Dating Story Volume 3 Chapter 3

Chapter 3

 

Sometimes, Luna looked like a ‘girl’ who was much more mature than her age. Maybe it's because she lives 'Going to mature as fast as possible’ as she once said herself, or maybe it's because of the experiences she's gained over the years.

I was always surprised when I saw the mature expression on her normally innocent face, and every time it happened, I became more and more attracted to her.

I wanted to catch up with Luna as soon as possible.

As Luna's boyfriend, I wanted to be the guy she deserved.

However, there is no way a mental age grows so fast. Doing everything possible was also futile.

So, the only thing I could do was to raise my own specifications, no matter which approach I had to take.

—— For example, I wanted to have three children.

A feeling of impatience grew within me as I smiled wryly when I remembered Luna's words.

Expecting three children in this modern age. I didn't know what Luna's career path would be, and I thought it would be difficult unless I could get accepted into a fairly well-known university, work for a big company, and earn a stable income.

Being the type of overthinking, I couldn't help but think of realistic things along with my imagination.

Then, I picked up the pamphlet for the cram school I received during the summer course.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

“Nee~ nee~, Ryuuto!”

One day after school, when I was about to leave the classroom with Icchi, Luna suddenly came up to me.

“This Saturday, I'm making croffles with Akari at my house, do you want to stop by and eat them?”

“Croff? Croff...?”

“Croissant waffles! That's the name of a popular dessert in Korea. When I told her that I had a waffle maker that my grandmother bought before, Akari asked me to make waffles for her. She said that she would bring me the ingredients.”

“Hee...”

I didn't know much about croffles, but if it was Luna's homemade, I wanted to try it.... Or that's what I thought when I just remembered something.

“Ah... sorry. I have cram school this Saturday.”

Then, Luna had an “Oh, that’s right!” expression.

“I see. It starts this week, right?”

“Yes.  I want to submit the enrollment documents today.”

“I see...then it's Sunday...but, I want to go shopping with Nikoru.”

“You don't have to force yourself.”

“But...we won't see each other as much.”

Luna muttered in a slightly lonely tone.

“Do-Don't worry. After all, we can still meet every day at school.”

It was unfortunate that we couldn't meet during the holidays, but I didn't want to interfere with Luna's friendship.

“Yeah...”

Luna lowered her shoulders languidly, but then she smiled at me.

“Alright. Do your best at your cram school.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Next time, I'll try to make my schedule on Sundays as much as possible.”

“Yeah... but you might also want to play with Yamana-san, so take it easy, don't overdo it.”

I've heard from Luna that Yamana-san often has a part-time job on Saturday afternoons, so she can only play on Sundays.

“Thanks. I told you as much as I could, too. Nikoru sometimes has a part-time job on Sundays too, though.”

After saying that, Luna then looked at Icchi who was standing silently like a stone statue next to me.

“Sorry for making you wait, Ijichi-kun. See you again, Ryuuto!”

“Yes, see you tomorrow.”

I waved my hand lightly at Luna, while Icchi lowered her head and looked at me enviously.

“Haaahh... it's good to have a girlfriend.”

Icchi muttered so as we both left the classroom.

“The cake Tanikita-san made, huh... I want to try it...”

From then on, Icchi often mentioned Tanikita-san's name. Maybe he has fallen in love with her. But when I asked him, he always denies it, “No-Not really!”.

Virgin boys are indeed difficult creatures. I'm the same way...

No, but I will become a man worthy of Luna and graduate from my virginity. This cram school was the first step towards that goal.

Although it was a little painful that our time together was dwindling, I would do my best to get to a brighter future.

After feeling inspired again, I met Nisshi in the hallway and after the three of us went to the station, I said goodbye to them and boarded the train heading in the opposite direction from my house.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

The K cram school I decided to go to was the cram school for university entrance exams that everyone had heard of. I even heard that there were some students who had been attending this tutoring place since they were in 1st grade, even though my high school wasn't a top school for further studies, so when it came time to decide on a cram school for the summer semester, I just went with the easy choice. It's exactly the same as buying something you don't recognize, and you end up choosing the one with the best reputation and reviews.

I walked through the crowds of Ikebukuro station where I got off and exited the west exit. After a few minutes of walking from the station and down a street with an office atmosphere, I finally arrived at the building of K's cram school.

At the reception desk, I handed over the enrollment documents that had been signed and stamped by my parents and after listening to a little explanation from the staff, I officially became a student of K's cram school.

“Huh...”

I felt like a student who took all the exams at once, which made me feel a little doubtful. From now on, I would be attending English lessons every Saturday. When I said that I wanted to enter a famous college, I ended up in a high-level course instead, so the level of study and review was also difficult. Moreover, in the later 3rd grade, there will be more subjects to learn... While thinking that, I then headed for the stairs with heavy steps.

Since I had entered this school building during the summer vacation, so I knew which direction I should go. Since I didn't want to go to the study room downstairs, I went to the lounge on the top floor first. I thought I'd look through the textbooks I'd received while drinking tea.

When I opened the lounge door, my eyes were slightly dazzled by the bright room with two glass walls. The room consisting of tables and chairs arranged at a comfortable distance didn't seem very crowded yet, and as a shy person, I felt relieved.

As I was looking around the lounge and trying to find a place to sit..., suddenly, my eyes were immediately fixed on one place.

“Kurose, san...!?”

I saw Kurose-san who was sitting at the table by the window.

Kurose-san wasn't alone. She was sitting around the table with several other girls, eating snacks and chatting happily. Except for Kurose-san, all the girls were wearing the same uniform.

It was a happy expression of Kurose-san that I had never seen at school.

Either because she could sense my gaze or perhaps for some other reason, Kurose-san suddenly turned her face towards me, so I reflexively crouched down and hid under the table.

“...Why is Kurose-san here...?”

Don't tell me that she was chasing me.... At that thought, I immediately got rid of that overly narcissistic thought. Judging by the way she hung out with her friends, it seemed like they had known each other for a while and I was pretty sure that she had enrolled in this cram school before me.

“... What should I do?”

Since I was hiding in a hurry, I was confused about what to do from here, should I run away first? Or should I just come out casually and greet her, “Hey, I'm taking lesson here too, you know.” ?

From then on... I haven't talked to Kurose-san since we talked about the hugging photo on the last day of the first semester. In the second semester, we sat separately and never spoke to each other. Part of the reason why I immediately hid from her was because of the awkwardness between us.

Other than that.

— But... we didn't see each other that often.

I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that I met Kurose-san at the cram school while making Luna feel lonely. I didn't expect that I... would meet the girl who liked me a few days ago... without my girlfriend here.

“....”

At this rate, I'll have no choice but to run away and avoid contact with Kurose-san. That would be my sincerity to Luna.

I came to that conclusion, feigned illness, and left the lounge on all fours while enduring embarrassment.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

From that day on, the survival game at the cram school began, where the game would end if I crossed paths with Kurose-san.

The English lesson course I attended had already been held twice. In the beginning, I had to go to the school building frequently to follow up on the video lessons and talk to the staff about the rank of the school I wanted to go to. While at the school building and on the way to the school building, I always made sure to keep an eye on my surroundings and be aware of Kurose-san's presence.

The thing that makes me the most nervous is being in the self-study room. Kurose-san was a regular visitor to the self-study room and was almost always there when I went to visit. As soon as I entered the room and confirmed Kurose-san's seat, I had to anticipate the path she would take when she came out of the study room, and I had to adjust my seat so that I could avoid the path she would take. It was really annoying.

Even if I went to a self-study room in another building, depending on the day or time of day, I would face the same difficulty because Kurose-san would be there.

Thanks to my hard work, two weeks after I entered the cram school, I managed to live the cram school life without having to see Kurose-san.

However, on a certain Saturday. An incident happened after I finished my second English course.

In that day's lesson, I happened to be able to answer a question asked by the teacher. I felt so happy about it that I unconsciously lowered my vigilance with the surrounding area than usual.

In the school building, all students have to pass by the stairs to go up and down from the upper floors. If you ran into someone on the stairs, there was basically no other way to escape. Therefore, when I used the stairs, I had to be careful about who was going up or down the stairs.

However, on that day I neglected to do so and just went down the stairs thinking that it would be fine. But as it turned out, it was a mistake.

When I saw the black hair that I knew so well, I thought “Ah!”, but it was too late. Kurose-san turned towards the stairs with her friends and headed towards me.

I immediately turned around, but we were already too close. The distance between me and Kurose-san was only about 1.5 meters.

This was no longer possible. We're going to meet.

When I thought so...

“Yo~ Yamada! Long time no see~!”

Suddenly, someone's hand wrapped around my neck and pulled my face towards him.

“Eh...!?”

It was a guy I didn't recognize.

He was quite tall because he could wrap his arms around me who was of average height. He was probably as tall as Icchi, but unlike Ichi, he had a slender body.

