The Gal Game Heroines Who Were Supposed to Die Somehow Learned My Secret ～By the Way, Where Did My [Diary] Go?～ - Chapter 21: "I’ll Be Waiting There━"

Chapter 21: “I’ll Be Waiting There━”

I realized something as I wrote this.

Not once have I actually written a romantic comedy…

━━━

In the early spring, as the chill of winter was beginning to fade, plum blossoms bloomed ahead of other plants, their delicate flowers and fragrant scent heralding the arrival of spring.

It had been almost a year since that day━

My body had steadily recovered, and even my right arm, which had been the most severely injured, had made remarkable progress through painful rehabilitation. Now, I could even grip objects with it again.

The arm that was said might never move again had come this far, all thanks to━

“Hm? Is something wrong?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Satsuki, walking beside me, turned to look at my face with a curious expression. In just a year, her appearance had transformed, shedding the youthful look of a high schooler and embracing the refined air of a college student. Her gestures and expressions exuded a newfound confidence and glow, as if she had taken her first steps into adulthood.

“Doubt! That’s the face of someone hiding something, you see?”

…Or so I thought, but it didn’t take long to realize that her lively, carefree nature was still very much intact.

“I was just thinking how much time has passed since you and the others gave the doctors such a hard time about letting me out of the wheelchair.”

“And what’s so bad about that?”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me…”

Satsuki tilted her head, looking puzzled.

Even now, I occasionally think back to the time when my injuries had healed enough for me to graduate from the wheelchair. I was eager to walk freely again, but the four of them were firmly against it, seemingly wanting to continue looking after me.

Shino, for instance, had gone as far as to say:

“A doctor who makes such poor decisions is unnecessary. State your name immediately.”

She had genuinely put the doctors in a tough spot.

Yeah… not exactly a fond memory.

━━The day Satsuki and the others read my diary.

Looking back, I’d read plenty of stories, even in my past life, about people being reincarnated into games. But I’d never heard of a scenario where the characters within the game became aware that their world was fabricated.

Normally, the world’s enforcement mechanics would have erased any memory of reading the diary. However, since we were now free from LoD, the world’s enforcement mechanics no longer applied. It was explained to me that this was why they were able to remember, and honestly, that made sense.

Although, I couldn’t help but laugh a little when they referred to me as a “sinner of a higher world.”

And, of course, the overwhelming guilt and excessive gratitude they felt toward me also made sense. If I were in their position, I might have fallen into darkness as well.

Well, to be honest, none of that really mattered anymore. What truly mattered was━

“…How embarrassing.”

I tilted my head back and covered my face with both hands.

No, I never intended for anyone to read it. Especially not the later parts, where my thoughts had spiraled, leaving the writing a chaotic, unreadable mess.

And that final line━

“‘Victory comes to those who are prepared to give their all…’”

Satsuki recited it with a smug look on her face, her gaze fixed on me. My face flushed hot, burning from the neck up.

“Please… stop.”

“Why~? I think it’s amazing! Not many people can say something like that, and it really made me feel how much you care!”

“I’m begging you, please don’t say that in public! I’m serious!”

We were currently at a shopping mall. Essentially, a date. Usually, we were with all five of us, but today the other three had other plans, leaving it just the two of us.

Satsuki gently slipped her arm through my right one, leaning closer with a playful pout and an upward glance that made my heart skip a beat.

“…Since it’s just the two of us today, can you focus on me for now?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry…”

God, she’s way too cute… my girlfriend…

As I walked, I realized she’d read me like an open book. I’d been thinking about the other three, and she’d caught on immediately. Around us, I could feel the weight of people’s stares. Most of them were aimed at me—glares full of jealousy.

“Though… it’s not as bad as it used to be…”

I let out a wry smile. If jealousy could be measured, the intensity of the stares focused on me right now would be about a quarter of what they usually are.

Normally, Reine, Shuna, and Shino would be here as well.

