I’m in the go-home club, so it’s rare for me to be at school at this hour. The clock points to 5 PM. The sound of hard balls being hit by metal bats echoes from the schoolyard. It’s audible even inside the gymnasium, indicating the force of the impact.
And through the baseball club’s efforts, or perhaps even greater efforts, a certain sound reverberated through the gymnasium.
『────…!』
The cheerleading club’s voices, as if about to tear their throats. Deep voices vibrate from the depths of their bellies, and the vigorously beaten Japanese drums make hearts pound. But if you listen or look closely, you’ll notice that there are some female students among them.
『──!』
Among them, a voice stands out, stretching high and clear. Unlike the usual gentle tone, it was a powerful──simply put, a cool voice, vibrating her throat with movements that seemed to cut through the air.
Moreover, what’s amazing is that not only her voice but also her appearance is outstanding.
Fundamentally different from the surrounding male and female students.
Perhaps even a different species.
Her arms swaying gently, as if dust or something light was dancing.
The western sun shining through the gymnasium windows reflects off it, creating a dazzling and fantastical scene.
Well, it’s actually dust though.
Rather than “perhaps”, it’s definitely a different species.
It’s chilling, but it’s a different species. Sad.
I was sitting on the gymnasium floor with dead eyes. The cheerleading club members are on stage. A special live performance with no audience but me. It’s awkward, and I want to go home. But since Susami-san said, “You-kun will be watching”, I feel bad about leaving. I’m stuck. It’s Susami-san’s fault for creating this situation. Guilty verdict. Life imprisonment. Four death penalties on hold (golden).
After a while, when the cheerleading club’s practice ended, Susami-san came down from the stage──with movements that seemed to indicate she was sweating. She unbuttons the first button of her school uniform jacket and wipes her forehead with the towel around her neck.
「How was it?」
「Amazing.」
「That’s like an elementary school student’s comment.」
I’ve never thought about what “cheering” really means until now. I can understand that it’s powerful and wonderful, but if asked to explain what’s so amazing about it, I’d be at a loss. It’s no wonder I can only come up with elementary school-level comments.
「Look, there’s more, right? Like how Susami-han was cute or cool.」
「I thought, so this is what cheerleading practice is like.」
「You’re so mean.」
Can’t you just honestly praise me for once? She buttons up the first button of her school uniform jacket and lets out a thin breath, then turns to return to the stage.
At that moment.
──Light Novels──
──Read Here──
「Hey, hey, Youko.」
「What is it, Tanaka-han?」
「Is that boy Youko’s boyfriend?」
「Naa.」
A female student with lightly dyed brown hair tapped Susami-san’s shoulder. I don’t recognize her. Probably from another class. Judging by her familiarity with Susami-san, she’s likely in the same grade. She has wide eyes and gives off a bright impression. The fact that she’s just a normal human raises her likability in my eyes, making me the kind of easy character in a game who’d fall for someone after about three interactions.
She, who at least doesn’t seem to have any trouble with her own romantic affairs, seems to be interested in others’ love lives. She emphasizes her tear bags with delicate gold glitter eyeshadow, as if to say she’s surprised, and a mischievous smile plays on her lips.
「For the usually composed Youko to react like that means…」
「I-It’s not! It’s totally not like that!」
「Suspiciousー. Hey, hey, boyfriend-kun, she’s saying this, but?」
「……」
Desperately denying it here would be amateurish. There might be a desire to strongly deny it due to the physiological rejection of the monster being presumed to be one’s lover.
However, silence is the correct answer here.
By showing a calm reaction, the teasing party is sure to become calm too.
「Not saying anything means it’s true, right?」
It was all wrong.
I didn’t expect her to come to that conclusion.
While touching my chin, I considered whether I should start crying and wailing, saying “This isn’t my lover”, like a child being carried by their parent at an amusement park, but thinking about my future social standing and Susami-san being called “this”, it was impossible. Well, maybe it’s barely safe since she’s dust.
I’m more sensitive to the current trends than a weather vane. Considering the recent emphasis on individuality, even dating a monster might be accepted. I want to avoid that.
I have to somehow say that we’re not lovers.
In words that won’t hurt anyone.
「Iya, we were already suspicious when Youko brought a boy. I mean, Youko’s like an elegant Yamato Nadeshiko, right? And she brings a boy! It can only be a boyfriend. It’s a super hot development. It’s confirmed.」
「Don’t think you can easily draw a 1/319 chance.」
「What are you talking about?」
「It’s a topic too early for Youko.」
“You’re saying some real complicated stuff”, Susami-san tilted her head.