I don't know what kind of misunderstanding there was, but that man hid my face, and thanks to him, it seems like I made it through the dangerous situation.

The man led me to the corridor and Kurose-san and her friends climbed the stairs even further. They were probably heading to the lounge.

After confirming this, I opened my mouth in fear.

“...sorry, my name isn't 'Yamada', so...”

“I already know.”

The man then removed his hand from my neck and I was freed.

“I only saved you. That pretty girl you've been avoiding almost found you, right?”

The man turned up the corners of his mouth as he looked at me.

He turned out to be a handsome man.

However, his looks were a little different. His nose was pointed, but his eyes were rather narrow and sharp, and his lips were thin. What made him stand out was his thick black hair and bangs that were so long that they almost covered his eyes.

In a way, this is the so-called 'handsome man atmosphere'. Well, if his atmosphere alone was handsome, I who had the face of a gloomy side character could only feel envious of him...

“...Uh, what did you just say?”

I was unconsciously caught up with the atmosphere the handsome man had and it took me a while to understand his words.

“Do you know me?”

The man nodded back.

“I've seen you a lot over the past few weeks. In the self-study room, you were always running away from the same pretty girl. You look so suspicious that it makes you stand out.”

I never thought that anyone else would notice that I was avoiding Kurose-san. ...It felt really embarrassing.

"So, what's your relationship with that girl? Ex-girlfriend? A stalker? Someone who's in trouble if she sees you?”

“Eh? I-It's..."

It wasn't a relationship that could be explained in a few words, so while I was at a loss for an answer, the man put his hand on my shoulder again.

“Well~, since it seems interesting, so I want to listen to your story. I've been in the study room all morning and need fresh air. The lounge... there might be that girl, so let's go to the store outside here.”

"Eh... ehhhhhh!?"

I couldn't keep up with his sudden enthusiasm, but since he had saved me from a precarious situation, I couldn't just ignore him. Without realizing it, I was already outside the school building and heading to a nearby shop with that guy.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

“...So that's what it looks like, huh. It was unexpected that the girl who used to be your first love turned out to be the younger sister of your current girlfriend.”

Inside a nearby cafe, the guy who was listening to the story of me muttered in an impressed tone.

The guy's name is Sekiya Shuugo. It seemed that he was a person referred to by the general public as a 'ronin' who was enrolled in a post-high school graduation course at K school. I asked him about it as we walked towards this cafe. (TN: Ronin is the term to describe high school graduate waiting for another chance to enter university after having failed the yearly entrance examination)

“So, what are you going to do? Are you going to continue avoiding her until your course is over?”

As Sekiya-san questioned me, I could only remain silent.

The iced coffee I ordered -because it was the cheapest- the tasted really bitter and I didn't really like it, so I didn't want to finish it. But since Sekiya-san had bothered to treat me and said, “I'll pay for it,” so I had to finish it before leaving the cafe.

“I don't think that's a realistic course of action, but for now...”

“In that case, do you want to change the cram school?”

“I don't think I need to go that far...”

We spent every day in the same class at school and I don't think it's a good idea to move to a tutoring place farther away from home and school just to avoid Kurose-san.

“From the beginning, I probably should have just greeted her, but when I first saw her, I reflexively hid right away, so somehow...”

“Why? Do you feel guilty about your current girlfriend?”

When Sekiya-san asked me that, I thought about it for a moment.

“...I don't want to make her feel uneasy anymore.”

I muttered my thoughts as I recalled the events of last summer.

“Because she's so important to me, I've been trying not to get involved with Kurose-san, my girlfriend's younger sister... but we ended up at the same tutoring place. I felt that it would make her feel uneasy if she found out that Kurose-san was in the same tutoring center as me, while I rarely saw her because I would be busy studying for the entrance exams.”

Yes. I entered this cram school without ever expecting Kurose-san to be there...

“I've been thinking about it. If only our positions were reversed... If she was attending a cram school and there was her ex-boyfriend there... and if I found out about it... how could I not care about it at all.”

“...I see.”

Sekiya-san who had been listening with his arms folded raised his face and said so.

“In that case, you have no choice but to continue avoiding her. I'll come to help you too.”

“Eh......”

I was very grateful for that, but I didn't have time to express my gratitude because he said it so lightly.

“I've been at Ikebukuro school every day. If I see that girl, I'll let you know where she is via LINE. So, try sharing your Line ID.”

“Ah, yes...”

I did as he said and somehow exchanged contact information with someone I had never met before. It was my first time experiencing this.

“Huh, why is your account picture not a picture of your girlfriend?”

After checking my account, Sekiya-san commented in a disappointed tone.

“Even though you said that they don't look much alike, I'm sure that her older sister is pretty too, right? Don't you have a picture of her?”

When I saw the curious look in Sekiya-san's eyes that seemed to like woman, I nodded involuntarily.

“Yes, there are none.”

“Don't lie, dude~”

He only asked that and did not ask any further questions.

“Then, I'm going back to the study room again. What about you?”

"Uh... yes, I'm going there too.”

As I hurriedly tried to drink my almost full iced coffee, Sekiya-san reached out his hand to grab my glass from the opposite side.

“If you don't want it, this is for me. After all, I'm a caffeine addict.”

“Eh, eh? Ah, yes...”

Avoiding the straw part, Sekiya-san gulped down the iced coffee straight from the glass as if it were beer.

“When I'm in the study room all day, no matter how much coffee I drink, I always get sleepy. I drank so much coffee over the past six months that the effects of caffeine have worn off."

Setting down the glass that only contained ice cubes, Sekiya-san stood up with the tray.

“Next time, order what you want to drink. I can treat you again.”

I was told so while still seated, but I quickly picked up my bag and hurriedly stood up.

“Th-Thank you very much.”

I felt embarrassed that I was just following him around like a duckling. Sekiya-san who was older than me looked very intelligent and mature.

 

                  ◇◇◇◇

 

“But yeah~, what was that girl's name again, Kurose-san? You might be playing cat and mouse with her, but you shouldn't neglect your studies at the cram school either.”

On the way back to the tutoring center, Sekiya-san who was walking beside me said that.

“Seriously, though. There's nothing good about being a ronin, you know.”

When hearing it from someone who became a ronin, the words took on a different weight.

“Haa... I'll try to do my best.”

“Haa, it's good to be in the second year of high school. You can still aim anywhere. Me too, if only there was someone who said the same thing as me at that time...”

Just then, there was a buzzing sound from Sekiya-san's breast pocket. He then took out his smartphone, looked at the screen, and clicked his tongue.

“...What's wrong?”

“A high school classmate. 'There's a reunion today, are you really not coming?' he said, there's no way I’m going to come, you bast*rd.”

He swore and put his smartphone into his pants pocket. Apparently, his belongings were in the self-study room, and right now Sekiya-san had nothing with him.

“Even though it's only been six months since you graduated, f*cking reunion, f*cking all!!! Just another group of b*stard kids who want to show off their colorful college life.”

That's bad. In the cafe, he looked like a smart, mature man, but it turned out that he was really a very rotten person...

Ronin was really scary.

“Ah!”

Just as we were about to enter the building of the cram school, Sekiya-san suddenly raised his voice, bent down and hid behind me.

“Eh? Seki...”

“Don't call me! You just stay quiet and stand here!”

“......”

I couldn't help but stand still without knowing what was really going on.

Several students came out of the entrance of the building and walked past me.

“...Hahh.”

Sekiya-san then came out from behind my back.

“Kouhai from my high school. Doesn't it seem really lame to find out that the Senpai who's always so cool is a ronin studying at the same tutoring center as you?”

“Hah...”

I thought it looked even more lame to be running around in a panic like this, but I didn't dare say so.

...... Ah, could it be...

Does he realize that I'm avoiding Kurose-san because he lives a life of running away from people like this?

“No, you can hide in the shadows when you're outside like now, but when entering the building, it's important to check the path. A-Also, it's good to make friends with the teachers. Sato-san and the others are very nice, so when I go to the reception desk, they'll tell me, [Students from school A are heading to the lounge, you know]”

While watching Sekiya-san who talked about it proudly, I muttered to myself, “Ronin is really scary...”.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

Thanks to my encounter with Sekiya-san, my life at the cram school began to run smoothly.

On the other hand, a new topic had appeared in my school life.

“From now on, I would like to select five members to be the school festival preparation committee.”

These were the words of the class representative who stood in front of the blackboard during the last long homeroom hour in September.

“For those who are interested, please raise your hands!”

Our school cultural festival was held in early November, with a schedule that included a national holiday.

Just as was the case last year, the work of the preparatory committee was quite hectic despite its brevity, so the position was not very popular among normies who had a lot of personal lives.

“I have club activities, so I can't.”

“Me too......"

