Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 4 - Chapter 4.2

The closing ceremony ended successfully.

The principal talked for as long as usual. His explanation of the winter holiday precautions was 5 times longer than Amanatsu-sensei’s.

The student council committee is helping the Broadcast Club out with the ceremony. Right now, they are still busy finishing everything up.

Teiara-san is checking the equipment as she deals with the clingy Shikiya-san. In other words, Shikiya-san isn’t working.

Perhaps a lot has happened between them in the past as well. However, as of now, we have solved everything we need to.

I watched the crowd at the gymnasium’s entrance dazedly.

The third-year students are trickling out, but they probably still need more time.

I kept a short distance from my classmates. Yanami came next to me.

“...Nukumizu-kun, it’s rare for you to be late today.”

“I fell asleep again. I tried to run for it on my bicycle but couldn’t make it in time.”

“Eh, don’t you go to school by train? Why don’t you use your bicycle if it’s faster?”

“It’s too tiring. Summer’s hot, and the winter’s cold.”

She made a few “hmm” at my answer before asking quietly.

“By the way, Nukumizu-kun, what happened yesterday?”

“Didn’t I text you on Line yesterday? I guess everything went alright.”

“No, isn’t that too vague? What do you mean by I guess it went alright? I won’t have such a hard time losing weight if everything goes alright.”

What on Earth is she talking about?

“I’m not sure of the exact details. Shikiya-senpai didn’t seem like I could ask her any further yesterday.”

For some reason, Yanami glared at me after hearing that.

“...Hold on, didn’t you just let those two senpais meet each other yesterday? Did you go on a date with Shikiya-senpai?”

“It wasn’t a date. We were just eating at a cafe.”

“Isn’t that a date? Spending Christmas Eve together in a cafe makes it a date, right? Heh, Nukumizu-kun surely had a good time when I was counting pi decimals…”

Counting pi decimals…on Christmas Eve?

“Do you like counting that?”

“You think I wanted to?”

Then why did you do that? Yanami glared at me ferociously.

“I bought a pi table with a million decimals to last through Christmas Eve. All of my troubles went away when I was halfway through. I can lend it to you next time, you know?”

I don’t have that many troubles. Give it to me now if you have to.

The crowd in the gymnasium has almost disappeared. Yanami took a step toward me.

“...Nukumizu-kun, about that thing after school.”

“Oh, there’s a Christmas party, right?”

Yanami nodded.

“I’m still hesitating whether I should go. How about this? I’ll convince Imouto-chan to let you go to the party with me.”

“But no one will notice me at the party. There’s no one to talk to.”

Yanami kicked my shoes displeasedly after hearing that.

“...You still have me.”

Not that she’s wrong, but everyone around will be so lively. I can predict that I won’t fit in at all.

However, in contrast to her, I don’t want them to come to talk to me just because they feel bad…

I was trying to come up with a good reason to reject her. Then, I saw Shikiya-san lifting a speaker with her hands and wobbling at the corner of the gymnasium.

It’s good that she’s working, but why do I feel it’s a little dangerous? The cable of the speaker seems to be tangled with her legs already. Ah, why is she walking sideways? She’s about to hit the wall…

I can’t take it anymore. How come that girl always makes people worry about her?

“What’s wrong, Nukumizu-kun?”

I ignored Yanami and started walking toward Shikiya-san.

I picked up the pace. Then, Shikiya-san stepped onto the cable and lost her balance.

The speaker made a huge noise when it slammed onto the ground. Everyone in the gymnasium looked here.

As for what they are looking at- I’m hugging Shikiya-san with both hands.

“Senpai, are you alright?”

Shikiya-san’s thick eyelashes are twitching as she’s in my hands. She seems surprised.

“I’m fine. …What about the speaker…?”

“Who cares about the speaker-”

I suddenly calmed down after realizing our posture right now. This is like one of those signature moves of ballroom dancing.

Nearly a hundred Tsuwabuki students are staring at us.

“H-Hey, can you stand up on your own!? You can? Then I’ll let go!”

I immediately tried to move away. However, Shikiya-san hugged my neck instead.

“Hey, senpai!?”

“Why did…you come here?”

“Huh? It’s because senpai was wobbling. It seemed dangerous, so-”

“Are you…always paying attention to me?”

Her makeup scent radiated into my nose.

Shikiya-san’s white pupils are gazing at me dazedly.

“Do you want to…go out with me…?”

Her whispers are as sweet as nectar. It’s almost like she’s stroking my neck.

After a short silence, noise rippled throughout the surrounding students.

