Chapter 5

「I’m sleepy…」

In the end, a grumbling session about her husband was held by Kaname-kaasan.

I thought she’d ask about the other world or how I plan to interact with Natsu and Hina, but…

「Well, in the end, it’s your situation. Of course, I’m on Shougo’s side, but Natsuki and Hina-chan aren’t children anymore, so shouldn’t you do as you please?」

And so it went.

While listening to the grumbling, it seems messages from Hina kept coming in, and I learned that she’s inviting Asaki and Hikari over to the house this weekend. Aren’t the girls getting along too quickly?

Well, I feel like I might hear about this from Hikari.

But when I think about it calmly, Hikari’s affection towards me is quite unusual.

Of course, we’ve shared hardships (mostly hardships about 80%), so it’s understandable that there’s a stronger sense of camaraderie than with ordinary friends…

But still, it would be tactless to ask her directly, and now that we’re back to everyday life, this relationship might change.

Maybe it’s strange for me to think “I might hear something from Hikari”.

The next day──

「So, on Saturday, we’re going to visit our new friend Hinata-chan’s house!!」

See!! That was quick!!

「You’ve already made friends. As expected of Hikari.」

「It’s not just me!! Asaki-chan is coming too!!」

Yeah, I actually know that.

I thought there might be a report, but I didn’t expect it to come right after the first period ended.

「I see. Well, get along with your classmates.」

「Muu, Shou-nii is being cold… Aren’t you curious about what kind of person she is?」

「No, not really… Just kidding. So, what kind of person is she?」

「She’s a really good girl!! Cute and seems popular in class!! Her seat is at the back, so when I was distributing handouts, I talked to her a bit and thought we could get along, so I approached her!!」

Ahh, indeed, Hikari’s straightforward nature might match well with Hina’s quiet personality. There’s no doubt that Hina is the main listener, though…

「Hmm? But Hinata-chan and Shou-nii look a bit similar… I wonder why?」

Usually she’s airheaded, but you can’t underestimate her because of moments like this. I’ve always felt it, but maybe she has an intuitive ability to see people’s true nature.

「Well, with so many people around, that can happen. She’s a friend you just made, so take good care of her.」

「Of course!! Yesterday, Hinata-chan invited me to watch the kendo club!!」

「I see, that’s good.」

「Muu… I said it yesterday, but that’s so like Shou-nii!!」

Like what, exactly…

「Like asking how it was? Or if I’m going to join? There are lots of things you could ask!!」

「I don’t need to ask because I already know the answer.」

「Gununu… I can’t accept that. Then guess!!」

「It was unsatisfying, right?」

「…Yeah.」

Unlike before, she responds with a slightly depressed tone. Of course, having been in a life-and-death world until recently. I’m not belittling club activities, but the premise is just too different.

Well, for Hikari, joining the kendo club to train her spirit might be good, but she’d definitely stand out.

Even if she held back to match their level, I can’t see it having a positive effect on those who are seriously committed.

Of course, if Hikari wants to join a club, I won’t oppose it. The same goes for Daiki and Asaki. I’ll support them, and there’s no doubt they’ll excel. But──

But, it would probably be impossible for me. That’s all I thought.

「Well, whether to join a club or not, you should decide for yourself.」

「Okay~」

Right after giving an honest reply, Hikari returned to her class.

Really, who am I to say “decide for yourself”──

「Huh? No one’s here?」

Before I knew it, I was the only one left in the classroom, and all my classmates had disappeared.

In a hurry, I looked at the schedule posted on the wall and saw the word “PE”. This means during the break, everyone changes into their gym clothes in the locker room, and by the time the bell rings, they should be out on the field.

──Kiin koon kaan koon…

Ahh… I messed up.

Anyway, I need to hurry to the locker room… Locker room?

「Where is it… the locker room?」

Daiki must have blended in with his classmates and headed to the locker room. That traitor!!

