You Girls Are Way Too Obsessed With A Lone Wolf Like Me - Volume 2 Chapter 3: Kurashiki Ruri’s Love Life Enhancement Week

Volume 2 Chapter 3: Kurashiki Ruri’s Love Life Enhancement Week

For those in the “homecoming club,” it’s a given that they have to actively join committees. Isn’t there such a silent rule in every high school or class? At least, there was one in my class.

As a result, I ended up being a member of the beautification committee.

I don’t really have any complaints. When it comes to choosing who is more suited for being a committee member—someone who sweats every day practicing in a club, or someone like me who aims to live a comfortable life in the homecoming club—it’s clear even to me that the latter is more fitting.

If it’s just the monthly meetings and occasional cleaning activities, I can just turn a blind eye to it.

This afternoon, the after-school cleaning activity was scheduled, and the task was pulling weeds around the school grounds. The two beautification committee members from each class, dressed in gym uniforms, along with volunteers who gathered for the activity, scattered around and relentlessly pulled out the overgrown weeds.

I can’t understand why some people participate as volunteers. While thinking that, I couldn’t help but watch the person next to me humming a little tune while pulling weeds. It was Misaki.

Noticing my gaze, Misaki lightly raised the corners of her mouth and tilted her head, asking, “?”

“What’s up, Himemiya-kun?”

“I was just thinking, I can’t understand what’s going on in your head.”

“What’s that all of a sudden!?”

It seems that the kind-hearted Karin-sama is also gentle toward the environment. Maybe there’s an eco-mark or recycling logo somewhere on her body.

But really, don’t just casually join me while I’m working. I’m running out of weeds to pull now.

Though I still don’t get it, it’s not surprising that Misaki, who loves both altruism and housework, has a volunteer spirit. What’s more surprising is that Kurashiki is also participating. She doesn’t seem like the type to join in a volunteer activity.

Kurashiki was chatting in a slightly distant spot, and her conversation partner was a teaching intern who had been with our school since last month for training. Being able to easily open up to someone she’s not directly involved with is probably a skill only a class mood-maker like her could pull off. Or perhaps it’s a result of her efforts in customer service during her part-time job at a family restaurant.

? Just as I was thinking about it, Kurashiki returned toward us. Her expression seemed a little down, and her shoulders drooped. She squatted down between Misaki and me, letting out a big sigh.

“Ugh… If you have a girlfriend, you should’ve said that during the introduction.”

“Ruri… Why did you even participate in the volunteer activity?”

“Huh? To find a boyfriend, of course?”

“…”

Misaki was speechless at Kurashiki’s casual answer.

“Didn’t I mention it? I’m in my ‘Love Life Enhancement Week’ right now.”

There sure are weird people who joined for crazy reasons.

With only two weeks until summer vacation, Kurashiki is still in full-on ‘searching for a boyfriend mode’ for the summer break.

The teaching intern she had been interested in lost all her motivation after finding out that the intern had a lover. “At this point, I just want to go home…” Kurashiki muttered, now fiddling with the weeds instead of pulling them out. She kept tearing the tips off the leaves, discarding them, and then repeating the process.

“Well, you know, if a teaching intern’s here, you’d think they came to a high school to date a high school girl. I didn’t think he’d already have a girlfriend.”

“That’s too much of a stereotype, Ruri…”

I hate to admit it, but I have that stereotype, too.

Like a melting snowman. Slowly tilting over, Kurashiki’s head moved close to my shoulder. She kept rubbing her head against me as if to say, “Don’t ignore me!” The conditioner scent from her hair provided a little relief… at the same time, it made me feel strangely hot.

Winner: The heat.

“Himemiya~ Cheer up this depressed me~”

“You need to pull the weeds out from the roots, you know.”

“Should I pull your hair roots, huh!?”

Don’t pull out the grass roots while looking at my scalp.

“Wow. So the teaching intern really had a girlfriend…”

The other beautification committee member, Urogase, who was in the same group as me, leaned in with a grin. Despite the intense heat, she seemed to care about her appearance, wearing seven-eighths-length pants rolled up inside. I had to admit that it really suited her style—pants over a skirt was definitely more “Urogase” than I expected.

Though she’s still into fashion, Urogase’s nails, once sparkling and flashy, are now short and well-maintained. I’m not sure if it’s because of the cleaning activities or if she’s just becoming more considerate of her public and private life, but there’s no doubt that she’s become more mindful.

Urofase, with a pleased grin, spoke to us both.

“When he goes back to college, I bet his friends are gonna ask him—’Were there any cute girls at the school where you did your internship?'”

“I can totally see that! We’ll be the talk of the school with our scandalous high school girl info! What would I do if he said something like, ‘I almost made a move on this beautiful girl named Kurashiki Ruri’~!”

“That’s inappropriate, Ruri… I mean, I’ve talked to the interns before, but I didn’t think they were the type to talk about that kind of stuff. THE serious type! That’s the image I had.”

“But apparently, she’s living with her, you know? They’ve been living together for a month now.”

“We should go ask him about it in detail later!”

Not only Kurashiki and Urogase, but also Misaki fell into the trap. Love stories are a JK’s favorite, as is the way of the world.

Misaki, why did you even participate in the volunteer work?

“Do they kiss in the morning?”

“Do they do a goodbye kiss?”

“Do they do a welcome kiss?”

They all excitedly discuss the questions while weeding, and it feels more like a housewives’ meeting than a girls’ talk.

While the three of them are getting more and more excited, I’m silently stuffing the grass into a trash bag, like a dog that’s been stopped on a walk. It’s unclear who among the three is my owner, but I really want to tear the leash and become a stray dog.

Actions speak louder than words. Once I finished tying the bag, I stood up to transform into a wolf.

Tch.

