You Girls Are Way Too Obsessed With A Lone Wolf Like Me

Volume 2 Chapter 2: Urogase Yumeno Just Can’t Be Honest

“Did you even listen to what I was saying!?”

Monday morning. After spending a relaxing Sunday recharging on some much-needed alone time…

My energy got drained real fast.

While walking through the concourse to transfer from the Rokko Liner to the Hanshin Line, I got caught—ambushed, actually—by none other than Urogase, who was standing guard near the ticket gate like some kind of gatekeeper.

Apparently she lives around here… and had been lying in wait for me this whole time. Must be really bored.

As for why she’s mad… yeah, I’ve got a pretty good idea.

“Why the heck did you tell Karin!?”

Too predictable. Like, come on—you’re no comedian, Urogase. Zero points for originality.

Flashback to Saturday evening. After parting ways with Urogase…

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Urogase’s been sneaking off to work part-time, totally behind everyone’s backs. But why’s she going so far to hide it?

I thought about asking Google-sensei or surfing through Chiebukuro, but in the end, I decided to go straight to the real pro: Misaki.

After briefly filling her in on what went down that day…

[Karin]: I’ll try bringing it up with Yumeno—casually.

…and that was the end of our little consultation session.

“Because of you tattling, I got a whole lecture from Karin over the phone! She even kind of worried about me, which made it super awkward, okay!?”

Urogase’s face is red. Like, really red. And… wait—is she tearing up?

Looks like even Misaki couldn’t get her to open up about why she’s hiding it.

If Misaki, queen of social grace, can’t figure it out, there’s no way I can. Sometimes in life, you’ve just gotta give up and move on. I’ll find a new target.

I try to bow out and leave, but—

“Don’t. You. DARE run away!”

She grabs me by the scruff of the neck.

Station staff… can we get some police assistance over here?

“I told you, didn’t I? If you told anyone, I wouldn’t forgive you!”

“Yeah, you did.”

“So why’d you tell Karin!?”

“Because I didn’t care if you forgave me or not.”

“……”

Urogase freezes, speechless.

“Later. I wanna stop by the convenience store.”

“Wha—why are you just brushing it off like that!? Are you some kinda idiot!?”

“…Idiot?”

“W-What…?”

Did she notice the shift in my tone?

Urogase, who’s normally all high-and-mighty, actually flinches a little. Guess she’s not used to being put on the defensive.

“Forgive you? Don’t make me laugh. You’ve hated me since forever anyway. What, now you’re gonna take it even further? Gonna put tacks in my shoes next? Call some local delinquents to jump me or something?”

“I’m not gonna do that, and I’m not calling anyone either…”

So no beatdown after all.

“A-Anyway!” Urogase tries to flip the vibe back in her favor, leaning in again.

“Just don’t tell anyone else, okay? Got it?”

“Got it. But—”

“But what?”

“If you’d just told me up front, ‘Don’t tell anyone,’ I wouldn’t have gone to Misaki in the first place.”

“Ugh! …Uuuugh! Himemiya, you’re gross!!”

Why, thank you.

Fuming and blushing all over, Urogase bolts through the gate.

Seriously, what is her deal?

I take care of my shopping at the station’s convenience store and kill some time. Eventually, I run into Urogase again at the train platform—because of course we’re headed to the same place.

Urogase… pretending you don’t see me is kinda pointless with that red face of yours.

Later, during lunch break, after I finish eating and start organizing my stuff in my locker, I overhear a conversation. Urogase, Endou, and Watasumi… the three of them are chatting nearby.

“Yumeno~! Where’d you go on your Saturday date~?”

“U-um… we just wandered around Chayayamachi for a bit. Had lunch at a café, browsed some thrift stores! Sounds fun, right?”

Urogase’s words made my hands stop mid-task before I even realized it.

A date on Saturday? Not work?

“You turned down hanging with Hina and the others just to aimlessly wander with your guy? I’m seriously jealous right now!”

Endou and Watasumi both looked at her with envy, while Urogase just kept teasing them with a smug “Yeah, yeah, burn with envy~” kind of attitude.

But even as she kept at it, she suddenly caught me staring at her intently. Her eyes started darting around, and then—kaaaah…! her cheeks lit up bright red.

That face said it all.

Doubt.

Urogase’s lying.

Maybe she got too distracted, but she didn’t even notice Watasumi trying to talk to her.

“Yumeno? Hellooo? You there?”

“Eh!? Wh-what!?”

“I mean, come on. Don’t you think it’s about time we saw a picture of your boyfriend~?”

“Eh…”

“Hina totally gets it! You’ve never shown us, even once! I sooo wanna see~!”

“T-that’s totally impossible!”

“Ehh, c’mon~” both of them whined, puffing out their cheeks, but Urogase held her ground with a firm shake of the head.

“My boyfriend gets super mad if I try to take his photo! I don’t even have a single one!”

““Really~?””

“For real!!” she said, desperately trying to explain herself. No doubt Endou and Watasumi were thinking she was just being shy about it.

