Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 3 - Chapter 2.4

It’s already completely dark outside when I return to school.

The outer corridor of the atrium is filled with students who aren’t going home to prepare for Tsuwabuki Fest.

I went past the dimly-lit atrium to avoid them and looked at the school building.

The classroom windows surrounding the atrium are still very bright.

-The excitement before the festival.

Come to think of it, there are always sprawling night markets in Toyohashi during early summer.

I love the time right before sunset. People are still setting up the stalls at that time. I remember crying to go out early when I was little. Those were hard times for my parents.

“...What a shame.”

I mumbled to myself to dissipate my restlessness away.

I’m the one out of place. The glamorous festival is prepared for the protagonists.

-I came to the depths of the west school building and opened the door to the club room. Prez is sitting there quietly on the chair.

The table is piled with finished club magazines. He must have taken my quota for himself, too, right?

“Welcome back. How’s Komari-chan doing?”

“Much better after getting a nap. Is Tsukinoki-senpai still in her tutorial class?”

“Koto’s over there.”

Tsukinoki-senpai is sitting in the corner of the room silently. She wrapped her hands around her kneecaps.

This person is unexpectedly sensitive. Has she been like this all day?

“Uh, senpai, are you alright?”

“Komari-chan isn’t hurt, right?”

Senpai’s eyes look really fragile behind her glasses.

“Yeah, she’s totally fine. Konuki-sensei is looking after her. Don’t worry about that.”

“I see. …Glad to hear that the school nurse is there.”

Tsukinoki-senpai mumbled to herself. She buried her face between her legs.

“...We want her to be happy in school even after we’re gone. I once hoped that the Literature Club could be her home. That’s why I’ve been protecting her.”

“You’ve said it before, right? You want Komari to grow stronger.”

Komari is utterly filled with anxiety after being left behind. However, the ones leaving her are just as worried.

“Does Komari-chan think we have abandoned her? If only I had communicated with her properly-”

“That was my idea. Koto didn’t do anything wrong.”

Prez said that and sat down next to Tsukinoki-senpai.

Tsukinoki-senpai lowered her head and reached her hand out. Prez Tamaki grabbed it tightly.

For some reason, this reminds me of Komari.

“I don’t know what Komari is thinking, but I don’t think it’s that bad.”

I can’t read people’s minds, not to mention a girl’s feelings.

Even though I have a certain amount of interactions with Komari, I still have no idea what’s on her head.

However-

“That girl is more determined than you two think. I believe that.”

The piled-up documents, the notebook full of sticky notes, her tiny handwriting…

Komari’s effort has been deeply engraved into my eyes.

Prez’s expression smoothened.

“...Yeah, I believe in Komari-chan too.”

With that, he patted Tsukinoki-senpai as she raised her head.

“Also, about preparing for Tsuwabuki Fest.”

It’s the day after tomorrow. It’s really close.

We have to finish the exhibition tomorrow and set up the place.

“About this. Nukumizu, I must apologize to you all again.”

Prez bowed deeply.

“Eh, why are you apologizing? Please raise your head.”

“In the end, I threw all of Tsuwabuki Fest’s prep work to you guys. I’m responsible for Komari-chan collapsing as well.”

…No one is at fault. Komari is just doing what she wants to do.

I hesitated to convey this point to them. Prez raised his head in determination.

“I’ll think about the exhibition draft. Komari-chan can’t push herself any further.”

“Shintaro, I’ll do it! It’s my duty to help Komari-chan.”

…Whether it’s Komari or the two senpais, they always think they are responsible for everything.

The three of them are remarkably similar. I shook my head a bit joyfully.

“Can we let Komari finish it this time?”

“...Is this what Komari-chan wants?”

“Yes, that’s what she hopes for.”

“But Komari-chan is exhausted. If this continues…”

“Komari will take a day off tomorrow. So, we should leave her be tonight.”

Silence.

Well, it’s natural for them to be speechless after hearing that Komari will stay up all night and finish the draft after collapsing.

“...Is it because of us?”

Tsukinoki-senpai broke the silence calmly.