“Ah, by the way, Himemiya.”

“Huh?”

It seems like Urogase is my owner. Urogase pulls something out of her pocket.

“Check this out♪”

What she proudly shows me is a strap made of beads.

“It’s something Kaito made for me with his life on the line♪”

“Kaito? Is he the guy who was lifting up your skirt?”

“Don’t remember it like that!”

Her face turns bright red in anger, and I guess my memory was right.

When she talks about kids, she gets a double dose of joy, so she must really love children.

“…He gave it to me with such an awkward expression… but it was so cute! He was shy and tried to hide it with his little hands, but I could still see it a bit!”

Misaki, who knows that Urogase works at a daycare, says, “Wow, it’s really well made!” and compliments the strap. Kurashiki, who doesn’t know, gets excited, asking, “Is Kaito your boyfriend?!” A boyfriend who lifts up your skirt in public is just… too wild.

As the three of them share their sweet little conversation, I silently slip away, trash bag in hand, praying that their bond lasts long.

Even while heading toward the trash disposal area, I try to listen in on conversations from students cleaning up, club activities, and passersby, but none of them contain the information I need.

Information about someone working an unauthorized part-time job.

Since Amami-sensei offered me the magic item air conditioner as a trade, I’ve been gathering information, but nothing useful has come my way.

At this point, I’m thinking about hijacking the broadcast room and asking over the school PA system, “Is anyone here working an unauthorized part-time job?” Maybe a beautiful flight attendant would get some hands raised, but it’s me asking, so I’m probably going to be ignored.

Or maybe I’ll have Misaki and Hatori dress up as flight attendants and ask every student at the main gate. The only other option might be for me to become the one working an unauthorized job and walk into Amami-sensei’s office myself.

How much do I really want that air conditioner?

However, for me, who plans to use the private room during summer break, the presence or absence of an air conditioner is a big deal.

Just seeing something I thought was impossible to get waved in front of me makes me feel this frustrated. Air conditioner, truly terrifying.

By summer break, I wonder which will happen first: I find the person working an unauthorized part-time job, or Kurashiki finds herself a boyfriend.

I can only see a draw as the result, and I’m sure it’s the summer heat playing tricks on me.

※ ※ ※

The final exams are already over, and the library has returned to its usual quiet space.

Or so I believed.

After school, when I opened the door to the library…

“Welcome~♪ Is it just you? Do you smoke~?”

“…”

When did I start mistaking the library for some kind of amusement park? Like that. Kurashiki, who is behind the counter, greets me with a full-on customer service smile.

While I was gazing at the empty library, I still had the intention of gathering information on the illegal part-timer. If I were to be greedy, I would have hoped to find an illegal part-timer lounging around. But in the end, it was just one noisy person.

Sitting next to the noisy person, the real library committee member, Hatori, frantically tries to deal with Kurashiki’s antics.

“Ruri!? This isn’t a family restaurant! S-sorry──… Huh? It’s Himemiya…”

“Nyah hah hah hah! Of course, I wouldn’t joke around unless it’s someone I know. I can at least read the situation!”

“If you can read the situation, don’t laugh out loud in the library.”

“There’s no customers here except for Himemiya, so don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Customers? She’s still got that part-time worker mentality, doesn’t she?

I can pretty much tell why Kurashiki is here. Actually, there’s no other reason to think of. If this were Tensai Bunken, it’d be a service level question where everyone bets on a Super Hi○shi-kun doll.

“Man, literary guys are just so cute, right? So, I asked Erena if I could help out with the shift while I searched for a potential boyfriend.”

Ding ding! I got it right.

Somehow, though, Kurashiki’s mood drops more than mine. She raises both hands lightly, sighing, and shaking her hair side to side.

“But it was a failure. No customers have come at all.”

“Well, there aren’t many people who’d use the library after school.”

“Yeah, that’s true. You’re one of those weirdos, Himemiya.”

“I won’t deny it since I’m one of those weirdos.”

“Nyah hah hah hah! You really are funny!” Kurashiki laughs without holding back. Ignoring her, I pull a book out of my bag and hand it to Hatori, the real library committee member.

“Please handle the return procedures for me.”

“This book…!”

“?”

Hatori, who was staring at the book she received, slowly looks up at me.

“Did you enjoy it…?”

“Yeah, it was good. It was in the recommended section this month, so I borrowed it, and it was the right choice.”

“Wah…”

“Wah? Whoa──”

Suddenly, Hatori jumps up, leans forward, and closes in on me. She presses the book against her ample chest with a squeeeze, her eyes sparkling as she’s at maximum energy.

“It’s me! I’m the one who took care of that section this month! I knew we’d be a perfect match, Himemiya!”

“…Oh.”

I really should’ve just kept quiet.

Hatori looks like she’s about to burst with energy. “Wait, Himemiya! I have another book I really recommend!” She jumps out of her seat.

“Ah, I’ve already bought a new book, so it’s fine for now.”

“Oh, really…?”

Hatori slumps back into her seat, looking disappointed. Sorry, I couldn’t take that into consideration.

But soon, her eyes regain their sparkle.

“But… But! After you finish the one you’re reading, can I recommend something to you again? I think you’ll love it! Is that… okay?”

Even if you tell me that…

After all the back-and-forth, I’m sure we share similar tastes in books, so I have no real reason to refuse.

“Alright. After I finish the new one, I’ll ask for your recommendation.”

“Yay♪”

Hatori’s mood lifts, but when she realizes that Kurashiki is grinning at her from the side, she immediately straightens up. Kurashiki, you better not peek under her face, she’s blushing and looking down.

“Hey, Himemiya, you should just borrow a book honestly and raise Erena’s favorability score on you.”