Being at the epicenter, I first repeated what Shikiya-san said in my mind calmly- and then I frantically shook my head.

“N-No! I won’t dare to do that- I’m saying it would be too arrogant for me to do so!”

“...No?”

“Y-Yes!”

I screamed in a high pitch. Shikiya-san mumbled softly.

“...I see. …I misunderstood…”

Shikiya-san went quiet.

Everyone is looking at us from afar. They are whispering to each other.

What’s with this feeling? Did I mess something up…?

I remained still as cold sweat dripped from my body. Teiara-san squeezed out of the crowd and approached us.

“Hold on, Shikiya-senpai! What are you two doing in public!?”

She forcefully pulled Shikiya-san out of my hands.

I’m saved. Teiara-san glared at me sharply.

“N-Nukumizu-san! I knew it! You go after a girl whenever you see one! I’m disappointed in you!”

“No, no, I just helped her out because she was about to trip over. Senpai, help me out here.”

Shikiya-san nodded gently. Then, she tilted her head toward Teiara-san.

“Then, …it’s Teiara-chan’s turn…”

“Wha!? I didn’t have any-”

What? Is there something else?

I’m a little startled. As for Shikiya-san, she lifted Teiara-san’s chin with her finger.

“Should I…help you say it…?”

“N-No, thanks! N-Nukumizu-san!”

Teiara-san blushed and stood before me.

“Ah, yes. How can I help you?”

“I want to talk to you today after school. Please free your schedule!”

“Eh? Sure, I guess…”

“D-Don’t you have any weird expectations, okay!? I’ll give you a call later!”

Teiara-san pulled Shikiya-san’s hand and left after saying that.

…Uh, what just happened?

I couldn’t move, so I decided to pick up the speaker on the ground to try and get rid of everyone’s attention.

Shikiya-san’s icy skin and the warmth within her body are still lingering around my palm.

“Uh, does anyone know where I should place this speaker…?”

The surrounding noise swallows my pathetic voice.

Two-timing, complicated relationships, love triangle. These unsettling words resonated throughout my ears.

Wait, what should I do…? I looked around for help and saw Yanami.

…Ah, she looked away.

Konuki-sensei showed up in her white coat just as I was having a hard time.

“Alright, return to your classrooms, everyone. Homeroom is about to start.”

Sensei asked the students to disband as she waved at me.

“Bring that speaker over here. Follow me.”

“Ah, yes!”

I’m saved. I feel very guilty for not wanting her to approach me at one point.

Konuki-sensei came close to me from behind when I put the speaker onto the shelf backstage.

“...Things are rough on you. Why didn’t you talk to sensei about your trouble in these boy-girl relationships?”

“No, there’s no such relationship at all. I’m serious. Please stop whispering next to my ears.”

I really don’t want her to approach me, after all. It’s best for her to keep a two-meter distance.

“Sensei is really generous with things like this. There’s a paid app that lets you disguise your chat account as 5 different ones. Should I introduce it to you?”

“Uh, I’m done here. Well, I’ll be leaving.”

I ignored her and attempted to leave.

“...Hey, Nukumizu-kun.”

Sensei called me with an unusually somber tone.

“What’s wrong?”

“Sensei has experienced a lot at your age as well. Of course, I have faced them from a young person’s perspective.”

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

“But, at this point, I sometimes think if only I had faced them with a more sincere attitude.”

“Sensei…”

Konuki-sensei carried an all-knowing look. She gave me a reassuring nod.

“That’s why, Nukumizu-kun, it’s not just the body. If you face her with your naked mind and soul-”

“Okay, first of all, we don’t have any body contact.”

I interrupted her.

“Ara, not yet? Sensei is very good at that. Are you planning to do anything about it?”

“Nope, but thank you, sensei.”

She must be worrying about me in her own way, right? I smiled reluctantly.

“No worries. Do your best, Nukumizu-kun.”

Konuki-sensei winked at me and left the backstage.

As if it was waiting for this moment, a notification ringtone played from my phone.

I forgot to switch on the silent mode. At least it didn’t go off during the closing ceremony…

I sighed in relief and took out my phone. It’s a mail from Teiara-san.

The title is <Excuse Me>. It’s simple and clean, much like Teiara-san’s personality.

<After school. Mukaiyamaoikecho Park. I’ll be waiting for you on the bridge and return your thing.>

*

It’s the last homeroom of the second semester. I remembered what happened in the gymnasium after closing my ever-unchanging comment form.

“Do you want to go out with me? Shikiya-san asked.

