Volume 7, The Sixth Question

Volume 7, The Sixth Question

“Yuuji…you actually thought of such a terrifying plan…”

“No, I didn’t expect the feedback on the summoned beasts at all…after seeing that, even I had to feel pity for them…”

“Well, Akihisa-kun…”

We returned to class F’s waiting area. After taking victory from class A, we could look forward to a happy lunchtime, but for some reason, I just can’t feel happy.

“Besides, I thought that ‘the 3rd years wouldn’t accept supplementary tests to continue the match because they didn’t have anything confiscated’. If that damned old granny didn’t interfere, it wouldn’t have ended up like this.”

“Well, Sakamoto-kun…”

Let’s ignore the Toko-Natsu group, we really did something overboard and cruel to the 4th batter sempai. I hope he won’t get any mental trauma…

“The way I see it, the principal seemed to find that this was too much. After the match, she promised to set the summoned beasts back to how it was.”

“…That was a tragedy.”

“Well, Kinosheeta-kun, Tsuchiya-kun…”

Seeing that scene of despair, the principal probably felt that she’s not worthy to be an educator for making such a cruel decision. I can only offer my prayers to the four souls who lost their lives.

“Okay, as for the match in the afternoon…”

“Well…PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!”

We tried to look away, ignoring reality, but we just couldn’t run away anymore. Thus, the 4 of us could only look like we’re about to cry and timidly turn around to the person who spoke.

““““…Yes””””

“Actually, I prepared bentos for everyone…”

Himeji-san said that as she pulled out a large bento that’s wrapped in cloth. Actually, I knew it…the moment I saw Himeji-san carry such a thing to us, I knew that she was carrying some ominous presence of death to us. I just didn’t want to admit it.

“Really, Mizuki, you always work hard no matter what it is.”

Standing beside Himeji-san, Minami scowled for some reason. Seems like she’s really unhappy for some reason.

“Eh, anyway, you two can sit down first.”

Trying to move out of position to let Himeji-san and Minami sit down, Yuuji stood up and then turn around to walk to another direction.

“Alright, I’ll go get drinks.”

“Nonono, I’ll do it, Yuuji. I’ll buy the drinks.”

“You guys don’t need to say that. I’ll handle the buying of the drinks.”

“…I’ll buy it.”

We just stood up without letting each other get up. These guys—they definitely intend to use the excuse of buying drinks to get away, right? Those guys are despicable! Don’t they know any shame?”

“Haha, you don’t have to force yourself, Akihisa. Don’t you need money to buy drinks?”

“No need to worry about me. I’m living pretty well now. Besides, I’m the one people think of when they need a gofer. There’s no one else more suited for this role then me.”

“Hold on a minute! I’ve been doing that for 15 years, and I’ve been a gofer for my sister since young. You can’t look down on my running ability. Let me show my more refined manner of running than Akihisa!”

“…No, the most important thing is speed. The gofer’s work is definitely most suited for me ‘the king of sprinting through the darkness’.”

Everyone tried to anchor the gofer role to get away from the scene. If I can get away from Himeji-san’s vision, pretend to get lost or give an excuse that the drinks in school were sold out and that I had to go out, I guess 3 people will be the sacrifices and get dealt with the devil once I come back.

“You guys really dare to say that! Do you think you can beat my running ability if I get serious?”

“What nonsense are you spouting!? My running ability several hundred times better than you! You minor characters just need to stand aside!”

“It’s really sad that you’re calling me a minor character who doesn’t have much aptitude. You dare to say that without even seeing my running ability.”

“…Alright, stop yapping and let me buy it.”

If you guys can’t understand, I’ll just show my ability to shut everyone up. I’ll let you see my real hidden ability.

“Ah, I prepared the drinks for you guys.”

““““…………ahh……I see………””””

Minami’s earnest kindness made us cry.

“Alright, hurry up and sit down.”

After Minami joined in, Himeji-san sat with Minami.

“We, well, Himeji-san, what kind of bento did you prepare?”

“Uu, uu, I, I’m really looking forward to it…”

“Ya. Haha, hahahahahahaha…”

“…My heart’s beating really fast, I can’t even control it…”

All of us feel the cold sweat floating down our backs, and Himeji-san slowly unravels the cloth of the bento, letting us see the contents inside.

“Eh? That’s strange? Did you prepare a lot less than usual, Mizuki?”

Looking at the bento Himeji-san made, Minami couldn’t help but ask that. Hearing Minami say this, I seem to feel that the measurement’s really a little too small. Besides the multi-layered wooden box, there’s also another bento box that’s smaller by more than two times. If I remember correctly, Himeji-san would prepare a lot more than this serving.

“Ah, yes. Actually, it’s because I failed…”

Saying that, Himeji-san opened that larger wooden box. What’s inside…are little triangular rice balls.

“Actually, I made some other dishes, but…”

Speaking of which, the other lunch box should have some dessert of something. I see, because of the lack of side dishes, the bento this time is a lot less than usual.

“Do you want to eat some, Minami-chan?”

