Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 5 - Chapter 2.1

Chapter 2: Reversing at Full Throttle
It’s the next week. The first lesson is PE on Monday. It’s a long run as well.

The cold air in the morning stabs through my thirsty throat when running at the outskirts of the school.

I’m already exhausted. I slowed my pace down.

Running for 3 laps is too difficult. I’m not good at this. Can I just fall behind for a lap and laze around…?

Phew. A summer scent came through just as I was slowly running at the back of the group. This is impossible on a winter road.

A wheat-colored body appeared next to me during my confusion.

“Nukkun, are you already tired?”

-Remon Yakishio.

She’s a weirdo who got really excited when hearing about the long run and got into her gym clothes this morning.

Amanatsu-sensei scolded her in the end, and then her friends started making fun of her when she returned to the classroom to change into her uniform.

“Look, this is just the first lesson. You need to conserve your energy. Won’t you feel exhausted from running for long distances in the morning?”

“Eh, running in the morning is the best. Look, you should run faster!”

Yakishio went behind me and shoved my back with force. Please stop.

“Girls are supposed to run in the playground. Why are you coming to the guys’ route?”

“I was at the finish line already, but it wasn’t enough. I convinced the teacher to let me run in the guys’ route.”

Energetic, as usual.

I’m dumbfounded and impressed at the same time. Then, Yakishio let go of her hand and approached me.

“I heard it from Yana-chan. Your little sister has a boyfriend?”

…What a loudmouth, Yanami.

“No, I’m just suspecting it. I think he doesn’t exist when not observed. In other words, it carries the same meaning as my little sister not having a boyfriend-”

Nope, I can’t talk while running…

At this point, I’m already running out of breath. Yakishio went in front of me and got close to my face.

“Nukkun, I don’t understand at all. In other words, you mean your little sister will have a boyfriend if you observe?”

“I suppose…that’s the part…whether you can tell she has a boyfriend…or not.”

I barely managed to answer.

Yakishio spoke up calmly.

“Then why don’t we just observe her?”

Eh? What does that mean?

My brain is scrambling for an answer despite the lack of oxygen. Yakishio continued.

“As part of my make-up exam, I have to write a report for <Activity for Social Contribution>.”

“Is there…something like that…in the exam?”

“I won’t make it through the normal make-up exam. That’s why I can only use the secret technique. Amanatsu-chan told me it’s dangerous and don’t tell the others. That’s why it’s a secret, okay?”

Uh, I don’t think you should tell me either…

“Does that…have anything to do with me?”

“It’s about the observation. The Track and Field Club in Momozono allowed me to watch their practice. I can use that in my report.”

Municipal Momozono Middle School. Yakishio and I studied there. Kaju’s in there too.

“In other words, …I’ll also-”

“Right. We can just follow her to get the intelligence of her boyfriend. Is your little sister in any clubs?”

“Student…council…”

Shit, I’m at my limit. I can’t talk while running.

My steps are gradually getting wobbly…

“Oh, I didn’t know your little sister is in the student council. Well, I’ll give a heads-up to the teachers in Momozono!”

Yakishio patted my back and picked up the pace.

Her figure quickly disappeared into the distance. I finally gave up and decided to walk.

*

That night, I’m stirring something in the pot in my house’s kitchen.

I’m in charge of dinner since my parents and Kaju will be home late.

I turned off the stove and put in blocks of curry.

The door to the living room opened as I watched the slowly dissolving curry blocks.

“Onii-sama, I’m back.”

Kaju walked into the room with blushing cheeks due to the cold.

“Welcome back. You’re pretty late.”

“Yeah, there was a lot of work in student council. We had to bid farewell to the graduates today.”

Kaju dashed toward me and hugged me from behind.

“No, don’t do that when I’m cooking.”

“Nope. Kaju’s onii-sama battery is at 0%.”

With that, she put her face closely onto my back.

…My my, this side of her never changes.

However, such a clingy Kaju is starting to keep secrets from me.

I know this day will eventually arrive-

“Alright, charging complete. I’m all worked up now. Onii-sama, are we having curry tonight?”

Kaju said that as she left me and opened the fridge.

“Well, Kaju shall make salad then. Should I put in some bean sprouts?”

Kaju is just as cheerful as always.

