Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 2 - Chapter 1.2

Hell no. Finish your food and get your ass home.

I put my elbows on the table and looked out the window. There are small pieces of clouds floating in the sky.

Ah, the weather is getting chilly too. I can hear cicadas calling day and night.

“Yanami-san, it almost feels like autumn.”

“In other words, it’s almost the season of pears. Why don’t you just say it if you want pears?”

Yanami is biting a slice of pear as she hands me the plate.

“…Thanks.”

I decided to not sink myself in disappointment and took the pears.

There are around 10 days left until the new semester.

Later, I realized- Yanami at this time was a messenger who brought the end to this peaceful summer holiday.

*

It’s the afternoon of the second day.

Tsuwabuki High School is not far from Aichi Station. I went past the school entrance as I tidied up my tie.

Someone’s already here after I opened the door to the club room.

There’s a bookshelf as tall as the ceiling in the Literature Club’s room. It takes up the entire section of the wall too. A petite girl is sitting on a foldable chair before the bookshelf. She’s reading.

The curtains, which are fluttering with the wind, hide this girl’s presence.

-Chika Komari.

There’s a pigtail on the side of her head. Her bangs that cover her eyes are caressed by the breezes.

She’s also a first-year student like me. We’re both in the Literature Club. After being rejected by our Prez, this girl honorably joined the big losing heroines’ family.

This girl was like a timid hamster when we met in the first term.

We first interacted by typing on our phones. Later, she slowly opened up, and we could chitchat for a bit. Those people who say I have a communication disorder should reflect on themselves.

“Nice work, Komari. It’s been a while.”

“Ugh…? Ah…”

Komari seems to be mumbling something, but I can’t hear it. She then pulled out her phone from her pocket.

Afterward, she started knocking on the screen smoothly and handed it to me.

<You’re early. Let’s just read before it’s time.>

“Oh? Sure.”

Komari’s eyes returned to her novel again.

…Wait, why do I feel like everything just reset? This mobile game is too unfriendly to players who don’t log in routinely, right?

“Hey, Komari?”

“Ugh, ah…”

Komari hastily tried to take out her phone again. I shook my head.

“Nevermind. It’s nothing.”

This seems familiar. I sat down a bit far away from her.

I just played on my phone silently for a while. However, this atmosphere feels awkward even to me. I threw out conversations that didn’t need answering from time to time.

Anxiety is a big no-no to acclimating affection. Let’s use a safe topic like cute animals to melt this troublesome little maiden’s frozen heart.

“P-Please stop talking about rodents…”

After the 20-minute mark, Komari finally can’t hold it back, …no, she finally opens up to me.

“But I still want to talk about the difference between gerbils and hamsters.”

“I-I can google. No thanks.”

It’s fine if she asks Google-sensei. Also, my only goal here is to talk to Komari. I’ve already reached my goal.

I looked at my phone in satisfaction. Suddenly, the door to the club room was pushed open.

Yanami’s holding a cardboard box. She walked inside by kicking the door open.

“Thanks for the work. You two are really early.”

I stood up, took the box, and put it on the table.

“Thanks, Nukumizu-kun. Are the senpais not here yet?”

Yanami shook her exhausted hands and took a seat. Komari quietly mumbled as she moved herself and her chair to the corner of the room.

“Hey, I was wondering why this box feels so heavy. It’s all somen inside.”

“I want to give them to everyone. Komari-chan, you should take some home too.”

Komari nodded silently at the corner.

Yanami moved her chair closer to me. I quickly kept a subtle distance from her.

“…Nukumizu-kun, what did you do to Komari-chan? Did you pull her head for a bit?”

“I won’t do anything like that. She’ll be like this before she gets used to us. That’s why you shouldn’t talk loudly or move suddenly.”

“I see. It’s like a cat café.”

She’s not as cute as a cat.

We chatted quietly to avoid irritating Komari. After a while, the two third-year students are finally here. They are a little late.

They are the president of the Literature Club, Shintaro Tamaki, and the vice-president, Koto Tsukinoki.

