Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 6 - Chapter 2.3

Literature Club Report - Special Edition

<A Certain Interesting Woman> by Chika Komari

The graduation party at Faria Royal Magic Academy.

The party was a lavish ball held in a grand mansion suitable for a school attended by the nobility.

In a corner of the grand hall, Dazai, dressed in traditional Japanese attire, swayed his glass with a sullen look.

“One, two, three- what a joke.”

Dazai muttered bitterly and drained the contents of his glass.

The waltz playing from somewhere sounded exactly like those from his original world.

He half-expected a loan shark to emerge laughing from behind a pillar, revealing it all to be a farce…

As Dazai entertained these unamusing thoughts, he accepted a new drink from a passing server.

-Dazai had not been dismissed. He’s teaching at a magic academy.

But not here. He’s a teacher at the Zavit Magic Academy in the neighboring country.

Today, he’s here as a bag carrier for his sworn friend, Mishima, a superior officer.

…Graduation, huh?

It was ironic that he, who had been expelled from Tokyo Imperial University, was present at this occasion.

But that wasn't all. He had come to this world looking for someone, yet somehow ended up serving at the palace, barely making ends meet. How is this any different from when he sold manuscripts for a mere pittance?

The music had already stopped playing by the time Dazai held a new glass.

The men and women who had been dancing in the center of the hall dispersed like petals in the wind.

Dazai's gaze settled on a man in military uniform. It’s Mishima.

Having finished dancing, Mishima walks arm in arm with a girl in a dress.

Spotting the sullen Dazai, Mishima parted ways with the girl and jogged over to him.

“Mishima, you know how to dance too?”

“Madame Kunieda taught me a few steps before. Would you like to dance together?”

Dazai gruffly pushed his glass towards the smiling Mishima.

"Don't be ridiculous. But this wine isn't bad. Have you tried it?"

"We're here as attendants to the headmaster. Please don't drink too much."

"The headmaster himself has vanished somewhere. We'll do as we please."

Mishima, though exasperated, accepted the glass, held it up to the light, swirled it, and then tasted it.

"Ah, it reminds me of Burgundy's Pinot. Quite a treat."

"What's with the airs? I still think red ball wine suits me better anyway."

Dazai took the glass back from Mishima.

"Quit throwing a tantrum. You've had your share of French cuisine courtesy of the editors, haven't you?"

"Those guys only ever let me drink cheap booze. There's a different treatment for a Tokyo Imperial University graduate and a dropout like me."

Just as Dazai was about to continue his complaints, a clear young voice echoed through the hall.

"Miss Sylvia Luczel, I hereby annul our engagement!"

Both turned in surprise towards the center of the grand hall, where a young man with curly blonde hair stood.

His beauty is noticeable even from afar, and his well-tailored clothes speak of high status. Facing him is a beautiful girl in a red dress, her face strong-willed, surrounded by her honey-colored long hair.

—Annulment of engagement. Indeed, the young man had said that.

Dazai grabbed Mishima's arm and headed towards the crowd surrounding them.

"Hey, this is a real scene. Let's get a closer look."

“You have terrible taste, Dazai-san. Ahh, wait for me.”

The so-called scene is still unfolding.

“So?” The girl named Sylvia coldly dropped that with her arms crossed.

The young man backed away with a flustered look.

“Uh, I said I’m canceling…our engagement…”

"Gustave-sama, there's a certain etiquette to annulment of engagement. Where's the report listing my misdeeds addressed to my father?"

"Uh, I seem to have left it at your mansion..."

Sylvia put a hand to her forehead and sighed deeply.

"That's why I told you not to forget it. Oh, dear- Anne!"

“Y-Yes!”

The one suddenly called by name was a girl with black hair hiding behind Gustave.

Despite her modest air, her beauty couldn't be hidden entirely.

"There's no helping it. Let's hear it directly from you, the victim. Please, condemn me!"

“Uh, but you’ve always treated me well, Miss Sylvia, so condemning you is…”

“...Wait, that’s not what you said earlier.”

Sylvia frowned.

“Look, remember when I tore your dress in the forest school during summer? That was really terrible of me.”

Anne shook her adorable head from side to side.

“That was just because a bee flew into my dress, and you helped me out, Miss Sylvia.”

"That's an add-on setting from the side story! Look, remember the horseback riding event where I made the horse run wild trying to endanger your life?"

"That was because a bee flew into the horse's ear and startled it..."

"That's a ridiculous development from an anthology! Bee-related events are not recognized as official canon among the fans!”

Dazai, who had been listening with anticipation, now looked puzzled.

"...Hey, Mishima. What are they talking about?"

“I’m not sure either. Perhaps that girl-”

Sylvia's lively voice drowned out Mishima's words.

"Gustave! After all I said, you haven't done any groundwork and told His Majesty? You're taking the annulment too lightly. Very well, I shall show you all what 'served right’ really means!"

Sylvia grabbed Gustave’s arm.

"Then I shall teach you from scratch what it means to annul an engagement! Come, Anne, join us!"

“Yes, Miss Sylvia!”

Sylvia and her group quickly left the room and escaped from the crowd.

The attendees are left in stunned silence at the unfolding events.

“Dazai-san, what will those people- Dazai-san?”

“...What an interesting woman.”

Dazai, who had been watching where the three had gone with a drunken gaze, muttered softly.

Mishima shrugged boringly.

"...Are you really interested in that young girl?"

“What, are you jealous?”

Just then, music began to flow through the hall again.

Dazai finished his drink and handed the glass to a passing server.

"I've decided. I'm going to annul my current self."

“What do you mean?”

Mishima looked puzzled as Dazai shrugged his slender shoulders.

