Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 7 - Chapter 3.2

The second day of the Golden Week five-day holiday.

Gathered in the club room are the upcoming criminals, Prez, Yanami, Shiratama-san, and me. Meanwhile, Asagumo-san, the seasoned veteran of crime, addressed us excitedly.

"Yesterday had its ups and downs, but the venue tour was a great success!"

Yanami shot a sullen look at me at those words.

"…Yeah, a lot happened. Someone here got to enjoy delicious French cuisine and had a wonderful time, it seems."

Yesterday, Shikiya-san and I left without waiting for Yanami and the others who had lost contact.

The food was delicious, and Shikiya-san smelled nice, so it was a very fulfilling day.

"We had our own issues to deal with. So, Asagumo-san, can you continue?"

"Yes. Let's organize the information from yesterday."

Asagumo-san began drawing a floor plan of the building on the whiteboard.

"Right next to the reception area is the changing room for the relatives. Passing through that leads to an open space that doubles as a guest waiting area. There's a bar counter here, so it attracts quite a bit of attention."

Switching to a red marker, she drew arrows on the not-so-great floor plan.

"Crossing the guest waiting area, you exit to the garden. Here is the chapel, but since it's outdoors and visible from the reception hall, it's difficult to move without being seen."

She drew a line from the stairs leading to the second floor towards the chapel.

"Fortunately, the path from the bridal suite on the second floor to the chapel is short. If we manage to get Tanaka-sensei out, reaching the chapel should be easy."

Prez, who had been thinking with her hand on her mouth, spoke up.

"But, crossing the guest waiting area poses a risk. Tanaka-sensei could run into someone he knows."

"Yes, I agree. So, please look at the schedule next."

With a thud, Asagumo-san slapped a printed schedule onto the whiteboard.

"The bride arrives at 7:30 AM, and the groom at 9 AM. After changing, there’s a meeting about the photo shoot and ceremony starting at 10."

She placed another paper next to it.

"At 10:30, the bus carrying the relatives arrives, and the guest reception starts at 11. The ceremony begins at 12, but there will be too many people for the plan to work by then."

Asagumo-san drew a large red X on the second sheet of paper she had just placed.

"But Tanaka-sensei arrives at 9 and meets the actual photographer an hour later, right? We barely have any time to take photos ourselves,"

Yanami said, her concern evident. Asagumo-san nodded seriously.

"Yes. The operation needs to take place between 9 and 10, specifically during the short period after Tanaka-sensei changes."

Prez smiled broadly, clearly excited.

"It's a race against time. Intriguing, isn’t it?"

Seeing everyone’s reactions, Asagumo-san began marking up the schedule with her marker.

"My rough plan is this: At 9:30, the fake photographer will call out the groom, Tanaka-sensei, under the pretext of a camera test."

Asagumo-san posted a picture of the chapel's interior on the whiteboard.

"Then, Riko-san, who will be hiding in the chapel, will appear in the photos during the test."

With a click, Asagumo-san capped the marker.

...Considering all the information we have, this seems like our only option.

In the silence that followed, Yanami took out some bread from her bag.

"It seems like we have no choice but to do it then. We need to make a detailed plan."

Mumbling while biting into a whole baguette, Yanami’s usual behavior went unnoticed by me, but the other three were staring at her.

"Hm? Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Seeing the silent trio, I decided to speak up on their behalf.

“They are wondering why you're eating a whole baguette."

"It's not fair that only Nukumizu-kun got to eat delicious French cuisine. I wanted some, too!"

So, this counts as French cuisine in Yanami's eyes. Well, she's not entirely wrong…

"No need for seasoning?"

"I did stuff it with plum jam and sweet red bean paste. I even brought some kinako as a topping- uwah, I got the salty one. Unlucky."

She continued eating unhappily. Why did she put something she doesn't like in her bread? What's with the minimal French element- these are all puzzling questions, but this is Yanami we're talking about here.

Minimizing the Yanami section of my brain, I refocused on the whiteboard.

"Let’s get back on track. What about the fake photographer? Tanaka-sensei knows our faces, and won't the venue staff catch on? They mentioned having a dedicated photographer at the information session yesterday."

Anticipating my question, Asagumo-san took out a business card.

"This is the photographer's card for onee-san's wedding. It's from Studio Damonde, not the venue's contracted studio."

Asagumo-san glanced at Shiratama-san, who continued the explanation.

"Onee-chan's friend works there, and we got special permission to use this photographer. We also have this."

Shiratama-san placed a similar-looking business card on the table.

