Volume 5 - CH 7

To Sajou-kun,

Good morning, this is Ichinose Mina.

I’m sorry for abruptly sending you a letter like this. I had something to talk about with you, so I wrote it all in a letter. Since this is my first time writing something like this, I’m a bit embarrassed…

A bit of time has passed since you stopped working part-time at the bookstore, Sajou-kun. Thanks to your support before, I can now somewhat interact with the customers. However, since I’m only working in the evening, I get home late, and have less time to sleep. That’s why…I let out a yawn at school, which was seen by Shirai-san.

Also, the Sasaki-san you knew came to visit us last weekend. She said that she wanted a bit of a break from her studies for the entrance exams, but when she learned about you quitting, she was really sad. So you didn’t tell her…? She was all angry like ‘How heartless!’, you know.

Since she didn’t have any way of contacting you, she wanted me to give her your contact information. In the end, I had to contact you myself like this…

In fact, I thought it was time for me to get myself a smartphone as well…So, with the help of Onii-chan and Yuri-chan, I managed to get the same smartphone as Sasaki-san has. Although it took a while, I’m slowly starting to stand my ground without running away.

So, well…if you’re fine with it, I was wondering if we could also…Um, only if it’s not a bother to you, I don’t want to give you more work like I did back when we were working together…I just…don’t have many possibilities to talk with you at school…I’m sorry for suddenly bringing that up…I’m fine after you deal with Sasaki-san first, just…Won’t you add me as well?

Ichinose Mina

On the back of the letter, I found a small sheet of paper. In the middle, it said ‘Fuuka’, as well as the corresponding account name. I guess that really is about everything you need. Right beside that, in a much smaller handwriting almost as if she felt apologetic, I saw the name ‘Mina’, and the account name.

“……”

So cute (Angry). Huh? How cute is this? My heart is racing in joy. Isn’t this even more of a love letter than a normal love letter? Wait, this isn’t a love letter? What is going on with modern Japan? Asking me to add her because Sasaki-san is angry…Wait, this is just a message? And yet, you’re making me agonize over it to such an extent? What is this emotional uplift about? Yunker1?

She really could have just talked to me if it was simply about contact information, but…Oh yeah, she even has my phone number because of the time I we worked together. Putting all of this into a letter, how clumsy can you be…So friggin adorable. I want to scream, but I can’t. I’m in the middle of class. I’m melting, but I can’t. I felt like I was exploding.

A middle school, high school, and university girl are grouping up to make me suffer…As expected, a high school girl is on a different level. Was this her strategy? That’s like some terrorist attack inside a train. Is it already happening soon!? Calm down, me. You’re way too shaken. How is this any different from receiving a friend request in an online game. That happened before, I’m not even that happy. I even responded with a flat ‘Okemaru2’.

As for a response here…Eh? How am I supposed to respond? Do I have to write a letter myself? I guess I have to, considering how things have gone…Fine, I’ll impress the literary girl Ichinose-san with my verbose writing.

To Ichinose-san,

Alright, will do.

Sajou Wataru

Maybe I’m not good enough. I never felt so much guilt towards wasting paper. Maybe it’s because I’ve only been using my phone to communicate over text? I can’t write any long sentences at all. It felt like I was picking a fight with that response. My response could give birth to hostility and killing intent. If I was Ichinose-san, I definitely wouldn’t forgive myself.

Seriously, why did she give me a letter of all things…I mean, not like I dislike it, okay. Rather, I’m feeling much better now. This feeling of happiness is insane. The inside of my brain is leaking full of oxytocin, it’s dripping at this point. I might just cry. The oxytocin is coming out of my eyes. But, you know…this difficulty is just…Ah!? Was that her original goal!?

Because I warned her when I was still working part-time, she now holds a grudge towards me, and has put her revenge into action? She went this far simply to make me agonize during class…No, that has to be simple paranoia. There’s no way Ichinose-san would do something like that. I may not be popular, but don’t just twist your thoughts into such a wicked way, you bastard. One more time, let me look at the letter one more time. It would surely heal my heart. Glance.