They started going out during our trip in July. They should be living a tiring yet joyful exam candidate life.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“I’m sorry for calling everyone here even though it’s the summer holiday.”

They sat down in pairs. Komari moved her chair to us in relief.

“Thanks for the work, you two. I feel like it’s been a while.”

Prez showed an exhausted expression after hearing that.

“The mock exams are so insane. I barely managed to get a pass.”

Prez looked to his side. Tsukinoki-senpai immediately looked away.

“I’m working hard too, you know? But, look, the exam won’t go away. I’m just progressing slowly to my pace, you know?”

“Koto, the exam won’t run away, but a passing mark definitely can.”

“I’ll find a job if I fail all of them. Permanent employment. Hiya, what did I even say-“ [TL: Eikishushoku (permanent employment), it’s a way of saying getting married and being a housewife.]

Tsukinoki-senpai is saying nonsense. Komari and her exchanged looks.

They looked at each other and showed an indescribable yet mischievous smile. As for Prez, he wrapped his hands around his head in pain.

…Please relax, everyone. These two actually have a close relationship. However, being close doesn’t ease the burden on Prez’s back.

Perhaps Yanami wants to change this awkward atmosphere. She raises her hand.

“So, what are we supposed to do today?”

“Oh, right.”

With that, Prez got right into the chase.

“The student council has told us all clubs are required to report their summer holiday activities starting this year. That’s what I want to talk about today.”

Activities during the summer holiday? It’s already past the Ghost Festival. What summer holiday do we even have left?

“Why did the student council come up with such a request this late?”

I interrupted. Prez bitterly smiled and looked at Tsukinoki-senpai.

“Actually, they told everybody in July.”

“I couldn’t help it. I’m busy preparing for the exam and getting a driver’s license. I forgot about that.”

Tsukinoki-senpai laughed as she took out a notice slip from her pocket.

…Did this person just say getting a driver’s license? There’s a lot I want to complain about, but let’s just leave it there. I feel so bad for Prez, after all.

Yanami took the slip.

“This says trips are alright. Can’t we just say we went to the beach last month?”

“That happened before the summer holiday. We would be fine if we went a week later.”

Come to think of it, I think that’s true. We went there before the summer holiday.

“I’ve been updating my web light novels.”

“That’s just our usual routine. They want a report of something special in the summer holiday. So.”

Prez winked. Tsukinoki-senpai took out an A4-sized handbook from her school bag.

“Look, I’ve printed everyone’s web novels and put them into a sample club magazine. It looks quite nice with the cover and back page, right?”

I took the sample and flipped it open. The rom-com I’ve been publishing is on there as well.

“It feels like there are a lot of empty pages.”

“This is just a sample. I’m thinking of including my explanations or columns between each of your novels for the final product. However, it’s not convincing to just print out our web novels as club activities.”

“Hey, mine is up there too.”

Yanami poked her head in and looked at the sample in my hands.

“Well, everyone should decide which novel they want to be included now. Of course, you can always write new stuff.”

“I don’t have time to write a new one, so I’m just going to edit my current series and call it a day. Don’t push yourselves too hard, everyone.”

Tsukinoki-senpai has been drawing something in her notebook since then silently.

“Senpai, what are you doing?”

“My new novel is rejected by Shintaro. That’s why I’m drawing a replacement cover.”

I think she’s drawing two dudes with her pencil. I can strongly feel that this will be rejected too.

Well, what should I publish then? I thought about that as I opened my personal page on <Let’s Become an Author!> with my phone.

My <The Runaways of the First Love Path> is on its fifth chapter. If we’re publishing it, I should start from the first…

I suddenly noticed the number of readers and favorites are both 4. It’s the same as the total members in this club room. This isn’t a coincidence.

I feel kind of empty. The last Literature Club member isn’t even my reader.

Remon Yakishio.

She’s the young ace in the Track and Field Club and a Literature Club member. She’s energetic and cheerful. Her wheat-colored tan looks really healthy.

That girl is also a talented person who has recently made her debut, becoming a losing heroine.

