CH 11.1

“Now that you’ve left me out”

Translated by Raze

Edited by Lieer

“Hey! Ren!” (Kyoya)

“Huh? Ah.” (Kusuba)

When I turned around in the direction of the voice, I saw Kyoya and the other 3 with him.

“Kusuba, you’re late” (Hinata)

“I’m right on time.” (Kusuba)

“Coming 10 minutes early is common sense.” (Hinata)

“Then set the meeting time 10 minutes earlier.” (Kusuba)

”…I can see why you don’t have friends.” (Hinata)

“…” (Kusuba)

I don’t know why Kyoya was looking so amused with this bickering between Hinata and me.

When I shifted my gaze, I saw Tachibana standing there, seemingly composed. 

“…”

“G-good morning.”

Tachibana and I were dressed casually, unlike Kyoya and Hinata who were very fashionable.

I’ll omit the details about my clothes, but Tachibana was wearing a modest green skirt along with a white cardigan.

She looked refreshing and a bit different from her usual self.

However, she was still exceptionally beautiful.

Rather, I feel that her appeal has doubled today.

I don’t know why, but I forgot about it lately. She is incredibly beautiful. 

“…Why are you staring at me like that?”

“N-no…nothing.”

I coughed as I kicked Kyoya’s shin, who purposely elbowed me in the arm.

No No No.

If I’m that self-conscious, I won’t be able to last that long.

“It’s a shame that Chitose can’t come.”

“It is. I wanted to meet her too.”

“But it’s unusual for her to cancel her plans at the last moment. Isn’t this her first time doing it?”

The three of us suddenly froze as Tachibana said that.

Perhaps we underestimated her intuition.

“W-well then! Let’s get going!” (Kyoya)

“Yup! Let’s go!” (Hinata)

Hinata and Kyoya moved out with their hands up in high spirits.

They were able to cover the tension.

But where the hell are we going?

I hadn’t been told anything about today’s plan after all.

When I asked Kyoya about it, he just replied with, “ Ah well, just leave it to me!”.

I honestly didn’t really care much about it so I didn’t pursue it much further.

Today’s objective.

Today’s purpose is to get closer to Tachibana.

In other words, I…want to become lovers with her.

No, even if we can’t become lovers, but getting a bit closer than what we are now, that’s all that matters…

Yes, I suppose so.

There is no need to rush.

Tachibana has been confessed before by others as well, but the timing was just not right…yes.

As I was in my thoughts, the phone in my pocket vibrated faintly.

When I opened it, I saw a notification for an unread message.

It was from Susami.

[Now that you’ve left me out, you better keep your act together.]

[I won’t allow you to fail, but neither will I allow you to do absolutely nothing.]

[And I’ll be checking it with Rika, so you won’t be able to fool me.]

A barrage of pure horror from Susami.

As I said…I can’t do nothing or…

Ah…shit…

It’s the same ending no matter how I drag it about.

If you’re gonna do it, do it properly and if not, don’t do anything at all.

Being stuck halfway between that is the worst…

I know I have to do it.

[Understood]

I wrote back to Susami and shoved the phone back into my pocket.

I can’t back out of this anymore, and I don’t plan to either.

“Kusuba-san, what are you doing? We’ll get separated.” (Tachibana)

“A-ah, sorry.”

I raised my hand slightly towards Tachibana, who was looking back at me and went after her 

quickly.

Don’t be too conscious.

Don’t let your desires get in the way. 

(TL: Literally- Don’t let your shoulders and elbows get in the way)

Don’t forget who you are.

That’s my plan for today.

“You seemed to be in a bit of a daze today. Are you alright?” (Tachibana)

“Ah yes, it’s just the crowds.”( Tachibana)

“…That…Well, alright.”

“Hey, you two, come on!” (Kusuba)

The two called us as they had gotten a bit far, so we ran together,

I had already decided on my course of action today.

“I hope you’re not planning on sneaking away together with Tachibana, Ren.”

“Hell no!”

“I have the perfect plan for today, so you better follow it.”

“Yes yes, I know”

And above all, I want today to be fun.