I casually asked her as I stirred the curry on low heat.

“Ah, right, Kaju used to be in charge of general affairs in the student council, right?”

“I started to be the vice president last month. The new term starts at the new year in Momozono, remember?”

…Is that so? I recalled some vague memories, yet Kaju showed a displeased look.

“Onii-sama, you only graduated from Momozono last year. Did you already forget the sweet school life with Kaju?”

Sweet what? All I remember is trying to escape from Kaju’s clinginess.

“No, I was in the Going Home Club. I had nothing to do with the student council. If Kaju’s the vice president, what does the president look like?”

“He’s Kawai-kun from the same class. Onii-sama, why did you ask that?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. I’m just a bit curious.”

…Hmm, is the president not Tachibana-kun? But there are other members in the student council. Tachibana-kun can be one of them. However, it’s also possible for him to be her classmate-

“Onii-sama, it’s better for you to turn down the heat, you know?”

I can’t believe I forgot about that. I turned down the heat.

Kaju washed the cabbage as she hummed a song. I glanced at her.

“Well, will you be home late because of work in the student council?”

“This will probably keep up for the week. I’ll be home at around this time.”

“Hmm, I see.”

I slowly stirred the curry at the bottom of the pot.

-Yakishio and I are going to Momozono Middle School tomorrow after school.

Kaju came back just before 7 PM today.

If the same goes for tomorrow, I can fully observe how Kaju’s doing in school.

“...Onii-sama, are you lonely because Kaju is home late?”

“Ha?”

Kaju chuckled and rubbed her head on my arm.

“It’s troublesome when you’re doted on too much. Kaju feels lonely when I can’t see onii-sama, too, you know?”

“Alright, don’t move around when I’m cooking.”

…Well, it’s not like I need to deny that.

I added some haccho miso as seasoning before closing the lid.

I must be careful with tomorrow’s “observation”- I need to act as a kind and gentle big brother as usual.

*

Next day, after school. I went to my old school- Momozono Middle School’s playground.

No time for nostalgia. Yakishio’s energetic voice resonated everywhere.

“How’s everyone doing!?”

“Great!”

Yakishio raised her fist. The group of girls followed her soon.

-Momozono Middle School Girls’ Track and Field Club. These ladies are as hyped up as Yakishio.

There are students in uniforms too. They must be retired third-year students.

Yakishio certainly knows a lot of people. …The kouhai girls feel like a pain, though…

“Indeed, it has to do with her conduct. A more subtle way to put it is that Yakishio-san is an angel.”

The person repeatedly nodding with her bright forehead is Chihaya Asagumo.

She’s an elite girl who’s going out with Yakishio’s crush. However, at this point, you can say she’s Yakishio’s best friend.

…But what are you doing here? You didn’t graduate from Momozono, right?”

“Uh, …Asagumo-san. It’s a little hard to say this, but why are you here-”

At this point, I noticed several dozens of eyes focusing on me. The Track and Field girls are staring at me.

“Eh, …what…?”

I backed down out of fear. A high-pitched voice blew through my ears.

“Senpai, who is that boy?” “Is he your boyfriend?” “So unfair!” “So slim!”

Uwah, are middle school students this loud? I looked at Yakishio for help. However, she chuckled- and suddenly hugged my arm.

“Hey!?”

I wanted to run away, but Yakishio’s grip remained firm.

“Hmm, what do you girls think? Yes, please tell me your honest opinions!”

An excited cheer exploded among the crowd.

“Boyfriend! Boyfriend!” “You’re here to show off, right!” “So envious!” “So unfair!”

Ehh, …what’s with this situation? I’m dumbfounded. Yet, Yakishio blinked at me and let go of my arm.

“What a shame. He’s not my boyfriend! The correct answer is Nukkun!”

What was that? Even a middle school student won’t believe that answer, right?

“Nukkun, hello!” “Nukkun, do you have a girlfriend?” “Teach me!” “Nukkun’s so slim!”

The girls waved as they approached me.

It worked. These girls are indeed Yakishio’s kouhai.

I suppressed my emotions. Yakishio took a step forward.

“Well, let’s start running! Is everyone ready?”

“Ready!”

My my, they are finally starting the practice.

The plan is to slip away during practice. 

I was about to sneak away. Yakishio then threw her uniform jacket onto me.

