Chapter 5 – A Date for Two (Part 2)

“Wh-What a coincidence, Suzu-san…”

“How rare indeed. I came to the shopping mall on a whim, and to think I’d run into you, Ren-san. That alone made this trip worthwhile.”

This is so awkward…

Both of them are sizing each other up… or rather, Suzu-san seems the same as always, but Iroha’s smile has gotten pretty stiff…

“Oh my, and this person is… a friend of yours, Ren-san?”

“Y-Yeah, but… who are you?”

“Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Himuro Suzu. I’m Ren-san’s classmate, and we’re always on good terms.”

Suzu-san consistently refuses to publicly acknowledge that we’re dating. According to her, she doesn’t want to cause me any trouble…

I mean, it helps, I guess… but I have no idea what she’s thinking, and that terrifies me…!

“…Himuro Suzu-san… I’m Yuzuki Iroha, Ren’s childhood friend… Nice to meet you.”

“Ahh, so you’re the childhood friend. No wonder you two seemed so close and friendly.”

Good, neither of them seems intent on revealing anything… Though the atmosphere still feels kind of heavy.

Can I do something about this…? Telling them to leave would be weird… If only I had a good idea…

“Come to think of it… weren’t you going to buy takoyaki, Ren-san?”

“Well, yeah, but… wouldn’t it be awkward for you two to be alone together? You know, friend of a friend and all…”

I wanted a good idea, but… I really didn’t want her to say that…

My honest feelings right now? I really don’t want these two talking when I’m not around.

“Not at all—you’re Ren-san’s friend, so there’s nothing awkward about it. Besides… there are things I’d like to discuss with Iroha-san, so I’d appreciate it if you’d let us be alone.”

“B-But…”

If I leave them alone… both of them love me way too intensely, so there’s no telling what they’ll do.

And if they find out I’m two-timing them… Forget about me—what’ll happen to them?

“Ren… I’m asking you too…”

Iroha too…?

Guess I’d better steel myself… and get ready to prostrate myself on the ground. That’s the least I can do to show sincerity…

“Fine… but don’t fight, okay…?”

“Fufu…”

“…”

“Please…”

…Guess I’ll go buy takoyaki… Great, I never even got to ask what they wanted to drink.

My steps toward the shop felt heavy. The takoyaki stand was right there, yet for some reason, my back was drenched in sweat.

Unable to help myself, I glanced back.

At a table a short distance away, Iroha sat with her eyes downcast, murmuring something.

Suzu-san, meanwhile, wore her usual gentle smile, her gaze fixed intently on Iroha’s face.

The moment Iroha stopped speaking, Suzu-san took a step closer to her.

For some reason, I felt like I shouldn’t watch any further. I quickly turned back around.

…It’s just my imagination, right?

Even as I stood in line for takoyaki, my heartbeat kept pounding in my ears.

—————————

“…I got the takoyaki… Huh, where’s Suzu-san?”

I’d calmed my racing heart, steeled my resolve, and returned—only to find that Suzu-san was already gone.

“We talked a little, then she left…”

“Wh-What did you talk about…?”

Phew… Thank god. No wait, I shouldn’t be relieved. Depending on what they talked about, I might still need to prostrate myself…

“About you, Ren. What you’re like in class… what you were like when we were little… really normal stuff.”

“…Phew~ I-I see…”

Safe… The problem might just be postponed, but… at least for now, it’s okay.

Though the way she said “really normal” feels off—she doesn’t usually phrase things like that. Scary…

“She was so mature and composed. Such a beautiful person.”

“…Y-Yeah…! But you’re just as good, Iroha! You’re the cute type, so it’s a different genre, that’s all!”

“You know, compliments like that… do you say them to lots of people, Ren…? You’re so kind and cool, someone might get the wrong idea, you know…?”

Maybe it’s not safe after all… Maybe they did talk about something… These sharp questions feel different from her usual vibe.

“…Well…”

I hesitate over how to answer.

“Just kidding~ I was teasing you because you always tease me, so I wanted to be a little mean for once~”

…My heart is racing like crazy. I probably just burned a thousand calories.

“You scared me…”

“Ehehe~ Mission accomplished then! From now on, you’d better tease me less, okay?”

“Fine…”

Did nothing really happen…? I have no way to confirm it. But for now… I just want to calm down and rest.

《side: Himuro Suzu》

—The Record of God is updated daily—

To me, you are equal to a god.

You possess outstanding human charm, an attractive appearance, and admirable character.

That is precisely why… you have charisma that draws people in. Not just men, but even women are drawn to you.

And therefore… shallow, low-level beasts are also attracted.

I believe in you, respect you, and love you.

To seek being chosen would be outrageous. If I can merely serve at your side, that is enough…

…However, those who lack beauty, figure, personality, humanity, or social standing—those unworthy of worshiping you—are unnecessary at your side.

“Record Book”

Name: Yuzuki Iroha (Childhood Friend)

Appearance: 9/10
Cute type with endearing charm.

Figure: 9/10
Small and delicate, yet surprisingly ample bust.

Personality: 7/10
Bright and energetic, but somewhat lacking in wisdom.

Humanity: 6/10
Not bad as a person, but possesses mental instability.

Social Standing: 9/10
Beloved character with many friends and popular support.

Total: 40/50

For now… she passes.