In the end, I went out to the field in my uniform and asked the burly PE teacher if I could sit out. The reason? Saying I didn’t know where the locker room was would be too embarrassing, so I said an old injury in my leg was acting up and asked to sit out. It’s a lie, though.

Despite receiving suspicious looks, I successfully secured my spot as an observer, and without anyone noticing, I pick up a small stone and throw it at Daiki’s back. Traitors must be punished!! That’s the way of the world.

Well, he caught the stone without even turning around. That guy has long since stopped being human.

Having failed in my punishment, I quietly decided to observe the class from the corner. Even though it’s May, the sunny day is warm enough to feel the approach of summer. The occasional breeze is so pleasant that I honestly want to lie down and take a nap.

That would be too conspicuous, so I diligently observe the class in the sleep-inducing weather. From an outsider’s perspective, they probably can’t see if my eyes are open or not… Hmm? Maybe I won’t get caught if I sleep?

Thinking such trivial thoughts, I shift my focus back to the class. It seems today’s lesson is soccer. I could see the boys, presumably from the soccer club, joyfully preparing the equipment.

And our hyper ikemen Daiki-sama? He’s enjoying soccer without standing out too much.

Well, he hasn’t played soccer in a while. Even if it’s just a class, I can understand why he’s having fun.

That said, Daiki-kun is performing brilliantly. With his elegant dribbling, he easily passes one or two players, making the boys from the soccer club look frustrated, while the other boys are captivated, saying things like “Amazing” and “Is he an experienced player?”.

As for the girls, they were naturally squealing about how “cool” he was. Well, this was too predictable a scene, so I went back to absentmindedly watching the class. I’m definitely not trying to avoid the piercing gazes coming my way. Not at all. So please, stop looking at me.

Enduring the ordeal that occasionally made my consciousness drift, I stand up with the bell signaling the end of class.

As I didn’t need to change clothes, I approached Daiki, intending to remember the location of the locker room.

「You traitor.」

「What are you talking about? Ahh, now that you mention it, I thought my back was itchy, and when I reached out, I found a small stone in my hand. Quite a coincidence, don’t you think?」

「It’s spring, so maybe even stones want to fly in the sky.」

Exchanging playful banter, we walk towards the locker room.

I see, so this is where the locker room is. I’ve got it memorized now!!

I waited for Daiki to finish changing, and we returned to the classroom, continuing our trivial conversation.

──Light Novels──

──Read Here──

Without any incidents, we finished the third and fourth periods, and it was time for lunch. I see the usual scene of bento eaters moving their desks to eat with friends or turning their desks to face each other. Meanwhile, the cafeteria-goers dash out of the classroom to secure popular menu items, and so on, it seems that lunch breaks can be noisy whether you’re in middle school or high school.

By the way, I have a bento today. Although I’m tempted by the cafeteria menu, I have to consume the large amount of vegetables I bought yesterday.

And so, here is my vegetable stir-fry set meal (without meat).

Well, shall I invite Daiki for a men’s meal… Ohh…?

When I turned to look, the girls had already moved their desks with a loud noise, forming a Daiki encirclement. Feeling slightly terrified by their desperate expressions, I moved my seat to the edge of the aisle to keep my distance. I don’t want to get caught up in something so scary.

Oya, Daiki himself seems to have something to say. What is it…?

──You traitor!!

For now, I return a smile. I feel like I received some kind of telepathic message saying “You’ll pay for this!!”, but that’s that.

But with Daiki out of the question, as I was about to open my bento, thinking I’d have to enjoy a lonely meal by myself.

「Shou-nii!! I’m here!!」

「Why are you here?」

An unexpected visit from Hikari. How did she know I was in the classroom?