Not just Satsuki, but all three of the other heroines—the Four Beauties—are also my girlfriends.

I’ve long since grown accustomed to the accusing glares calling me a harem guy. At university, I’ve even become somewhat of a local celebrity as the “mob guy who leads four stunning women.”

Originally, this position was supposed to belong to Yuto Sano, but life has a way of surprising you.

Speaking of Yuto, ever since that day, he hasn’t approached us at all.

Perhaps the fact that the four of them got genuinely furious that day had an impact. At university, he’s kept to himself and hasn’t tried to make contact with the Four Beauties. Maybe he’s truly reflecting on his actions.

If that’s the case, I hope he starts over from scratch.

I’m sure some would criticize me for saying something so forgiving after he nearly cost me my life. But honestly, I can’t hold a grudge forever, especially since, in my past life, I was kind of a scumbag myself.

And most importantly—this is the biggest thing—the chances of the Four Beauties falling into darkness have drastically decreased.

Every now and then, they’ll still direct some intensely heavy emotions my way, but compared to how things were in the beginning, it’s nothing to worry about.

For the first time in a long while, my heart is finally at peace.

“That’s not it, Satoshi-kun. The reason we don’t fall into darkness anymore is because we feel how much you love us.”

“…Can you stop casually reading my mind?”

“Fufufu, well, we do spend those passionate nights together every day. When we know just how much you love us, there’s no reason to worry anymore.”

“Would you please not say things like that in public!?”

Satsuki held her cheek, letting out a suggestive comment with a dreamy look on her face. She seemed completely unaware of the impact her words were having. Around us, warm smiles and envious glares collided, making me feel like I was catching a cold from the awkward tension.

…Anyway, yes, about the nights. I spend them with the four of them. As for details… well, let’s just say my stamina has been struggling lately.

I’ve tried various ways to handle it, changing things up here and there, but… well, you can imagine how that’s been going.

“Well, that part’s true.”

“So it wasn’t a joke…”

“But the most important thing is that you helped us resolve the darkness we were carrying, Satoshi-kun. Thanks to you, our hearts feel so much lighter now. Thank you!”

“Well… it’s only natural.”

Satsuki had quit her career as a gravure idol. Being a rising star, her agency was naturally reluctant to let her go. But I’d confronted them head-on, saying, “You were the ones who pushed her toward pillow business, and now that she’s successful, you suddenly change your tune? How does that make any sense?” I left them with no room to argue.

As for the other issues—Reine’s problems with her mother, Shuna’s company troubles, and Shino’s conflicts with her family—I stepped in and solved the challenges that were supposed to be resolved by Yuto in LoD.

Not that it’s anything to brag about.

If someone I care about is in trouble, it’s only natural to want to help them, right?

“Hm?”

Satsuki tugged on my arm.

“More importantly, let’s enjoy our date! We don’t have much time before tonight, you know!”

“Oh, uh, yeah.”

“Let’s start with some window shopping! We’re going to hit all the stores!”

“You’re kidding, right!?”

There are at least thirty shops here…

◇

“How about this one~?”

“It’s really spring-like. Bright and soft—it suits you perfectly, Satsuki.”

“Really~? Then how about this one?”

“It feels very light and soft overall. Especially the way that long skirt sways—it’s so fitting for spring. I think it looks great.”

When Satsuki emerged from the fitting room, she struck a pose that naturally complemented the outfit she was wearing. As expected of a former gravure idol, she had an extraordinary talent for drawing attention. However, I couldn’t help but worry that if she kept this up, someone might recognize her.

More importantly, how many outfits are left? We’ve already been at this for about two hours…

“Satoshi-kun, you’re so good at giving compliments that I lose track of time~. I’m having so much fun!”

“Well, I’ve had plenty of practice.”

With four girlfriends, all of them interested in fashion to some degree, outings like today’s window shopping trips are common. Early on, though, I was utterly terrible at giving compliments.