What would happen if I had given a firm answer at the time…?

I shook my head forcefully to get rid of that thought.

That’s too good to be true. I did well there and avoided the bad ending.

Looking around the classroom, Yanami is having fun with her friends. Yakishio’s sleeping on her desk. The Himemiya married couple is flirting. All of this is the same as the first semester.

I’m relieved to be in such a familiar scene. Then, the guys in the class keep glancing at me from time to time.

…What’s wrong? Is there a ladybug on my head?

I rubbed my hair. During this time, Hakamada came and put both hands on my table.

“You were amazing there, Nukumizu.”

“Huh? What?”

“In the gymnasium. I know you’re close to the senpai in the student council, but I didn’t expect you to have something with the vice president too.”

Uh, what does that mean? I noticed the surrounding gazes and looked around. A few people immediately looked away.

“Hey, this is a total misunderstanding. I don’t have any relationships with those two.”

Hakamada nodded thoughtfully. He patted my shoulder.

“I get it. You’re having a rough time. Some people like to spread rumors, after all, no matter where you are.”

Yeah, one of those people is standing before me.

“Hey, I know you’re not a guy like that, but it’s best for you to figure out your feelings as soon as possible, you know?”

Hakamada returned to his seat after saying that. The final “like you’re the one to talk” of this year from me will be his…

The classmates have almost piped down after receiving their comments. Amanatsu-sensei clapped her hands.

“Alright, everyone. That’s all of the Christmas presents. Go back to your seats.”

Everyone sat down and waited for Amanatsu-sensei. The winter holiday won’t start until she’s done talking. The classroom finally went silent. Amanatsu-sensei spoke up respectfully.

“You know, sensei was working overtime on Christmas Eve yesterday. I went to the supermarket before it closed. There’s a 50% discount on cakes.”

…So, she’s talking about this at the end of this year. Amanatsu-sensei closed her arms and continued bitterly.

“So, sensei thought, if today is the real Christmas, wasn’t it too early to put out the 50% discount sticker? It’s fine for Christmas cakes to be left behind for two to three days, right?”

The classroom responded with silence. The wind is blowing the window, causing it to rumble.

The whole class is confused. Amanatsu-sensei slowly opened her eyes.

“-Sensei has already decided not to eat the cake until New Year’s Eve to prove I’m right.”

Please don’t.

Ignoring our worries, sensei smacked the podium with her attendance sheet. She let out a parched noise.

“Alright, that’s all I have to say to you all! Don’t get carried away by the winter holiday, everyone.”

Cheers erupted in the classroom.

I listened to the ever-unchanging complaints in the ever-unchanging classroom.

However, it’s a little different from the last semester this time.

I’m 16 years old.

*

After homeroom, everyone in the classroom is talking about the Christmas party.

Based on my observation, around two-thirds of the class will be attending. Of course, a good chunk of people doesn’t care, like me.

I took my school bag and stood up. Yanami and Himemiya-san are having a conversation.

“So, Anna can’t go to the Christmas party after all?”

“I really want to go too, but there’s work to do in the Literature Club. Sorry.”

Huh, Yanami isn’t going to the Christmas party?

What was the Literature Club work she talked about? Does she think there’s a strategy conference today as well..? If she said she wants to go, it’s not good for me to pretend I didn’t see anything, right?

I entered Yanami and Himemiya-san’s 12K zone.

“Yanami-san, we don’t need to do anything in the Literature Club today, you know?”

“Eh?”

Yanami’s expression turned stiff. As for Himemiya-san, her aura immediately brightens.

“Is that true, Nukumizu-kun? That’s great, Anna!”

“Ah- look. Don’t we have to finish the club magazine? Right, right, the printing isn’t finished, right?”

Yanami said that as she winked at me.

Hmm? What is this girl doing?

I feel like she’s giving a signal to someone, but there’s no one behind me…?

“The printing is only for Tsuwabuki Fest and club registration day. There’s nothing much to do this time.”

“O-Oh, …I see.”

“That’s great! Anna can come to the party! Hurray!”

Himemiya-san hugged Yanami with a bright smile. Even though I don’t really understand, it’s good that you two are happy.

“Well, I’ll be leaving.”

I prepared to leave. Yanami pulled my school bag.

Uh, what’s wrong? Why is Yanami giving me a murderer’s stare?

“...Obviously, Nukumizu-kun will go too, right?”

“I’ll have to meet Basori-san, so I won’t go. Well, Yanami-san, happy new year.”