“R-Ruri…! Stop, it’s embarrassing…”

“It’s better than borrowing it under false pretenses and secretly returning it.”

“You really are an honest guy, huh.”

Living honestly, that’s one of my identities.

“I don’t like words like ‘I’ll go if I can.’”

“Ah, I might have used that unconsciously.”

“I’ve used it too…”

The two who have lots of social interactions, the top-tier of the social hierarchy, seem to be quite familiar with this.

“I think it’s a convenient phrase, though.”

“I understand that you’re trying to soften the words out of guilt toward the other person, but when you soften them, you leave just a tiny bit of hope for the other person. In the end, you’re only tightening your own neck. Especially when you have no intention of going at all.”

Pretending to hesitate and dodging is already a no-go.

The example of “I’ll go if I can” isn’t something that happens only among friends.

“Why do you think newspaper sales people always keep bothering you every time, pushing the morning paper so persistently? They say that by delaying the response, everyone will be happy, but then they keep offering shady products.”

“Himemiya… Did a salesman do something to you in the past…?”

To persistent salespeople, you should just tell them: “Everyone will be happy? Then why am I not happy, being the one you’re recommending this to?”

“That’s the thing. Once I decide I’m not going, I won’t go, and if I don’t like something, I’ll straight-up reject it and crush the other person’s hopes.”

“Don’t crush their hopes like that.”

After crushing their hopes, you walk away and boldly enjoy your alone time.

“Himemiya, you’re so… you!” said Haruto with an impressed look, while Kurashiki just replied with a drawn-out, “Mmm, yeah, that’s true.”

“You’re right, Himemiya. But still, you’re probably the only one who can be so clear and refuse like that.”

Even if it means being criticized by someone, I’ll stick to what I believe in. I don’t care if everyone else disappears—because there was never anyone there in the first place.

That’s the one-person lifestyle.

Kurashiki grabbed a ballpoint pen from the pen holder and started writing something in his student handbook.

“Alright. Since I think your way of sticking to yourself is cool, I’m giving you 1 point!”

“If I accumulate those points, what happens?”

“You’ll get to date me!”

“How can I reduce my points?”

“I can give you 99 points right now if you want!”

It seems like something happens when you collect 100 points…

Can you stop holding your pen like that, from your student ID book? Are you writing in a Death Note or something?

“Don’t make that worried face, Erena,” Kurashiki said, starting a playful pat on Hatori’s chest. Shortly after, the library door opened. Finally, it seemed like someone other than me had arrived.

“!?” Kurashiki, who had been engaging in some harassment, froze in place. When she blinked as a signal to restart, him gaze shot to a male student moving toward the back, leaning forward from the table, observing him with intense focus.

And why wouldn’t she? The guy was exactly the kind of intellectual, handsome man Kurashiki had been hoping for. Judging by the color of his tie, he must be a third-year. With his sharp features and metal-framed glasses giving off an air of intelligence, he buttoned his shirt all the way to the top, yet didn’t appear frumpy at all. The expensive-looking pen in his chest pocket made him look even more sophisticated, almost like an item you’d want to equip in a game.

As the back of the handsome senior disappeared, Kurashiki shook with excitement, her chest bouncing instead of her shoulder.

“That person! Isn’t he insanely cool?!”

“Y-Yeah, I got it, calm down, Ruri… If you could take your hands off my chest, that’d be great…”

“If that’s a request, then I won’t be taking them off!”

Well, even if it’s a request, could you please just let go?

“Alright!” Kurashiki said, nodding vigorously, clearly showing the fire in her eyes. “I’m going to go make an opportunity with that guy!”

“What are you planning to do?”

“I’ll sneak up and close the distance, then when he’s picking out a book, I’ll pretend it’s all a coincidence and hold his hand.”

“A hitman or something?”

“Isn’t that a bit too old-school…?”

“Eh? Isn’t it fate-like?”

It’s pretty much destiny.

“I thought ‘simple is best,’ though,” Kurashiki muttered, then quickly came up with another idea, grinning widely as she clapped her hands together.

“I got it! I’ll just say, ‘Oh, I love this book too!’ just like Erena did when she was acting all cute with Himemiya!”

“I wasn’t acting cute!”

Perfect second disaster. No matter how much Hatori fidgeted, Kurashiki just said, “Oh, come on, don’t act all innocent!” while taking out a hand mirror to adjust her appearance and massaging her cheeks.

Since my own love life is completely lost, I couldn’t care less about someone else’s romantic affairs. Time to finish the book return and head back to my private room.

Right when I was signing the return card, the handsome senior approached our counter.

Kurashiki was in full battle mode, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this!” She greeted the handsome senior with a perfect smile, flashing her “best girl” charm as though she were the prized daughter of a part-time job. She had every reason to act like it.

“Excuse me, could I ask something?”

“Yes, yes, yes! What kind of request do you have~?”

“I’m looking for a drawing collection. Specifically, one with various human poses…”

“I wouldn’t know that! I’ll leave it to you, Erena!”

What even is Kurashiki’s value here?

The real librarian, Hatori, seemed to have a rough idea of what types of books were available. She replied apologetically, “Well… we don’t carry any art books.”

“I see… That’s a shame, but I guess there’s nothing we can do about it…”

As the handsome senior started to leave with a polite “Thanks anyway,” Kurashiki quickly raised her hand, her voice loud and full of energy.

“Wait! Can’t I help you with that?”

“Huh? If you can help, I’d be really grateful. But, are you okay with modeling…?”

“Of course! As long as it’s just down to a shirt, I’m good!”

What is this girl trying to get him to draw!?

The handsome senior looked thrilled to have an unexpected ally.

“That’s awesome! Thanks so much, I’ll leave it to you!”

“No problem! I look forward to working with you long-term!”