The gloomy people who were part of the going home club didn't want to stand out either, so they had no choice but to keep their heads down and cower so as not to become the class scapegoat.

“...C-Come on, isn't there anyone who wants to do it? It's fun, I'm sure."

The classroom was eerily quiet, though a young female teacher who taught 1st grade called out impatiently.

“......”

Everyone held their breath and stared at their desks, trying not to make eye contact with the teacher or class representative.

“At this rate it's going to be very difficult unless someone wants to raise their hand first...”

“That's right. It would be nice if there was someone who would...”

By the time the whispering voices started buzzing and everyone started observing each other by glancing at each other...

“...Yes”

A faint voice could be heard and the white hand lifted slowly.

It turned out that the person who raised her hand was Kurose-san. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment and her raised hand seemed to be trembling with nervousness.

“Thank you, Kurose-san.”

The homeroom teacher made a voice that sounded relieved.

“Thank you very much, Kurose-san.”

The class representative also looked happy.

Seeing the expressions of the two of them, Kurose-san also looked happy.

Kurose-san....

I was reminded of the time when she was surrounded by her friends at the cram school.

Actually, she was probably a girl with many friends. However, once she transferred to a new school, because of that kind of incident... because she spread bad rumors about Luna, she was shunned by her classmates.

Did she feel lonely? Therefore, she deliberately ran for office so that everyone would thank her...?

No, maybe she really just wanted to be a member of the committee, but I couldn't help but think of such a possibility.

“Is there anyone else who still wants to run?”

The class representative threw the question into the classroom, and at that moment...

“Yes~ yes I want to join!”

Surprised by the voice, I turned around to see Luna who was raising her hands high as if to stand up.

Luna, do you want to be a member of the committee!?

“Ah, if Lunacchi wants to do it, I'm in~!”

Unexpectedly, Tanikita-san also started to raise her hand.

I reflexively glanced at Yamana-san, but she was just looking at her nails as if she wasn't interested. I guess it was because she had a part-time job, so she couldn't do it.

Then I looked at Icchi's seat, which was diagonally in front of Yamana-san.

Icchi seemed to be in a state of indecision. He sometimes looked troubled, or also worried... He made various expressions in a short period of time.

I immediately realized the reason.

Because of Tanikita-san, yes. Since Tanikita-san ran for committee member, did she also want to run but didn't have the courage to do so?

 Then at that moment...

"Nee, Ryuuto! Ryuuto going coming in too, right~!”

When I looked toward the source of the voice, Luna was looking at me with sparkling eyes.

When I saw her expression, I remembered our conversation before.

── I was thinking of making friends with Maria.

── Eh!?

── Because I thought that I would be rejected if I went the normal way. We're classmates, right? Everyone at school doesn't know about our relationship. That's why, I thought that Maria couldn't ignore it if I forcefully came to her to say 'Let's be friends'.

── So while hiding the fact that you two are twin sisters from everyone, you want to get closer to her just as classmates...?

── Yes. And I want your support.

Is she going to carry out that plan?

I didn't expect it to happen this quickly.

But ....

── During the fall and at the beginning of winter... I want to be able to be by Maria's side again. I want to sit under the kotatsu, watch TV, and share half of Papi●* with Maria again.

Come to think of it, September was almost over. For Luna, perhaps now was a good opportunity to start that plan.

“Th-Then... I'll do it.”

When I responded with a tension that attracted the gazes of classmates, the people around me began to tease.

“Don't flirting in the preparation committee, okay~”

Nevertheless, everyone looked relieved when the quota of prospective committee members was almost filled.

“There's one left, is there anyone else who wants to join?”

As the class representative looked around the class, I raised my hand and said.

“Ex-Excuse me!”

I felt nervous because I had attracted attention and my voice stuttered. While enduring the embarrassment, I desperately let out my voice that was stuck in my throat.

“...Fo-For, the other member... I think I want to nominate Ijichi-kun...”

“Ehh?”

The class representative was surprised because he did not expect that the name of the person from the gloomy group was suddenly brought up.

“Do you really want to join, Ijichi-kun...?”

Icchi nodded his head, as if to convey his interest to the class representative who asked skeptically and thought that he was being teased or something.

“Yes...!”

He replied happily with a small voice that was in sharp contrast to his body.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

The members of the cultural festival committee were recruited from  the first and second years, five people from each class. Since there were five people per class, a total of fifty people would be assigned to the reception, equipment, and other sections, and each section was responsible for its duties until the day of the event.

After school that day, Icchi was immediately presented with the assigned tasks.

The h*ll man~, can't you be a committee member by yourself? I guess I will company you.”

Icchi seemed to think that I recommended her because I wanted a friend I knew. When I told him that I deliberately appointed him so that he could be with Tanikita-san, he actually looked angry by saying “I-I told you that I don't like her!”, but I ignored his rebuttal.

After school, all the committee members sat in the chemistry room, which had been rented out for each committee member's assignment. I sat with Icchi, in front of us were Luna and Tanikita-san, while Kurose-san sat alone in the back seat a bit far from us.

“In that case, I would like to divide the people in charge with their respective section duties. Please raise your hand if you want to get into the desired section.”

A student from another class in the same years, who had been chosen as the head of the organizing committee through voting, said so.

“We will decide from the smallest tasks first. First of all, the brochure management staff needs 3 people. This task is for second-year students.”

The brochure officer is in charge of making booklets containing the festival schedule and school guide map. It was explained to us that the position is perfect for people who are good at writing and are interested in publishing, although it doesn't seem too difficult as all you have to do is consult with the person at the print shop and the model from the previous year can be reused. The number of people needed was also small, and I thought that it wasn't my part, so I didn't feel too interested.

“...Is it just one person?”

As the committee chairman looked at the other committee members sitting in the back area and said so, I saw Kurose-san who quietly raised her hand.

“...!”

Luna, who was also looking back, immediately turned to the front and raised her hand.

“Yes, yes, me too!”

And then she looked at me.

“Ryuuto...”

The look in her eyes was as if she was asking for help. I knew she would implement that plan.

“...Y-Yes, me too."

Therefore, I raised my hand.

“Alright, this way the three people have been decided.”

The committee chairman's voice rang out, and I was decided to be the brochure maker with Luna and Kurose-san, there were only three of us. .... What should I do!

Just thinking about it makes me break out in a cold sweat.

“Eh~!? Lunacchi, didn't you say that we would do it together?”

“So-Sorry~, I suddenly wanted to make a brochure...”

Luna smiled wryly and apologized to Tanikita-san who protested feeling left out.

In the midst of all this, I suddenly felt curious and turned back.

“...!”

My gaze met Kurose's eyes. She immediately looked away. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked annoyed.

Well that's only natural anyway... From Kurose-san's point of view, it shouldn't be like this.

After that, all the committees got their respective parts, and Icchi could be the decoration committee with Tanikita-san. They were in charge of erecting the archway in front of the school gate and decorating the hallway and gymnasium. In that section, there were many from the first year, but if they worked together, they might have a chance to talk a little.

“In that case, we will end today's meeting by dividing into groups and introducing ourselves to each other. The teacher in charge of each section will explain the tasks and schedule of the festival to you later on.”

Upon hearing the committee chairman's words, everyone got up from their seats and started moving.

“Those in charge of facilities, over here~!”

“Those in the decoration section, please gather around here!”

While watching the other organizers calling out to each other, Luna and I looked at each other and quietly headed to the back of the classroom.

It was only three people. We didn't even need to shout out a call to gather.

Then, Luna and I arrived in front of Kurose-san.

“......”

The three of us... Even Luna, who was expecting this situation, couldn't hide her awkwardness.

Without the need to introduce ourselves, the three of us already knew each other well, both names and faces and all. We then looked at each other in a standing position that formed an equilateral triangle.

“...I will be in your care.”

The first person to start the conversation was Luna. Despite feeling awkward, she still tried to smile.

“Same here...”

I had to say something to break the awkward atmosphere, so I replied.

Kurose-san looked down while holding her elbow with her other hand, but then she raised her face. She glanced at us, then turned her face away, and opened her mouth slightly.

“...Me too...”

Thus, Luna's difficult “Friendship Plan” was about to begin.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

Everything turned complicated. It was already complicated enough from the start, but my relationship with Kurose-san became even more complicated.

Even at the cram school, I still continued to avoid Kurose-san.

“Yo, Yamada.”

On Saturday morning, while I was in the self-study room and doing my homework before my scheduled class started, Sekiya came over to my seat and approached me.

I had told Sekiya-san my real name, but he still called me “Yamada” because he said, “It would be bad if that girl heard and realized it”. Once, when Sekiya-san spoke to me in front of the reception desk, a staff member who knew me looked at me twice in confusion.

Other than that, there were no other obstacles.

“You haven't had lunch yet, right? Then let's eat together.”

“...I'll be done in about 10 minutes, so please wait a moment.”

“Okay. I'll go first.”