“……”

Damn, she’s cute (Angry). H-Hold on a second. Before we switched seats, Ashida caused a ruckus, so didn’t Ichinose-san get wind of this? Eh, so embarrassing…I was getting so excited at the possibility of this being a love letter…And she even heard that? Is there even something as embarrassing as this?

*

“So, what was it!?”

“Will you shut up for a second, Ashida.”

“Eh…?”

The second I understood the true origin of that letter, the embarrassment grew ten-fold. Ashida causing a ruckus didn’t help much either. Whenever Ichinose-san is involved, I just change my attitude entirely. Right now, I might just be able to laugh about it. But…

‘It ain’t even a love letter? That’s hilarious, lol.’

T-That’s not what will happen, right? I might just become unable to ever trust people again. It’s fine…In Ichinose-san’s case, I wouldn’t want others to think that it was a love letter, as she’d probably be embarrassed about that. I should talk with Ichinose-san as quickly as possible—For my own sake as well.

“Getting so excited because of a simple letter…You’re quite childish still, aren’t you.”

“Why did you turn so annoying, Sajocchi!?”

In order to reach Ichinose-san, I first have to get past this normie girl in front of me. She’s quite adhesive, and pushy. Do you actually have no delicacy at all towards me? You can read other people’s motives and respect that, but when it comes to me, your curiosity is winning over everything? Nasty, sit down.

“This ain’t something I should tell others about, you hear me?”

“Sajocchi, you’re the type to say that? Zero delicacy.”

“You’re the one saying that?”

It wasn’t a love letter, but I still don’t feel like I should tell her about this. Knowing Ichinose-san’s personality, she probably wouldn’t want that to be seen by someone else, and I don’t want to lose her trust in me either. But, telling her directly sure is risky…especially because she always has someone around her as of late. Not in a bad way, of course.

“I’m curious, okay…”

“After screaming I had no delicacy?”

“Just deal with it already.”

“There’s nothing like that.”

She often is meddling with me, but this may be the first time she’s shown me these thorns. No, thinking about it rationally, that’s not exactly the case…She’s just been kicking me in the butt before. She has no restraint when it comes to me…and I mean that in the bad way. Damn, I almost got too used to it.

“—T-Then!”

“Eh?”

Another voice suddenly broke between our quarrel. The person who stopped Ashida was none other than Natsukawa, sitting behind me.

“W-Was it a love letter or not…just tell us about that…” She asked, clearly hesitant to speak her mind.

That’s exactly what I mean, Ashida. You need to be more humble. It’s good manners to politely ask about something you’re interested in, as that leaves me calm. Being asked like that, I had no other choice but to—Wait a second. Do I really have to say it here? Going crazy like that without it being a love letter would just be embarrassing. Not to mention that Natsukawa knew…How lame could I be, really.

“What what, was it actually that?”

“Um…Well, yeah. Something along those lines?”

“Eh…”

“Huh!? Not a letter of challenge!?”

Oh crap, I can’t deny it. The letter, its contents, the clumsiness, it all made my entire soul shake. That’s how cute it was…It’s not an overstatement to call that letter a means of defeating me. I was about to let out a groan despite being in the middle of class. There’s nothing more horrible than screaming during that moment. Ahh, just remembering it makes me break out in a smile.

“Heh…in a way, it was.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

Ah, wait a second.

*

I apparently rubbed things the wrong way, as I sparked an incident. I personally wanted it to be a love letter, but I lost against the weird pressure coming from the two, and admitted that it was just a message and nothing more. I even thought to myself ‘This is why I can’t win against Big Sis’. I feel like I was reminded that I would forever be a howling loser. It’s your turn, letter. Heal me!

Learning of the truth, Ashida lost all her excitement, and just gave me a blunt ‘Figures’, once again showing me how terrifying girls can be. I bet that Ashida is taking up every bad thing about Natsukawa. Haha, I can’t move. In order to heal my broken mind, I added both Sasaki-sand Ichinose-san on my phone during the next class.

In her profile picture, Sasaki-san was wearing the uniform from Mishirohama, together with three other friends. I thought of sending her a message, but I’d feel bad if she forgot to turn off her volume, and got the message during class. Ichinose-san’s picture had herself in it, but with a somewhat shocked expression. I’ve never seen that kind of face on her before. Yuri-chansenpai must have taken that without her knowing.

