CH 45

A Battle Has Unknowingly Begun

Translated by HamletJr

Edited by

“Everybody, thank you so much for your help!”

“We’re going to practice a whole lot and definitely succeed at our solo concert in two months!”

“Our way home is this way, so we’ll see you at school tomorrow~!”

Thus, the three of them shook hands with us and waved goodbye.

Oh man… I even shook hands with Akarin and Mihorin…

With this, I wouldn’t even complain if I got hit by a car on the way home.

Speaking of cars, I just remembered that Hasumi is just as inconspicuous as I am, so I need to get her away from the road.

However, Rinka beat me to the punch and spoke to Hasumi before I could even open my mouth.

“Here, Hasumi. I’ll walk on the side of the road; you walk on the inside.”

“R-Rinka-san… Thank you very much…”

As usual, what an ikemen-like thing to do.

The streets here were narrow however, so I followed right behind them and watched Rinka from behind.

I-I’m not a stalker, okay?!

◇◇◇

“―Oh yeah, Suda-kun. How did you become friends with Rinka-san?”

We were bantering with each other as we made our way home, when suddenly Hasumi asked me that question.

Rinka let out a huge sigh and shook her head.

“Hasumi, me and Ritsuki aren’t friends. The feelings I hold for Ritsuki are much ‘deeper’―” [TLN: 深い (fukai): deep]

“Rinka!”

I quickly pulled Rinka’s arm towards me.

No sooner had I done that than a car recklessly sped by.

“―What the hell man, don’t just speed up like that on a road as narrow as this one.”

“H-Hawawawa?!”

“S-Sorry! I accidentally pulled you too roughly!”

Having noticed that I was practically embracing her, I hurriedly let go of Rinka, who was in a state of confusion.

But at any rate… I guess that, just as I’d expected, we weren’t ever friends, huh.

After all, she’d said something along the lines of “uncomfortable” during the latter half of her statement just now. I’m so sorry. [TLN: 不快 (fukai): discomfort; uncomfortable]

“R-Ritsuki… Thank you. You saved my life…”

“No, you probably would have been fine even if I hadn’t pulled you over. Sorry, I didn’t hurt your arm, did I?”

“I-I’m fine… My heart can’t stop beating a mile a minute though…”

“I must’ve startled you, huh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pull you so hard.”

“Y-You can be even rougher with me if you’d like!”

“I’m telling you, I didn’t do it on purpose!”

Hasumi scrutinized us as Rinka’s face reddened while we had this conversation.

“I-I see… So there are other people besides me who’ve noticed Suda-kun’s true nature.”

Hasumi quietly muttered this under her breath as she sighed, seemingly feeling disappointed.

I’m sorry… I’m such a disappointing human being that you had to sigh.

“T-This situation is no longer one where I can pick and choose my methods… I have to make Suda-kun fall for me using any means possible, even dirty ones, because otherwise… I’m no match for Rinka-san…!”

Hasumi hastily muttered something to herself as she tightly clenched her fists.

“Ritsuki embraced me with his arms… Uhehehe.”

Rinka was also muttering something to herself as she placed both her hands on her cheeks, a disheveled expression forming on her face.

It’s like the two of them are in completely distinct worlds from one another.

“Umm, you two better make sure to be careful while walking, okay…?”

My voice didn’t seem to reach them.

I guess that means they’d rather be mumbling to themselves than talking to me…

I’m not quite sure what’s going on exactly, but anyways, I returned home with my heart lightly broken by the two of them.

【Extra】

・Arimura Miho

【Notes】

A member of Synchonicity, nicknamed “Mihorin.”

Is a strong-hearted girl.

Also has a part of her that’s timid and insecure.

In fact, she has a bit of a persecution complex deep down…?