“Prez, Yakishio isn’t here today?”

“Yeah, she said she’s busy. I’ll talk to her later.”

That girl is still focused on the Track and Field Club. However, she frequently put her stuff in this club room. It looks like she’s aware that she’s in the Literature Club, at least.

Yanami suddenly yelled when everyone was checking their own novels.

“I’ve decided. I’m continuing the novel I’ve written during the trip! Komari-chan, what are you planning to do?”

“Eh…? Ah…”

Komari suddenly became the center of the conversation. She took out her phone and showed the screen to Yanami.

<I’m going to come up with a new short story.>

“Hey, you’re hard-working. What about you, Nukumizu-kun?”

“I’ll just edit the first chapter of what I have and put it up.”

Prez nodded and clapped his hands.

“Well, everyone made up their minds now. Please send the draft to me once you’re ready.”

After that, Prez and Tsukinoki-senpai stood up at the same time.

“Eh, are you two going back already?”

Prez grabbed Tsukinoki-senpai’s wrist after hearing me out. They seem to be flirting.

“I have to guard Koto so that she doesn’t run away from the exam. That’s all. See you all next time.”

“Bye-bye, I’ll leave the rest up to you.”

Tsukinoki-senpai followed Prez outside, but she suddenly remembered something and turned around.

“Hey, is anyone free tomorrow to help me out in the library?”

“Help you out?”

“I’ve said we’re choosing a librarian in the Literature Club every year, right? Even though we don’t need to be on duty, we have to help pack up the books. I’m the librarian this year, but my hands are full right now.”

Prez explained next to Tsukinoki-senpai.

“They will listen to our suggestions whenever they are buying new books. There’s even a discount for us to buy stuff from the library. I guess it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Komari listened to them. She raised her hand timidly.

“W-Well, I-I can go.”

“Me too.”

“Really? The more, the merrier, of course. After all, we have to be on good terms with the people in the library.”

Yanami put her hands together apologetically.

“Sorry, I have a classmate’s party tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry about it. I just brought it up at a moment’s notice. Well, we’ll leave it for now. I’ll tell you the actual time later.”

Prez and Tsukinoki-senpai waved and left for real this time.

Their voices gradually disappeared from the corridor. Komari is getting restless. She closed her novels, mumbled something, and walked out of the club room.

I guess she was saying goodbye or thanks for the work, right?

Yanami held her yawn and stretched her back.

“Well, I’ll go back too. I booked an appointment in a beauty salon for tomorrow.”

Tomorrow. I think…she has said there’s a classmate’s party.

“Don’t tell me Hakamada will be at the classmate’s party too?”

“Of course, but it’s too much to call it a classmate’s party. It’s actually just Sosuke hanging out with a few close friends.”

“Oh, that sounds fun.”

That was obviously a lie. Yanami replied with a charming smile.

“Karen-chan will be at the party as well.”

“…Wait, Himemiya-san is going too?”

Karen Himemiya. She just transferred to our class in May.

Then, in just two months, this beautiful girl is already going out with Sosuke Hakamada, Yanami’s childhood friend and her dream lover.

Even though Yanami is quite adorable, Karen Himemiya crushes her in brilliance and the main heroine vibe. Also, her boobs are bigger.

“I have a question. Isn’t Himemiya-san a transfer student? Why is she going to your classmate’s party…?”

“Whoever is dating someone will introduce themselves to each other, even though it’s not mandatory.”

I understand that. Their middle school friends must be familiar with the relationship between Yanami and Hakamada, right?

If Himemiya-san is there in this situation…

My face is full of worry. Yanami nodded and tried to calm me down.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m already different from last term. Yes, I realized I must be grateful to everything in the world, including myself. What a gentle soul I have.”

“…Ha?”

This girl is saying nonsense again. Yanami gave up on me and shrugged.

“I’ll explain in a way that Nukumizu-kun can understand, alright?”

“Please, even though I’m not looking forward to your explanation.”

“Well, Sosuke and Karen-chan are both my dear friends. Shouldn’t I feel happy when my dear friends are happy too?”