“Ichinose-san, I added you as a friend, and sent you an emote.”

“Ah…!”

Once lunch break rolled around, I immediately told Ichinose-san, who showed me a happy smile. I’m the one who’s happy, Ichinose-san…! I’ll send her lots of ‘Sajou at yo!’ emotes. No, maybe I shouldn’t. She will probably assume that her phone is broken. She took out her smartphone from her student bag, and turned it on. She seems to be the type of person to turn it off at school. Even the simple design of her phone was very much like her.

“Eh…Eh? Friend? I can’t ignore that! Sajou-kun, you added Ichinose-san as a friend!?”

“Oh, what? You want me to add you as—”

“I-Ichinose-san, if you’re okay with it, maybe we could…!”

Ha ha ha, I knew, okay. After all, Shirai-san is connected to the class group, so she has to add Ichinose-san eventually. I think she will be able to take care of everything even when I’m not around. Seeing Okamocchan being late was also pretty fun.

“…Hm?”

Suddenly, the phone in my pocket vibrated. When I took it out to check, I saw that I got a cute bear emote, together with a polite ‘Please treat me well from now on’. I wonder, I feel like that wasn’t just from Ichinose-san, which made a shiver run down my spine. Maybe my consciousness as her senior at work still remained inside of me, but I found myself feeling happy when she talked with Shirai-san. I felt like an old man standing behind her with my arms crossed. Yes, I raised her.

*

While heading to the student council office, I started thinking to myself. Why am I even going there? No matter how much I thought about it, the only reason that somewhat motivated me was the fact that the student council president Yuuki-senpai’s lunch box is so damn delicious. Weird…I feel as if I’m being fed like an animal. I really didn’t want to get any closer to them…Oh my, why are my footsteps so light…? Oh yeah, because I’m hungry.

“He said that they were leftovers, but…”

I still can’t fully believe it. Can’t you just take Yuuki-senpai already, Big Sis? With him around, I can see such a bright future ahead of me. I wouldn’t even mind looking at his handsome face. My appetite is overwriting my sense of inferiority. I’m drying out because I’m drooling so much. As my thoughts were filled with nothing but food, I made my way to the student council office, when I spotted a group of three coming from the stairs.

“—Ah, eh!? Why is Sajou here…!?”

“Mita-senpai.”

The first person I met eyes with was the guardian of the public morals committee office mascot Inatomi-senpai—Known as Mita-senpai. The second she spotted me, she looked at the stairs, and then back at me again. Eh, w-wait…A man? Did I spot her during a troublesome moment? In the middle of a rendezvous?

“Y-You…Why are you here!?”

“I mean, I was heading over to the student council office…What about you? Why are you panicking like this?”

“Of course I would be…Come on, hurry—”

“Oh, if it isn’t Sajou.”

“Eh?”

Mita-senpai grew even more flustered, grabbing both my arms, and tried to turn me around. Since she gave off so much pressure, I just obediently listened, when Shinomiya-senpai appeared from the dead angle of the stairs, with her arms around Inatomi-senpai’s waist. What is with this playboy attitude…It almost felt like she was saying ‘Inatomi Yuyu belongs to me’. Isn’t that pretty bad as a public morals committee member? Things sure feel surreal with her. The air around her looked like it was sparkling.

“You come as well.”

“Fueh?”

Shinomiya-senpai didn’t waste a second to walk towards me. Following that, she grabbed my arm, and pulled me along. At the same time, I felt embarrassed at having let out such a loli-like feminine voice. It took me a second to get my posture straight, and right as I blinked to register the situation, I saw Inatomi-senpai at my side, showing a bitter smile. When I looked to my right, I saw Shinomiya-senpai holding onto my arm. Eh, what? Two-timing? Is this two-timing, Shinomiya-senpai?

“Um…Senpai? I have business at the student council office…”

“What…?”

I can’t have her drag me along like this,so I informed her about my personal business in hopes of her letting me go. However, she only held me even stronger, and stomped on the ground as she stopped in her tracks. Something is wrong here. What is going on? Looking over, Mita-senpai gave me a ‘Damn it’ face, as she pressed her fingers on her forehead.

