Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 4 - Chapter 1.2

The next day, I watched the student council room from the corner of the corridor after school.

According to the intelligence from Shikiya-san, the student council room is about to be empty.

…Of course, this isn’t just a coincidence. Instead, Shikiya-san arranged this for us beforehand. This is based on our tacit agreement that we shall not contact each other.

Yanami poked her head out slightly beneath my arms.

“Hey, how long do we have to wait?”

“Please be quiet, Yanami-san. Those two are about to head out-”

Ka-chak. The door to the student council room opened. Vice president Teiara Basori came out.

Then, Shikiya-san is the next one to appear. She glanced at us before following her.

…Alright, the student council room is empty now. Yanami and I exchanged looks.

We slipped into the student council room while ensuring no one saw us.

I looked around the room after closing the door with the back of my hand.

The president’s desk should be at the back of the room behind the long tables. It’s an old and glamorous wooden table and a big chair. The shelf and lockers are next to the walls.

Yanami dashed to the middle of the room thrillingly.

“It’s literally like we’re doing bad things. It feels exciting.”

“Oh, no, we are actually doing bad things.”

-Here’s our plan.

Shikiya-san brings away Teiara-san at the right time, and then we sneak into the student council room. Then, we should investigate Teiara-san’s locker.

The best scenario is that the doujinshi is there. Even if we can’t find it, we may know Teiara-san's hobbies and secrets. This will be a staging ground for further attacks.

“The second uppermost one from the right. …So, this one?”

I mumbled to myself to cover my guilt as I reached my hand toward the locker.

“Nukumizu-kun, we don’t really need to go out of our way to bring that girl outside. Why don’t we just come when Shikiya-senpai’s here alone?”

“Rumor has it that Basori-san locks her locker before going home. According to Shikiya-senpai, she’s probably hiding something in there.”

Despite my emotions, I must finish the investigation before those two return.

There seems to be a treasurer in the student council besides the president. He appears to be patrolling around the sports clubs now. This is a rare opportunity. I can’t afford to miss it.

It’s definitely not because I want to peek into a girl’s locker. Absolutely not. Please believe me.

I opened the locker quietly. Books and documents are kept tidily inside.

Magazines, a girl’s makeup bag, etc. None of the stuff associated with “entertainment” are found.

Yanami peeked into the locker next to me.

“Oh, this locker is radiating self-discipline. Perhaps Basori-san is unexpectedly similar to me.”

“In what ways?”

“Now you don’t get it, Nukumizu-kun. I’ll eat up all the snacks if I place them in my locker. That’s why I never stock up.”

Is there nothing else for this girl to put into her locker aside from snacks?

“Fine, got it. Help me take a look. It’s not good for me to touch a girl’s belongings.”

“It’s okay. This seems more like a teacher’s locker than a girl’s. Nukumizu-kun, what’s in that paper bag over there?”

There’s a bookstore paper bag between rows of books and documents. This seems familiar. Is there something important inside?

I hesitated, but I eventually took a look inside. It’s filled with exam papers.

“Are these…all of the exams and grades since April…?”

This is an invasion of privacy. I put the bag back where it was.

We checked again. What was left seemed to be paperwork for the student council only.

At least we know Teiara-san is a serious person. We have no other clues.

I sighed in relief and closed the locker.

“Nukumizu-kun, something fell off.”

Yanami bent down and picked up a small piece of paper.

What is it now? This slip seems familiar-

During this time, the door to the student council room suddenly opened. A student came in before we could even prepare.

Yanami shoved the paper into my pocket and quickly turned around.

“...Eh, what are you two doing here?”

The person swept his bangs around as he showed a calm smile.

Looking at the tie and his uniform, he seems to be a boy, …right?

No wonder I was confused at first. This boy has a pleasant and neutral appearance along with a petite body.

Also, his movements radiate with gentleness. If anything, he seems more like a girl than Yanami.

“Uh, well…”

I stuttered. Yanami pushed me away and stepped up.

“Shikiya-senpai told us to come here. So, we’re waiting for her.”

Yanami answered with a refreshing smile.

“I see. Hey, Hiba-nee. Do you know where Yumeko-san is?”

“I don’t know. Shikiya has always been a free spirit. You two should sit down and wait for her, hmm?”

After this boy, another tall girl walks into the room.

It’s the student council president, Hibari Hokobaru. In contrast to her strong-willed appearance, she’s a rather peculiar second-year student.

We’ll raise suspicions if we just go back like this. That’s why we listened to her and sat down.

The boy took out teacups from the shelf as he smiled at us.

“I’ll go make some tea for you two. Please wait.”

“Sorry, there’s no need for pleasantries. Well-”

…Who is this person again? I didn’t see him at the president’s meeting.

He seems to have noticed my glances. A shy smile appeared on his face.

“I’m the treasurer, Hiroto Sakurai. I didn’t attend the meeting because I’m not good with crowds. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah, hello. …I’m Nukumizu from the Literature Club.”