This is it! My time has come! Kurashiki made a small fist pump as if saying so, her trademark sharp teeth visible as she grinned. Or rather, she was smirking.

“Alright, Erena! I’ll go do my thing, so you’re in charge of the shift!” Kurashiki, in high spirits, left the library with the handsome senior.

And just like that, the storm had passed.

“She’s gone now…”

“Yeah, looks like a girl in love with love herself.”

There are all kinds of people. Some run around desperately wanting a boyfriend, others put romance on hold to make friends with everyone, and some even lie about having a boyfriend just to boost their status in the social hierarchy.

“Hey, Hatori, do you want a boyfriend?”

“Huh…! Me!?”

Is this a game of rock-paper-scissors? Hatori hid her face with the book I just returned.

As I watched her, thinking she was still as shy as ever, she slowly peeked over the top of her book, muttering quietly.

“I… I might want one eventually…”

Seems like Hatori’s at that age too.

“H-Himemiya might want one eventually too—”

“No, not at all.”

“….”

It’s not that I’m pretending, I just don’t have a clear vision of it.

After a few seconds of pitying looks, Hatori seemed to realize something, letting out a small “Ah.”

Her gaze was fixed on a smartphone.

“That’s Ruri’s…”

Looks like Kurashiki forgot it.

Since she mentioned modeling for drawing, it must be the art club. If it’s in the same cultural building as my private room, I don’t mind carrying it over for her.

Arriving at the art club on the second floor, I peeked in through the window.

This was unexpected. Though about 20 members were drawing, facing their canvases and desks, there wasn’t a single girl posing for the handsome senior.

Where did Kurashiki go?

At this rate, should I just go back to the library and report to Hatori that I came up empty-handed? I’m not sure I have the strength to cry over Kurashiki’s forgotten phone.

If it’s not the art club, maybe it’s the manga club? As I walked back down the hallway, I heard:

“Okay, next! Please strike a cat pose with both hands and say ‘Nyan-nyan!’”

“Nyaa, nyan-nyan…!”

“…?”

From a classroom near the art club, I could hear a familiar voice along with the sound of a camera shutter.

When I looked closely at the nameplate on the classroom door, it read “Photography Club.”

I peeked inside. What in the world were they doing…?

“Alright! Stand in front of the curtain and strike a pose while saying, ‘Geez! Onii-chan, it’s morning, wake up!'”

“Oo-nii-chan… it’s morning, wake up…”

“Okay! Now, do a salute pose and say, ‘I’m gonna arrest you!'”

“…I’m gonna arrest you…”

Kurashiki, dressed in a cat-eared maid outfit, was surrounded by the handsome senior who had turned into a camera fanatic, along with his cheerful club members, all pointing a mountain of cameras at her, responding to their various requests.

You can’t judge a book by its cover. The handsome senior, usually so intellectual, was now like a kid, brimming with excitement. I don’t plan to judge anyone’s hobbies, but I think it might be best if he stopped shouting, “This is so precious!” while continuing to snap photos.

“Alright! Hold a magic wand and do a transformation pose while saying the lines!”

“…That’s not it…”

“‘Eh?’”

Crack! Crack-crack-crack…!! The magic wand, gripped tightly, let out a scream under the strain.

But it was Kurashiki who snapped first.

“I’m not your maid, your little sister, or your magical girl—! I just wanted to be your girlfriend!!”

“Woah…!”

With a roar of anger, the door swung open, and there stood Kurashiki, still in her cat-eared maid outfit, fuming with anger.

“Himemiya! The only person allowed to make a girl wear cosplay is her boyfriend!”

I couldn’t care less.

※ ※ ※

On a Saturday with no classes, spending time at school is quite pleasant.

As usual, I can’t waste my time alone because of my useless little sister. Who would help with Pokémon IV breeding, for crying out loud? Just go mess with some RNG manipulation, you fool.

Spending the day hatching eggs for my little sister… that’s just too much.

In that case, it’s far more meaningful to slowly relax at school while searching for a part-time worker who doesn’t report for duty. Even if I don’t get a single useful piece of information.

I sit on a bench near one of my favorite spots—the tennis courts, right next to the school grounds. It’s been just over three months since I entered school, and it’s nice to see that more and more comfortable spaces are opening up.

Though a lot do get crushed often.

I take a sip of convenience store coffee to relax. The bitter taste settles in my throat as I cool down my slightly sweaty body. After finishing my sip and slowly exhaling through my nose, I can’t help but admit: don’t underestimate convenience store coffee. The deep aroma of the coffee beans helps soothe my daily fatigue.

So delicious…

If something as simple as a 100 yen coffee can make me feel happy, then maybe it’s not so bad to be a person with few emotions. In fact, maybe it’s better that way.

As it’s coffee break time in the afternoon, I can hear the voices of the sports clubs and the pleasant sound of balls being hit from all around. The tennis club right in front of me is no exception. On the four courts, the balls constantly fly back and forth, and when a good shot lands, the members shout things like “Nice!” or “Nice shot!” As I watch through the fence, I can’t help but nod or mutter “Oh” or “Yeah…” at some of the plays.

Among them, Namikawa’s play is truly impressive. Even when paired with upperclassmen, she stands out for her skill. The precision of every shot from her smooth form is incredible. The story about her playing since childhood and competing in the national middle school tournament must be true.

Though I’m a beginner in all sports, I don’t dislike watching them. It’s a bit like watching live gameplay videos. Watching plays that I can’t even dream of doing or witnessing a fine play really gets my heart racing.

When I was younger, I couldn’t understand the elderly who watched amateur baseball games, but now that I’m in high school, I get it. I bet they watch those games while remembering their younger selves.

