Someone Who Believes They Can Live Normally in a World Where Chastity Is Reversed (Did You Think You Could Live Normally in a World With a Male-To-Female Ratio of 1:5?) - Chapter 27: The Energetic JD Obtains Information

Lately, I’ve been feeling strange.

“Mizuho, do you have the handouts from the last class?”

“Yeah, I have them.”

“Are you okay? You seem a bit off…”

“N-no, everything’s fine! I’m totally energetic!”

I forcibly end the conversation.

Since being introduced by Koiumi, Masato, Koiumi, and I have been spending a lot of time together at university. We’re even taking some classes together.

It’s something I’m happy about and slightly proud of. Just being part of a group of guys at university makes me a bit envious, and if they’re handsome, even more so.

But, I know how Koiumi feels about Masato.

Koiumi introduced me to Masato knowing how she feels. It’s a kind of trust.

Of course, meeting my soulmate might have something to do with it, but it’s also about her believing that I’ll be okay.

Yet.

Being with this person… being with Masato makes me feel strange.

Since the incident with Keito-san, my heart has been in a constant flutter.

Was my heart always this light?

I still want to find my soulmate. That feeling hasn’t changed.

Because, back then, I was truly saved.

If there’s a chance that someone like that is here at this university, I definitely want to meet them and express these feelings.

But then, what are these feelings I have for Masato?

I shouldn’t think that any boy would do. But for some reason, I’m drawn to Masato.

Even though he’s the person Koiumi likes. Even though I shouldn’t fall for him.

The more I think about it, the more my chest hurts.

I couldn’t focus on the class at all.

My notes remained blank.

I don’t know what to do.

…

“Ugh! I’m tired! I’m not confident about next week’s quiz…”

“Well, you’ll manage somehow!”

“You always say that, Mizuho, when it’s always a close call…”

“Because I’m always okay with that!”

After class, on the way home…

Walking like this helps me forget.

Forget about my complicated feelings. Forget about Koiumi and Masato’s relationship.

I can just enjoy the moment.

“Well then, let’s go to the batting center like we promised! It’s just a short train ride away!”

“Yeah, sounds good!”

“Are you coming too, Mizuho?”

But suddenly, things like this happen.

Suddenly, my chest feels tight.

Koiumi wants to go with Masato.

If I’m there, I’ll just be in the way. Because Koiumi likes Masato.

Even though I was already taking away their time alone at university, if I do it outside too… I’ll be a terrible person.

Hang in there, me. I silently chant in my heart.

“Ah… haha! I actually have a prior engagement today… so you two have fun!”

“Huh? Is that so?”

“Yeah yeah! Mizuho-chan is always so popular and busy… hehe.”

It’s not bad.

I’m playing my part as usual. That’s fine.

I knew this from the beginning.

“Mizuho, do you have something to do?”

“…”

Masato peers into my eyes.

His gaze is innocent, without malice. His face is perfectly composed.

Stop it.

Stop it, please.

I take a deep breath.

“No-no! It’s just… I’m in a bit of a pickle. But does Masato want Mizuho-chan to come along that much? But sorry, not today! See you tomorrow!”

“Huh? Hey, Mizuho!”

Before I realize it, I’m running away.

I don’t have any plans, of course.

But I couldn’t bear to stay with them any longer.

…

On my way back, I exited the station during the transfer. Since it’s within my commuter pass area, there’s no extra cost.

I walk without a destination in mind. Walking alone helps calm my feelings.

“Oh…”

As I walk, I find myself at a familiar drugstore. This is where I and my soulmate met. Maybe if I just wander around, I might run into them again… but that’s not likely, is it?

The time and day are different from back then.

It would truly be a miracle to run into each other by chance.

But… right now, I really want to meet my soulmate. Because if my feelings are truly leaning that way, I won’t feel guilty when we’re all together.

I’m sure I can come to terms with these budding feelings for Masato.

“Maybe I should check out some cosmetics…”

On a whim, I entered a shop. Might as well, since I have some free time. And then…

“Thank you for always shopping with us~”

“Oh no, thank you!”