“Is it because we’re retiring? Or-”

She stared at Prez Tamaki and continued.

“Or is it because Shintaro is retiring? That’s why Komari-chan is forcing herself?”

“...Perhaps. However, I can’t represent Komari, nor do I know how she feels.”

Komari’s first love is already entirely over. Nothing will change at this point.

Even so, she wants to turn that someone she loves into someone she has loved.

Also, wanting to remember the irreplaceable days she has lived out with the three of them, a girl who’s a background character like me is trying her best to scream out her feelings.

These are probably my own imagination. However, at this point, I want to let Komari do whatever she wants.

“She’s the kouhai who senpai is proud of. Please believe in her.”

Prez listened to me silently. He shrugged and seemed to have given up arguing.

“...Got it. We’ll listen to you this time.”

He put his hand on Tsukinoki-senpai’s shoulder, who seemed like she wanted to say something before shaking his head.

“Well, Nukumizu, what should we do next?”

“Uh, next…?”

There’s no class tomorrow. We can use the whole day to prepare for Tsuwabuki Fest. The classroom we borrowed will be open tomorrow as well.

“Can you two meet in that classroom after tomorrow morning’s homeroom? I’ll give a heads-up to Yanami-san and Yakishio.”

“Very well, let’s fulfill our responsibilities before that. Nukumizu also has things to do, right?”

“...Indeed.”

Right now, Kaju must be making tons of desserts on her own.

I’m afraid she probably feels abandoned right now and will soon start throwing a tantrum. I have to spoil her more after Tsuwabuki Fest.

*

The next day. Friday. A day before Tsuwabuki Fest.

The time displayed on my watch is exactly 7:00 AM.

I tried to hold my yawn in as I looked around an empty classroom on the second floor of the west school building.

This is the exhibition venue of the Literature Club. Even though I say it’s an empty classroom, I’ve visited this place a few times since it’s always used for elective and tutorial classes.

I came here at this time with one thing in mind. This is a so-called “headstart”. I want to look cool for once too.

Everyone got Komari’s exhibition draft by midnight. It’s a gigantic masterpiece with over 50,000 words.

I can check that later. Let’s set up the place first.

I moved the table to the corridor. The back of the classroom finally freed up after repeating that tens of times.

…By the way, this is exhausting.

I paid attention to my waist, and I lifted another table. Eh, the table suddenly became lighter.

“Nukkun, I told you you could leave all the physical work to me.”

The refreshing voice reminds me of summer.

Yakishio lifted the table around her chest. She seems to be showing off.

“Eh, why is Yakishio here?”

“What do you mean why? I’m a part of the Literature Club, too, right? I just need to move this to the corridor, right?”

Yakishio easily lifted the table to the corridor.

“I was thinking of texting you after homeroom.”

“I’ve heard from Yana-chan. Nukkun wants to do it yourself, right?”

Yakishio dashed back from the corridor. She then stacked the tables into two layers.

“Komari-chan got sick after pushing herself too hard. Nukkun shouldn’t do the same.”

“I’m not pushing myself. I just want to do whatever I can.”

“Utilizing the power you have around you is also one of the things you can do.”

Yakishio gave me a cheerful smile as she quickly raised the stacked tables.

“It’s not the so-called returning a favor. Instead, I simply want to help out.”

…The “favor” Yakishio talked about must be referring to what happened at the end of the summer holiday, right?

I’m a person who goes with the flow. Therefore, I still don’t even know what I can and cannot do right now.

“I didn’t do anything if you’re talking about what happened during the summer holiday. Yakishio doesn’t need to return anything.”

Yakishio put down the desks she had been hugging.

“...Nukkun, even though you say that, I felt really happy back then.”

With a slightly serious expression, Yakishio looked at me and repeated.

“I felt really happy.”

Yakishio’s eyes gazed into me. I couldn’t help but feel attracted to her dark-colored pupils.

“...Thanks, then can you help me out here?”

“Of course. Actually, Nukkun can rely on me more!”

With that, she smacked my back. It hurts.