The popularity of light novels about reincarnating into another world as a demon lord or having fun with beautiful women is for the same reason. It’s the enjoyment of experiencing things you can’t or couldn’t do yourself, regardless of age. That pure-hearted feeling never disappears, no matter how many years pass.

From this perspective, watching sports alone has proven to be much more than just a way to kill time. I’ll try to organize these thoughts when I write my essay.

Spending a day like this, pondering such trivial things, is incredibly entertaining.

Why is it that wasting time for others feels so different from wasting time for myself? Someone should write an essay about it.

“Eh? Isn’t that Himemiya?”

“Eh?”

When I heard a familiar voice, I turned around and saw Kurashiki in her gym clothes, looking down at me. She was holding a water jug, likely from some club activity.

“We seem to run into each other outside of class a lot. Do you like me or something?”

I may speak more than others, but I can’t deny that she has me beat.

Her mental fortitude is like that of a steel wall, like Pearl-san.

“It’s just a joke!” Kurashiki laughed nonchalantly, and behind her, Misaki, also carrying a water jug, walked up with a smiling face. I wasn’t surprised. If there’s one happy-go-lucky person, there are always a few more nearby.

“Himemiya-kun is here too? You should play with Yuzu-chan sometime, you know?”

“Did you girls become the manager of some club or something?”

I ignored the part about my sister.

“We’re not playing manager or anything. Just today, we’re helping out the tennis club. One of the regular managers had something she couldn’t get out of, so we’re stepping in for her.”

“Yup, yup!” Kurashiki added enthusiastically, raising her hand, “I’m helping out because I’m looking for a potential boyfriend! After all, it’s ‘Love Life Enhancement Week’!”

I already knew that.

Despite my indifferent gaze, Kurashiki continued with a dreamy look on her face, “Being a one-day manager has an idol element to it, doesn’t it?” She kept nodding to herself. She’s too laid-back.

Then, as if she had an epiphany, Kurashiki’s face lit up with a bright smile. Her gaze was fixed on me.

My “lone wolf sensor” warned me. Run.

“Well then…”

“Hold on a second.”

As I try to excuse myself and leave, Kurashiki steps in front of my path.

But now I’m trapped, surrounded on all sides!

“Himemiya, let’s be managers together, okay? You’ll be able to see us up close more often, you know?”

“I’m not doing that.”

“Don’t be shy! Right now, you can drink all the homemade powdered Pocari that I made, you know?”

“I don’t need it.”

“Don’t be embarrassed! Fine, fine. I’ll even put a little spell on your Pocari, saying ‘Become delicious~☆’ while I make it! Should I end it with ‘Become delicious♪’?”

“No, either way—”

“Okay, it’s decided!”

What is this conversation even?

I feel like this is the kind of situation where, in the future, someone might casually say, “I’ve already signed the contract, so here’s the bill for 3 million yen for the pot, okay?”

I silently make eye contact with Misaki, sending the message, “You should probably stop your friend now, she’s going to be dangerous in the future.”

As expected, Misaki is a master of communication. She smiles as if she understood exactly what I meant.

“Let’s talk to people we don’t usually interact with, okay? Let’s get some good communication going.”

“…”

“Let’s go!” And with that, I’m grabbed by the neck by Kurashiki and dragged away, GAME OVER.

I take another sip of my coffee.

Something’s off. I’m not feeling any relief from the daily fatigue.

Though I was told to help as a manager, there’s really nothing for me to do, so I’m just an out-of-season club observer. Sitting in a pipe chair set up under a large tent in the break area in front of the court, I focus on watching the practice.

Misaki and the others are incredibly popular. Even just picking up balls or serving drinks makes the team’s motivation shoot through the roof. It’s almost too much.

Even though they’re practicing volleys, every single hit from the team members is a fierce, smash-perfect practice. Unsurprisingly, the distracted balls either get stuck in the net or are sent flying out of bounds. At least try to focus.

One of the seniors who returned for a water break comes over and talks to me in a friendly manner.

“Are you the ‘Knuckle’ guy that Shuntarou was talking about? You can shoot a knuckleball, right?”

He’s probably referring to the PK shootout we did in gym class earlier.

“I’m not ‘Knuckle-kun,’ I’m Himemiya.”

Don’t turn my name into something like a western-style nickname.

He seems to be the club president. He stands out more than the other members due to his tan from club activities, and his build is noticeably sturdier. Sorry for the stereotype, but it looks like he’d write “Hobbies: muscle training” on his profile.

The club president gives me a firm handshake, saying, “Nice to meet you, Knuckle-kun!” with all the intensity of a power lifter. I give my best smile in return and bow while saying, “Thanks.”

The other club members start gossiping.

“Did you hear that? He can hit a knuckleball!”

“Seriously!? A knuckleball in tennis? That’s the strongest thing ever!”

“Shuntarou and now Knuckle-kun? This year’s first-years are all monsters…”

The story’s getting distorted to the point where it’s a black hole. I’m not joining the club, and I’m not Knuckle-kun!

Noticing the commotion, Namikawa apologizes with a “Sorry, sorry,” while folding his hands and squinting one eye. Just because he’s handsome doesn’t mean everything’s forgiven.

As a sign of apology, Namikawa starts rummaging through his racket bag and hands me a spare racket with a refreshing smile.

“Since you came to watch, why not play some tennis with us, Himemiya?”

“Ah, I’m good.”

“Don’t hold back! If you’re interested in tennis…”

“No, not at all.”

I quickly cut him off.

“…I see,” Namikawa mutters, and after putting the racket back in his bag, he walks back to the court with a slightly lonely expression. Sorry, I’m just being honest.

As we swap places, Misaki, who just finished collecting the balls, sits down next to me.

“Himemiya-kun, since Namikawa-kun invited you, you should at least try a trial membership.”