"I'm quitting my job as a teacher and going on a journey. Please convey my regards to the headmaster."

“Wait, then I’ll join you-”

Dazai shook his head before Mishima could even finish.

“You should continue teaching. Besides, there’s something I want to ask you to do.”

Dazai suddenly lowered his voice. Mishima nodded seriously.

“...If it’s something I can do.”

"I'm a bit short on travel funds. Could you help me out?"

Mishima fell silent for a moment before sighing deeply.

“You’re such a…”

"Don't worry, I'll return once I've done what I need to. Until then, please wait for me."

"But think of those who are waiting. It's not fair to them."

Dazai dismissed Mishima's protest with a wave of his hand and smiled carefreely.

"It seems I'm better suited to making others wait."

*

That evening, I’m in my room, running a mechanical pencil across my notebook.

There's only one month left in the academic year. It's about time to start planning for the Literature Club's welcome event for new members.

Creating posters and flyers, making the club magazine, and, most troubling of all, the club introduction at the new student orientation.

The thought of Komari and me on the gym stage for the club introduction feels like a premonition of disaster.

While we have Yanami, who looks good on the outside, the new students interested in the Literature Club are bound to be introverts. Putting up a stylish and attractive girl might actually intimidate them.

As a strategy, how about asking Yanami to wear a paper bag over her head?

"...That's a good idea."

As I jotted down the idea in my notebook, the band-aid wrapped around my index finger caught my eye.

Komari told me to replace it, but I've left it as it is for some reason.

I gazed at my finger dazedly.

"Onii-sama, is it okay not to take care of your finger?"

I heard Kaju’s voice from behind.

Turning around, I see Kaju sitting on my bed, knitting.

"I'll replace it after I take a bath, so it's fine. Right, when did you come into my room?"

"Kaju has been here for a while. By the way, knitting is quite difficult."

Kaju tilted her head cutely as she manipulated the knitting needles.

A small bag-like object is hanging from the needles. I wonder what she’s making.

“Even if you start knitting it now, won’t it already be summer by the time you finish?”

"People say it takes 10 months until a pregnant woman gives birth, right? Kaju thought I should start getting ready little by little."

Kaju smiled sweetly. Uh, it takes 10 months until a pregnant woman gives-

“Kaju, don’t tell me…!?”

I stood up so quickly that I knocked over my chair, but Kaju just grinned at my panic.

“No, not at all. You didn’t expect it, right? Kaju is preparing it for onii-sama instead of myself.”

Oh, it's about me, not Kaju. I let out a sigh of relief and picked up the chair.

“So, what does this have to do with me?”

Kaju’s hands stopped as she gave me a serious look.

"You don't have to hide it, onii-sama. You've finally formed a tight bond with Yakishio-san, haven't you?"

"No, that's completely wrong."

What is she suddenly talking about? Komari looked at the ceiling dreamily.

"Kaju clearly saw it. In the sea breeze, the two of you are holding hands and embracing. That sacred scene was like something out of a religious painting, and tears unknowingly streamed down Kaju's cheeks."

Wait, Kaju was there? I can understand that she got it wrong since she didn’t know the circumstances.

"No, that was just me being saved from almost falling off the rocks."

"And does saving someone involve holding hands like lovers?"

…She has good eyesight.

"That was just the momentum or the flow of the moment."

"Yes, momentum and flow are important. So, as your little sister, it's my duty to be prepared for when the flow carries Yakishio-san and you away, onii-sama.”

Kaju resumed her knitting.

“So, what have you been knitting this whole time?”

"Socks. One of them is almost finished."

"...They're quite small socks, aren't they?"

Kaju continued to knit with a smile still on her face.

"What should Kaju be called, I wonder. Auntie Kaju, Kaju-nee- Kaju-chan sounds nice too, if we’re going for a friend vibe. I have to decide how to be called from now on."

My child...? Can the men of the Nukumizu family even have kids just by themselves?

Kaju's tendency to get ahead of herself isn't new, but this time, the misunderstanding is too deep.

"Did you listen to your brother at all? Like I said earlier, Yakishio and I aren't in that kind of relationship-"

"How about Mama Kaju! If onii-sama’s child calls me that, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I'm the mama!"

That's an exaggeration.

"And if we take it a step further, it's as if onii-sama and Kaju are married!"

"Isn't that step way too big?" 

"Not at all." 

Is that so...? What a dilemma...

Kaju turned to sit back-to-back with me, continuing her knitting with a hum.

I sighed quietly as I felt her warmth on my back.

*

Two days have passed, and it’s Thursday lunchtime, the day before the graduation ceremony.

After finishing my rounds at the water fountain, I was looking at the vending machine's selections, thinking of buying a coffee.

Someone approached me as I took some coins out of my wallet.

“Ara, are you alone?”

“Eh? Yeah.”

The voice is from Teiara Basori. She parted ways with her friend and came to stand next to me.

...Ah, I see. I stepped back from the vending machine.

"I haven't decided yet, so you go ahead."

"No, I'm not buying anything."

Then why did you come over here? I tried to leave right after getting my stuff, but I caught sight of Teiara-san playing conspicuously with her smartphone.

“Eh? Basori-san, weren’t you using a flip phone before?”

"I recently switched to a smartphone. Being the only one in the student council without one was inconvenient, I realized."

Teiara-san taps her smartphone with a gleeful smile.

"I've also started using LINE. Do you use it, Nukumizu-san?"

"Yeah, it's convenient for club activities and such."

"Right! LINE is indeed the best for communication!"

For some reason, her eyes sparkled as she showed me her smartphone.

“Uh, yeah. You’re right.”

“...Yes, correct.”

Teiara-san's enthusiasm waned all of a sudden. What’s going on?