After saying that, Sekiya-san left the self-study room. Since both of us were experiencing the life of a cram school while trying to avoid certain people, so this must be a good time for him.

I think Sekiya-san was quite worried about me, but he gave the impression that he didn't care about anything, so even someone like me could get along with him comfortably. I, who wasn't good at seniority relationships and didn't belong to any clubs, didn't expect to be able to talk bluntly like this with a handsome guy who was two years older than me.

He also gave me tips on how to get a seat in class and when to ask the teacher, and there was no doubt that thanks to Sekiya-san, my life at the cram school was more comfortable. Therefore, I wanted to cherish this relationship.

“So, what exactly happened?”

Asked Sekiya-san who was sitting across the table at the ramen shop we entered.

“Eh?”

“You sighed a few times earlier in the self-study room. Does that still have something to do with [Kurose-san] again?”

“......”

“You can seek advice from me. It must feel a lot lighter, right? I'm pretty confident in my ability to give advice on girls' problems.”

I hesitated for a moment, but since I was a little irritated, I decided not to tell the truth.

“...... No, I'm not. I'm just having trouble doing my English homework.”

“Really? Want me to teach you? You're still in second year of high school, so don't be too hasty.”

“Haa.”

I don't want to be like you, that's why I'm trying my hardest ...... because I feel sorry for him, so I don't say what I think.

“...If I may know, why did Sekiya-san become a ronin?”

Out of curiosity, I asked her while waiting for my ramen. Sekiya-san replied with "Ah".

“You want to ask that? It's because I failed the entrance exam during the 3rd year of high school. It's obvious, isn't it?”

Well, I guess it was obvious, but I wanted to ask about the circumstances that made him a ronin.

“Back in high school, I played too much with girls... and didn't study at all...”

“Uwaaa.....”

So, you are really normies, huh….When I said that, Sekiya-san waved his hand as if he was in a hurry.

“No, it's not like that. Just imagine, a geeky guy who never dated during middle school suddenly becomes popular after entering high school. It's only natural to get big-pride and play around with girls, right?”

“Hee~...”

Is that really the case? Aren't you always popular and playing around?

As I gave him a suspicious look, Sekiya-san operated his smartphone and pointed the screen at me.

“Look here. This is a picture of me when I was in 3rd grade middle school.”

On the screen, there was a photo of a junior high school boy wearing a tracksuit. With his short hair almost half cut off, his appearance was very different from how Sekiya-san looked now. He looked like a middle schooler with bad eyesight. How could someone change that drastically with one hairstyle?

“You know it, right? How could that appearance can be popular, right?”

“I mean, Sekiya-san conveniently tried to show people pictures of you when you were geeky...”

Just as I was about to swallow that sentence, Sekiya-san responded with “Nope, nope, it's not like that...”  while laughing.

“This is the photo I took when I won the regional tournament. That's why I put it in my favorites. It's a joyous and precious moment in my life.”

“Tournament? Do you play a sport?”

When I asked, Sekiya-san replied spontaneously.

“Yes, ping pong! Don't you see the racket I'm holding in my hand! How disinterested are you in me!?”

Sekiya-san's way of speaking might be a bit harsh, but his smiling eyes and low voice were charming, so even though he was yelling and talking down to me, I didn't feel bad at all. In addition to his decent looks, I think it's only natural that he could be popular.

“...But if Sekiya-san is good at playing ping pong, wouldn't you have been popular even before making the appearance change?”

“Popular with the kouhai in the club only, though...”

Then, Sekiya laughed at me again when I asked him.

“There's only one person. There was a girl and club manager I was close with, and when I graduated, we hit it off and started dating. Then she said, 'How about you change your hairstyle?'. And it just so happened that my hair had grown long since I quit the club....”

“You could say it's like a high school debut, right?”

“Exactly.”

“So, what happened to that girl?”

Sekiya-san turned his gaze downward and did not answer.

“Don't tell me...”

He had an affair with another girl, just played with her feelings, and dumped her ..... When I gave him a reproachful look, Sekiya-san hurriedly opened his mouth to refute my accusation.

“No, I wouldn't do something that cruel .... well, but maybe... it does look cruel ...... to that girl.”

Sekiya-san fell silent immediately after that. Apparently, he had some thoughts regarding that girl.

Then, it just so happened that the ramen we ordered was delivered to our table and the topic of conversation ended.

 

In reality, I still can't do anything about Kurose-san's problem, whether or not I consult with Sekiya-san.

For the time being, I had no choice but to support Luna's “friendship plan” as much as possible while trying not to cross paths with Kurose-san at the cram school.

Entering October, the activities of the festival preparation committee members were getting busier.

The main task of the pamphlet officer was to collect information on clubs and classes that would be holding their activity programs, ideas from teachers and committee chairpersons written into text, compile them together and prepare a draft before the deadline. Although there is a template for the school map and the opening page, the layout and cover are made as creative as possible so as to show the individuality of the year.

The cultural festival always has its own theme every year, and this year's theme was [For the future]. The responsible committee members were free to decide how to incorporate the theme into the design of the flyer.

First of all, the three committee members had to discuss and decide on the direction of the pamphlet design.

Therefore, after school, the three of us rented a meeting room and sat around a table.

“......”

From earlier, Luna was fidgeting and checking Kurose-san across the table. Kurose-san picked up the latest pamphlets scattered on the table and looked through them for reference.

The three of us were now sitting at a square table with Luna and I sitting on one side, while Kurose-san sat across from us.

After a while, Luna spoke up as if she had already made up her mind.

“How are you doing, Maria? Are you fine?”

Kurose-san's shoulders jerked in surprise and turned her gaze towards Luna while still holding the pamphlet.

“...... Yes, I’m fine.”

With a stiff expression and looking down slightly, Kurose-san responded with a nod.

I think this is the first time I've seen these siblings communicate directly with each other.

“What have you been busy doing lately?”

“Well... Just normal activities.”

“That's not it, I mean is there a certain hobby that you're doing.”

Kurose-san answered bluntly, and Luna asked questions one after another as if in a hurry.

“Hobbies? ...I often watch videos.”

“I see! Oh yeah, hey, have you seen the latest dance video from Gal High! It might be more interesting than Yarirafie!”

“...Haa? What the heck is that. What planet's language?”

“........”

Even though she had gone to the trouble of bringing up the topic, Luna was disappointed when she got a curt reply.

Seeing Luna's face that seemed to imply, "My HP is down, I want to rest for a while....” I reluctantly started to speak up.

“...Then, what kind of videos does Kurose-san usually watch?”

Seeing me talking to her, Kurose-san looked surprised, but after thinking for a moment, she answered.

“...I often watch game live streaming videos.”

“Ehh!?”

I was surprised when I heard her answer.

“What kind of game streaming?”

“Probably mostly horror game streams... I often see them on 'Kino'-san and 'Gatchamen' channels.”

“Ahhh, I know about those channels. I also saw their streams while playing [Bio Blizzard]. They're really good, aren't they.”

Since they were famous people, I often watched them several times, including after the release of the title I had coveted.

“Really? Even if they weren't good, I would watch anything related to horror games. Seeing a celebrity's game stream is also very interesting. Have you ever seen Karino Eiko's stream?”

“Ah, I haven't seen that one. I know that she's often a trending topic, but it's interesting. I'll check it out sometime.”

The atmosphere became more and more pleasant. It was my first time talking to a girl who liked live streaming games. I didn't know that Kurose-san had such a hobby.

“I guess if I'm in the mood, I also watch other streams besides horror. I think I've seen most of the famous streamers.”

When I heard that, I unconsciously opened my mouth in an excited tone.

“In that case, do you know about KEN? I quite like him...”

“Ah, that former professional gamer, right? I used to watch him because I liked [The Sixth Personality] and [Werewolf Punishment]. But since he started rarely uploading those game streams anymore, I stopped watching his channel.”

“Not really, the [Werewolf Punishment] game is still posted occasionally, you know!”

“Uh, really? If so, I'll see it next time."

“Haven't you ever watched [Sixty Crafts]?”

“I don't like videos related to Kids' participation. I don't like seeing streams of them having fun with each other.”

“That's not true! KEN is basically doing the talking, and if you watch them, you'll gradually understand the characters of the KEN's Kids and start to enjoy them.”

“Even so, where should I start?”

“It doesn't matter where, but the recommended time for you is...”

It was at that moment that I realized. Because I had just remembered Luna's whereabouts.

When I turned to Luna, as expected, her face showed a blank expression as if she was surprised.

That's bad. I should have supported Luna's “friendship plan”, but instead I got carried away.

“...Th-Then, it's time to discuss our section assignments...”

We awkwardly restarted the discussion, and discussed the pamphlet.

I was surprised to learn that Kurose-san had an otaku hobby. During junior high school, she gave the impression of a model muri-type pretty girl, and I was only attracted to her because of her looks, so it was no surprise that I didn't know her very well.