“You’re the type of person who would buy things after getting sample products handed to you by a store clerk, aren’t you?”

“Well, I guess sometimes that happens…”

“Did you know? People like that are called ‘suckers’ in the world.”

“That’s none of your business!!”

Even though she’s angry, she fills my cup with more Pocari and hands it to me. I can’t help but think she’s a good person.

To be clear, once I’ve decided something, I stick with it. If I don’t want to do something, I flat-out refuse, whether the person is handsome or a senior or whatever.

It’s always better to decline quickly. I’d feel bad dragging things out and wasting someone’s kindness.

“Maybe you could make some good friends or find a senpai you get along with. Why not just join a club already?”

“Joining a club means becoming part of a new community, right? There’s no way someone like me, who loves being alone, could handle that.”

“Your refusal is way too clean-cut… I’ve told you before, but for you, Himemiya-kun, it’s not about rejecting a community, it’s about cutting ties altogether, right?”

Long live the Kingdom of Solitude!

After Misaki, Kurashiki also returns to the tent.

It seems like she was watching the conversation between me and the club president earlier.

“So, Himemiya! Don’t you think that president is cool?”

“Yeah, I think he’s cool.”

His personality and actions might be a bit overbearing, though.

Misaki peeks at my face and asks, “You were thinking something rude just now, weren’t you, Himemiya-kun…?”

Kurashiki, peeking at my face, teases, “What’s this, Himemiya? Are you jealous?”

I wonder if the explanation is right or wrong; either way, it’s just too much of a hassle.

I suddenly look at Namikawa, who’s practicing his serve, and think…

“Don’t you think Namikawa is a candidate for a lover?”

Anyone could see he’s a handsome guy, and his personality is that of a peace-loving person who easily talks to anyone.

Even though he’s not older, isn’t he kind of close to Kurashiki’s ideal type?

“Shuntarou~~…?”

Is this really such an unexpected, uncomfortable question?

Kurashiki makes a sour face and shakes his head exaggeratedly.

“No, no, no. Sure, he’s handsome, and tall, but no. That guy is all about tennis, to the point of being a tennis maniac.”

I don’t know if he’s truly a tennis maniac, but I know that when it comes to competition, he’s the type to get really heated up—even I, who have barely interacted with him, know that.

“I actually went to middle school with him.”

“Really?” That’s news to me.

“Shuntarou is such a hardcore guy, he even goes to the school gym or training after club activities. There’s no way he’d treat a girlfriend well if he had one, right?”

While listening, Misaki interjects, “But you know, Namikawa-kun is kind, maybe he’d spoil you if you went out with him?”

“That’s a problem before we even get there. You see, he’s been confessed to so many times in middle school, but he’s never once said yes. Just like you, Karin.”

“Could you not drag me into this…?”

It looks like Misaki is really popular.

“If it were me or work, he’d definitely choose work, right?”

“Well, isn’t that understandable? He needs to work to support himself.”

Kurashiki shakes her head, “You don’t get it, nya~.” How annoying.

“I get it. But you know, young women like me would like to hear someone say, ‘It’s you, right?’ with a serious face. Right, Karin?”

“I get it… I know he’s working hard for his family, but deep down, I want him to give me that reassurance as a partner.”

“Right? ♪” The two of them hold hands and seem to be really close.

“Himemiya, you should say it too, even if it’s just a lie. Want to practice? Look, Misaki.”

“Huh, me?” Misaki points to herself but quickly coughs to switch back into role.

“Haruichi-kun! Which is more important to you, me or work?!”

“Alone time.”

“We broke up!?”

Misaki’s role falls apart.

“If I can’t balance both, I’ll just let them both go.”

“Your way of thinking is out of this world…” “Nyahaha!”

Just kidding. I just like being alone.

The practice match, to 6 games, begins. On one court, the president faces off against the first-year regular, Namikawa.

Seeing this, Kurashiki, thinking this is her chance, begins her love call to the president.

But…

In the first game, Kurashiki’s cheering for the president echoes loud and clear.

“President, do your best—! Crush that Shuntarou guy—!”

Namikawa starts with a serve, and he’s in top form. Out of 4 serves, he scores 2 aces, holding onto his service game without losing a single point. Namikawa leads: 1-0.

In the second game, Kurashiki’s cheering for the president continues.

“President, let’s make a comeback—! Crush that Shuntaro uguy—!”

The president doesn’t back down, landing all 4 of his first serves in the opponent’s court. However, even just making it in, Namikawa’s powerful returns turn all of them into easy points. The president begins to smile bitterly. Namikawa leads: 2-0.

In the third game, Kurashiki’s cheering for the president echoes again.

“President, focus on getting just one point—! Shuntarou, think of the others—!”

Namikawa’s hot streak from the first game doesn’t end. He nails all 4 serves as aces, winning the game in under a minute. The president’s smile vanishes completely. Namikawa leads: 3-0.

In the fourth game, Kurashiki yells at the president.

“President, show some grit—! Don’t you feel bad for Shuntarou—!”

The president’s performance has completely tanked. He repeatedly misses his serves, and Namikawa, just as fast, wins the service game. The president’s motivation disappears. Namikawa leads: 4-0.

In the fifth game, Kurashiki starts teasing the president, who has lost his will to try.

“President, at least grip the racket properly───! Shuntarou, do it─────!”

The man burning with the spirit of competition, Namikawa, didn’t loosen his grip. Namikawa leads: 5-0.

The 6th game… never came.

“Hey President─────────! If you’re a man, then fight and die─────!”

The president forfeited. The reason for the forfeit? Because Namikawa was too strong.

With a crushing victory from Namikawa, the match came to a close.

It goes without saying that Kurashiki’s feelings toward the president of the club also came to a close.