She muttered softly as she continued to fiddle with her phone silently.

"...Nukumizu-san, do you use LINE?"

What? Why did the conversation loop back? Did I just experience a time loop?

"Didn't we have this conversation already? Or am I imagining things?"

"Sorry, I've been a bit forgetful lately."

"Maybe you should see a doctor?"

Ignoring my concern, Teiara-san cleared her throat and started over.

"The other day, we went to karaoke as part of the student council. Look, I took a video. Do you want to see?"

…What a pain. But I reluctantly took Teiara-san’s phone since she handed it to me.

In the video, Prez is seen singing into a microphone held with both hands.

"Uh, what's this song again?"

"It's <Tentoumushi no Samba>. Prez is singing it at family gatherings, so we all went to practice."

Next, there's a photo of Prez and Sakurai-kun doing a duet.

The song title on the screen is <Ginza no Koi no Monogatari>...?

"Prez always looks so graceful standing there. It really shows her elegance.”

Teiara-san gazed at the screen dreamily.

Indeed, Prez looks picturesque just by standing. She’s the epitome of dignified beauty.

It’s just that her taste in music is a bit- no, quite old-fashioned.

"Prez has good posture. Did she do sports or something?"

"She was into track and field in middle school. Probably why she has a strong core."

Huh, I seem to be encountering a lot of track and field-related topics lately. But why so many photos of Prez? It's like a continuous shot, and is there really a need to take a picture of her pouring Calpis at the drink bar?

My finger stopped scrolling. There's a scene where Shikiya-san, sitting on the karaoke couch crossing her legs, leans forward, offering a Pocky stick to the photographer with it in her mouth.

The photo of Shikiya-san seems a bit risky around the chest area.

I need to check more closely just to be safe. How do I brighten the photo again?

"...Nukumizu-san, aren't you paying a bit too much attention to that photo?"

"...It's just your imagination."

I had forgotten Teiara-san was beside me.

Pretending nothing happened, I scrolled past the photo, and the scene changed from the karaoke venue.

The location appears to be a Tsuwabuki classroom, and the person in the photo is- me.

"Oh, this is from the other-"

Teiara-san snatched the phone away from me before I could finish, and then-

Slam! She forcefully tossed it into the trash can next to the vending machine.

"What? What are you doing, Teiara-san!?"

"N-Nothing! I just suddenly felt like throwing my phone away!"

…Ehh, she’s way too emotionally unstable.

"Was it bad for me to see that photo?"

"S-Shikiya-senpai took that photo on her own!"

"Uh, it was from the school's open day, right? The one taken by Shikiya-senpai."

Teiara-san suddenly stopped blushing and flailing her arms around.

"I guess it counts as one of the records if you say so."

“...Ah, yes.”

Why did she suddenly calm down?

"I don't know about that, but is your phone okay?"

"Yes, it's fine. More importantly, tomorrow is the graduation ceremony, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

Wait, is it really okay? That's a smartphone, right?

Ignoring my anxiousness, Teiara started to speak hesitantly.

"So, I was organizing last year's student council documents before the senpais leave. Tsukinoki-san seemed to have done her job properly."

"Oh, that's surprising."

"Yes. The documents were accurate, and she completed all the tedious investigations."

Tsukinoki-senpai was the vice president of the student council for about half a year last year.

It's surprising enough that she was part of the student council, but even more so that she was actually diligent.

Teiara-san simply shrugged at my surprised face.

"Well, considering she's a person of concern herself. It's a wash, I suppose."

"But that person has their good points, you know?"

Teiara-san smiled at my vague defense.

"Yes, I've finally started to understand what you mean, Nukumizu-san."

Though I'm not entirely sure what she means, it seems she's come to acknowledge that person a bit after the incident with the fresh BL book at the end of the year. I decided not to dwell on the reason why she acknowledged them.

"That's good then. She’s graduating tomorrow, after all."

"Fufu, it's sad, but honestly, I'm a bit relieved."

Teiara-san covered her mouth to suppress a laugh, and I found myself unwittingly smiling along when suddenly-

The sound of rattling metal reached us.

Looking over, I saw a cleaner collecting empty cans from the trash bin next to the vending machine.

"...Teiara-san, are you sure your smartphone is okay?"

"Please don't worry about it, and don't call me by my first name."

Teiara-san stated firmly, maintaining her posture straight ahead.

"If only I paid attention to the things that unfolded between Tsukinoki-san and me. I wanted to have a proper talk with her about it."

Ah, so that's why she approached me.

"Thanks for that. You didn't have to go out of your way."

"And about that photo earlier, please don't get the wrong idea."

"The photo from Tsuwabuki Fest? The one I was in?"

"T-That wasn't what it looked like! …I mean, I am a Nuku x Hoko shipper, but I can distinguish between reality and fiction!"

...I think I heard a disturbing term just now.

“Uh, what exactly does Nuku x Hoko-”

"Ah, well, I’m sorry if my explanation wasn’t enough! And despite how I may appear, I'm quite omnivorous in my tastes, so please don't worry!"

Nothing is reassuring about that. Please just shut your mouth.

As the cleaner finishes collecting the empty cans and walks away with the bag-

"Is your smartphone really okay? The contents of the trash bin were just collected."

Teiara-san let out a small scream after following my gaze.

"Ah, wait, please! Excuse me! I need to get that trash. Please wait!"

As I watched Teiara-san run off, I reflected on our previous conversation.

Teiara-san is a Nuku x Hoko (♂) shipper. I’m the top- no, I’m on the left. Well, I guess that’s better than being on the right… [TL: Left means top, and right means bottom in BL.]

*

The morning of the graduation ceremony feels oddly surreal.