I didn't know whether Luna's “friendship plan” would work out or not, but the discussion about the flyer seemed to have started well and was progressing in a good direction.

“I think it's time to decide on a concept for the overall design.”

In the second discussion, I started the conversation.

“Hmm~~ I want to make it really cute. It's for a festival, so the flyer should be sparkly and beautiful! The cover should also be pink and....”

When Luna said that with a sparkling gaze, Kurose-san tilted her head.

“I'm not sure about that kind of design. School festivals aren't just for girls, and I think it's better to choose a monotonous, sophisticated design or the like that won't embarrass the boys and parents who carry the pamphlets. Since the theme is [For the future], we need to look to the future and include a sense of maturity in the design.”

“Ehh~...but right now while I'm still JK, and a little cute is fine right...you know, it feels like a bright future...those kind design is not good?”

Luna seemed to be dissatisfied, but for the sake of being able to launch the “friendship plan”, she didn't seem to be able to hit back hard at her sister, so she looked at me as if asking for help.

“...What do you think abaout it, Ryuuto?”

“Ugh...”

I was in trouble and felt a dilemma.

What made me difficult was that my opinion was exactly the same as Kurose-san's.

But, I can't take her side, I feel that.... As her boyfriend, I shouldn't take the side of her sister, who is also the cause of the dispute with her.

“...U-Ummm, then, how about taking a middle ground between the two opinions?”

Hearing my bitter proposal, the expressions on Luna and Kurose-san's faces immediately clouded over.

“What do you mean by that?”

“More precisely, what kind of design are you talking about?”

“Th-That's ....”

I desperately racked my brain.

“A sophisticated monotone design? And there's a bit of pink glitter in it...”

“That kind of design? Isn't the concept a little vague and a bit tacky?”

Kurose-san commented that scathingly.

However, judging from her state, it seems that her feelings for me are gone... I feel a little lonely, but I feel happy about this.

In the end, the discussion regarding the concept design of today's pamphlet did not come to a head.

“The three of you are not communicating well. The three of you need to talk it over carefully first, and gather your opinions before the next meeting.”

A veteran teacher who had been in charge of the pamphlet section for many years, came to check on us, said so and left again just like that.

“........”

Lack of communication, huh.

I guess there's some truth to that. Because there are siblings who have never really talked to each other for years.

“Haaaaa...”

Luna sighed. She wanted to be good friends with Kurose-san, but she seemed to be disgusted with herself for making things worse.

Then, she glanced at Kurose-san who was preparing to leave the room by cleaning up the pamphlet materials, and smiled brightly as if inspiring herself.

“Nee, Maria.”

Kurose-san stopped her hand and looked at Luna.

“Have you ever watched a make-up video? Do you know Sekimoto Misa? She can be a good one when you want to buy new cosmetics, you know!”

“I've never seen her, nor do I know who she is. I don't wear make-up anyway.”

Once again, she replied curtly.

“.......”

Since Kurose-san said that she liked watching videos, I guess Luna was trying to talk to her through her own approach. Even so, I felt sorry for her because her attempt failed again this time ...... just as I was thinking that, Kurose-san said “Ah, but...” as if reconsidering her words.

Luna's face instantly turned brighter filled with hope.

“I might look around for a while when doing cosplay.”

The cheerful expression on Luna's face once again showed a hint of confusion.

“Huh, cosplay? Maria, you like doing cosplay?”

“Yes. Just when I feel like it, I cosplay my favorite game characters. Since I don't have any cosplay friends, I'm just a solo cosplayer who takes selfies at home.”

“So-Solo...? Selfie...?”

“Look, like this one.”

Kurose-san showed her smartphone screen to a confused Luna.

I could see the screen too since I was next to Luna, and muttered “Ah”.

“Isn't this the gardener from [The Sixth Personality]?”

Kurose-san blinked her eyes slightly in surprise and nodded.

“Yes. I really like Yuma-chan.”

“Did you make this costume yourself? It looks exactly like the game.”

“No, I bought a used one from a flea market app for 2,000 yen, but it still looks really cute, right? I like this outfit the most among all of Yuma's outfits.”

“Very good. The eyes aren't buttons, though.”

“There are photos with button eyes too, look.”

“Uwaahh, that's amazing! It's so perfect. It feels like a live-action movie.”

I marveled at the newly displayed photos.

“Won't this be trending if you post it on Twitter?”

“Eh~ I don't want to, I'm embarrassed.”

“Wouldn't that be a waste? Even though it's very similar to the one in the game.”

“I still don't want to.”

My heart fluttered when I saw Kurose-san answering shyly with flushed cheeks, but then I realized.

Once again, I ignored Luna's presence.

Luna was watching me and Kurose-san with her mouth open. When her gaze met mine, her face showed a slightly sullen expression.

She was feeling jealous... so cute. Although I thought so, but this situation must not continue.

“Then, let's go home for today.”

And just like that, Luna's “friendship plan” not only went tough, but also went in the wrong direction because of my actions, so I couldn't do anything about it.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

Then, one Sunday, there was a hang-out party among the organizing committee of the school festival.

Unlike the pamphlet committee whose work is almost completed one week before the festival, many other committee sections are busiest on the day of the school festival. The purpose of the meeting is to deepen communication between committee members across grade levels, so that they can work together smoothly on the day of the festival.

Or so they thought, but in reality, the normies committee members just wanted to get together and have fun.

The meeting was held at a karaoke room in Shibuya. We gathered at 10 am, Icchi and I chatted here and there about KEN while the normies were having fun by themselves doing karaoke and eating and drinking. Luna was having fun with Tanikita-san and the girls from other classes.

Surprisingly, Kurose-san also came even though this meeting was not mandatory. Kurose-san sat quietly by herself after talking to some of the guys and girls she sometimes talked to.

Approximately three hours of the meeting ended with a messy atmosphere from beginning to end. I decided to participate because Icchi seemed to want me to accompany him (probably because he wanted to be in the same room as Tanikita-san), but I left the karaoke room feeling exhausted.... As expected, a geeky person like me was not fit to participate in this activity.

Then, Luna suddenly spoke to me.

“They said the second round will be held at the family restaurant. Akari and I want to go, but what about you, Ryuuto?”

“Ah, I want to go home anyway. I have to study at the cram school...”

There's the first quiz in next Saturday's class. If I get a bad grade on the quiz, I can't take the high-level English course in the winter semester, so I have to study even harder.

“I see, then I'll see you tomorrow. Do your best at cram school.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

After waving at me, Luna then left with Tanikita-san and the others.

Then, Icchi who had been a bit far away from me, came over to me.

“...I'm going home too...”

“Ah, yes...”

His face looked filled with regret. He might have wanted to join Tanikita-san, but at a family restaurant, where it was likely to be seated in several groups, a higher level of communication skills would be required, and he might not be confident in his ability to participate.

I took a quick glance and saw no sign of Kurose-san following the group heading to the family restaurant. Has she gone home? Or maybe she was studying in the self-study room?

Actually, I was also planning to go to the self-study room to study. With that in mind, I left the house while carrying a set of study tools. At home, I couldn't concentrate because I couldn't resist the temptation of not watching videos or something.

If Kurose-san was also going to use the self-study room, I would have to be more careful when going from here to Ikebukuro, and it was also likely that I would be in the study room at the same time. That would be dangerous in many ways.

There was another option to use the self-study room in another building of K's cram school, but Sekiya-san had told me that each school building had its own atmosphere and unwritten rules for its study rooms, so it seemed like too much trouble to go there.

Cafes and other places have an inappropriate atmosphere, and if possible, a place where I can study quietly and for free .....When I thought that, the thing that came to mind was the library.

I quickly checked on my smartphone and found the metropolitan library in the Hiroo area. It seems that to get there, it can be reached by train from Shibuya. So, after parting ways with Icchi, I decided to go there to try it out.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

The Metropolitan Central Library is located in Arisugawa Memorial Park. The park is vast with trees, and has varying heights, so it looks like a small mountain. After walking up the steps while admiring the playground equipment typical of a regular park and the quaint pond that looked like a Japanese garden, I began to see the modern library building.

The whole area was quiet, far away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, so my expectations grew and I hoped that this would be the perfect place to concentrate.

I actually felt nervous when entering the building because I wasn't a local, but I was relieved when I was able to get an entrance card.

In the reading rooms on each floor, wide tables with seating for several people were lined up near the windows at appropriate distances. I thought it would be quite nice to be able to study while having greenery beside me, so I headed to one of the seemingly empty spots.

I felt uncomfortable about blatantly studying for an exam in the reading area, so I took a book for camouflage and sat by the window. There was a bag lying across, but this was the only empty seat available. I wished I could stay away from the owner of the seat opposite all the time, then the moment I opened the textbook and was about to start studying....