“Can I? Don’t mind me then.”

““““AHHH!!!””””

Before we could even stop her, Minami reached out and stuffed a rice ball into her mouth. Damn it! If we knew that things would become like this, I would have stuffed the rice ball into Yuuji’s mouth.

As we take a deep breath and look on, Minami continued to chew on the rice ball.

That’s strange? Did something…didn’t something, happen?

“Mn, it’s just ordinary rice balls, it’s delicious."

“Really? That’s great.”

Himeji-san smiled with relief. Eh, why is Minami alright?

“Oi, Himeji, how did you make these rice balls.”

Yuuji seemed to harbor the same doubts as me as he couldn’t help but ask Himeji-san how these rice balls were made. I have never heard that Minami’s digestive system exceeds normal capability, so there should be some hidden secrets within this rice ball.

“I didn’t add anything to it. I just added salt to cooked white rice and pinched it to a triangular shape before wrapping it with seaweed.”

I see. With that method, it’s true that it’s hard to make something weird. Maybe that’s the reason why Minami was able to escape safely.

“The rice ball’s really normal, but I worked so hard on the side dishes…”

In other words, this box of rice balls is edible—no, that’s not right, they should be the highest quality rice balls that Himeji-san made from her beautiful hands! If I remember this, I won’t have to worry about it.

“Itadakimasu, Himeji-san!”

“Ah, okay, please eat.”

I pick up a rice ball from the bento box and put it in my mouth. It’s just ordinary rice balls with only salt and seaweed added, but for some reason, it tastes really delicious.

“I won’t hold back then.”

“I’ll have some too.”

“…Itadakimasu.”

The rest all reach out and put the rice balls into their mouth. It’s because we know of how Himeji-san would cook her food that we had to treasure this ordinary taste of the rice balls. It’s like a lost traveler in a desert finding and drinking clear fresh water!

“Oh, oh yes, actually…”

“Hm? Minami? What’s wrong?”

“No, well…uu, didn’t Mizuki just say that she failed to make her side dishes? Well…that, if you don’t mind…”

Minami timidly reached out from something behind.

“Hm? Is that a bento? Isn’t that your share, Minami?”

“Ye, yeah. But I just ate Mizuki’s rice balls, so…I’ll share this with everyone…”

While saying that, Minami opened the bento box in a rather stiff manner. There are sandwiches of assorted flavors. Besides the normal tomato and lettuce sandwiches, there’re also egg, tuna, potato and cheese sandwiches. On the other side, there are pieces of fried chicken and omelets, even sausages too. No matter how I look at this—this is one luxurious bento!

“Oh~your own share~”

“Even though you say that you want to eat it yourself, there’s quite a lot of serving.”

“…How dishonest.”

Yuuji and the rest showed a sinister look as they looked at Minami’s sandwiches. To a girl of her age, this serving would be too much—they’re probably making fun of Minami with this attitude. Really, these guys’ interests are really lousy.

“I, I just made a little too much! Because sandwiches…I can bring them home to eat even though I, I can’t finish.”

Can’t finish? Minami’s too wasteful for saying that.

“Minami, you should tell me at this point of time. I would help you finish it up WAAA—”

Suddenly, I felt an electric shock like pain from my back. This, isn’t this…a protractor? Who used this to attack me!

“Yoshii Akihisa…I hate you! If Miharu can kill someone with just hate, it’ll be really great…”

A voice of a girl from class 2-D came from somewhere. Saying about what using hate to kill…didn’t you just attack me already!?

“This presence…it’s Miharu!”

“Damn it…I was found out? If that’s the case—I’ll give up on the ambush and strike now! ONEE-SAMAAAA!!!”

“I HAVE NO TIME TO DEAL WITH YOU RIGHT NOW!!”

Minami frantically got up to avoid the thing that’s rushing over here with dust as she gets off in another direction. Woah, she’s really fast.

“ONEE-SAMA~ ONEE-SAMA!~ O…NEE…AHH…”

“DON’T, DON’T COME ANY CLOSER! YOU’RE BECOMING EVEN FREAKIER NOWADAYS!!!”

“WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, ONEE-SAMA? IF IT’S FOR ONEE-SAMA, MIHARU WOULD GLADLY FALL INTO THE FALLEN PATH!!”

“THAT’S THE REASON WHY I’M FREAKED OUT!!!”

Why did this happen? Looking at Shimizu-san now, I suddenly remember the demonic presence during the test of courage.

“Well, forget about it. That’s how they build their relationship.”

“Ya, like Yuuji and Kirishima.”

“…Quite the good relationship.”

“It really makes me want to smile.”

“OI, YOU GUYS! STOP ACTING LIKE IT DOESN’T INVOLVE YOU! DON’T YOU KNOW HOW THE VICTIM INVOLVED KEPT THINKING OF WAYS TO SURVIVE!?”

It’s a common understanding that those in the way of love should be kicked aside, so I guess we shouldn’t disturb them. It’s more important to enjoy this lunch in front of us.

“I’ll have some of Minami’s sandwiches then.”