The sky is a piercing blue. The tulip trees lined up beyond the east gate have shed their leaves, but the shift from winter to spring can be felt in the air.

A bicycle pulled up beside me as I waited at the crosswalk in front of the east gate.

"Hey, Nukumizu-kun. Were you always this early?"

It's Yanami getting off her bike. I gave her a slight wave.

"Just felt a bit restless today. It's not like it's our graduation ceremony or anything."

"Yeah, I get that. Graduation day makes even the first-year students feel a bit sentimental."

Yanami smoothed her hair back with a wistful tone.

"It's the last day with the senpais."

"Yeah. We're gathering in the club room after school. Can you make it, Yanami-san?"

"Yeah, I'll stop by after saying goodbye to some close senpais. Also-"

Yanami glanced around before lowering her voice.

"The former captain of the basketball team said he wanted to see me one last time. I mean, I thought about turning him down, but he was so persistent-"

She seemed oddly proud, twirling her hair.

"Hmm. More importantly, school ends in the morning today, right? I wonder if it's okay to invite the senpais to lunch."

"...Wait, you're not interested in what I was saying!? I bet you’re interested, right!?”

No, I’m not. In fact, I didn’t even catch all of what she said, you know, because I don’t give a shit.

"Uh, something about you and the former captain of the basketball team having a free-throw contest?"

"I didn’t say that! And I already turned him down!"

Then why did you bring it up?

"Sorry. I was too caught up in the graduation ceremony."

"Alright, alright, the light's turned green."

I went across the crosswalk with a sulking Yanami. What a hassle to start the morning with…

"So, it's not that I wasn't interested in what you were saying, Yanami-san. I just...didn't hear it. I mean, the sun was so bright this morning, and that's why-"

Yanami sighed resignedly at my rapid-fire excuses.

"I'll forgive you for trying so hard. It's graduation day, so it's understandable if you’re feeling sentimental, Nukumizu-kun."

Hmm, is this what feeling sentimental is like…?

Yanami grinned and leaned it to look at my face as I pondered.

"Are you gonna cry at the graduation ceremony, Nukumizu-kun?"

"I'm not that type of character."

"You never know. You might get teary from the atmosphere. I can lend you my shoulder if you want to cry, you know?"

"I'll just need a handkerchief then."

After parting ways with Yanami, who headed to the bicycle parking, I looked up at the tulip trees as I walked toward the shoe lockers.

My own graduation ceremony is two years down the line. Will I find myself shedding tears then?

*

The graduation ceremony is going on smoothly.

The principal's speech ended, and it was time to hand out the diplomas.

Not everyone goes up to the stage, though. Except for the class representatives, students simply stand up and respond when their names are called.

As names are called one after another, the little time left until graduation ticks away, inexorably.

Sobbing sounds from the graduates started to fill the air, and perhaps influenced by that atmosphere, sniffles began to emerge among the underclassmen as well.

"Yanami-chan, are you okay?" "Here, use a tissue." "Don't eat it, okay?"

…Yanami is crying a lot.

"Ugh, I got carried away by the mood."

Sniff. Yanami wiped her nose with the tissue given by her friends.

Somehow, seeing Yanami back to her usual self is comforting to me.

As I focused on the names of the graduating students being called, I found out that they are currently in the latter half of Class E.

The two third-year Literature Club members are in the next class, Class F. So, the names currently being called don't hold much meaning for me- wait, who is this "Paruru" person that was just called? I wonder how her name is written.

Her voice was cute, too. It's a pity I missed seeing her from behind…

While my thoughts drifted to Paruru Yodobashi-san of Class 3E, they started calling the names of Class F students.

A familiar name was announced as restlessness surfaced in my heart.

Shintaro Tamaki.

Tamaki-senpai stood up quietly, responded with a low "here”, and then sat down immediately.

His tall figure blended into the crowd of students once seated.

As I stretched my neck, trying to spot him, names continued to be called out.

Then, another familiar name is heard.

Koto Tsukinoki.

A female student with her hair tied in two buns stood up energetically, responding with a bright "Here!" a bit too eagerly.

The following student’s name is called after Tsukinoki-senpai sits down.

…And that marks the end.

Of course, the graduation ceremony continued.

But for the two of them, their high school life has concluded all its events, leaving only the epilogue to watch.

The ceremony proceeded in an unexpectedly straightforward yet depressing manner, and before I knew it, the speech by the representative of the remaining students had started.

-The student representative is Hibari Hokobaru.

Her conversational voice tightened the somewhat relaxed atmosphere of the gymnasium.

I remembered the graduation ceremony from middle school a year ago. Students were crying.

Back then, I looked at them with detached eyes.

But now, I somewhat understand those feelings.

Just feeling lonely and reluctant to part ways- and Yanami is still crying a lot.

I covered my sentimental feelings with a wry smile, silently wishing the seniors well in my heart.

*

Unaffected by my emotions, the graduation ceremony smoothly came to an end.

We returned to the classroom after clearing out of the gymnasium. There are no classes today, so this is the last homeroom session.

Even the usually cheerful Amanatsu-sensei looks somber today, gazing around at us.

"Today's graduation ceremony was nice. The student council president's speech and the previous president's response must have been forced, I mean, well-prepared, not just some act. …It was really, you know, that."

Good effort, vocabulary. Amanatsu-sensei's awkward talk went on.

"Actually, boys asked me for my contact information today. Five of them. This means that if I really wanted to, getting a boyfriend would be easy-peasy. I wonder how Takasaka is doing!"

Amanatsu-sensei daydreamed about her past glory, and then her expression suddenly darkened.

"...Wait. All those guys also invited Konuki-chan to hang out. Don’t tell me I was just bait to catch her?"