Then—bam!—Urogase’s sharp gaze zeroed in on me like a dagger. Even a loner like me could guess what that glare meant.

Something along the lines of, “Quit starin’, you trash-tier loner scumbag.”

Trash-tier loner scumbag, retreat!

And so, my destination became the small empty space beside the staircase on the basement floor of the culture building.

It was practically a forgotten chair storage zone. Unless it was club time after school, no one ever passed through. A hidden paradise I’d recently claimed as my new favorite spot.

The semi-private nook was like a one-man tent. Sunlight poured in just enough through the window to light up the area, giving off total solo camping vibes.

But the real selling point?

Misaki and Hatori hadn’t found it yet.

I borrowed one of the chairs, opened up a pocket novel I’d brought along, and settled in with a la-di-da mood.

“There you are!”

“……”

“Oi, Himemiya! Thanks to your creepy staring, I was this close to being totally exposed, y’know!?”

Looking up the stairs to the first floor, I saw Urogase glaring down at me, hands on her slim waist.

And there it was—the best part about this spot, completely obliterated.

That cheerful solo mood of mine was now six feet under.

If she keeps finding and destroying all my hideouts one by one, I swear I’ll be forced to take shelter in the faculty bathroom next.

She must’ve full-on sprinted here just to vent, judging by how she came stomping down the steps with fiery purpose until she was right in front of me.

To a bystander, I must’ve looked like some grim dude cornered by a gyaru in a semi-private room. Not a great look.

“So, why were you staring?”

“I was purely impressed, okay? I mean, wow, you really went all-in creating that imaginary boyfriend of yours.”

“~~~…! Don’t compliment me when I’m already dying of embarrassment!!”

As I figured—Urogase doesn’t have a boyfriend.

“Aaaughh, you’re so annoying, Himemiya!! If I go back now, there’s no way Hina and the others won’t find out!!”

She fanned her burning cheeks with both hands. Must be hard trying to fix your poker face once it cracks, huh?

“Hey.”

“What?”

“Why are you lying about having a boyfriend?”

“……Why the heck do I have to tell you that?”

“If you don’t wanna talk, that’s fine too.”

I gave a small bow with the polite air of “Please, be on your way,” and went back to reading.

But Urogase didn’t leave.

On the contrary—

“I’m just lying ’cause hanging out every day is exhausting. Plus, I wanted to work part-time too.”

“So you’re telling me anyway.”

“You’re the one who asked!”

Well, yeah, but still.

“……”

“Hey.”

“What now?”

“I mean, I know I was the one who asked, but you can seriously go now. Like, I wanna read, so please leave.”

“Wh—!?”

“If anything, you’re standing right in the light, and it’s super hard to read.”

“…You’re so annoying I can’t even get mad at you anymore.”

With a sigh, Urogase finally stopped standing in front of me—or so I thought. Instead, she dragged out the chair behind me and plopped it right down in front of me, sitting with the backrest facing forward like some delinquent.

Guess she’s sticking around to kill time until she cools off.

“You seriously enjoy reading in this gloomy little spot?”

“I do, yeah.”

“You always read here?”

“Pretty often. Depends on the weather… or my mood.”

“You sure you’re not just pretending to be cool?”

“Hmm? Why would I need to pretend for anyone?”

To that, Urogase let out a snort—pfft!—like she couldn’t hold it in.

Gripping the backrest tightly like she was trying to hold herself together, she burst out laughing. Up close, her smile—makeup and all—was surprisingly childish.

“Ahahaha! You’re seriously a lone wolf through and through!”

“I don’t recall ever lying about it.”

“You’re so… refreshingly stubborn about doing your own thing, huh.”

“Self-sacrifice just seems stupid to me.”

“Fair enough~” Urogase said as she wiped away the tears welling up at the corners of her eyes, slowly returning to her usual self.

Maybe the laughter had rinsed away all the sharp edges and barbs. Right now, she didn’t have that usual prickly air about her.

Which is exactly why—I kinda wanted to ask more. A rare chance for a bit of cultural exchange.

“I always thought the high-caste types wanted to hang out every single day, but… guess that’s not always true?”

“Hard to say? There’s probably others like me mixed in.”

“You don’t like Endou and the others or something?”

“No way. I just get tired hanging out all the time.”

“So that’s why you made up the whole boyfriend thing and started working part-time.”

“Yep, yep. I just go with the flow so people don’t think I’m a buzzkill and make things awkward. Saying I have a boyfriend’s like… a kind of status symbol, y’know? Plus, I get paid for it.”

A win-win… no, actually, a win-win-win situation.

“Sounds like real-deal high school girl stuff.”

“That’s just how it is. High school girls are all about putting on appearances. Like, if you’ve got a high-brand bag, you kinda start feeling like you’re high-brand too, you know?”

Ho ho. Now that she puts it in brand terms, it totally clicks.

Maybe to say nails are the same way, Urogase flashes her well-maintained, polished nails like she’s showing off a prize.

“Pretty shallow, huh? But girls are like this, seriously.”