I see? So this is something bad, then. I mean, really? I currently have one arm linked with this beauty of a senior, you know? This is nothing short of a reward for me. If it was allowed, then I wouldn’t mind becoming her second woman. Oh wait, I’m not a girl.

“What is this about, Sajou? Do you plan on entering the student council?”

“Ehhhh…”

I take it all back, this definitely is a bad situation. And I’m scared. Shinomiya-senpai is evidently pissed. Did I say something that would make her this angry…? I feel clear hostility from her sharp eyes. It’s not going to take long until her hair turns blonde, and she teleports all over the place.

“I-I’m not part of it…nor do I plan to become a member.”

“I see.”

I decided to not beat around the bush, and give her my honest answer. Although the atmosphere still made it feel like I could be killed at any given moment, I hoped that she would at least let go of my arm, but…to no avail. Following that, I was dragged along for a solid three minutes, reaching the cafeteria of all places. Before I could even say anything, I stood at the ticket machine. Standing behind Shinomiya-senpai, who had Inatomi-senpai inside her arms, I operated my smartphone. Since I don’t think I can go to the student council office, I at least decided to text Big Sis.

‘Shinomiya-senpai captured me. Can’t come.’

‘Huh? Escape?’

‘Something’s off.’

‘Ahh, alright. After school then.’

She really just decided my own afternoon for me, huh. Weird…but what’s even more weird is the fact that I don’t particularly hate the idea. Why is Yuuki-senpai’s lunch box so good? My thoughts have reached fatty level. It seems like I was already trained like an animal. They might just start fishing for me with fries and coke.

Still, I didn’t expect Big Sis to give up this easily. Maybe she still is weak when it comes to Shinomiya-senpai…This might just be some really valuable information. I bought a tempura set, and walked after Shinomiya-senpai. I fulfilled my role as the youngest in the group and looked for an open table. In doing so, we walked past one that was occupied by a group of girls, who looked up at Shinomiya-senpai in shock.

“““Please sit here!”””

Ehhhh…The three of them stood up like they were at an army morning call, and ran away like they were a coordinated group. Looking at their plates, they still had some food on there. Don’t think they finished. Is this really okay? Can I really be here? Am I not going to get stabbed by one of Shinomiya-senpai’s fans?

That table offered four seats. First, Inatomi-senpai and Shinomiya-senpai sat down, followed by me and Mita-senpai facing them. Unlike before, the amount of gazes we were getting grew. I guess it’s because around 50% were now staring at Shinomiya-senpai’s sparkling atmosphere. Weird, we’re suddenly changing genre.

“…Sorry to wrap you up in this.”

“No, um…what even is going on?”

“That’s…”

This clearly isn’t normal. When I asked Mita-senpai what all of this was about, she just started mumbling, growing silent. It seems like there must be certain circumstances where they couldn’t tell me.

“That reminds me, why were you heading over to the student council anyway, Sajou-kun.”

“Ahh, Big Sis has been calling me over a lot, forcing me to help.”

“Oh? Even though you said you wouldn’t join?” Shinomiya-senpai commented.

“Urk…Yes. Well, Big Sis seems to be under a lot of stress, so…”

“Hmmm…”

I did answer Inatomi-senpai’s question, but Shinomiya-senpai shifted the conversation her way. The pressure is something else. I’m simply listening to her, answering her question, but it feels like I’m being interrogated. She somehow reminds me of Big Sis during her Yankee days. Don’t think I can just come clean and say I was working as their slave in return for Yuuki-senpai’s cooking.

Oh yeah, Shinomiya-senpai seemed in a pretty bad mood, but she ordered her usual udon noodles in broth…If I was pissed off, I’d probably get the firm type. Like pork curry.

“—I’m jealous.”

“Eh?”

“I’m jealous of Kaede. I also want a younger brother.”

“Huh, I see.”

…No, what exactly do I see in this? Nothing makes any sense here. I just subconsciously answered without thinking, but…Eh, what was that? Shinomiya-senpai wants a younger brother? So she’s an only-child? Shouldn’t you be hitting up your parents first before you…Well, you might get a puppy.