“...Eh? Hey, Yakishio!”

I had to call her. Yakishio unbuttoned her shirt in the middle of the playground.

She ignored my attempt to stop her and quickly removed her shirt after getting rid of the tie.

She’s- wearing Tsuwabuki Track and Field Club’s uniform below.

“Look. I’m wearing it inside.”

Yakishio laughed as she pulled open the zipper on her skirt.

Just because you’re wearing it doesn’t mean it’s okay.

I was going to stop her, but Asagumo-san patted my shoulder.

“Right, Asagumo-san, tell her-”

“Alright, please take this as well.”

After that, she handed me Yakishio’s shirt and tie.

“Ah, this…”

“Well, Remon-san. I’ll fold the uniform and put it over there.”

Asagumo-san picked up Yakishio’s skirt and walked toward the corner of the playground.

“Thank you, Chiha-chan! Alright, do your best, everyone!”

“Yes!”

I stood there with Yakishio’s clothes in my hands. Asagumo-san waved at me.

Asagumo-san showed a mischievous smile after I dashed to her.

“Nukumizu-san. Let’s leave after folding the clothes, okay? It’s fine. Everyone totally forgot about us.”

Ah, I see. Now’s the opportunity for us to slip away.

Did Yakishio take off her clothes before everyone for this- no, she’s just a klutz, right?

I subconsciously looked to the side. Asagumo-san’s smiling with Yakishio’s dress in her hands.

“...Asagumo-san, you seem overjoyed.”

“Mitsuki-san used to study in this school, right? Honestly, I’m looking forward to it. I have to find all of Mitsuki-san’s traces.”

Asagumo-san picked up the pace in excitement. I followed her.

Well, having someone instead of investigating in the school alone is less worrying.

However, even so-

…Why is she here?

*

I peeked at the corridor from the boys’ toilet on the second floor.

A sigh of relief followed after confirming no one was around. I stepped out.

After a moment of hesitation, I unhooked the collar button and took a deep breath.

Indeed, I’m not wearing Tsuwabuki’s uniform.

Instead, it’s the male uniform of Municipal Momozono Middle School.

“The sleeves are a bit too short, right…?”

To hide a tree, go into the forest. I’m investigating in secret with my middle school uniform.

While Yakishio’s idea makes me nervous, this isn’t a bad plan since I don’t like standing out.

…By the way, is she still not done?

I turned to the girls’ toilet entrance.

Then, a girl appeared from there.

This girl is wearing a one-piece uniform. She twirled once around me.

“How do I look? It’s a little embarrassing.”

The person before me is Asagumo-san in Momozono’s girls’ uniform.

“Yep, it’s good. You can totally pretend to be a middle school student.”

“Ara, thank you. …But that wasn’t a praise, right?”

Her forehead is shining as she shows me a coy smile.

Really? I thought girls liked being told they were young. People say that all the time online. I guess you can’t trust them.

“This is Remon-san’s uniform, so the skirt is a bit too long. Look, the sleeves are oversized too.”

Asagumo-san reached out her hands and grabbed the sleeves.

“Ah, but people normally won’t notice it.”

…However, the loose sleeves feel kind of nice, you know?

There’s a girl in the Literature Club with loose clothing too, but she feels totally different, okay?

Asagumo-san’s floating from the excitement. She clenched her fists tightly before her chest.

“Alright, let’s start our adventure. Where’s Class 3-4’s classroom?”

“Eh? My little sister is in her second year, though.”

“That’s Mitsuki-san’s previous classroom. With such a good opportunity, let me know more about my boyfriend.”

What are you even here for? Why is she here, anyway.

“I’m in Class 2, so I’m not sure.”

No, wait, was I in Class 2 in my second year…?

“Well, where are the third-year classrooms then?”

“Well, it’s on the third- no, it should be the new building, right? Are we in the old building?”

“...Nukumizu-san, did you really go to school here?”

That’s impolite. It’s just that my middle school memory is a little vague.

Asagumo-san regained her energy and pointed at the end of the corridor.

“Well, let’s check it out then. The second floor is for the first-year classrooms, so the third-year students should be on the fourth floor, right?”

Asagumo-san headed toward the stairs with light steps. It’s almost like she’s gliding.