Urogase lets out a short laugh, half mocking. But it didn’t feel like she was mocking me—more like she was laughing at herself.

“I mean, I don’t really think it’s shallow.”

“…Huh? Why not?”

“Compared to people who go on about ‘selfless love’ and all that, I think those who act out of calculation make more sense. It’s more… rational. I can get behind it.”

“Pffft…! Ahahahaha! You really are funny! And yep, you’re definitely a total idiot!”

“Hey, quit calling me an idiot.”

“Ehh, but you are! You’re way too honest, it’s stupid!”

“You’re seriously weird, y’know, Himemiya-kun!” Urogase cracks up again, then pauses as she checks her phone, trying to catch her breath. “Ah, it’s from Hina. Alrighty, I’ll head over.”

“Obviously, everything we just talked about is top secret, ‘kay?” she says, standing up and flipping the cardigan tied around her waist as she heads up the stairs. Looked like she was gonna disappear just like that… but then she suddenly turns around, like she remembered something.

“Just so you know—I don’t hate you or hold a grudge or anything, Himemiya.”

“Really?”

“Hina’s the one who hates you. I’m just going along with her.”

“So she really does hate me after all, huh…”

“Well, duh. You totally embarrassed her in front of a whole crowd.”

“Bye~,” she waves, and finally, Urogase’s figure vanishes from sight.

At last… my solo space. My peaceful space has returned.

I used to think the lower you were on the caste ladder, the more suffocating it got… but looks like being up high brings its own annoying messes too. Once again, I’m reminded—human relationships are a pain.

※ ※ ※

“Okay, everyone! Be sure to submit your placement preference sheets by next week~!”

Amami-sensei hops down from the bath bucket she was using as a makeshift podium and walks out of the classroom.

It’s break time, right after homeroom. I blankly stare at the two sheets of paper she handed out.

One’s a small sheet—the preference form. The other’s a big ol’ B4 activity report.

At Otozuka High, all first-years have to participate in this special program come July. Basically, you pick a university, vocational school, company, or workshop to visit for a day—go there, observe or experience it, and then write a report about what you saw or did.

Sounds like you get to choose freely where to go, which is nice, but… since the school doesn’t cover any of the costs, it doesn’t feel like we’re gaining anything. I bet at other schools, they rent out buses or something for a group field trip.

Well, our school’s our school. Other schools are other schools.

Now then… where should I go? Maybe just wander around a nearby college or trade school? Or since it’s a rare opportunity, maybe check out an open campus at a bigger university with tons of departments? Or maybe even lean fully into personal interests and visit a café-startup school or a barista training program or something. That’d be fun too.

“Himemiya-san, you’re picking the voice acting school as your first choice, right?”

“No, no, no! Clearly his first choice should be that tech school with the YouTuber course! Am I right, Himemiya-san?”

“……”

Two guys show up by my desk and immediately start bickering.

“No, no, no! In this day and age, getting into YouTube from scratch is way too hard! We don’t need any more bean sprout-type YouTubers like Takechi!”

“No, no, no! If anything, the voice acting world’s even more cutthroat! It’s survival of the fittest, man! If you get cast at all, you’d be like Creepy Otaku F or Creepy Otaku G!”

“Aaan!?” they both growl, grabbing each other’s sleeves and jabbing at each other like kids in a slap fight.

“Why are you guys assuming I’m going with either of you?”

““Because we’re comrades, duh?””

God, you guys are annoying as hell.

Ameya and Takechi are, like me, part of the invisible support team—residents of the lowest tier in the school caste system. Just ‘cause we’re in the same stratum doesn’t mean I want anything to do with them, thank you very much.

“If we were comrades, I’d cancel my subscription immediately.”

“Too bad! No canceling here! Our contract isn’t some cheapo two-year plan!”

“That’s right! Our bond is sealed in unbreakable friendship! It’s the Infinity Plan!”

“What are you, some shady phone carrier?”

“Fufufu fufu!” “Pususususu!”

Why is it that these two can only swing between two extremes in their relationships with people—either extremely distant or extremely close? At least I wish they’d pick one, like me or Misaki.

As they say, both are occupations that come with trends—rising and falling.

“Ameya wants to be a voice actor, and Takechi wants to be a YouTuber, right?”

““No?””

“Huh…?”

“I’d be happy to marry a voice actor if I could.”

“Same here. I’d love to marry a virtual YouTuber, if possible.”

“Well, now I know what my top choice is.”

“Voice acting school!?”

“YouTube course!?”

“I’m not going with you two, though.”

““Himemiya-san!?””

It’s a completely reasonable decision, you idiots.

I was the biggest fool for thinking I could listen to their opinions.

Around us, the other classmates were talking only about extracurricular activities, discussing in groups where to go.

Unusually, Misaki and the others, the three of them, were arguing.

“I want to go to a confectionery school! I want to learn the skills of a top pastry chef with my own eyes!”

“I want to visit a bridal venue! I want to catch the bouquet, and maybe try on a wedding dress! Heck, I might even cut the wedding cake! I want to get married!”