“Won’t you become my younger brother for at least a day? And join the public morals committee while you’re at it.”

“Eh?”

She said something crazy again, lord help me. Shinomiya-senpai’s younger brother…Yeah, I don’t think that sounds very great. I may be able to tag along for like half a day, but waking up at half past 4am is too tough. Not to mention all the particular rules she’d probably throw at me. If I kept up that lifestyle, I might just become an Olympic athlete.

Also, you can guess what would happen if I became Shinomiya-senpai’s younger brother, right? I’d run into her grandfather again, who is constantly living along with his prejudices. Of course I’d hate that. I can feel this…dislike burning up inside my chest. I still can’t forget that first time I met him. Also, the public morals committee is about as bothersome as the student council, so I’m not joining either.

“Ahh…Um…If Big Sis is okay with it.”

“Alright.”

What am I saying? Come on, try a bit harder, me…! Shinomiya-senpai even agreed! Nobody needs Big Sis’ agreement either. The most she’d do is shrug, or slap me. Ahh, what hell this is.

“Come on, Yuyu, feed me.”

“O-Okay…”

……Now hold on. What is this? The situation is going to explode any second now. I feel like I’ve seen regulars at hostess bars like her on TV. The one at the center of this place is clearly Shinomiya-senpai. I knew that she was insanely charismatic, but this just feels like a waste. Where did the usual Shinomiya-senpai go, I wonder? Mita-senpai must know the circumstances, so I looked towards Mita-senpai.

“……”

Then, I looked at Inatomi-senpai with a gaze asking for sympathy. As soon as she realized that I was looking at her, she averted her gaze. Was she always this pessimistic? It feels like she’s playing along to really spoil Shinomiya-senpai. Is she trying to be considerate? Hmm, I see. I answered Mita-senpai’s gaze with a quiet voice.

“It’s fine, Big Sis is always this unreasonable, so I’m used to it.”

“Sorry about this…Well…”

“Don’t worry. I can guess the basic gist even without you needing to tell me.”

“No, even you shouldn’t be able to…”

Shinomiya-senpai was asking for a lot, despite usually not being that selfish. Big Sis allowed it. She’s eating udon. Mita-senpai is apologizing. Nobody will tell me. Inatomi-senpai is being considerate. This unreasonable attitude that overlaps with Big Sis…there’s no mistaking it.

“—It’s that time of the month, right?”

“It’s a bit gross that you could even guess that.”

I mean, I have another girl at home with Big Sis, so…

*

The party was in full swing. After perfectly guessing the current condition of Shinomiya-senpai, Mita-senpai gave me a gaze so cold it could induce a second ice age. I just guessed correctly, so don’t get so angry at me…Although this sudden change happened, it allowed me to also guess the common ground between Shinomiya-senpai and Big Sis, who also had been in a bad mood lately. Please, won’t somebody buy this ability from me? I really don’t like it.

Shinomiya-senpai took out her smartphone, and put it to her ear. I heard my name, in combination with younger brother, and public morals committee member. She must be explaining something.

‘Huh? What are you talking about?’

Yeah, I get it. I heard an exhausted and annoyed voice from across the call. Even through that, I would not mistake that voice. Big Sis seemed to be angry for sure. How is this, Shinomiya-senpai…You won’t be able to overcome Big Sis, who is basically annoyed 24/7. If you want to beat her, you need to offer her steamed buns first, and then take pictures of her fat body parts. That’s the only method. Also, don’t blame me for whatever happens.

“Hmm…hmm…” Shinomiya-senpai listened to Big Sis’ words.

Then, she flashed a cynical smile, and pointed at empty air like she was pointing at Big Sis herself.

“Kaede, you are far too blessed. Liking things you want, being liked by people, having a younger brother brothering for you, it’s not fair!”

‘I don’t want to be liked, alright. Also, is he with you? Why did you suddenly talk about this nonsense?’

“Sajou…My younger brother will join the public morals committee!!”

‘You’ve gone mad, huh.’

