CH 4

Arc-1 Chapter-4: Strengths of Childhood Friends.

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Thus, the number of our party has increased to four.

"Oh, so Shirogane-san is a member of the Go-Home Club¹. That's a shame when you're so athletic." (Yui)

"Ah, I'm not good with club activities..." (小雪)

"Really? I was hoping you would join the Volleyball Club." (Yui)

As the two girls walked, they chattered away.

However, Yui was so excited that Koyuki looked confused and her expression was a little stiff. Still, she didn't seem to mind talking to her. She answered her questions awkwardly, and gave a faint smile.

Therefore, Naoya chose to watch over them quietly, and followed them from behind at a distance.

Next to him, Tatsumi groaned curiously.

The one in front of his eyes is of course Koyuki.

"I heard about this yesterday, but... seriously, how can you get to know Shirogane-san and become close enough to go to school with her in the mornings?" (Kono)

"Well, a lot of things happened." (Naoya)

"A lot of things happened... Don't tell me, you used your usual mind-reading skills to get a hold of Shirogane-San's weaknesses and..?!" (Kono)

"No! What kind of person do you think I am?!" (Naoya)

"Oh, you mean like a demon?" (Kono)

"At least pick a pretty word, like Wizard." (Naoya)

I've known Tatsumi for a long time, as has Yui, so he has no reservations and knows Naoya's nature very well.

As we were talking about this, Koyuki sneakily looked back at me and softly whispered to Yui.

"Um, his name is.... Kono-kun, right? Is it true that you are dating him, Natsume-san?" (小雪)

"Ah yes I am" (Yui)

Yui nodded her head easily. Then, she winked at her mischievously.

"I'm not interested in Naoya at all, so don't worry." (Yui...)

".....What are you saying?" (小雪)

"Huh? Shirogane-san, aren't you going out with Naoya or something like that?" (Yui)

"Fufu. That's a funny joke." (小雪)

Koyuki brushed back her hair and scowled.

"I would never date a weirdo like him. I'm just messing with him because he's interesting." (小雪)

"Oh I see..." (Yui)

Yui made a miscellaneous gesture and chuckled.

"By the way, I told you that Naoya and I are childhood friends right?." (Yui)

"E, eh. What's with that? " (小雪)

"That's why I have a lot of... old photos of Naoya." (Yui)

"...!" (小雪)

"There's Naoya playing the role of a rabbit in a kindergarten play, or Naoya in a sports day relay in elementary school, or any number of other....activities. Want to see them?" (Yui)

"Eh, ah... I'm not interested in that..." (小雪)

Koyuki said calmly and then.... gently put her mouth to Yui's ear and told her in a mosquito-like whisper.

"...I want....see...." (小雪)

"Okay! I'll bring you some of them tomorrow!" (Yui)

Koyuki gave a small nod, and Yui gave her a big smile.

(Oh, you figured out how to deal with her already.)

Naoya was secretly impressed.

She said she hadn't talked to her much, but this didn't seem to bother her. Which was a good sign.

Next to Naoya's smiling face, Tatsumi only tilted his head.

"Eh, it's getting kind of exciting, what are they talking about?" (Kono)

"I don't know." (Naoya)

"You're lying. I know you can hear them with your perfect ears." (Kono)

Tatsumi stared at him.

Yui looked back at the exchange and shrugged her shoulders.

"Still, it must be tough for you Shirogane-san. He's a strange guy, and he's been called a lot of things, hasn't he?" (Yui)

"Well...a lot is going on..." (小雪)

"Haha, I guess so." (Yui)

Yui giggled. But then she suddenly narrowed her eyes and looked up at the sky.

"We've had a lot of trouble with Naoya. But he's also the cupid who gave me and Tatsumi a chance... a chance to get together." (Yui)