「When we talked earlier, I saw something like a bento wrapper peeking out from your bag, so I thought you might have a bento today!!」

This girl is scary. She notices even that…

「Shou-niisama, are we bothering you?」

「No, it’s not a bother, but it’s not normal for a first-year to come to a second-year’s classroom… Wait, Asaki too?」

「Yes, it’s your cute Asaki, but what about it?」

I could feel the air in the classroom freeze with that statement. She definitely did that on purpose…

「Oi, could that girl be…」

「Yeah, right? Why are those girls with him?」

「I smell power.」

The classroom buzzes slightly. Well, yeah, Hikari and Asaki both have striking appearances, so combined with the previous statement, they attract even more attention. Moreover, Asaki has the name value of being the chairman’s granddaughter, so it’s understandable why people wonder why she’s with me.

And you, the last one who spoke, high school students shouldn’t be sniffing out power.

「Haa… It’s uncomfortable here, I’m fine with eating together but let’s change locations.」

「Oh my, does Shou-niisama prefer deserted places?」

「That’s why you, really you, what’s with you?」

Not knowing how to respond, I end up speaking like Hikari. I see, these are the words that come out when you feel this way. I learned something. Not that I’m happy about it.

「Well, I’m fine with anywhere. By the way, does she have business with Shou-niisama?」

「Eh?」

If Asaki is speaking like this, it must be someone other than Daiki and Hikari.

Looking in the direction of Asaki’s gaze, I see my childhood friend holding what looks like a bento wrapper, showing a hesitant expression.

「Um, well, I…」

「──Ahh, there you are!! Natsuki, want to have lunch together?」

Just as she was about to speak, another male voice called out to my childhood friend. I can’t help but look in the direction of the voice.

──No doubt. That time…

The male student’s voice reached my ears clearly, so there’s no way she, standing right in front of me, didn’t hear it. Yet, she didn’t try to look that way and bit her lip slightly.

「Oi─, Natsuki─. Amano-kun is calling you─.」

「I-I know.」

With a sigh that seemed to signify resignation, she walks towards the male student called Amano. Seeing such an expression, I felt an urge to say something, but my movements stopped.

──No, what could I say now…?

Judging from the atmosphere around us, I’ve completely missed my chance. If I had noticed her presence earlier, or if I had invited her to eat together when she approached with her bento wrapper.

If that was her intention, she would have agreed, and if it wasn’t, she would have just declined. So why didn’t I say anything?

「Hmm, I wonder what that was about?」

「She probably wanted to eat lunch with Shou-nii!!」

Could it be? Coming from Hikari, that might be the correct answer.

Maybe she just wanted to say a word to me after meeting again after so long. On the other hand, even if we’re childhood friends, would a girl with a boyfriend eat lunch alone with a specific boy? I can’t help but think that.

I know it’s a twisted thought, but please forgive me for thinking this way. Even if she’s a childhood friend, it’s not right to put her lover aside. Probably…

「But that guy, how should I say it…」

My excuse-laden thoughts were interrupted by Hikari’s voice.

「Hmm? I thought he was pretty handsome, maybe not as much as Daiki, but still. He didn’t seem like a bad guy at first glance.」

Why am I defending someone I don’t even know well?

「I don’t know how to put it. I don’t think I could come to like him.」

「Me too. There’s no particular reason, just a feeling.」

「…I see.」

If these two say so, there might be something about him. But I don’t have any certainty, and it would be disrespectful to both him and my childhood friend to look at them with prejudice.

「Well, whatever!! Let’s eat, eat!!」

「Indeed. We should eat before the lunch break ends.」

「Yeah, let’s eat quickly.」

I unwrap my bento and open the two-tiered box.

「Shou-nii… That’s not enough for a growing high school boy…」

「It’s all vegetables… isn’t it?」

「Shut up!! I was forced to take all these vegetables and didn’t have money to buy meat!!」

I mean, there’s enough vegetables at home to last a family a week!? It would be a waste to throw them away, so I had no choice…

Ahh, I see. I should have asked Kaname-kaasan to take some home.

「Then I’ll give you some of my fried chicken!!」

「And I’ll share this fried fish.」

Ohh, my all-vegetable bento now has some color!! But I feel bad just receiving, so I should…