Agreed. Also, what the hell is ‘brothering’ even? I feel like I heard something similar before, though. Please, can’t you stop using my name like it’d be out of some shoujo manga? She’s making it sound like I actually am her younger brother. I really don’t want to get stabbed by her fans.

‘Also, Wataru is part of the student council.’

Hol’ up.

‘Come on, I’ll have him treat you to some steamed bun, so just listen to Yuyu and Ayano, okay? Or what, can’t rely on those two?’

“O-Of course not!”

‘Then just keep it down today. I’ll hear you out another time.’

“Urk…Y-You better!”

‘Shut up.’

She—Wah, she hung up! At the very end!? The sparkle around Shinomiya-senpai disappeared, as darkness got hold of her. Also, why are you telling me to give her steamed buns? What about my reward, huh, my fair lady. That exchange was messed up all over the place, but it at least helped in calming down Shinomiya-senpai. I thought Shinomiya-senpai was crazy today, but Big Sis being able to even go along with that is no joke either.

“…S-She told me to shut up…”

“Ah…Ah! Um! This must have been a sign of Kaede-san’s affection, I’m sure! That must be the case! Right, Sajou!?”

“Huh, well, probably.”

“Not probably, okay!?”

“Not probably. That is Big Sis showing her affection.”

That most definitely is not her affection. She just couldn’t be arsed anymore towards the end…I mean, not like I don’t understand her. Despite all of this, Inatomi-senpai and Mita-senpai still stayed with Shinomiya-senpai, so that just shows how everybody likes her. Since Big Sis only has bastards around her, her bad days must be chaotic beyond belief. Even I would find myself thinking ‘Okay…hit me, once’. Maybe I was just born into the wrong family? As Shinomiya-senpai turned into a talking statue, my smartphone vibrated inside my pocket.

‘You probably shouldn’t get too close to Rin during those days.’

‘I mean, not like I can tell at first glance.’

‘Tsk…why are men so…’

‘Let’s not do that right now.’

‘Anything is fine, just get away from her. Don’t let her bother me.’

‘Sorry about that.’

‘Steamed bun it is.’

This wench, she’s now asking for more steamed buns…There’s something better to eat, right? Like Yuuki-senpai’s steamed buns. You’re always together, and yet you’ve never eaten it? Are steamed buns actually winning against them? Well, if they’re from Osaka, then maybe.

“R-Rin-san? How about we head back now?”

“Mmm…Yuyu, come here.”

“Y-Yes.”

“Phew…”

After we all finished eating, we gathered all our tableware and brought it to the drop-off point. I thought that this would be my chance to escape, but when I glanced over at the girls, Mita-senpai held down Shinomiya-senpai, as she glared at me with one eye. I can feel intense pressure. Did Natsukawa feel like this when I was still chasing after her? Seeing no other option, I joined them again. When Shinomiya-senpai started walking, she looked like she came back from a round at the hospital. I have no memories after we split up at the stairs that led to the third-year classrooms. I can only pray for Mita-senpai’s safety.

“Not fair! Not fair!”

No clue how, but Ashida found out that I was eating lunch with the public morals family. Befitting her love for Shinomiya-senpai, she acted about as unreasonable as her idol, as she slapped me on the shoulder.

“She was in a really bad mood, you know?”

“Eh…? Ah, I see.”

Surprisingly enough, that was plenty to make Ashida calm down. Eh, what’s with that face like she understands everything? Is Shinomiya-senpai actually known to be like this during her…you know? Only the girls know, right? I looked over at Natsukawa to confirm that, but she just averted her gaze. Oh man, there goes my motivation.

*

“…Hm?”

Classes ended, and after I managed to avoid the public morals people, I headed to the student council office—when I spotted familiar blonde hair in the East building’s hallway. Since the person had her face cast down, they didn’t see me walking ahead. I think her name was…Shinonome Claumaty or something along those lines. You know, that kind of Agatha Christie name. Wasn’t she half English…So she’s like a foreigner? I had the image of her puffing out her chest with a high-pitched laugh, but this is pretty unexpected.

D-Don’t tell me…Does she also have the same day as Shinomiya-senpai…? If so, then I really have bad luck today. My morning horoscope wasn’t exactly looking promising either. Why do I keep running into people with such a distinct and troublesome character?