This person seems to be the “young man Sakurai” Shikiya-san has mentioned.

His body seems to be filled with exhaustion. Somehow, this makes him appear a little lewd.

…Of course, I don’t mean it weirdly. I’m just telling the truth.

Prez reached her hand out next to Sakurai-kun while he was preparing the tea.

“Alright, let me make the tea sometimes too. Just sit tight, Hiroto.”

“Hiba-nee, you flipped the can of tea leaves upside down-”

Ah, Prez just spilled what was inside the can everywhere.

After that, Sakurai-kun kept suffering from stomach aches caused by various incidents.

“I’ll clean them up later. Let’s make the tea first.”

“Hiroto, I didn’t do anything, and then the teapot handle broke.”

“...This is bad. Indeed, please leave it to me here. Slow down, Hiba-nee.”

“The teacup broke as well, even though I didn’t do anything.”

We bid farewell to them and left the student council room when the third teacup broke.

*

We returned to the club room. I put my elbows on the table and crossed my fingers before my face.

“That was dangerous. We would have no excuse if we were caught opening Basori-san’s locker.”

Yanami nodded. She crossed her legs on the chair.

“Indeed, even though we managed to pull through sneaking into the student council room thanks to me, this normally would be a big problem, right?”

…Alright, that’s all from the last episode. Yanami and I looked at the corner of the club room.

Komari’s sitting on the chair before us. She’s looking between Yanami and my face worriedly.

“W-What? W-Why did you two sound like you were explaining something to me…?”

“We’re dragging you in, of course.”

“Come here, Komari-chan.”

“Ehh, …I-I don’t want to.”

Komari’s fear rendered her immobile. Yanami and I decided to move our chairs near her.

“So, we didn’t get much out of this investigation.”

“Indeed, it’s time for us to consider the next step.”

I nodded deeply at Yanami’s words.

“Absolutely. Well, what does Komari think?”

“T-Think about what!? W-What are you two going to do, a-anyway!?”

We thought we could force her to join, but I guess not.

I changed to a serious tone and explained again.

“People were checking our belongings yesterday at the school gate, right? It’s not just us. Even Tsukinoki-senpai’s book was confiscated as well. …It’s that real-life BL doujinshi.”

“Wha!?”

Komari’s overreacting.

I glared at her. Komari hastily hid her face behind a book.

“Come to think of it, why did she bring such a thing to school?”

“W-Who knows…?”

“Senpai mentioned that doujin is for like-minded people to enjoy only. In other words-”

I paused. Komari peeked her head out from her book tremblingly. We looked at each other.

“There are like-minded people lurking in this school. Isn’t that right?”

Komari shook her head like her life depended on it.

“W-We aren’t like-minded at all! Nukumizu being on the top is a-absolutely wrong!”

I don’t want to know your preference.

“That’s right. Senpai brought it for Komari, right? Then this can’t be helped.”

Yanami crossed her arms and nodded.

“Indeed, this is an accomplice among accomplices. There’s no running away from responsibilities. Komari-chan, you have to redeem yourself.”

“Ugh, …s-so, what should I do…?”

“In summary, Komari is already involved in this now. That’s all.”

Clack. …A noise came from the club room’s door.

On the other side of the door, a pair of white pupils is glowing faintly in the darkness.

Komari hugged her legs on the chair and shivered like a hamster.

Well, it’s time for today’s strategy conference-

*

It’s already dark outside when the strategy conference is over.

I took the train at the nearest station as I remembered my conversation with Shikiya-san.

-Shikiya-san says that Teiara-san doesn’t have any particular hobbies or interests.

She has never been seen doing anything outside of student council work and studying. Her relationship with her friends is unknown. It’s pretty unsettling. However, if anything, Shikiya-san is even more unsettling.

“Well, it’s not like I have a reason to worry about her, anyway…”

I walked around in the carriage, wondering where to sit.

“Eh, Nukkun’s taking the train this late. Did you stay for that long in the Literature Club?”

I can never get bored of this voice. It’s as refreshing as sunlight in the summer.

The girl sitting in the middle of the chain of seats and waving at me is Remon Yakishio.

Also a first-year student, she’s a Literature Club and Track and Field Club member.

A pleased expression appeared on her tanned face. She patted the seat next to her.

I thought for a moment and sat down a seat away from her.

“Yeah, we talked about a lot of things. The same goes for you, Yakishio. Did you get off your tutorial class this late?”

Yakishio bitterly smiled as she moved to the seat next to mine.

“Hiya, that was rough. It was very serious. The teachers even threatened I would be held back a year.”

Perhaps that wasn’t a threat.

“It’s good if you can pass the tutorial classes. So, which subject did you fail?”

Yakishio showed a puzzled look.

“Eh? Are there fails for each subject?”

Did she fail everything? Sensei, the threats are far from enough.

The train passed the river and stopped at the next station. Our conversation stopped for some reason as we watched the flow of commuters.

Clack. The train wobbled and moved again.