While Satsuki, Shuna, and Shino were happy regardless of my clumsy attempts, Reine was… different.

“Does it not suit me?” “You’re just saying the same thing as before…” “It’s okay, you don’t have to force yourself…” “After all, I’m just… not good enough…”

She would spiral into gloom, and every time, I had to hug her and comfort her—often in public. Needless to say, my ability to give meaningful compliments developed as a survival skill.

It was a tough journey, seriously…

Reine, who had never learned how to rely on others since childhood, compensates by leaning on us heavily now. If we neglect her even slightly, her sadness becomes painfully obvious, so we all go out of our way to pamper her.

She’s like the youngest sister of the group, really. Not that she’d ever admit it…

The rest of us, though, can’t help but think, What is she even saying, when she’s the one who can’t sleep alone at night unless someone’s with her?

“Alright, let’s head to that place next.”

“Yeah, sure… wait, what!?”

I froze the moment I saw where she was pointing. A lingerie shop.

“Please, anything but that…”

“Eh~? Says the guy who’s responsible for me needing a new size…”

“Alright! Alright! I get it, just stop talking!”

“Good, as long as you understand~.”

With a mischievous grin that could only be described as dark, Satsuki practically dragged me inside.

◇

After surviving the hellish tour of lingerie, we moved on to a game center.

“Ahahaha! Satoshi-kun, you’re terrible at this!”

“Hey, give me a break! It’s tough playing the drum game with just one good hand!”

We had decided to have a taiko drum battle, but being a beginner and not having full use of my right hand—my dominant hand—put me at a clear disadvantage. Using my left hand to hit the drum was, predictably, a disaster.

“You’ve got no sense of rhythm!”

“Hey, if I could use my right hand, I’d be a little better, okay? Besides, you’re not exactly much better than me…”

“A narrow victory is still a victory!”

Satsuki puffed out her chest proudly, holding her nose high with an air of triumph.

“Damn it…”

Even if it was a close match, a loss was still a loss. And it stung.

Fine, if that’s how it’s going to be, I needed to find a game where I could secure a win.

“How about medal games?”

“Rejected.”

“Eh? Why?”

“Medal games remind me of Shuna, and let’s just say I don’t have good memories of those…”

“Ah… I see.”

Apparently, ever since Shuna started university, she had discovered a new hobby—one that caused plenty of trouble.

That hobby was gambling. Slots, horse racing, boat racing—she was into anything and everything.

As long as it stayed within reasonable limits, I wouldn’t stop her. However, thanks to her horrendous luck with money, it wasn’t uncommon for her to return completely broke.

“I’m not gambling; I’m investing in what feels like a sure thing! Just wait—give it a few days, and it’ll multiply several times over!”

After hearing that enough times, the rest of us took over managing Shuna’s finances. Naturally, she protested loudly, but we couldn’t risk her spiraling into debt, so we had to be firm.

Seriously, of all people, you should understand how dangerous gambling can be…

Despite her calm demeanor and nurturing presence, Shuna was, in many ways, the biggest troublemaker. She might seem laid-back, but the things she did were often downright terrifying.

“Alright then, how about a UFO catcher?”

“Now that sounds like fun. Which one should we go for?”

“Hmm, I think a plushie would be nice for the house. How about that one?”

Satsuki pointed to a cute teddy bear in the machine—a classic Titti Bear.

“Isn’t that thing huge? Can we even get it?”

The giant Titti Bear looked to be about 80 centimeters tall, an enormous prize by any standard. But Satsuki seemed determined.

“It’s not about whether we can get it or not. We will get it!”

“Wow, that sounds like something out of a motivational speech…”

“Alright! Let’s work together! I’ll press this button on the right, so you handle the one on the left, Satoshi-kun!”

Apparently, Satsuki planned to control the right button, leaving me in charge of the left.

“Got it… Wait, it’s already off-track!?”