A man approaches from the register. His uniform looks familiar. At that time, I didn’t have my contacts, so it was hard to see. It’s the same uniform as my soulmate’s.

My heart skips a beat. I look at his face… but it’s different. His hair color is too flashy, and he’s much shorter than my soulmate. It’s obviously a different person, but the same uniform means he probably works at the same store.

Or at least, it’s highly likely. I found myself speaking almost unconsciously.

“Um, excuse me!”

“…? What is it?”

Uh-oh. I just blurted out without thinking. I must seem so weird.

“Um, so… are there any university students working at your store?”

“University students? Hmm, yeah, there are.”

There are! But isn’t it rare for a store not to have university students working?

I need more information… This is a chance I can’t waste!

“Well, um, could you tell me their names or something…?”

“Hmm, it’s about the store, so I’m not sure if I can tell you. Sorry.”

“R-right! Sorry!”

Ah, of course! How suspicious must I look!

“Then here, take this. If you’re interested, why don’t you come and check it out?”

“Huh…? Thank you so much!”

He, with his silver hair and cute face, hands me a business card. They have business cards…

“Well then, see you. Looking forward to seeing you, miss.”

“…?”

He waved goodbye and walked away. He wasn’t my type, but he was quite handsome.

Or rather cute, maybe? Even though he said those words, I didn’t feel fluttery. I guess it wasn’t like I was open to anyone.

I look at the business card. It’s adorned with a glamorous glass and a night view. At least I found out the name of the store.

Uh, let’s see…

“Boy’s Bar ‘Festa’… Boy’s Bar?!”

Uh, both the person just now and my soulmate were cool-looking! This is totally unexpected. The business card has the name “Yuta” written on it.

“Huh, huh…?!”

If I knew the store, I was thinking of going there right away.

But if it’s a Boy’s Bar, that changes things.

Or rather, was my soulmate a barman?!

“What should I do…?”

For a few minutes, I couldn’t move from the spot.

…

In the end, I came home. I flopped onto my bed and played with my phone. When I looked up the store, apparently you can enter if you’re over 18, so I can go.

But… the spending might be high, and I’ve never been to a Boy’s Bar before.

And also…

“Was he nice because he’s a barman?”

One question pops up.

Was it just part of the service…?

But…

[Are you okay? Are those contacts? Let me help you find them.]

[I’m sorry! I’m looking for  contacts!]

[Here, be careful.]

When I close my eyes, I can remember it vividly. That smile, those kind words, that consideration. It didn’t seem fake.

Especially since I wasn’t even a customer. Would he really go that far outside the store?

Thinking about it, it must’ve been genuine kindness from him――.

Ping.

Notification.

It’s a social media notification on my phone. I glance at the message without marking it as read.

<Koiumi>: [Mizuho, you didn’t have to worry about it.]

[But thank you.]

Koiumi noticed after all.

But that’s okay. If Koiumi had fun, then that’s…

Just as I thought that, another notification came in.

<Koiumi>:

【Sent a video, 52 seconds】

【Sent an image】

[Take a look. I took a video of Masato from behind. Doesn’t he look super cool?]

[And also, he was taking pictures of me, isn’t that amazing♪]

My chest suddenly tightens.

I grip my chest tightly.

Why?

Why is it hurting so much? Why am I feeling this pain?

“Congratulations.” “You’re practically his girlfriend.”

That’s what I want to say in my usual tone!

But why?

Why does it hurt so much…?

Suddenly, I noticed something on the desk.

I reach out and pick it up.

A business card.

The business card I got on my way home, from the Boy’s Bar. I lie back on the bed, looking up at the ceiling, holding the card in my right hand.

…I sigh and lower my right hand, covering my face with my arm.

“…I have to go.”

To put an end to these feelings. To protect my best friend and myself from getting hurt. I’ve made up my mind.

(T/N: Started playing Xeno games from Xenosaga, hence the delay)