※　※　※

On the way home, I stop by a convenience store and order a coffee. This will be my second cup today.

After paying at the register, I take my cup and press the button on the coffee machine. The sound of beans grinding echoes, and with the whir of the machine, liquid starts to pour into the cup. I actually enjoy this wait. The scent of freshly ground beans, the sight of the machine at work, it’s all relaxing.

Canned coffee is fine for convenience, but when it comes to savoring, I highly recommend convenience store coffee.

Kurashiki, who seems to have ordered a milk frappe, is waiting behind me for her hot milk.

“Himemiya, aren’t you drinking too much coffee? Your liver’s gonna get wrecked, y’know?”

“If drinking what I love ends up ruining my body, then I’m fine with it.”

“Well, if that’s how you feel, I won’t say anything more.”

Instead of heading toward the station, we end up hanging out on the small step in front of the convenience store. By the way, Misaki is staying behind to clean the clubroom. She’s always been the type to enjoy cleaning. Kurashiki, sitting next to me, is drinking her sweet drink, yet her expression is one of displeasure.

“Ah… In the end, I couldn’t find a boyfriend before summer break.”

It seems today marks the end of Kurashiki’s “Love Life Enhancement Week”

“So, why do you want a boyfriend so badly, Kurashiki?”

“Huh? Well, because having one would definitely make life more fun, right?”

She answers immediately, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. It’s so natural that it must be a truthful answer.

Then, her face, once bitter, changes completely. With a cheerful smile, she says:

“I’m the ‘live in the moment’ type of girl! Always giving my best is my motto!”

I thought that response was very much like Kurashiki. She swings for the fences with every pitch, betting everything on one big gamble. She doesn’t fear mistakes; she enjoys life, whether happy or sad.

And because of that, even now, in a streak of failures, Kurashiki can smile and dream of her big break.

“Do you think I’m an idiot? Well, I’m fine with that. Sometimes, being an idiot lets you enjoy life more.”

“I don’t think you’re an idiot.”

My response seems to surprise Kurashiki. She tilts her head in confusion.

“Every second is a part of the future, right? I really like the way you live, Kurashiki. I can agree with it.”

“Eh…?!” Kurashiki lets out an excited sound and then smiles brightly.

“You’re the first to agree with me like that, Himemiya. Everyone just calls me a girl who’s in love with the idea of love. Ah! Just so you know, I don’t choose based on looks alone, okay? I know in the end, it’s all about personality!”

So it seems she’s not just a “face person” after all.

“Himemiya, what do you think about the president forfeiting earlier?”

“Well… regardless of whether he could win or not, I think he should’ve fought until the end.”

“Oh, you get it, huh? Losing isn’t uncool, but giving up halfway is way more uncool. Being reckless is what’s cool. Even if you’re a handsome guy, it takes away 100 points.”

Was my answer satisfactory to her? Or was she just happy that someone finally agreed with her way of life? Either way, Kurashiki pulls out her student ID from her pocket, still grinning without losing that wide smile.

“Since you got it right, Himemiya, I’ll give you 100 points!”

“Doesn’t that mean I’d have to date you?”

“No good?”

“Before that, you’re selling yourself way too cheap.”

“If you’re worried about me, that just makes it even better!”

“I want to prioritize my own safety.”

“…Pff! Nyahahahaha!”

Kurashiki burst into laughter. That alone made it obvious that what she was saying was just a joke.

“Ahh, you really are something, Himemiya! You can always catch my jokes so perfectly! I’m giving you a solid 10 points for that!”

“Thank you, I guess?”

“Don’t get all shy on me now~.”

For a while, I felt Kurashiki pushing her elbow against me. But then, she stood up lightly.

“Well, I guess it’s fine if I don’t have a boyfriend this summer! I’ll just take Karin and Erena out to all kinds of places instead!”

“Hurrying into a relationship with some weird guy and wasting your summer would be way worse, though.”

“Right?! It’d be a disaster if some weird guy got his hands on someone as cute as me!”

“You never shut up, do you?”

“Well, if my mouth stopped working, I wouldn’t be me anymore, right?”

She puffed out her chest proudly, looking down at me. I had to say it:

“Do you know the saying, “You’d be beautiful if you’re silent?””

“Wha…?!”

Huh? I noticed that Kurashiki, who had been puffing her chest proudly, was now suddenly leaning forward, looking down at me in disbelief.

This was unexpected. Despite constantly calling herself cute, she seemed to get embarrassed when someone else said it. Her face was bright red.

“T-T-This natural-born flirt! Plus 3 points! No, wait! 5 points!”

Right now, I was too scared to ask how many points I had accumulated.

※ ※ ※

Next week, lunch break on a weekday. Even though Kurashiki’s “love life enhancement week” was ending, my search for an unapproved part-time worker wasn’t finished. Actually, I wasn’t giving up on it.

Munching on an anpan, I focused on listening to my classmates’ small talk for information. Inevitably, the louder conversations from the group of “real” relationships, like Enouji and Dogase, were the ones I overheard the most.

However, I didn’t really need to strain my ears to listen. Everyone seemed to have fallen into an awkward silence. It was as if no one was talking at all. Everyone seemed to feel the discomfort in the air.

It wasn’t the kind of atmosphere where talking was easy. The one person who didn’t seem to sense it at all was Endou, still talking to Urogase.

“That strap is so tacky. It doesn’t even match Yumeno’s character~.”

Endou made another remark about the strap hanging from Urogase’s phone. From Endou’s perspective, it was probably just advice, but Urogase was the “queen.” She didn’t hold back her words.

I recognized that strap. It was the one Urogase had said she got from a kindergarten kid.

“It’s a freebie from a magazine, but it’s cute, so I’ll give it to you~,” Endou offered her own keychain to Urogase, but Urogase didn’t accept it.