The studio name is the same, but the photographer's name is different.

...So, these are forged business cards. I’m witnessing a crime in the making.

Asagumo-san handed the business cards to Prez after checking them.

"Hokobaru-senpai, please carry this with you on the day."

"So I'm playing as the photographer, huh?"

"Yes, senpai, and Nukumizu-san will be your assistant."

"Eh!? Me too!?"

As I expressed my surprise, Asagumo-san nodded as if it were obvious.

"Someone needs to cover Riko-san during the shoot."

"But I just attended the venue tour! They will definitely recognize me!"

Asagumo-san chuckled at my desperate resistance.

"Nukumizu-san, didn’t someone ask you for directions in front of the school gate earlier?"

"...Huh?"

Now that she mentioned it, a boy wearing a baseball cap and a mask had asked me for directions to a board game cafe this morning.

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"That boy was Kaju-san."

What!? No way.

"You're joking, right? The voice was definitely a boy’s."

"The initial voice you heard from behind was recorded. We pre-recorded and altered Kaju-san's voice to sound like a prepubescent boy."

"...But the rest of the conversation was live. I talked to the boy directly."

"Yes, that was Kaju-san acting. However, the impression from the first voice matters most. As long as we cut off the conversation before any inconsistency becomes apparent, the initial impression will stick."

Ehh…? Did I really mistake Kaju's voice?

I continued to resist.

"That kid had a mask, but the eyes were different. Kaju has more defined eyes."

"We used eyelid tape to make her eyes single-lidded and makeup to change her skin tone. Her hair was hidden under the baseball cap, with any stray parts concealed."

I opened my mouth to argue but found no counterargument, dropping my shoulders in defeat.

I can't believe I didn't recognize Kaju's disguise…

"Nukumizu-kun, you sure didn't recognize her despite being a siscon. Interesting."

Yanami smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"I did think something was off. But you can’t just accuse a random kid of being your sister."

"Yeah, I would have called the cops if I were there."

Exactly. It’s not surprising I didn’t recognize her, and for the record, I’m not a siscon.

Asagumo-san cleared her throat and continued her explanation.

"Tanaka-sensei knows us. However, even if he feels something's off, his initial reaction would be-"

Asagumo-san looked around at us.

"...There's no way my students would be pretending to be someone else here."

She waved the fake business card.

"This is called normalcy bias, a common psychological phenomenon. Any slight feeling of oddness won't matter with this 'Studio Damonde: Tsuguo Toratani' business card. We’ll finish everything before that discomfort turns into certainty."

I listened silently. Given that I failed to see through Kaju's disguise, I had no room to argue.

Asagumo-san's forehead sparkled again upon seeing no objection.

"Alright, now that everyone understands the plan, all of you will be in disguises this time!"

Huh!? Sorry, I don't get that part.

Representing the confused group, I hesitantly raised my hand.

"Uh, so we'll be wearing suits again, like at the venue tour?"

"No, those suits were completely unacceptable."

Asagumo-san is genuinely upset. Now I feel upset, too.

"You were guests at the venue tour, so any anomalies might have been overlooked. However, we're up against Tanaka-sensei and others this time. Any suspicion will lead to immediate reporting."

Prez raised an eyebrow as she pocketed the business card.

"This operation is time-sensitive. We won't get another chance if someone finds out."

"Exactly, we need to be perfectly prepared. I’ll handle the costumes, but let’s confirm our roles for the day."

Asagumo-san started writing on the empty space on the whiteboard.

Operation HQ: Chihaya Asagumo, Anna Yanami

Photographer: Hibari Hokobaru

Assiatant: Kazuhiko Nukumizu

I see, so on the day of the operation, Prez and I will infiltrate while Asagumo-san and the others support from outside. It’s similar to the venue tour…

Unexpected words caught my eye as I pondered about that.

Riko Shiratama: Riko Shiratama

"...? Shiratama-san is playing as herself?"

I couldn't help but interrupt, and Asagumo-san turned back with a smile.

"Yes, that's right. We need someone on the inside to guide everyone. On the day of the wedding, there’s only one person here who wouldn't look out of place at the venue."

All eyes turned to Shiratama-san, who widened her watery eyes.

"That would be me?"

"Riko-san, you’ll be supporting everyone’s movements at the venue."

I see. We need an inside supporter to escort Shiratama-san in a wedding dress to the chapel safely. She wouldn’t raise any suspicion at the venue.

"But wait, there's only one Shiratama-san."

"Then we'll just have to make another one."