“By the way, why does Yakishio usually take the train in and out of school? You could’ve just run such a short distance easily, right?”

I didn’t really expect her to answer. Yet, Yakishio looks pretty interested.

“Hear me out! I used to go to school on my bicycle, but Mom banned it after I took a detour once. She made me sit on a train instead. Ugh.”

“Can’t you take detours with trains as well?”

“It was when I just got into this school. One time, I rode to visit Lake Hamana after class. Mom was furious when I got home late. She said it would be safer to take trains since they have a fixed schedule. Don’t you think she’s pretty strict?”

Lake Hamana is the famous brackish lagoon in Shizuoka Prefecture next door. A one-way trip from Tsuwabuki High School is 20 kilometers.

Did this girl go there to have a taste of the famous unagi pie?

“Listen to your mother, alright? That’s better.”

“Heh, Nukkun says the same thing as my Track and Field Club senpai did.”

I’m so glad there’s a proper senpai in the Track and Field Club.

“By the way, is everything okay with the training in the Track and Field Club? You can’t go when you have tutorial classes, right?”

“Yeah, I’m banned from participating in club activities for a while since I failed.”

Yakishio seemed to have sighed on purpose.

“Even though I can train myself, my body goes sluggish if I just keep running.”

Your body turns sluggish when running…?

I hesitated to complain about this. Then, Yakishio showed a mature smile I had seen some time ago.

“Well, but I do need some time to think about stuff. Perhaps this is right.”

“Did something happen to your club?”

“The Track and Field Club, …no, it should be my own problem.”

The announcement for arriving at the next station has already played before I can even ask her.

The train slowed down and slid into the platform.

Yakishio wore her school bag on her shoulder and stood up before the train stopped completely.

“Well, I’ll be leaving. Don’t be too bothered as well, Nukkun.”

“Eh? Thanks. I’ll pay attention to it.”

The door opened. Yakishio waved her hand and jumped out.

Do I look like I’m bothered by something? Well, I guess the BL doujinshi with me starring in it is a source of trouble…

I bitterly smiled as I walked away from the platform.

I tried to take out my phone from my pocket. Then, my fingertip touched a small piece of paper.

…Right.

I remembered Yanami shoving something into my pocket when Prez returned to the student council room.

I took it out subconsciously. It’s a grade sheet from the final exam.

The name printed on it is- Class 1B, Teiara Basori.

*

The next day, at lunchtime. I’m standing with a plate in Tsuwabuki High School’s canteen.

“...No empty seats.”

Even though I successfully bought a Set A Lunch like the ones before, the canteen’s seats are full of students happily chatting with their friends.

Should I just eat while standing up…?

I looked around as I made up my mind. Then, I discovered a gloomy corner at the periphery of the canteen.

Upon a glance, Shikiya-san is sitting on a 4-person circular table alone.

I passed through the crowd of students and sat on the seat before her.

“Sorry to make you wait.”

“I…just got here…”

Yesterday night, I texted Shikiya-san and said I would like a chat with her. She said we should go to the canteen.

This is my first time coming to the canteen during lunch.

Ultimately, going to the canteen alone during lunch is a bad choice. This place is like an online game. You can’t play without teammates.

“You aren’t…eating?”

“Ah, sure. Let’s eat.”

I pierced through the lunch croquette with my chopsticks. Then, laughter suddenly erupted from the next table. I couldn’t help but look away.

I’m having lunch with a female senpai in a packed canteen. Even though I’m slowly getting used to girls thanks to Yanami (?), I still have a hard time swallowing food.

Shikiya-san’s face remained emotionless. She’s breaking the grilled mackerel with her chopsticks.

“You have…something to say, right…?”

“Uh, ah, yes.”

I took a sip of tea.

“I picked this up in the student council room yesterday.”

I put the final exam grade sheet Yanami had shoved me on the table.

It says- she ranks 202 out of 228 people.

Shikiya-san just glanced at it. She’s not surprised. Instead, she just continued breaking the mackerel apart.

“Teiara-chan…has bad grades…”

“Senpai, you know that as well.”

“That girl…isn’t good…at keeping secrets.”

I nodded and pushed the paper on the table to her.

“Can you please return it to Basori-san for me? Just say she accidentally dropped it.”

“Grades…are that girl’s…secret…”

Shikiya-san skillfully picked up the mackerel’s bones and lifted them.

“So, …I have to pretend I don’t know…”

“Well, then, I guess I can’t have senpai return it.”

“Yes, …how about you…use this opportunity and get along with her?”

I was about to take back the grade sheet. Shikiya-san’s words stopped me.

A thorn has been stuck in my heart since yesterday.

Then, Shikiya-san’s words right now finally enabled me to grasp it.

“-Senpai, you have predicted this since the beginning, right?”

“Why…do you think that?”

Shikiya-san tilted her head.

“It was the same when we sneaked into the student council room. We searched the locker like what senpai said. Then, the grade sheet dropped. Isn’t this too much of a coincidence? Aren’t you aiming to let us pick this up in the first place?”