Yakishio gave a charming smile and moved the stacked tables at once.

I tried stacking the desks together and lifting them as well, but I quickly gave up. They are so heavy.

“Right. Did you just say you heard about me from Yanami-san?”

“Yeah, yesterday, Yana-chan told everyone that-”

Yakishio returned from the corridor promptly. She suddenly paused.

I looked in her direction. Yanami is standing at the classroom’s door.

She showed a confident smile as she peeled off the packaging paper of a convenience store rice ball.

“Tuna egg yolk filling is the accumulation of peak human wisdom. The person who invented it deserves the Yanami Award.”

A sudden breeze stroked Yanami’s hair. She’s sparkling under the sun.

The packaging paper is flying around like petals.

“Good morning, Yana-chan!”

Yakishio ran toward Yanami. They high-fived each other energetically.

“Hello, Remon-chan. Also, Nukumizu-kun must want to cry out joy from seeing me here, right?”

“Nope, I just want you to pick up your trash right now.”

“...I was going to pick them out later.”

Yanami made a fuss and picked up her trash at the same time.

Yakishio knew what happened to me from Yanami. Now I know that. However…

“Yanami-san, how did you know I would come in the morning?”

“Imouto-chan told me that, you know? Nukumizu-kun, your explanation of what happened yesterday was a total mess. You just said you were good even after I offered my help. That’s why the only person I could ask is Imouto-chan.”

Yanami took a bite of the rice ball. I could hear her chewing the dry seaweed.

“Wait, when did you exchange contact with Kaju…?”

“We are friends, you know? All of us are also part of the Literature Club, and we are also worried about Komari-chan. Right, Remon-chan?”

Yanami ignored me and started eating her second rice ball. This girl eats really quickly.

“Yeah, Nukkun. We aren’t strangers.”

“Uh, I can apologize to you two about this. Well, since when did you exchange contacts with Kaju-”

“Nukumizu-kun, did you forget about us too?”

A familiar voice interrupted me.

I turned around. Tsukinoki-senpai and Prez are standing shoulder to shoulder.

“Senpais are arriving this early too?”

“Yanami-san asked us to meet up. We can’t just let Nukumizu steal all of the spotlights.”

Next to him, Tsukinoki-senpai’s glasses are reflecting light.

“Come to think of it, this is like a club preparing for a doujin expo. In a sense, this is my field.”

“...Senpai, this is just an exhibition for the Literature Club. No weird books.”

“Relax, I’m already 18 years old. It’s fine for me to sell those books.”

“Please wait until graduation for that.”

I’m relieved to see the usual senpai.

“What’s wrong? You’re looking at my face and smiling.”

“No, how should I put it…? I’m glad to see that you’re unexpectedly energetic.”

Tsukinoki-senpai showed a mature smile.

“Thanks for worrying about me. A lot happened with Shintaro yesterday. I’ve calmed down by now. I’m 18 years old, after all.”

“...Koto, come here for a second.”

“What’s wrong, Shintaro? You look scary.”

“Now’s not the time for that. Come over here.”

Prez brought Tsukinoki-senpai to the corridor.

What on Earth happened yesterday? I should stop thinking about it…

“Yeah, …anyway, thanks for coming, everyone.”

After that, Yakishio gave me a meaningful blink.

“Nukkun, don’t forget that there are more people.”

Eh, who else? Aside from Komari, all Literature Club members are already present.

Then, a tiny face appeared from the corridor’s window.

“Oh, everyone is here. Mitsuki-san, here they are.”

What is she doing here? Next, Asagumo-san and Ayano walked into the classroom together.

I dropped my jaws. Ayano showed me his usual friendly smile.

“I’ve said we’re willing to help you anytime, right? It’s time for us to do something.”

Ayano looked at Asagumo-san. The latter took out a notebook and opened it.

“Remon-san has already sent me the exhibition draft. I read it once while on my way to school. Also, I already made a design plan.”

“Read it once, …eh, this has 50,000 words, you know?”

Asagumo-san nodded. Her forehead is sparkling.