“Well, anywhere you two want to go is fine with me…”

Misaki and Kurashiki were arguing about their opinions, but then they both turned to Hatori, staring at her intently. Guess it’s time for her to make a stand.

“Um… I’d like to go to the National Literature Department… Hyaa…!? You two!?”

Good job, Hatori. They immediately hugged her in celebration. Their friendship was as strong as ever.

“Ereba wants to go to the literature department, huh?”

“Y-Yeah… I’m just interested in it right now.”

“Well, even if you say where you want to go, it won’t change where I’m going. Just give up! Nyahaha!”

“…That’s cruel.”

Those guys will probably have a tough time too.

Looking around, it seemed like it was normal for groups to go together.

Since we’re only in the first year of high school, we’re still just vaguely deciding whether we’ll go to college or get a job, and it feels more like a casual trip than a serious decision. I’m in the same boat, and the only real difference is whether I’ll go alone or with a group.

“Hey, let’s go to a beauty school~!”

When Endou suggested it, many of the “riajuu” students wrote things like “Sounds good” or “I agree” on their forms. It was as organized as always.

In the middle of that group, there was one person who stood out.

It was Urogase.

What’s going on with her? Urogase didn’t grab a pen but instead just placed both her hands on her knees, unmoving.

“Yumeno, you’re okay with this, right?” Endou asked, and Urogase finally forced a smile.

“Uh… I’m thinking about going into education. Maybe preschool or kindergarten…?”

“Eh—? That sounds boring! If you’re taking care of kids, wouldn’t it be more fun to learn makeup or hairstyles from a beauty school student? Don’t you like nails too, Yumeno?”

“Ah… yeah, maybe,” Urogase replied, her words trailing off. Then, as if to change the subject, she forced a bright smile. It wasn’t the same childish smile I’d seen before.

“Fine then! If Hina says so, I guess I’ll go to a beauty school!”

“Right, right~?”

It was classic Urogase behavior, always worried about appearances.

Urokase seems to have the ability to state her opinion, but she doesn’t have the power to force her opinion through.

Having a place you want to go can be a bit of a problem… no, it’s pretty harsh.

※ ※ ※

We seek splendid coffee

As the after-school bell rings, my tongue insists to my brain, “I want delicious coffee right now.” So, instead of heading to my private room, I decide to go to a café.

Mood is important. It’s the same reason why office workers, after a long day, feel the need to gulp down a refreshing glass of sparkling water. Honestly, I really want to experience that sensation.

Honestly, even the familiar old bar ladies are super cool.

I want to turn twenty already.

As I descend from the classroom to the ground floor, I spot Misaki. It looks like she’s waiting for the others too, greeting passing students and teachers with a cheerful “hello” and “how are you?”—she’s communicating like a pro, it’s almost like a foreign exchange student with their perfect batting average.

But then, Misaki’s batting average drops. It was just bad luck that she ran into me.

I sneak up quietly, hiding my presence and footsteps, and quickly move away.

“Himemiya-kun…? Did you think I wouldn’t notice you…?”

“Hello~”

“Hi, hello♪”

Sorry, your batting average is still 100%. You hit it straight out of the park.

“Today, Ruri is also off, so I was planning to head to town. Is that okay?”

“Yeah…”

“I’m waiting for Erena and Ruri to finish cleaning right now. Would you like to join us, Himemiya-kun?”

“Why?”

“…”

“Don’t glare at me like that. You know I’m like this.”

“I know, but… By the way, Himemiya-kun, where are you going?”

“I’m heading to the café to be alone.”

“Ugh… I hate that I’m convincing myself that it’s a perfectly good reason.”

Misaki lets out a big sigh, still clearly having something to say.

“Hey, Himemiya-kun… About Yumeno, have you figured something out?”

She’s clearly talking about the reason Uragase’s been hiding her part-time job. I already know the rough answer: “To maintain appearances in her close-knit group.”

Since I was the one who asked Misaki about it, it might be appropriate for me to share what I know. However, since I’ve been told not to share it by Urogase, I keep it to myself.

It’s not because I’m lazy or anything. Not at all.

“I dunno.”

Misaki stares at my face closely.

“Hmm…?”

“What is it?”

“I get it, you’re just not telling me, huh?”

“…”

Is my face some kind of digital signboard that everyone can read?

Well, in this case, it’s more of a skill on Misaki’s part.

It was unexpected. Despite my lie being so obvious, Misaki simply says, “She’s a girl, so she must have a secret or two” and doesn’t press the issue further.

“That’s unusual.”

“What do you mean?”

“Knowing you, I thought you’d say, ‘If you don’t tell me, I won’t forgive you!'”

“I’ve never said anything like that… Anyway. I think the important part is that Yumeno confided in you, Himemiya-kun. Keeping secrets or hiding worries is so exhausting, you know?”

“If you’re gonna tell someone, I think someone else would be more appropriate.”

“Not at all. You can say things that no one else would, and do things no one else would think of. You’re someone reliable.”

“…You’re also saying some pretty embarrassing things yourself.”