“Ah...”

I heard a small voice and looked up. Then, my eyes blinked in surprise.

“...Kurose-san...!?”

In front of me was Kurose-san, who seemed to be holding a textbook just like me and was about to sit down, she looked at me with a surprised face.

“Wh-What are you doing here?”

When I asked, Kurose-san opened her mouth piously.

“I was thinking of studying... because the midterm is coming up.”

“I-Is that so... me too.”

Speaking of which, the midterm will start next week. I can't be preoccupied with cram school all the time.

Or rather, if she sees that my textbooks are from K school, she'll find out that I'm attending K cram school. Sooner or later she'll realize that I'm attending the same school as her about the time before the school building is the same. With that in mind, I shifted my notes and casually hid the lessons from the cram school. Luckily I brought some high school textbooks, so maybe I'll just study for the midterm exam today...

But... even so, why?

"Why is Kurose-san here..."

The uncle next to me coughed and I immediately stopped talking.

For now, it's better to just concentrate on studying. It would be strange if I changed my seat now.

After that, I studied for an hour and a half, concentrating in a quiet environment, although I was still a little worried about Kurose-san who was sitting opposite me.

“...Kashima-kun.”

There was a voice calling me from behind diagonally, and when I turned around to look, without realizing it Kurose-san was already there. On the seat opposite me, textbooks and notes were already neatly placed.

“I'm going to the cafeteria for a break, if you want, do you want to go with me?”

“Eh...... ahh, alright.”

If I continue to stay here, I won't be able to chat with her. Because I was invited by her, and we are also both members of the pamphlet committee. If it's just for a cup of tea... With that thought, I stood up from my seat.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

Just like in the reading area, the cafeteria on the fifth floor was a cozy and pleasant room with large windows. The two of us then sat facing each other at the table by the window and took a break.

Kurose-san then ordered an American corn dog.

“At the karaoke, the food was not many, right?”

When she said this, she opened her little mouth wide and chewed on her American corn dog.

After all, she's really cute, I thought.

Today, Kurose-san wore a pink striped jumper skirt. The blouse worn underneath had a large collar, looking very feminine with lace and fluttering. Since they were both twins, I was sure that Luna would look good in this outfit too. I wanted to see it.

“It's already a small amount of food, the boys keep eating more, so I can barely eat it at all.”

“Sorry....”

Even though I wasn't the one who ate it, I apologized as a fellow boy.

“Why are you apologizing at all? Kashima-kun didn't eat that much, right?”

Kurose-san looked up from her downcast eyes and laughed.

“As proof, you're eating that right now.”

Kurose-san then pointed to the plate in front of me. As she pointed out, I was hungry and was eating French fries.

“.........”

I think this was the first time I saw Kurose-san's natural smile. I thought the bright smile I'd seen since middle school also looked cute, but this one somehow looked more soothing.

The fact that she is showing me her nature like this, it means that she has completely forgotten her feelings for me. If that's the case, it will help me a lot .....

Should I tell Luna that I met Kurose-san in the library like this? Maybe it's better to tell her. After all, I didn't do anything weird or anything like that.

Kurose-san opened her mouth again to me who had been silent after thinking about things.

“Do you come to this library often?”

“Hah, not really...”

I shook my head in denial.

“I just came here for the first time after searching the internet. How about you, Kurose-san?”

“I used to come here when I was at my old school, because it's close to the station.”

“Huh, really? It turns out there's an amazing school around here, huh...”

I couldn't believe there was a school located in my Minato neighborhood, let alone in an area surrounded by embassies.

“Isn’t Ojou-sama's school?”

“That's right.”

Kurose-san nodded slowly at my question and put the American corn dog stick she had eaten on the plate.

“My ex-stepfather was a businessman. He told me to go to a school with a good environment, so I enrolled in an all-girls school T.”

“Hee~...”

It was the first time I heard Kurose-san talk about this kind of thing. I think I've heard rumors from classmates that her previous school was an all-girls school."

“Because I really liked T school... So when my mom got divorced again, the saddest part was that I had to transfer to another school.”

“.... But, if it's a school around here, you can get in there with your current house, right?”

Kurose-san's house was in the same city as mine, so it wasn't an impossible traveling distance.

When I asked such a question, Kurose-san smiled gently. That smile of hers looked sad.

“The reason I changed schools wasn't because of the distance. After my parents divorced, my ex-stepfather didn't pay the school fees for the first semester of 2nd year. So I couldn't continue to stay at that school anymore.”

“...School fees...that's how it seems. Because it's a special school for ojou-sama, so the school fees are expensive, huh...”

I felt ashamed of myself as an ordinary person who didn't understand such things.

“Ah but, despite the divorce, isn't your mother still able to get some of the property from the other party...?”

Kurose-san bit her lip as she uttered knowledge that seemed as if she heard on the news somewhere.

“...I don't know if she has that much money. My stepfather, half a year before the divorce, he went bankrupt and got into debt. From then on, he became frustrated and violent towards my mother....and in the end, it wasn't just the money that made me quit that school...”

“...Is that so....”

I think I'm finally starting to understand the reason why Kurose-san transferred to my school in the middle of the semester.

“My mom found her current job after starting to think about divorcing my ex-stepfather, but it's not a full-time job... My family doesn't really have much money. These clothes and bag, they were all bought for me when my stepfather was still a good person.”

Kurose-san narrowed her eyes and smiled as if reminiscing about the past. It was painful to hear her story and I felt that I should say something to her.

“...But it looks like you can go to our school without any problems, so that's good, right.”

Our high school was also a private school, so if she really lacked money, she would definitely have a hard time transferring to our school. However, upon hearing my words, Kurose-san just smiled slightly.

“Because the tuition fee is less than half that of my previous school. So basically it's almost cost-free because it's covered by the high school program.”

“Huh, really? Is that so...?”

I've never heard that kind of thing from my parents ..... as I felt a little panicked, Kurose-san smiled wryly at me again.

“I can't get fee-free if the school is outside the prefecture. That's why I'm staying at my aunt's house."

“I-I see....”

That means entering through the back door. Somehow I felt that I shouldn't be able to hear that, so my heart started racing.

Kurose-san then looked at me.

“Doesn't Kashima-kun ever get curious? Why do you think I chose our school as my new school?”

I hesitated slightly and opened my mouth.

“...To get revenge on Shirakawa-san?”

Kurose-san then returned a small smile.

“Of course not.”

She replied, with a sad expression clearly visible on her face.

“I do hate Luna. She had a father, a grandmother who was fashionable and good at cooking, and a stable life... I also often blamed her .... and often wondered why I was the only one who had such a bitter experience... I even had to change my last name many times ....”

When I thought about how Luna's real feelings were when she heard that, I felt sorry for the two of them, and my heart felt slashed.

“But, the reason I decided to transfer to our school was probably .... was because I wanted to make Luna happy.”

“......Ehh?”

“Because Luna like surprises. As her boyfriend, you must already know that, right?”

Kurose-san then smiled slightly at me and I replied “Yes, of course...” while nodding.

“I've said a lot of bad things to Luna and told her many times that I hate her....but deep down, I think I want to be spoiled by her. Luna will still forgive me for sure. Because Luna ...... always loved me.”

Kurose-san's face looked a little happy as she said that.

“That's why I was expecting it. When I entered the class ..... [It's Maria! Everyone, that girl is my little sister, you know! ]... I thought that Luna would be happy to see me again.”

Her voice impersonation was very much like Luna's, and I felt that the possibility of such a thing could really happen on the other side of the world.

“That's why I felt shocked. When Luna saw me, she looked very confused.”

Ah, so that's how she felt.

At that moment, I was already troubled by my own problems. So I didn't have time to see Luna's reaction to the transfer student.

“...And then you did that?”

In response to my question, Kurose-san nodded back.

“That's right. Come to think of it, I think I did something really stupid. Everything towards Luna and Kashima-kun.”

Kurose-san muttered with a sad expression on her face and frowned slightly. She then looked up.

“But thanks to that failure, I don't have to push myself anymore like I used to. Since everyone already hates me, there's no need for me to behave.”

I also felt that way at today's social gathering. When I chatted with her like today, I felt like I was getting to know Kurose-san's true personality.

“Kashima-kun, I used to feel very comfortable when I went to girls' school T. An environment where there were only girls. I didn't have to be liked by boys ..... and for the first time in my school life, I could be myself. And now, I, little by little... I feel like I'm back to being myself like back then.”

After saying that, Kurose-san looked at me with lowered eyebrows.

“...I'm really sorry about all that.” she said.

She's a really good girl, I thought. Although I've felt that way for a long time.

 Of course she is good girl. Because she is Luna's younger sister.

“Never mind, it's okay.”

After all, it was over.

It was my selfishness that made me feel a little lonely because her feelings for me were completely gone.