“Yes, I’m thrilled. This is a fantastic article full of the author’s unique analysis. The most intriguing part, in my opinion, is the author’s reevaluation of the relationship between Soseki and his disciples.

Asagumo-san continued her monologue.

This draft is almost half of a light novel. Reading it is fine, but I can’t believe she can implement it into her design plan…

I took the notebook with a tinge of disbelief.

“Considering that we want the guests to have an easier time reading, I’ve decided to put all content onto 8 mold papers. After referencing newspaper layouts, the framework also has notes for including illustrations for children.”

“You referenced newspaper?”

“Indeed, it’s impossible for the guests to finish reading all 50,000 words. That’s why we should let them understand the summary of the article through the title and photographs. Then we can let them choose to read the part they are interested in.”

I opened the notebook. There are already rough designs of the 8 mold papers. Indeed, the design reminds people of a newspaper.”

“Is this made while thinking about the association between articles?”

“Yes, of course. I’ve already memorized the draft in my brain.”

Asagumo-san said calmly.

Upon a closer look, there are even notes of the number of pages and lines of the draft.

I’m overwhelmed by my admiration for Asagumo-san’s capabilities. Yanami gave me a thumbs-up as she drank a carton of coffee milk.

“Yeah, that’s how it feels. So, please relax.”

Why are you the one acting so arrogant?

Ayano pointed at the notebook.

“It seems the draft intends to be designed in a newspaper format. I’m planning to borrow computers from the IT Room and make the actual layout.”

It should be possible if these two say so. I have more confidence in Tsuwabuki students who aren’t in the Literature Club.

However, there’s still one issue.

“Do we have time to copy all that onto the mold papers? We still have other preparations. The workload could be too much.”

“I have an idea about this. Can I take a look at the notebook?”

Prez came back from the corridor and took the notebook.

Behind him, Tsukinoki-senpai is looking at his back with a dreamy expression.

…Please tell me these two didn’t do anything weird in the corridor.

“I’ve found a store that has large printers. We are planning to give them the draft before noon. Ayano-kun and I will help settle the layout, and we’ll take back the product before the deadline.”

…Oh, these two.

“Do Prez and Ayano know each other?”

“This is my first time meeting Ayano-kun in real life, but we introduced ourselves to each other yesterday night.”

Yesterday night?

At this point, Yakishio took out her phone and showed it to me.

“Yana-chan made a Line group yesterday night. She invited Mitsuki, Chi-chan, and me, you know?”

“...I wasn’t invited.”

I started throwing a tantrum. Yanami looked over.

“Well, it’s because Komari-chan and Nukumizu-kun always want to bear everything alone. So, this is a group created to help you two in secret. Of course, Komari-chan wasn’t invited as well.”

I know, but I still feel lonely.

Prez looked at everyone with a serious expression.

“Ayano-kun, Asagumo-san, and I will handle the exhibition. Nukumizu and Koto will set up the place and do any prep work. I hope Yanami-san and Yakishio-san can help Nukumizu out when you two have spare time during class preparations. Please, everyone?”

Yanami put out her hand first. Then, Yakishio and Asagumo-san put theirs on top.

“Come here, Nukumizu-kun. Put your hand on top.”

Yanami raised her head and urged me.

I put my hand there tremblingly. Suddenly, Prez raised his voice.

“Well, let’s work together the day before Tsuwabuki Fest!”

“Oh!”

“O-Oh…”

I voiced out too late. I really wanted to dig a hole and hide there. During this time, Yanami patted my shoulder.

“Eh, what…?”

“How was it? How did your super attractive advisor Yanami-chan do?”

Right. I still haven’t fired her yet.

“Well, let’s continue the contract next season.”

“Alright, I’ll be in your care from now on.”

Yanami patted my shoulder once again. She chuckled and wiped the rice grain off her lips.

*

The classroom setup is already taking shape after moving all unused desks to the corridor.

Yanami and Yakishio are writing guiding messages on the blackboard.

“Nukumizu-kun, what are we doing next?”