Silence ensued for a while.

“I hope Teiara-chan…can get along with…Tsukinoki-senpai.”

After separating the grilled mackerel perfectly, Shikiya-san quietly put down her chopsticks.

“That’s all, …okay?”

I assume she’s hiding something.

Perhaps she’s not lying. However, what I want to know isn’t the situation between Teiara-san and Tsukinoki-senpai. Instead…

“What happened between Tsukinoki-senpai and you last year?”

“............”

Shikiya-san’s pupils shivered slightly beneath her white contact lenses.

I attempted to continue. Then, suddenly, two energetic voices blew away the heavy atmosphere.

“Hey, isn’t this Yumeko? Didn’t you say you have something to do? Hey, we can sit down too, right?”

“Hello. Sorry to interrupt you two!”

“Huh!?”

These girls have a brilliant gold tint on their fingernails. Their uniforms are very messy.

Before I even answered, the two girls dressing like gals sat left and right to me.

From the school badge, they seem to be second-year students. So, they are Shikiya-san’s friends, right?

“It’s fine. …Let’s eat together.”

Shikiya-san seems slightly relieved. She picked up her chopsticks.

“Hey, first-year-kun.”

Gal Senpai A spoke to me. She seems intrigued.

“...Eh, well, are you talking about me?”

“There isn’t anyone else!”

The clumsy answer made Gal Senpai B chuckle joyfully.

“What’s your relationship with Yumeko? Are you her boyfriend?”

“Ha!?”

I quickly shook my head.

“No, no! Well, should I say she’s just my senpai’s acquaintance? Or…”

Looking at my reaction, the two girls laughed at the same time.

“Eh, our lunch invitation got rejected by an acquaintance’s acquaintance. I’m shocked.”

“That’s not right. Even though he said that, perhaps they were flirting before we were here. Yumeko betrayed us too.”

“No…! Say something, senpai.”

I searched for her help. Shikiya-san held her chopsticks and tilted confusedly.

“You’re…going out with me, …you know?”

“Ah, wait, wait, wait, we aren’t dating, right!?”

No way. There’s no way a gloomy character like me can break out three gal senpais’ encirclement.

I completely abandoned thinking. Gal Senpai A then put a sausage on my plate.

“Sorry for scaring you. Here’s an apology.”

“Replacement boyfriend-kun, lunch will be over if you don’t speed up, you know?”

“Yes…”

Right, Shikiya-san has been breaking her mackerel apart since then. How’s this person’s lunch going?

I secretly took a glance. Everything on her plate has already disappeared. When did she eat all of that?

Shikiya-can holds the cup of tea in her hands. We look at each other.

“What’s wrong…?”

“N-Nothing!”

I chugged the cold miso soup at once to avoid her pair of white pupils.

*

I approached the student council room that day after school.

I confirmed the grade sheet was in my pocket with my fingertip as I simulated in my mind.

-First, I’ll pretend I picked up something in front of the student council room.

Lines like “Eh, why is there something like this on the ground?” is necessary.

“...Seamless.”

Even I think this is a foolproof and perfect plan. This shall be a superb act when I increase its credibility by mumbling to myself beforehand.

Well, the only thing left is whether my throat will listen to me when I haven’t spoken anything since lunch-

-I had to change my plan immediately once I turned the corner to the student council room.

Teiara Basori, the owner of the grade sheet, is walking around the corridor with a stern face.

Teiara-san stumbled before me. She finally noticed my presence and raised her head suddenly.

“Sorry. …Tck, you’re that president of the Literature Club.”

I’m so sorry for being in the Literature Club.

Even so, I’m not here to start a fight.

“Are you searching for something?”

“Yes, but don’t mind it.”

Teiara-san seems uninterested. She wanted to get past me. However, her face immediately went pale upon seeing the paper I took out.

“Ah!? Where did you find it?”

“Well, I just picked it up there. Of course, this is a total coincidence.”

Alright, things are still progressing naturally at this point. I can still remain calm should there be accidents.

Teiara-san reached her hand out and took the grade sheet- I thought that was the case. Yet, unexpectedly, she grabbed my arms and pulled me over.

“Come over here for a second!”

“Eh? What!?”

She brought me to a dark corner beneath the stairs.

I have my back against the wall here. Teiara-san raised her head and glared at me.

“...Did you see the content?”

“Well, I just took a look-”

“You saw it!”

Teiara-san’s face suddenly got closer. There’s a faint scent of deodorant.

“I did see it, but you don’t need to mind me that much.”

“I care about it a lot! A student council committee member is supposed to be a role model for everyone, yet I barely passed the exam. How can I let anyone know about this!?”

“Uh, yeah. I know, so please calm down. Here. Take a deep breath-”

“Eh? Ah, sure.”

Teiara-san put her hand on her flat chest and took a deep breath.

