akihisa-kun smells so nice~"

Himeji-san buries her face into my chest, and at this rate, there's going to be problems. As for what kind of problems will happen, it's either my heart rate going up or something logical."

"What's wrong with you, Himeji-san?"

I can tell instantly that she's not too normal, and even her eyes are blurry. She looks like she just got drunk.

"Hm? You got drunk?"

At this moment, I remember the drink just now, that bitter taste. Don't tell me—someone in our class bought fruit juices with alcoholic content!

"Akihisa-kun, I'm angry, you know?"

She ballooned her cheeks angrily. She's angry, did I do something wrong? I'm all confused with all the things that's been going on recently, but I just don't remember anything.

"Uuu~ you don't even know the reason why I'm angry!"

"Ib burps! Im preaking!"

She forcefully pulls my face left and right.

"…Promise."

"Promise?"

"The promise you made with me after coming back from the summoning tournament."

What promise? Come to think of it, I seem to remember something…

"AH! Behind the school!"

"I was waiting for you there, and yet you forgot about it. You're too much!"

As I was chasing after the Toko-Natsu pair, I forgot about this! Of course anyone would be angry with this.

"I'm really, really sorry. Though I can't say the reason, there's a lot of things happening…"

I gaze into Himeji-san's eyes as I apologise. If I wasn't being grabbed, I would even kneel down and beg for mercy.

"Uuu…! I won't forgive you!"

"Please understand!"

"Absolutely not!"

Himeji-san doesn't look like her anger's going to subside anytime soon. To think that she has such important things she wanted to say to me. Looks like I committed a cardinal sin…

"—Just joking."

"Huh?"

Suddenly, this unexpected sentence causes me to make a dumbfounded sound.

"Actually, someone has already told me the reason why Akihisa-kun couldn't keep the promise."

"Eh? Who?"

This is truly a surprising truth. Now who on earth told Himeji-san that?

"Thus, the one I'm really angry with—is myself."

She looks down at the ground.

"For me, Akihisa-kun would work so hard, and yet I was angry just because you couldn't make it."

"Ah, it's not that. It's because Himeji-san doesn't know the truth…"

"It has got nothing to do with not knowing the truth. I really can't forgive myself for being petty over someone who was working so hard for me. Because—"

Taking a deep breath, Himeji-san raises her head, and we stare into each other's eyes.

"It's because I knew from a long time ago that Akihisa-kun is such a gentle person."

"Well, you don't really have to be bothered by it."

Being stared straight into the eyes like this, I inadvertently look away.

"It was like this during the summoning battle, and it was the same this time. I'm always getting helped by others, but I don't know how to express my gratitude…"

Himeji-san picks up the can that's on the ground. It's a can I don't really see, however, there's the words 'Adult Orange Juice' on it—IT'S BEER NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT!! WHO TREATED IT AS FRUIT JUICE AND BOUGHT IT BACK!!

"Erm, Himeji-san, about that drink, I think it's best if you don't—"

I was useless in stopping her, and I hear the fizz the moment the stay tab was pulled.

"So, I want to say thanks to Akihisa-kun."

After that, she gulps the entire can of drink down. WAH! IS THAT REALLY ALRIGHT!?

"…So, Akihisa-kun."

"Ye, yes."

Am I being a bit too mindful? I feel that I'm being stared rather long.

"Please take off your clothes."

"WHY?"

She's now speaking nonsense. Looks like she's really drunk.

"Because I'm going to thank you now! Please don't resist!"

"Wai, wait a minute! It's obvious that there's something wrong with it!"

"There's nothing wrong with it! Everyone's doing it!"

As I'm being hugged close, my buttons are being undone one by one. I can't get away from her in this distance, this won't be good!"

"Oh~Akihisa, you look like you're having fun here."

Yuuji walked along with a bottle in his hand. Perfect timing.

"Yu, Yuuji! Just on time. Try and pull Himeji-san away!"

"Hm, you're right…but I don't think it's right to stop her…"

This Yuuji, revealing such a sly smile, it's obvious that he's not going to help me. This bastard…!

"If so, then at least activate the platinum bracelet! I'll think of the rest!!"

"Oh, is that so? Then—activate."