I pick up a sandwich and put it in my mouth. This seems to be the tuna and potato flavor sandwich. It’s nice to eat such things when my stomach’s rumbling. The somewhat hard and chewy feeling’s are little bits of corn, and there’s even ham slices in it. These are added to mayonnaise, tuna and potatoes, and finally some black pepper for tasting. This unexpected spicy flavor’s really delicious to me who likes to put spicy stuff in food.

“Mn, it’s nice.”

“Ohh, this is rather good.”

“I feel that the fried chicken and omelets are nice too.”

“…Very good.”

“Minami-chan’s cooking’s really good. I have to work harder!”

While biting onto the sandwiches Minami prepared, all of us can only praise her for that. Minami’s really like a girl in this aspect…if she didn’t exert violence that randomly, she should be rather popular with the guys. That’s really a pity.

“Today’s lunch’s rather rich. Fried chicken to go with rice balls.”

“Yea, I thought of going to the welfare club to buy bread for breakfast this morning, but to think that I would get a chance to eat such a nice meal.”

“…That’s great.”

I chew on the fried chicken Minami prepared, and take another bite off the rice ball Himeji-san made. Well, the rice ball Himeji-san made is nice as well. The white rice’s cooked to perfection, and there’s the perfect amount of rice. Even the force used to pinch the rice is just perfect. This is the difference of eating hand-made rice balls as opposed to eating the ones from convenience stores. It’s simple, yet I won’t get sick of it.

“Oh yea, where’s the drinks?”

“Speaking of which, Minami seemed like she took them away…”

Looking over at the sports arena, those two probably went to build on their relationship. I haven’t found out where they are anyway.

If that’s the case, we can only buy our own drinks.

““““…””””

Looking up, I exchange looks with Yuuji, Hideyoshi and Muttsurini.

We quickly turn our backs on Himeji-san, and wordlessly begin our janken. They chose stone in unison, and I chose scissors. Did I lose…damn it.

“Sorry Akihisa~I want cola.”

“I want tea.”

“…Lemon soda.”

These three guys look rather happy as they ordered the drink they want. Everytime, it just seems like having someone else buy drinks for me would be tastier then buying them on my own…because the loser has to treat.

“Okay okay, I got it. What about you, Himeji-san?”

“Eh? What did you say?”

“I’m asking you what you want to drink. Just treat it as payment for lunch.”

“Ah, no need. I’ll feel really sorry about this.”

She prepared lunch for us and I only wanted to serve her a drink. Himeji-san doesn’t need to find mindful about this and hassle with me.

“Then, how about red tea? You love to drink that during lunch.”

“Ye, yes.”

“Then please wait. I’ll come back with it later.”

I get up from my seat and head to the school hurriedly. If I don’t, they’ll finish up the lunch. Forget about Minami’s portion, I’ll be gravely mistaken if I think they would leave food for me.

☆

“Hm? Isn’t it Yoshiii-kun?”

“Ah, Kubo-kun.”

Just when I was about to reach the vending machine beside the welfare club, the guy from class A, Kubo Toshimitsu saw me and said hello to me. Was he about to go back after buying his drink?

“You look rather hurried. Why’s that?”

While saying that, Kubo-kun swept his fringe subconsciously. I’m rather surprised that he would be bothered about his hairstyle.

“I lost in janken, so I have to buy drinks for everyone.”

“That’s a coincidence. I was about to buy a drink too.”

“Uu, I see.”

Isn’t the canned oolong tea in his hand a drink?

“Speaking of which, I heard that class F beat class 3-A.”

“As for what happened—I don’t know whether it can be considered our victory, but we did enter the finals.”

“Really? Either way, that’s wonderful news.”

Kubo-kun said that to me somewhat earnestly, but that made me feel guilty. This feeling’s really unbelievable.

But I got praised by Kubo-kun for not losing the match. I guess the match with class 3-A was tough. Besides, the Toko-Natsu’s pair not really one to be trifled with usually.

“What about you, Kubo-kun? Are you going to take part in the main competition? Ah, is it because that you people didn’t have anything confiscated that you weren’t really motivated?”

“No, that’s not the case. In our class, at least class rep Kirishima-san, Kudou-san and me are rather enthusiastic.”

“Eh? Is that so?”

Let’s not mention about Kirishima-san and Kudou-san, I’m rather surprised that Kubo-kun would work hard for the baseball tournament. I thought he wouldn’t be interested in such a thing.

“Because I got a lot of things confiscated as well, like pillow, bolster, bathroom curtain, anyway, a lot of things got confiscated.”

Is a pillow a necessity to a high school student nowadays?

“If that’s the case, why…”

“We lost because the opponents were too strong. And they were smart going about the batting order according to the subjects. That 4th batter was ridiculously powerful.”

“Heh, oh…their 4th batter…”

Speaking of the 4th batter, wasn’t that the pitiful person whose soul was sent to the netherworld while preparing to step up? Whether it’s the baldy-sempai whose head got blown like a rotten pomegranate or that 4th batter sempai, I really feel sorry for them.

