How I, a Completely Ordinary Guy with No Special Traits, Risked My Life to Save Beautiful Twin Sisters, Only to Make Both of Them, Who Turned Out to Be Yandere, Fall Madly in Love with Me (REMAKE) - 42

Chapter 42: That Means You’ve Wasted Like Nine-Tenths of Your Life!

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Several days had passed since the four of us had hung out together, and the season known as Obon had begun. This meant summer break was finally entering its final stage, drawing closer to its end. Normally, around this time of year, I would start panicking and frantically working on my homework, only to find myself in hell—but thanks to Riona, I had already finished everything this year. So, the pressure I usually felt in the second half of summer break was almost nonexistent. 

Today, I was on my way with Reona and Riona to attend a fireworks festival in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture. Right now, we were traveling across the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line by bus. As for why we were going all the way to Chiba—well, Reona and Riona had already attended all the major fireworks festivals held in Tokyo over the past few years, so they wanted to try something different this time.

It really drove home how different their world was from that of an introverted loner like me, who basically spent all of summer break holed up at home. Well, this year I was living more like the kind of normie I constantly wished would just explode.

“The fireworks show today is going to launch thirteen thousand shells.”

“I haven’t seen any fireworks yet this year, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

“I feel like it’s been about three years since I last saw fireworks.”

Last year, Mio had invited me to a neighborhood summer festival, but there hadn’t been any fireworks, so it really felt like it had been a while since I last saw fireworks. When I said that, Reona and Riona raised their voices in surprise.

“Ehh, really? That means you’ve wasted like nine-tenths of your life!”

“A summer without a fireworks festival isn’t even summer.”

“Nine-tenths?! That’s basically the whole thing! No matter how you slice it, you’re putting way too much importance on fireworks festivals!”

Our values were just way too different. This was the gap between the two main characters and someone like me, who was nothing more than Background Character B was just too jarring. As I was thinking that, the scenery outside the window suddenly brightened.

“Ah, looks like we just came out of the Aqua Tunnel.”

“Yeah, it definitely feels better with sunlight.”

“I can’t wait to see the view from the Aqua Bridge.”

“Then let’s stop by Umihotaru like we promised.”

“Yeah, that’s why we deliberately left in the early afternoon.”

Umihotaru had facilities spanning from the first to the fifth floor, so it seemed like we could enjoy ourselves just exploring that alone. After getting off the bus, we headed straight to the observation deck on the fifth floor. The 360-degree panoramic view from the deck was absolutely breathtaking. Thanks to the clear skies, even Mt. Fuji was visible. Reona and Riona looked delighted as they snapped photos with their phones.

“Since we’re here, let’s take a picture of the three of us together.”

“I’ll pass. You two go ahead and take one.”

“Nope. You’re coming too, Ryouya.”

I tried to escape, but Reona and Riona grabbed me by the arms.

In the end, I was sandwiched between the two of them for the photo.

This kind of thing had happened a few times before, but not once had I managed to get away.

“By the way, I’ve always wondered—what do you do with all the photos you take?”

“Oh, I upload every picture I take with you to my social media.”

“Wait, seriously?!”

Reona showed me her phone, and sure enough, it was full of pictures—ones taken at Tokyo Inclusion Square, in the preserved historic district, and other places we had visited.

Given how extroverted Reona was, it was safe to assume she had a lot of followers, which meant a ton of people had probably seen them. No, seriously, I couldn’t help but feel like I was being publicly exposed here.

“Don’t worry. It’s a private account, so you’re safe there.”

“It’s just followed by Onee-chan’s friends.”

“No no, there’s absolutely nothing reassuring about that at all…”

Reona’s friends were basically all top-tier extroverts, so being seen by them was pretty rough on my mental state already.

“Oh, look Ryouya! Good news! Mio-chan just gave your photo a like.”

“Mio follows you too?!”

“I gave it a like too, of course.”

I didn’t use that kind of extrovert-friendly social media, and I had no intention of ever doing so.

But now I was starting to seriously consider creating an account just to monitor her posts.

After enjoying the observation deck, we went down four floors and began browsing the souvenir shops. There were items featuring the Umihotaru mascot character, so I decided to buy a keychain as a souvenir for Mio. We continued exploring Umihotaru for a while, but soon realized it was almost time for our bus.

“Should we head back to the bus stop soon?”

“Actually, there’s one more place I want to visit first.”

“Yeah, coming to Umihotaru was partly for that too.”

Guided by Reona and Riona, we headed toward the place in question. Soon, we arrived at a scenic spot with a large bell.

“So this is the goal, huh?”

“Yup yup. I want to ring this Bell of Happiness.”

“They say if you ring it while thinking of your feelings for someone special, it will deepen the bond and reach their heart.”

“That’s why we should all ring it together with a wish in our hearts.”

Since all the people ringing the bell so far had been couples, it was probably meant for that kind of romantic spot. But we had come all this way, so I decided to go along with it.

The three of us grabbed the rope together and rang the bell. A beautiful tone echoed out. The mood felt kind of pleasant. I glanced to the side and I saw that both Reona and Riona had serious expressions on their faces.

I wondered what the two of them wished for.

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