“Maybe it’s thanks to someone♪”

If Misaki, the school idol, respects my thoughts, it would be quite an honor. But then again, if she started saying something like, “I went from being an idealist to a selfish individual☆,” then without a doubt, I’d become the enemy of the whole school.

I think it’d be better if you just stayed the way you are.

“Anyway, Himemiya-kun. If Yumeno’s in trouble, make sure you help her out, okay?”

“Why would I do that?”

“You have to take responsibility for the help you offer.”

I don’t remember offering a hand in the first place…

※ ※ ※

After parting ways with Misaki, I could see Hankyu Shin-Otozuka Station in the distance. If I were to head straight home, I’d just pass through the ticket gate, but the café I’m aiming for is located by the station’s south exit, near the seaside, so I’m not getting on the train just yet.

Ah, the typical Kansai thing. They say the south side’s by the sea, and the north side’s by the mountains.

As I was about to pass the station, someone suddenly bumps into me from behind, their whole body crashing into mine.

“Do—n!”

Is it a pickpocket or something? Stumbling a bit, I turn around and see a gal grinning with satisfaction, showing off her white teeth. It’s Urogase. Looks like she’s alone.

“Yo. You heading home too?”

Since we’re in the same class and walk the same route home, running into her isn’t that rare. However, after having a somewhat bothersome conversation with Misaki, it’s only natural that I want a bit of space from her.

“I’m not going home yet.”

“Where are you going?”

“Café.”

“By any chance, alone?”

“Yep.”

“You like being alone too much!” Urogase laughs cheerfully.

Then, with a look like she just came up with a great idea, she points at herself.

“Hey! Can I come with you? Let me vent my complaints!”

“No.”

“Ugh… Only two words and it’s already super annoying…!”

For me, though, those two words are the ultimate way to express myself.

Misaki told me to help Urogase if she had any problems, but I don’t even remember her asking me for advice. Besides, even if she did, there’s no real benefit to helping her with her troubles.

To put it simply, going to the café is something I’d be fine with doing alone. Let her head home while I handle this.

If she wants to report her side job to the authorities, I’ll gladly listen to all her complaints.

“Whatever! Just listen to my complaints! Or rather, you should listen!”

“Nope. Go bother Saitou-san or someone.”

“Cheapskate! You’ve got nothing better to do!”

A switch clicks inside my head.

“…What did you just say?”

“Huh? Cheapskate?”

“That’s whatever. It’s what you said afterward.”

“…You’re free?”

With a firm nod, I see Urogase notice the pressure in my response. She hesitates a bit but still isn’t backing down, biting back.

“Well, I mean, you’re free, right?! That’s why you’re going alone for coffee, isn’t it?”

“I’m not going because I’m free. I’m going because I want to drink coffee.”

“I-I don’t get it…! And you can glare all you want, but at least blink! It’s seriously so scary…”

I recall a time when I taught similar things to a group of upper-caste humanitarian and subculture girls. Especially the humanitarian—she got totally destroyed.

Despite that, I don’t back down.

Why? Because I’ll never forgive anyone who denies my values.

“Fine. If you’re going to say that, then come along.”

“Huh? Really?”

“I’ll show you the wonders of being alone.”

“Huh…? W-Wait up!!”

I’ll keep fighting so all the soloists out there aren’t looked down upon.

Now, we’re at WELL, a familiar café I’ve been going to since I was a freshman. It’s one of my favorite spots.

On this sweltering hot day, I’ve gone all out and ordered a cold brew.

Stirring it with a straw, the sound of ice clinking against the glass is like a wind chime, a delightful tune that fills the air. The rich aroma of the coffee beans spreads in my mouth. Once swallowed, a gentle tangy taste, mixed with the coolness, slowly spreads throughout my body.

It’s delicious. This is what it means to play a symphony on your taste buds, and I can’t help but nod in approval after taking a few moments to savor it.

For a while, I enter a bit of a trance.

“Himemiya? Hey… Hey, I’m talking to you!”

“Hm? What is it?”

Sitting across from me, Dōgase, looking unhappy, stabs her spoon into a melon soda float. Her voice is getting annoying.

“So, what’s this ‘wonders of being alone’ you were talking about?”

“Right now, this very moment.”

“Huh?!”

Urogase’s reaction is like hearing a trick question or a riddle, but still being completely clueless about it.

“Are you stupid?! This is just a way to kill time, nothing more! Oh! You just snickered, didn’t you?!”

“Typical of today’s youth.”

“You’re young too!”

Oh, yeah, that’s true.

“Urogase, what does ‘being free’ mean to you?”

“Being free…?”

It’s a relief to know that she’s not one of those young people today who only want answers without thinking. At the sudden question, Urogase starts thinking hesitantly, “U-um…” Perhaps it’s just her habit when thinking, but she puffs up her cheeks a little and keeps staring at her nails.

“Hmm… I guess it’s when no one invites me to hang out, and there’s nothing in particular to do, like a frustrating, idle state?”