“Sigh, this can’t be helped. I could only give up on those items. It’s my fault for bringing things that aren’t related to studies anyway.”

“Really? It’s amazing that Kubo-kun would think this way.”

As for the attack on Ironman and the raid on the staffroom, we still couldn’t get our items back. In a way, that should be rather impressive.

“No such thing. I’m a guilty person after all.”

“Eh? Really?”

“No…rather, there’s an indescribable wall…”

At that moment, Kubo-kun looked away for some reason and muttered.

Here we go again. I feel that mysterious chill that came from nowhere. Where’s this chill coming from.

“Oh yes, Yoshii-kun…”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Can you please look at this 5 yen coin?”

“Hm? I can look here…”

Kubo-kun pulled out a 5-yen coin that’s tied to a thin string. What is he trying to do?

“Yoshii-kun…”

“What is it?”

“Reach your hand here.”

“Eh? Isn’t that too sudden? Even if you want me to do something that’s like training a dog, I…”

“Ahh, nothing. Sorry. I have no intention of treating Yoshii-kun like a dog.”

I tried my best to hide my wry smile, and Kubo-kun puts the 5-yen coin with the string attached to it, seemingly muttering about something.

“…It’s troubling that I couldn’t get that hypnotism book from Kirishima-san…”

I didn’t hear what he said clearly, but I felt that I just lost 10 years of my life.

“Ah, got to hurry! Yuuji and the rest are going to finish off the food!”

“Really? Sorry to bother you. Let’s get the drink.”

“Mn, sorry, Kubo-kun.”

“No, don’t mind it, Aki-ch—sorry, Yoshii-kun.”

While talking to Kubo-kun, I felt a chill down my back as I couldn’t help but tilt my head. But I still sped up to buy the drinks.

Then, after buying the drinks, I said goodbye to Kubo-kun and returned to where everyone was.

“THE RICE’S THE CULP—!”

Leaving those words behind, Hideyoshi collapsed onto the floor.

“Please have some of it?.”

“Ha, haha, ha…hahahahaha…”

“…(Trembling violently).”

As Himeji-san smiled, Yuuji and Muttsurini looked absolutely terrified as they trembled violently. I don’t know what’s going on, but on seeing this, my survival instincts are screaming at me to ‘run away now’.

“Too bad they sold out on cola. I have to see if there’s any place else selling them—”

“Oh, Akihisa! You finally came back! Forget about the cola. Just sit down first!”

“…(Nods head as if he’s mashing garlic)!”

Damn it, that Yuuji! Is he going to drag me to hell!? That bastard!

“Sorry Yuuji, I’m already a high school student. If I can’t even do my gofer job well, my value will drop a lot. Even if I have to go out of the school gate, I have to buy the cola back!”

“Nonono, I don’t really want to drink cola that much. You don’t have to work so hard. More than that, you have to sit down no matter what.”

“I can’t do that. I’ve already promised you the cola, and yet I didn’t bring it back. My sense of responsibility wouldn’t allow me to do that. So can you please let go of those arms that are grabbing my tightly?”

“Hahaha…don’t say it. I told you to sit down, you bastard!”

“Hahaha…anyway, I told you to let go, you scum!”

“Well…Akihisa-kun, aren’t you holding onto a can of cola?”

That damned Yuuji, grabbing my hand until even the hand’s cracking. He must be trying to drag me down!

“…Akihisa, you’re really indecisive.”

“WAAAHHH!”

Muttsurini suddenly kicked me on my kneecap, causing me to collapse onto the floor. The actions of of these two and the corpse of Hideyoshi lying not far away are telling me that something ominous’ about to happen. I got to get away.

“Anyway, it’s been tough on you, going out on your way to buy drinks for us. Have some rice balls first.”

“Ah, okay…”

Yuuji smiled as he passed me Himeji-san’s rice balls. I remember these should be harmless, right?

I reach out for a triangular rice ball and toss it into my mouth. It’s the ordinary one alright.

“…Che, he’s alright…”

“…Lucky him.”

The two guys standing beside me muttered some things that I couldn’t ignore. What’s going on now?

“You three, no need to hold back. Have some more.”

“Ah, thank, thank you, Himeji-san.”

“Is, is that so…then.”

“…(Swallows saliva).”

As Himeji-san told us to eat more, everyone took a rice ball from the bento box. What’s going on? I suddenly feel an ominous presence surrounding us…

“Hi, Himeji-san…”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Did you—add something special in these rice balls?”

I just ate some normal rice balls, but since Yuuji and Muttsurini are definitely terrified, and after seeing Hideyoshi’s corpse, I’m definitely feeling that something’s amiss.

“I didn’t have much time, so I didn’t add much special seasoning. But…”

“But?”

“2 of them have the special ingredients I used to make those side dishes.”

At this moment, Himeji-san’s bento box became a landmine.

“I prepared dessert too. Please have more.”

“““Ha, haha, ha…”””

Yuuji, Muttsurini and me can only hold onto the rice balls in our hands and let out a dry laugh. However, we couldn’t muster enough courage to eat it. Oh, oh yea, I should say something to drag the time on.