“...I’ve calmed down now. All of the student council members have good grades except for me. That’s why I’ve been working hard to try and be like them more. However, I don’t want others to know this process.”

Eh, those people are that good at studying? But wait.

“Our school posts the top 50’s exam results on the notice board. Everyone will know your grades aren’t good if you aren’t on the list.”

Teiara-san’s expression froze after hearing that.

“...Teiara-san, are you okay?”

“Please don’t call me by my first name! In other words, …everyone actually knows I have bad grades!?”

“Uh, well, I guess.”

“Also, does everyone just pretend they don’t understand those elite student topics since they don’t want to hurt my feelings…?”

I have no idea.

I handed the grade sheet to the depressed Teiara-san.

“No one really cares about other people’s grades that much. Well, I’ll be leaving.”

I tried to end the conversation and run away. Then, Teiara-san went around me as if she wanted to block my escape.

“...Please wait. Does anyone else know about this?”

Teiara-san glared at me. I would be dead if her eyes could murder someone.

Uh, I’ll get a bad ending if I answer incorrectly here, right…?

“No, uh, no one.”

I replied earnestly and tremblingly. Teiara-san stared at me in silence.

“Well, …Basori-san?”

“-Tell me your condition.”

“Eh?”

What is she talking about? I’m confused. Teiara-san spoke up coldly.

“You brought me to such a dark place when you knew I was alone. Aren’t you going to make me do something in exchange for keeping my secret?”

Girl, you’re the one who pulled me here.

I wanted to diss her. Then, the unseen doujinshi’s cover suddenly flashed across my mind.

Perhaps this would be an excellent opportunity to take the book back.

I cleared my throat.

“Well, it’s not really an exchange, but-”

I was about to say something. Next, Teiara-san’s worried look as she bit her lips came into view.

…Asking for the book back here isn’t a fair exchange. Instead, it’s a one-sided threat.

To be honest, she’s the one who started the fight with the Literature Club. However, I don’t want to threaten her simply because of that.

“But what?”

“Ah, no, it’s a bit…”

Teiara-san hastily wrapped her hands around herself when I stuttered.

“D-Don’t tell me you’re trying to do some indecent things in exchange for the secret!?”

I won’t.

“I didn’t give you the grade sheet back just so I can get something. If anything, I think I have some ideas for you if you’re troubled by academics.”

Perhaps I said that out of the guilt of making things up.

Teiara-san gave me a suspicious look at my sudden suggestion.

“You mean I can inquire you about studying?”

“Not me, but my friend is the top kid in the previous exam.”

“You don’t seem like you have a friend who got no.1 on the exam.”

Alright, now I don’t feel bad at all.

“I do, and that’s a fact. I can ask that person for Teiara-san if you want.”

Teiara-san pondered it for a while. She nodded slightly after that.

“Well, can you introduce that person to me? Also-”

Teiara-san took out her flip phone and spoke up displeasedly.

“Please don’t call me by my first name.”

*

The next day, after school.

I’m at the flagship Seibunkan Bookstore before the station- no, the fast food chain next to it.

I looked around the seats on the second floor with a plate of fried chicken and cola. A Tsuwabuki couple is sitting with each other on the chairs next to the window.

They are Mitsuki Ayano and Chihaya Asagumo.

Even though a lot has happened between them and Yakishio, they are now intimate lovers.

Ayano noticed me and raised his head. I replied with the same gesture and sat before them.

“Sorry to bring you two here. Is everything fine with cram school?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s rare for Nukumizu to need our help, anyway.”

The 6th place in the final exam, Ayano smiled cheerfully.

“But did something sudden happen? You said one of your acquaintances would like some advice.”

Asagumo-san’s sitting next to him. Her squirrel-like eyes rolled around.

She’s holding an apple pie with both hands and munching on it. With such a look, it’s hard to imagine that she’s the 1st place in the final exam. Both of them are perfect elite students.

I took a sip of cola and spoke up solemnly.

“Yes, a person I know is having trouble with her studies. She’ll be here soon. I mentioned you two, and she wanted a meeting-”

I temporarily stopped.

I have a feeling. I shouldn’t lie or hide the truth from these two.

“Nukumizu? Why did you stop?”

Ayano handed a piece of fries over with a confused look. Asagumo-san ate it in one bite.

Why are these two flirting off now?

“Well, it’s a long story. Can you hear me out?”

They nodded. After that, I explained what had happened ever since I got my belongings checked. Despite not mentioning Teiara-san’s ranking, I think this is enough to qualify as not hiding the truth.

Asagumo-san’s forehead sparkled after hearing the story.

“I understood. Nukumizu-san tried to seek out Basori-san’s weak points to take back the doujinshi. …I see. It’s my time to shine!”

Yes, but also no.

“Well, I won’t deny that my goal is to take back the doujinshi. However, can you two simply talk about studying with Basori-san on my behalf today?”

“Are you sure? It’ll be bad if you can’t take it back, right?”

I shook my head toward Ayano.