She feels a bit terrifying. I have to go to the meeting spot. I turned around and glanced back at the classroom for the last time. Yanami’s eyes were like those of a dead fish as Himemiya-san dragged her away.

…But Yanami wants to go to the Christmas party, right?

Even though she has been hesitating before, a girl’s heart is surely wonderful-

*

Mukaiyamaoikecho. It’s near downtown Toyohashi. It takes around 15 minutes by bicycle from Tsuwabuki High School.

People will realize how big it is when I say its area equals three Nagoya Dome.

There’s a promenade and park around. It’s a tourist hotspot during the Sakura season too. However, it’s a little desolate on a weekday in winter.

I left my bicycle in the parking lot near the cultural hall. I came to the pondside after walking along the promenade. A long bridge split the pond into two. The bridge seems to be over 100 meters long.

We’re meeting on the bridge. By the way, why did she pick such a spot?

Even though it’s a real-life BL doujinshi, we could have just done it in the club room or behind the school building. We are talking about Teiara-san here, but I don’t think she’ll threaten my well-being, …right…?

After going through the promenade, the massive pond spreads out before me.

The pillar on the bridge writes, “Oikechohashi”. The bridge end at the opposite coast seems to be wider.

There’s a bench there. I think someone’s sitting there upon closer inspection.

The crisp breezes from the west skimmed through the water. I couldn’t help but shiver.

I can’t imagine anyone other than Teiara-san is willing to stay in such low temperatures. I took a deep breath and stepped on the bridge.

Looking from afar, she seems to be wearing a coat and scarf outside her uniform.

She seems to have noticed me already. The girl stood up and sat down worriedly.

As her figure becomes closer and closer in my view, even I’m starting to get nervous.

It’s Christmas today. Taking all that effort to invite someone to a quiet place is literally the prerequisite to a rom-com, normally.

I arrived. Teiara-san couldn’t seem to wait any longer. She lowered her head.

“Thanks for coming here.”

“I don’t mind, but why this place?”

I asked flatly despite not feeling the same. Teiara-san looked around chicly.

“No one’s here. We don’t need to worry about being eavesdropped on. Is there a better place to talk about something we don’t want others to know than this place?”

This location provides a 360-degree view of Oikecho. Indeed, there’s no way other people can know what we’re talking about with such a far distance. It’s three times bigger than Nagoya Dome, after all.

“I understand, but can’t we just go to the karaoke room or somewhere?”

“Who was the one that brought another girl here last time?”

“Yakishio just- alright, my bad.”

…Indeed, she’s the usual Teiara-san. She raised her head and glared at me.

“Then, Nukumizu-kun, what happened in the gymnasium?”

“Uh, the gymnasium…?”

Don’t tell me she heard my conversation with Konuki-sensei.

“It’s about Shikiya-senpai! Why were you two talking about dating!?”

“I don’t know, either. It’s because we’re talking about that Shikiya-senpai here.”

“Hmm, …that’s true.”

That was my last resort, yet she believed me. This girl is easy.

“Anyway, I can agree that you think my promise is fulfilled if you call me out here, right?”

“Yes. Honestly, I didn’t look forward to the result at all.”

This girl is impolite, as usual.

“As Tsukinoki-san’s kouhai, I just wanted to face this problem with you together. So, honestly, I didn’t hope those two could mend their relationship. I really appreciate you for that…”

Teiara-san seems a bit awkward. She lowered her head.

“...What happened?”

“I feel like Shikiya-senpai is getting closer to me. Nothing weird happened yesterday night, for real, right?”

“If Teiara-san is worried about that kind of thing, please ease your worries.”

“What do you think I’m worried about? Also, please don’t call me by my first name.”

Teiara-san took out a paper bag displeasedly.

“Uh, this is…?”

“I told you I’m returning your book, right? I’m a person who keeps her word.”

Isn’t there something else other than the book in the bag?

I took it in confusion. There’s a red paper box inside with a ribbon.

“There seems to be something else other than the doujinshi.”

“...It’s for you.”

Teiara-san looked away and muttered something.

-Why?

I swallowed my question back. I remembered the “Technique of Responding to a Present” Kaju taught me yesterday before I left home. I didn’t expect it to be helpful this early on.

Let me think. The first thing I need to do is…

“Uwah, I’m so happy. Can I really accept this?”

-Conveying my surprise and joy. This is absolutely important.

“Y-Yes, please don’t be so overjoyed. It’s just something a high school student can afford.”

“Don’t say that. I’m thrilled. Can I open it?”

“D-Do whatever you want.”