Hmm, I guess…that’s true. I nodded earnestly.

I don’t know whether Yanami is satisfied with my attitude. She continued with a chic expression.

“In other words, I’m also happy when those two are going out. Right now, what I have for them is sincere appreciation. That’s how I feel.”

“…Respect and acknowledge.”

What’s with her change of heart? Yanami took out a book when I was confused.

The title is <108 Quotes to Reduce Your Mental Burden>.

“What’s this book about?”

“It says I just need to be who I am. It’s fine to not take off the yakitori from the bamboo stick. I can just finish it in one bite, …something like that. Do you want to read it too, Nukumizu-kun?”

I see. It’s a book for people when they are feeling weak.

Yanami showed an innocent smile. I silently shook my head.

*

I was the last one to leave the club room. I went to the vending machine in the courtyard of the school.

As I’m browsing the goods, I can hear a faint voice from somewhere.

“Is…someone…there…?”

…Hmm?

What’s with that whisper? I looked around. No one is here.

Was that my imagination? I can hear the characters’ voices in light novels in my prime time. That must have been my imagination. I should just chill and buy something to drink.

“…You, …over there…”

“Hiya!?”

I didn’t control myself and let out a girly squeak. Please don’t let me see ghosts.

After all, a pale arm suddenly reached out from the shadow of the vending machine.

I’m as terrified as a deer. At the same time, I saw the hairband on her wrist and the nail polish. I think I’ve seen this before. She’s from the student council…

“Shikiya-senpai?”

The thing in the shadow reacted to my words. It slowly moved.

“…You are…the young man from the Literature Club…”

The girl leaning on the vending machine helplessly is Yumeko Shikiya. She’s a second-year student at Tsuwabuki High School and a student council member.

She has white-brown wavy hair, ridiculous eyelashes, and totally off-the-place pale skin.

Even though she’s a trendy gal senpai with everything I like, unfortunately, her white pupils are way too freaky. Also, I don’t know why the abyssal darkness around this person always turns deeper.

“Can I ask what senpai is doing in a place like this?”

“I’m…here…for drinks, …but I ran out of strength. …Help me…buy…”

Shikiya-senpai reached her hand out. There are some coins in her palm.

“Oh, sure. Do you want tea or anything?”

“Get me…I LOHAS, …peach flavored, …help me twist open the bottle cap…” [TL: I LOHAS Natural Water.]

So many requests.

But she’s my senpai, after all. Let’s just follow her order and twist open the cap.

“There’s no change.”

“Feed me…”

“What?”

What did this person just say?

Shikiya-senpai closed her eyes and raised her head before waiting for my answer. She slowly opened her pale and thin lips.

“Eh? Uh, hey, Shikiya-senpai?”

Is she waiting for someone to kiss her? I gulped nervously.

Calm down. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m just feeding water to this senpai, and I have no idea what she’s thinking about. Well, even though I don’t understand what’s happening as well.

“…Quick.”

“Y-Yes!”

A man shouldn’t let a girl suffer any embarrassment. I slowly feed water into Shikiya-senpai’s mouth.

It’s the summer holiday. I’m in the shadow of the vending machine in the quiet courtyard.

In this gloomy little corner, Shikiya-senpai’s slim throat is slowly squirming. Drops of water are flowing out from her lips.

Cicadas are screaming non-stop in my brain-

…What am I even doing here?

“Senpai, it’s time to drink it yourself, right?”

I snapped out of it. Shikiya-senpai heard that and grabbed my hand suddenly.

“Hiya!?”

“…That’s a lot. …It’s leaking out…”

Shikiya-senpai took the bottle and left the shadow of the vending machine. She’s standing under the sun.

“Thanks, …I was a goner.”

She really did die. By the way, she spilled a lot I LOHAS out.

“Don’t just flip your bottle! Here, close the cap.”

I twisted the bottle cap for her. She handed me a pink handkerchief with wavy frills.

“H-Help me wipe my lips…?”

“Wipe it yourself if you have a handkerchief. Ah, sheesh, you can’t be helped.”