Hearing Urogase’s response, I’m once again convinced. It’s clear that there’s a stark difference in how “being free” is understood between someone who’s a soloist (solitary) and someone who’s a “riajuu” (sociable). That’s why our thinking is so different.

“For people like us who like being alone, ‘boredom’ doesn’t mean ‘frustration.’ It means ‘fulfillment.'”

We don’t hang out because we’re bored. The time spent being bored is the time we enjoy ourselves.

I think the “riajuu” people want to be busy, while “soloist” people hope for free time.

Urogase doesn’t respond like she did earlier, as if she didn’t understand anything. Instead, she seems to be paying attention, listening carefully.

Maybe because she’s trying to look composed or calculated, but she’s surprisingly thinking deeply.

“I admit I’m just idling here. But, you know, I’ve never come here because I was bored. Every sip of coffee brings peace, and reading while looking up words I don’t understand is fun. Listening to radio shows with life-experienced hosts telling their stories is interesting, too. All in all, I like a space or time where I can be alone and relaxed.”

That’s why I end up getting fully immersed in my solitary haven.

“So, you see, going to a coffee shop doesn’t mean I’m free, or that being alone equals being free. Don’t get the wrong idea about that.”

And that, my friends, was a brief summary of the solo-ist manifesto.

Did Urogase understand the greatness of being alone? She took a sip of her melon soda while saying, “I see… right…”

“Himemiya, you’re amazing. Listening to you makes me feel like the way I’ve been desperately trying to maintain my image is kinda silly.”

Urogase, seemingly tired from listening, leaned her elbow on the table and sighed, “Ugh…”

“A solo life might actually be kinda enviable.”

“You should just give the middle finger to your group then.”

“Idiot. That’s not freedom, that’s isolation.”

That’s also true. It’s a fine line.

If you want to graduate from being controlled, I’d recommend it.

“So, um… this is just gonna be my complaint now…”

“Don’t think you can just slip into complaining naturally.”

“It’s about the extracurriculars. Personally, I’d rather go to a nursery or kindergarten than a beauty school or vocational school.”

“…”

I didn’t ask.

I already heard about this in class.

“Urogase, do you like kids?”

“Eh?!”

At the blunt, direct question, Urogase’s defiant, cat-like eyes open wide.

She works part-time at a daycare, and the place she wants to go for her extracurriculars is related to childcare. The answer is pretty obvious.

It seems like Urogase, realizing there’s no point in hiding it, fiddles with her side hair and nods, her face turning red.

“…Yeah. To be honest, I really, really like them…”

The way she said that, she LOVES them.

“If you have a place you want to go for extracurriculars, like a nursery or something, I think you should just go by yourself.”

“Well, if I were in your position, I’d go by myself to wherever I want to go. But you get it, right? High school girls can be pretty troublesome creatures.”

“Well, what I’m trying to say is…”

The girls in the upper caste, especially, have amazing leadership. It’s like a group of new students. The ones who disturb the order or break the rules are immediately expected to commit seppuku (a figurative end, of course).

“Besides, saying ‘I want to go because my dream is to become a nursery teacher’ is kinda embarrassing, don’t you think?”

“Why is that?”

“Well… Everyone just decides where they want to go on a whim, and here I am, being all serious about it. In the first place, just the fact that I want to become a nursery teacher and that might get out to Hina and the others is embarrassing.”

“It’s because you’re lying about having a boyfriend and working part-time, right?”

“Well… When I was a kid, I could proudly say what I wanted to be when I grew up, but now, it feels so simple and embarrassing to say I want to be a nursery teacher just because I like kids…”

“You’ve been exposing all this embarrassing stuff to me since earlier, is that okay?”

“Don’t say it as if I’m a pervert.”

Urogase traced the condensation on her glass with her finger, and then flicked it toward my face like an air-decopin (air flick). When a drop of water hit my face, she smirked in satisfaction. She’s definitely got some kind of water elemental energy.

“Maybe it’s because you don’t have any humility or consideration? Strangely, I feel like I can talk about anything with you. Wow… that’s such a face that looks like you really dislike it…”

Well, she’s an annoyingly clingy type, so…

“Haruichi-kun, you’ve got to listen to them properly okay?”

“Eh…?” Urogase turned to where she heard the voice, and there was Koino-san, the cheerful waitress from the WELL café, wearing an apron, filling our glasses with water.

As expected of Koino-san, her timing for starting a conversation is impeccable.

“Wow, I didn’t know Haruichi-kun had a girlfriend.”

As expected of Koino-san, she’s teasing me right to the edge of death.

“She’s Urogase Yumeno, a classmate. Nothing more.”

“Don’t make it sound like there’s more.”

Urogase really noticed that, huh?

Whether it’s a harmless, trivial exchange or something more, Koino-san is warmly watching over us, always with that soft, welcoming smile, introducing herself.

“I’m Koino, a waitress here. Yumeno-chan, nice to meet you!”

“T-thank you!” Urogase said, her face a little red.

Being the water-and-evil-element type that Urogase is, it looks like she’s a bit tense around the light-element Koino-san.