Asagumo-san then added another name smoothly.

Riko Shiratama: Riko Shiratama, 
Kaju Nukumizu

Huh? Kaju as Shiratama-san? What?

I was too confused to speak, and Asagumo-san clapped her hands while looking at the club room door.

"Come on in, 
Riko-san
."

The door opened, and in walked a petite girl dressed in the Tsuwabuki school uniform.

Kaju twirled in front of me.

"Ehehe, what do you think, onii-sama?"

"Uh, it looks good on you, but how are you going to pretend to be Shiratama-san?"

Asagumo-san stood beside Kaju, placing her palm on Kaju's head.

"Kaju-san is shorter than Shiratama-san, but it's easier to add height than reduce it. We’ll use shoes and a wig to adjust. Since both of them are slim, the visual adjustments should be relatively simple."

"Kaju will do her best!"

Kaju made a determined gesture with her fists. She’s cute, I admit. But…

"Please wait…"

I stood up and looked around at everyone.

"Kaju has to step down from this operation."

Ignoring Asagumo-san’s surprised expression, I continued.

"This whole thing is a problem for the Literature Club. I regret involving Prez and Asagumo-san, but Kaju isn’t a Tsuwabuki student. She's not supposed to be a part of this."

Kaju glared at me, but I met her gaze head-on.

"This is a Literature Club issue. You're going to take your entrance exam this year. Do not get yourself involved."

"But-"

Kaju started to protest, but Prez stepped in.

"Kaju-kun, your brother is right. Please leave it to us this time."

I walked over to Kaju and patted her head.

"We’re going to be at Tsuwabuki together next year, right?"

Kaju fell silent for a moment before mumbling quietly.

"...A date."

"A date?"

"Please go on a date with Kaju after everything is over."

"Ahh, yeah, sure, a date, huh?"

I nodded earnestly. Kaju raised her head and pouted.

"...All day long? From morning to night."

"Yes, I’ll do as you say."

Still looking a bit dissatisfied, Kaju finally gave in. She bowed to everyone in the room and quietly left. I'll need to make it up to her when I get home…

As I sighed quietly, Asagumo-san looked at me apologetically.

"Nukumizu-san, I’m sorry. I should’ve been more considerate. We shouldn’t have involved a middle school student like Kaju-san in this plan."

"No, I should have said something sooner. Asagumo-san-"

I was about to say it was not her fault, but I stopped. Sorry, I couldn't lie to myself.

Prez placed a hand on Asagumo-san’s shoulder, smiling wryly.

"I’m equally guilty for not realizing it. Nukumizu-kun, you’re a good 
onii-sama
."

"No, Kaju just volunteered for it."

Yanami, having finished her baguette, clapped her hands to get rid of crumbs and tilted her head.

"But who’s going to play Shiratama-chan now that Imouto-chan's out?"

Exactly, with Kaju out, we need a replacement for the fake Shiratama-san.

Then, Asagumo-san looked intently at Yanami and spoke up.

"Yanami-san, I have a proposal."

"Yanami-san, you’re about the same height as Riko-san, right? Your leg length and face size are also similar, so you might be able to substitute for her."

"Huh? Me?"

Yanami made a confused sound while rummaging through her bag.

Yanami as a stand-in for Shiratama-san...?

"But, look, Yanami-san and Shiratama-san have different weights- body…shapes, I…mean…"

"..What exactly are you trying to say, Nukumizu-kun?"

Yanami’s piercing gaze made my words trail off.

Ignoring the awkward atmosphere, Asagumo-san cheerfully held up her phone.

"Yanami-san, Riko-san, could you both stand over there for a moment?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes, both of you, please."

Asagumo-san's lack of social awareness can be quite helpful in times like this.

After taking their photos, Asagumo-san booted up her laptop and turned the screen towards us.

"Please take a look, everyone."

On the screen are the full-body photos of Yanami and Shiratama-san. While their heights and proportions are similar, their silhouettes are distinctly different- like comparing items from entirely different categories in an anime shop.

Asagumo-san tapped away at the keyboard, altering Yanami's photo to make her look slimmer and Shiratama-san's photo to make her appear fuller.

"I've edited the images to bring their body types closer together. With the right clothing and wigs, we can disguise them."

"Even if you can edit the photos, we can't change reality- I mean, no offense, Yanami-san."

Why do I have to be so considerate to her?

Oblivious to my struggle, Asagumo-san pointed at the screen with a bright smile.

"This simulation shows what it would look like if Riko-san gains 2kg and Yanami-san loses the same amount by the wedding day. We just need reality to match the simulation."