This reminded me of Kaju when she was 3 years old. Even though that girl could eat properly in front of our parents, for some reason, she always flipped the bowls and caused a mess whenever she was with me.

I had to take care of Kaju every time I ate with her.

“Alright, you can clean the clothes yourself. Your bowties are all wet.”

I handed her the wet handkerchief, but Shikiya-san wasn’t planning to take it.

“Senpai? Your handkerchief.”

“Come to think of it, …Koto-san- Tsukinoki-senpai, …how’s she doing…?”

“I just saw her. She seems to be busy preparing for her exam lately.”

“…Is it true…that she’s going out with…Tamaki-san?”

Ah, right. It’s true.”

“I…see…”

Shikiya-senpai mumbled as she walked wobbly. I observed Shikiya-san as she walked to the school building. She looks like she’s about to fall.

I sighed in relief after seeing her disappearing into the building.

I think that girl knows Prez too. I wonder what the relationship between them is?

“Ah, I forgot about the handkerchief.”

I thought about whether I should chase after her. I need a certain amount of mental preparation to face that girl.

I should give it back to her later. Let’s just choose delivery so that I don’t need to see her.

*

The afternoon of the next day. I opened the door to the library of Tsuwabuki High School.

There’s a librarian girl at the counter giving her full attention to the laptop screen she’s staring at.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking to her.

“Hey, sorry. I’m-”

“Sorry, the library is closed today. We’re tidying up our archives.”

“Oh, no. I’m the helper from the Literature Club, Nukumizu. What should I do?”

The girl stopped typing on the keyboard and raised her head. Her face is pretty striking and captures one’s attention. The braids on her head go around her shoulders and hang in front of her chest.

“Ah, the helper from the Literature Club. Thanks, I was given a heads up about it from Koto-senpai.”

She stood up while pressing her slightly long skirt before walking out from behind the counter. From the design of our school badge on her cuff, she should be a second-year student.

“Thanks for helping. We really lack people during the summer holiday. Follow me.”

“Ah, sure.”

I secretly glanced at the girl next to me. She has slim arms and a gentle yet delicate face. Even though she doesn’t have any make-up on, she’s already so adorable that she doesn’t need any.

…Yeah, this is what a librarian or Literature Club member should look like. They should look like they were born under an unlucky star, or should I say like a widow?

She ventured into the depths of the library as she smiled at me.

“There are new members in the Literature Club. I’m glad to hear that.”

“Uh, I guess. I was a ghost member until recently.”

“Looking forward to working with you. The girl from the Literature Club is already here. You should help her out.”

Her pale finger pointed at the no. 900 bookshelf. It’s for literature.

Within the shadows of the bookshelves, Komari mumbled to herself as she looked at the book labels.

“Sorry for the wait, Komari.”

I greeted her. Komari raised her head. She shot daggers at me over her bangs.

“Y-You’re too late. N-Nukumizu, I’ll leave t-the second half of the list to you.”

“Got it. Let’s make this quick.”

I held the list with one hand and started checking what needed doing.

Let’s see. The first thing is to rearrange everything based on the labels’ order. We need to check if there are any missing books.

…This is unexpectedly boring. Even though I was pretty worked up when I started, I’m getting sleepy already.

“By the way, Komari. You said you’re going to put a new novel in the club magazine. Have you decided what to write yet?”

I thought she would ignore this chitchat. I’m just talking to keep myself awake. However, Komari actually joined the conversation.

“Y-Yeah, it’s more like I’m a-already finished. …I-It’s an i-isekai…r-romance…novel…”

Seriously? A weakling like me can’t even edit and publish the first chapter’s draft.

“That was quick. Did you upload it to <Let’s Become an Author!>?”

“I-I uploaded it y-yesterday…”

After that, Komari’s lips curled upward slightly.

“What? You seem very happy.”

“…I-I got into…the daily ranking o-of…<Let’s Become an Author!>.”

“Heh, isn’t that amazing? Komari is writing an isekai romance novel, right?”