After Koino-san finished exchanging our water and waved goodbye saying “Take your time~♪,” she headed back to the counter, and Urogase, who usually has a cool demeanor, was already smiling softly.

She watched Koino-san until she disappeared from view, then continued to gaze into the distance. Looks like she’s already in a dere mode. What a softie.

“I have to say, older girls are really admirable. I thought that when I saw her at the after-party too—she’s such a beautiful person.”

“Yeah.”

“Hey, how are you on such good terms with a beautiful waitress like that?”

“I think it’s because I come to this café often, and also because Koino-san is an OG from our high school.”

“Mm, I see. I want to get closer to her too, maybe become a regular here.”

“You’d probably suit Saizeriya or McDonald’s better.”

“Don’t make fun of me!” Urogase flicked my nose with her fingers this time, not the usual air-decopin.

After that, I had to listen to Urogase’s complaints and small talk until our iced coffees were empty.

On the way back. Even as we walked toward Otozuka Station, the casual chatter continued as naturally as ever.

“By the way… doesn’t Koino-san kind of look like Karin?”

“Karin? You mean Misaki?”

“Who else would I be talking about?”

I asked because I couldn’t think of anyone else who fits that description.

“No, no. Koino-san is thoughtful, but that girl pushes herself forward, so they’re completely different. It would be disrespectful to Koino-san. You should apologize.”

“You should apologize to Karin…! No, no, they’re similar! The way she’s like a bundle of good conscience!”

“Ah…” I couldn’t help but let out a sound.

“I can’t deny that part if you put it that way.”

“Right?” With a smug smile, Urogase laughs.

“When I first saw Karin at the entrance ceremony, I thought she was too good to be true and probably had some dark side. But after spending some time with her, I realized, ‘Oh, this girl really has a good personality,’ and I was kind of taken aback.”

“I get that. When I’m with her, sometimes I feel like I’m so small in comparison.”

“I want to say ‘I don’t hang out with her,’ but I get it…”

Overall, I like my personality better. Putting aside superiority or inferiority.

“It’s just not normal, y’know? Like, there’s literally nothing in it for her, but when she thought I was working a job without permission, she actually came up and warned me about it. She was seriously worried. No one does that kind of stuff. I mean, I never would.”

“She’s a humanitarian, that girl.”

“I wonder how someone like Karin becomes so perfect in personality.”

“She must’ve had her own struggles, though.”

“Huh…”

“What’s up?”

“You sure know a lot about her.”

“Not really.”

I only know a little about how Misaki struggles and works hard for others in secret.

But more importantly, there’s something I just found out now that I want to know.

“Hey, Urogase.”

“What?”

“Did you just say—‘when she thought I was working a job without permission and warned me’?”

In response to my question, Urogase seems to recall it and stretches out her words, “Ah…”

“About that… I actually did apply for a part-time job, you know.”

“…Huh?”

Urogase gives an apologetic laugh, “It’s just, back then I didn’t know you were this kinda person, Himemiya. So I figured, if you misunderstood and thought I hadn’t submitted one, might as well just roll with it. My bad, my bad.”

“…Tch.”

“Did you just click your tongue?!”

“Why did you click your tongue at me!? Hey!” Urogase shakes her body in a teasing way, but I ignore it.

It’s so confusing.

I almost ended up running to Amami-sensei and embarrassing myself.

The road to the air conditioner is definitely not that easy.

“So, in the end, are you quitting your part-time job as a childcare worker or not?”

“You’re ignoring my question… Hmm, honestly, I’m still conflicted.”

Surprisingly, Urogase answers me honestly.

“Is it because there are things you don’t like?”

“Yeah. I mean, they’re strict about things like no nails, no flashy clothes, and the nursery teachers’ constant scolding.”

“…”

“I get what they’re saying, but I’m still in high school, so they could let some things slide.”

In other words, she wants to become a childcare worker in the future, but also wants to enjoy her high school life to the fullest while she still can.

I can’t say I don’t understand how she feels, but I couldn’t quite accept it.

“Don’t you think so too, Himemiya?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Eh…?”

Unfortunately, I don’t have that ‘friendship’ thing or the social harmony that people expect.

I say what I want to say because I don’t like to read other people’s moods.

Since my emotions are obvious on my face, Urogase frowns and glares at me with her eyebrows furrowed.

“Why not?”

“I’m still in high school, so it can’t be helped. I’m still a minor, so it’s probably alright or whatever—those kinds of excuses, I can’t stand ’em.”

“Well, I mean… it’s kind of true, isn’t it?”

“Okay, then how would you feel if someone said this?”

“Huh?”

“‘This is why kids these days are the worst.'”

“！ …That phrase seriously pisses me off.”

“Right?”

“Just the other day, Matsueda-sensei in Earth Science went, ‘High school girls these days can’t even grasp something this simple?’ Ugh, it totally killed my mood.”