“In that case, I think it's time we went back to studying,” I said.

“Ah, wait a minute, I'm going to the bathroom first.”

After saying that, Kurose-san took a handkerchief and pouch from her bag and tried to turn around to leave the room.

It was at that moment that...

“Ah, that...”

Something shiny caught my eye and I was glued to it.

“Is that the moon and stars?”

I pointed to the accessories on the zipper puller. I felt familiar with the crescent moon and star motif attached to the pouch.

“Ah, yes......in the past, Luna gave it to me.”

I was a little surprised when I heard Kurose-san's words.

“When my mom and dad decided to split up and move to different houses... Luna gave me these earrings and said ‘When we enter high school, let's put one in each of our ears’, that's why there's only one.”

As I listened, I began to remember it clearly. They were very similar to the earrings Luna was looking for when we played Savage.

“Earrings? But, isn't that...”

“Oh, in this case, I transformed it into a zipper accessory myself.”

Kurose-san replied lightly.

“Besides, I've never worn earrings. After all, isn't it against school rules? I thought the rules in our school were pretty lax, but most schools prohibit students from wearing pierced accessories like this, so you can't complain if you get warned and confiscated, right? ...... In fact, I don't wear them myself, because they stand out too much. If Luna was wearing it, most people would have forgotten about her if she was wearing this kind of accessory.”

“Eh, not really...”

I stared at the crescent moon and star accessory.

There was no mistaking it.

—— It's a very important thing for you, right? You once said that you wouldn't wear it at school because you didn't want it confiscated.

I remembered Yamana-san's words.

She never forgot about it. Luna didn't forget the earrings and the promise she gave to Kurose-san, until now she still cherishes the other half of the earrings... when I was about to open my mouth to tell her that....

“...Hey.”

Kurose-san said that in a blunt tone, and I looked up at her. Her face looked awkward and her cheeks were slightly flushed red.

“Can I go now? ... By the way, this is a 'sanitary bag', you know.”

“Ah, sorry.”

Although I apologized reflexively, but that word 'sanitary?' piqued my curiosity.

When Kurose-san went to the bathroom, I looked it up on my smartphone and found out that it was a figurative word for “sanitary napkin”, unconsciously making me blush.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

When I returned to the reading room, I received a LINE message from Sekiya-san.

[Sekiya Hiiragi]

You're not coming today?

While Kurose-san is not here, so it's a perfect opportunity to study quietly in the self-study room.

“.......”

If Kurose-san continues to study in this library, I might be able to go to Ikebukuro by myself. I could study in peace knowing that she wouldn't come there.

However, for some reason, I didn't want to change places, so I spent the next two hours studying across from Kurose-san.

Before I knew it, it was already five in the afternoon. I hadn't eaten anything since lunch earlier, so I was getting hungry again, and thought that it was time to go home.

Although it wasn't planned, it seemed like Kurose-san was starting to pack up her things as well.

“Kashima-kun, are you going home now?”

“Yes. ...”

“Same here.”

Then, somehow, I ended up leaving the public library with Kurose-san...

As soon as I stepped out, the surrounding area had already begun to darken. Although I didn't notice it when I came here, but some of the leaves in the pond were starting to change color, and there were slight signs that it was already autumn.

“Kurose-san, do you always come home at this hour?”

“Yes, when I get home from school. If I go home a little later, I might become a victim of s*xual harassment in the crowded train carriages due to rush hour.”

“Eh... ahh, I see.”

I was dumbfounded when Kurose-san said such a thing so casually.

S*xual harassment, huh.  I don't have the guts to do that kind of thing, and even if I did, I still wouldn't do it, but there are many people who do such indecent things in this world.

Kurose-san looked at me and chuckled. Her sweet face made me a little nervous and panicked.

I wasn't trying to cover up the guilt I felt, but I decided to change the subject to Luna.

“.... Shirakawa-san often wears them, you know. Those earrings.”

I managed to say the thing I failed to tell her in the cafeteria earlier.

Kurose-san just replied, ‘Eh...’, but not long after, her face showed an understanding of what I was talking about.

“She only wears them on holidays because she doesn't want them confiscated by the school.... I didn't see her today, but the other day I saw that she was wearing them. Since they look the same, that's why I was curious.”

It seemed like Kurose-san could understand the point, even with my nonsensical explanation.

“....Is that so.”

Kurose-san replied with a downcast face.

“From a long time ago, Luna has always liked accessories and cosmetics.”

She said, as if muttering to herself.

“Dad doesn't have a very handsome face. He even told Mom that ‘natural makeup is the best makeup’. But Mom didn't stop wearing false eyelashes and fashionable makeup. The two of them are very similar indeed. Mom and Luna.”

Kurose-san continued speaking while squinting as if looking into the distance.

“I don't wear makeup or nail polish like you want me to. Probably because I want Dad to think that I'm ‘cute’.”

When she said that, she bit her lip in frustration.

“But, it's not me that Dad loves, it's Luna... I guess it's only natural. Because Dad loved Mom and married her. So I'm supposed to imitate Mom. Just like Luna did.”

“If you say imitating her mother... I think Shirakawa-san has liked that kind of thing since the beginning...”

“I know.”

Kurose-san replied with an amused smile and muttered.

“That's why I'm so angry ....... because I can't escape in that direction.”

“.....What do you mean?”

Escape, as I fixated on the word, Kurose-san responded with an ironic smile.

“Do you think she became a gal girl because she likes gal fashion? There may be girls like that, but in Luna's case, it's a little different.... At least, I don't think that's the only reason.”

As I waited for her explanation, Kurose-san continued.

“From the start, we had different personalities. So naturally our hobbies were not the same. But things started to become clear around fifth grade, when our parents started talking about divorce.”

Her expression was grim, probably because she was remembering those days.

“I started getting addicted to manga and games to escape the unpleasant reality. Because I felt comfortable spending time with something that wasn't myself...”

The quiet atmosphere of Arisugawa Memorial Park at dusk harmonized with the tone of her voice, and it made my chest feel tight.

“At that time, Luna was interested in gal fashion. She even wore make-up when going to elementary school and got Mom called by the school for that.”

That kind of thing... I never thought that she had been a gal girl since elementary school.

“I didn't think that in this day and age, being a gal would be labeled as a ‘delinquent’, but I think there is still an element of that. Because if she really liked gal fashion, why didn't she do it secretly on her days off? Because wearing nail polish, make-up and dyeing your hair would definitely violate school rules.”

I thought what Kurose-san said had a point. That's why I listened without refuting her.

“If you break the rules, you'll be scolded or watched by adults, right? Isn't that really stupid? That's why I think, that's exactly what Luna ‘wants’.”

"What does that mean?"

"She probably wants to be noticed. Because teacher ...... If the school contacts Mom and Dad, they'll definitely pay more attention to Luna, right?”

With a sarcastic smile, Kurose-san smiled at me.

“The two of us were always filled with fear and loneliness. Our parents fight every day, and our family environment might change drastically... If we don't do something, we'll be crushed by the anxious feelings that keep haunting our minds.”

It was painful to think that this was happening to girls who were only in fifth grade.

“I seek safety in a fictional world. As for Luna, she tries to fight her loneliness and anxiety in the real world. I think gal fashion is the manifestation of her struggle.”

Kurose-san stared into the distance as she said that in a casual tone.

“Somehow, that's how I feel.”

Perhaps it was something that only the twin Kurose-san could realize. I recalled the mixed feelings she felt towards her family, and sometimes overshadowed Luna's always cheerful face.

“Perhaps Luna is more mature in trying to fill her loneliness in the real world than I am in escaping from reality into a fictional world.”

She laughed as if self-deprecating, but Kurose-san suddenly wore a serious expression.

“Or perhaps more accurately,... Luna might want to grow up quickly.”

Kurose-san nodded as if confirming her statement.

“Luna is indeed very mature... perhaps that's why, she's willing to forgive me. Even though I did that to her...”

“Of course she'll forgive you.”

And that's where I responded.

“Because...... Shirakawa-san wanted to be close friends with Kurose-san like before, that's why she became a committee member and entered the pamphlet section.”

I didn't want to get in the way of Luna's plans, but at least, I could say this much.

Kurose-san looked at me for a moment and then lowered her head.

“...I thought so too. Being on the pamphlet committee doesn't suit Luna at all.”

“Then...”

It's not like you can get a little closer to Luna without having to reply snappily like the other day. Just as I was about to vent those feelings, Kurose-san then said, “But...”

“I can't forgive myself yet. Every day... when I'm alone, I think about many things.”

Those were unexpected words.

“That's why now, I don't have the courage ..... to reacquaint myself with Luna....”

Kurose-san lowered her head while muttering helplessly.

“I see....”      

I thought Kurose-san was still hostile to Luna, but apparently, that's not the case.

——I still can't forgive myself. Every day... when I'm alone, I think about many things.