“Even though I’m fine with it, it’s kind of awkward to bump into an acquaintance in this outfit.”

“Do you have any acquaintance here?”

“No?”

Asagumo-san nodded silently and got on the stairs cheerfully.

I chased after her.

After passing the third floor and approaching the fourth, I’m surrounded by a sense of unusualness and nostalgia.

The memories are slowly taking shape in my mind.

I always plopped my head down on the stairs every morning.

The seventh anti-slip that had been peeled off for a year has now been repaired neatly.

Breathing lightly, I entered the fourth floor and gazed at the long empty corridor.

It’s lit up by the dim evening sunlight.

Even though it’s been less than a year, it feels so strange. It’s like I’m watching the scene through a phone screen.

“Mitsuki-san’s classroom is the one furthest away. I’ll go check it out.”

Asagumo-san, with her sparkling eyes and forehead, left me behind.

I slowly walked past the corridor and stopped before the Class 3-2 sign.

-This was my classroom.

I heard someone going up the stairs just as I was sinking into sadness.

People will see me if I just stand here…

I immediately dashed into the classroom after checking no one was there.

My seat was the third one from the back by the window.

I hesitated for a moment before sitting on the chair.

The city hall outside the window hasn’t changed, yet the table I have been using feels pretty tiny right now.

“It’s been less than a year…”

From that point onward, I felt like I didn’t belong in this place.

I always looked outside the window. My classmates felt as distant as the strangers on the playground-

*

Municipal Momozono Middle School, Class 3-2, Kazuhiko Nukumizu.

This is the given name I have now.

My identity as a middle school student ends in March.

That’s why there’s no need to worry about not having friends at all. No worries.

It’s the lesson break. I put my elbow on the table and opened the book I borrowed from the library.

I’ve been immersed in the <The Lapis Lazuli Kingdom> series. It’s an adventure story about a high school girl named Ryoko being reincarnated into a Chinese-style world.

The plot went into overdrive during Chapter 2 of Volume 7. The emperor of the rival empire has proposed to Ryoko. Honestly, I really want to know what happens next.

…Ryoko, that girl’s growing restless just because of the mysterious and handsome emperor’s gentle treatment. Did you forget the tsundere and manly general waiting for you back home?

I flipped the page worriedly. Then, at that moment, a voice from the seat next to me stopped my hand.

“Seriously!? That was 5 spins!”

The person with the cheerful voice is my classmate, Remon Yakishio.

She made a pose with her slim and tanned limbs. The girl’s spinning around as if she’s doing a ballet dance.

Yakishio immediately hit my table before I could even say anything.

“Ow, sorry!”

“Ah, no, it’s fine…”

I closed my book and mumbled.

“Sheesh, what are you doing, Remon?”

“Here. Sit down.”

“Eh, but-”

Even though Yakishio gave me an apologetic look, honestly, I just wanted her to leave me alone. I just want to be the class’s background.

“I’m really sorry.”

Yakishio clapped her hands and apologized before returning to her seat.

Now, allow me to start reading again. I opened the book, yet I felt I couldn’t concentrate.

-Remon Yakishio. I think she’s the captain of the Track and Field Club. She consistently receives heaps of praise during homeroom.

Athletic, all-rounded, popular, and very cute.

The complete opposite of me. She’s someone I’ll never be friends with.

…By the way, Yakishio’s look always reminds me of something-

Her tanned face. Momozono’s uniform is a one-piece skirt with unique line designs-

“Isn’t that just a cute Enoki mushroom?”

I couldn’t help but mumble to myself before raising my head. It’s not an Enoki mushroom- but Yakishio’s face instead.

“Enoki mushroom?”

“Eh!? No, uh-”

Yakishio looked at my speechless face.

“What are you reading, Nukumizu?”

“Eh? Uh, it’s from the library-”

“Hey, Remon. I’m going.”

The girl’s voice covered the words I barely managed to squeeze out.

“I’ll be right there! Sorry for bothering you, Nukumizu!”

“Eh, ah, yes.”

…I can’t believe that girl knows my name.

Yakishio disappeared like a gust of wind. Silenced returned to the classroom.

Alright, I can finally focus on reading now. The battle that decides Ryoko’s fate and the peace of the continent is about to start.

…………

…………

…By the way, isn’t this too quiet?