“We, well, Himeji-san…speaking of which…”

“Yes, what is it?”

“How did you fail when you made those side dishes?”

Did she flip the bento box over? Did she forget to bring it out? I try to ask some casual questions to quell the ominous presence of death in these rice balls—

“Eh…because I accidentally failed when balancing, even the bento box melted…”

YOSHII AKIHISA, CONVINCE YOURSELF!! THERE’S NOTHING STRANGE ABOUT THOSE WORDS! JUST TELL YOURSELF THAT!!

“““…”””

We remain silent, and remain unable to do anything else. At this moment, Muttsurini moved the hand that’s holding onto the rice ball. No way. Is he going to eat it?

“…(zzztt).”

With a light sound, Muttsurini reached his hand out, taking care not to let the rice ball in his hand drop. He slowly brings it to a position where the mouth can eat.

--And at my mouth.

“…Say ahh, Akihisa.”

“…”

THIS GUY’S MAKING FUN OF ME LIKE THAT! HE WOULD IGNORE HIS OWN SHAMELESSNESS AND LET A GUY LIKE ME SAY ‘AHH~’…STOP JOKING AROUND! WHO CAN ALLOW HIM TO STUFF THE RICE BALL INTO MY MOUTH LIKE THAT!?

“Hahaha, Muttsurini, stop kidding around.”

I give a gentle smile as I pretend not to notice my bad friend’s prank and turn around.

But after turning around, I see another rice ball waiting for me.

“Akihisa, here, ah~”

As that familiar and crude voice entered my ears, Yuuji uses his boney large hand to push the ball to my mouth. Hahaha…is this something that would only happen in manga, this dream like sequence of going through the back gate of a palace?

My two classmates said ‘ahh~’ as they tried to force down the hand-made rice balls into my mouth. A boy in his youthful years would definitely wish for this, right? So, if anyone wants to change places with me, please register your name, and I will hand that honor over without saying anything else. Really, I won’t regret it!

“Oi, Akihisa, you’re really shy. Just open your mouth.”

“…No need to be bothered.”

“No no, please stop joking around. This is really embarrassing!”

“No problems. Nobody else will see it, so just open your mouth obediently.”

“…Here, ah~”

“NONONONONO! I, I DON’T MEAN THAT I DON’T WANT THE RICE BALLS! WHA, WHAT I MEAN IS…PLEASE DON’T DO SUCH AN EMBARRASSING THING IN SUCH A PUBLIC PLACE!!”

GOD! WHAT AM I TO DO? WHAT SHOULD I DO TO ESCAPE FROM THIS DANGEROUS PREDICAMENT?

Facing this unprecedented crisis of fighting for the groom (the gender’s still a huge problem), I could only ask God for help. Maybe my prayer reached the Heavens as a goddess’ voice reached my ears.

“Akihisa-kun.”

“Yes!”

SAVE ME, OH GODDESS-SAMA!!!

“—Ah, ahh~”

Now even Himeji-san brought the rice ball in her hand over to my mouth.

GOD, I DIDN’T MEAN IT LIKE THAT! I DON’T WANT AN INCREASE IN THE HAREM! I JUST WANT TO TURN THESE RICE BALLS INTO RICE BALLS THAT WON’T HARM THE HUMAN BODY!

“Oh my, Akihisa’s really shy. Can’t be helped then. I’ll help out and open your mouth.”

“UBOOAHHH!!”

“…(Tosses in).”

“Please, please have some.”

“What? You want some drinks? Akihisa, you really like to fawn around.”

“GOBAGOBAGOBA!!”

My mouth got opened forcefully, and I got 3 rice balls and a large gulp of drink in. No turning back now. Right now, I can only pray that none of the rice balls struck lottery. I can only pray to god’s pure heart to escape from my misery.

During the short moment while the jury’s proceeding, my mind started to be filled with lots of scenes. The time when I was in kindergarten, when I entered primary school, after I entered middle school…those memories that wouldn’t fade away caused my anxious emotions to calm down.

“Did that idiot…start to walk down memory lane…?”

“…We can only pray for a smooth journey for him.”

GOD, DO YOU REALLY HATE ME THAT MUCH?

“UGH! WHO’LL DIE!?”

““Hm?””

I forcefully drag my last ounce of strength to keep my feet in the mortal realm. I can’t die. I still have lots of things I want to do…

“How, how’s the possible!? Akihisa, why, why are you still alive?”

“…Unbelievable!”

No, wait? You should be glad that I’m still alive, right?

“Because I had many opportunities to taste my sister’s cooking during the entire summer vacation…”

“I see…so you were trained…”

“…It’s been tough on you.”

If you really think of it this way, can’t you be a bit more gentle to me?

“Anyway, the rest are ordinary rice balls. Akihisa and Hideyoshi ate the special ones anyway.”

“…That’s too bad.”

“Sorry, because I only made two special ones.”

“Nonono, Himeji, you just need to focus your time and efforts in making such nice things for Akihisa. We’ll just have our own share.”