Tsukinoki-senpai pushed her glasses. She seems prepared.

“Let me think. Sticking the exhibits after setting up the place, we need to put the desserts and club magazines in the right place. That’s all.”

“...Do we not have a billboard of some sort? We should have a menu if we’re selling desserts.”

“Those two are writing that on the blackboard.”

“The guests can’t see those on the blackboard if they don’t enter the classroom. Also, it will be too plain without any decorations. Where are we putting the club magazines?”

“Well, on the table?”

Tsukinoki-senpai took out a piece of cloth from her school bag.

She covered the table with it and put the club magazines above.

“Look, doesn’t it look much better with a tablecloth? Also, we need this as well.”

With that, she put a “New Release” sign on it.

“What’s this?”

“It’s like <Hiyashi Chuka Hajimemashita>. Something like the sugidama hanging in front of a sake shop. [TL: <Hiyashi Chuka Hajimemashita> translates to “Chinese Cold Ramen Is On Sale”. This is a song made by the comedian Amemiya after seeing the exact slogan in front of a ramen shop. Sugidama are those cedar balls made by sake makers.]

Heh, it’s all suddenly looking pretty good.

“We still need posters. ‘The Literature Club Magazine includes novels written by members. Free copies are available to those who are interested.’ We at least need to convey this message to them. Don’t tell me you’re just planning to write that in the corner of the classroom?”

Yes.

Tsukinoki-senpai started looking around.

“Also, Nukumizu-kun, where are the decoration materials and posters?”

“Ah? We didn’t prepare those in particular.”

Tsukinoki-senpai’s face turned dark.

“Hold on, Nukumizu-kun. How were you planning to set up this classroom?”

“Hmm, we first put our exhibits in the classroom’s 4 directions, then we’ll put some related desserts and stamp desks next to those.”

“Alright, what’s next?”

What’s next? I don’t…

“Nope. That’s all.”

“...Alright, gather up, everyone! Those two over there too.”

Tsukinoki-senpai clapped loudly.

Yanami and Yakishio wiped off the chalk dust as they gathered around.

“Since this is worse than imagined, I’ll be taking over the general command of setting up the place.”

My command has been usurped.

“We need posters, leaflets, and decorations for the opening tomorrow. First, let’s come up with a list of required materials.”

Tsukinoki-senpai took out a notebook and started writing something quickly.

“We must have a set of colored papers and double-faced tape. A coin box and ledger should be prepared for transactions too. There’s a portable coin box in my house. I’ll bring that here later. We only need a stack of coins for changes, right? That needs to be prepared beforehand as well. Also, we don’t seem to have baskets for desserts. Nukumizu-kun, have you prepared the stamps and cards already?”

“I’m planning to buy them once I have time-”

“Well, let’s prepare all of that together. Is anyone going on a shopping trip?”

“Sure, I’ll go!”

Yakishio raised her hand energetically. Tsukinoki-senpai tore off a page from her notebook and handed it to her.

“Get these if the 100-yen shop nearby is open. Don’t forget the receipt. Also, there are too many things. Can Yanami-san help too?”

“Sure, but we still have our tasks in the class. We can’t stay for too long.”

“Understood. Leave the rest to Nukumizu-kun and me after finishing shopping in the morning.”

…What happened? She’s not the Tsukinoki-senpai I know?

Isn’t she an IQ conversationist aside from BL conversations?

“Well, there is a mountain of things to do. Let’s work until the bell rings.”

Senpai clapped her hands again. Yanami and Yakishio returned to the blackboard.

Well, I’m making the leaflets and posters, right? I looked around the classroom again. Then, Tsukinoki-senpai put her watch before my eyes.

“Nukumizu-kun’s middle school is lending tatamis to us, right? The car has been prepared. We’ll head out before noon.”

“Well, I studied there, but I don’t know anyone except my little sister.”

It’s been only a few months since the end of my three-year middle school life, yet I already feel like I’ve gone a long way.

It’s going to be a long day before Tsuwabuki Fest-

*

I stopped, raised my head, and looked at the clock. It’s already past 2 PM.