I raised my head from the book. I’m the only one in the classroom.

“Ah, it’s music next.”

I took out a recorder from my school bag and quickly walked toward the music room-

*

I looked around the classroom as I was immersed in memories.

Ultimately, I spent all my time until graduation reading novels and textbooks and looking out the window.

It’s not that I regret it a lot. I’m already a high school student right now. I can figure out that much.

Whether I like it or not, this is where I once was.

Where I am right now- is a little lively. The past me would’ve probably run away.

I gave a wry smile and looked outside the window. The Track and Field Club girls are nowhere to be found on the playground.

Huh, did they run outside the school?

“Yakishio, please don’t cause any trouble…”

“You calling me?”

Wha!? Yakishio showed up out of nowhere. She pulled the seat next to me and sat down.

She looks pretty cold in that uniform. However, her body is steaming slightly due to the sweat.

“Phew, that was a lot of running. The kouhais are all pretty good. I’m relieved.”

“Uh, why are you here? Are you done with the Track and Field Club already?”

“Everyone’s playing hide and seek. They say I’ll have to treat them juice if they catch me.”

“In…the school?”

I feel like they are about to cause some trouble.

Yakishio waved her hand toward her face and stared at the blackboard.

“This must be the angle. Hey, I think I used to sit here, right?”

“No, …maybe?”

I couldn’t help but answer vaguely.

Remembering a girl’s seat feels disgusting when we didn’t have anything to do with each other then.

“Look, you still remember, right? Nukkun sat next to me.”

“Eh? Did you know me from that time on?”

“Isn’t that obvious? You didn’t talk to anyone and spent all your time reading. I thought something was wrong with this guy.”

…Well, no objections there.

“Come to think of it, your impression of me was just a guy reading books alone?”

“I don’t think that’s everything. Well…”

Yakishio crossed her arms and started thinking. Then, she suddenly remembered something and clapped her hands.

“Ah! Nukkun was a stalker, right!”

What!? What are you talking about?

“No, no, no, that didn’t happen at all!”

“Huh, no, wait, Nukkun was the one who was being stalked. My bad.”

What a big misunderstanding, …eh?

“Someone stalked me? First time heard of it.”

“Yeah, she’s a petite and cute girl with long hair. Any clues?”

…So many clues. I acted calmly and asked.

“Was that person always there?”

“She was here for most of the breaks. Sometimes during class as well.”

Seriously? I didn’t notice at all.

“Hey, that’s a lot of love. Nukkun, did she ever visit your house?”

She’s here every day. We’re even living together.

“...She’s probably my little sister.”

Even Yakishio’s face turned down after hearing what I said.

“Why are your little sister being a stalker?”

I wonder why. No idea.

“Even if she’s a stalker, my little sister is one of the healthier ones. It’s fine.”

“Eh, is there such a type?”

…Sorry, no. My heart aches at Yakishio’s crystal-clear eyes.

“Didn’t you meet my little sister during the preparation for Tsuwabuki Fest? She came to the classroom, right?”

“Oh, right. I think that girl is definitely Nukkun’s stalker.”

With that, she seemed to have realized something and stared straight at me.

“What?”

“So, Nukkun is the stalker today.”

…I can’t retort.

However, I’m doing this to protect my little sister. You can say I’m a righteous stalker, a white knight.”

“By the way, now’s not the time to sit around. Yakishio’s still playing hide and seek, right?”

A girl in gym clothes appeared at the entrance before Yakishio could even answer.

“Senpai is in here!” “Hey, there she is!” “I think they are flirting with each other!”

Yakishio bounced up.

“Crap! Well, talk to you later, Nukkun!”

She hastily dashed out of the backdoor that wasn’t blocked yet.

I slowly stood up as I watched the Track and Field girls chase after her.

-Now’s not the time to act all nostalgic. I should start the investigation.

I should group up with Asagumo-san, right?

However, that girl is terrible at secret investigations. How about I just go alone…?

As if she saw through my thoughts, Asagumo-san’s head poked out of the classroom door.

“Nukumizu-san, you two were flirting, right?”

“Asagumo-san, can you please stop messing with me?”

“Ara, I’m not messing with you. Alright, I’ve already acquired the intelligence. Let’s go.”