Yuuji used the platinum bracelet to create a summoning territory. With this, anyone in the vicinity can summon a summoned beast. Come to think of it, Yuuji actually easily agreed to do this thing that'll run down the grades. It seems like that guy's drunk.

"Ho. Good thing my summoned beast can touch humans. Let's go—summon!!"

My mini-me moves up beside me and intends to touch Himeji-san. Though it's cute, it's several times stronger than a normal human. I win!

"Uuu…so irritating! Summon!"

--Whoosh!

My summoned beast is instantly reduced to ash.

"Hot, HOT!! MY BODY'S BURNING UP!!"

"It's because you're wearing clothes!"

No, it's obviously because of Himeji-san's summoned beast. The reflected power was too strong; it makes me unable to faint at all!

"Anyway, I won't lose to Minami! From now on, I'm going to call you 'Akihisa-kun'!"

I can't get through to Himeji-san anymore. Himeji-san really has low alcohol tolerance.

"And—one day—I'll go with Akihisa-kun—"

Himeji-san's voice suddenly gets weaker. What is she going to do with me one of these days?

"Himeji-san, are you still awake?"

"…Always…be…together…"

The rhythmic breathing reaches my ears; seems like she's asleep. To think that she has such low alcohol tolerance; looks like I got to be careful not to allow her to get near any alcohol. Besides, it's really dangerous to sleep in front of a guy like this.

"…I wasn't paying attention for a while, and what are you doing together now…"

"Eh? Mi, Minami! It's not that! There's nothing wrong her…"

Looks like Minami's drunk as well, since she's relentless in her vicious attacks as well.

☆

"Good morning."

"Ah, good morning, Himeji-san."

The next morning, I met Himeji-san on the road to school. To meet her so early, what a wonderful thing. I'm so lucky.

Oh yeah. Now's the appropriate time to ask her.

"Himeji-san, I got something I want to ask you."

"Yes. What is it?"

"Yesterday, you said 'And—one day—I'll go with Akihisa-kun—', what do you mean by that?"

Those words may have some sort of promise hidden behind it, maybe…there's something even more important than that meaning. A certain uncertainty makes my heart beat faster without me want to. What's the real meaning behind that sentence…?

For a moment, Himeji-san can't say anything. She then nervously says,

"I'm sorry, I don't seem to remember what happened yesterday."

"Eh?"

As I was nervous, this answer made me a bit disappointed. If so, this meant that she was really drunk, and really, it wasn't weird at all.

"Ah, I, I see. Himeji-san really can't take alcohol."

"I'm sorry, I can't remember anything, Akihisa-kun."

"Nonono, it's noth—"

Hm? Akihisa-kun?

"…Yuuji, the marriage proposal was rejected. What a pity…"

"Of course it would be rejected. If you calm down and think, I just reached 17."

"…So I'll carefully keep this until next year. Right now, we're just a pre-married couple."

"Shouko, can I go to your house and play next time?"

"…Yes, but the marriage proposal won't be at home, but at the lawyer."

"YOU'RE SAFEGUARDING IT TOO TIGHTLY!!"

The familiar voices came from somewhere. Should be Kirishima-san and Yuuji. Really, it's time for Yuuji to give up already. However, it's just that he's thoroughly rejecting those premium tickets.

"Come to think of it, how should I use those tickets?"

Yuuji said that it was too dangerous to keep it, so in the end, he still gave them to me. If I'm to use this to go out with someone…

"Hm? Is there something wrong?"

"Ah, no. it's nothing."

I seemingly unconsciously gaze at Himeji-san's face.

However, I'm not sure whether it'll be useful or useless if I'm to use these tickets. Maybe it might make the situation even more awkward…

"Alright, I should return this to the one who needs it the most."

"The one who needs it the most? What are you talking about?"

"Let's treat it as a gift to that dishonest guy and a woman who's dead set on him."

"???"

Himeji-san looks extremely puzzled. Even though I feel that it's a waste, let's just give these tickets to Kirishima-san as a gift. As for me…I'm fine with things as they are now.

"Oh yes, I was called to head off to the staff room. Sorry, I'm making a move."

"Ah, okay, walk slowly."

Himeji-san suddenly briskly walks forward. At this moment—

"—Like you, Akihisa-kun."

Though she said something rather softly, I can't hear it as it's buried among the noises of this early morning.