The exhibition draft was handed to the printing store right before the deadline. Prez went there after being notified that it was finished.

As for me, I’ve been making posters and leaflets since morning. I just put down the tatamis I had borrowed in the classroom.

Ayano patted my back after helping me out.

“Well, it’s time for us to head back.”

“Good luck, Nukumizu-san.”

“Thanks for the help.”

After thanking and bidding farewell to Ayano and Asagumo-san, I’m the only one left in the classroom.

Tsukinoki-senpai went to return the delivery trolley used for the tatamis.

Yanami and Yakishio have to participate in the play rehearsal for Street Halloween.

…I guess I did a great job. I praised myself and lay down on the tatamis.

I thought the exhibition and desserts were all I needed. It wasn’t until then that I realized the workload was kind of overwhelming.

Tsukinoki-senpai drove me there too. I can’t do anything alone, right…?

“Oh, I’m feeling it. This classroom is looking nice.”

Tsukinoki-senpai entered the classroom. She looks unprecedentedly reliable right now.

“Thank you very much. I didn’t expect you to show up in a truck.”

“My house runs a business. I only need a regular license to drive that.”

Tsukinoki-senpai is in her PE clothes. She laughed and sat next to me with her legs crossed.

“But it was quite a surprise. I thought this school didn’t allow students to drive.”

“You’re right. I would’ve been suspended if people saw me.”

…Wait, what did this person just say?

“I was sitting next to you.”

“We would’ve been suspended if people saw.”

Senpai pinched her PE uniform and showed it to me.

“Why else would I show up in a jersey? I also know driving a truck in my uniform would cause trouble.”

…How about you stop walking on a tightrope if you fully understand the potential consequence?

Senpai took out a plastic bottle filled with tea.

“But I’m surprised. Your little sister is very adorable. She’s popular too. Are those boys who have helped me move the tatamis members of her fan club?

“No, you misunderstood. Those are just kind students who happened to pass by. First of all, it’s still too early to talk about love in middle school.”

To my strong and concrete argument, Tsukinoki-senpai showed a surprised look.

“...Is Nukumizu-kun a siscon? Come to think of it, you seemed to have brought little sister-themed light novels into the club room.”

It’s because I can’t put those at home.

“Fiction and reality are two separate matters. Senpai also writes BL stuff, but you don’t want Prez to have a boyfriend, right?”

“I’ll gladly accept it if I can watch. No, it’s more like I’ll be boiling.”

Eh, …really?

“Well, you still care about her even if you’re not a siscon. She’s so popular, after all.”

“My little sister was a normal student when I was in middle school. No, it’s more like she was the complete opposite of being popular.”

“Really? That’s unexpected.”

…I remembered what happened last year when Kaju first entered middle school.

“It was because she kept telling everyone she was in the same school with the best older brother in the world. That’s why there were rumors in the first-year girls about a super handsome third-year boy named Nukumizu.”

“Eh, then, was Nukumizu-kun very popular in middle school as well?”

“The next rumor quickly popped out. There isn’t a third-year student like that. While Kaju Nukumizu is very cute, she’s always saying nonsense.”

I twisted the cap of the plastic bottle open.

“She still looked a bit innocent in her first year, but it was relieving to know she was having fun with everyone today.”

However, as her older brother, I shall never acknowledge the existence of her fan club.

For some reason, Tsukinoki-senpai’s face suddenly switched from her smile to one of confusion.

“Right. Have I met your little sister before? She looks familiar to me.”

“I think this is your first time meeting her.”

-Hold on. Kaju was staring at us during the Literature Club’s July trip. It’s not strange for her to have bumped into senpai.

But it will be troublesome if I tell her…

“It must be your imagination. I don’t think you have ever met my little sister before.”

“I see. Imagination.”

Tsukinoki-senpai looked at the ceiling. I took a sip of tea next to her quietly.

*

I walked into 1C’s classroom right before 4 PM. It already looks completely different than in the morning.

There are curtains full of decorations on the walls. “Happy Halloween” is written on the blackboard. This is totally looking like a Halloween party right now.