Uh, so that means-

Yanami tilted her head while sucking on a small jam packet.

"I guess that means I shouldn't eat a second baguette?"

We exchanged glances and then nodded in unison, all wearing our most serious expressions of the day.

*

The third day of the five-day holiday. Five days left until the wedding.

The four criminals, Asagumo-san, Shiratama-san, Prez, and I sat in the Literature Club room.

Asagumo-san pressed the stopwatch button and stared at the numbers with slightly crossed eyes.

"1 minute and 15 seconds. Can we extend the conversation a bit more?"

"It will seem unnatural if we drag out the conversation too much. It's better to switch topics quickly to stay on time."

Prez shook her head and placed the timesheet on the table.

We are simulating the events of the big day today.

To get past the reception and extract Tanaka-sensei, we couldn’t avoid conversations. We need thorough preparation.

Asagumo-san paused while taking notes.

"...One concern is that the groom's and bride's rooms are next to each other. It could jeopardize the plan if your sister shows up."

"Onee-chan should still be in the middle of doing her makeup at that time. Plus, they have a first-look moment scheduled at the chapel, so…"

Shiratama-san said weakly, taking a bite of a whole Swiss roll.

She's working on gaining 2 kg as Yanami is going on a diet.

"Don’t overdo it. It’s not worth risking your health."

"Everyone’s doing their best. I want to do my part too."

Shiratama-san said tearfully, taking another bite, though the Swiss roll didn’t seem to get any smaller. Yanami is quite something else, indeed…

The clubroom door creaked open as I reevaluated my opinion of Yanami.

"I-I need a quick break…"

In came Yanami in a tracksuit, having been out running for her diet.

As she plopped down on a chair and tried to open a bottle, Asagumo-san immediately snatched it from her.

"Asagumo-chan?"

"This has too much sugar. I made a low-calorie drink for you. Please drink this." 

Asagumo-san said, handing her a thermos.

"What’s in it?"

"...It will help you lose weight."

"Say no more!"

Yanami gulped down the contents of the thermos. Is it safe to drink something like that so quickly?

Asagumo-san handed me the stopwatch while I watched anxiously.

"Alright, let’s run through the conversation simulation and tighten up the timetable. Nukumizu-san, can you time it for us?"

"Ahh, yeah."

Prez Hokobaru will handle most of the day's Conversations. However, I need to coordinate with Shiratama-san, who will be infiltrating the chapel, so I have to stay alert to both tasks.

After completing a full simulation from entry to exit, I noticed Yanami staring blankly into space with empty eyes.

"Are you okay? You're not dehydrated, right?"

"Hey, what does it mean to eat...?"

She started saying strange things, different from her usual self.

"You're not okay. Should I go buy some rice balls or something?"

Yanami shook her head slowly.

"What is appetite…? Why do people die when you take away their lives…?"

She then took another sip of the Asagumo drink. That thing is probably too advanced for humanity, right?

Still, sacrifices must be made for the greater good…

As I rationalized this to myself, Yanami slowly stood up.

"Alright, I think I'll go for another run."

"Please rest for a bit more."

"I have a feeling I can do it. I can even run all the way to America."

That’s definitely just a feeling, but I shouldn’t dampen her motivation. I smiled and saw her off.

"...Asagumo-san, that drink- is it really safe? It's legal, right?"

"Yes, it's perfectly legal. I researched all the relevant laws."

I picked up my half-finished mug- didn’t drink from it, and set it back down on the table.

…I'll definitely delete Asagumo-san's contact info from Kaju's phone when I get home. I vowed to myself.

*

After finishing the meeting in the clubroom, I found myself at the east exit of Toyohashi Station.

I stopped by on my way home to visit the bookstore and anime shop in the station building.

As I looked at a poster for an event on the wall, I decided to change my path and head towards the South Plaza. I couldn’t explain why. It was just a whim.

Had I stuck to my original plan and gone to the bookstore, I wouldn't have run into Yanami, who was pressing herself against the glass of a standing udon shop, watching the people inside.

She's watching the diners while eating a banana.

…She's a step away from being suspicious. I really don't want to do this, but I guess I should say something.

"Yanami-san, what are you doing?"

"Oh, Nukumizu-kun."

Yanami glanced at me and took another bite of her banana.

"I realized I was acting a bit weird earlier. I wanted to calm down a bit."

Good, she’s finally back to her senses. Not that her normal state is particularly sane…

"So you’re taking a break here?"