“…(Nods head violently).”

“Wha, what are you saying, Yuuji? I can do with ordinary food too! And with my sis at home, I’ve been eating my meals properly too.”

“Haha, that’s true though. If I make Sakamoto-kun a special bento, Shouko-chan may get angry.”

“Ah, that’s right.”

“…I agree.”

After knowing that the existence of the terrifying rice balls that would harm life is gone, the atmosphere regained its calm and peacefulness. Lunchtime should be like that.

“You’re rather lucky, Yuuji.”

“Ah? What are you talking about?”

“Because you wanted to feed me just now and even made an ‘ahh’, didn’t you? I don’t know how Kirishima-san will punish you once she saw that.”

Even though we’re guys.

“Ohh, you’re talking about that. Well…you may be right. Recently, even though I’ve been emphasizing to her that ‘he’s a guy’, she just wouldn’t listen. If she saw that just now, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”

“Eh? You’re talking about Shouko-chan? She just walked in front of us.”

“…………Really?”

“Yes.”

God will pass the same punishment to fools. Most likely, Muttsurini would have the same fate too.

“Goodbye Yuuji. It’s been an honor to have a last meal with you.”

“…Let’s do something stupid in our next life.”

“Hold on, both of you. Don’t say goodbye to me so painlessly.”

He just ate what a girl made and even made an ‘ahh~’. There’s almost no chance of Yuuji surviving.

“Really, Akihisa-kun, Tsuchiya-kun, you’re joking too much! Shouko-chan wasn’t that angry!”

“No, that woman will send me to hell because of that.”

Regrettably, I could only agree with Yuuji.

“Why are you saying that too, Sakamoto-kun? That’s not true! If Shouko-chan’s really angry, she would step up to deal with you.”

What Himeji-san just said was weird. I hope she realized what she just said.

“Speaking of which, that’s weird. It seems like Kirishima-san’s slightly different from usual.”

“…(Nods head)”

If she didn’t see that, okay, but she did see it, and she didn’t punish Yuuji. That’s not like her at all. Is she…waiting for the shocking judgment like that seaside trip? No, that’s too weird as well…

“Uu…she probably realized that there’s no point in monitoring my every movement. That’s a nice change of pace.”

Yuuji didn’t seem to mind as he put the remaining rice balls into his mouth.

“AH! When did you…”

Before I noticed it, Minami’s sandwiches were finished. Both of them were delicious (except for the special killer rice balls Himeji-san made), yet they were finished up.

“Ahh, sorry. I ate more as it was too good.”

“Fufu, I’m really happy to hear you say that.”

Himeji-san smiled happily as she keeps the empty bento box. Food that Himeji-san makes that are safe to eat are really precious, yet they were eaten up so fast…

“Don’t look so disappointed, Akihisa-kun. I prepared dessert too.”

“Where are you going, Akihisa?”

“…I’ll taze you if you dare run away.”

“No, that’s not it. I just want to buy drinks!”

My hands got held hard, and there’s a taser poking at me on the back. The, these two guys…they’re using me as a shield just to let themselves live longer?

“My house got some special fruit, so I brought it to school.”

Himeji-san pulled out another bento box with dessert in it. Eh? Fruit? If that’s the case, it should be something edible.

“I see. I’ll have some then.”

“Special fruit? I’m looking forward to it now that you say that.”

“…What is it?”

“Yes, the fruit is—”

Himeji-san removes the lid of the bento box and shows us what’s inside.

“—Pomegranate!”

The fruit that’s waiting silently in the bento box is way too similar to the summoned beast of that baldy-sempai who went to the netherworld.

☆

“And now, we’ll have the first year cheerleading competition. All first years, please—”

The audio broadcast could be heard. The first event everyone was looking forward to is the cheerleading competition everyone’s looking forward to. The first years are all dressed in different colored clothing as they started to perform with the music.

I check out the kouhais’ performances with my eyes as I prepare for our turn.

“It’s been a long time since I wore a collared uniform…maybe since middle school.”

“Huh? Akihisa, your school uses collared uniforms?”

“…Me too.”

“Same here.”

“Heh~ Hideyoshi, you wore a sailor uniform, right?”

“Akihisa, it seems like we’re not on the same wavelength here.”

Everyone’s holding onto the clothes they were preparing to change into as we chat leisurely. At this moment, Minami came walking here with a cheerleader outfit. She looked like there’s a problem that’s hard to deal with. What happened?

Having these doubts, I see her walk to Hideyoshi as she give an ever serious look.

“Oi, Kinosheeta…”

“I don’t want.”

“Uu…I haven’t said anything yet.”

It’s rare for Hideyoshi to answer Minami so coldly like that. What is Minami trying to ask him?

“Don’t say that. Look, isn’t this clothing really cute?”

“It’s because it’s cute that I don’t want it.”

Hideyoshi tilted his head aside as if he’s deliberately ignoring the cheerleader outfit Minami showed him.

“No matter how you ask me, I won’t agree to the cheerleading. I want to join the guys side!”