Asagumo-san waved at me. I went to the corridor.

“Eh, uh, where did you go?”

“I didn’t want to be interrupted. That’s why I was walking around the campus. Fortunately, I found the library.”

“There’s a teacher on duty in the library during the evening, right? Are you okay?”

“Yes, we’re already buddies now. She introduced the school, class reports, and clubs to me- I’ve already checked every student in this school.”

Huh? What is this girl talking about? I chased after Asagumo-san as she walked down the stairs.

“Eh, you mean you went through every student in this school already? In that little time?”

“Yes, I have a special trick up my sleeves.”

Asagumo-san knocked her forehead and continued.

“Remember the necessary pages through images and then slowly reread them in your mind. That reduces the time required for memorization to a minimum.”

I see. I get it, but there’s something I don’t understand. Is Asagumo-san really a human?

I’m a little startled. Asagumo-san smiled.

“You’re investigating the relationship between your little sister and Tachibana-san, right? There’s only one person named Tachibana in this school, not even teachers and staff members.”

Asagumo-san suddenly turned around at the end of the stairs. Her skirt gently swayed around.

“Class 2-4, Satoshi Tachibana. A male student in the Gardening Club.”

*

The Gardening Club’s room seems to be behind the school building.

I think. Since this is my first time knowing the existence of the Gardening Club, Asagumo-san probably knows more about Momozono when she can remember the school map.

…This person can be the graduate instead of me, right?

Asagumo-san gently nodded at the third-year students passing by as we walked shoulder-to-shoulder in the corridor.

“This is such a grand library. It’s bigger than Tsuwabuki’s, right?”

“It was combined with some other rooms during the renovation. We became something called a demonstration school as well. That’s how they got it this big.”

I still know a lot, you know?

Asagumo-san stopped and looked out the corridor window.

“That’s the Gardening Club’s field. Look, the one next to the greenhouse.”

I looked in her direction. It’s a field around half the size of a classroom. There’s a greenhouse next to it too.

There’s a boy in blue gym clothes in the field. He’s spraying white powder from the bag in his arms.

“That boy must be Tachibana-kun, right? His photo is on the club introduction.”

-He’s Tachibana-kun? My throat is rumbling.

He looks to be on the shorter side of the kids his age.

He has a slim body, like a middle school student.

His eyes are quite long, which makes him look good.

Aside from the freshness, there’s an indescribable sense of attractiveness radiating from him.

…I think he’s a popular guy.

Popular boys are all no good (bias). I have to reveal who he truly is.

“Well, let’s go, Nukumizu-san.”

“Eh, hold on.”

Asagumo-san stepped out of the building and approached Tachibana-kun without hesitation.

I paused for a short moment before following her.

“Hello. Excuse us.”

“Hello. How can I help you?”

The young man Tachibana raised his head. Asagumo-san put her hands before her chest and greeted the boy.

“We’re Watanabe from the first year. It’s kind of sudden, but please let us tour around the Gardening Club.”

Huh!? How unreasonable do you have to be to say first-year students in middle school? Also, us?

A giant question mark hovers over my head. Asagumo-san gave me a mischievous look.

“We’re fraternal twins. Right, Kazu-kun?”

“Eh? Y-Yeah, onee-san.”

Wait, why are we throwing in such a complicated setting?

I nodded clumsily. The young man Tachibana looked at me in disbelief as he put the bag on the floor.

“Well, visits are always welcomed. I’m Tachibana from the second year. Are you two interested in gardening?”

“Yes, I’ve been intrigued by it for a long time. Senpai, what are you doing right now?”

Asagumo-san looked at the young man Tachibana’s feet.

“I’m preparing to plant cabbage. There are sprouts cultivated in the greenhouse. Do you two want to take a look?”

“Sure, we would love to.”

The young man Tachibana headed to the greenhouse with light steps. I grabbed Asagumo-san’s arm before she could follow him.

“Hold on, Asagumo-san. Why did you bring up twins?”

“There are 6 people named Watanabe in the first year. It’s harder for them to check.”

“Even so, twins are more likely to be suspected, right?”

“Well, how about I be your fiancee then? This feels like a rom-com. It’s so exciting, Kazu-kun.”

…Asagumo-san, are you having fun?

The greenhouse is about 8 tatamis. It’s very tidy.