"Yeah, I'm eating air udon."

...Huh? Maybe she's still a bit off.

Yanami gave me a sharp look.

"If you want to lose weight quickly, you have to restrict your diet, right? I’ve only had a banana since this morning."

"So, eating a banana while standing here is your air udon…?"

"Exactly. Eating a banana while watching people eat udon is like eating udon myself, right? It nourishes both my body and soul."

"Did it nourish your soul?"

"...No."

Then you're just being a weirdo.

But Yanami is genuinely trying to lose weight this time. Her so-called diets usually involve bizarre behaviors, but now she's seriously dieting.

"Are you sure it’s okay to cut back on your meals suddenly? I mean, health-wise."

"Don’t worry. I always eat properly to prepare for times like this."

I see, so she has already prepared her body for this.

"Well, I guess I have to show my senpai-like qualities at least a little."

"I'm surprised. Yanami-san. You're actually concerned about Shiratama-san."

"Of course. Who knows what she'll do if we leave her alone? It's the best we can do if taking a photo is all she wants."

...I can’t argue with that. Yanami finished her banana and swung the peel around.

"Besides, when I look at her, it's like looking at myself a year ago, and I can’t just ignore that."

"Speaking of a year ago-"

Everything changed when Himemiya-san transferred to our class.

Yanami has realized she's not Sosuke Hakamada's heroine anymore. She's just his Friend A.

"Things might have been different if I was as reckless as her."

Yanami reminisced about a time when Shiratama’s recklessness would have seemed like desperation to her. She wouldn’t have been able to go that far a year ago.

Now, though, Yanami could understand.

"I get it now. I knew confessing to Sosuke would result in rejection, so I couldn’t take the step. I just tried to keep things the same."

Yanami’s smile carried a hint of self-mockery.

"Don’t get me wrong. I’m content with it and don’t have any regrets."

"Yeah, I get it."

We might be having a serious conversation, but we still look like a bunch of freaks watching strangers eat udon.

I took a plastic bag from my backpack and collected Yanami's finished banana peel.

"How about we go for ramen after this is all over? My treat."

"...Sure. But, Nukumizu-kun, are you trying to make me gain weight?"

"That would just mean you're going back to your usual self, right?"

"Hmph, I'll show you my true power then. Prepare yourself."

She then smiled mischievously.

I smiled awkwardly, already regretting my offer.

Yanami's true power, huh? I might need to withdraw some savings.

The next afternoon, on the fourth day of the five-day holiday, I stood leaning against the wall in the hallway outside the clubroom next to Prez.

On the door in front of us hung a sign reading <Changing! No boys allowed!>

We're waiting for Yanami and Shiratama-san to come out. Prez offered me a small bag of fruit gummies.

"Nukumizu-kun, want some?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you."

I took a gummy from the bag and popped it into my mouth, savoring the sweet and tangy mandarin flavor.

...I didn’t expect her to carry snacks like this around.

Prez gave a wry smile as I pondered.

"Snacks don’t really fit my image, do they?"

"No, it's just surprising. I always thought of you as more serious, with a sense of self-restraint."

"I actually struggle to gain weight, so I don't restrict my snacking."

Prez said this as she popped a gummy into her mouth.

Right, there are girls like that, just like Shiratama-san.

Staying with Yanami for too long really shatters your common sense. I should be careful…

"No, well, what I find surprising is this whole situation."

"What do you mean?"

"Yes. I never expected Prez to get involved in something like this."

"I did tell you, didn’t I? I've experienced the agony of a love I couldn’t speak of as well."

Prez gave me a piercing look.

"Do I look like I'm uninterested in love?"

"Eh? No…"

Prez chuckled at my flustered expression.

"I’m a girl just like any other. I have dreams of marriage and wearing a wedding dress. Do you think it wouldn’t suit me?"

"No, I don’t think that at all."

The conversation lulled for a moment as we both stared at the "No Boys Allowed" sign on the door.

Come to think of it, shouldn’t she be allowed inside...?

Just as I was about to voice this thought, the club room door slowly opened.

Yanami peeked out from the gap.

"Sorry to keep you two waiting. Please come in."

Finally, they are done changing. Prez and I stepped into the club room…

"Ta-da! Presenting Shiratama-chan in her wedding dress!"

Yanami's loud announcement slightly diminished the impact, but there stands Shiratama-san, wearing a beautiful white wedding dress.

The dress features lace embellishments around the shoulders and neckline, and the skirt flares out gracefully but is much shorter than typical designs.

