CH 61

Chapter 61: You Should Split Up.

“Wakashima-chan said that Shiori has a bad personality, did she do something malicious?”

Koharu grumbled as she drank her cafe au lait, but Yoko seemed to be the only one having a blast.

It’s fine that Yoko joined us and started eating lunch, but Koharu is pouting, and I don’t have a proper reply, so only Yoko is actively talking. Koharu is a hissing cat with me, but apparently she still holds some of that for Yoko.

“Shiori is completely black hearted, and she is the farthest from talking with her heart. Instead she thickly wraps those words.”

“That’s so cruel to say.”

“If you think so, then show more of your heart. Or rather, show me your boobs!”

“The black thing is the contents of your head. . .”

It’s draining as Yoko wasn’t fazed by the tension. She said a lot, but I won’t deny it. I’m not a good person at all, but I’m not that bad. I often don’t say what I’m actually thinking and have been superficial. I’m told I won’t often speak truthfully, but I don’t want to bow my head obediently.

“Look who’s talking Yoko.”

“You are crazy. There aren’t many people with as good of a personality as mine, right?”

“You don’t have a good personality.”

At the corner of my eyes, I saw Koharu quietly give a small nod. She also agrees.

Yoko seemed to have noticed as well, so she stopped moving her chopsticks and gave a devious yet satisfied smile.

“However, I was surprised. Wakashima-chan has such an interesting personality. It’s unfair that only Shiori knew.”

“It’s not really. . . my true personality.”

“Is that so? But, it’s definitely more lively than the usual quiet honor student in the art club. I prefer the venomous Wakashima-chan.”

I also agree with that. It’s not just in front of Aoi, but also during club activities. Koharu never breaks the face of an honor student, and you’d be laughed at if you say this tepid good girl actually is somebody capable of spewing venom at people.

An orthodox heroine is good at first glance, but if you want to get a real connection it is better to have some quirks to you. Like Koharu does now.

“That good girl face is good enough for parents and teachers. But that bad side will come out steadily!”

“I don’t want to be told that by Senpais with bad personalities. . .”

“Ahaha, that’s it! Atta girl! Keep it up!”

Koharu looked straight ahead with a serious face as Yoko laughed and returned with snide comments. From the disappearing light in her eyes, I could feel the voice in her head “This person is annoying” or “What do I do?” I understand those feelings well. When I was a first year I was frustrated by Yoko always pestering me. I wanted to give up so early. I wanted to just smile back, as the vitality that was barely left in my eyes disappeared. . .Stay strong.

“Or how should I say it? Shimamoto-chan also has a splendid personality. I’m honestly impressed that you understand your situation so obediently. By the way, what do you like about Shimamoto-chan?”

“No matter what I say. . .I really don’t know. There are too many things to mention, but since I was a child it’s always felt as natural as now. . .”

“Ahh, a childhood friend.”

She said in the game that she has liked her for a long time, but I remembered it’s never talked about how long, or what made her like her. In a dating sim the way you fell in love comes out as a template, but in “Fragmented Rhapsody”, that episode for all the heroines doesn’t appear. If Aoi is conscious of her, it will come out on any route. However the reason for “Shiori” was because shen was scheming at first, for “Sara” she never even fell in love. So I know now that it doesn’t actually naturally come out.

I thought about asking Koharu, but I don’t think she will answer honestly. So I’ll leave it to Yoko and quietly eat my lunch. It’s helpful to have a friendly talkative friend. The drawback is that it can be a little oppressive.

While sitting on the sidelines Yoko nodded at Koharu’s reply with a smile and said.

“Well then, this is good, Wakashima-chan could use this opportunity to get away from Shimamoto-chan.”

Instantly the air in the room froze. What just happened. How did it happen? We were talking normally just a while ago.

Looking at Yoko she is completely smiling, but she is giving provoking eyes towards Koharu. And speaking of Koharu from my line of sight she was- – – Furious.

“There is no reason you should be saying that.”