“There’s too many on the support side, but we only have 2 people. That’s really troubling, so please?”

Minami didn’t give up. It seems that she really wants Hideyoshi to take part in the cheerleading, but why? Minami’s actions really puzzle me.

“Ah, Minami-chan! There’s almost no time! Hurry up and change.”

Dressed in cheerleader outfit, Himeji-san came running here.

DOING, DOING, DOING…Himeji-san seemed to be bouncing here. It’s rare for Himeji-san to do something big, and now she looks really active—that’s right, she’s giving off a really vibrant look.

“…(Zzzzsst).”

I didn’t see it myself, but I can feel Muttsurini beside me drawing a cross in front of his chest.

So I immediately look down to hide the blushing look that’s rising up in me. This is…REALLY SHOCKING!!!

“That’s why I don’t want to take part in the cheerleading with her! Look at her bouncing so hard! We have to jump later! There’ll be a commotion!”

“Even if you say that, I’m a guy. I don’t want to be some cheerleader.”

As Hideyoshi and Minami continued to budge, it’s a little late, but Muttsurini collapsed on the floor due to overwhelming nosebleed. That’s too dangerous. If I looked away just a bit later, I would be in Valhalla now.

“Oh yeah, if Minami’s to take part in cheerleading with Himeji-san, there will be a lot of parts being used for comparison…”

“And she’s really spinning hard! I feel that she’s deliberately standing beside me just to bully me!”

I see. So Minami’s really bothered about what people have and what people don’t have…so that’s why she wanted to get Hideyoshi in. At least the mental trauma would be a bit less. Minami really has it tough, there’s a lot of things to worry about…but I think she really doesn’t need to think that way, because Minami’s rather cute herself.

“Please Hideyoshi, just grant her request and take part in the cheerleading. I think you'd be rather cute if you wear the cheerleading outfit, Hideyoshi.”

“I don’t want.”

“But isn’t it better to wear a cheerleading outfit than to be forced to wrap a bandage around your chest?”

“That, that’s because if I don’t, you guys would complain to the disciplinary committee! That’s why I had to wear it!”

Of course. If Hideyoshi just showed his chest like that, they might even send the police in to arrest him and put on the bandages. That’s the correct call.

“Well, Akihisa-kun…what is Minami-chan asking Kinosheeta-kun to do?”

Standing in front of me, Himeji-san sees Minami and Hideyoshi in stalemate, and couldn’t help but ask that.

Eh, about that…

“Why aren’t you willing? Isn’t this cute?”

“That’s because it’s cute! I’m a man! I don’t want to wear cute clothes!”

“Kinosheeta, calm down and listen to me—”

“What is it?”

“Actually, those who wear cheerleader clothes…are rather manly!”

“I say…are you treating me as an idiot on Akihisa’s level!?”

“Minami’s trying to get Hideyoshi to take part in the cheerleading.”

I didn’t mention the specifics, but at least I’m not lying.

“Ohh…so she wants Kinosheeta-kun to take part in the performance as well…but why?”

“Ahaha…I guess Minami feels that we have too few girls in our class?”

“Ah, I see.”

PA! Himeji-san suddenly clapped her hands in understanding, and then—

“Well, if there’re too few girls…”

“Hold on, Himeji-san, why are you taking out another cheerleading uniform and staring at me with that expression?

I WON’T WEAR IT! I WON’T WEAR THAT SORT OF THING NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS!!

“Hahaha, Akihisa. Isn’t this good? I was worried that we have too few girls in class as well. It would look better if you take part.”

“Well, Sakamoto-kun…if you’re wearing…”

“HOLD ON, HIMEJI! WHY ARE YOU TAKING OUT ANOTHER UNIFORM AND LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!?”

What can we do? I think Himeji-san’s brain got some terrible illness recently.

This will be bad if this keeps up. Better act as if nothing happened and change the topic.

“Oh ya, Himeji-san…”

“Yes, what is it, Akihisa-kun?”

I sounded really scared. Seeing Himeji-san who wouldn’t keep the cheerleading outfit no matter what, I could only tremble and point at her as I finish saying.

“I heard that you were really serious when practicing in this cheerleading performance.”

“Ah, not, I wasn’t really that serious…”

Himeji-san’s already someone who would work hard, but unexpectedly, she would work so hard to do something she’s not good at. That’s really amazing.

“But the way you’re seriously practicing really made Shimada worry. Don’t work yourself too much. The cheerleading competition’s just a side event, it doesn’t have anything to do with sports ranking.”

Yuuji added on to what I said. I can imagine why Minami would be so worried…there’s a lot to this…

“Yes, I did try to check my body condition, but—”

“But what?”

Saying till here, Himeji-san smiled.

How should I say this? I feel that Himeji-san’s really different from before. Until a while back, she would be troubled because she didn’t know how to play baseball, but now, she wouldn’t give that feeling any more. Actually, I’m rather happy about that.

“Ah, Mn! Of course!”