The front hemline reaches mid-thigh, while the back extends to the middle of her calves. She wears low-heeled white shoes, probably for ease of movement.

She looks like a delicate fairy- though I stopped myself from saying that out loud, realizing how disgusting it sounded.

"So, how do I look...?"

Her hesitant, anxious look is incredibly cute.

Prez spoke up with an impressed look while I was mentally searching for less cringeworthy words.

"My my, you look absolutely lovely. I almost want to whisk you away somewhere."

I'd probably get sent to the shadow realm had I said that.

But it was none other than Hibari Hokobaru who said it. Shiratama-san blushed, her shy smile widening. For some reason, Yanami looked proud, puffing out her chest with a smug expression.

"I did the makeup, and it turned out great. Shiratama-chan's skin is so smooth and clear. It was fun to work on. Ah, such…youth…"

Have more confidence, Yanami. You're not lacking youth yourself.

While I encouraged her silently, Prez nodded with a serious expression.

"All preparations are complete. Is the final version of the plan ready?"

"Yes, Asagumo-san will bring it to the clubroom after school tomorrow. SC Prez, could you join us then?"

"Of course. It would be lonely to be left out at this point."

...Finally, we've made it this far. We’ve spent the entire Golden Week preparing for this.

Luckily, we still have one more day left in the holiday. Tomorrow, I’ll relax at home with some light novels.

Asagumo-san entered the club room as I etched the image of the cute Shiratama-san in my mind.

"Ara, Riko-san, you look wonderful. Everyone, can I have a moment?"

After giving a quick compliment, Asagumo-san spread a map on the table.

"We planned to change in the Literature Club room and take a taxi to the venue. However, the round trip seems to make the schedule quite tight."

She continued without waiting for us to lean in.

"It would be ideal if we had a room nearby. A hotel or rental room would be perfect, but there’s nothing suitable in the area."

"I might have an idea in that case."

Yanami said, tapping her finger on the map. It's Kirinoki High School, right next to the venue.

"A friend of mine is in the Drama Club at Kirinoki High. I could ask if we can use their clubroom. We might also be able to borrow any missing costumes."

"That would be nice, but can outsiders like us be coming and going like that?"

Prez smiled reassuringly.

"We can frame it as a Literature Club research project. I know a teacher at Kirinoki, so I'll smooth things over."

These two are quick to act. This is the power of social skills…

I felt a tug on my sleeve as I watched them start making phone calls. It's Shiratama-san.

"I still haven't heard your thoughts, Prez."

Of course, she looks absolutely adorable, but saying that outright would be inappropriate.

If I were to compare her to a fairy, an angel, or a kitten- it’s not sexual harassment, but it’s certainly creepy.

"...Uh, the color of the dress matches you…really well. It emphasizes your natural charm, which evokes a refreshing sense of joy in the viewer."

Good, I’ve chosen a compliment that’s appropriate and devoid of creepiness.

Shiratama-san tilted her head cutely.

"In one word?"

"Uh, I think you look good."

Shiratama-san giggled and took a selfie with her phone.

...I was completely cornered into saying that.

Yanami finished her call and gave me a sharp look.

"We can use the Drama Club’s room. Now, it’s time to change, so all the guys need to leave!"

"Ah, yeah- come to think of it, Prez doesn't need to leave the room, right?"

I caught Yanami's gaze as I left the room. She mouthed silently, but I could clearly understand.

What she said was…that's…why…I…don't…like…this…part…of…you.

*

The next day, the final day of Golden Week.

Our group of five criminals stood outside Kirinoki High School, a 15-minute bike ride from Tsuwabuki.

All first-year students in this school take commerce classes and then specialize in fields like accounting or information technology in their second year.

IT sounds cool, but after clicking a suspicious banner and completely destroying my home computer, I decided to leave it to the experts.

There are still students in clubs even though it's a holiday. I feel kind of out of place…

Prez tapped my shoulder as I fidgeted and stared at the statue of Hermes in front of the school building.

"I’m going to the staff room to greet them. You guys head to the Drama Club room."

Prez carried a paper bag filled with rice crackers and headed towards the school building.

"Yanami-san, where do we go?"

"It’s on the first floor of the practice building at the back. The Drama Club uses an empty classroom there, and we can use it."

Yanami looked around, checking her smartphone for directions.

Asagumo-san walked around before waving at us.

"Follow me. This way."

Her curiosity was barely concealed as she quickly started walking.

Yanami and Shiratama-san walked side by side, so I followed them.

"Are you close with your friend in the Drama Club?"