Overwhelmed by the truth that had eluded her for years, Amanatsu-sensei slumped down onto the teacher's desk.

"No wonder none of them responded when I suggested going out just the two of us..."

Class 1C fell silent. As Amanatsu-sensei tasted the bitter transformation of her sweet memories, the chatter from the next classroom suggested their HR had likely ended.

With her face still down, Amanatsu-sensei raised her right hand and waved it listlessly.

"Alright, that's it for today. If you have friends graduating, go say your farewells. And don't you dare make any sweet memories!"

Even on a day like this, Amanatsu-sensei remained her usual self, but the class, accustomed to her ways, quickly got up to leave.

I looked around for Yakishio, catching just a glimpse of her hurrying out of the classroom.

I didn’t even dare to go after her and just hesitated on the spot. Yanami, who had utterly regained her energy, approached me.

"I'm going to say hi to some acquaintances near the east gate. I'll head to the club room later, okay?"

“Alright, got it.”

The tulip tree-lined path from the east gate is a traditional spot for graduates to take photos…

Tamaki-senpai and the others are probably there now. Maybe I should go check it out…

I stood up to leave after seeing Yanami off with her friends.

Navigating through the crowd in the hallway, I found myself walking beside a male student.

Sosuke Hakamada, Yanami's childhood friend and Karen Himemiya's boyfriend.

"Going to the tulip tree path, Nukumizu?"

"I thought I should check it out. Might find some inspiration for a story."

“Typical Literature Club member. Has Anna been writing anything lately?"

"She's been writing quite a bit. Haven't you seen any of it, Hakamada?"

Hakamada shrugged with a refreshing smile.

"She doesn't want it getting back to her family through me."

Interesting. I guess that's how it goes.

Sure, reading your family's writing might not always be appealing, especially your little sister’s novel.

A group of girls rushed past us with clicking scissors as we walked and talked.

"What's with them? Some kind of battle about to start?"

"It's about getting the second button from a graduate's uniform. That's been a tradition for ages."

"Like a duel where the winner gets the button...?"

I had no idea such a light novel-esque tradition existed at Tsukubuki. Hakamada laughed and waved his hand dismissively.

"Our uniforms have the buttons sewn onto the jacket, so when someone wants to give theirs away, they bring scissors to cut it off."

I see. I had always wondered how they got the button off. It would be pretty embarrassing for graduates to carry around scissors just for that.

"Did you know? Apparently, couples who are graduating exchange their second button and second ribbon."

"Wait, what's the second ribbon?"

"Second ribbon means second ribbon. Top to bottom. I've got to make sure I can exchange with Karen in two years."

Hakamada answered nonchalantly.

The second ribbon is a common concept? Am I out of the loop?

As the scissor-wielding girls disappeared from view, Hakamada lowered his voice and asked.

“Hey, Nukumizu, has something been going on between Yakishio-san and you lately? Anna seems concerned.”

"Uh, that's..."

She was so worried she followed us on a date and even staged a mock trial in a family restaurant.

This must be what they call the unusual friendship between sports-type girls and Yanami-type girls.

"Being well-known comes with its own set of challenges, right? You would understand being Himemiya-san's boyfriend, right?"

I brushed it off with a joke and looked down at the tulip tree-lined path from the hallway window.

The mingling crowd of graduates and current students makes it hard to spot anyone I know. My gaze caught a girl hiding behind a tree trunk while searching for the senpais, her short hair and slender figure unmistakable. Yakishio…?

Just as I stopped to look, a female student approached her from behind- It's Tsukinoki-senpai.

*

...For three years, she has walked this path lined with tulip trees.

Koto Tsukinoki, who had been part of Class F in her third year at Tsukubuki High School, looked up through her glasses at the branches of the tulip trees.

The branches, completely bare of leaves, already hinted at the budding of new life.

She would have left Toyohashi by the time these buds fully opened.

Though she couldn't quite imagine her new life yet, she was certain Shintaro would be there with her.

A light tap sounded as a tube holding the diploma gently bumped Koto’s head while she was engrossed in her thoughts.

"Hey, congratulations on getting into university."

Momo Terai, the former captain of the girls' track team, greeted Koto with a bright voice. With her sharp, well-defined features, she offered a friendly smile.

"Thanks. I never thought I would be the first to secure a spot. How about you, Momo? You're looking a bit pale as if you're on death's doorstep."

"I've got my safety net, so my trip to Tokyo is secured."

Momo stood beside Koto, both gazing up at the branches of the tulip trees.

"I owe you a lot for taking care of our princess."

"It's too early for thanks. She's been skipping track practice recently, hasn't she?"

Momo leaned on Koto’s shoulder while sighing.

"There's been a lot going on. Her feelings won’t change no matter what we say, especially since we're..."

"...leaving today."

Koto finished and gazed past Momo's sun-kissed hair at the familiar school building.

Someday, this view might become a nostalgic memory.

But until they pass through the school gates one last time, this remains their place.

Surprised by her sentimentality, Koto caught a glimpse of a wheat-colored face peeking out from behind a tulip tree.

“Momo, are you still going to stay here?”

"Yeah, I'm about to take a photo with the track team. What's up?"

"Just thought I should add a little more to my thanks."

Leaving a puzzled Momo behind, Koto approached the tulip tree.

The person seems to be staring at Momo’s back. That’s why she overlooked Koto. Upon realizing that, Koto soon spoke up from behind.

"Yakishio-chan, aren't you going over there?"

"Tsukinoki-senpai!? Uh, congratulations on your graduation. I-"

Koto leaned against the tree next to Yakishio.

“How about we talk for a bit if you’re not going?”

