When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 05: In the City

Chapter 05: In the City

While I do enjoy relaxing at home on holidays, I also like having a blast with friends like Kenichi and Sogo. However, today, I was wandering around the city alone.

“Hah…” 

I let out a small sigh.

It’s a holiday, so my brother and sister are at home too, but their words had been troubling me. 

They wanted me to stay as I am, warning me not to become like them… It felt as though they were saying not to become like them, as if they had the worst of natures.

“…Seriously, overthinking it won’t help.”

I decided to shake off the thoughts and forget about them.

I shouldn’t waste time, especially when I’ve come all the way to the city on my holiday. 

That said, the only things to do alone are buying books or playing at the arcade.

“…?”

As I was about to check if the sequel to the book I was reading had been released, I spotted a girl looking around restlessly in front of me. Actually, I knew her.

“What is Yumeno doing here?”

Yes, the girl looking around was Yumeno.

A beautiful girl dressed in her casual clothes, just like in the game stills, attracting the gaze of the boys around her. Her appearance was indeed impressive.

“I wonder if she’s looking for something.”

There were mostly arcades ahead, not really places a girl would go to alone… Just as I was thinking this, a man approached Yumeno and spoke to her, but she ignored him. Despite his attempts to engage her, Yumeno didn’t even glance at him.

In fact, she seemed quite cold. Such an expression seemed entirely out of place on Yumeno, who is often regarded as a goddess of kindness.

“…Ah.”

Our eyes met.

Yumeno’s expression suddenly changed to a smile, and she left the man, running towards me.

“Kamisato-kun! What a coincidence to meet you on a holiday.”

“I’m surprised too. But, is it okay to leave him like that?”

I asked, though it seemed Yumeno didn’t really care.

“Eh? What do you mean? I’ve been alone the whole time.”

But the man was still looking in our direction.

“??”

It seemed like she genuinely wasn’t aware of him anymore. I was surprised; I thought she would at least respond to anyone, even if they were a nuisance.

Seeing Yumeno in something other than her uniform is a rarity, maybe since the game’s stills. I had never met Yumeno in the city before, even in my memories.

She really is the epitome of a heroine, a beauty beyond compare.

“What? Do I look strange?”

Yumeno asked, seemingly worried about her attire.

“No, not at all. It’s just refreshing to see you out of uniform, and I was thinking you look cute.”

Normally, one would be too embarrassed to say such things, but since regaining my memories, I’ve found a certain calmness and confidence.

I was speaking my mind honestly, without any pretense.

“R-Really? …Fufu, that makes me happy.”

Yumeno smiled, then quickly turned her face away.

I had to look away too; her smile was too impactful, and I was getting embarrassed.

That smile was just that powerful. But again, why was Yumeno in this place? The question came back to my mind.

“Why are you in a place like this, Yumeno?”

“Well, I was actually on my way back from shopping… My younger brother asked me to buy a game for him.”

“Ah, right, you have a younger brother.”

I remembered that Yumeno had a brother, a third-year middle school student who appeared briefly in the story.

Realizing I might have revealed something I shouldn’t know, I panicked internally.

“Did I ever mention having a brother?”

“Ah, no, I think I heard you talking about it with a friend.”

I replied, trying to keep my internal turmoil hidden and hoping she’d believe this somewhat plausible explanation.

“Oh, really? I didn’t realize I was speaking so loudly.”

“It was quite audible.”

“Oh… That’s a bit embarrassing.”

Although it felt a bit wrong to deceive her, it was a relief for me personally.

I didn’t want to be thought of as strange for knowing something I shouldn’t.

Now that Yumeno seemed convinced, I steered the conversation back.

“You came all this way just to buy a game?”

“Yeah. There’s a used game store around here, but I rarely come to this area, so I’m not familiar with it.”

I see. Indeed, there was a famous used game store around here, but it wasn’t a well-known spot for those who didn’t frequent the area. I knew about it because I often went there with Kenichi, but it was definitely not a place familiar to someone like Yumeno.

“Go straight to the end of this road, turn left, then pass about four buildings, and you’ll find the game shop.”

“Really? Do you go there often, Kamisato-kun?”

“Yeah, but mostly when Kenichi invites me.”

“I see.”

I usually went to that store when I felt like playing old games and needed to look for second-hand ones.

Yumeno seemed to remember the directions I gave her verbally and thanked me before walking away. 

As she walked away from me, I noticed several men’s eyes following her… Maybe I should accompany her to the shop?

While I was contemplating this, Yumeno suddenly headed in the wrong direction. 

“Wait, Yumeno, that’s the wrong way! You need to go left, not right!”

I called out, chasing after her as she headed in the completely opposite direction.

I wondered if Yumeno was directionally challenged… Catching up to her, she laughed awkwardly,

“Sorry, I’m a bit clumsy sometimes…”

“Let’s go together. I’m worried.”

I offered, thinking she might genuinely have a poor sense of direction, even mixing up right and left so quickly. 

“Your brother plays quite retro games, huh?”

“Yeah… They do seem pretty old.”

Seeing Yumeno carefully holding the game, it was evident she cared a lot for her brother.

It was a kind of affection I sensed from my brother and sister, and now I felt it from Yumeno too.

“Well then, I guess I should be going now.”

“Okay. Thank you, Kamisato-kun. You really helped me out.”

“Don’t mention it. See you.”

“Wait a moment—hold on!”

Just as I was about to walk away, Yumeno stopped me and extended her smartphone towards me.

“How about we exchange contacts?”

“…Eh?”

I couldn’t hide my surprise.

I never thought I’d get the chance to exchange contacts with Yumeno, whom all the boys in the class were after. But then again, it’s not like I have any special feelings for Yumeno, so it’s not a big deal.

“Are you sure? I mean, it’s great to exchange contacts with the class idol.”

“Don’t call me an idol. That’s just something others say.”

“Oh, so you are aware of it.”

“When it’s constantly said around you, you get the idea… But it’s tough, you know, dealing with jealousy and stuff.”

I realized that Yumeno must have her own struggles, perhaps being envied for the attention she receives.

“Okay, let’s exchange numbers then.”

“! Yes! Thank you!!”

And so, Yumeno’s contact was added to my phone. But still… it felt strange.

“I’ve always loved you, always…” 

“No… but… but why does it feel so good…?”

Oh no, I’m recalling a rather intimate side of Yumeno.

“What’s wrong?”

Yumeno asked, tilting her head, possibly noticing my odd expression.

After that awkward moment, I said goodbye to Yumeno and, with nothing else to do, headed home.

“Oh, you’re back, Ren.”

“Ah! It’s the little brother!”

As I opened the entrance door, I saw my brother with a woman—Asakura-san. 

Asakura-san had a slightly gal-like appearance and was a beauty, attending the same university with a boyfriend. 

Well, the fact that she had a boyfriend but was with my brother implied something else.

“Hello, Asakura-san. Are you and Nii-san heading out?”

“Yeah. We’re off to a party.”

I figured it was better not to ask what kind of party it was. My brother and Asakura-san then left together in a car.

Feeling thirsty, I poured myself some juice from the fridge. Just then, my smartphone buzzed.

[Looking forward to getting to know you, Kamisato-kun. Is it okay to contact you if something comes up?]

It was a message from Yumeno.

[Likewise. Feel free to reach out anytime, we’re friends after all.]

I replied, thinking it was a safe response.