"Yeah, she's my food tour buddy. I traded my handmade ramen shop map for permission to use their club room."

I can faintly hear their conversation.

...A food tour buddy with Yanami? She must be a good person. I would never be able to handle that.

While I was lost in thought, we arrived at a three-story, old-school building.

Without hesitation, Yanami and the others entered, leaving me to follow reluctantly.

On the dimly lit first floor, we found a classroom with a sign that read "Drama Club".

"Okay, I'll knock-"

"Excuse us!"

Yanami cheerfully opened the door without waiting. Have some manners, will you?

The first thing I noticed was the smell of paint and dust wafting from the room.

The large classroom has been repurposed into a storage area for the Drama Club, with plywood sets lined up against the walls and boxes of props scattered around. There are enough costumes hanging on racks to last a lifetime.

At the back of the room, a girl sitting on a sofa yawned and slowly stood up.

"Oh, Yanamin, long time no see. Did you eat today?"

"Long time no see, Nina! I'm on a diet right now." 

Nina (?) looks thoroughly Japanese despite the foreign-sounding name.

She has sleepy eyes and a simple, unassuming demeanor.

I decided to introduce myself as their greeting ended.

"...Uh, I’m Nukumizu from Tsuwabuki High’s Literature Club. Thank you for letting us use your club room-"

"Nukumizu-san? So, you're the guy, huh?"

She seems to be staring at me, like really hard.

"Hey…"

"Oh, sorry. I'm Niina, the Drama Club's vice president. 'Nii' for fresh and 'na' for vegetables." [TL: Nii (新, fresh or new) + na (菜, vegetables).]

Nina- now identified as Niina-san, the Drama Club's vice president, extended her hand toward me.

…Uh, is it okay to shake hands with a girl I've just met?

As I glanced at Yanami and shook Niina-san's hand, I realized there was something hard in her palm.

"...A key?"

"It's the key to this room. We usually practice in the gym, so we only use this room for changing and storing our stuff."

Niina-san looked between me and Yanami one last time-

"Well, good luck, Yanamin."

She said that and left the room. How come Niina-san seems like a genuinely nice person despite being connected to Yanami?

While I was feeling pleasantly surprised, Yanami nudged my arm with her elbow.

"See? She’s a good girl, right? You can tell because her name has the same 'na' as mine."

She spoke with pride, but her gaze was fixed on the floor.

"What's wrong, Yanami-san?"

"...There’s some leftover candy on the floor. Do you think it’s still okay to eat?"

"Give up. You're supposed to lose 2 kg before the wedding, remember?"

I picked up the empty box from the floor and looked around for a trash can.

Despite the room's somewhat cluttered appearance, it's clearly well-organized, and the schedule on the blackboard looks new.

It is evident that this is a legitimate Drama Club room.

As I surveyed the room, Asagumo-san, who had been tinkering with a laptop on the floor next to Shiratama-san, suddenly muttered.

"Everything looks good. The surrounding signals are clear."

"Uh, Asagumo-san, what have you been doing?"

"This room will be our base of operation for the day. I need to check a few things."

Asagumo-san stood up energetically, her forehead gleaming with enthusiasm.

"Come on, Riko-san, let's go find the best signal spots. You need to become one with the Bluetooth signal!"

"Uh, okay! I’m not sure what that means, but I’ll try my best!"

Asagumo-san dashed out of the room, with Shiratama-san following, holding an antenna.

I really hope she doesn’t teach our rookie too many strange things…

And Yanami, stop eyeing the trash can so intently.

*

With my smartphone's map in hand, I walked behind the Drama Club's room, exploring the surrounding area.

I need to familiarize myself with the terrain for the big day.

With Yanami off on a jog, I found myself alone and feeling a bit uneasy.

The drama club room is located on the northern side of the practice building, bordering the edge of Kirinoki High School's grounds. Beyond the fence lies a residential area.

As I walked west along the fence, I noticed a tall hedge blocking my path at the end. The other side of the hedge is right next to the entrance of the wedding venue, but it doesn’t seem like I can pass through-

"Huh…?"

Lifting my gaze from the smartphone map, I was startled by what I saw.

A hole large enough for a person to crawl through has been cut into the hedge, which stands over 2 meters tall. It seems too convenient to be a coincidence…

"Nukumizu-san, are you scouting the area too?"

I turned at the sound of the voice to find Asagumo-san and Shiratama-san approaching.

Both of them had leaves stuck to their heads and clothes. Did you two…?