“Uh, but…”

Koto lightly tapped Yakishio's head with the diploma tube.

"We haven't had many chances to talk, just the two of us. Let's have a chat for once."

"...Right, I wasn't in the clubroom often."

Seemingly convinced, Yakishio leaned against the tree like Koto.

"Aren’t you here to see Momo? The track team girls are gathering over there."

"It's just that...I feel awkward showing up since I've been skipping track practice. And it's the same with the Literature Club."

Yakishio looked down awkwardly.

"Ah, well. Choosing Nukumizu-kun, you've got good taste."

"We’re not really like that, uh, things must be so awkward right now..."

"It's fine, isn't it? He doesn't belong to anyone."

Koto shrugged playfully, surprising Yakishio.

"I mean, I'm one to talk. I bailed on the student council myself. Can't really say much about others."

"The reason you left the student council was..."

"To put it plainly- issues with relationships."

"Wow, hit the nail on the head, huh?"

They shared a laugh.

"In my case, it wasn't anything cool like that."

" I don't think there's anything cool or uncool about it when it’s your own issue."

Koto pulled out her phone, casually slung an arm around Yakishio's shoulder, and took a selfie.

"You're free to do what you like. You're the one who gets to decide and take responsibility for your actions."

The phone's screen displayed a smiling Koto and a surprised Yakishio.

"First, go show your face to the person you want to see."

"But I tried to run away from everything already. I even tried to pull Nukkun from the Literature-”

"No one's in a position to blame you for that. Plus-"

Koto grabbed Yakishio's shoulders, spun her around, and gave her a gentle push.

"Your dear onee-san is surprisingly mature. Go on, give it a try."

“Yes!”

Yakishio started to run, paused to bow towards Koto, and then continued without stopping.

That's as much as she can do. No one can stop her now that she has started running.

“...Nukumizu-kun can probably handle this properly.”

Koto murmured to herself, wishing her cute kouhais well.

*

As I stepped out of the building, the tulip tree-lined path was bustling with graduating students.

There were sun-kissed groups taking photos, some inexplicably singing the school anthem- these are definitely extroverts- and girls tearfully hugging each other, also undoubtedly extroverts.

Some are even exchanging contact information at this late stage. They were less "extroverts" and more "they should just explode".

I casually looked for Tsukinoki-senpai and Yakishio in the crowd.

“Hey, isn’t this Nukumizu? Did you come to see me off?”

A familiar voice reaches me from beyond my line of sight. It's Tamaki-senpai.

"Just looking around, kind of like a rubbernecker." 

Tamaki-senpai lightly lifted his diploma tube and approached me.

It’s been a while since I last saw him. He looks pretty worn out, with dark circles under his eyes.

"Perfect timing, let's head to the club room together."

"Are you done here?"

"I've taken photos with my classmates. The next time we meet is probably at the reunion party."

Huh, there's already a reunion planned.

"Don’t tell me it’s happening on the day of the graduation?"

"Most are still waiting for their exam results. It's not really the time for that."

Tamaki-senpai smiled tiredly. Being a student awaiting exam results is tough.

"Eh, forget about that. Aren't you missing a button, senpai!?"

Indeed, the second button from Tamaki-senpai's blazer is missing.

"Some first-year girl I don't know insisted on having it."

Tamaki-senpai scratched the tip of his nose.

"Could it be...a confession?"

"Nothing like that. She knows I have a girlfriend. Just wanted the button for memories, I guess. Well, I don't really get it-"

Uwah, he seems pretty pleased about it.

"Is Tsukinoki-senpai okay with that? Couples usually exchange ribbons and buttons, after all."

“Ah.”

Tamaki-senpai's face froze. He had completely forgotten about his girlfriend in his glee.

"Uh, this is bad, right? Do they sell buttons somewhere?"

"The school shop won't be open today. At this point, you should just accept the scolding. Yeah, that's best."

He gave his button to an underclassman despite having a girlfriend. A bit of scolding might be good for him. I coldly suggested this, entirely motivated by personal grievances, but Tamaki-senpai clapped his hands together in prayer.

"Nukumizu, please! Give me your second button!"

Ha!? Don’t tell me Tamaki-senpai actually has feelings for me!?

No, that's ridiculous. He probably wants to use my button as a replacement on his uniform.

"I don't mind, but do you have scissors?"

"I don't, but you have a sewing kit, right? I saw you fixing Yanami-san's blouse button in the clubroom before."

…So he saw that.

Yanami kept hopping around that day, and her button finally threw in the towel and jumped out.

"Well, my little sister made me carry a sewing kit in my bag."

"Then, I'm counting on you. It's too conspicuous here, so I'll wait for you in the courtyard."

Tamaki-senpai hurriedly left the scene.

It can’t be helped. I have to go back to the classroom to fetch the sewing kit.

I turned around. For some reason, Teiara-san is standing there while pressing a handkerchief to her nose.

"Hey, Basori-san, do you need something?"

"Uh, I was looking for Tsukinoki-san to say goodbye..."

"Ah, she might still be by the row of trees."

Despite my response, Teiara continued to stare at me motionlessly.

"...Uh, is there something else?"

"I-I can keep a secret! You can trust me!"

With that, she turned on her heel and ran off.

…As usual, she’s a puzzle.

I let out a small sigh and headed towards the classroom.

*

I found myself diligently working on needlework on a bench in the courtyard. Although Tamaki-senpai's blazer is slightly more oversized than mine, it feels strangely familiar since it's the same design.

"Sorry for making you do this right after meeting up after so long."

Tamaki-senpai sat down next to me on the bench with two cans of coffee.

"It's been a while, indeed. So, are your exam results coming out next week, senpai?"