“I’m not trying to grasp her weak points. Instead, I hope she can trust us. Things will go a lot smoother if she can even just understand the Literature Club a little bit. Well, even though that’s the best scenario.”

That BL doujinshi sort of counts as Tsukinoki-senpai’s creative writing.

Even though something that’s supposed to be enjoyed by individual circles getting shown in public is a problem, it should have passed the belongings checking if Teiara-san isn’t so fixated on the Literature Club.

…Come to think of it, why does she hate the Literature Club and Tsukinoki-senpai so much?

I became lost in thought. For some reason, Ayano handed me a piece of fries.

I ate it on reflex. Ayano gave me a refreshing smile.

“Sure. Of course, I’ll help you.”

“Indeed, I’m the same as Mitsuki-san. No objection.”

Asagumo-san said that. She raised her head and glanced at Ayano trustingly.

“On the surface, I’ll be discussing with you two. She’s supposed to be a partner who’s going to take references. That person doesn’t seem too keen on others knowing her grades.”

I checked my watch. It’s the promised time.

Teiara-san seems to have grasped the moment. She came up from the stairs with a plate in her hands.

She headed straight toward our table and bowed deeply.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Basori from Class B. It’s my pleasure to be with you all today.”

Eh, has this person been so formal? She’s very clumsy every time I see her.

“The pleasure’s on us. Nice to meet you. I’m Ayano from Class D. This girl is-”

“I’m Asagumo from Class F. Please take a seat, Basori-san.”

Teiara-san sat next to me.

After some chit-chatting, I brought up the topic under Teiara-san’s urge with her eyes.

“This is sudden, but how do you two study?”

“There’s not a particular way. I don’t know if it’s any use for reference either.”

Asagumo-san cleared her throat cutely.

Actually, I’m also very curious about how Asagumo-san studies. Despite not sharing the same brain, perhaps there are techniques worthy of learning.

“Hmm, first of all, recite all of the textbooks and supplementary books.”

Fighting the final boss at the start, yeah?

“For all subjects? Every single page?”

I couldn’t help but question back. Asagumo-san smiled and nodded.

“Indeed, remember all of that in your head. The rest is the same as everyone. Don’t miss the teacher’s every single word during class and revise after school.”

It looks like I’m not part of “everyone”.

Teiara-san is also excluded from “everyone” as well. She dropped her jaw dazedly.

“Well, is this of any use to Basori-san?”

“............”

Teiara-san just stared at me quietly. Brutally as well.

“W-Well, how does Ayano study then?”

This is terrifying. Let’s change the topic.

“I didn’t do anything special either since I have cram school. School lessons are more like extra revision sessions for me. Like today’s English class, for example.”

Ayano took out his notebook.

“I made a notebook for revisions to not waste too much time copying what was on the blackboard. I’ve written the teacher’s explanation on it.”

“Without copying the blackboard?”

“I just jotted down the key points. I can ask my friends if I still need help.”

I see. He has friends who allow him to ask about this easily. Hmm, I see.

I sipped the cola with a heart full of emotions. Teiara-san raised her head after jotting notes down passionately.

“This is very useful. Well, what does Ayano-san learn in cram school, then?”

“Well, in cram school-”

Asagumo-san blocked Ayano’s mouth with her tiny hands as he was about to speak.

“Mitsuki-san mainly focuses on English and Japanese. He has implemented a series of learning systems based on foundations and balanced applications. If necessary, I can tell you Mitsuki-san’s schedule from last month.”

Why is Asagumo-san doing the explanation?

Ayano bitterly smiled as she held her hand.

“Why is Chihaya answering?”

“It’s because I understand Mitsuki-san the most.”

“More than myself?”

“Of course. Mitsuki-san, you always forget about your website passwords after setting them. I’m the one who keeps telling you that.”

“Yeah, but why does Chihaya know my passwords?”

Asagumo-san smiled silently. Ayano followed soon.

…Did Asagumo-san do something terrible again? Also, it’s time for you two to stop holding hands.

The couple is flirting. Teiara-san glared at me brutally again.

You’re scary. Please stop. I understand how you feel.

*

After bidding farewell to Ayano and Asagumo-san, I stood before the archway entrance of Tokiwa-Dori. It’s right next to Seibunkan Bookstore.

Let’s get some coffee beans at the store in front. Kaju asked me to do that, after all.

Our conversation with Ayano and Asagumo-san lasted less than 20 minutes. Actually, I’m interested in how elite students study. However, I feel like half of the time, I’m just watching them flirting.

Teiara-san’s next to me. She stared at her notebook and mumbled.

“Those two spend a similar amount of time studying as I do. Perhaps I should go to cram school as well…”

“Hmm, maybe you’re right. There’s a cram school near Tsuwabuki.”

I prepared to leave after giving a half-hearted answer. Teiara-san stepped forward at the same time.

…? Is this person trying to follow me?

I tried to think of a way to ditch her. Guu, …someone’s stomach rumbled.