-Expressing my happiness repeatedly and showing the attitude and intent to open it.

Unwrap it afterward. The most important thing is to be careful here.

According to Kaju, only an elementary school boy will tear the package apart carelessly.

“...Uh, what should I do next?”

I couldn’t help but mumble. Teiara-san looked at me in surprise.

“What? What does that mean?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing. …Oh.”

There’s a green scarf inside.

“Eh, you’re really giving me this? This is too amazing, right?”

Teiara-san’s ears flared up after hearing the unexpected feedback. She plopped her head down and mumbled quickly.

“T-That’s why I told you this is just a gift of gratitude. I referenced Aichi Prefecture’s minimum wage and estimated a rough amount based on your effort, and here’s the result!”

It looks like there’s a labor contract between Teiara-san and me.

“Isn’t that a lot of money?”

“Hmm, well, …the value of this task can’t be measured with money alone. That’s why I didn’t count it. Don’t fuss over the details!”

Also, she seems to think I’m an office pick-up artist before I even know it.

“I see. Well, I’ll accept it with gratitude.”

According to Kaju’s advice, the action required when receiving personal items is-

I put on the scarf and smiled at Teiara-san.

“It’s warm. Thank you.”

“Huh!? Uh, yes! It’s made with wool!”

Teiara-san’s words aren’t making sense.

Even though I’m following the tutorial, did I mess up somewhere…?

I observed Teiara-san restlessly. She has a red scarf on her neck as well-

“By the way, is this scarf the same as Basori-san’s except for the color?”

“I-It’s just a coincidence! This is the only kind of scarf the APITA Store has!”

“I don’t mean anything. I like green quite a lot.”

“Sure, that’s…great.”

Teiara-san seems to have found her composure. This is the final level.

Hmm, if I remember correctly, the line should be-

“Thank you very much. I’ll take care of this. This will remind me of Teiara-san every time I see it.”

…Very well. That’s all of Kaju’s technique for accepting presents.

I relaxed my shoulders. As for Teiara-san, her face blushes so hard that steam seems to appear on her head. Her whole body is trembling.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“...Don’t get carried away.”

Teiara-san plopped her head down and mumbled.

“What?”

“D-Don’t get carried away!”

Teiara-san glared at me with teary eyes. She poked my chest with her finger.

“Listen up! This is just a simple gift of gratitude! It’s just a coincidence that the package looks a little weird because it’s Christmas!”

What? …Why is this girl so angry?

Indeed, Kaju’s technique is a little too early for me, right? I should have practiced with Komari first…

“Alright, I get it. Calm down.”

“No, you don’t! With this opportunity, let us have a nice discussion about fixing the inappropriateness in the Literature Club…”

Wait, it’s not over yet?

Her momentum forced me to the railings of the bridge. A cheerful melody played next to my ears.

“Ah, I have a phone call. Can I pick it up?”

I don’t know who you are, but you’re my savior. I turned away from Teiara-san and took out my phone.

The name of the savior displayed on the screen is- Anna Yanami.

…Guess I’m not saved.

Yanami should be at the Christmas party right now. Honestly, I have a terrible feeling.

I have no choice but to press the accept button. Karaoke songs and people’s laughter can be heard from the other side.

“Hello?”

No answer. The cheers echo afar like background music.

Well, it looks like I can hang up. I tried pressing the end button.

“...Save me.”

Someone mumbled. Yanami’s deep voice is drowned out by the noise.

“Ha? Hey, Yanami-san?”

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. …Eh, she hung up on me. Did she die?

I turned to Teiara-san again as I prayed for Yanami.

“Uh, did something happen?”

“Well, it’s not a big-”

Cheerful “dings” can be heard from my phone non-stop as if it was to interrupt me.

At a glance, text after text appears on the notification screen.

The sender is Yanami. She’s still alive.

<Aren’t you coming to the Christmas party?>

<It’s really fun.>

<Just think of this as falling into my trap for once.>

<Come here.>

You aren’t fooling me. Nothing good will come out of this.

I closed my heart, but more messages attacked me.

<Where are you?>

<Come over here.>

<Hurry up and let me fool you.>

See? She’s tricking me, but things will worsen if I don’t go now…

“Sorry, Basori-san. They asked me to go to a club meeting. I have to go.”

“Eh, I see. Sorry for suddenly bringing you out.”

Teiara-san lost her momentum completely. I shook my head.

“I’m the one to apologize. Thank you very much for your scarf!”

I purposefully looked at my watch and immediately departed the scene.