It doesn’t matter what era it is. No matter how old you get, a lazy good-for-nothing is still a lazy good-for-nothing. And no matter how young you are, someone who’s dependable is still dependable. Whether it’s the bubble generation, the ‘junior’ generation, or the ‘yutori’ or ‘satori’ generations—it doesn’t change. (T/N: More to Yutori and Satori at the end.)

In fact, it’s always the old folks who grumble “kids these days…” who are the loudest ones yelling on the phone in the train, or lighting up cigarettes in kin’en zones. The ones who drive their cars right through a convenience store front.

So to all the young people who get talked down to—if you catch an old guy doing something dumb, just say it right back: “Geez, old people these days can’t even remember the basics, huh?”

And it’s because age doesn’t matter that I said this:

“I always thought you were amazing, you know. That you already had a dream for your future—at our age. So when I heard that… I was really disappointed.”

“…Why?”

“Because finding out that your dream could be shaken just from someone commenting on your appearance… kinda told me it wasn’t all that solid.”

Urogase’s eyes widened and froze. Both her fists were clenched tightly, and her prized nails were digging painfully into her palms.

When I saw her walking with those preschool kids… when I heard her say, “I really, really love children,” I honestly believed her. Ahh, this girl really does love kids, I thought.

And at the same time, I figured that becoming a nursery teacher wasn’t just a dream for her—it was a belief, a policy she’d never back down from. That’s why I couldn’t hide my shock when she said she was thinking of quitting.

“I mean, I’m not trying to deny things like nail art or fashion or anything—”

“I love it…”

“Huh?”

Her words spilled out heavy, from lips she’d barely parted. Once they fell, there was no stopping them. As if convincing herself, she raised her voice without caring who heard.

“I love it…! Even more than nails… I love the kids most!!”

Her face was a whirlwind of emotions—embarrassment, frustration, anger… a mix of everything. A face you’d never want anyone else to see.

And yet, she showed it. Whether she knew what she was doing or just lost herself in the moment, Urogase wanted to tell me the truth.

One look at her expression, and I knew. So that’s what her dream really means to her…

Once she calmed her breathing, Urogase puffed her cheeks out a little, and quietly stared at her now modest nails.

※ ※ ※

The next morning.

I was rummaging through my locker for today’s textbooks when I noticed one of the girls sitting on the locker shelf, pressing her hands together tightly.

“Sorryyy! I’ve got a date today too, so I’ll pass on karaoke!”

Urogase’s declaration of absence earned a chorus of groans—“Ehh~!”—from Endou and the others.

Seems like she’s still not telling them about her part-time job.

Endou glanced at Urogase’s hands, pressed together in apology, and mumbled:

“Huh…? Yumeno, did you stop doing your nails? Looks like you’ve only got top coat on.”

“Yeah. I decided to save nail art for my days off. So I trimmed my real nails short, and I’ll just use chips from now on.”

When the other two girls asked, “Ehh, whyyy?” Urogase just smiled without a hint of shame.

“No particular reason~♪” she sang.

From a girl who mixed personal and private life recklessly… to one who knows how to switch between on and off. She’d leveled up.

Liking lots of things is a good thing. But ignoring your responsibilities or breaking promises just for the things you like—that’s not.

Urogase re-evaluated her priorities. And thanks to that, she found a way to balance both sides of her life, in a good way. It wasn’t some “do or die” ultimatum. She just had to be a little choosy, and it all worked out better than expected.

I grabbed my textbooks and stood up. That’s when I noticed—Urogase was secretly looking at me.

She never talks to me in class. But when our eyes met, she grinned and showed me her nails—well, her trimmed, clear-coated nails, not the usual neon-colored ones. She stuck out her tongue with a cheeky blehh, then flashed a little V-sign, making sure her hand was angled so I could see it.

How’s that? Or so her expression was telling me.

…Not bad at all, honestly.

T/N:

The “Yutori” and “Satori” generations are terms used in Japan to describe particular generational attitudes and the educational or social conditions they experienced.

1. 1. 1. Yutori Generation (ゆとり世代, Yutori Sedai):
      1. The “Yutori Generation” refers to people who were born during or after Japan’s Yutori Education reform, which started in the 1980s. “Yutori” translates to “relaxed” or “leeway,” and the education system during this time aimed to reduce academic pressure on students by lowering the number of school hours and promoting creativity over rote memorization.
      1. As a result, the Yutori generation is often characterized as being less academically competitive, more laid-back, and with a different set of work and life values compared to older generations. However, this group faced criticism for being “entitled” or not prepared for the challenges of adulthood due to the relaxed approach in education.

1. 1. 1. Satori Generation (さとり世代, Satori Sedai):

1. 1. 1. The “Satori Generation” is a newer term that follows the Yutori generation. “Satori” means “enlightenment” or “awakening” in Japanese, and it refers to a generation that has become disillusioned or detached from traditional social and economic expectations.

1. 1. 1. The Satori Generation is sometimes described as a group that rejects the conventional pressures of society, such as the desire for a high-paying career, owning property, or having a family. They are more likely to prioritize personal fulfillment and experiences over material success and often show a preference for minimalism. They’re sometimes seen as introspective or even detached from societal norms.