"Yeah, if it doesn't go well, I have the final exams right after. I'm praying all this cramming isn't for nothing."

He showed an exhausted smile.

"I've also got to clear out my stuff from the clubroom. Wonder if I can carry it all in one go."

"Tsukinoki-senpai will be in the clubroom, too. Is that okay?"

"...Uh, I'll sneak in some other time to pick them up."

Yes, every man has his secrets, ones not even his girlfriend can see. Mainly, a few thin secrets, around 5 to 10. As we chatted about which thin books should be left in the clubroom for posterity, Tamaki-senpai suddenly became serious.

“What’s wrong?”

"It feels nostalgic to talk on this bench. Do you remember what happened before Tsuwabuki Fest?"

"Was it about making Komari the president?"

Tamaki-senpai nodded as he opened his can of coffee.

"I said it at the time, but I wanted you to support Komari-chan, which is why I asked you to be the vice president."

"Ended up being me who became the president, though."

"Result's all good. I think you're doing well, taking care of Komari-chan and everything else."

Feeling an implication in his words, I looked at him, and he returned a concerned gaze.

"...Everything else?"

"I've heard about Yakishio-san. She's thinking about quitting the club?"

…It seems he already knew. Well, if the girls knew, it was only a matter of time before it reached others.

"She hasn't made up her mind. The resignation hasn't been submitted yet, and since she even asked me, maybe she's still undecided."

"She asked you?"

Repeating the explanation I gave to Yanami, Tamaki-senpai crossed his arms with a puzzled look.

"So, joining the going home club means spending every after-school together?"

"I don't think Yakishio thought that far. She probably just didn't want to be alone and hence asked me-"

The discomfort I felt with my own words.

-She dragged me in because she didn’t want to be alone.

I overlooked it, thinking it was something Yakishio might do, but there's a reason we even went on a date.

I can't imagine her liking me.

It's not about self-deprecation or vanity.

The passionate gaze she had for Ayano disappeared at the end of summer.

I can't believe she would switch feelings so easily.

Did Yakishio want me to support her? Wanted advice?

Or...did she want me to stop her?

Did I overlook something on our first date since I was too caught up in the excitement?

“Don’t overthink it, Nukumizu.”

“...Right.”

I finished the buttonhole and lifted the blazer with both hands.

"Done. Yep, looks perfect."

"Oh, finished already? Nice job."

I handed over the blazer and received a can of coffee in return.

By the way, he didn't have to take the second button from mine, right…?

"Shall we go then? It's my last visit to the clubroom as a Tsuwabuki student."

"Yeah. I wonder if Tsukinoki-senpai is already there."

I stood up with a can of coffee in one hand, checking the screen of my smartphone.

There’s a message mixed in with Komari’s call to hurry over.

It simply reads, <I want to hear your answer>.

The sender is- Yakishio.

*

The emergency stairs of Tsuwabiki High School’s old building.

This is designated as the meeting spot with Yakishio to avoid prying eyes.

I climbed from the first floor to the top, but there was no sign of Yakishio.

I overlooked the distant ground from the landing of the stairs. Those sparse figures are undoubtedly living out their youth.

<I want to hear your answer>.

The "answer" must be about joining the going home club together, needless to say.

I’ve decided my answer already.

But as for what I should say to Yakishio or not, that isn’t decided at all.

I took a deep breath, and quiet footsteps approached from below.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Nukkun."

"...Ah, yeah, I just got here too."

Yakishio lined up next to me as I awkwardly fiddled with my hair.

The gentle breeze from the playground made Yakishio's bangs flutter lightly.

Her brown eyes, framed by long, downcast lashes, look wistfully moist-

"It's been a while since we came here, huh?"

Breaking the noncommittal silence was Yakishio's voice, trying to sound cheerful.

I don’t know what to say. She offered me a smile.

"Hey, remember the first president's meeting when you bullied Komari-chan? It's been since then that we all gathered together like that."

"That wasn't bullying, okay?"

Yakishio showed a troubled smile after a light laugh.

"...Sorry for doing this on graduation day. You had other people you wanted to see, right?"

"I don't mind. But are you okay with it?"

Yakishio nodded gently.

"Yeah, I was able to express my gratitude properly. Thanks to Tsukinoki-senpai."

"Tsukinoki-senpai?"

Yakishio nodded like a child.

"Like she gave me a push to my back. I always overthink and hesitate. I realized I need to properly express my feelings in words."

"Huh, that person...gave you a push..."

I was worried for a second, but on second thought, I decided to trust her for the last time.

I found the right moment to start the conversation.

“...Why do you want to quit the club?”

Yakishio began explaining after a moment of hesitation.

"You know the track team expects a lot from me, right?"

"Yeah, you've been the ace of the sprint team since middle school."

Yakishio continued with a nod.

"I think I can aim for a national appearance in the 100m dash in my second year."

"Wow, that's amazing."

My dumb reaction made her give a wry smile.

"It's not that I'm amazing. But then, I started wondering what comes after that."

What comes after...? Like progressing to world competitions after the national ones?

Yakishio continued her monologue as I stood there with a puzzled look.

"In middle school, things didn't really come together so I couldn't make it to nationals. I thought it would be nice to make it in high school. But even if I feel happy running at nationals or feel frustrated when I lose, it's all about me, isn't it?"

"...Well, maybe. Track and field is an individual sport, after all."

"The coach focuses solely on me. The others can't be happy about it, but they don't say anything. I would actually feel relieved if they hated me or even made a sarcastic remark."

Yakishio rested her elbows on the railing of the landing, her gaze drifting off into the distance.

"The coach wants me to also compete in the 200m and hurdles. But since there's a limit on how many people from each high school can participate in competitions, if I compete, it means someone else can't."