“Ah, Hirano…”

I tried my best to not look into her eyes, when Claumaty suddenly called out somebody’s name. She must have spotted someone she knew. So that she doesn’t bother with me, Sajou will now walk away.

“……”

“H-Hey, Hirano! Are you ignoring me!?”

“Eh…Eh?”

Alright, I can do this—is what I was thinking, when Claumaty suddenly grabbed my wrist. Why is she doing this? I thought that she just spotted that Hirano-san friend of hers? I turned around, utterly baffled, but only me and Claumaty were here. Maybe Hirano-san walked away? Come on, don’t ignore her.

“Hirano!”

“Eh…?”

When I looked at her in disbelief, Claumaty stared up at me, screaming ‘Hirano’. Eh…you’re kidding me. Is she…talking about me? Ah. Somewhere from the depths of my memory, I dug out information about my relationship with Claumaty. Oh yeah, she’s Yuuki-senpai’s fiancee, having one-sided feelings for him, and now feels jealous towards Big Sis, as she’s receiving all of Yuuki-senpai’s attention. That’s why, I can’t let her find out that I’m Big Sis’ younger brother.

That was dangerous…I almost introduced myself in order to correct that boring name she gave me. Alright, better get into character…3-2-1, Hirano time.

“—Good day. It’s been a while. How have you been doing? What was your name again?”

“W-What a light tone that is…Also, aren’t you quite rude to forget my name!?”

“I mean, it’s been a while, so…”

“Shinonome Claudine Marika! I won’t tell you again!”

So I was 70% off? I’m glad I asked her again…If I called her Claumaty, she might have blown a fuse. Also, she got my name wrong as well…then again, not like I ever told her.

“Oh yeah, you were a student of the ‘East’, yes? In the same class as that Natsukawa Aika…”

“Ah…well, yeah—Woah!?”

The second I nodded, an index finger was pointed straight at my face. Looking down, the lady was giving me a sour face. Alright, I should stop answering, things will only get worse if I do.

“Tell her! I may have gotten a late start at the school visit, but she is still not worthy of being my enemy!”

“Huh? School visit?”

“Why was she called for it, but I wasn’t…!? Even though I am much more good-looking than her…!”

“…Ehhh?”

Just when I thought what she was on about, she apparently was hurt by the fact that she wasn’t called over to show the middle school students around…I mean, they clearly chose the most handsome students, and looking at her, it wouldn’t have been weird if she got called over—If you only cared about her looks, that is. This character she’s putting up is pretty tough to deal with after all…I can already see her boasting on and on as soon as there’s only younger students in front of her. I guess choosing Natsukawa was the right choice for them in the end. Nobody is more fit for it. She’s a goddess after all.

“Maybe they simply didn’t want your hands to get dirty with something as trifling as that, Claudine-san? You may never know what those middle school students may attempt, right?”

“Wha!? Y-You think so…? Also, could you not call me by my middle name so nonchalantly!?”

“Ah, then…what should I call you?”

“Miss Shinonome!”

“Alrighto, Abyss Shinonome.”

Seriously, that’s one way to refer to a girl. Is that how the West side always does it? Feels fresh. Well, that at least leaves the gender part out of it. Some girls even call boys with ‘toy’, so I guess it fits.

“Fine. Why are you here, Hirano?”

“I had business at the student council.”

“S-Student council…?”

“Eh?”

Why has her expression suddenly gone so grim? Did I say something bad? I mean, Yuuki-senpai and Big Sis will be present in the student council office, I guess. Did she see them flirting around? No way. Big Sis is super dry towards the K4. She shouldn’t have such a relationship with any of them…right?

“I see…then hurry up and go.”

“Ah, yes.”

As if to betray my bad suspicions, she just turned around, and walked away. I don’t know if it was on purpose, but it looked like her back was a bit curled up. Maybe she’s sad about something. Oh yeah, today no other students were with her, huh.

“…”

Well, none of my business.

1 A health tonic similar to Lipovitan

2 A joke of ‘Okay’ and the author of this novel, ‘Okemaru’.