The reason Himeji-san changed so much wasn’t because class A that focuses so much on studying changed her, but that she stayed in class F. Thinking till here, I can’t help but feel pro—

“Okay, please cheer for me—and please wear this!”

Let me correct myself. She definitely changed in a bad way. Himeji-san really needs an environment like class A.

Just when I was about to lecture Himeji-san on the clothing guys should be wearing—

“Eh? Isn’t that Kirishima-san?”

That’s rare. That’s really rare. Kirishima-san’s here, yet she didn’t seem to notice Yuuji’s presence as she walked on. What’s going on? It seemed like she’s completely lethargic.

“Oh, that’s true. What’s wrong, Shouko?”

“…Ah…Yuuji…”

Even though Yuuji talked to her, she just gave a lifeless response. What’s wrong? She really looked lifeless.

“…Our class…lost the baseball game…”

“Yeah, I know that.”

We weren’t present, but we know that class 2-A that was led by Kirishima-san lost the match. Is that the reason why Kirishima-san was so listless?

“But we beat class 3-A, so I took revenge for you.”

“…But the thing that got confiscated from me won’t come back again…”

Kirishima-san muttered painfully.

The confiscated thing she mentioned should be the marriage certificate Yuuji mentioned before, right? I see, so Kirishima-san wanted to win the baseball tournament to get that back from the teachers. No wonder she felt so sad about losing the match.

“The confiscated items again? Really, you…”

Yuuji revealed a reluctant look and scratches his head. He says,

“…I wanted to keep it until the marriage ceremony…”

On hearing Kirishima-san say that hoarsely—

“STOP KIDDING AROUND! EVEN IF THAT WASN’T CONFISCATED, I’D THROW IT AWAY IF I FOUND IT!!”

Yuuji still said that in a crude manner.

“…Eh…”

Kirishima-san looked stunned as she looked up, but Yuuji didn’t care about her response at all as he continued on in a self-centered manner.

“’WHAT’S WITH THAT ‘EH’? ISN’T IT THAT THING THAT GOT CONFISCATED? IS THERE A NEED TO BE SHOCKED!?”

“…You say…that thing…”

“BEING ALL DEJECTED BECAUSE YOU LOST THAT THING, NO WONDER YOU LOST TO THAT TOKO-NATSU GROUP—“

At this moment—

“…uu!”

—PAAAA

The crisp slapping sound rang in front of us.

“…That’s not…something stupid!”

Kirishima-san cried as she bit her lower lip.

Eh? What’s…the situation now.

“ONLY YUUJI! I WON’T ALLOW YUUJI TO SAY THIS!”

The pitiful cry that nearly rocked my mind caused me to close my eyes inadvertently—the moment I opened my eyes, Kirishima-san turned and walked away.

“““…”””

Yuuji, Himeji-san and I are rooted to the spot. What? What just happened?

“I, I’ll go check out Shouko-chan!”

Being the fastest to recover, Himeji-san frantically ran to Kirishima-san.

Yuuji and I still don’t understand what’s going on and can only stare at each other blankly.

After a while, Yuuji finally recovered from his shock.

“…That Shouko…damn it…”

That was a low bellow from the deepest part of his abdomen.

“That Shouko…saying that it’s ‘not something stupid’. A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE WITHOUT MY OWN CONSENT ISN’T ANYTHING BUT STUPID!!!”

Yuuji couldn’t help but roar out as he looked up to the skies. Even though he often got abused by Kirishima-san, it seemed that he stepped on a landmine this time, and Yuuji couldn’t forgive this.

“SHE DOESN’T WANT ME TO SAY THIS!? I’M THE ONE WITH THE BIGGEST PRIVILEGE TO SAY THIS! I NEVER PROMISED HER ANYWAY! OF COURSE I WOULD SAY THOSE THINGS TO HER!!”

He’s really fuming. Yuuji’s really angry now. If there’s a table or some shelf nearby, he would be kicking it to vent his own frustrations now.

“Uu…Yuuji’s right. No matter how important that thing is to Kirishima-san, it’s really troubling that she would be angry about a marriage certificate without your consent…”

“THAT’S RIGHT! IF SHE FELT THAT ‘SOMETHING STUPID’ IS BAD ENOUGH, I CAN CALL IT ‘USELESS TRASH!’ THAT IDIOT!!”

Seems like Yuuji really can’t calm down now. I can understand somewhat. To me, what Kirishima-san did was really unreasonable, and since Yuuji’s the party involved, it’s to be expected that he would be that angry.

Standing in front of Yuuji who’s roaring away, I can only carry the cheerleader outfit that was thrown on me and sigh. Well, that’s really troublesome…

“So how about this, Kinosheeta? I got an idea! I’ll wear the collared uniform and you wear the cheerleader outfit—”

“That doesn’t solve anything for me!!”

From far away, Minami and Hideyoshi continued their argument, not noticing our situation here.

On a side note, Hideyoshi finally ended up wearing a collared outfit with a bandage around his chest and ponpons in his hands as he danced with Himeji-san and Minami. Everyone in the audience roared in approval, and the atmosphere was really intense.