She clasped her hands in front of her forehead, closing her eyes as if praying.

"...For my sake, for the satisfaction of my current self, crushing everyone else's dreams and goals bit by bit feels really tough."

I have nothing to say.

Touching on a part of Yakishio's troubles made it clear to me.

I realized that the words within me could not comfort Yakishio's worries.

Still, I gathered up any clichéd, unhelpful words I could find and spoke up.

"...I might not understand much about track, but it's an individual sport, right? Isn't it somewhat inevitable? I've often heard it said that it's common to focus on athletes with potential."

"Even if that means sacrificing those around you, it's still not enough at nationals. Getting eliminated in the preliminaries would be considered good."

"Is that how it is?"

"Yeah, that's how it is."

Yakishio opened her eyes that she had closed, then stretched both arms up.

"Keiko, for example, has been struggling with the high jump, but I think she could improve if she changed her takeoff timing. Misuzu struggles with her cornering positions, and Nono-chan is scared of hurdles. If the coach could give them more attention, I think they could improve."

Yakishio turned around to face me.

"Everyone else would do better if I’m not there."

She said this with a smile.

That smile was unnaturally clear, incredibly beautiful, and yet seemed lonely.

"What I really love is running. I can continue running as a hobby, even by myself. Maybe I'm getting too caught up in club activities and performance."

Yakishio continued her words as if trying to convince herself.

"I hate being half-hearted, so maybe I should quit both the track team and the Literature Club. After school, I could hang out with friends or go to cram school, just be a normal high school girl."

Yakishio's words glitter and shimmer like sand spilling from a bottle, fleeting and bright. I found myself unable to move.

"But you know, I'm scared to do it alone. To give everything up, to betray everything. And yet, to still smile."

Yakishio looked at me directly, her expression earnest.

"That's why I want you to come with me."

-Why me?

That was the question that finally came to mind.

But now, I know that's not the right thing to say.

"...Are you really okay with that, Yakishio?"

Her eyelids trembled sharply.

"I'm okay with it. I've been thinking about it for a long time. It's not a whim..."

I shook my head.

"I'll support you if that's really what you want. But you've been hesitating all this time, even right now. That's why you went out of your way to go out with me-"

"Even so!"

Yakishio interrupted me.

She tried to continue speaking but stopped. She looked down like a wilted flower.

"...I said it, didn't I? That I’m a bit tired."

She shook her head slowly.

"I don't have the confidence to keep going. I can't bear to take away the chances and goals of my teammates."

There's no lie in Yakishio's words.

She's not that witted, and she's unexpectedly fragile and sentimental.

"I'm against it. I mean, I personally support you in track and field. So, I don't want you to talk about quitting."

"But that's just…"

"Yeah, it's just my selfishness. So, you should be more selfish, too."

I stepped forward, facing Yakishio, who looked doubtful.

"Don't think about the others or being a nuisance. Just run for yourself the way you like. And if one day you really hate running, that's when you can truly quit."

"That’s why I said I should quit the club-"

"But you don't want to quit, do you?"

My voice involuntarily grew louder.

"You love having fun running and getting faster. You love both, yet you can’t leave your friends alone, and you're pressuring yourself for better results. Now, you’re even missing out on things you actually want to do. I don’t understand you, Yakishio. I really don’t. Why the hell are you quitting your club and leaving all your friends just because of something like this?"

Yakishio looks genuinely happy and radiant when running in the Track and Field Club-

As if she's so charming that no one can reach her.

"It's inevitable that there will be complaints or people getting hurt. In all the races so far, you've outrun others. Winning and losing are natural as long as you’re in a competition. So, you know-"

I took a deep breath and let it all out.

"Just do what you love more. Whether it's favoritism or whatever, it's your ability that got you here."

I'm aware that what I'm saying is selfish.

A mere outsider, irresponsibly encouraging the one who has worked the hardest to keep going.

Yakishio, who had been listening silently, opened her mouth as if she had made up her mind.

"...Nukkun, if you're going to say that much, let's have a match."

"Huh? A match?"

"Yeah, a one-time 100m race. Whether we cry or laugh, that'll be the end of it."

100m- you mean running? Yakishio and me?

"No, no, no. No way, that's impossible, right!? I definitely can't beat you."

"It’s not like I can definitely beat you either."

Yakishio shrugged her slim shoulders with a wry smile.

"If I enter a competition, there are people faster than me, and if I go to nationals, I'm surrounded by people I absolutely can't beat. People like us run to lose somewhere along the way, you see."

She looked into my face with a smile that was too charming to be called challenging.

"If you win, I'll listen to you. No matter who complains, or rather, I won't let them complain. I'll give it my all, continue with the Literature Club, and outdo everyone in track, too. I'll show you."

Yakishio suddenly reached out and lightly tapped my chest.

"But if I win, Nukkun, you have to join the going home club with me."

"But, winning is-"

"Don't worry. I'll give you a handicap. Nukkun. What's your 100m time?"

Eh? I haven't timed that since the PE class in the first semester. I think it was…

"About 16 seconds, maybe…?"

“Isn’t that too slow!?”

"It was spring, so that's about right. Maybe I'm a bit faster now."

"People don't get faster on their own, okay? Hmm, this is tricky."

"Then, I'll give you a handicap based on the difference between the average time for first-year boys and my personal best. That should be fair, right?"

"Fair...? Is that so? Isn't my personal best okay?"

"No. I need at least that much from you if you're asking for my youth."

"I didn't exactly ask for your youth..."

Yakishio smacked my back hard as I mumbled for excuses. It hurts.

"I'm serious. You should be serious, too."

And with a face as if something has cleared up, she smiles brightly.