"…Asagumo-san, you didn’t happen to make that hole in the hedge, did you?"

"Hole? Ara, there’s a hole here?"

Asagumo-san gave a surprised expression as if noticing the hole for the first time.

"So, you’re saying this is just a coincidence?"

"Yes, of course, it’s a coincidence. Right, Riko-san?"

"Yes, a total coincidence, Asagumo-senpai."

Shiratama-san’s smile was flawless, leaving no room for doubt. The verdict is 2-1. It’s decided- it’s a coincidence. Yup, it's definitely a coincidence.

That said, once this operation is over, I’m considering banning Asagumo-san from the Literature Club. Footsteps approached from behind as I mentally tallied Asagumo-san's crimes.

Startled, I quickly turned around to see Prez.

I instinctively shifted to block the hole in the hedge with my body.

"There you three are. I got caught up talking to a teacher I know."

Prez came over and raised a sheet of paper before us.

"We got permission to enter and exit under the pretext of a research project. Now we can move freely."

Upon hearing this, Asagumo-san clapped her hands together in delight.

"That means our activities are now officially legal!"

"We did it, Asagumo-senpai!"

…No, this is still illegal.

Watching the two of them celebrating together, I could only muster a weak smile.

*

It's now past 5 PM, and the sky is beginning to darken.

After finishing our reconnaissance at Kirinoki High School, I stopped by Tsuwabuki again.

I came here to borrow the next volume of <She Might Be My Imaginary Girlfriend>.

It's a romantic comedy about a girl whom only the protagonist can see. I had hesitated to read it back when the next volume caused a huge controversy upon release, but now I feel ready to dive in-

Filled with anticipation, I opened the door to the Literature Club room, expecting it to be empty, but someone was already there, to my surprise.

It's Shiratama-san. She's holding several small white flowers, carefully wrapping them with wire.

"Oh, you're here."

“Yes, I thought I would finish this bouquet. I can't take it home, after all."

I grabbed the next volume from the bookshelf and, after a moment’s hesitation, sat down in the chair opposite her.

The small flowers are artificial. She meticulously arranged them to create a beautiful curve, carefully wrapping the stems with tape.

After a while, she seemed satisfied with the shape. She squeezed the rounded part of the bouquet, repeating it a few times.

"Look, the flowers spread out when you release this part. It’s compact so that I can hide it under my clothes."

"Wow, that’s impressive."

Shiratama-san smiled as she began the final touch, adding a decorative ribbon.

"...Don’t worry."

She murmured quietly, her eyes focused on her work.

"Huh? About what?"

"I’ll take responsibility and make sure no one else gets in trouble if it comes down to it. So please, don’t worry about that."

She fell silent after saying this.

Watching her hunched over as she crafted the bouquet, I couldn’t help but speak up.

"...Shiratama-san, you mentioned you had nothing to lose the other day."

This is likely none of my business.

It’s not like she was looking for advice, and my words might not even help.

"But maybe you just don’t realize it yet. You might already have something important."

Her hands froze.

"...Once it’s gone, it’s too late. So, just take care of yourself and the things you have, even if it’s just a little."

Shiratama-san, who had been silently listening, finally spoke, her gaze still lowered.

"...Did something happen to you, Prez?"

"Nothing worth bringing up."

I shifted my gaze to the bookshelf against the wall, recalling last summer. Just before I realized I was friends with Yanami.

The memory of rejecting and hurting Yanami came flooding back.

Yanami, standing before that bookshelf, looked at me like I was a stranger. Even after a year, I still vividly remember that day.

"Everything comes to an end eventually, but how it ends and how you choose to remember it- Shiratama-san, you still have the power to decide that. So please, don’t let yourself become desperate."

Shiratama-san resumed her work, her hands moving steadily.

"...But there are things you just want to let go of."

"There are things that become too painful to hold onto, things you want to throw away. Even memories can be one of those."

Letting go. Letting go of everything. But what lies at the end of such a path?

I don’t know what that place looks like, but I have a feeling that the person who reaches it won’t be smiling.

"Even so-"

"I'm done!"

She cut off my words, holding up the finished bouquet to her chest with a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Ehehe, is it cute?"

"...Yeah, it's really beautiful."

The words slipped out naturally.

Her bravado, her lies, and the loneliness she couldn’t fully hide.

Faced with all that, I could only respond with simple, honest words, like a fool.

Shiratama-san looked surprised at my response but then quietly smiled.

"...Thank you."

But her smile reminded me so much of Yanami’s expression from that day.

My chest tightened.