Even so, they really are twins who are polar opposites.

——I'm not good at thinking.

I realized that when I recalled Luna's words. The only thing that makes them similar is the voice part....

“Ahh!”

At that moment, Kurose-san saw something and exclaimed.

“What's wrong, Kurose-san?”

“I happened to see a bubble milk tea stall. It looks like really tasty.”

“Eh......”

I was startled when I heard Kurose-san's bouncy voice.

We had already left the park area and were on our way to the subway station. Kurose-san's gaze seemed to sparkle when she saw the signboard of a fashionable cafe that appeared by the roadside.

“Kurose-san, do you like bubble milk tea...?”

“Yes.”

Kurose-san nodded, looking slightly annoyed as she put her hand into her bag, and took out her purse.

“I like it a lot. Even if the whole world gets tired of bubble milk tea and stops drinking it, I'm determined to continue drinking it.”

“I-Is that so...”

My heart skipped a beat.

The phenomenon of the bubble milk tea trend had been going on for the past few years. Can you say that during that time they never communicated and just happened to be addicted to the same thing without realizing each other?

When I secretly felt impressed, Kurose-san headed straight into the bubble milk tea stall.

I waited outside, and moments later, Kurose-san came out holding a plastic cup with a thick straw in it.

“Even though it's 50 yen more expensive, I increased the amount of bubble too.”

Kurose-san laughed with an expression similar to a child who secretly made a mistake.

—— Actually, my family doesn't have much money.

I felt worried when she said that kind of thing a while ago. Kurose-san probably thought so because of comparing her to her friends from Ojou-sama's school, but I was a little relieved to see that she wasn't from a ‘penniless’ family as I imagined.

“I'm sorry, I just bought it for myself.”

“It's okay, really. After all, I still have a tea bottle.”

We started walking down the street again. Near the park, there was a quiet street filled with embassy buildings and trendy shops.

“Kashima-kun, are you don't like bubble milk tea?”

"Not really, I quite like it, really. But I prefer bubble milk tea with brown sugar milk instead of milk tea. Doesn't it have less flavor if you drink it with tapioca? That's what I was thinking.”

Since the previous discussion of bubble milk tea had silenced Luna, this time I summarized it briefly.

“Hmm~.”

Kurose-san who was currently taking a sip of the boba drink, replied in a casual tone. 'Thankfully, I didn't get too excited about it', as I felt relieved inwardly, Kurose removed her mouth from the straw.

“Kashima-kun must be looking at the bubble milk tea from the viewpoint of dessert perfection, right?”

“Ehh......?”

“bubble milk tea is not a dessert, you know. It's just a drink, okay."

Kurose-san then told me when I blinked my eyes.

“Enjoying bubble milk tea is a great way to pass the time. If you just drink a cup of milk tea, it goes down quickly, but if there's bubble in it, it lasts a long time. One can have a quick taste of the drink and chew the bubble like gum. It's a drink that can be enjoyed for a few minutes while chatting with friends, and I think that's why it's become popular among high school girls.”

“I see....”

That changed my outlook.

bubble milk tea are just ‘drinks’. It was a great way to 'pass the time'. That was a perspective I didn't have.

“...Kurose-san really interesting girl.”

Talking with Luna was fun, my heart became brighter, and it felt good. Chatting with Kurose-san was equally interesting because I always got new insights. Maybe it's because she's the same ‘thinking type’ as me.

“Really?”

Kurose-san looked at me with a surprised expression and smiled.

“That's the first time a guy has said that to me.”

For some reason, her face looked a little happy.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

We were on our way home together when Kurose-san suddenly stopped on the main road outside the K station roundabout.

“Kashima-kun, are you going this way? I'm going that way anyway.”

“Ahh yes...”

“See you tomorrow.”

After waving her hand at me, Kurose-san turned around and started walking away.

“........”

That's right. I'm sure this is how you originally said goodbye to a girl who wasn't your girlfriend. Although I felt a little unhappy because just a moment ago, we were talking happily about live-streaming recommended gamers in the train car.

Since I've never had a girl friend, it feels a little uncomfortable.

Ahh, let's just say it's the same as a guy friend.

But... can I really treat her the same as a guy friend?

——If I go home a little longer, I might end up being harassed in a crowded train carriage during rush hour.

Although she said it in a casual tone, Kurose-san must have had some unpleasant experiences with s*xual harassment.

The sky above was already completely dark. Since we were still in front of the station, there were plenty of lights and pedestrians, but I didn't know if it would continue all the way to Kurose-san's house. Even if not on the train, there might still be people who would do something like sexual harassment.

After parting with me, if she met such people... I felt very anxious at the thought of such a possibility, so I unconsciously ran after her.

“I-I'll take you home, all the way home!”

Kurose-san looked surprised as I reappeared behind her. While I was in a dilemma, Kurose-san had already walked quite far ahead of me, and I was out of breath when I caught up with her.

“Ehh, no need.”

Kurose-san said reluctantly and averted her eyes.

“If we're together for too long, I don't feel good about Luna...”

“But, I'm worried about you.”

When I said this, Kurose-san was speechless. Her cheeks looked flushed red as I looked at her, and she brushed her hair to her ears as if to hide her embarrassment.

“...Then... Thank you.”

Kurose-san muttered softly while turning her face away from me.

 

◇◇◇◇

 

Kurose-san's house is about a 15-minute walk from the station.

“I'm sorry. It must be far, right? I usually ride a bicycle to the station, but the weather forecast says it's going to rain this afternoon.”

Said Kurose-san in an apologetic tone. Indeed, the morning weather forecast announced that it would rain today. Today's weather wasn't even sunny, but it seemed to be cloudy anyway.

“We're almost there. At that apartment.”

Kurose-san pointed towards a seven or eight-story apartment building to the right of the travel path. The road we were on now was a quiet street with a small, uninhabited shrine up ahead. I cringed as I saw several posters that read, ‘Many snatching incidents in this area, be careful!’ on nearby telephone poles and billboards.... It's a good thing I decided to take her.

“My house is on the second floor. Thank you.”

“Since I've come this far, I'll walk you until you enter the house.”

I told that to Kurose-san who was about to part with me at the entrance of the apartment building, and we entered the building together. This wasn't an apartment that had automatic lock security and anyone could enter, and after seeing the poster earlier, I felt it was safer to escort her like that.

Since the only elevator was stopped on the 8th floor, Kurose-san chose to take the stairs.

Then, by the time we reached the second floor....

“Ah, Maria!”

I doubted my sense of hearing when I heard that voice.

“Luna...!”

Kurose-san also looked surprised.

 

In the corridor of the second floor, there was Luna standing there.

 

But I haven't seen her figure yet. Following Kurose-san who went up first, I stood in the middle of the stairs with one foot on the second floor. From here, I couldn't see the whole corridor area because it was blocked by the wall.

“Luna...why are you here?”

Kurose-san looked at Luna after a moment of worrying about me.

“I pressed the intercom several times, but no one answered. Because I don't have the key, so I can't get in.”

“Ahh, that's because Ojii-chan is in the hospital right now... I'm sure that Obaa-chan will be home soon too. And I think Mom will be coming home soon too.”

“Ehh, is Ojii-chan okay?”

“Yes, since this has happened so many times.”

After answering briefly, Kurose-san turned her attention towards Luna again.

“On the contrary, why are you here, Luna?”

“Ahh, actually...”

Luna then answered in a somewhat reluctant tone.

“After the get-together with the other committee member, Akari and I visited Shin-Okubo to hang out there. I've been loving croffles ever since I made them at home the other day, and when I tasted the croffles at Shin-Okub0, they were really good, so I thought I'd buy some to take home so Maria could try them too.”

I could hear the gurgling of a plastic bag.

“You see, we have the same taste in food, right? So I thought you would like it too. ......”

As she said that, her footsteps got closer.

“Eh? Wait a minute Luna...”

I could see that Kurose-san looked panicked.

“...Ehh? Are you with someone?”

The sound of Luna's footsteps was getting closer.

And then...

 

“Ryuuto!?”

 

Of all places, I reunited with my girlfriend, after parting with her a few hours ago, in front of her sister's apartment room....

“A-Ahh actually, Kashima-kun was taking me home. After that, I happened to meet him at the library and study.”

Kurose-san tried to explain hurriedly.

“Library?”

Luna's face was covered in anxiety.

“Wasn't it in the self-study room? The place she always goes to at K's cram school in Ikebukuro...”

“Ehh...”

Kurose-san looked surprised when she heard that.

“Kashima-kun also goes to K’s cram school...? Moreover, the school in Ikebukuro...”

I didn't know where to start the conversation, neither with Kurose-san who turned around and looked at me with an incredulous look nor with Luna who was waiting patiently for my words.

“........”

 This is really the worst situation...

 

I looked up at the sky and cursed my fate.

 

 

 

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