My seat seems to have disappeared as well. I had nowhere to go but to stand still. Then, a gentle flower scent surrounded me as someone’s BGM started playing in my mind.

“Trick or treat!”

The demon girl Karen Himemiya appeared before me. She pointed at me with one of her legs raised. What a weird pose.

…Hmm, am I blocking the path here?

I quickly hid my presence and attempted to leave silently. However, Himemiya-san dashed toward me.

“W-Wait! Nukumizu-kun, give me a reaction!”

Ah, she was trying to talk to me?

“Uh, well, even though I want to pick ‘treat’, I don’t have any snacks right now. I can give you that later.”

“O-Oh, …Nukumizu-kun, it’s better for you to relax. ‘Oh, no! I’m going to get pranked because I don’t have snacks!’ At least give me a reaction like that.”

Why does that sound a bit lewd?

“Ah, I have Black Thunder Chocolate. How about this?”

“Thank you very much. Please allow me to take that.”

Himemiya-san accepted the treat with a serious look. She suddenly burst into laughter.

“Sheesh, Nukumizu-kun, you’re so stiff. It’s almost like I’m bullying you. Alright, let’s give this to Anna.”

“Yanami-san?”

Himemiya pointed. Yanami is lying on a cardboard paper in the corner.

She’s in a white kimono with a triangular white cloth on her head. She crossed her fingers and put her hand on her stomach.

-Is she finally dead?

“Anna seems to be hungry and tired. I also think she’s really hungry.”

She said “hungry” twice. I guess so.

I went to Yanami with my chocolate in hand.

“Yanami-san, do you want this?”

Yanami immediately recovered from her dazedness and got up.

“...Nukumizu-kun?”

Yanami took the chocolate sleepily before chewing on it ravenously.

“You saved me. The kiosk ran out of bread. The school canteen is closed today too.”

“Did you not have lunch?”

Yanami nodded.

“Yeah, I only ate cup noodles.”

Doesn’t that mean you have eaten lunch?

“Right, right. The classroom looks very different now, right? We helped to decorate the classroom too, you know?”

“Isn’t Street Halloween supposed to be an outdoor activity?”

“We have to do all kinds of stuff in the classroom, okay? Like taking pictures. Nukumizu-kun, did you not look at the proposal?”

I only read the part I was responsible for. I fell silent. Yanami gave me a dumbfounded look.

“Please put more effort into your in-class activity!”

This time, she’s right. I nodded earnestly.

“Also, is the Literature Club doing alright? I didn’t help much.”

“It’s basically finished. We just need to wait for Prez to come back.”

The prep work for the Literature Club went unbelievably well. Tsukinoki-senpai’s awakening was a happy miscalculation.

“I’ll go after I’m done with class- ah, there’s chocolate on my clothes!”

I left Yanami while she was wiping and increasing the affected area and went to the notice board. If I remember correctly, our class’s plan should be out already.

I paid attention to the proposal before the board.

-There are 7 plays for Street Halloween. Not all members will take part in every play. Yanami will be starring 3 times.

At other times, it seems she will be patrolling around the school, giving children snacks, and taking photos.

“Is onii-sama not dressing up? I think you will look great in a prince’s outfit.”

“I’ll be working backstage in the Literature Club, so…”

…Hmm? What was that voice?

“Kaju!? What are you doing here!?”

“Hehe, I’m here.”

I see. She’s here…

My little sister Kaju is brimming with a smile. I feel complicated.

“You can’t just come to our high school. Here. I’ll walk you back.”

Kaju ignored my intention to bring her out of the classroom. She skillfully fixed my tie.

“Onii-sama, your tie isn’t straight. Did you eat lunch properly?”

“Ah, yeah. Anyway, you should head-”

“Nukumizu-kun, you can’t act like that. Imouto-chan took the effort and brought us gifts, after all.”

Yanami interrupted us. She’s holding a giant bag right now.

“Gifts? Did Kaju bring it here?”

“Yes, I made tons of inari sushi for everyone, you know?”