“I’m cultivating the sprouts with seeds. Now’s for the final pruning.”

The young man Tachibana pointed at the big workstation at the center with a pleased expression.

A small pot is packed in a tray containing about one bundle.

The pot is a small plastic plant pot used to grow seedlings before planting them in the ground. Inside, there are sprouts with a few leaves attached.

Some of the leaves are growing out.

Asagumo-san watched them with sparkling eyes.

“Pruning means pulling off the leaves?”

“Yeah, leave the largest one intact. The rest has to be pulled off. You two can try it too, you know?”

“Sure, I would love to.”

Asagumo-san started working in excitement.

“Asa- onee-san is very interested in these things.”

“It’s because practice gives you the knowledge you can’t obtain through books. For example, even the biggest sprout has many factors at play, such as height, stem thickness, and width of the leaves, right? Kazu-kun, don’t just think about it. Use your hands too.”

Even Asagumo-nee-san’s tone changed as well.

I stood there dazedly. The young man Tachibana spoke to me in a gentle tone.

“You’re the little brother, right? Would you like to help me out?”

…Hey, a middle school student is worried about a high school student.

“Ah, yes. What should I do?”

“Can you take off the extra sprouts in this row? Take your time.”

Hmm, so I have to take out the biggest sprout in the pot.

That side- no, it’s this side, right? But this leaf looks better…

“No need to hesitate so much. Just go by your gut.”

“But won’t it wither if I pull the wrong one?”

The young man Tachibana smiled gently.

“It’s right as long as you choose it. This is just a club activity. It’s part of the experience, no matter how you cultivate it. Don’t worry about it.”

…How come I feel this person is more mature than I am? At least his mental age seems older than Yanami's.

The three of us continued working for around 10 minutes. Asagumo-san wiped the sweat on her forehead with a charming smile.

“Phew, …senpai, I’m done.”

“I’m done too. The little brother- oh, I guess that’s fine.”

That’s what people say when it’s not fine.

The young man Tachibana put the sprout tray on the shelf and clapped his hands.

“We’re planting seedlings next week, so please pay us a visit. Which class are you two in?”

“Eh?”

…Shit, we didn’t go this far into the setting.

I didn’t know what to say. Asagumo-san pulled my arm.

“Kazu-kun, we have to meet the teacher. Sorry, senpai. We’ll be leaving.”

“Ah, I see. There are always people here after school every day. You can come anytime you want, okay?”

The young man Tachibana showed a carefree smile.

“Yeah, I’ll come again. Show your gratitude, too, Kazu-kun.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you for taking care of us.”

We bowed deeply and left the Gardening Club’s field. I felt like someone stared at us until we entered the building. Afterward, I caught my breath and got my arm out of Asagumo-san’s hands.

“That was so unnatural, right? We suddenly left when he asked about our class.”

“Yeah, but that couldn’t be helped. Actually, Remon-san just texted me.”

Yakishio just texted her? When did that-

Asagumo-san smiled and reached her hand toward me.

“Tada. Onee-chan has a smartwatch.”

Smartwatch. I think it’s connected to smartphones that allow you to do various things.

The screen displayed the secret message from Yakishio.

<Category S approaching.>

…What is that? Asagumo-san swayed her finger before my frowned face.

“Kazu-kun. Even though Remon-san looks like she’s just running around blindly, she’s actually exploring the campus while searching for the target.”

Category S- as in the “S” in “sisters”?

“Ah, we should leave if Kaju’s coming here.”

I turned around and tried to run away, yet I almost bumped into someone.

“Uwah, sorry! I’m in a rush.”

“No, me too. Are you okay?”

The person who apologized was a tall girl with a hoe on her shoulder.

I think I’ve seen her before-

“Gon-chan, where are you-”

“Eek!”

I don’t think I have to say who this voice belongs to.

I grabbed Asagumo-san’s hand and hastily left.

We turned around in the corridor and watched her movement in a dark spot. During this time, a petite girl dashed toward the direction we were just in.

Shiny black hair, petite face, slim limbs, and running slowly.

I don’t have to say it- it’s Kaju.

“Nuku-chan? What’s wrong?”

“I heard from the teacher that Gon-chan went to the Gardening Club, so…”

I can hear their conversation faintly.