“Eh? Really!?”

The result? It turns out neither of us has any talent for these games.

Even after the store clerk kindly gave us a few assisted tries, we still couldn’t win the bear.

Not that I’m upset or anything. Honestly, carrying around something that big would’ve drawn way too much attention.

◇

“This is it~! Deluxe☆Strawberry Café! I’ve been wanting to try this forever!”

Satsuki’s eyes sparkled as she snapped photo after photo.

To lift the mood after our UFO catcher failure, we headed to her long-awaited café. When we first arrived, the lingering disappointment from the game was still evident. But as soon as the café’s specialty dessert was brought to our table, her mood brightened in no time.

I let out a small sigh of relief.

“Satoshi-kun, take a picture!”

“Alright, alright.”

“Peace!”

I snapped a photo of Satsuki flashing a cherry blossom-like smile in front of her oversized parfait. The happiness radiating from her was so contagious that it warmed my heart just watching her.

But still…

“Isn’t this too much? Can you really eat all of that by yourself?”

“You’re underestimating me, Satoshi-kun.”

She wagged her finger and made a playful clicking sound with her lips.

“You see, parfaits are magical. The moment a girl eats them, the calories get cut in half.”

“What kind of nonsense is that…?”

Even by the questionable standards of calorie theories floating around, this was beyond absurd.

“And, you know what else?”

Satsuki theatrically scooped a generous portion of the towering parfait—a dollop of whipped cream drizzled with strawberry sauce and a peek of pink ice cream beneath—and held it out toward me.

“By applying the ‘ahh’ coefficient, happiness and deliciousness double. So… ahh~.”

With a smile, she leaned forward, offering me the spoon.

Feeling the weight of onlookers’ gazes, I reluctantly took the bite. As I looked up, I saw Satsuki smiling softly, her eyes locked onto mine.

“Q.E.D. (Quite Easily Demonstrated), right?”

“…You win.”

The taste hadn’t changed, but the blend of happiness and embarrassment hitting me all at once was undeniable. I silently took back what I said about her logic being ridiculous.

“Alright! Now it’s my turn! Bring it on!”

“What are you, in the baseball club or something?”

Satsuki and I continued feeding each other the Deluxe☆Strawberry Parfait. Apparently, the ‘ahh’ coefficient could be applied infinitely, and with each application, the “deliciousness” somehow kept increasing.

As we played this silly game, I couldn’t help but think about a recent trend in our household—sharing quirky “occult theories.” It’s become a favorite pastime, particularly for Shino, who loves word games like these.

Ever since we started university, our evenings often ended with buying alcohol and drinking together at home.

Underage? Nah, we’re college students. Totally fine, right?

Surprisingly, Shino turned out to be the biggest fan of alcohol… and also the weakest drinker.

“Listen here, Satoshi-saaaan,” she’d slur, chomping on dried squid and sipping highballs. “You see, the kanji for ‘person’ shows two people supporting each other, right? But when you add ‘love’ [I] between them, they fall onto the bed and become ‘H’! Sooo, let’s sleep together, okay?”

She’d spout these bizarre “dad logic” theories while drunkenly patting my back and clinging to me. Despite how ridiculous it was, there was an inexplicable allure in her behavior that was undeniably unfair.

Oh, and about the time we all decided to quit drinking? Shino sulked so much that she clung to an empty shochu bottle in her sleep. We ended up caving in before she did.

“Yummm! This is so good! Excuse me, waiter! One more, please!”

“Hey!”

I tried to intervene, but Satsuki was entirely oblivious to my concerns. At some point, I just gave up. 

Well, if she’s happy, that’s all that matters, I thought with a resigned sigh.

◇

“Wow, what a haul today!”

Satsuki’s hands were overflowing with shopping bags. I wanted to offer to carry them, but with my right hand still not fully healed, I wasn’t much help.