It wasn’t mine, of course. Next to me, Teiara-san blushed and lowered her head.

“Uh, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. …It’s because I haven’t eaten anything since morning. Sorry.”

“Why didn’t you eat anything before if you’re hungry?”

“Please review Chapter 3 of our school rules. Paragraph 3 of Article 4 states students should not visit cafes or entertainment facilities after school. It’s clearly listed on there.”

Ha, I see.

My reaction was flat. Teiara-san sighed dumbfoundedly.

“I’ve heard that we’re meeting at a fast food chain today. That’s why I didn’t eat lunch and controlled my water intake. Taking detours was banned initially, too-”

Teiara-san took out her student handbook. She opened it and showed me.

“As for Appendix 3, added in Reiwa 1, it allows proper water intake. I was about to die from thirst at the time. In other words, it counts as an emergency consumption. That’s why getting drinks there doesn’t count as taking detours.”

“Eh…”

I have no idea what this girl is talking about. There’s a rule like that? Also, someone’s following it as well?

“Basori-san, do you have friends? Are you alright?”

“I do, of course! What are you suddenly worried about!?”

“It’s because you won’t take detours with your friends, right? Won’t you look strange that way?”

“Strange in what sense!? I’ll go home, change, and meet up with them!”

That’s what makes you strange.

Teiara-san put her hands on her waist and glared at me.

“So, Nukumizu-san, are you still following me? I’m going back.”

Eh? Since when I’m following you?”

“There’s a cafe called Waltz ahead. I’m getting some coffee beans there.”

“............”

Teiara-san lowered her head again. She remained silent.

Indeed, misunderstandings like this are awkward.

“Well, if you don’t mind, how about you come with me, Basori-san? I think you can eat something inside.”

Even though it only happens once, she’s my imaginary little sister, after all. I had already formulated my words carefully, yet she still shook her head.

“I-It’s fine! Thank you very much for today!”

Teiara-san lowered her head and tried to run away- Bam, she ended up hitting her head on the archway’s pillar.

“Basori-san!? Are you okay?”

Teiara-san bent down while covering her head.

She remained in such a pose for a while. She then slowly stood up while moaning gently.

“I-I’m sorry. It’s because I was a little nervous. …I’m okay now.”

But seeing you go back like this makes me worry a lot. Well, it’s not like she wants me to walk her home, anyway.

“Basori-san, can I take some time of yours?”

I brought Teiara-san to a crepe store I frequently visit.

“How about you eat something if your stomach’s empty?”

“But this is the school rule, so-”

“You haven’t eaten anything since morning, right? The rules say that emergency water intake is allowed. The same goes for nutrients, right?”

“...Makes sense.”

She accepted it. This girl is quite easy.

I ordered a fresh strawberry crepe. Teiara-san hesitated for a while and ordered a custard chocolate banana crepe.

I took a bite. The sweetness of the cream radiates throughout the tip of my tongue. It’s an elegant duet with the refreshing sourness of the strawberry.

Indeed, this store’s crepes are the best. The bread’s crunchiness is fantastic as well.

“Hmm? Basori-san, aren’t you going to eat?”

Teiara-san held the crepe in both of her hands. She looked at me for some reason.

“...You’re so used to it.”

“What?”

“Is that how you ask girls to hang out with you?”

“I can’t even talk to girls properly, not to mention hang out with them.”

“I find your speech subtly unacceptable.”

Teiara-san took a bite of her crepe. Her face immediately softened.

“How is it? This place’s crepe is good, right?”

“This is just supplementing nutrients to me- but it’s good. This is my first time eating crepes.”

Teiara-san took another bite as she said that.

“I see. I thought girls always liked eating crepes.”

“What do you think girls are?”

It’s because that’s how they are in light novels and anime. Please don’t ruin my fantasy.

The crepe store is already getting a long line over the road. Unexpectedly, there are many adults and guys as well.

Kaju always brings me here too. However, this is my first time eating with someone other than my family. I feel a little nervous…

I secretly glanced at her. Teiara-san and I looked at each other.

“Thank you very much for today. I’ve heard something precious from them.”

“No problem. I don’t know if it’s of use to you either.”

“Yeah, perhaps it won’t work. Our difference is too great.”

Basori-san stared at her half-finished crepe and continued calmly.

“...I was still an elite student in middle school. I thought I would be competing with similar people after getting into Tsuwabuki.”

She continued self-mockingly.

“I was wrong. Passing the same entrance exam doesn’t mean standing on the same starting line. There are already differences between our capabilities at the start. Giving efforts like I used to will just make me fall behind more and more.”

Teiara-san looked into the distance. Her body suddenly shivered.

“Sorry, I said something weird. I normally won’t say stuff like that.”

“Oh, it’s fine. I understand how you feel too.”

Tsuwabuki High School is one of the best schools in the Mikawa region.

Elites in middle school will be separated into castes when clumped together.

It’s easy to understand that exam results aren’t everything. However, when facing the future upon graduation, finding another metric to measure yourself is hard.