It was the usual icy words but said with an angry voice.

“Sure~. But if possible, I’d keep that in the back of your mind. Right now you aren’t only in love, but it looks like an addiction. Love already dulls your thinking, but this level of dependency added is not normal. Do you understand?”

“I understand what you’re saying but I’m not being dependent. . .”

“Really?”

“. . .”

“Honestly, absolutely, definitely, can you say that?”

Koharu was once again asked to confirm it, but she hesitated, her eyes shook.

It will feel bad If you say you’re dependent. Even at the best of times, love involves some dependency, so Yoko’s question is a little dirty. However she can’t deny what Yoko said. Even to me, at the chapel Koharu said “I only have Aoi-chan.” After those words she’s definitely dependent. 

“Dependency huh, if it’s appropriately done from both sides it can work well, but if it’s one sided on top of you are going around in circles, well. . .You’ll just self-destruct.”

“Self Destruct?”

“Yeah, please could you listen to this piece of advice from someone who has experienced failure. Too much dependency doesn’t lead to anything good, neither for you nor your partner.”

I think the relationship between the president and Yoko is a little different from dependency. I feel like it’s more like attachment. But that’s my opinion, I only know one side of the story, there is plenty behind the scenes. If Yoko says she was dependent that must be from her side.

And I know well the consequences of Koharu’s dependency. It’s a bad ending in the “Sara” route.

“You should take a step back and properly reassess your feelings. There is plenty of insight you can gain from a distance.”

Yoko said something unusually decent, perhaps I have to rethink my assessment of her. Her sexual harassment is terrible and careless, but when it matters she never plays around. Aside from foolishness, I hope that the president can reign in Yoko’s sexual harassment.

“If you take a step back, look back and like what you see, then why don’t you do your best again? Fortunately it seems like Shimamoto-chan doesn’t have that Shiori infatuation.”

I wonder? My gut reaction was immediately to answer “I don’t that.”, but I’d have to grimace because it’s complicated. Hmm, a woman’s heart is difficult.

“Generally speaking, I’m going to give up on Aoi-chan. I already told Sugimura-senpai that, right?”

“Yeah, you did.”

“That’s why I am leaving without needing to be told by my seniors. I’m not dependent.”

When I heard that the other day I wasn’t that agitated. No way, I never thought that Koharu would give up on Aoi. However, looking at her bite her lips staring at her desk you can easily tell. I’m not stupid, I can’t easily believe that. It’s hard to give up on someone you like. Even for me, somebody that’s only been with their crush for a short time. It’d be especially hard if you have been with them since you were a child. The more I think I have to give up, the stronger my feelings feel.

“I don’t think you need to give up, but it’s Wakashima-san who decides. Just don’t regret your decision.”

“Yeah yeah. It’s Wakashima-chan that decides, but we will always be here for advice, and feel free to complain if you just want to complain. Of course not just about romance.”

There is more I want to say. As a Senpai, as somebody who knows how the game develops there are many more I want to say.

But if a love rival says it she won’t take it to heart. In the first place the story is flowing quite differently from the game, so it’s doubtful if my knowledge will even be useful.

“. . .Thank you very much.”

She said that with an ambiguous expression, so I wouldn’t count on it. I want you to open your heart a little more, but unfortunately I am not good at getting people to open up. 

What should I do? Koharu and Aoi are two who are deeply connected depending on the route, so there is still a chance. I wouldn’t give up if I had a chance, you might roll well.

I don’t have enough information. How do I get her onto the Koharu route? What was the trigger in the game? I’ve played it so many times, so it’s surprising that I don’t even know anything. 

While my impatience from being helpless continued, the first lunch with the three of us passed by.

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The plot thickens even more. I am really enjoying the theme of the story, it’s rare these things are even talked about, how somebody is too dependent on another for validation. I’m happy Yoko is saying it, finally somebody says it. As much as I like Shiori, Yoko is right. She holds back way too much. Honesty is key! Although if people did do that, most dramas would be over quick. 

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