As we made our way home, I was utterly exhausted. Not that the date wasn’t fun—it was, but…

“Sorry about losing my bag earlier~ I got so caught up in everything.”

“Well, uh… just be more careful next time.”

Satsuki stuck her tongue out, looking anything but remorseful.

Seriously, could you try to be a bit more cautious!? I thought to myself. 

Her bag had everything in it—her wallet, her phone—and yet she seemed completely unfazed.

For all her admirable traits, Satsuki had one fatal flaw: she was terrible at keeping track of her belongings. Losing her commuter pass had become routine, to the point where she was on chatting terms with the station staff and the university’s lost-and-found office. Even the local police station was a frequent stop for her, where the friendly old officer would joke, “What is it this time? Come to turn yourself in?”

“I guess I’m just a sinner imprisoned in the jail of your love, Satoshi-kun~”

“Could you not read my mind…?”

As Satsuki interrupted my thoughts with her usual playful quip, I could only sigh and deliver my obligatory retort.

“It’s fine about the bag—by tomorrow, it’ll definitely be at the police station.”

“Huh…? Well, if you say so.”

There wasn’t much point in panicking now. Besides, Satsuki had an uncanny streak of always recovering her lost items. Her confidence was oddly reassuring.

That aside, living alongside the heroines of LoD had revealed something to me: they all had their fair share of fatal flaws. Yet, those imperfections didn’t make me dislike or grow disillusioned with them. Quite the opposite, in fact. Their quirks added a touch of humanity, making them more endearing.

The raw, unpolished traits that never showed in their profile screens back in the game were now part of what made them so captivating to me.

“Oh, there it is!”

An old, cheap apartment complex came into view. At the very end was my room, its light already on. Despite there being five other rooms, it had become routine for everyone to gather in mine for dinner and to sleep. After a year of this, I had long since grown used to it.

“Oh, you’re finally back~!”

“Welcome home.”

“You’re late, huh?”

“Yeah, sorry about that~.”

As I stepped into my small one-room apartment, I was greeted by the sight of sushi, pizza, and bottles of what looked like expensive liquor. For our place, this was an unexpectedly luxurious feast.

“Is today some kind of special occasion?”

“I knew you’d forget…”

Hadn’t we already celebrated my birthday? What could it be?

“Today marks one year since you saved us, Satoshi-kun.”

“Ah, wait—was that today?”

Even as I looked at the calendar, the exact date wouldn’t come to me. I had a vague sense that it must’ve been around this time—after all, it was a day I might have died. But to recall the precise date? That was beyond me.

The desperate struggle to change an inescapable future now felt like a distant memory.

“Thank you for saving us that day, Satoshi-kun.”

Satsuki spoke with a warm smile, echoed by the expressions of everyone else.

The truth was, saving the heroines had started as a means to an end—a step in my quest for revenge. Nothing more than a method.

And yet—

“Mmff!? Hey—!”

Before I could sink deeper into my thoughts, Reine pinched my cheeks between her hands, pouting as if to scold me.

“Okay, okay, that’s enough of your self-deprecation time. Honestly, Satoshi, this is such a bad habit of yours.”

“S-Sorry…” 

When Reine finally let go, a pleasant stinging sensation lingered on my cheeks.

“Whatever you think, the fact doesn’t change that you saved us…”

“She’s right. This past year has been the happiest of my life…”

Shino nodded deeply, her words filled with sincerity. As I listened, a warm feeling spread in my chest.

After all, the time I had spent directly with these four was only this past year. There was always a nagging fear that, if they truly got to know me, they might be disappointed. Yet, hearing her say those words made me happier than anything else.

That’s why I decided to answer their love with everything I had.

“Until the day this life of mine ends, I’ll keep running forward for all of you. That’s the reason I, Satoshi Iriya, was brought into this world.”

━━━

Thank you so much for reading this far!

By the way, if Shino’s little “theory” left you puzzled, try tilting the capital “I” on its side. 😉

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