I pondered about it to the point where I forgot about my crepe. During this time, I noticed Teiara-san’s eyes were fixed on me.

“...What’s wrong?”

“Come to think of it, how did you do in the exam a few days ago?”

“Eh, why do you ask?”

“It’s not fair for you to know my rank only. Relax. You’re not going to be worse than me, right?”

Teiara-san laughed jokingly. I’d never seen her smile before.

“I think- I’m in 47th place.”

“...Ah, that’s nice.”

Teiara-san’s smile quickly disappeared.

“Uh, it’s worse than the first term. Compared to Ayano-”

“There aren’t many Tsuwabuki students who can come close to them, right?”

Teiara-san finished the last bite of her crepe and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.

“Well, I’ll be leaving. Thanks for today.”

“Eh, sure. Me too.”

Teiara-san turned around and left after throwing the crepe packaging into the trash bin.

Although I don’t feel like we’re getting any closer, in summary, I don’t feel guilty anymore.

We still need a new plan for getting back the doujinshi. Let’s finish the crepe and-

Then, Teiara-san quickly came back.

“Did you forget anything?”

“Hey, you aren’t lying about your rank, right?”

“Yeah, it’s on the noticeboard.”

“I’m not suspecting you. I just think you’re on the perfect level for me.”

I’m not sure, but she’s dissing me, right?

Teiara-san’s expression seems to be between a smile and a threatening look.

“In other words, I’ll consult again, but it’s with you this time.”

“Me? Why?”

“My embarrassing secret isn’t that cheap, you know?”

Teiara-san departed for real after saying that.

I sighed deeply as she disappeared.

Honestly, this is a pain. However, I can’t just break off our relationship…

I quickly thought about future development as I looked around dazedly.

Next to the crepe store is the west entrance of Seibunkan Bookstore. A petite Tsuwabuki student stands behind that glass door like a security guard. Ah, that’s Komari.

Komari’s in her bloated jacket. She’s giving me cold gazes behind the glass.

…What is she doing?

“What’s wrong? Did you freeze after hitting the glass?”

Komari stepped out with a cautious expression after I opened the door.

“I-I’m here to buy stuff. N-Nukumizu, stop messing around and go write your draft.”

“I have an idea already. I’ll write that later.”

“N-Nukumizu, p-please stop saying things that Yanami has been saying lately…”

Alright, I copied the exact same thing Yanami said a few days ago.

“Komari hasn’t finished your draft either, right? We’re planning to upload it before the end of the year. Can we make it?”

“I-I’m done with it. I-I’ll send it to you later.”

…Come to think of it, this girl writes very fast.

“I see. Well, I should go back and work on my draft too.”

The tide is turning against me. I plan to leave. Komari grabbed my shirt.

“Y-You were t-together with the vice president from the student council, right? A-Are you two going out?”

“That’s not true. All of this is because of that doujinshi. Help me out too, Komari.”

“Y-You two w-were eating crepes, e-even though you two aren’t dating.”

We did. Crepes carry too much of my fantasy.

“Eating crepes is normal, right? You can have one too, Komari.”

“...C-Can I?”

“Hmm? What’s stopping you?”

Why does she need my permission to eat crepes?

I was dumbfounded. Then, Komari suddenly approached me- and bit my crepe.

“I-It’s a little crunchy.”

Komari’s eyes bulged. Her cheeks are full of crepes. She’s chewing it joyfully.

“...Ah, did I sound like I was letting you eat mine?”

I blurted that out subconsciously.

“!?”

Komari’s face flared up. She quickly distanced herself.

“Ugh!? Ah, …I-I messed up…!”

Crap, Komari’s emotions are going haywire.

Not wanting to push her further to the edge, I smiled and slowly handed out my crepe.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind it. Look, crepes are tasty, right? The strawberry is sweet.”

“S-Strawberry? …The red one…?”

“Well, yeah. Strawberries are red. How is it? Do you want another bite?”

Komari shook her head furiously.

“W-Well, I-I-I’m going home!”

Komari prepared to leave. A palm-sized paper bag dropped from her pocket.

“Komari, you dropped something.”

I picked it up. There’s a red ribbon sticker on the green packaging.

“T-That! M-Mine!”

Komari freaked out. She took it from my hands.

“Stay calm. I’m not going to steal it.”

“U-Uh, ..N-Nukumizu, I’ve heard your birthday is on Christmas. I-Is that true?”

That’s a sudden question.

“Ahh, yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

“Uh, well, this…”

She still went silent in the end. Komari put her paper bag before her chest and froze.

What’s up with her…?

“Are you okay? There’s more crepe if you’re hungry.”

Komari suddenly glared at me.

“D-Don’t get so carried a-away!”

She ran away after saying that.

Ehh, …why am I getting scolded again?

I looked at my crepe dumbfoundedly. There’s a tiny bite mark at the edge.

I hesitated for a while- In the end, I closed my eyes and shoved the entire thing into my mouth.