Yanami’s eyes sparkled upon hearing inari sushi.

“Everyone! Nukumizu-kun’s little sister has brought us gifts!”

Everyone looked here after Yanami said that.

Alright, let’s smuggle Kaju out when everyone’s paying attention to the inari sushi.

However, unexpectedly, the girls surrounded Kaju.

“Who’s kid is this? So cute.” “Nukumizu-kun’s little sister.” “Nukumizu?” “Her uniform is so cute. Where is she studying?”

Kaju was slightly startled at first, but she quickly recovered and smiled.

“I’m Kaju Nukumizu. Thanks for looking after my older brother!”

Kaju slightly bowed. The girls screamed in joy.

…This can’t be helped. Light novels say a girl’s weak spots are cute things and sweets. I should just look forward to Kaju’s performance here.

I watched from afar. Yakishio approached me.

“That’s Momozono Middle School’s uniform, right? Your little sister is in the same middle school as we did.”

“Of course, she’s my little sister.”

Yakishio is still in her mummy cosplay, yet her exposure has been contained. It covered her body curves properly as well. The conscience of the girls has defeated the dreams of the boys.

Kaju noticed our conversation. She went past the crowd and came to us.

“Hello, are you Yakishio-san? I’ve heard of you since a long time ago!”

Upon hearing that, Yakishio chuckled and poked me with her elbow.

“Nukkun, you’ve been talking about me in your home too? Sheesh, you can’t be helped.”

Have I ever talked about Yakishio back home…?

“Anyway, Kaju, it’s time for you to go home. You can’t just barge into our high school.”

“But I’ve already acquired the permission of onii-sama’s class teacher. What a gentle and brilliant teacher.”

Gentle and brilliant. …I won’t be so sure.

I started searching my memory to retort. Then, the person in question appeared from behind Kaju.

“Nukumizu, your little sister has sharp eyes. You can learn a thing or two from her.”

After that, Amanatsu-sensei clapped her hands.

“Hey, is everyone here? Even though it’s getting late, the class assembly is about to start.”

Kaju’s still here. Are we sure we want to be this chill?

“School time tomorrow will remain the same. We’re closing at 8 PM tonight. Tell me if you want to stay longer. That’s all.”

Amanatsu-sensei put her hand on Kaju’s hand.

“I’ve received inari sushi from Nukumizu’s little sister. It’s first come, first serve, so- ah, hey, Yanami! You can’t just start eating on your own!”

The battle for the inari sushi has begun. Kaju stood next to me.

“What a lively class, onii-sama.”

Really? …Even though I’m not sure, I guess it’s true if Kaju says so.

“Alright, Kaju. Nii-san still has work to do. I’ll walk you to the school gate.”

“Let’s go to the south gate then. Mom is waiting in her car.”

We’re walking together in the corridor after exiting the classroom. Kaju hugged my arm.

“Ehehe, going to the school gate sounds like a school date.”

“Hey, we shouldn’t stick together in front of people.”

I took out my arm. Kaju pouted in dissatisfaction.

“I can settle with handholding too. If that’s not alright, please borrow me your jacket, onii-sama.”

“Jacket? Are you feeling chilly?”

I took off my jacket and handed it to her. Kaju quickly put it on. She seems pleased.

“Yes, it’s warm. Hehe, it’s warm.”

Kaju looked at me and stepped backward with floaty steps. She almost bumped into an incoming student.

I held Kaju’s shoulders and kept her by my side.

“Hey, it’s dangerous to walk like that. Stay close to onii-chan.”

“...Yes, onii-sama.”

Kaju seems to be reflecting. She stayed by my side obediently.

Sigh, this can’t be helped. Kaju still looks like a child, after all. She must be excited to come to our high school for the first time.

“Kaju, onii-chan isn’t mad at you.”

“I know, onii-sama. I made assorted inari sushi and wasabi inari sushi. Please try them out. There are a lot.”

“Ho, I look forward to it.”

Even though I bet the inari sushi will be gone by the time I get back.

We have Yanami in Class 1C, after all-