Translator: Lilo
Editor: Ryuubii

Chapter 3: Daily Attacks In the Library

Act 2(2)

That night.

“Are you buddies with Takinami-san?”

When it was just me and Hasumi-senpai in the living room, she suddenly questioned me.

Not long ago, the three of us, including Hasumi-san, were having dinner together. When we finished eating, Hasumi-san went into his study to do some research.

Hasumi-senpai started to wash the dishes, but of course, I was not allowed to help her, and going back to my room seems like I was pushing that job onto her. I had no other choice but to watch TV that had nothing but uninteresting shows, although it was also as bad as just going back to my room.

Eventually, Hasumi-senpai finished washing up – and as she returned to the living room, she asked the question mentioned above.

“She comes to the library often, so we talk over the counter.”

“Hmmm.”

Hasumi-senpai gave a somewhat skeptical nod and sat down on the sofa.

She was dressed in loose-fitting long pants made of soft material and a T-shirt, sitting cross-legged on the sofa. It doesn’t look pretty for a girl, but when Hasumi-senpai does it, it looks strangely elegant. I know she might get mad but… it looks very manly.

“Then, what was that about?”

Hasumi-senpai then asked more questions.

“About what?”

“You were eating lunch with Takinami-san, weren’t you?”

“Aah, that one.”

At that time, she turned away the moment she noticed me, but she seemed to be paying attention to her surroundings.

“She invited me since we only talk inside the library. I started eating at the cafeteria just recently after all. Besides, she said it was thanks for always giving her recommendations and finding books.”

“Hee, you’ve been doing that for Takinami-san?”

“What are you talking about? That’s the job of the library committee. I also did the same thing for Shiiba-senpai.”

“…Is that so? So any girl will do.”

“…”

I felt like she was terribly misunderstanding something.

Even I want to retort a little.

“Even if I go out of my way to talk to everyone, there’s no way a girl will fall for it. Besides, aren’t you the one who said I look below average when I babble my mouth open, Hasumi-senpai?”

“Don’t take that seriously. It’s a joke, naturally.”

Hasumi-senpai replied while agitated.

“Eh? Ah, is that so…?”

I was bewildered by her sudden backpedal.

I see. It was a joke. However, how should I interpret her words? Objectively speaking, I think I don’t look half bad. Is it safe to assume Hasumi-senpai also thinks the same?

“Um…”

“Shut your mouth.”

When I opened my mouth, Hasumi immediately shut it down without a moment’s pause.

“Typical men.”

Then, as inelegant it was, she snorted.

“…You better bring it quickly.”

“What?”

“Lunch box. You can’t exactly keep eating at the cafeteria, right?”

“…”

No? I don’t see any reason not to ― but I stopped, since I didn’t want to argue with her right now.

Then we fall silent.

I couldn’t exactly go back to my room at this point because it would look like I was running away ― In the end, I endured the uncomfortable feeling for a while.

§§§§

It was now getting late ― 22:00.

It was at that time, I went downstairs with a mug of coffee in my hand that I had been drinking in my room, thinking of taking a bath and getting ready to sleep.

“You know what―,”

I heard a voice, Hasumi-senpai’s voice.

But it didn’t seem to be directed towards me, and for that matter, she wasn’t even standing there.

Is she talking to uncle? But he disappeared into his bedroom a short while ago, after dutifully saying goodnight to me.

Then, who was she talking to?

I grew curious and looked for Hasumi-senpai. Although it was a large mansion, it was still just an ordinary home. I soon found her.

A tatami room. In front of the Buddhist altar there, Hasumi-senpai was sitting cross-legged.

“Mom, did you know about dad’s affair?”

As I was about to call out to her, I quickly hid.

“Maybe you knew about it. You’re like a bodhisattva, after all.”

She was speaking to her deceased mother.

We previously talked about whether or not Hasumi’s mother knew about uncle’s affair. At that time, I answered that she would have to ask uncle directly, but it seems that Hasumi-senpai decided to ask her mother.

Of course there won’t be an answer ― this was just her talking to herself. Then I shouldn’t listen any longer. With this in mind, I was about to turn back without making a sound.

“I now have a little brother.”

My footsteps came to a halt.

“When I was little, I think I probably annoyed you by saying I wanted a little brother or sister, but I never thought it would come true this way.”

Hasumi-senpai said in dismay.

“You see, he wasn’t cute at all. He’s pretty good looking if he just stays shut. But, he likes to run his mouth off.”

Leave me alone. I’m quite fond of this self which can get along with anyone.

“But―”

Hasumi-senpai continued.

“…I’m the one who’s not cute at all.”

She spilled the beans.

“I knew it in my head. Yet, I can’t help but… you know.”

“….”

What she might say next was clearer than water.

My appearance must have been painful for her, who was capable of maintaining friendly interactions with a wide range of people.

After all, she had no choice but to hate me.

I feel bad for clouding the face of Hasumi-senpai, who was always happily smiling at school. I came here to make Hasumi-san feel better, but I guess I shouldn’t stay long.

I made up my mind again that as soon as the summer vacation rolls in ― I would leave this place.