To outsiders, it probably looked like a poorly designed, fraying piece of string. But for Urogase, it was a treasure because a beloved kindergartner made it for her. If it was rejected, it would feel unpleasant to her. That’s why, even though it was from Queen Endou, even though everyone around her, like Namikawa and Ikari, felt awkward, Urogase’s words were sharp.

“I don’t want it. And for the record, I don’t care if it ‘matches my vibe’ or not. I think it’s cute, so I’m keeping it.”

“Ehh, but ‘so ugly it’s cute’ is just one step away from being straight-up embarrassing—”

“Hina.”

“?”

“If you keep saying that, I’ll get angry, you know?”

“Huh…?”

Endou seemed taken aback by the unexpected rebuttal from her friend. She didn’t hide her displeasure.

This was a red flag. Peaceful Namikawa tried to step in between them, but Urogase stopped him by saying, “Shuntarou, be quiet.”

Urogase, who usually cared about appearances, wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she liked. She was fighting for the things she loved. She had a protective, maternal vibe to her.

Perhaps, feeling like she had said enough, Urogase decided to reveal the truth all at once.

“I’ve been lying the whole time, sorry. I’ve been pretending to have a boyfriend, but I’ve actually been working part-time at a kindergarten. And… this strap? A little kid gave it to me.”

“! O-Oh…”

The rest of the popular kids were stunned, but Endou looked like her brain had short-circuited. She kept nervously twirling her permed hair, over and over, like a loading icon. Apparently, even she had a shred of guilt.

Meanwhile, Urogase seemed almost indifferent, as though she didn’t care anymore. It was as if she was saying, “Whatever, it doesn’t matter.”

“Sorry, I’ve decided. I’m not going to go to a beauty school anymore. I’ll go to after-school classes at the kindergarten instead.”

Watasumi, trying to be considerate, let out her usual voice, “Eh, eh!” as if to sound carefree, but, as expected, no voice came from her stomach.

Endou stopped moving her fingers and glared at Urogase with a “grr…” expression.

It wasn’t that she let herself be consumed by anger, but her eyes were glistening with emotion. Had she never experienced being rejected by someone she thought was a friend, like a worthless guy like me? It was a bit—no, quite an unexpected reaction.

Finally, Endou’s emotions exploded.

“If you wanted to work part-time, you should’ve just said so from the start!”

“! That may have been true but…”

Urogase felt guilty about lying, of course. But there was also a reason for the lie. That’s why she kept quiet.

“Ahhh! I even thought carefully about choosing a beauty school for Yumeno’s sake!”

Endou took this moment to throw her words at Urogase, but immediately, a hint of dissatisfaction appeared in Urogase’s eyes.

“…Wait. I told Hina I wanted to go to kindergarten at first, remember?”

“W-What? Are you flipping out now?”

“I’m not flipping out. I remember it. Hina said kindergarten would definitely be boring, so a beauty school would be better.”

“Ah! …”

“Sure, I like nails, but it’s not right to blame everything on me. Isn’t it also a problem that Hina doesn’t listen to anyone else’s opinion? Am I wrong?”

“…! Fine…!! Do whatever you want! Go wherever you want!”

“…Okay. I will.”

Endou’s emotions burst out, while Urogase’s emotions sank deeply.

The atmosphere in the classroom, needless to say, reached a peak of silence.

※　※　※

Since the incident the other day, Urogase hardly ever talked to the Endou group.

Urogase, who used to chat with everyone at the lockers in the back of the classroom, often found herself fiddling with her smartphone at her desk without talking to anyone. Whenever Endou’s eyes met Urogase, she furrowed her brows in a rather unpleasant or awkward way.

Just like how there are side effects in the “riajuu” group, there seemed to be a vibe that made it a no-go to talk to Urogase. Even Watasumi and Ikari didn’t speak to her.

The trio of Misaki, Hatori, and Kurashiki also tried to be considerate and approach her, but Urogase understood that involving herself with them would cause harm to others, so she tried to keep her distance.

The atmosphere only grew heavier in the classroom.

“Hey. What do you think we should do?”

“What about?”

During lunch break, while reading a book on the top floor of her favorite emergency stairwell, Misaki came over and started talking.

“What do you mean, ‘what’? I’m talking about how to get Yumeno and Hina-chan to make up.”

“Here you go again, trying to stick your nose into everything… It’s not something for outsiders to meddle in.”

“I’m not an outsider!”

“I think it’s a matter of both sides. They’ll probably make up after some time.”

“Does that mean if they can both apologize, they’ll make up right away?”

“I don’t think that’s something they’d be able to do.”

“That may be true, but…”

Misaki, sitting next to me, thought for a moment, “Hmm…”

“Let’s say, just hypothetically, that I, Erena, and Ruri couldn’t talk to you ever again. Would you be okay with that?”

“If there was a good enough reason for you to not talk to me, then yeah, I’d be fine with it.”

“Even if it was with your friends?”

“I don’t have friends, so I don’t really know.”

“Eh…?”

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“Are we not friends…?”

“Huh? We’re classmates, right?”

“…!～～～! Himemiya-kun you dummy!”

With a frustrated look on her face, Misaki left the emergency stairwell and went back.

I understand what Misaki was trying to say, and I get that she wants to help Urogase.

But, I only understand. As I see it, I think we should respect how the person themselves feels and what they believe. If someone can be swayed by what others say, then there’s no point in fighting.

Once again, the ideals of a humanitarian like Misaki and a solitary supremacist like me just don’t align.

“Huh?”

Did she forget something? I thought she’d faded out, but Misaki peeked her face out from below the emergency stairs and looked up at me.

“I’ll definitely make Himemiya-kun think of me as a friend! So just you wait!!”

A threat…?